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Testing the existence and direction of "spill-over" of mussel recruits beyond the boundaries of marine protected areas

  • Authors: Ludford, Adam
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Transkei , Marine resources conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mexilhao mussel -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mexilhao mussel -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Transkei
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005474 , Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Transkei , Marine resources conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mexilhao mussel -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mexilhao mussel -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Transkei
  • Description: Landscape ecology helps in predicting the influence of habitat fragmentation on populations. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are expected to create areas of good quality patches and so improve connectivity among shores. MPAs are believed not only to protect adult populations, but also to enhance recruitment both within MPAs and on surrounding exploited shores, therefore improving their ability to recover from overexploitation. As such, MPAs are a preferred management tool for the conservation of natural populations. Although MPAs have been demonstrated to enhance adult abundances, little work has been done on their ability to provide so called "spill-over" of recruits nor has the generality of the influence of MPAs been investigated in a single region with multiple control sites. The Transkei region, on the east coast of South Africa, and the intertidal mussel, Perna perna, offer an ideal system to test the generality of the influence of MPAs on surrounding shores, due to the presence of multiple MPAs and exploited control sites. Patterns of adult abundance were surveyed at four MPAs and two comparably sized exploited control sites. Adult abundances were, in general, found to be higher within MPAs than at exploited control sites, with adult abundances decreasing towards the edge of MPAs and decreasing even more on the outside shores. To simplify the sorting procedure for samples of mussel recruits, a new method using fractionated elutriation was devised and tested. This new method was found to be more accurate, although not statistically significant but also substantially more time consuming. The increase in accuracy although not statistically significant could be biologically significant, especially when looking at low numbers. This new method could, therefore, be very useful especially when [...] is low. Recruitment was estimated over three months during the main reproductive season at two of the MPAs and at appropriate control sites. I predicted that recruitment patterns would mirror the patterns found in adult abundances and that there would be directionality in patterns of recruitment, with northern sites having greater recruitment due to the direction of near-shore ocean currents. Contrary to this, there were no correlations between adult abundance and recruitment for any of the months or sites, with no clear spatial pattern of recruitment in any of the three months. There was, however, a slight trend of greater recruitment at northern sites. To explain the lack of consistency in recruitment and adult abundances, wind data were used to examine the near-shore surface currents in this area, with theoretical surface currents showing similar patterns to those observed for recruitment. From a landscape perspective, the good patches created by MPAs supply recruits to the surrounding matrix but the low quality of habitat in the matrix prevents rehabilitation. The quality of the matrix must therefore be first improved by reseeding these shores. These results emphasise that while MPAs may function in protecting adult abundances, their influence on supplying recruits and hence recovery of near-by exploited shores may be overestimated. This lack of influence on near-by exploited shores highlights the need for reseeding of shores in conjunction with suitable management plans.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Textual representations of migrants and the process of migration in selected South African media a combined critical discourse analysis and corpus linguistics study

  • Authors: Crymble, Leigh
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Immigrants in mass media -- South Africa Mass media and foreign workers -- South Africa Refugees -- Press coverage -- South Africa Xenophobia in mass media -- South Africa Critical discourse analysis Corpora (Linguistics) Sunday Times (Johannesburg, South Africa) City Press (Johannesburg, South Africa) Mail & Guardian
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2342 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002624
  • Description: South Africa has long been associated with racial and ethnic issues surrounding prejudice and discrimination and despite a move post-1994 to a democratic ‘rainbow nation’ society, the country has remained plagued by unequal power relations. One such instance of inequality relates to the marginalisation of migrants which has been realised through xenophobic attitudes and actions, most notably the violence that swept across the country in 2008. Several reasons have been suggested in an attempt to explain the cause of the violence, including claims that migrants are taking ‘our jobs and our women’, migrants are ‘illegal and criminal’ and bringing ‘disease and contamination’ with them from their countries of origin. Although widely accepted that many, if not all, of these beliefs are based on ignorance and hearsay, these extensive generalisations shape and reinforce prejudiced ideologies about migrant communities. It is thus only when confronted with evidence that challenges this dominant discourse, that South Africans are able to reconsider their views. Williams (2008) suggests that for many South Africans, Africa continues to be the ‘dark continent’ that is seen as an ominous, threatening force of which they have very little knowledge. For this reason, anti-immigrant sentiment in a South African context has traditionally been directed at African foreigners. In this study I examine the ways in which African migrants and migrant communities, as well as the overall processes of migration, are depicted by selected South African print media: City Press, Mail & Guardian and Sunday Times. Using a combined Corpus Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis approach, I investigate the following questions: How are migrants and the process of migration into South Africa represented by these established newspapers between 2006 and 2010? Are there any differences or similarities between these representations? In particular, what ideologies regarding migrants and migrant communities underlie these representations? My analysis focuses on the landscape of public discourse about migration with an exploration of the rise and fall of the terminologies used to categorise migrants and the social implications of these classifications. Additionally, I analyse the expansive occurrences of negative representations of migrants, particularly through the use of ‘othering’ pronouns ‘us’ versus ‘them’ and through the use of metaphorical language which largely depicts these individuals as en masse natural disasters. I conclude that these discursive elements play a crucial role in contributing to an overall xenophobic rhetoric. Despite subtle differences between the three newspapers which can be accounted for based on their political persuasions and agendas, it is surprising to note how aligned these publications are with regard to their portrayal of migrants. With a few exceptions, this representation positions these individuals as powerless and disenfranchised and maintains the status quo view of migrants as burdens on the South African economy and resources. Overall, the newspaper articles contribute to mainstream dominant discourse on migrants and migration with the underlying ideology that migrants are responsible for the hardships suffered by South African citizens. Thus, this study contributes significantly to existing bodies of research detailing discourse on migrants and emphasises the intrinsic links between language, ideology and society.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The adoption of an inquisitorial model of criminal procedure in court proceedings relating to children

