An assessment of public accountability mechanisms towards eradicating corruption in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rulashe, Tando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Misconduct in office -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1960 , vital:27588
- Description: The study critically examined the implementation of Public Accountability strategies and mechanisms: A case of Buffalo City Municipality. The problem statement gave emphases on the multiple cases drawn from stats reflected in domestic surveys that shows how corruption and maladministration have impacted the province negatively as well as the extreme poverty lines that dominate the communities in the republic and also the province. The New Public Management Theory was used to interpret the manner in which the participants were expected to give their views on leadership and accountability among others key issues. The objectives of the study were to; To assess the mechanisms implemented by Buffalo City Municipality., To explore the challenges affecting public accountability enforcement mechanisms in Buffalo City Municipality towards eradicating corruption, Determine the manner through which the Buffalo City Municipality can adopt tried and tested mechanism from Regional, national & international case studies on how to effective enforce public accountability for the sustainable management and curbing of corruption for effective and efficient service delivery and to recommend new mechanisms which Buffalo City Municipality can utilise in enforcing public accountability towards eradicating corruption in its institutions in order to encourage sustainable community development through service delivery. The study adopted a case study approach based on a mixed method paradigm where data was collected through a questionnaire, interviews and document analysis. Case studies are normally associated with qualitative research, but can also be used as a method of inquiry employing a positivist epistemology and ontology. A total sample of 50 participants was chosen through a non-probability sampling technique. The major findings of the study reflected that there is a huge break in communication between government and the citizens in the locality while also establishing that the mechanisms currently being used were only as good as the factors influencing their implementation among other issues. Major recommendations included community engagement, capacity building and skills development, retention and expansion, lack of resources, promote individual independence of the community and the enhancement the Public Participation Unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of public accountability mechanisms towards eradicating corruption in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rulashe, Tando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Misconduct in office -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1960 , vital:27588
- Description: The study critically examined the implementation of Public Accountability strategies and mechanisms: A case of Buffalo City Municipality. The problem statement gave emphases on the multiple cases drawn from stats reflected in domestic surveys that shows how corruption and maladministration have impacted the province negatively as well as the extreme poverty lines that dominate the communities in the republic and also the province. The New Public Management Theory was used to interpret the manner in which the participants were expected to give their views on leadership and accountability among others key issues. The objectives of the study were to; To assess the mechanisms implemented by Buffalo City Municipality., To explore the challenges affecting public accountability enforcement mechanisms in Buffalo City Municipality towards eradicating corruption, Determine the manner through which the Buffalo City Municipality can adopt tried and tested mechanism from Regional, national & international case studies on how to effective enforce public accountability for the sustainable management and curbing of corruption for effective and efficient service delivery and to recommend new mechanisms which Buffalo City Municipality can utilise in enforcing public accountability towards eradicating corruption in its institutions in order to encourage sustainable community development through service delivery. The study adopted a case study approach based on a mixed method paradigm where data was collected through a questionnaire, interviews and document analysis. Case studies are normally associated with qualitative research, but can also be used as a method of inquiry employing a positivist epistemology and ontology. A total sample of 50 participants was chosen through a non-probability sampling technique. The major findings of the study reflected that there is a huge break in communication between government and the citizens in the locality while also establishing that the mechanisms currently being used were only as good as the factors influencing their implementation among other issues. Major recommendations included community engagement, capacity building and skills development, retention and expansion, lack of resources, promote individual independence of the community and the enhancement the Public Participation Unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A comparative economic analysis of small scale tobacco production under contract and non-contract farming : the case of Marondera rural district, Mashonaland East province, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ruzhani, Freddy
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Tobacco industry -- Zimbabwe Farmers -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12653 , vital:39296
- Description: Constitutionalism and separation of powers is the most dynamic topic worldwide. Montesquieu, the French philosopher is credited with the doctrine of separation of powers. Various countries adopted the doctrine and modified it, in order to fit their systems of governments. The reason behind is that there is no universally recognized model of separation of powers or one size fit all. Countries apply this doctrine differently in a fashion that fits their domestic laws and constitutional requirements. Montesquieu gave a classic exposition and the rationale for separation of powers in one of his well-celebrated work “The Spirit of Laws”. The concept of separation of powers emerged premised on the theory that the arms of state namely, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive, should operate within their providence without one interfering with the other. From the South African perspective, the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 requires separation of powers even though it is not explicitly so stated in the text. This research examines the unique South African model of separation of powers and how the courts have navigated through it from the time the Constitution was promulgated. It seeks to establish whether or not a South African model of separation of powers has come to the fore. The research further examines the problem of interference amongst the arms of state and mechanism of checks and balances which can be applied to prevent or minimise such interference. In doing so, the study pursued a desktop survey of primary and secondary materials, including scientific literature, legislation, courts’ jurisprudence, and official documents. A comparative perspective was also made in order to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions where the doctrine is applied. The findings reveal that South Africa has a unique model of separation of powers. The model was learned and enriched from various foreign jurisdictions. The courts have contributed enormously to this model, which contrive to be fluid and living.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ruzhani, Freddy
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Tobacco industry -- Zimbabwe Farmers -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12653 , vital:39296
- Description: Constitutionalism and separation of powers is the most dynamic topic worldwide. Montesquieu, the French philosopher is credited with the doctrine of separation of powers. Various countries adopted the doctrine and modified it, in order to fit their systems of governments. The reason behind is that there is no universally recognized model of separation of powers or one size fit all. Countries apply this doctrine differently in a fashion that fits their domestic laws and constitutional requirements. Montesquieu gave a classic exposition and the rationale for separation of powers in one of his well-celebrated work “The Spirit of Laws”. The concept of separation of powers emerged premised on the theory that the arms of state namely, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive, should operate within their providence without one interfering with the other. From the South African perspective, the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 requires separation of powers even though it is not explicitly so stated in the text. This research examines the unique South African model of separation of powers and how the courts have navigated through it from the time the Constitution was promulgated. It seeks to establish whether or not a South African model of separation of powers has come to the fore. The research further examines the problem of interference amongst the arms of state and mechanism of checks and balances which can be applied to prevent or minimise such interference. In doing so, the study pursued a desktop survey of primary and secondary materials, including scientific literature, legislation, courts’ jurisprudence, and official documents. A comparative perspective was also made in order to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions where the doctrine is applied. The findings reveal that South Africa has a unique model of separation of powers. The model was learned and enriched from various foreign jurisdictions. The courts have contributed enormously to this model, which contrive to be fluid and living.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Brachylaena elliptica (Thurb.) dc. and Brachylaena ilicifolia (Lam.) Phill & Schweick
- Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021289 , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Description: Resistance of human pathogenic bacterial strains results in selective pressure against known antibiotic. However, plant derived compounds that possess antibacterial potential are currently being investigated for treatment of wound infections in diabetic patients as they are inexpensive and non-toxic. Hence, this dissertation was designed to evaluate two medicinal plants (Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia) traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, and its secondary complications in diabetic patients. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both plants were evaluated using DPPH (1, 1-diphenylhydrazl), ferric reducing power, ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), NO (nitric oxide) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) techniques. The antibacterial test and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution method against 5 bacteria strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogene, Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis) infecting wounds in diabetic patients using amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin as positive control. The phytochemical analyses were assessed using standard published methods. Identification of bioactive components in essential oils of both plants were assessed using GCMS. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of both plants were also evaluated to identify bioactive components using LC-MS. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavanoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, saponins and alkaloids in both plants. Both plants indicated strong antioxidant activities which might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants demonstrated appreciable broad spectrum activities against these wound pathogens with MIC ranging between 5 and 0.3 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of both plants revealed the presence of monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, phenolics and esters. The LC-MS analysis of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants showed that both plants are rich in alkaloids, terpenes, terpenoids, monoterpernoids, and flavanoids. Conclusively, this study has partially justified the ethnomedicinal use of B. elliptica and B.licifolia leaves for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes and wound infections caused by bacteria in diabetic patients. These may be attributed to the presence of antioxidant compound such as phenols, flavanoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and other phytochemical compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021289 , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Description: Resistance of human pathogenic bacterial strains results in selective pressure against known antibiotic. However, plant derived compounds that possess antibacterial potential are currently being investigated for treatment of wound infections in diabetic patients as they are inexpensive and non-toxic. Hence, this dissertation was designed to evaluate two medicinal plants (Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia) traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, and its secondary complications in diabetic patients. