Influence of the jobs fund on the unemployment rate in South Africa
- Authors: Banzana, Lubabalo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47508 , vital:40119
- Description: Since the dawn of its democracy, South Africa has experienced multiple changes in its key economic policy. These changes were meant to address the poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the country. The post-1994 years have seen economic policies change from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in 1994 to the Growth, Employment and Redistribution framework (GEAR) in 1996. Then came the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) in 2006 and, most recently, the New Growth Path (NGP) and the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2010 and 2013, respectively (Chibba and Luiz, 2011). Despite numerous efforts made to change economic policy throughout the years, South Africa is still faced with the challenge of a high unemployment rate. To manage this issue, the South African government has introduced several interventions, such as the creation of a Jobs Fund in 2011, which meant that an initial investment amount of R9 billion was contributed by the government towards the attainment of its objectives. The research methodology used in this study was quantitative and, more specifically, based on the descriptive method of research.The primary objective of the research was to investigate the influence and effectiveness of the Jobs Fund through its job creation and skills development initiatives that were mechanisms to reduce the unemployment rate. The research aimed to assess the success of the Fund thus far in providing funding towards sustainable job creation and long-term employment. In addition, the study analysed the Fund’s influence in reducing in unemployment. In answering the primary objective of the research, it was not entirely possible to measure the influence of the Jobs Fund on the unemployment rate in South Africa, as other key factors need to be taken into consideration when making such an assessment. This is highlighted by the fact that, even though close to R7 billion has already gradually been committed to job creation activities by the government since 2011, the unemployment rate has continued to grow. Therefore, a study of the influence of the Jobs Fund on the unemployment rate would need take into consideration other key factors that influence unemployment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Banzana, Lubabalo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47508 , vital:40119
- Description: Since the dawn of its democracy, South Africa has experienced multiple changes in its key economic policy. These changes were meant to address the poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the country. The post-1994 years have seen economic policies change from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in 1994 to the Growth, Employment and Redistribution framework (GEAR) in 1996. Then came the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) in 2006 and, most recently, the New Growth Path (NGP) and the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2010 and 2013, respectively (Chibba and Luiz, 2011). Despite numerous efforts made to change economic policy throughout the years, South Africa is still faced with the challenge of a high unemployment rate. To manage this issue, the South African government has introduced several interventions, such as the creation of a Jobs Fund in 2011, which meant that an initial investment amount of R9 billion was contributed by the government towards the attainment of its objectives. The research methodology used in this study was quantitative and, more specifically, based on the descriptive method of research.The primary objective of the research was to investigate the influence and effectiveness of the Jobs Fund through its job creation and skills development initiatives that were mechanisms to reduce the unemployment rate. The research aimed to assess the success of the Fund thus far in providing funding towards sustainable job creation and long-term employment. In addition, the study analysed the Fund’s influence in reducing in unemployment. In answering the primary objective of the research, it was not entirely possible to measure the influence of the Jobs Fund on the unemployment rate in South Africa, as other key factors need to be taken into consideration when making such an assessment. This is highlighted by the fact that, even though close to R7 billion has already gradually been committed to job creation activities by the government since 2011, the unemployment rate has continued to grow. Therefore, a study of the influence of the Jobs Fund on the unemployment rate would need take into consideration other key factors that influence unemployment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Design, formulation and evalauation of liposomes co-loaded with human serum Albumin and Rifampicin
- Authors: Bapolisi, Alain Murhimalika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Liposomes , Serum albumin , Rifampin , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161780 , vital:40670
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The high morbidity and mortality rates of TB are partly due to factors such as the lengthy regimen (of 6–24 months), the development of drug resistance, and the pathogen location within the macrophages. These, with poor physiochemical properties of existing drugs hamper the effectiveness of the treatment despite the existence of potent antibiotics such as Rifampicin (Rif). Hydrophobicity plagues many drugs, including Rif, which are then particularly affected due to inherently poor intracellular availability. Novel drug delivery approaches are therefore needed in order to optimize the cytotoxic potential of said antitubercular drugs. To improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs, numerous delivery strategies have been developed. Amongst these, the coordination of cytotoxic drugs to therapeutic proteins have shown some success for improved efficacy in the management of illnesses including infectious diseases. Of therapeutic proteins, Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is an attractive drug carrier with interestingbenefits such as low immunogenicity, antioxidant properties and improving cellular uptake ofdrugs through HSA-specific binding sites which are expressed on most cells including macrophages, where M. tuberculosis often resides. Hence, combination of Rif to HSA (Rif-HSA)seems a promising approach for improved intracellular delivery of Rif. However, the in vivo stability of colloidal protein-based therapeutics is mostly challenging and an effective vehicle is needed to control the biological fate of such conjugates.Liposomes seem to be appropriate carriers for the Rif-HSA complex due to their reputable applicability for encapsulating diverse materials (i.e., hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds or small and complex molecules) and preventing chemical and biological degradation of the cargo. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to simultaneously encapsulate Rif and HSA in liposomes, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been done before. The dual liposomes (Rif-HSA-lip) were made by a modified “Reverse Phase Evaporation” method (REV), following a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach to determine which factors impact the formulation. In addition, liposomes were made from crude soybean lecithin (CSL), rather than expensive and highly purified lipids. The liposomes were fully characterised, and the encapsulation efficiency (î) was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results were correlated with factors such as organic and aqueous phase composition, as well as the in vitro release profile of Rif. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the formation of spherical dual liposomes nanoparticles of roughly 200 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements showed a negative charge (<–45 mV) and with satisfactory polydispersity (PDI<0.5). HSA dramatically improved the aqueous solubility of Rif (from1.9 mg/ml in water to around 4.3 mg/ml in HSA 10% solution) mainly due to Rif-HSA hydrophobic interactions. This resulted in a good î of almost 60% for Rif, despite the presence of bulky HSA in the lipid bilayer. These details were confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and DLS data suggested the presence of HSA poking out on the surface of liposomes, which is encouraging for potential targeted delivery in the future. The in vitro release studies also depicted a substantial improvement in the diffusion of Rif in dual liposomes versus free Rif, from 65% after 12 hours for free Rif to 95% after only 5 hours for Rif- HSA-lip. Finally, stability studies conducted over 30 days at room temperature, showed that the freeze-dried formulations of Rif-HSA-lip exhibited good shelf stability over liposomes with no HSA. This study represents an illustrative example of co-loading of antibiotics and proteins into liposomes, which could encourage further development of novel nanoparticulate tools for the effective management of both drug-susceptible and -resistant infectious diseases such as TB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bapolisi, Alain Murhimalika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Liposomes , Serum albumin , Rifampin , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161780 , vital:40670