  • Authors: Hlophe, Stanley Siphiwe
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Children -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Criminal procedure -- South Africa , Procedure (Law) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10177 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1570 , Children -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Criminal procedure -- South Africa , Procedure (Law) -- South Africa
  • Description: In this project the adoption of an inquisitorial model of criminal procedure in court proceedings relating to children is discussed. The traditional characteristics of adversarial and inquisitorial models of criminal procedure, the two models in a South African perspective and problems with the adversarial model are highlighted. That it terrifies and silence young victim and witnesses from giving evidence. The inquisitorial elements present in South African criminal procedure such as in bail proceedings, plea proceedings, powers of the presiding officer to call, recall and examine witnesses, powers of the presiding officer to exclude inadmissible evidence, evidence on sentence, and investigation on unreasonable delay on trials are discussed. The international instruments pertaining to children in conflict with the law and child witnesses are examined, together with their impact in our laws relating to children. The constitutional implications to the rights of children are discussed. The historical background that culminated to the Child Justice Act is highlighted. The Child Justice Act with particular reference to the inquisitorial aspects present in this Act is discussed. The measures that aim to protect child witness present in the Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal law Sexual offences and Related Matters Amendment Act and Children’s Act are highlighted. The conclusion, on the analysis of protective measures protecting children, is that in South African law there is a renewed interest in inquisitorial procedures as an effective means of ensuring justice. The conclusion suggests that adversarial model of criminal procedure is not the best method for our legal system to deal with children.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The both-and edition:

  • Authors: Garman, Anthea
  • Date: 2011
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158828 , vital:40232 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC139379
  • Description: This 30th edition of Rhodes Journalism Review is timed and themed for the 2nd World Journalism Education Congress which the School of Journalism and Media Studies is hosting at Rhodes University in Grahamstown from 5 to 7 July.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The business sustainability of an automotive refinish paint distributor

  • Authors: Msuthwana, Vusumzi M
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Business enterprises -- Development , Business enterprises -- Marketing , Business -- Sustainability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: vital:9371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012376 , Business enterprises -- Development , Business enterprises -- Marketing , Business -- Sustainability
  • Description: From a broad overview of business management literature, the proposition emerged that strategic conditions within an organisation can translate into sustainable business development outcomes. However, in the rapidly evolving business environment, the quest to grow or sustain competitive advantage demands that business practices become more proactive, creative and innovative. Globalisation and technological advances drive the need for innovation within a business context and the resultant rapid pace of change demands that businesses adopt a customer-focused entrepreneurial orientation to accommodate this need for innovation. This study investigated whether the principles of marketing, business management tools and management of the customer-base could be incorporated as key drivers to develop innovative and creative tactics that could serve as viable solutions to sustain business development strategies of automotive refinish paint distributors. An initial step in this research comprised a theoretical overview of the internal business environment as a system of the enterprise that aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the organisation, which could be applied to support strategic business goals and objectives. The literature review further entailed an investigation and explorations regarding best practices that automotive refinish paint distributors could follow in order to identify, focus on and develop their source of competitive advantage, sustainability and profitability. From the literature review, a methodological framework was developed that could be applied to specific success indicators, moulded to produce distinctive competencies in the automotive refinish paint industry; defining a significant foundation from which the objectives of this study could be researched. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and focused on a single case of a refinish paint distributor. The reason for selecting the case study method is that an entire organisation could be investigated in depth with particular attention to detail. A detailed questionnaire was drawn up in order to conduct face-to-face interviews with selected respondents, based on the profound expertise of the selected personnel. This was done to enable the researcher to assess the prevalent elements of business sustainability applied by the automotive refinish distributor to enhance their competitive advantage. The design of the empirical element of this study, aimed at providing a blueprint that would enable the researcher to structure the research problem in such a way that the outcome of the study would be valid, objective and reliable. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, the results are interpreted through inductive reasoning, observations, projective and participatory approaches all of which are integrated into a comprehensive model indicating key drivers to promote, improve and facilitate the business sustainability of the automotive refinish paint distributor. A range of recommendations and managerial implications extracted from the results of the empirical study are presented in the final chapter.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The challenges facing non-governmental organisations in transforming conflict through capacity-building in Nothern Uganda