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both plants were evaluated using DPPH (1, 1-diphenylhydrazl), ferric reducing power, ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), NO (nitric oxide) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) techniques. The antibacterial test and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution method against 5 bacteria strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogene, Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis) infecting wounds in diabetic patients using amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin as positive control. The phytochemical analyses were assessed using standard published methods. Identification of bioactive components in essential oils of both plants were assessed using GCMS. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of both plants were also evaluated to identify bioactive components using LC-MS. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavanoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, saponins and alkaloids in both plants. Both plants indicated strong antioxidant activities which might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants demonstrated appreciable broad spectrum activities against these wound pathogens with MIC ranging between 5 and 0.3 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of both plants revealed the presence of monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, phenolics and esters. The LC-MS analysis of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants showed that both plants are rich in alkaloids, terpenes, terpenoids, monoterpernoids, and flavanoids. Conclusively, this study has partially justified the ethnomedicinal use of B. elliptica and B.licifolia leaves for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes and wound infections caused by bacteria in diabetic patients. These may be attributed to the presence of antioxidant compound such as phenols, flavanoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and other phytochemical compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Determination and validation of medicinal plants used by farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sanhokwe, Marcia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Goats -- Parasites -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2249 , vital:27718
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to determine and validate medicinal plants used by resource-limited farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A survey was conducted among 50 farmers and three herbalists to determine medicinal plants used to control parasites in goats. The survey revealed nine plant species belonging to eight families that were used. Among the identified plant species, Aloe ferox, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the plants having the highest Fidelity Level for their use, each scored 100.00 percent, followed by Albuca setosa (83.33 percent). These plants were then selected for validation studies. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 7, 33, 26 and 32 bioactive phytochemicals in A. ferox, E. elephantina, A. oppositifolia and A. setosa, respectively. Terpenes and fatty acids were present, oxygenated terpenes being the most abundant hydrocarbons present in all the four plant species. The effect of acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts of leaves of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia on tick repellency and acaricidal activity were investigated on blood engorged Ambylomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks at concentration 15, 30 and 50 percent. The 30 and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox and Dazzel dip had the highest acaricidal properties of 100 percent. The 50 percent methanol extract of A. oppositifolia and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox had the highest repellency activity of 89 percent and 85.33 percent, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the efficacy of medicinal plants used by farmers to control ticks vary with the type of solvent used for extracting the bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it revealed that Aloe ferox and A. opppositifolia plant extracts possess repellent and acaricidal activities. In a study to investigate the anthelminthic effect of crude extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Albuca setosa plants, significant anthelminthic effect on nematodes was observed in both plants. In this study, all E. elephantina and A. setosa extracts caused paralysis and mortality. Methanol was the most effective solvent in extracting bioactive compounds and methanol extract showed the best anthelminthic effects among the crude extracts investigated in both plants. The least time taken for the worms to be paralysed was 8.33 mins and 14.33mins in 100mg/ml methanol extracts of E. elephantina and A. setosa, resepectively. Methanol extract of E. elephantina and A. setosa (100mg/ml) had the highest anthelminthic activity and mortality was recorded after 18mins and 20mins, respectively. Results from this study revealed that these two plants possess anthelminthic activities. The study revealed that resource-limited farmers use medicinal plants to control internal and external parasites in goats. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry analysis showed that these plants contain bioactive compounds that have a potential in controlling parasites. Validation studies showed that A. ferox and A. oppositifolia possess repellent and acaricidal activities whereas A. setosa and E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sanhokwe, Marcia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Goats -- Parasites -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2249 , vital:27718
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to determine and validate medicinal plants used by resource-limited farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A survey was conducted among 50 farmers and three herbalists to determine medicinal plants used to control parasites in goats. The survey revealed nine plant species belonging to eight families that were used. Among the identified plant species, Aloe ferox, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the plants having the highest Fidelity Level for their use, each scored 100.00 percent, followed by Albuca setosa (83.33 percent). These plants were then selected for validation studies. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 7, 33, 26 and 32 bioactive phytochemicals in A. ferox, E. elephantina, A. oppositifolia and A. setosa, respectively. Terpenes and fatty acids were present, oxygenated terpenes being the most abundant hydrocarbons present in all the four plant species. The effect of acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts of leaves of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia on tick repellency and acaricidal activity were investigated on blood engorged Ambylomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks at concentration 15, 30 and 50 percent. The 30 and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox and Dazzel dip had the highest acaricidal properties of 100 percent. The 50 percent methanol extract of A. oppositifolia and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox had the highest repellency activity of 89 percent and 85.33 percent, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the efficacy of medicinal plants used by farmers to control ticks vary with the type of solvent used for extracting the bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it revealed that Aloe ferox and A. opppositifolia plant extracts possess repellent and acaricidal activities. In a study to investigate the anthelminthic effect of crude extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Albuca setosa plants, significant anthelminthic effect on nematodes was observed in both plants. In this study, all E. elephantina and A. setosa extracts caused paralysis and mortality. Methanol was the most effective solvent in extracting bioactive compounds and methanol extract showed the best anthelminthic effects among the crude extracts investigated in both plants. The least time taken for the worms to be paralysed was 8.33 mins and 14.33mins in 100mg/ml methanol extracts of E. elephantina and A. setosa, resepectively. Methanol extract of E. elephantina and A. setosa (100mg/ml) had the highest anthelminthic activity and mortality was recorded after 18mins and 20mins, respectively. Results from this study revealed that these two plants possess anthelminthic activities. The study revealed that resource-limited farmers use medicinal plants to control internal and external parasites in goats. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry analysis showed that these plants contain bioactive compounds that have a potential in controlling parasites. Validation studies showed that A. ferox and A. oppositifolia possess repellent and acaricidal activities whereas A. setosa and E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting technololgy for enhancing household food security by small holder farmers in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Authors: Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/734 , vital:26492 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technology has been used in arid and semi-arid parts of the world and promising results have been achieved in terms of increasing yield. The main aim of this study was to identify socio-economic factors determining the adoption of IRWH technology for enhancing household food security by smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were to assess the level of adoption of IRWH technology using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentages). To determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology, the binary logistic regression mode l was used. To determine whether adopters of IRWH technology are more food secure than non-adopters, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a measure for household food security. For the same objective, to determine socio-economic factors that influence household food security, the binary logistic regression model was also used and adoption of IRWH technology became an independent variable. The study was conducted in Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The unit of analysis was the individual smallholder farmers practicing agriculture. The availability (accidental) and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 34, 23, 63 respondents from Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages respectively. Since they are non-random, these sampling methods are problematic because of sampling errors. Overall, a sample size of 120 smallholder farmers was targeted for the interviews. Primary and secondary data collected was coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results were presented using graphs, pie charts and tables (including cross-tables). The descriptive results showed that adoption status of IRWH technology was low in these areas, with 79% not adopting the technology. Food insecurity was high amongst the non-adopters with 86%. On the basis of descriptive analysis it can be concluded that any change in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of adopting IRWH technology and household food security. The results from the logistic regression model for the incidence of adoption revealed that 6 out of 16 variables were significant, three at 1% (access to extension services, access to information and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); one at 5% (access to market) and two at 10% (access to hired labour and farm income). For the incidence of household food security, out of 17 variables, 6 were significant, three at 1% (adoption of the IRWH technology, access to extension services and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); two at 5% (access to hired labour and household income) and one at 10% (household size). The empirical findings of this study indicate that there are socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology and household food security amongst smallholder farmers. This study recommends that the government should provide extension officers and research stations with the capacity, support and physical means to expose smallholder farmers to the IRWH technology through demonstrations and trainings. The government can also introduce agricultural finance institutions in rural areas to assist the rural smallholder farmers to increase their access to credit. Further, it is recommended that smallholder farmers can expand to the communal croplands in order to gain more land size and work as a co-operative or as an association to ease labour constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/734 , vital:26492 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technology has been used in arid and semi-arid parts of the world and promising results have been achieved in terms of increasing yield. The main aim of this study was to identify socio-economic factors determining the adoption of IRWH technology for enhancing household food security by smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were to assess the level of adoption of IRWH technology using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentages). To determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology, the binary logistic regression mode l was used. To determine whether adopters of IRWH technology are more food secure than non-adopters, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a measure for household food security. For the same objective, to determine socio-economic factors that influence household food security, the binary logistic regression model was also used and adoption of IRWH technology became an independent variable. The study was conducted in Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The unit of analysis was the individual smallholder farmers practicing agriculture. The