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The high morbidity and mortality rates of TB are partly due to factors such as the lengthy regimen (of 6–24 months), the development of drug resistance, and the pathogen location within the macrophages. These, with poor physiochemical properties of existing drugs hamper the effectiveness of the treatment despite the existence of potent antibiotics such as Rifampicin (Rif). Hydrophobicity plagues many drugs, including Rif, which are then particularly affected due to inherently poor intracellular availability. Novel drug delivery approaches are therefore needed in order to optimize the cytotoxic potential of said antitubercular drugs. To improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs, numerous delivery strategies have been developed. Amongst these, the coordination of cytotoxic drugs to therapeutic proteins have shown some success for improved efficacy in the management of illnesses including infectious diseases. Of therapeutic proteins, Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is an attractive drug carrier with interestingbenefits such as low immunogenicity, antioxidant properties and improving cellular uptake ofdrugs through HSA-specific binding sites which are expressed on most cells including macrophages, where M. tuberculosis often resides. Hence, combination of Rif to HSA (Rif-HSA)seems a promising approach for improved intracellular delivery of Rif. However, the in vivo stability of colloidal protein-based therapeutics is mostly challenging and an effective vehicle is needed to control the biological fate of such conjugates.Liposomes seem to be appropriate carriers for the Rif-HSA complex due to their reputable applicability for encapsulating diverse materials (i.e., hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds or small and complex molecules) and preventing chemical and biological degradation of the cargo. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to simultaneously encapsulate Rif and HSA in liposomes, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been done before. The dual liposomes (Rif-HSA-lip) were made by a modified “Reverse Phase Evaporation” method (REV), following a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach to determine which factors impact the formulation. In addition, liposomes were made from crude soybean lecithin (CSL), rather than expensive and highly purified lipids. The liposomes were fully characterised, and the encapsulation efficiency (î) was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results were correlated with factors such as organic and aqueous phase composition, as well as the in vitro release profile of Rif. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the formation of spherical dual liposomes nanoparticles of roughly 200 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements showed a negative charge (<–45 mV) and with satisfactory polydispersity (PDI<0.5). HSA dramatically improved the aqueous solubility of Rif (from1.9 mg/ml in water to around 4.3 mg/ml in HSA 10% solution) mainly due to Rif-HSA hydrophobic interactions. This resulted in a good î of almost 60% for Rif, despite the presence of bulky HSA in the lipid bilayer. These details were confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and DLS data suggested the presence of HSA poking out on the surface of liposomes, which is encouraging for potential targeted delivery in the future. The in vitro release studies also depicted a substantial improvement in the diffusion of Rif in dual liposomes versus free Rif, from 65% after 12 hours for free Rif to 95% after only 5 hours for Rif- HSA-lip. Finally, stability studies conducted over 30 days at room temperature, showed that the freeze-dried formulations of Rif-HSA-lip exhibited good shelf stability over liposomes with no HSA. This study represents an illustrative example of co-loading of antibiotics and proteins into liposomes, which could encourage further development of novel nanoparticulate tools for the effective management of both drug-susceptible and -resistant infectious diseases such as TB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Design, formulation and evaluation of liposomes co-loaded with human serum albumin and rifampicin
- Authors: Bapolisi, Alain Murhimalika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Liposomes , Rifampin , Antitubercular agents , Serum albumin , Albumins , Tuberculosis -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163179 , vital:41016
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The high morbidity and mortality rates of TB are partly due to factors such as the lengthy regimen (of 6–24 months), the development of drug resistance, and the pathogen location within the macrophages. These, with poor physiochemical properties of existing drugs hamper the effectiveness of the treatment despite the existence of potent antibiotics such as Rifampicin (Rif). Hydrophobicity plagues many drugs, including Rif, which are then particularly affected due to inherently poor intracellular availability. Novel drug delivery approaches are therefore needed in order to optimize the cytotoxic potential of said antitubercular drugs. To improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs, numerous delivery strategies have been developed. Amongst these, the coordination of cytotoxic drugs to therapeutic proteins have shown some success for improved efficacy in the management of illnesses including infectious diseases. Of therapeutic proteins, Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is an attractive drug carrier with interesting benefits such as low immunogenicity, antioxidant properties and improving cellular uptake of drugs through HSA-specific binding sites which are expressed on most cells including macrophages, where M. tuberculosis often resides. Hence, combination of Rif to HSA (Rif-HSA) seems a promising approach for improved intracellular delivery of Rif. However, the in vivo stability of colloidal protein-based therapeutics is mostly challenging and an effective vehicle is needed to control the biological fate of such conjugates. Liposomes seem to be appropriate carriers for the Rif-HSA complex due to their reputable applicability for encapsulating diverse materials (i.e., hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds or small and complex molecules) and preventing chemical and biological degradation of the cargo. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to simultaneously encapsulate Rif and HSA in liposomes, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been done before. The dual liposomes (Rif-HSA-lip) were made by a modified “Reverse Phase Evaporation” method (REV), following a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach to determine which factors impact the formulation. In addition, liposomes were made from crude soybean lecithin (CSL), rather than expensive and highly purified lipids. iv The liposomes were fully characterised, and the encapsulation efficiency (î) was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results were correlated with factors such as organic and aqueous phase composition, as well as the in vitro release profile of Rif. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the formation of spherical dual liposomes nanoparticles of roughly 200 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements showed a negative charge (<–45 mV) and with satisfactory polydispersity (PDI<0.5). HSA dramatically improved the aqueous solubility of Rif (from1.9 mg/ml in water to around 4.3 mg/ml in HSA 10% solution) mainly due to Rif-HSA hydrophobic interactions. This resulted in a good î of almost 60% for Rif, despite the presence of bulky HSA in the lipid bilayer. These details were confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and DLS data suggested the presence of HSA poking out on the surface of liposomes, which is encouraging for potential targeted delivery in the future. The in vitro release studies also depicted a substantial improvement in the diffusion of Rif in dual liposomes versus free Rif, from 65% after 12 hours for free Rif to 95% after only 5 hours for Rif- HSA-lip. Finally, stability studies conducted over 30 days at room temperature, showed that the freeze-dried formulations of Rif-HSA-lip exhibited good shelf stability over liposomes with no HSA. This study represents an illustrative example of co-loading of antibiotics and proteins into liposomes, which could encourage further development of novel nanoparticulate tools for the effective management of both drug-susceptible and -resistant infectious diseases such as TB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bapolisi, Alain Murhimalika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Liposomes , Rifampin , Antitubercular agents , Serum albumin , Albumins , Tuberculosis -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163179 , vital:41016