  • Authors: Akurut, Catherine
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Conflict management -- Uganda , Peace-building -- Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: vital:8189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1412 , Conflict management -- Uganda , Peace-building -- Uganda
  • Description: Capacity-building is an essential component of post-conflict reconstruction (PCR) and peace-building in the aftermath of violent conflict. Civilians, mainly women and children are driven or abducted from their homes during violent conflict and suffer various abuses and atrocities. Many spend the duration of the conflict as refugees in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps in neighbouring countries. Violent conflict impinges on their psychological well-being and socio-economic development making their re-integration into their former communities extremely complex and challenging. In the case of Northern Uganda, the conflict lasted for over two decades. However, since the ―Cessation of Hostilities Agreement‖ of 2006, the peace-building process has been particularly evident here. Numerous stakeholders have been involved in the capacity-building processes in Northern Uganda, and one such organisation is the Friends of Orphans (FRO) in Pader district, Northern Uganda. The purpose of this research study is to explore the challenges facing the FRO in transforming conflict and building sustainable peace through capacity-building in Pader district. The study explores the programmes the organisation implements and investigates how these programmes are relevant for the transformation of conflict. Apart from reviewing the literature, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews and used participant observation. The employees of the FRO – all of whom are involved with capacity-building in these communities – participated in these interviews in their capacities as social workers, teachers, administrators and field workers. The beneficiaries of these programmes include former child soldiers, abductees, child mothers, land mine survivors and orphans. Lessons learned by the FRO, as well as the researcher‘s recommendations, are discussed in the study in order to assist the future work of the organisation and other stakeholders who have devoted their efforts to the recovery of areas emerging from conflict.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The Christian-Muslim conflict of Jos, Nigeria: causes and impact on development

  • Authors: Idoko, Victoria
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Peace-building -- Nigeria -- Plateau State , Conflict management -- Nigeria -- Jos Plateau , Social conflict -- Nigeria -- Plateau State -- Religious aspects , Peace-building -- Nigeria -- Jos , Economic development -- Nigeria -- Jos , Jos (Nigeria)-- Religious life and customs
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9088 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010745 , Peace-building -- Nigeria -- Plateau State , Conflict management -- Nigeria -- Jos Plateau , Social conflict -- Nigeria -- Plateau State -- Religious aspects , Peace-building -- Nigeria -- Jos , Economic development -- Nigeria -- Jos , Jos (Nigeria)-- Religious life and customs
  • Description: The aim of this study is to examine conflict and how it impinges on development. Conflict is an inevitable element of human existence since creation and has always affected human activities and endeavors in several ways. Understanding the dimensions of human conflict therefore provides blueprints on how to manage and resolve conflicts. This makes this study timely. In this research, some relevant related to conflict management approaches were examined. The research adopted a case study approach using the Jos Plateau conflict in the Plateau State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Data was collected and analyzed using a mixed research methods approach. The findings show several causes of this conflict among which are differences in religious beliefs among the people of the area, socio-economic causes, political tensions and land disputes. The consequences of the conflict identified are: it retards development in the area, creates fear and feelings of insecurity, destruction of property and loss of human lives. This study also examined how the conflict impinges on people-cantered development. In terms of how the conflict can be mitigated, respondents think education, creation of employment opportunities, the administration of justice and the practice of tolerance values is going to promote a spirit of coexistence and eventually result in a more peaceful and stable environment.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The compilation of multilingual concept literacy glossaries at the University of Cape Town: a lexicographical function theoretical approach

  • Authors: Nkomo, Dion , Madiba, Mbulungeni
  • Date: 2011
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67548 , vital:29110 , http://dx.doi.org/10.5788/27-1-1411
  • Description: Publisher version , This article proposes a lexicographical approach to the compilation of multilingual concept literacy glossaries which may play a very important role in supporting students at institutions of higher education. In order to support concept literacy, especially for students for whom English is not the native language, a number of universities in South Africa are compiling multilingual glossaries through which the use of languages other than English may be employed as auxiliary media. Terminologies in languages other than English are developed by translating English terms or coining new terms in these languages to exploit the native language competence of most students. The glossary project at the University of Cape Town (UCT) which was conceived under the auspices of the Multilingualism Education Project (MEP) is discussed. It is shown that the UCT glossaries are compiled using methods consistent with those employed in modern lexicography or proffered in lexicographical theory. The lexicographical function theory is specifically used to account for the glossaries and their production. It is suggested that modern lexicography can provide useful guidance for the production of glossaries, given that the earliest glossaries constitute the humble beginnings of lexicography.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The concept of decent work in a South African context