availability (accidental) and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 34, 23, 63 respondents from Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages respectively. Since they are non-random, these sampling methods are problematic because of sampling errors. Overall, a sample size of 120 smallholder farmers was targeted for the interviews. Primary and secondary data collected was coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results were presented using graphs, pie charts and tables (including cross-tables). The descriptive results showed that adoption status of IRWH technology was low in these areas, with 79% not adopting the technology. Food insecurity was high amongst the non-adopters with 86%. On the basis of descriptive analysis it can be concluded that any change in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of adopting IRWH technology and household food security. The results from the logistic regression model for the incidence of adoption revealed that 6 out of 16 variables were significant, three at 1% (access to extension services, access to information and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); one at 5% (access to market) and two at 10% (access to hired labour and farm income). For the incidence of household food security, out of 17 variables, 6 were significant, three at 1% (adoption of the IRWH technology, access to extension services and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); two at 5% (access to hired labour and household income) and one at 10% (household size). The empirical findings of this study indicate that there are socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology and household food security amongst smallholder farmers. This study recommends that the government should provide extension officers and research stations with the capacity, support and physical means to expose smallholder farmers to the IRWH technology through demonstrations and trainings. The government can also introduce agricultural finance institutions in rural areas to assist the rural smallholder farmers to increase their access to credit. Further, it is recommended that smallholder farmers can expand to the communal croplands in order to gain more land size and work as a co-operative or as an association to ease labour constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Enabling and constraining factors in Zimbabwe's 3-3-3 teacher education curriculum model : the case of a secondary teacher education college
- Authors: Shava, Nosizo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe Teacher participation in curriculum planning -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5686 , vital:29362
- Description: This study offers an explanation of enabling and / or constraining factors in Zimbabwe‘s 3-3-3 secondary teacher education model for Post ‗O‘ Level Science. It is a theory driven study that derives its theoretical foundation from Roy Bhaskar‘s critical realism and Margaret Archer‘s morphogenetic approach to reality. The study therefore offers explanations about structural, cultural and agential influences that facilitate and / or hinder the 3-year program for Post ‗O‘ Level Science. This was a qualitative case study of one secondary teacher education college in Zimbabwe. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. One official from the Department of Teacher Education(DTE) at the University of Zimbabwe(UZ),the Principal, the Vice Principal and 10 lecturers from the studied college,3 Heads of Science department in secondary schools,3mentors and 5 groups of 10 and 11eleven student teachers participated in the study. The DTE Handbook (2012), vision and mission statements and core values of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development (MHTESTD),DTE and the studied college, syllabuses, teaching practice reports, policy documents, external examining reports, College Academic Board (CAB) minutes, admission records, mark profiles and pass lists among other relevant documents complemented interview data. As a theory driven study, structural, cultural and agential influences were found to be enabling and / or constraining the model. The acute shortage of Science teachers in secondary schools and the few Post ‗A‘ Level Science graduates led to the re-introduction of the 3- year Post ‗O‘ Level Science program in secondary teacher education colleges. The bureaucratic structures in educational institutions, the In-Out-In structure, institutional structures such as the family, the University, the studied college, secondary schools, infrastructural facilities, material and financial resources, transport facilities and utilities such as water, electricity and the internet were established as some among other structural factors affecting the 3-3-3 model. Discourses held about the teaching profession, the vision, mission and core values of the MHTESTD,DTE and the studied college, beliefs about what Science teachers should learn, knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they should acquire and how they should be taught were established as cultural factors enabling and / or constraining the 3-3-3 model. Agential influences offering causal explanation for enablers and / or constrainers of the model were established as the decision by the Principal and the CAB to re-introduce the 3- year Post ‗O‘ Level Science program, the decision by the students to enroll for the program, the recruitment of under qualified students, the use of various teaching methods, conducting staff development and mentorship workshops and failure to increase staff establishment. The study has put forth recommendations for the improvement on constraining factors in pre-service teacher education programs. With the understanding that agency has power to reinforce or transform structures and cultures, it should not be seen to be reinforcing disadvantaged structural positions and cultures; instead, after having identified structural and cultural constrainers, it should engage in communicative and meta-reflexivity to come up with the best possible solutions to the hindrances. Courses of action should then be taken accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shava, Nosizo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe Teacher participation in curriculum planning -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5686 , vital:29362
- Description: This study offers an explanation of enabling and / or constraining factors in Zimbabwe‘s 3-3-3 secondary teacher education model for Post ‗O‘ Level Science. It is a theory driven study that derives its theoretical foundation from Roy Bhaskar‘s critical realism and Margaret Archer‘s morphogenetic approach to reality. The study therefore offers explanations about structural, cultural and agential influences that facilitate and / or hinder the 3-year program for Post ‗O‘ Level Science. This was a qualitative case study of one secondary teacher education college in Zimbabwe. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. One official from the Department of Teacher Education(DTE) at the University of Zimbabwe(UZ),the Principal, the Vice Principal and 10 lecturers from the studied college,3 Heads of Science department in secondary schools,3mentors and 5 groups of 10 and 11eleven student teachers participated in the study. The DTE Handbook (2012), vision and mission statements and core values of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development (MHTESTD),DTE and the studied college, syllabuses, teaching practice reports, policy documents, external examining reports, College Academic Board (CAB) minutes, admission records, mark profiles and pass lists among other relevant documents complemented interview data. As a theory driven study, structural, cultural and agential influences were found to be enabling and / or constraining the model. The acute shortage of Science teachers in secondary schools and the few Post ‗A‘ Level Science graduates led to the re-introduction of the 3- year Post ‗O‘ Level Science program in secondary teacher education colleges. The bureaucratic structures in educational institutions, the In-Out-In structure, institutional structures such as the family, the University, the studied college, secondary schools, infrastructural facilities, material and financial resources, transport facilities and utilities such as water, electricity and the internet were established as some among other structural factors affecting the 3-3-3 model. Discourses held about the teaching profession, the vision, mission and core values of the MHTESTD,DTE and the studied college, beliefs about what Science teachers should learn, knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they should acquire and how they should be taught were established as cultural factors enabling and / or constraining the 3-3-3 model. Agential influences offering causal explanation for enablers and / or constrainers of the model were established as the decision by the Principal and the CAB to re-introduce the 3- year Post ‗O‘ Level Science program, the decision by the students to enroll for the program, the recruitment of under qualified students, the use of various teaching methods, conducting staff development and mentorship workshops and failure to increase staff establishment. The study has put forth recommendations for the improvement on constraining factors in pre-service teacher education programs. With the understanding that agency has power to reinforce or transform structures and cultures, it should not be seen to be reinforcing disadvantaged structural positions and cultures; instead, after having identified structural and cultural constrainers, it should engage in communicative and meta-reflexivity to come up with the best possible solutions to the hindrances. Courses of action should then be taken accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of ethics and governance practices in the public sector: United Nations and African Union perspectives
- Authors: Shindika, Emmanuel Selemani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: United Nations , African Union , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26164 , vital:64946
- Description: Recent studies highlight the importance of improving governance and ethics in public entities, especially in Africa. However, doing so requires an understanding on what forms governance and ethics in public institutions, particularly at a national level. Such considerations necessitates that some focus on continental and world institutions, such as, the African Union and the United Nations. These institutions have been in existence for a number of years with mandates of improving member states governance and ethics, as well as, service delivery to the public. As such, this research primarily focuses on understanding the roles played by the AU and the UN in shaping governance and ethics to member states, as well as, of its employees. The focus of this inquiry was to understand individual narratives about how working for public institutions on a daily to day basis influences governance and ethics understanding and application. Therefore, in order to properly analyse the narratives from respondents, the study applied an inductive and qualitative approach in order to explore how the AU and UN systems influence governance and ethics for member s states and employees. Data was collected through semi structured interviews with UN and AU officials, as well as public servants of member states for those organisations. The study made use of a thematic analyses method of interpreting data. A total of six major themes emerged, they are as follows: ethics a part in governance; effectiveness of AU and UN systems; disciplinary role; ethical guidelines and standards influence on public sector; member states adherence to the UN/AU ethical conduct; and implementation gaps in ethical guidelines within member states. Interviews were conducted in four countries namely; South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius and Botswana. Findings from the study pointed that the AU and UN systems have loopholes in dealing with issues of governance and ethics. Moreover, member states respondents also pointed to the loopholes in those two organisations. The research suggests that member states should tighten their public entities ethical compliance assessments and follow suggestions from the UN and AU. Final recommendations and suggestions for further research are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shindika, Emmanuel Selemani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: United Nations , African Union , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26164 , vital:64946