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The high morbidity and mortality rates of TB are partly due to factors such as the lengthy regimen (of 6–24 months), the development of drug resistance, and the pathogen location within the macrophages. These, with poor physiochemical properties of existing drugs hamper the effectiveness of the treatment despite the existence of potent antibiotics such as Rifampicin (Rif). Hydrophobicity plagues many drugs, including Rif, which are then particularly affected due to inherently poor intracellular availability. Novel drug delivery approaches are therefore needed in order to optimize the cytotoxic potential of said antitubercular drugs. To improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs, numerous delivery strategies have been developed. Amongst these, the coordination of cytotoxic drugs to therapeutic proteins have shown some success for improved efficacy in the management of illnesses including infectious diseases. Of therapeutic proteins, Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is an attractive drug carrier with interesting benefits such as low immunogenicity, antioxidant properties and improving cellular uptake of drugs through HSA-specific binding sites which are expressed on most cells including macrophages, where M. tuberculosis often resides. Hence, combination of Rif to HSA (Rif-HSA) seems a promising approach for improved intracellular delivery of Rif. However, the in vivo stability of colloidal protein-based therapeutics is mostly challenging and an effective vehicle is needed to control the biological fate of such conjugates. Liposomes seem to be appropriate carriers for the Rif-HSA complex due to their reputable applicability for encapsulating diverse materials (i.e., hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds or small and complex molecules) and preventing chemical and biological degradation of the cargo. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to simultaneously encapsulate Rif and HSA in liposomes, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been done before. The dual liposomes (Rif-HSA-lip) were made by a modified “Reverse Phase Evaporation” method (REV), following a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach to determine which factors impact the formulation. In addition, liposomes were made from crude soybean lecithin (CSL), rather than expensive and highly purified lipids. iv The liposomes were fully characterised, and the encapsulation efficiency (î) was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results were correlated with factors such as organic and aqueous phase composition, as well as the in vitro release profile of Rif. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the formation of spherical dual liposomes nanoparticles of roughly 200 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements showed a negative charge (<–45 mV) and with satisfactory polydispersity (PDI<0.5). HSA dramatically improved the aqueous solubility of Rif (from1.9 mg/ml in water to around 4.3 mg/ml in HSA 10% solution) mainly due to Rif-HSA hydrophobic interactions. This resulted in a good î of almost 60% for Rif, despite the presence of bulky HSA in the lipid bilayer. These details were confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and DLS data suggested the presence of HSA poking out on the surface of liposomes, which is encouraging for potential targeted delivery in the future. The in vitro release studies also depicted a substantial improvement in the diffusion of Rif in dual liposomes versus free Rif, from 65% after 12 hours for free Rif to 95% after only 5 hours for Rif- HSA-lip. Finally, stability studies conducted over 30 days at room temperature, showed that the freeze-dried formulations of Rif-HSA-lip exhibited good shelf stability over liposomes with no HSA. This study represents an illustrative example of co-loading of antibiotics and proteins into liposomes, which could encourage further development of novel nanoparticulate tools for the effective management of both drug-susceptible and -resistant infectious diseases such as TB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Change of perspectives and behaviour regarding lifestyle, with emphasis on dietary habits, in a rural community
- Authors: Barnard, Mariska
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food habits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46384 , vital:39565
- Description: Background: The steady increase in deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa is raising concern, as 63% of all deaths worldwide are attributed to NCDs and these diseases cause 36 million deaths each year, with 80 % of incidences occurring in low-and middle-income countries. In rural communities where income is increasing, the prevalence of NCDs are increasing as well. Due to the lack of NCD prevention and treatment in rural communities, it is expected that, if health promotion strategies are not implemented and socio-economic development in South Africa continues, there will soon be an uncontrollable NCD epidemic. It has been found that dietary risks affected people’s healthirrespective of their age, gender or residential sociodemographic development and that dietary improvement might prevent one in every five deaths worldwide.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the perceptions and behaviour in a rural community with a low socio-economic status regarding dietary habits and to use the knowledge to formulate an effective dietary modification strategy.Designand methodology:For this study,action research with a quantitative and qualitative component was followed.The quantitative component focuses on measureable aspects, and the qualitative component focuses on meaning. Data was collected following the standard operating procedure for anthropometry, blood pressure and blood glucose. Further methods used were questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recalls and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, FoodFinder3 and other calculations.Sample and setting:A convenience sample (n = 16) wasused and this study was undertaken on request of the non-governmental organization, Karoo Angels and included all participants who earn an income and who do not work for themselves, that were willing to participate and living in Rietbron and Vondeling, in the Sarah BaartmanDistrict in the Eastern Cape. Results:Weight changes took place, both the crafters in the mild thinness category gained weight, one gained 3.9 kg and the other 0.5 kg. The three crafters in the normal category did not have to gain or lose weight, but all three ofthem gained an average of 3.6 kg. For the group who had to lose weight, no statistically significant weight change took place from before the intervention (76.08 ±17.67 kg) to after the intervention (75.81 ± 17.81 kg, t(10) = 0.692, p = 0.505). The maximum weight lost ivwas 3.1 kg and the maximum weight gained was 3.2 kg. Changes took place regarding BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and neck circumference. Some positively changed their BMI status.After the implementation of the intervention, there was a slight decrease in frequency of alcohol consumption, but smoking and physical activity remained mostly the same. Hypertension was the most prevalent NCD and is linked to smoking and alcohol consumption which is prevalent in this study. Fruit and vegetable consumption is low, and a slight increase in consumption was evident. A maximum dietary diversityscore of seven and minimum of two, where the mean was 3.81was found. The crafters’ diet did not meet the DASH diet recommendation,the mean energy distribution is of all macronutrients differ with ±4% and none of the participants’ mean micronutrients intake met the recommendations of the DASH diet or RDA. Factors that prevent them from reaching their goals included low income, low availability of fruit, vegetables and transport and no storage for food.Conclusion:It is important to consider the individuals’ living conditions, resources, knowledge, motivation and social group. The environment and resources available have a significant impact on the lifestyle of the individuals. Directing efforts of behaviour change to increase dietary diversity as the main objective, might be a more efficient way to change behaviour.Recommendations:Future studies should consider doing this study over a longer time period. The involvement of a psychologist would also be beneficial to assist the process of behaviour change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Barnard, Mariska