  • Authors: Ndung'u, Agnes
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation, International , Labor economics -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1618 , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation, International , Labor economics -- South Africa
  • Description: Work is a key component of people's lives and most people aspire to have work that is sufficient to provide a living wage so as to lift them out of poverty and social exclusion and also that is secure enough to guarantee a decent livelihood. The Decent Work Agenda has gained much popularity in recent years and proposes an approach to development that emphasizes fair and sustainable working opportunities that include principles of rights at work, social protection and social dialogue. Various issues have been raised in this study. Firstly, the decent work concept needs to be understood comprehensively as there is misconception about what the concept implies and what it can achieve. Secondly, it is acknowledged that there are huge decent work deficits in South Africa especially in the informal sector which impede on the advancement of people‟s conditions of living, cause people to live lives of poverty as well as deprive people of a life of dignity. This is despite decent work having a solid basis in labour legislation and also South Africa being bound by international law and principles concerning decent work. The study observes that reform in labour legislation is recommended to help overcome the decent work deficits. The ILO has proposed the Decent Work Country Programmes to help countries align their economic development goals with the international goal of the achievement of Decent Work for all. South Africa also has its own solutions such as the New Growth Path as well as other policies. The main issue however is how these policies can be implemented effectively and how decent work can be achieved against a backdrop of the socio – economic challenges that South Africa faces.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The constitutional rights of 'benefactor children' and 'saviour siblings' to bodily intergrity and autonomy

  • Authors: Du Plessis, Emma Kate
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Children's rights , Civil rights , Genetic engineering
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010420 , Children's rights , Civil rights , Genetic engineering
  • Description: In modern society, children are acknowledged as bearers of both children‟s rights and all other rights in the Bill of Rights which generally apply to children. One important right, outside of section 28, is that of bodily integrity or the right to control and decide what happens to their body. Therefore, children theoretically have the right to consent to medical treatment and surgery. However, children are generally deemed to lack the necessary maturity to make decisions of this nature and require parental consent before any medical procedure may be performed. Following the enactment of the Children‟s Act 38 of 2005, the age of consent for medical intervention was lowered to the uniform age of twelve. Children above the age of twelve are recognised as having the capacity to make their own decisions in respect of bodily integrity, whereas those under twelve still require parental consent. While this may be a positive evelopment, it is potentially problematic for two groups of children, known as „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟. In the last 50 years, there has been a noticeable advancement in the field of genetic research. One such development is the possibility of creating one child to save the life of another through tissue or organ donation. This has provided options to parents of children with life threatening conditions where before, there was little hope of a cure. Now, at the request of these parents, children can be specifically “genetically engineered” as an embryo, to become a tissue or organ match to a sick sibling. These children are known as „saviour siblings‟. Another group of children has emerged. While not the result of “genetic engineering”, they serve a similar purpose in being potential life-saving donors to an ill sibling and are known as „benefactor children‟. Both categories of children enjoy the protection of fundamental rights. For those who are under twelve years of age however, the right to bodily integrity can be infringed upon by the proposed surgical removal of organs or tissue for the benefit of a sick sibling, based purely on a parent‟s consent. At stake too, is the right to reproductive autonomy. Parents bear children for a number of different reasons, which can include raising a child to save the life of another. As they have the right to reproductive autonomy, adults are able to decide when they want children and for what reason they want children, which can include the various techniques used to bring about „saviour siblings‟. However, as rights are mutually interrelated and nterdependent, they cannot be viewed in isolation. Therefore, it must be asked: does a person‟s right to reproductive autonomy, as guaranteed by the Constitution, justify interference with an embryo? As an embryo is not recognised in South African law as a legal subject, it will be difficult to justify interference with this right on this basis. The right to consent to medical intervention only from age twelve was described as potentially problematic for „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟, as parents with seriously ill children may become so emotionally burdened, that they place the welfare of the sick child over that of the healthy child. Thus, it is possible that parents will consent to any and all procedures on the „benefactor child‟ or „saviour sibling‟, regardless of the implications to the health and suffering of the healthy child. Section 28(2) of the Constitution states that the child‟s best interests are of paramount importance but, it must be asked, whose best interests are more important when more than one child is involved? As this is a decision parents are incapable of making at that time, the decision should be made by a neutral, impartial and unemotional third party such as the Court, which can be assisted by the Family Advocate and an ombudsman, who are experts in assisting children and promoting their best interests. Presently, South African law does not expressly address „saviour siblings‟. However, with few changes to the National Health Act and other Regulations, this is an area which could be regulated in time. These changes could include finalising the draft regulations as well as providing a list of the medical and dental purposes for which blood and tissue can be removed and should make specific reference to the removal of tissue, blood or blood products to treat a sick sibling. It is also imperative that South Africa regulates these matters now, as „saviour siblings‟ are no longer simply a matter for the future. Furthermore, legislation needs to be amended and enacted to prevent the law from becoming out-dated and redundant, leaving „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟ vulnerable while law is being drafted. In that international law is silent on the matter, South Africa would be well advised to consider foreign law such as the United Kingdom, in developing its law. As the United Kingdom has developed a National Board, so too should South Africa, as this would assist in regulating „saviour siblings‟ by allowing members to review each proposed case of „saviour siblings‟. This is merely one recommendation of several which could facilitate a smooth, controlled regulation of a highly emotional topic. Children remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society and their rights are often susceptible to infringement or abuse. It is incumbent on the law to ensure that, wherever possible, these rights are protected, especially as science continues to advance and it becomes more difficult to determine what is morally correct.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The contribution made by Mr Justice EF Watermeyer to South African tax jurisprudence