- Description: Recent studies highlight the importance of improving governance and ethics in public entities, especially in Africa. However, doing so requires an understanding on what forms governance and ethics in public institutions, particularly at a national level. Such considerations necessitates that some focus on continental and world institutions, such as, the African Union and the United Nations. These institutions have been in existence for a number of years with mandates of improving member states governance and ethics, as well as, service delivery to the public. As such, this research primarily focuses on understanding the roles played by the AU and the UN in shaping governance and ethics to member states, as well as, of its employees. The focus of this inquiry was to understand individual narratives about how working for public institutions on a daily to day basis influences governance and ethics understanding and application. Therefore, in order to properly analyse the narratives from respondents, the study applied an inductive and qualitative approach in order to explore how the AU and UN systems influence governance and ethics for member s states and employees. Data was collected through semi structured interviews with UN and AU officials, as well as public servants of member states for those organisations. The study made use of a thematic analyses method of interpreting data. A total of six major themes emerged, they are as follows: ethics a part in governance; effectiveness of AU and UN systems; disciplinary role; ethical guidelines and standards influence on public sector; member states adherence to the UN/AU ethical conduct; and implementation gaps in ethical guidelines within member states. Interviews were conducted in four countries namely; South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius and Botswana. Findings from the study pointed that the AU and UN systems have loopholes in dealing with issues of governance and ethics. Moreover, member states respondents also pointed to the loopholes in those two organisations. The research suggests that member states should tighten their public entities ethical compliance assessments and follow suggestions from the UN and AU. Final recommendations and suggestions for further research are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of policy implementation on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women : a case study of Lukhanji sub-district Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
- Authors: Sinyanya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2282 , vital:27747
- Description: This research was conducted with the aim to evaluate the policy interventions on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women in the Lukhanji sub district of Chris Hani District Municipality. The study would also propose policy improvement strategies towards curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS in pregnant women. In realizing these goals, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions which sought to evaluate policies and strategies relevant to HIV prevalence in pregnant women. The secondary research objectives were accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literature and theories. Qualitative research approach was used in determining the findings and conclusions from the study. Data was collected using qualitative research methods and in this case a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to the study participants. The Questionnaires were handed and discussed with each participant. Demographics, socioeconomic and cultural factors were considered in designing the data collection tool. These factors are known to have an impact on the prevalence of HIV. It has been shown through the study that demographic variables have an effect on HIV prevalence. Hence when considering policy interventions these should be taken into account. All the respondents were given enough time and they provided clear and comprehensive responses to the questionnaire and follow up discussions. The evaluation of the responses showed that various HIV prevention related policies are being implemented within the Lukhanji sub-district. Numerous programmes relating to HIV and AIDS, also specifically covering pregnant women are being rolled out across the sub-district. HIV prevalence in the study population is rated as average to low when comparing with the district, provincial and national statistics. Current data obtained from the study indicates that HIV prevalence stands at 17%. This finding demonstrates the heterogeneity of HIV prevalence when comparing this result with current provincial and national statistics. Evaluation of the different HIV and AIDS programmes that are aligned to provincial and national policy somehow explain the positive outcomes observed in the Lukhanji sub-district The study recommends that more work be done in reaching out to the communities using various communication channels and strategies. This could address the challenges associated with the lack of cooperation with local traditional leaders, because this has been found to have a negative impact on implementation of some programmes such as circumcision. One of the positive findings from the study is the accessibility of health care facilities to the local rural communities. Further research on the subject should be undertaken to ensure continuous evaluation as this topic is viewed as a continuous global issue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sinyanya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2282 , vital:27747
- Description: This research was conducted with the aim to evaluate the policy interventions on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women in the Lukhanji sub district of Chris Hani District Municipality. The study would also propose policy improvement strategies towards curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS in pregnant women. In realizing these goals, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions which sought to evaluate policies and strategies relevant to HIV prevalence in pregnant women. The secondary research objectives were accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literature and theories. Qualitative research approach was used in determining the findings and conclusions from the study. Data was collected using qualitative research methods and in this case a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to the study participants. The Questionnaires were handed and discussed with each participant. Demographics, socioeconomic and cultural factors were considered in designing the data collection tool. These factors are known to have an impact on the prevalence of HIV. It has been shown through the study that demographic variables have an effect on HIV prevalence. Hence when considering policy interventions these should be taken into account. All the respondents were given enough time and they provided clear and comprehensive responses to the questionnaire and follow up discussions. The evaluation of the responses showed that various HIV prevention related policies are being implemented within the Lukhanji sub-district. Numerous programmes relating to HIV and AIDS, also specifically covering pregnant women are being rolled out across the sub-district. HIV prevalence in the study population is rated as average to low when comparing with the district, provincial and national statistics. Current data obtained from the study indicates that HIV prevalence stands at 17%. This finding demonstrates the heterogeneity of HIV prevalence when comparing this result with current provincial and national statistics. Evaluation of the different HIV and AIDS programmes that are aligned to provincial and national policy somehow explain the positive outcomes observed in the Lukhanji sub-district The study recommends that more work be done in reaching out to the communities using various communication channels and strategies. This could address the challenges associated with the lack of cooperation with local traditional leaders, because this has been found to have a negative impact on implementation of some programmes such as circumcision. One of the positive findings from the study is the accessibility of health care facilities to the local rural communities. Further research on the subject should be undertaken to ensure continuous evaluation as this topic is viewed as a continuous global issue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Identification and documentation of ethnobiological methods used by rural farmers to control stalk borers on maize in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Skenjana, Nolitha Leonora
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ethnobotany , Stem borers , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Corn -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019852 , Ethnobotany , Stem borers , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Corn -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa
- Description: Maize contributes substantially to food security in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is a staple food to many of the province’s rural and urban inhabitants. Insect pests are one of the factors that hamper its productivity and as a result, deprive farmers of good yields. The adverse effects of insecticides and the high cost associated with them and the cost of transgenic seeds are some of the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in rural areas. Alternative control methods which include the use of indigenous techniques to control pests are now sought. A study to identify and document ethnobiological means used by rural farmers to manage insect pests of maize was conducted in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province. A total of 217 participants were interviewed on the matter, using semi-structured but detailed questionnaires. Rural farmers due to their linkage to agriculture activities and the fact that they are considered as custodians of agricultural indigenous knowledge were selected as respondents. Only maize producing and IsiXhosa speaking people were chosen to contribute. Main focus was on the demography of respondents, crop production activities and insect pest control. Pretesting of the questionnaire in order to assess the appropriateness of questions and comprehension by both farmers and enumerators was done. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Fifty five percent (55 %) of the respondents were females and the highest number of participants was from the Chris Hani District Municipality. Majority of the people were unemployed or pensioners. Most had only attended primary school and the mean age was 59 years. Apart from maize, respondents were cultivating other crops such as cabbage, Swiss chard, potatoes etc. Stalk borers followed by cutworms were the main pests of maize in these areas. Respondents used mainly insecticides, followed by alternative substances, which also included cultural control methods such as planting date manipulation. Few respondents used plants as control agents for insect pests. Some people did not control pests even though they were a problem in their fields. The most used plant was Chenopodium ambrosiodes L, while the most used substance was Madubula (a detergent). The most used insecticide was carbaryl from the carbamite family. Respondents listed different preparation techniques for all the control methods mentioned. These techniques revealed different times of preparation, quantities of ingredients, amounts applied on plants, modes of application and intervals of application. Rural farmers in the study areas used different atypical methods which may play a significant role in pest management today. Some of the products may have a positive influence on agriculture, while some are dangerous to humans and environmental health. Further research which will investigate their potential use in pest control needs to be done.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Skenjana, Nolitha Leonora
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ethnobotany , Stem borers , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Corn -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019852 , Ethnobotany , Stem borers , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Corn -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa
- Description: Maize contributes substantially to food security in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is a staple food to many of the province’s rural and urban inhabitants. Insect pests are one of the factors that hamper its productivity and as a result, deprive farmers of good yields. The adverse effects of insecticides and the high cost associated with them and the cost of transgenic seeds are some of the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in rural areas. Alternative control methods which include the use of indigenous techniques to control pests are now sought. A study to identify and document ethnobiological means used by rural farmers to manage insect pests of maize was conducted in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province. A total of 217 participants were interviewed on the matter, using semi-structured but detailed questionnaires. Rural farmers due to their linkage to agriculture activities and the fact that they are considered as custodians of agricultural indigenous knowledge were selected as respondents. Only maize producing and IsiXhosa speaking people were chosen to contribute. Main focus was on the demography of respondents, crop production activities and insect pest control. Pretesting of the questionnaire in order to assess the appropriateness of questions and comprehension by both farmers and enumerators was done. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Fifty five percent (55 %) of the respondents were females and the highest number of participants was from the Chris Hani District Municipality. Majority of the people were unemployed or pensioners. Most had only attended primary school and the mean age was 59 years. Apart from maize, respondents were cultivating other crops such as cabbage, Swiss chard, potatoes etc. Stalk borers followed by cutworms were the main pests of maize in these areas. Respondents used mainly insecticides, followed by alternative substances, which also included cultural control methods such as planting date manipulation. Few respondents used plants as control agents for insect pests. Some people did not control pests even though they were a problem in their fields. The most used plant was Chenopodium ambrosiodes L, while the most used substance was Madubula (a detergent). The most used insecticide was carbaryl from the carbamite family. Respondents listed different preparation techniques for all the control methods mentioned. These techniques revealed different times of preparation, quantities of ingredients, amounts applied on plants, modes of application and intervals of application. Rural farmers in the study areas used different atypical methods which may play a significant role in pest management today. Some of the products may have a positive influence on agriculture, while some are dangerous to humans and environmental health. Further research which will investigate their potential use in pest control needs to be done.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Risk management : a prerequisite for the implementation of government projects by the Eastern Cape Department of Local Government