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food habits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46384 , vital:39565
- Description: Background: The steady increase in deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa is raising concern, as 63% of all deaths worldwide are attributed to NCDs and these diseases cause 36 million deaths each year, with 80 % of incidences occurring in low-and middle-income countries. In rural communities where income is increasing, the prevalence of NCDs are increasing as well. Due to the lack of NCD prevention and treatment in rural communities, it is expected that, if health promotion strategies are not implemented and socio-economic development in South Africa continues, there will soon be an uncontrollable NCD epidemic. It has been found that dietary risks affected people’s healthirrespective of their age, gender or residential sociodemographic development and that dietary improvement might prevent one in every five deaths worldwide.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the perceptions and behaviour in a rural community with a low socio-economic status regarding dietary habits and to use the knowledge to formulate an effective dietary modification strategy.Designand methodology:For this study,action research with a quantitative and qualitative component was followed.The quantitative component focuses on measureable aspects, and the qualitative component focuses on meaning. Data was collected following the standard operating procedure for anthropometry, blood pressure and blood glucose. Further methods used were questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recalls and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, FoodFinder3 and other calculations.Sample and setting:A convenience sample (n = 16) wasused and this study was undertaken on request of the non-governmental organization, Karoo Angels and included all participants who earn an income and who do not work for themselves, that were willing to participate and living in Rietbron and Vondeling, in the Sarah BaartmanDistrict in the Eastern Cape. Results:Weight changes took place, both the crafters in the mild thinness category gained weight, one gained 3.9 kg and the other 0.5 kg. The three crafters in the normal category did not have to gain or lose weight, but all three ofthem gained an average of 3.6 kg. For the group who had to lose weight, no statistically significant weight change took place from before the intervention (76.08 ±17.67 kg) to after the intervention (75.81 ± 17.81 kg, t(10) = 0.692, p = 0.505). The maximum weight lost ivwas 3.1 kg and the maximum weight gained was 3.2 kg. Changes took place regarding BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and neck circumference. Some positively changed their BMI status.After the implementation of the intervention, there was a slight decrease in frequency of alcohol consumption, but smoking and physical activity remained mostly the same. Hypertension was the most prevalent NCD and is linked to smoking and alcohol consumption which is prevalent in this study. Fruit and vegetable consumption is low, and a slight increase in consumption was evident. A maximum dietary diversityscore of seven and minimum of two, where the mean was 3.81was found. The crafters’ diet did not meet the DASH diet recommendation,the mean energy distribution is of all macronutrients differ with ±4% and none of the participants’ mean micronutrients intake met the recommendations of the DASH diet or RDA. Factors that prevent them from reaching their goals included low income, low availability of fruit, vegetables and transport and no storage for food.Conclusion:It is important to consider the individuals’ living conditions, resources, knowledge, motivation and social group. The environment and resources available have a significant impact on the lifestyle of the individuals. Directing efforts of behaviour change to increase dietary diversity as the main objective, might be a more efficient way to change behaviour.Recommendations:Future studies should consider doing this study over a longer time period. The involvement of a psychologist would also be beneficial to assist the process of behaviour change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Understanding of the underlying resistance mechanism of the Kat-G protein against isoniazid in Mycobacterium tuberculosis using bioinformatics approaches
- Authors: Barozi, Victor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Isoniazid , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Proteins -- Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146592 , vital:38540
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-organ infection caused by rod-shaped acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks TB among the top 10 fatal infections and the leading the cause of death from a single infection. In 2017, TB was responsible for an estimated 1.3 million deaths among both the HIV negative and positive populations worldwide (WHO, 2018). Approximately 23% (roughly 1.7 billion) of the world’s population is estimated to have latent TB with a high risk of reverting to active TB infection. In 2017, an estimated 558,000 people developed drug resistant TB worldwide with 82% of the cases being multi-drug resistant TB (WHO, 2018). South Africa is ranked among the 30 high TB burdened countries with a TB incidence of 322,000 cases in 2017 accounting for 3% of the world’s TB cases. TB is curable and is clinically managed through a combination of intensive and continuation phases of first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide). Second-line drugs which include fluoroquinolones, injectable aminoglycoside and injectable polypeptides are used in cases of first line drug resistance. The third-line drugs include amoxicillin, clofazimine, linezolid and imipenem. These have variable but unproven efficacy to TB and are the last resort in cases of total drug resistance (Jilani et al., 2019). TB drug resistance to first-line drugs especially isoniazid in M. tuberculosis has been attributed to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the catalase peroxidase enzyme (katG), a protein important in the activation of the pro-drug isoniazid. The SNPs especially at position 315 of the katG enzyme are believed to reduce the sensitivity of the M. tuberculosis to isoniazid while still maintaining the enzyme’s catalytic activity - a mechanism not completely understood. KatG protein is important for protecting the bacteria from hydro peroxides and hydroxyl radicals present in an aerobic environment. This study focused on understanding the mechanism of isoniazid drug resistance in M. tuberculosis as a result of high confidence mutations in the katG through modelling the enzyme with its respective variants, performing MD simulations to explore the protein behaviour, calculating the dynamic residue network analysis (DRN) of the variants in respect to the wild type katG and finally performing alanine scanning. From the MD simulations, it was observed that the high confidence mutations i.e. S140R, S140N, G279D, G285D, S315T, S315I, S315R, S315N, G316D, S457I and G593D were not only reducing the backbone flexibility of the protein but also reducing the protein’s conformational variation and space. All the variant protein structures were observed to be more compact compared to the wild type. Residue fluctuation results indicated reduced residue flexibility across all variants in the loop region (position 26-110) responsible for katG dimerization. In addition, mutation S315T is believed to reduce the size of the active site access channel in the protein. From the DRN data, residues in the interface region between the N and C-terminal domains were observed to gain importance in the variants irrespective of the mutation location indicating an allosteric effect of the mutations on the interface region. Alanine scanning results established that residue Leucine at position 48 was not only important in the protein communication but also a destabilizing residue across all the variants. The study not only demonstrated change in the protein behaviour but also showed allosteric effect of the mutations in the katG protein.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Barozi, Victor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Isoniazid , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Proteins -- Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146592 , vital:38540