  • Authors: Thackwell, Robert Colin
  • Date: 2011
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001635
  • Description: The objective of this thesis is to highlight the colossal contributions made by the late Justice Watermeyer to South African tax jurisprudence. His contributions are viewed from a practical application point of view as well as from a statutory interpretative perspective. The style and technique with which he delivered his judgments are also considered to be a contribution in their own right. The core of this thesis is the analysis of seven of Justice Watermeyer‟s most influential judgments. The development and application of the principle or principles developed in each of these seven judgments is then traced chronologically through case law up until recent judgments. It is most notable that each and every phrase contained in section 11(a) of the Income Tax Act has been interpreted by Justice Watermeyer. These interpretations are still viewed as correct statements of the applicable law and will continue to be referred to on a regular basis given the fact that section 11(a) is one of the most widely contested provisions in the Income Tax Act. Several references to his approach to statutory interpretation are made through the course of the case analyses. Whilst significant evidence of a purposive oriented approach to interpretation appears in some judgments, such evidence is lacking in others. An absolute or conclusive submission in terms of his approach to statutory interpretation is not sufficiently supported. His style of judgment is also referred to and commented on, with particular focus placed on his use of illustrative examples. The contribution to South African tax law by Justice Watermeyer is found to be nothing short of enormous. He was and continues to be influential with respect to section 11(a),the definition of gross income in section 1, common law principles of tax avoidance as well as the interpretation of statutory laws of tax avoidance. It is anticipated that some of his interpretations with respect to statutory rules of tax avoidance will be referred to when the relatively new anti-avoidance provisions become the subject of litigation.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The critical natural capital of the Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa : harnessing local action for biodiversity conservation

  • Authors: Hagen, Brett
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental protection -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental degradation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Restoration ecology -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007075 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental protection -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental degradation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Restoration ecology -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
  • Description: Globally, ecosystems provide services of almost twice the value of global gross national product (Costanza et al., 2006). The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa contains biodiversity of national and international importance (Pierce, 2003; Pierce et al., 2005). Despite this, the municipality continues to experience loss of both urban and rural biodiversity (Buffalo City Municipality, 2006a). This study sought to determine the status of biodiversity, and the potential for ecosystem services to contribute to conservation, within the BCM. Biodiversity features, including ecosystem type, species of special concern and biodiversity processes, were identified and mapped using a GIS to produce a biodiversity priority index for the BCM. Current transformation status was then mapped to determine the level of ecosystem degradation within the BCM. Priority biodiversity areas as well as individual biodiversity features were spatially overlain against current transformation status and protected areas and analysed using a GIS to determine the level of degradation and protection of BCM biodiversity. In total 3.5 % of total BCM biodiversity was protected. Of the 24 ecosystem types, 11 (45%) had less than 1% under protection, while 16 (67%) had less than five percent protected. Not restorable areas, thus completely lost to biodiversity conservation, comprised just less than a quarter of the total BCM area while un-impacted areas comprised just 12.3%. Twenty five ecosystem services were identified as being provided by intact natural ecosystems within the BCM. The natural capital providing these services was identified and mapped to produce an ecosystem service index (ESI) using a GIS. This ecosystem service index and the biodiversity priority index were overlain to determine their level of correlation. Overall ESI correlation with priority biodiversity was weak although several individual ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, showed correlation. Using the above data layers an implementation plan and conservation framework was proposed to assist the coordination of local conservation action within the BCM. It is concluded that ecosystem services are a potentially useful tool for conservationists at the local level seeking to ensure that biodiversity has relevance to and receives protection from broader society.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The democratisation of art CAP as an alternative art space in South Africa