- Authors: Sojini, Sandile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2755 , vital:28073
- Description: This Research Report that this research was motivated by the fact that despite thetremendous achievements have been realized from the successful implementation ofgovernment programmes and projects related the construction and refurbishment of medical facilities, educational, bridges and road infrastructure facilities. Trends indicate that only iota of evidence implies that the concept of risk management is fully integrated and embraced as part of a culture for ensuring the successful project implementation by the Modern South African public sector organizations. Empirical research revealed that the common types of risks that have been affecting the successful implementation of government projects and programmes include: riots, fraud, corruption, changes in demographic figures, outsourcing risks, and floods and changes in weather. Most of the participants stated that risks associated with riots do not only arise from the riots within the government departments, but also in the external environment. In terms of the internal riots, they revealed that when the employees go on strike or riots on their own or in solidarity with the other trade unions, leading to the process for the implementation of government projects and programmes being affected. Yet, in certain cases, they noted that internal riots or strikes most occur as preceded by rumours that the riots by a particular union will take place and may significantly affect the ongoing process of implementation of government programmes. Besides risks associated with the internal riots by the employees and the communities, the interview findings also indicated that the other forms of risks arise from the strikes and riots by the private enterprises.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sojini, Sandile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2755 , vital:28073
- Description: This Research Report that this research was motivated by the fact that despite thetremendous achievements have been realized from the successful implementation ofgovernment programmes and projects related the construction and refurbishment of medical facilities, educational, bridges and road infrastructure facilities. Trends indicate that only iota of evidence implies that the concept of risk management is fully integrated and embraced as part of a culture for ensuring the successful project implementation by the Modern South African public sector organizations. Empirical research revealed that the common types of risks that have been affecting the successful implementation of government projects and programmes include: riots, fraud, corruption, changes in demographic figures, outsourcing risks, and floods and changes in weather. Most of the participants stated that risks associated with riots do not only arise from the riots within the government departments, but also in the external environment. In terms of the internal riots, they revealed that when the employees go on strike or riots on their own or in solidarity with the other trade unions, leading to the process for the implementation of government projects and programmes being affected. Yet, in certain cases, they noted that internal riots or strikes most occur as preceded by rumours that the riots by a particular union will take place and may significantly affect the ongoing process of implementation of government programmes. Besides risks associated with the internal riots by the employees and the communities, the interview findings also indicated that the other forms of risks arise from the strikes and riots by the private enterprises.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Nutritional value and cultivation requirements of Cleome Gynandra: a wild vegetable growing in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Sowunmi, Linda Ifeanyichukwu
- Authors: Sowunmi, Linda Ifeanyichukwu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ethnobotany -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetables -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nutrition -- South Africa -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2600 , vital:27907
- Description: South Africa has wide ranges of plants among which are leafy vegetables growing in the wild. These wild vegetables have been reported to have high nutritive and medicinal potentials. Yet, there is still high prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies among the low income bracket of the population. Effective utilization of wild vegetables has been proposed as part of the solutions to address the problem of dietary deficiencies among the populace. Their importance is mainly as relish to accompany and complement starch based diets. They are also known to serve as supplements for food which have the potential to improve the health status of its consumers in many rural communities. Cleome gynandra L. (Capparaceae) is one of the underutilized species mentioned during asurvey conducted in Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The plant is an erect annual herb with alternate, palmately compound leaves and its petals are white, pink or lilac. It grows as a weed in this part of the Province and is usually gathered from the wild for food and medicine. It is commonly found on wastes land, road sides and on grass lands. Therefore, this research work was designed to contribute to the possible domestication of this wild vegetable in order to explore the nutritive and therapeutic potentials which would broaden the food base in the Eastern Cape Province. The ultra-micromorphological features of plants have become an essential tool in proper identification and authentication of several plant species. In the light of this, the micromorphology of Cleome gynandra was examined to reveal the micro-morphological characters of the plantand to determine if micro and macro mineral elements are present using energy dispersive x-rays. The present study revealed the epidermal cells of the leaves to be asymmetric in shape with undulating cell walls having four subsidiary cells around the stomata. The leaves have anomocyctic stomata which are more distributed in the abaxial surface than the adaxial surface. The mean length and width of the guard cells in the abaxial surface are 0.09 ± 0.01 mm and 0.08 ± 0.01 mm respectively while that of adaxial surface are 0.1± 0.01 mm and 0.07 ± 0.01 mm respectively. The energy dispersive x-rays (EDXS) micro-analysis of the leaf revealed the presence of phosphorus, manganese, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and zinc as the major constituents of the crystal deposits present in the stomata pores and the mesophyll. C. gynandra was collected from the wild and analysed for its mineral and proximatecomposition using standard analytical methods. The plant showed high levels of sodium, iron, zinc, calcium and potassium while many other macro and micro minerals were moderately present. Amongst the proximate factors investigated, moisture content was found to be 82.1% while crude fibre and protein contents were 39.9 percent and 31.03 percent respectively. Vitamin C was also high (345.3 mg/100g). The anti-nutrients compositions revealed low concentrations of oxalate (7.4 ± 0.4) and phytate (0.6 ± 0.0) mg/100g. The study revealed high nutritive value of the species growing naturally from the wild. Interest in the phenolic compounds has greatly increased recently because these compounds have been implicated in suppressing the risk of degenerative diseases in humans. The pharmacological properties of plants may be related to their antioxidant capacities and hence there was need to investigate the antioxidant potential using aqueous, ethanolic and acetone extracts of different parts of C. gynandra. The quantities of phenols, flavonoids and flavonols were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaf while the concentration of proanthocyanidins was higher in the aqueous stem extract compared to other plant parts. The aqueous extract of the different parts exhibited better ABTS, reducing power and NO radical scavenging abilities than ethanol extract.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sowunmi, Linda Ifeanyichukwu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ethnobotany -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetables -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nutrition -- South Africa -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2600 , vital:27907
- Description: South Africa has wide ranges of plants among which are leafy vegetables growing in the wild. These wild vegetables have been reported to have high nutritive and medicinal potentials. Yet, there is still high prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies among the low income bracket of the population. Effective utilization of wild vegetables has been proposed as part of the solutions to address the problem of dietary deficiencies among the populace. Their importance is mainly as relish to accompany and complement starch based diets. They are also known to serve as supplements for food which have the potential to improve the health status of its consumers in many rural communities. Cleome gynandra L. (Capparaceae) is one of the underutilized species mentioned during asurvey conducted in Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The plant is an erect annual herb with alternate, palmately compound leaves and its petals are white, pink or lilac. It grows as a weed in this part of the Province and is usually gathered from the wild for food and medicine. It is commonly found on wastes land, road sides and on grass lands. Therefore, this research work was designed to contribute to the possible domestication of this wild vegetable in order to explore the nutritive and therapeutic potentials which would broaden the food base in the Eastern Cape Province. The ultra-micromorphological features of plants have become an essential tool in proper identification and authentication of several plant species. In the light of this, the micromorphology of Cleome gynandra was examined to reveal the micro-morphological characters of the plantand to determine if micro and macro mineral elements are present using energy dispersive x-rays. The present study revealed the epidermal cells of the leaves to be asymmetric in shape with undulating cell walls having four subsidiary cells around the stomata. The leaves have anomocyctic stomata which are more distributed in the abaxial surface than the adaxial surface. The mean length and width of the guard cells in the abaxial surface are 0.09 ± 0.01 mm and 0.08 ± 0.01 mm respectively while that of adaxial surface are 0.1± 0.01 mm and 0.07 ± 0.01 mm respectively. The energy dispersive x-rays (EDXS) micro-analysis of the leaf revealed the presence of phosphorus, manganese, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and zinc as the major constituents of the crystal deposits present in the stomata pores and the mesophyll. C. gynandra was collected from the wild and analysed for its mineral and proximatecomposition using standard analytical methods. The plant showed high levels of sodium, iron, zinc, calcium and potassium while many other macro and micro minerals were moderately present. Amongst the proximate factors investigated, moisture content was found to be 82.1% while crude fibre and protein contents were 39.9 percent and 31.03 percent respectively. Vitamin C was also high (345.3 mg/100g). The anti-nutrients compositions revealed low concentrations of oxalate (7.4 ± 0.4) and phytate (0.6 ± 0.0) mg/100g. The study revealed high nutritive value of the species growing naturally from the wild. Interest in the phenolic compounds has greatly increased recently because these compounds have been implicated in suppressing the risk of degenerative diseases in humans. The pharmacological properties of plants may be related to their antioxidant capacities and hence there was need to investigate the antioxidant potential using aqueous, ethanolic and acetone extracts of different parts of C. gynandra. The quantities of phenols, flavonoids and flavonols were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaf while the concentration of proanthocyanidins was higher in the aqueous stem extract compared to other plant parts. The aqueous extract of the different parts exhibited better ABTS, reducing power and NO radical scavenging abilities than ethanol extract.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Regional differentiation of three goatfishes (Parupeneus Spp.) within the Western Indian Ocean
- Springbok–Njokweni, Nosiphiwo
- Authors: Springbok–Njokweni, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Marine fishes -- South Africa , Mitochondrial DNA -- South Africa , Mullidae -- South Africa , Biogeography -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020262 , Marine fishes -- South Africa , Mitochondrial DNA -- South Africa , Mullidae -- South Africa , Biogeography -- South Africa