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-organ infection caused by rod-shaped acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks TB among the top 10 fatal infections and the leading the cause of death from a single infection. In 2017, TB was responsible for an estimated 1.3 million deaths among both the HIV negative and positive populations worldwide (WHO, 2018). Approximately 23% (roughly 1.7 billion) of the world’s population is estimated to have latent TB with a high risk of reverting to active TB infection. In 2017, an estimated 558,000 people developed drug resistant TB worldwide with 82% of the cases being multi-drug resistant TB (WHO, 2018). South Africa is ranked among the 30 high TB burdened countries with a TB incidence of 322,000 cases in 2017 accounting for 3% of the world’s TB cases. TB is curable and is clinically managed through a combination of intensive and continuation phases of first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide). Second-line drugs which include fluoroquinolones, injectable aminoglycoside and injectable polypeptides are used in cases of first line drug resistance. The third-line drugs include amoxicillin, clofazimine, linezolid and imipenem. These have variable but unproven efficacy to TB and are the last resort in cases of total drug resistance (Jilani et al., 2019). TB drug resistance to first-line drugs especially isoniazid in M. tuberculosis has been attributed to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the catalase peroxidase enzyme (katG), a protein important in the activation of the pro-drug isoniazid. The SNPs especially at position 315 of the katG enzyme are believed to reduce the sensitivity of the M. tuberculosis to isoniazid while still maintaining the enzyme’s catalytic activity - a mechanism not completely understood. KatG protein is important for protecting the bacteria from hydro peroxides and hydroxyl radicals present in an aerobic environment. This study focused on understanding the mechanism of isoniazid drug resistance in M. tuberculosis as a result of high confidence mutations in the katG through modelling the enzyme with its respective variants, performing MD simulations to explore the protein behaviour, calculating the dynamic residue network analysis (DRN) of the variants in respect to the wild type katG and finally performing alanine scanning. From the MD simulations, it was observed that the high confidence mutations i.e. S140R, S140N, G279D, G285D, S315T, S315I, S315R, S315N, G316D, S457I and G593D were not only reducing the backbone flexibility of the protein but also reducing the protein’s conformational variation and space. All the variant protein structures were observed to be more compact compared to the wild type. Residue fluctuation results indicated reduced residue flexibility across all variants in the loop region (position 26-110) responsible for katG dimerization. In addition, mutation S315T is believed to reduce the size of the active site access channel in the protein. From the DRN data, residues in the interface region between the N and C-terminal domains were observed to gain importance in the variants irrespective of the mutation location indicating an allosteric effect of the mutations on the interface region. Alanine scanning results established that residue Leucine at position 48 was not only important in the protein communication but also a destabilizing residue across all the variants. The study not only demonstrated change in the protein behaviour but also showed allosteric effect of the mutations in the katG protein.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A critical analysis of the de-peasantisation process in Nepal with specific reference to the role of state land policies since the 1950s
- Authors: Basnet, Jagat
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land tenure -- Nepal , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- Nepal , Nepal -- Politics and government , Peasants -- Nepal -- Economic conditions , Panchayat -- Nepal
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138716 , vital:37667
- Description: The principal objective of this thesis is to offer a critical analysis of the process of de-peasantisation in Nepal since 1950, with a particular focus on the capitalist neo-liberal restructuring of the economy beginning in the early 1990s. The analysis begins by tracing the legacy of feudal land practices and landholdings from the pre-1950 Rana and Shah dynasties. It was under these feudal dynasties that economic and political institutions of extraction first emerged, leading to a landlord-peasant agrarian economy in which peasants (often as tenants/sharecroppers and smallholders) were subordinate to the power nexus between feudal landlords and the ruling dynasties. After 1950, a window of democratic opening was soon interrupted by the formation of the party-less Panchayat system, which lasted from 1960 to 1990. In 1964, a major land reform measure was enacted under the Lands Act, with the goal of enhancing the security and livelihood of the peasantry. However, this process was met with significant resistance by feudal landlords, and actually led to deepening insecurity and the loss of land by peasants, with farmers belonging to lower castes and indigenous groups experiencing this with a greater degree of intensity. The overall result of this period was the beginnings of what is referred to in this study as de-peasantisation. This line of analysis shows that the institutions of extraction remained firmly in place even after the reforms of this period. Finally, the neo-liberal period, which was marked by land titling, the marketisation of land, and the commercialisation of agriculture, represents the late entry of capitalism into Nepal. This period saw the deepening and widening of the process of de-peasantisation, including further loss of peasants’ access to land and a general turn to wage-labour. In this regard, despite propagating the slogan ‘land to the tillers’, the major political parties in Nepal (including the Maoist party) have failed to defend the interests of the peasantry. Some progressive civil society groups have recently sought to do better, but there is also evidence of peasant organisations themselves seeking to resist and oppose the de-peasantisation effects of neo-liberal restructuring. This thesis thus considers the form and extent of de-peasantisation in Nepal, and some responses to it, over an extended period. A broad Marxist-based political economy perspective has been adopted in pursuing the principal thesis objective, but one which argues that there is a symbiotic relationship between economic and political power, such that the latter is not reducible to the former. The thesis draws upon original fieldwork in twenty districts of Nepal, including through the use of a survey, interviews, observations, case studies, and focus group discussions, thus combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Based on this fieldwork, it becomes clear that (i) there are major social, economic, and political forces behind the processes of de-peasantisation in the studied districts (and in Nepal more broadly), and that (ii) the Nepali peasantry is becoming increasingly landless, or land-short, and subject to processes of proletarianisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Basnet, Jagat
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land tenure -- Nepal , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- Nepal , Nepal -- Politics and government , Peasants -- Nepal -- Economic conditions , Panchayat -- Nepal
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138716 , vital:37667