  • Authors: Lochner, Eben
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Arts and society -- South Africa Democracy and the arts -- South Africa Art -- Political aspects -- South Africa Apartheid and art -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002205
  • Description: While formal arts education was inaccessible to many during Apartheid, community-based centres played a significant role in the training of previously disadvantaged artists. By engaging in a socio-political critique of the history of South African art, this thesis argues that even though alternative art spaces are often marginalised, they remain essential to the diversification and democratisation of contemporary South African art today with its re-entry into the international art scene. According to Lize van Robbroeck (2004:52), “some of the fundamental ideals of community arts need to be revised to enrich, democratize and diversify [South Africa's] cultural practice.” The aim of my Thesis is to investigate this statement in relation to the contribution the Community Arts Project (CAP) in Cape Town (1977-2003). CAP and other art centres have played an indispensable role in the establishment of black artists and in producing a locally reflective artistic practice in South Africa, even into the 21st century. Through researching the changes the organisation underwent between the 1980s and 1990s, the ways in which such art centres constantly need to respond to the changing sociopolitical landscape around them become clear. Within South Africa these centres were seen to play a significant part in the liberation struggle and then later in nation building. While these centres were well supported by foreign donors in the late 1980s, such funding was withdrawn in 1991 and the majority of art centres collapsed, illustrating to some degree that the training of artist was not valued outside the context of the struggle against apartheid. By interviewing key people and by reading documentation stored at the Manuscripts and Archives department of UCT I have discovered some of the different benefits and hindrances of working in community art centres both during and after Apartheid. This thesis argues that these centres still play a vital role in contributing to the development of South Africa's local art practice and should not be relegated to the sideline.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The demography and population dynamics of a re-introduced black rhinoceros population on the Great Fish River Reserve, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Fike, Bradley Robin
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Black rhinoceros -- South Africa -- Great Fish River Valley , Population biology -- South Africa -- Great Fish River Valley , Black rhinoceros -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Great Fish River Valley , Black rhinoceros -- Adaptation -- South Africa -- Great Fish River Valley , Black rhinoceros -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Great Fish River Valley
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020869
  • Description: The re-introduction of black rhinoceros onto the Great Fish River Reserve in the Eastern Cape, following the species absence for over a century, created an opportunity to study this species in the thicket biome, and in particular the succulent thicket of the Great Fish River valley. The thicket biome is quite different from the habitats in which other extant populations of these animals are found and where studies of their demography have been undertaken. Data collection occurred from May 1986, with the arrival of the first four animals to December 2008, when the population was estimated to be 144 individuals. A variety of monitoring techniques were used including direct ground observations, aerial helicopter census, aerial monitoring by microlight aircraft, camera traps and opportunistic observations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The combination of methods and effort has resulted in the population being recognized as completely known with up to 97% of the animals being located at least once per year with a mean frequency of sightings of 11.5 per animal per year. In 2008, the population was about 20% juvenile, 36% sub-adult and 44% adult with a female biased sex ratio of 1.3 females per male. Mean age at first birth was about 80 months and this increased significantly with increasing density of black rhinoceroses. Mean intercalf interval was about 28 months and 41% of adult females gave birth each year. Mortality rates were low for juveniles, higher for sub-adults and higher for males than females. There was a weak but significant positive effect of density on male mortality. Population growth rate was about 10% and was not significantly affected by density. These results suggest that this population is beginning to show the first indications of density dependant constraints and that harvesting should be implemented in order to maintain the productive tempo. A secondary goal of the Management Plan will then be realized as the population functions as a donor to establish founder populations elsewhere within the Diceros bicornis minor range.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2011

The design and synthesis of multidentate N-heterocyclic carbenes as metathesis catalyst ligands

  • Authors: Truscott, Byron John
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Carbenes (Methylene compounds) , Heterocyclic compounds , Ligands , Ligands -- Design , Metathesis (Chemistry) , Catalysis
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004962 , Carbenes (Methylene compounds) , Heterocyclic compounds , Ligands , Ligands -- Design , Metathesis (Chemistry) , Catalysis
  • Description: This study has focused on the design and preparation of bi– and tridentate N–Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) ligands in order to investigate the effect of a multidentate approach to the formation, stability and catalytic activity of coordination complexes. Chapters 1 – 3 provide background information of relevant catalysis, carbene and coordination chemistry, followed by previous work performed within our research group. In Chapter 4 attention is given to the synthetic aspects of the research conducted, comprising two distinct approaches to the preparation of unsymmetrical saturated and unsaturated NHCs. Firstly, an investigation of the saturated NHC ligands yielded three novel, unsymmetrical pro–ligands, viz., two halopropyl imidazolinium salts and a bidentate hydroxypropyl imidazolinium salt. Secondly, eight imidazolium salts have been generated, including a hydroxypropyl analogue and novel decyl and tridentate malonyl derivatives. These compounds were prepared using microwave–assisted methodology for the alkylation of N– mesitylimidazole – an approach that drastically reduced reaction times (from 8 hours – 7 days to ca. 0.5 – 2 hours) and facilitated isolation of the imidazolium salts. Many of the compounds prepared in this study are novel and were fully characterized using HRMS and 1– and 2–D NMR analysis. Coordination studies using a selection of the prepared pro–ligands afforded an alkoxy–NHC silver derivative and four novel Ru–complexes, viz., Grubbs II–type Ru–complexes containing:– chloropropyl imidazolinylidene; propenyl imidazolylidene; and bidentate alkoxypropyl imidazolylidene ligands. Furthermore, a well–defined benzyl mesitylimidazolylidene Ru–complex has been isolated, which exhibited good stability in air. DFT–level geometry–optimization studies, using the Accelrys DMol3 package have given valuable insights into the likely geometries of the prepared and putative catalysts.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The determinants of happiness among race groups in South Africa