- Description: Goatfishes inhabit inshore reefs and corals and are commercially important across their distribution in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The biogeography of these species in the WIO has not been explored with regards to their levels of diversity and relationships among regions. The genetic connectivity and differentiation of three goatfishes of the genus Parupeneus (P. barberinus, P. macronemus and P. rubescens) was studied using two mitochondrial genes (ND2 and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear gene (RAG1) using specimens from East and southern Africa, islands around the Mascarene plateau, Oman, Maldives and the Red Sea. Haplotype diversities, networks and AMOVA were used to measure genetic variance among localities and defined regional groups. There were high haplotype (HD > 0.9) and low nucleotide diversities (< 0.006) among all species for all gene regions, suggesting high levels of genetic differentiation among different areas, except for the mtDNA 16S data for P. macronemus and P. rubescens. For all three species, the FST population pairwise values revealed significant differentiation in all datasets for most population pairwise comparisons with the Maldives and genetic connectivity with haplotypes being shared among other localities. The 16S and RAG1, AMOVA for P. barberinus revealed a significant (P < 0.05) strong genetic structure among groups, for example P = 0.00 was estimated in the 16S data for four groups (the Maldives, WIO islands, Kenya and eastern mainland). This study found evidence for regional differentiation within the WIO for these three species supporting the presence of genetic breaks among areas. This differentiation could be either due to the historical isolation among areas or due to geographic and oceanic barriers such as the Mascarene Plateau and the Agulhas Current eddies in the Mozambique Channel. The effects of oceanographic features and physical barriers in the species distribution range and the dispersal potential based on the life history features of the species can have an influence on the genetic structuring of a population. It is also important to note that the length of the pelagic larval phase is just one factor affecting dispersal in marine organisms that can also explain the difference in genetic population structure. Unfortunately there is no specific information on the larval dispersal of these three goatfish. Therefore, studies are needed to be conducted on the specific biology and life history strategies of each Parupeneus species. These results suggest the importance of other factors, such as currents, and larval retention that may cause strong differentiation. These factors should also be considered when observing larval dispersal and its effect on population genetic structure. This study support the hypotheses that physical factors, processes (geographic barriers and oceanographic characteristics) and life history parameters need to be studied to understand the genetic differentiation of these Parupeneus reef fishes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Springbok–Njokweni, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Marine fishes -- South Africa , Mitochondrial DNA -- South Africa , Mullidae -- South Africa , Biogeography -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020262 , Marine fishes -- South Africa , Mitochondrial DNA -- South Africa , Mullidae -- South Africa , Biogeography -- South Africa
- Description: Goatfishes inhabit inshore reefs and corals and are commercially important across their distribution in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The biogeography of these species in the WIO has not been explored with regards to their levels of diversity and relationships among regions. The genetic connectivity and differentiation of three goatfishes of the genus Parupeneus (P. barberinus, P. macronemus and P. rubescens) was studied using two mitochondrial genes (ND2 and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear gene (RAG1) using specimens from East and southern Africa, islands around the Mascarene plateau, Oman, Maldives and the Red Sea. Haplotype diversities, networks and AMOVA were used to measure genetic variance among localities and defined regional groups. There were high haplotype (HD > 0.9) and low nucleotide diversities (< 0.006) among all species for all gene regions, suggesting high levels of genetic differentiation among different areas, except for the mtDNA 16S data for P. macronemus and P. rubescens. For all three species, the FST population pairwise values revealed significant differentiation in all datasets for most population pairwise comparisons with the Maldives and genetic connectivity with haplotypes being shared among other localities. The 16S and RAG1, AMOVA for P. barberinus revealed a significant (P < 0.05) strong genetic structure among groups, for example P = 0.00 was estimated in the 16S data for four groups (the Maldives, WIO islands, Kenya and eastern mainland). This study found evidence for regional differentiation within the WIO for these three species supporting the presence of genetic breaks among areas. This differentiation could be either due to the historical isolation among areas or due to geographic and oceanic barriers such as the Mascarene Plateau and the Agulhas Current eddies in the Mozambique Channel. The effects of oceanographic features and physical barriers in the species distribution range and the dispersal potential based on the life history features of the species can have an influence on the genetic structuring of a population. It is also important to note that the length of the pelagic larval phase is just one factor affecting dispersal in marine organisms that can also explain the difference in genetic population structure. Unfortunately there is no specific information on the larval dispersal of these three goatfish. Therefore, studies are needed to be conducted on the specific biology and life history strategies of each Parupeneus species. These results suggest the importance of other factors, such as currents, and larval retention that may cause strong differentiation. These factors should also be considered when observing larval dispersal and its effect on population genetic structure. This study support the hypotheses that physical factors, processes (geographic barriers and oceanographic characteristics) and life history parameters need to be studied to understand the genetic differentiation of these Parupeneus reef fishes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Glycolytic potential and meat quality from dorper and merino sheep slaughtered at a commercial abattoir
- Authors: Stempa, Thuthuzelwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15310 , vital:40361
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine glycolytic potential and meat quality from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Dorper (n=52) and Merino (n= 48) breeds aged eight years, consisting of 50 intact rams and 50 non-pregnant ewes were used in the study. The sheep used in the study were reared, transported and lairised under identical conditions. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Samples were also collected from the Muscularis longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for the measurement glycogen, lactate levels, pH decline and colour. Correlations amongst blood stress indicators, muscle metabolites and meat quality attributes were also determined. Sex and breed had no effect on muscle glycolytic potential, glycogen and lactate levels from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes at the abattoir. Although sex and breed had an effect on pre-slaughter stress indicators (lactate and cortisol) collected at exsanguination. Ewes had higher levels of blood lactate (7.4 3 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and cortisol (293.92 ± 14.32 nmol/L) than the rams which had (5.19 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and (179.50 ± 14.32 nmol/L) lactate and cortisol levels, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of lactate were observed in Dorper (7.54 ± 0.42 mmol/L) compared to the Merino sheep (4.97 ± 0.49 mmol/L). Meat pH decline and colour were also significantly affected by sex and breed. Ewes had higher levels of at pH45 minutes post slaughter (7.05 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.45 ± 0.04) , pH24 hours (6.00 ± 0.03), a* (14.31 ± 0.33) , b* (8.84 ± 0.29), H* (31.47 ± 0.73) and C* (16.75 ± 0.24) compared to the rams which had pH45 minutes (6.44 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.12 ± 0.04), pH24 hours (5.88 ± 0.03), a* (12.25 ± 0.33), b* (7.00 ± 0.29), H* (29.36 ± 0.73) and C* (14.15 ± 0.42) values. Moreover, Merino sheep had higher levels of L* (38.17 ± 0.48) and H* (31.59 ± 0.74) compared to the Dorper which had (36.39 ± 0.46) and (29.33 ± 0.71) L* and H* values, respectively. Blood cortisol was also positively correlated (P < 0.05) to glucose (r = 0.27), lactate (r = 0.37) but was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) to meat lightness (r = -0.44). Furthermore, blood cortisol was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to pH45 (r = 0.34), pH24 (r =0.22), meat yellowness (r = 0.24) and chroma (r = 0.37), but was negatively correlated to meat lightness (r = -0.47). Glycolytic potential was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to muscle glycogen levels (r = 0.66) and muscle lactate (r = 0.71).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Stempa, Thuthuzelwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15310 , vital:40361
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine glycolytic potential and meat quality from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Dorper (n=52) and Merino (n= 48) breeds aged eight years, consisting of 50 intact rams and 50 non-pregnant ewes were used in the study. The sheep used in the study were reared, transported and lairised under identical conditions. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Samples were also collected from the Muscularis longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for the measurement glycogen, lactate levels, pH decline and colour. Correlations amongst blood stress indicators, muscle metabolites and meat quality attributes were also determined. Sex and breed had no effect on muscle glycolytic potential, glycogen and lactate levels from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes at the abattoir. Although sex and breed had an effect on pre-slaughter stress indicators (lactate and cortisol) collected at exsanguination. Ewes had higher levels of blood lactate (7.4 3 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and cortisol (293.92 ± 14.32 nmol/L) than the rams which had (5.19 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and (179.50 ± 14.32 nmol/L) lactate and cortisol levels, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of lactate were observed in Dorper (7.54 ± 0.42 mmol/L) compared to the Merino sheep (4.97 ± 0.49 mmol/L). Meat pH decline and colour were also significantly affected by sex and breed. Ewes had higher levels of at pH45 minutes post slaughter (7.05 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.45 ± 0.04) , pH24 hours (6.00 ± 0.03), a* (14.31 ± 0.33) , b* (8.84 ± 0.29), H* (31.47 ± 0.73) and C* (16.75 ± 0.24) compared to the rams which had pH45 minutes (6.44 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.12 ± 0.04), pH24 hours (5.88 ± 0.03), a* (12.25 ± 0.33), b* (7.00 ± 0.29), H* (29.36 ± 0.73) and C* (14.15 ± 0.42) values. Moreover, Merino sheep had higher levels of L* (38.17 ± 0.48) and H* (31.59 ± 0.74) compared to the Dorper which had (36.39 ± 0.46) and (29.33 ± 0.71) L* and H* values, respectively. Blood cortisol was also positively correlated (P < 0.05) to glucose (r = 0.27), lactate (r = 0.37) but was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) to meat lightness (r = -0.44). Furthermore, blood cortisol was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to pH45 (r = 0.34), pH24 (r =0.22), meat yellowness (r = 0.24) and chroma (r = 0.37), but was negatively correlated to meat lightness (r = -0.47). Glycolytic potential was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to muscle glycogen levels (r = 0.66) and muscle lactate (r = 0.71).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Exploring the effects of the psychological contract on organisational commitment and employee engagement in a restructured organisational environment: the case of selected hospitals in the Eastern Cape province
- Stofile, Phakama Phumla Bernadette
- Authors: Stofile, Phakama Phumla Bernadette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Psychology, Industrial -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1984 , vital:27591
- Description: This study investigated the impact of organisation restructuring on the psychological contract and the effects on employee engagement and organisational commitment. The study focused on employees from selected health care institutions. The sample consisted of 156 employees from the selected health care institutions. Results indicated positive relationships between employee engagement, psychological contract and organisational commitment. The researcher recommended a better understanding of the manner in which individuals interpret various inducements where would clearer prescriptions be provided. Therefore, employers were advised to be aware of employees’ values and attempt to address them as they are important
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Stofile, Phakama Phumla Bernadette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Psychology, Industrial -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1984 , vital:27591
- Description: This study investigated the impact of organisation restructuring on the psychological contract and the effects on employee engagement and organisational commitment. The study focused on employees from selected health care institutions. The sample consisted of 156 employees from the selected health care institutions. Results indicated positive relationships between employee engagement, psychological contract and organisational commitment. The researcher recommended a better understanding of the manner in which individuals interpret various inducements where would clearer prescriptions be provided. Therefore, employers were advised to be aware of employees’ values and attempt to address them as they are important