- Description: The principal objective of this thesis is to offer a critical analysis of the process of de-peasantisation in Nepal since 1950, with a particular focus on the capitalist neo-liberal restructuring of the economy beginning in the early 1990s. The analysis begins by tracing the legacy of feudal land practices and landholdings from the pre-1950 Rana and Shah dynasties. It was under these feudal dynasties that economic and political institutions of extraction first emerged, leading to a landlord-peasant agrarian economy in which peasants (often as tenants/sharecroppers and smallholders) were subordinate to the power nexus between feudal landlords and the ruling dynasties. After 1950, a window of democratic opening was soon interrupted by the formation of the party-less Panchayat system, which lasted from 1960 to 1990. In 1964, a major land reform measure was enacted under the Lands Act, with the goal of enhancing the security and livelihood of the peasantry. However, this process was met with significant resistance by feudal landlords, and actually led to deepening insecurity and the loss of land by peasants, with farmers belonging to lower castes and indigenous groups experiencing this with a greater degree of intensity. The overall result of this period was the beginnings of what is referred to in this study as de-peasantisation. This line of analysis shows that the institutions of extraction remained firmly in place even after the reforms of this period. Finally, the neo-liberal period, which was marked by land titling, the marketisation of land, and the commercialisation of agriculture, represents the late entry of capitalism into Nepal. This period saw the deepening and widening of the process of de-peasantisation, including further loss of peasants’ access to land and a general turn to wage-labour. In this regard, despite propagating the slogan ‘land to the tillers’, the major political parties in Nepal (including the Maoist party) have failed to defend the interests of the peasantry. Some progressive civil society groups have recently sought to do better, but there is also evidence of peasant organisations themselves seeking to resist and oppose the de-peasantisation effects of neo-liberal restructuring. This thesis thus considers the form and extent of de-peasantisation in Nepal, and some responses to it, over an extended period. A broad Marxist-based political economy perspective has been adopted in pursuing the principal thesis objective, but one which argues that there is a symbiotic relationship between economic and political power, such that the latter is not reducible to the former. The thesis draws upon original fieldwork in twenty districts of Nepal, including through the use of a survey, interviews, observations, case studies, and focus group discussions, thus combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Based on this fieldwork, it becomes clear that (i) there are major social, economic, and political forces behind the processes of de-peasantisation in the studied districts (and in Nepal more broadly), and that (ii) the Nepali peasantry is becoming increasingly landless, or land-short, and subject to processes of proletarianisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of invasive aquatic weeds in South Africa
- Authors: Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Plants -- Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on , Atmospheric carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140772 , vital:37917
- Description: There has been a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, from pre-industrial values of 280 ppm to more than 400 ppm currently, and this is expected to more than double by the end of the 21st century. Studies have shown that plants grown above 600 ppm tend to have an increased growth rate and invest more in carbon-based defences. This has important implications for the management of invasive alien plants, especially for the field of biological control which is mostly dependent on herbivorous insects. This is because insects reared on such plants have been shown to have reduced overall fitness. Nevertheless, most of the studies on potential changes in plant-insect interactions under elevated CO2 are based on agricultural systems, with only a limited number of these types of studies conducted on alien invasive weeds. However, climate change and invasive species are two of the most prevalent features of global environmental change. Therefore, this also warrants active research and experimental studies to better understand how these systems will be affected by future climates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of four invasive aquatic weeds (Azolla filiculoides, Salvinia molesta, Pistia stratiotes, and Myriophyllum aquaticum). These species are a threat to natural resources in South Africa but are currently under successful control by their biological control agents (Stenopelmus rufinasus, Cyrtobagous salviniae, Neohydronomus affinis, and Lysathia n. sp.). To achieve this, the selected plant species were grown in a three-factor experimental design in winter (CO2 X nutrients X herbivory), and another two-factorial design in summer (CO2 X herbivory). Atmospheric CO2 concentrations were set at ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (800 ppm), as per the predictions of the IPCC. As per my hypothesis, the results suggest that these species will become more challenging in future due to increased biomass production, asexual reproduction and a higher C: N ratio which is evident under high CO2 concentrations. Although the biological control agents were in some instances able to reduce this CO2 fertilisation effect, their efficacy was significantly reduced compared with the levels of control observed at ambient CO2. These results suggest that additional biological control agents and other management methods may be needed for continued control of these invasive macrophytes, both in South Africa and further afield where they are problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Plants -- Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on , Atmospheric carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140772 , vital:37917
- Description: There has been a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, from pre-industrial values of 280 ppm to more than 400 ppm currently, and this is expected to more than double by the end of the 21st century. Studies have shown that plants grown above 600 ppm tend to have an increased growth rate and invest more in carbon-based defences. This has important implications for the management of invasive alien plants, especially for the field of biological control which is mostly dependent on herbivorous insects. This is because insects reared on such plants have been shown to have reduced overall fitness. Nevertheless, most of the studies on potential changes in plant-insect interactions under elevated CO2 are based on agricultural systems, with only a limited number of these types of studies conducted on alien invasive weeds. However, climate change and invasive species are two of the most prevalent features of global environmental change. Therefore, this also warrants active research and experimental studies to better understand how these systems will be affected by future climates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of four invasive aquatic weeds (Azolla filiculoides, Salvinia molesta, Pistia stratiotes, and Myriophyllum aquaticum). These species are a threat to natural resources in South Africa but are currently under successful control by their biological control agents (Stenopelmus rufinasus, Cyrtobagous salviniae, Neohydronomus affinis, and Lysathia n. sp.). To achieve this, the selected plant species were grown in a three-factor experimental design in winter (CO2 X nutrients X herbivory), and another two-factorial design in summer (CO2 X herbivory). Atmospheric CO2 concentrations were set at ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (800 ppm), as per the predictions of the IPCC. As per my hypothesis, the results suggest that these species will become more challenging in future due to increased biomass production, asexual reproduction and a higher C: N ratio which is evident under high CO2 concentrations. Although the biological control agents were in some instances able to reduce this CO2 fertilisation effect, their efficacy was significantly reduced compared with the levels of control observed at ambient CO2. These results suggest that additional biological control agents and other management methods may be needed for continued control of these invasive macrophytes, both in South Africa and further afield where they are problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Identification of SANCDB compounds against G2019S and I2020T variants of leucine-rich repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) for the development of drugs against Parkinson’s Disease