  • Authors: Ebrahim, Amina , Botha, Ferdi , Snowball, Jeanette D
  • Date: 2011
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68589 , vital:29291 , http://www.essa2011.org.za/fullpaper/essa2011_2182.pdf
  • Description: Publisher version , Economic indicators, like GDP per capita, are commonly used as indicators of welfare. However, they have a very limited and narrow scope, excluding many potentially important welfare determinants, such as health, relative income and religion - not surprising since they were not originally designed to fill this role. There is thus growing acceptance, and use of, subjective measure of wellbeing, (called ‘happiness’ measures) both worldwide and in South Africa. Happiness economics does not propose to replace income based measure of wellbeing, but rather attempts to compliment them with broader measures, which can be important in making policy decisions that optimise societal welfare. This paper tests for differences in subjective wellbeing between race groups in South Africa, and investigates the determinants of self-rated life satisfaction (happiness) for each group. Using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data, descriptive methods (ANOVA) and an ordered probit model are applied. Results indicate that reported happiness differs substantially among race groups, with black South Africans being the least happy group despite changes since the advent of democracy in 1994. Higher levels of educational attainment increase satisfaction for the whole sample, and women are generally less happy than men (particularly black women). As found in many other studies, unemployed people have lower levels of life satisfaction than the employed, even when controlling for income and relative income. The determinants of happiness are also different for each race group: While white South Africans attached greater importance to physical health; employment status and absolute income matter greatly for black people. For coloured people and black people, positional status (as measured by relative income) is an important determinant of happiness, with religious involvement significantly contributing to the happiness of Indian people.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2011

The determinants of household savings in South Africa

  • Authors: Simleit, C , Keeotn, Gavin , Botha, Ferdi
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396153 , vital:69154 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC21526"
  • Description: In South Africa, substantial government dissaving as well as poor household savings performance has caused a decline in aggregate savings. Whilst government dissaving has been successfully reversed, household savings continue to fall. Low domestic savings have required South Africa to attract large, volatile portfolio capital inflows to fund a structural current account deficit. Repeated reversals of such inflows have constrained domestic growth and hence an understanding of the factors that have caused this decline in savings is essential in order to formulate policies supportive of sustained higher rates of economic growth. Within the context of the existing literature, this article examines the various determinants of household savings using a vector error-correction model (VECM). The results suggest that interest rates, a wealth effect and upturns in the business cycle all contribute to explaining the decline in household savings. The presence of a partial offset between household savings and government savings also has important implications for the effectiveness of using the fiscal position of the South African government to boost savings.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The determination of the photosensitizing properties of mercapto substituted phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid

  • Authors: Moeno, Sharon , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247870 , vital:51625 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2010.12.009"
  • Description: This work reports on the synthesis of several novel water soluble metallophthalocyanines containing Zn2+, In3+, Ga3+ or Si4+ as central metal ions and tetra substituted with mercaptoacetic acid and mercaptopropionic acid. The complexes were characterized using infra red, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies as well as elemental analysis. All the complexes are water soluble but the majority are highly aggregated in water and organic solvents. The complex containing Zn as a central metal and mercaptopropionic acid as a substituent was not aggregated allowing for the determination of photophysical parameters. This complex had triplet state quantum yield of 0.61 in DMF and 0.88 in DMSO while the fluorescence quantum yield was 0.13 in DMSO. The determination of photophysical properties of the complex containing Zn as a central metal and mercaptopropionic acid were carried out in the presence of mercaptopropionic acid capped CdTe quantum dots. There is an increase in triplet state quantum yield from 0.88 (for the phthalocyanine alone) to 0.94 (in the presence of CdTe quantum dots) in DMSO.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The development and assessment of a fixed dose combination tablet of Ranitidine and Metronidazole