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A narrative exploration of the experiences of children from child-headed households into early adulthood : a case study of Nkonkobe District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sumbulu, Manowa Abie
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Children's rights--South Africa--Eastern Cape Child caregivers--South Africa--Eastern Cape Children--Legal status, laws, etc.--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11850 , vital:39112
- Description: The past three decades have seen dramatic changes within the childcare system. There has been a bourgeoning death rate of child-bearing parents resulting in an unprecedentedly high number of parentless children (orphans) leading to the formation of child-headed households (CHHs). This formation came about as a result of the paucity of informal care for such children as well as the incapacity of the formal child care system. Most of these children are disadvantages with the prospect of facing a bleak future. However, some of them survive and presumably make it in life despite the odds. It is resilience and strengths they have in coping with their life’s’ situations that the research addresses. An exploratory-descriptive and qualitative design was applied in this research as well as Guba's (1981) approach to ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research. A systematic probability sampling procedure was applied in selecting participants. A semi-structured interview schedule with open-ended questions was applied to both the pilot study and to the study proper. The latter was conducted in the form of fourteen in-depth interviews and a focus group of eight discussants. The protocols were explicated in terms of a full delineation of the themes while the data were analysed by utilizing the thematic approach based on the grounded theory. Three developmental stages were identified: their base before becoming a child-headed household; the transition stage when they were in the child-headed household and the central narrative of how they progressed and coped since leaving the CHH. The third stage was the time for reflecting on what they had gone through and offered advice on coping capacity to children who might find themselves in child-headed households. Each of these stages has been marked by its highs and lows as they navigate through life and developing coping strategies. Some of these coping mechanisms were stage-specific while others persisted through all the stages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sumbulu, Manowa Abie
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Children's rights--South Africa--Eastern Cape Child caregivers--South Africa--Eastern Cape Children--Legal status, laws, etc.--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11850 , vital:39112
- Description: The past three decades have seen dramatic changes within the childcare system. There has been a bourgeoning death rate of child-bearing parents resulting in an unprecedentedly high number of parentless children (orphans) leading to the formation of child-headed households (CHHs). This formation came about as a result of the paucity of informal care for such children as well as the incapacity of the formal child care system. Most of these children are disadvantages with the prospect of facing a bleak future. However, some of them survive and presumably make it in life despite the odds. It is resilience and strengths they have in coping with their life’s’ situations that the research addresses. An exploratory-descriptive and qualitative design was applied in this research as well as Guba's (1981) approach to ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research. A systematic probability sampling procedure was applied in selecting participants. A semi-structured interview schedule with open-ended questions was applied to both the pilot study and to the study proper. The latter was conducted in the form of fourteen in-depth interviews and a focus group of eight discussants. The protocols were explicated in terms of a full delineation of the themes while the data were analysed by utilizing the thematic approach based on the grounded theory. Three developmental stages were identified: their base before becoming a child-headed household; the transition stage when they were in the child-headed household and the central narrative of how they progressed and coped since leaving the CHH. The third stage was the time for reflecting on what they had gone through and offered advice on coping capacity to children who might find themselves in child-headed households. Each of these stages has been marked by its highs and lows as they navigate through life and developing coping strategies. Some of these coping mechanisms were stage-specific while others persisted through all the stages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of knowledge sharing as a knowledge management mechanism in public libraries in Cape Town, Western Cape Province , South Africa
- Authors: Tatana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Knowledge management Information services Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5138 , vital:29090
- Description: This study aimed to investigate into knowledge sharing as a mechanism for managing knowledge in the City of Cape Town public libraries, Western Cape, South Africa. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: To find out the extent to which knowledge sharing takes place in the City of Cape Town public libraries; To establish how knowledge is shared between the less experienced and the more experienced librarians; To explore the influence of knowledge sharing on service delivery in the City of Cape Town public libraries; To identify and discuss the impediments to knowledge sharing the City of Cape Town public libraries; The findings of the study would provide insight useful in addressing the challenges that confront public libraries as far as knowledge sharing and is concerned. This study would assist to maintain the best practices of knowledge sharing in the City of Cape Town public libraries.This study would also help the City of Cape Town policy makers and library management to come up with knowledge‐sharing/ knowledge management intervention measures from an informed point of view.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tatana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Knowledge management Information services Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5138 , vital:29090
- Description: This study aimed to investigate into knowledge sharing as a mechanism for managing knowledge in the City of Cape Town public libraries, Western Cape, South Africa. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: To find out the extent to which knowledge sharing takes place in the City of Cape Town public libraries; To establish how knowledge is shared between the less experienced and the more experienced librarians; To explore the influence of knowledge sharing on service delivery in the City of Cape Town public libraries; To identify and discuss the impediments to knowledge sharing the City of Cape Town public libraries; The findings of the study would provide insight useful in addressing the challenges that confront public libraries as far as knowledge sharing and is concerned. This study would assist to maintain the best practices of knowledge sharing in the City of Cape Town public libraries.This study would also help the City of Cape Town policy makers and library management to come up with knowledge‐sharing/ knowledge management intervention measures from an informed point of view.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Isolation and characterisation of lignocellulose degrading bacteria from Tyume River in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Tembisa, Papiyana Ayavuya
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacillus (Bacteria) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Waterborne infection -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacteriophages -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sediments (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11299 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021293 , Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacillus (Bacteria) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Waterborne infection -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacteriophages -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sediments (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of bacteria from lignocellulosic biomass obtained from the sediments of the Tyume River in Alice, Eastern Cape and to determine those bacterial isolates with good potential for modification and decomposition of lignocellulosic biomass for industrial application. Several bacterial isolates were recovered and screened for ability to degrade various lignocellulosic materials. Nine of the isolates were positive for lignocellulolytic activity. Four isolates were cellulase positive and six were xylanase positive. Moreover, one isolate (SB1) was positive for both xylanase and cellulase activities and showed the best hydrolysis zone on solid media. This isolate was then chosen as the best and identified molecularly. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that SB1 was a Bacillus cereus species. Factors affecting the cellulose and xylanase enzyme production by the organisms were studied. The organisms produced the enzymes maximally at earlier hours of incubation (12-30 hr) and optimally at acidic pH (3-5) and at moderate temperatures (35-45ºC). SB1 appears to hold promise in the decomposition of lignocellulosic wastes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tembisa, Papiyana Ayavuya
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacillus (Bacteria) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Waterborne infection -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacteriophages -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sediments (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11299 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021293 , Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacillus (Bacteria) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Waterborne infection -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bacteriophages -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sediments (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of bacteria from lignocellulosic biomass obtained from the sediments of the Tyume River in Alice, Eastern Cape and to determine those bacterial isolates with good potential for modification and decomposition of lignocellulosic biomass for industrial application. Several bacterial isolates were recovered and screened for ability to degrade various lignocellulosic materials. Nine of the isolates were positive for lignocellulolytic activity. Four isolates were cellulase positive and six were xylanase positive. Moreover, one isolate (SB1) was positive for both xylanase and cellulase activities and showed the best hydrolysis zone on solid media. This isolate was then chosen as the best and identified molecularly. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that SB1 was a Bacillus cereus species. Factors affecting the cellulose and xylanase enzyme production by the organisms were studied. The organisms produced the enzymes maximally at earlier hours of incubation (12-30 hr) and optimally at acidic pH (3-5) and at moderate temperatures (35-45ºC). SB1 appears to hold promise in the decomposition of lignocellulosic wastes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Perceptions of indigenous people regarding mental illness at Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Tilolo, Lwazi Romeo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural psychiatry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnopsychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2677 , vital:27983
- Description: Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tilolo, Lwazi Romeo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural psychiatry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnopsychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2677 , vital:27983
- Description: Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessment of the quality indices and prevalence of Escherichia coli pathotypes in selected rivers of Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria
- Authors: Titilawo, Osuolale Yinka
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021274