- Authors: Baye, Bertha Cinthia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Antiparkinsonian agents , Parkinson's disease -- Treatment , Protein kinases , Parkinson's disease -- Chemotherapy , Molecules -- Models
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138764 , vital:37671
- Description: Parkinson’s disease is a type of movement disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain stop producing dopamine. It is the second neurodegenerative disease affecting 1-2% of people above the ages of 65 years old. There is a worldwide prevalence of 7 to 10 million affected people of all cultures and race. Studies have shown that mutation that causes Parkinson’s disease result in increased kinase activity. The c.6055 G > A in exon 41 is the most prevalent LRRK2 variation which causes a substitution of glycine to serine in G2019S in the highly activated loop of its MAP kinase domain. The LRRK2 G2019S variant is the most common genetic determinant of Parkinson’s disease identified to date. This work focused on building accurate 3D models of the LRRK2 kinase domain, that were used for large-scale in silico docking against South African natural compounds from the South African Natural Compounds Database (SANCDB; https://sancdb.rubi.ru.ac.za/). Molecular docking was performed to identify compounds that formed interactions with the active site of the protein and had the lowest binding energy scores. Molecular dynamics simulations showed different movements of the protein-ligand complexes and behavioural difference of the wildtype and the variants, all three structures proved to be compact. Network analysis was done to study residue interactions, contact maps, dynamic cross correlations, average BC and average L were used to study the residue interactions and general residue contribution to the functioning of the protein..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Baye, Bertha Cinthia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Antiparkinsonian agents , Parkinson's disease -- Treatment , Protein kinases , Parkinson's disease -- Chemotherapy , Molecules -- Models
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138764 , vital:37671
- Description: Parkinson’s disease is a type of movement disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain stop producing dopamine. It is the second neurodegenerative disease affecting 1-2% of people above the ages of 65 years old. There is a worldwide prevalence of 7 to 10 million affected people of all cultures and race. Studies have shown that mutation that causes Parkinson’s disease result in increased kinase activity. The c.6055 G > A in exon 41 is the most prevalent LRRK2 variation which causes a substitution of glycine to serine in G2019S in the highly activated loop of its MAP kinase domain. The LRRK2 G2019S variant is the most common genetic determinant of Parkinson’s disease identified to date. This work focused on building accurate 3D models of the LRRK2 kinase domain, that were used for large-scale in silico docking against South African natural compounds from the South African Natural Compounds Database (SANCDB; https://sancdb.rubi.ru.ac.za/). Molecular docking was performed to identify compounds that formed interactions with the active site of the protein and had the lowest binding energy scores. Molecular dynamics simulations showed different movements of the protein-ligand complexes and behavioural difference of the wildtype and the variants, all three structures proved to be compact. Network analysis was done to study residue interactions, contact maps, dynamic cross correlations, average BC and average L were used to study the residue interactions and general residue contribution to the functioning of the protein..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for enhancing compliance with Employee Performance Management and Development Systems(EPMDS) among public sector doctors in BCMM health facilities
- Bayeni, Luvuyo Lonwabo Precious
- Authors: Bayeni, Luvuyo Lonwabo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47520 , vital:40116
- Description: This research explored an employee performance management and development system in the context of the public health centres in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study reviewed the literature on EPMDS in the public health sector of South Africa, noting the shortfalls, challenges, and ways in which it could be improved. The major findings from the study include the need to review the entire policy, revise the pay-scales, and co-create a new EPMDS policy creating space for the representation of the views of the employees. Without completing the development and performance evaluation, grade progression cannot be implemented despite years of service; hence the problem doctors face with their salary levels. The current EPMDS was found to be ineffective due to the wide discrepancy that exists between doctors and other health professionals in public health institutions. Among the commitment motivators highlighted by the respondents, was the need to develop an organisational culture that permits employees to recognise that they are appreciated. Future research must consider using mixed research methods, in the context of other South African Provinces and include a larger sample of research participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bayeni, Luvuyo Lonwabo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47520 , vital:40116
- Description: This research explored an employee performance management and development system in the context of the public health centres in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study reviewed the literature on EPMDS in the public health sector of South Africa, noting the shortfalls, challenges, and ways in which it could be improved. The major findings from the study include the need to review the entire policy, revise the pay-scales, and co-create a new EPMDS policy creating space for the representation of the views of the employees. Without completing the development and performance evaluation, grade progression cannot be implemented despite years of service; hence the problem doctors face with their salary levels. The current EPMDS was found to be ineffective due to the wide discrepancy that exists between doctors and other health professionals in public health institutions. Among the commitment motivators highlighted by the respondents, was the need to develop an organisational culture that permits employees to recognise that they are appreciated. Future research must consider using mixed research methods, in the context of other South African Provinces and include a larger sample of research participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A trade union’s right to strike to acquire organisational rights
- Authors: Bebula, Vitamin Luxolo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa South Africa -- Labour Relations Act -- 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48949 , vital:41565
- Description: Chapter II of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) entrenches the right to freedom of association. Section 1(c) of the LRA outlines the purpose of this Act as to provide a collective bargaining framework to determine wages, terms and conditions of employment, and matters of mutual interest by the employees and their unions and employers and employer’s organisation. Under this chapter, section (1)3 of the LRA confers the right to an employee to join a trade union, form or participate in forming a trade union or federation of trade unions. The member of a trade union has a right to participate in the lawful activities of his or her union. Regarding freedom of association, the new government took a commitment to uphold international labour standards and promised to submit to International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining to parliament for ratification. In 1992 some provision of the previous Labour Relations Act was declared by ILO’s FFCC as incompatible with the freedom of association. The convention affords the workers and employers the right to establish and join organisations and federations of their own choice. The ILO also protects the right to collective bargaining. The convention also confers the right to provision of facilities to worker’s representatives for prompt and effective conduction of their activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bebula, Vitamin Luxolo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa South Africa -- Labour Relations Act -- 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48949 , vital:41565