  • Authors: King'ori, Loti David
  • Date: 2011 , 2011-04-07
  • Subjects: Ulcers -- Treatment , Ranitidine -- Evaluation , Metronidazole -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:3858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013359
  • Description: The oral route of drug administration is convenient since it is acceptable to most patients and the manufacturing processes used to produce tablets and capsules are relatively simple when compared to those used to manufacture other types of dosage forms. Metronidazole (MTZ) and Ranitidine (RTD) have been used in combination, as part of triple therapy for the treatment of ulcers. However the use of large numbers of tablets and long duration of therapy makes adherence to drug treatment challenging for patients. Therefore the formulation of a fixed dose combination (FDC) of MTZ and RTD may improve patient adherence to therapy and consequently may reduce morbidity and mortality due to ulcers. A stability indicating HPLC method for the simultaneous analysis of MTZ and RTD was developed and validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The method was sensitive, selective, precise, accurate and linear.Preformulation studies were performed on the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) alone and in combination with potential excipients. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed a potential interaction between MTZ and RTD, however the interaction was not apparent following IR analysis of the same samples. DSC analyses of the API in combination with potential excipients revealed that the compounds were compatible with most materials with the exception of a binary mixture of RTD and Dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP) that exhibited a potential interaction. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of MTZ and RTD revealed that both compounds exhibited thermal stability. The Carrs Index (CI) and Hausner Ratio (HR) values of MTZ and RTD indicated that both compounds exhibited poor flow and compressibility properties, whereas the CI and HR values for (Microcrystalline cellulose) MCC and DCP indicated better flowability and compressibility characteristics.Direct compression and wet granulation processes were assessed to identify a suitable method of manufacture of FDC tablets of MTZ and RTD. The blends were evaluated using bulk and tapped density and the resultant tablets were evaluated for weight uniformity, crushing strength, tensile strength and disintegration time. The wet granulation method of manufacture produced tablets that showed acceptable pharmacotechnical properties: this approach was therefore used as the method of manufacture of FDC tablets of MTZ and RTD. Tablet formulations comprised of API, viz. MTZ and RTD and different compositions of MCC, DCP, Sodium starch glycolate (SSG) and Croscarmellose sodium (CCS), were manufactured in order to screen for an appropriate diluent and disintegrant composition for use in response surface studies. Assays of tablet content and in vitro drug release were undertaken using the validated HPLC method. Tablets in which MCC and CCS were used appeared to produce better assay and dissolution results as compared to those manufactured using DCP and SSG. Consequently a formulation comprised of MCC and CCS was selected and used in studies in which the effect(s) of level two formulation and composition changes as described in the Scale and Post Approval Changes for Immediate Release (SUPAC-IR) Guidelines on tablet disintegration and in vitro release were assessed. A Box-Behnken statistical design was used for the investigation of the effect of input factors, viz. CCS, (Polyvinyl pyrollidone K30) PVP-K30 and magnesium stearate on measured responses, viz. disintegration time and percent drug release in 10 minutes (Q10). CCS appeared to have an inverse linear relationship on disintegration time and a linear relationship with the Q10 for MTZ and RTD, whereas PVP-K30 and magnesium stearate appeared to have an antagonistic effect on the measured responses. Furthermore CCS and magnesium stearate exhibited an interaction that had an agonistic effect on the Q10 value for RTD. A numerical optimization approach was used to predict a formulation composition that would produce tablets that exhibited a disintegration time and Q10 values for MTZ and RTD that fell within the constraints set in our laboratory. The resultant model was found to be accurate and had a percent prediction error of < 5% for all measured response variables.FDC tablets of MTZ and RTD have been successfully produced. The disintegration of the tablet and dissolution of the API were within compendial specifications and the tablets are of suitable quality and have the potential to be further investigated to reduce the pill burden in the treatment of ulcers.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

The development and implementation of a mental toughness training programme for young cricketers

  • Authors: Pattison, Stuart
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002546 , Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Description: Modern research being conducted on Mental Toughness is now shifting away from efforts aimed at developing definitions for the construct and instead moving toward efforts at understanding its development. This particular research study focuses on the development and implementation of a Mental Toughness programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of schoolboy cricket at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The programme development was an intricate process and the research procedure was guided by the Organisational Development Process model. Data from a focus group as well as various individual interviews were integrated with currently existing Mental Toughness literature and theory to devise this particular Mental Toughness programme. The programme entails educating the athletes on six specific mental skills and incorporates elements of practical application as well as awareness of the importance and influence of Mental Toughness and mental training in a sporting sphere. The programme took the form of mental skills workshops held over a three week period. An analysis was conducted post-programme to document the experience of the athletes as a result of exposure to the programme. Results drawn from the array of analysis procedures were used to help identify the level of success of the Mental Toughness intervention as well as help validify current Mental Toughness models. In addition to highlighting the benefits as a result of the programme experience, various recommendations were drawn in order to shed light on the programme limitations and assist future researchers with understanding the intricacies behind better and more efficient programme implementation.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2011
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