- Description: Surface waters are important freshwater sources used for domestic, industrial, agricultural and recreational activities, and the availability of good quality freshwater is indispensable for preventing water-borne diseases and improving quality of life especially in communities that lack pipe-borne water. Water samples were collected from ten rivers at different locations in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 12 physicochemical parameters, counts of total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli isolates were determined using standard analytical procedures. Confirmed Escherichia coli isolates (n=300) were assessed for the presence of 10 virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli strains causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. The recovered Escherichia coli isolates were elucidated for their antibiogram profiling by disk diffusion method and the resistant isolates were further profiled for their genotypic antimicrobial resistance by polymerase chain reaction technique. The physicochemical qualities ranged as follows: pH (6.9 - 7.6), temperature (26 – 29 ºC), turbidity (2.28 – 9.46 NTU), electrical conductivity (229 – 581 μS/cm), nitrate (0.03 – 0.05 mg/L), nitrite (0.00 – 0.01 mg/L), sulphate (3.33 – 20.33 mg/L), chloride ions (7.83 – 27.33 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.23 – 5.57 mg/L), total dissolved solids (56 – 184 mg/L), total hardness (78 – 519 mg/L) and alkalinity (50.67 – 146.67 mg/L). Statistical analysis showed that pH, temperature, electrical conductivities, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, total hardness and alkalinity were significantly different (P < 0.05), whereas turbidity and sulphate were not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from each parameter with respect to sampling sites. While the VG lt for enterotoxigenic E. coli had the highest prevalence of 45%, the enteropathogenic E. coli genes eae and bfp were detected in 6% and 4% of the isolates respectively. The VGs stx1 and stx2 specific for the enterohemorrhagic E. coli pathotypes were equally detected in 7% and 1% of the isolates respectively. Also, the VG eagg harboured by enteroaggregative pathotype and diffusely-adherent E. coli VG daaE were detected in 2% and 4% of the isolates respectively and enteroinvasive E. coli VG ipaH was not detected. In addition, the VGs papC for uropathogenic and ibeA for neonatal meningitis were frequently detected in 19% and 3% of isolates respectively. While all the isolates tested were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin and gatilofloxacin, others were variously susceptible, and resistant as follows; ciprofloxacin (96%), kanamycin (95%), neomycin (92%), streptomycin (84%), chloramphenicol (73%), nalidixic acid (66%), nitrofuratoin (64%), gentamycin (63%), doxycycline (58%), cefepime (57%), tetracycline (49%) and cephalothin (42%). Conversely, all the isolates were resistant to sulphamethoxazole, and high levels of resistance were equally observed against amoxycillin (59%), ampicilin (57%) and cefuroxime (40%). Cefepime, cephalothin, cefuroxime, nalidixic acid, nitrofuratoin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline were not significantly different in their effect against the isolates from all locations (P > 0.05), whereas the resistance profile of the isolates against gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, sulphamethoxazole, ampicillin and amoxicillin were significantly different (P < 0.05). Amikacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, meropenem, imipenem and gatilofloxacin were statistically excluded from the analysis since all tested isolates showed total susceptibility to these antimicrobials. The multiple antibiotic resistance indexing ranged from 0.50 to 0.80 for all the sampling locations and exceeded the threshold value of 0.2. Prevalence and distributions of the 19 resistance determinants assessed were obtained as follows; [sulfonamides (sulI (8%), sulII (41%)], [beta-lactams; (ampC 22%; blaTEM, (21%), blaZ (18%),], [tetracyclines (tetA (24%), tetB (23%), tetC (18%), tetD (78%), tetK (15%), tetM, (10%)], [phenicols; (catI (37%), catII (28%), cmlA1 (19%)] and [aminoglycosides; (aacC2 (8%), aphA1 (80%), aphA2 (80%), aadA (79%) and strA (38%)]. The Pearson chi square exact test revealed many strong significant associations among ampC, blaTEM, blaZ and tetA genes with some determinants screened. In the same vein, a grand total of 366 resistance gene fingerprints were spotted across the sampling locations and among the resistant pathotypes, the modal prevalent gene prints were found among the ETEC strains in 148 (40%), being the predominant pathotype observed, followed by UPEC strains 80 (22%) while the lowest was the least occurring EAEC pathotype 14 (4%). While some physicochemical parameters exceeded prescribed standards for drinking water, some fell within. The total coliforms obtained in all the sampling sites were above the acceptable limits. Findings reveal the presence of diarrhoeagenic and non-diarrhoeagenic E. coli in the selected rivers and suggest a potential public health risk as the rivers are important resources for domestic, recreational and livelihood usage by their host communities. The multiple drug resistance indexing signifies isolates and pathotypes of high antimicrobial usage origin. An increase in the antimicrobial resistance signatures towards conventionally used antibiotics as observed in this study necessitates for safe water supply, adequate sanitation facilities and proper surveillance programs towards the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in water-bodies. Generally, results from this study indicate that the river waters are not suitable for consumption, domestic or recreational use and re-echo the importance of safeguarding the freshwater resources of Southwestern Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Titilawo, Osuolale Yinka
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021274
- Description: Surface waters are important freshwater sources used for domestic, industrial, agricultural and recreational activities, and the availability of good quality freshwater is indispensable for preventing water-borne diseases and improving quality of life especially in communities that lack pipe-borne water. Water samples were collected from ten rivers at different locations in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 12 physicochemical parameters, counts of total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli isolates were determined using standard analytical procedures. Confirmed Escherichia coli isolates (n=300) were assessed for the presence of 10 virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli strains causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. The recovered Escherichia coli isolates were elucidated for their antibiogram profiling by disk diffusion method and the resistant isolates were further profiled for their genotypic antimicrobial resistance by polymerase chain reaction technique. The physicochemical qualities ranged as follows: pH (6.9 - 7.6), temperature (26 – 29 ºC), turbidity (2.28 – 9.46 NTU), electrical conductivity (229 – 581 μS/cm), nitrate (0.03 – 0.05 mg/L), nitrite (0.00 – 0.01 mg/L), sulphate (3.33 – 20.33 mg/L), chloride ions (7.83 – 27.33 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.23 – 5.57 mg/L), total dissolved solids (56 – 184 mg/L), total hardness (78 – 519 mg/L) and alkalinity (50.67 – 146.67 mg/L). Statistical analysis showed that pH, temperature, electrical conductivities, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, total hardness and alkalinity were significantly different (P < 0.05), whereas turbidity and sulphate were not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from each parameter with respect to sampling sites. While the VG lt for enterotoxigenic E. coli had the highest prevalence of 45%, the enteropathogenic E. coli genes eae and bfp were detected in 6% and 4% of the isolates respectively. The VGs stx1 and stx2 specific for the enterohemorrhagic E. coli pathotypes were equally detected in 7% and 1% of the isolates respectively. Also, the VG eagg harboured by enteroaggregative pathotype and diffusely-adherent E. coli VG daaE were detected in 2% and 4% of the isolates respectively and enteroinvasive E. coli VG ipaH was not detected. In addition, the VGs papC for uropathogenic and ibeA for neonatal meningitis were frequently detected in 19% and 3% of isolates respectively. While all the isolates tested were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin and gatilofloxacin, others were variously susceptible, and resistant as follows; ciprofloxacin (96%), kanamycin (95%), neomycin (92%), streptomycin (84%), chloramphenicol (73%), nalidixic acid (66%), nitrofuratoin (64%), gentamycin (63%), doxycycline (58%), cefepime (57%), tetracycline (49%) and cephalothin (42%). Conversely, all the isolates were resistant to sulphamethoxazole, and high levels of resistance were equally observed against amoxycillin (59%), ampicilin (57%) and cefuroxime (40%). Cefepime, cephalothin, cefuroxime, nalidixic acid, nitrofuratoin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline were not significantly different in their effect against the isolates from all locations (P > 0.05), whereas the resistance profile of the isolates against gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, sulphamethoxazole, ampicillin and amoxicillin were significantly different (P < 0.05). Amikacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, meropenem, imipenem and gatilofloxacin were statistically excluded from the analysis since all tested isolates showed total susceptibility to these antimicrobials. The multiple antibiotic resistance indexing ranged from 0.50 to 0.80 for all the sampling locations and exceeded the threshold value of 0.2. Prevalence and distributions of the 19 resistance determinants assessed were obtained as follows; [sulfonamides (sulI (8%), sulII (41%)], [beta-lactams; (ampC 22%; blaTEM, (21%), blaZ (18%),], [tetracyclines (tetA (24%), tetB (23%), tetC (18%), tetD (78%), tetK (15%), tetM, (10%)], [phenicols; (catI (37%), catII (28%), cmlA1 (19%)] and [aminoglycosides; (aacC2 (8%), aphA1 (80%), aphA2 (80%), aadA (79%) and strA (38%)]. The Pearson chi square exact test revealed many strong significant associations among ampC, blaTEM, blaZ and tetA genes with some determinants screened. In the same vein, a grand total of 366 resistance gene fingerprints were spotted across the sampling locations and among the resistant pathotypes, the modal prevalent gene prints were found among the ETEC strains in 148 (40%), being the predominant pathotype observed, followed by UPEC strains 80 (22%) while the lowest was the least occurring EAEC pathotype 14 (4%). While some physicochemical parameters exceeded prescribed standards for drinking water, some fell within. The total coliforms obtained in all the sampling sites were above the acceptable limits. Findings reveal the presence of diarrhoeagenic and non-diarrhoeagenic E. coli in the selected rivers and suggest a potential public health risk as the rivers are important resources for domestic, recreational and livelihood usage by their host communities. The multiple drug resistance indexing signifies isolates and pathotypes of high antimicrobial usage origin. An increase in the antimicrobial resistance signatures towards conventionally used antibiotics as observed in this study necessitates for safe water supply, adequate sanitation facilities and proper surveillance programs towards the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in water-bodies. Generally, results from this study indicate that the river waters are not suitable for consumption, domestic or recreational use and re-echo the importance of safeguarding the freshwater resources of Southwestern Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A study of job stress, job satisfaction and turnover intentions among employees of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in Bisho
- Authors: Tom, Zoliswa Mavis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job stress Job satisfaction Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1948 , vital:27587
- Description: According to Greenberg (2011) stress is an inevitable fact of organizational life today, and has an effect on both the employer and employee. The main aim of this study was on finding out the effect of job stress on job satisfaction and employee turnover in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature department. This study was conducted employing logical positivism as the philosophical paradigm; and this logical positivism derives from only two sources of knowledge which are logical reasoning and empirical experience. The researcher employed a non-experimental exploratory quantitative approach, employing the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. A sample size of 238 participants was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multi regressions. Job stress was found to have substantial influence to increase turnover intentions and to decrease job satisfaction. In addition, job stress and job satisfaction combine to have a collective influence on turnover intentions. The study recommends managers to implement motivational strategies to enhance job satisfaction and retain employees as long as possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tom, Zoliswa Mavis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job stress Job satisfaction Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1948 , vital:27587
- Description: According to Greenberg (2011) stress is an inevitable fact of organizational life today, and has an effect on both the employer and employee. The main aim of this study was on finding out the effect of job stress on job satisfaction and employee turnover in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature department. This study was conducted employing logical positivism as the philosophical paradigm; and this logical positivism derives from only two sources of knowledge which are logical reasoning and empirical experience. The researcher employed a non-experimental exploratory quantitative approach, employing the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. A sample size of 238 participants was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multi regressions. Job stress was found to have substantial influence to increase turnover intentions and to decrease job satisfaction. In addition, job stress and job satisfaction combine to have a collective influence on turnover intentions. The study recommends managers to implement motivational strategies to enhance job satisfaction and retain employees as long as possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015