- Description: Chapter II of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) entrenches the right to freedom of association. Section 1(c) of the LRA outlines the purpose of this Act as to provide a collective bargaining framework to determine wages, terms and conditions of employment, and matters of mutual interest by the employees and their unions and employers and employer’s organisation. Under this chapter, section (1)3 of the LRA confers the right to an employee to join a trade union, form or participate in forming a trade union or federation of trade unions. The member of a trade union has a right to participate in the lawful activities of his or her union. Regarding freedom of association, the new government took a commitment to uphold international labour standards and promised to submit to International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining to parliament for ratification. In 1992 some provision of the previous Labour Relations Act was declared by ILO’s FFCC as incompatible with the freedom of association. The convention affords the workers and employers the right to establish and join organisations and federations of their own choice. The ILO also protects the right to collective bargaining. The convention also confers the right to provision of facilities to worker’s representatives for prompt and effective conduction of their activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Synthesis and characterization of MXS (M = Mo & V) and carbon supported MXS nanocomposites as Pt-free counter electrodes for electrode for DSSC application
- Authors: Bede, Asanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Voltammetry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18599 , vital:42612
- Description: It has been reported that the morphology, crystalline phase composition and electrochemical properties of counter electrode materials such MxS (Mo, V) and carbon supported MxS (Mo, V) composite nanomaterials was of considerable importance because it governs the efficiency of many photon assisted chemical and physical reactions in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The efficiency of DSSCs with composite counter electrode materials is reliant on the stability of the photochemistry reactions which can be optimized by appropriate doping levels of the composite materials. Moreover, the microstructure such as surface area, distribution of the MxS (Mo, V) and carbon supported MxS (Mo, V) composite nanomaterials, and the stability of the electrostatic bonds between the MxS (Mo, V) with the carbon support also play a significant role in the performance of the DSSCs. This work evaluates the effect of different mole ratios of the MxS (Mo, V) and carbon supported MxS (Mo, V) composite nanomaterials on the morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of the composite materials. MoS2 nanoflakes nanostructures have been synthesized by hydrothermal technique using sodium orthovanadate (Na2MoO4) as precursor. In this work Carbon supported MoS2 NFs have been prepared by physically/chemically mixing different mole ratios of MoS2 NFs with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyvinylidene in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of the composite counter electrode materials have been investigated using SEM, XRD FTIR, TEM, RS and CV. SEM analysis has revealed the presence of large MoS2 nanoflakes (NFs) as synthesized. SEM analysis has also revealed significant change in the surface morphology of carbon supported MoS2 composite nanostructures with the change in the mole ratio of the MoS2 NFs and carbon support multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Structural analysis through HRTEM analysis revealed a d-spacing of 0.65 nm with a corresponding (002) lattice plane belonging to a trigonal crystalline phase of MoS2. Also, HRTEM analysis has revealed d-spacing of 0.291 nm corresponding to 002 plane of MWCNTs. Raman spectroscopy has revealed Characteristic Raman vibration frequencies and symmetries at 264.6 cm-1(Eg), 354.2 cm-1 (Ag ) belonging trigonal phase of MoS2 (1T-MoS2). FTIR analysis has revealed a narrow peak at 457.6 cm-1 due Mo-S vibration bond. This observation confirms the success of synthesis of MoS2 nanostructures. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge-discharge (CD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements have revealed that the ratio 6:3:1 have shown to be optimum ratio due to its large reduction rate compared to pristine MoS2 NFs and other carbon supported MoS2 NFs. Calculated Rreduction for the carbon supported MoS2 NFs is the order 3:6:1>1:8:1>6:3:1>8:1:1 indicating the trend of ratio 3:6:1 appeared to have higher reduction rate than the rest of the material and it had far less ΔEpp than the rest of other ratios. All CV curves for both pristine MoS2 NFs and carbon supported MoS2 NFs confirmed a distinct Faradic characteristic. The VS2 nanosheets (NSs) and carbon supported VS2 NSs were also effectively synthesized via hydrothermal method. The SEM micrographs for VS2 NSs and carbon supported VS2 NSs samples reveals level increased. Furthermore, SEM-EDX analysis have confirmed the presence of V and S as well as C and O on carbon supported VS2 nanocomposites, and it clearly shown a gradually blending as the ratios increases. The structural studies through XRD analysis have revealed peaks at 2θ angles of 15.4◦, 28.2◦, 34.2◦, 36.2◦, 43.3◦,48.3◦, 54.4◦, 57.7◦ and 66.2◦ which correspond to the lattice planes (001), (002), (100), (011), (102), (003), (110), (103) and (201) belonging to hexagonal VS2 (H-VS2) crystalline phase as per JCPDS card 36-1139. The HRTEM have revealed that the VS2 NSs have an edge to edge length of ~ 0.294 – 1.248 µm. Also, HRTEM micrographs of VS2 NSs have revealed interplanar d spacing of 0.571 nm belonging to the (001) lattice plane of hexagonal VS2 (H-VS2) structure. FTIR analysis have shown a peak at 558 cm-1 attributed to V-S which is evident that sulfur has bonded with the metal (V) and is in agreement with EDS. CV, CD and EIS measurements have shown that the ratio 1:8:1 is more superior to VS2 NSs and other carbon supported VS2 NSs. Based on Rreduction for the carbon supported nanosheets VS2 nanosheets are ordered as 1:8:1>3:6:1>6:3:1>8:1:1. Carbon supported VS2 NSs of the mole ratio 1:8:1 showed a small resistance of 0.32 Ω. This is further evidence that the carbon supported VS2 NSs of the mole ratio 1:8:1 in addition to revealing excellent catalytic behaviour is also more chemically stable and has good conductivity properties._________
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bede, Asanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Voltammetry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18599 , vital:42612
- Description: It has been reported that the morphology, crystalline phase composition and electrochemical properties of counter electrode materials such MxS (Mo, V) and carbon supported MxS (Mo, V) composite nanomaterials was of considerable importance because it governs the efficiency of many photon assisted chemical and physical reactions in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The efficiency of DSSCs with composite counter electrode materials is reliant on the stability of the photochemistry reactions which can be optimized by appropriate doping levels of the composite materials. Moreover, the microstructure such as surface area, distribution of the MxS (Mo, V) and carbon supported MxS (Mo, V) composite nanomaterials, and the stability of the electrostatic bonds between the MxS (Mo, V) with the carbon support also play a significant role in the performance of the DSSCs. This work evaluates the effect of different mole ratios of the MxS (Mo, V) and carbon supported MxS (Mo, V) composite nanomaterials on the morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of the composite materials. MoS2 nanoflakes nanostructures have been synthesized by hydrothermal technique using sodium orthovanadate (Na2MoO4) as precursor. In this work Carbon supported MoS2 NFs have been prepared by physically/chemically mixing different mole ratios of MoS2 NFs with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyvinylidene in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of the composite counter electrode materials have been investigated using SEM, XRD FTIR, TEM, RS and CV. SEM analysis has revealed the presence of large MoS2 nanoflakes (NFs) as synthesized. SEM analysis has also revealed significant change in the surface morphology of carbon supported MoS2 composite nanostructures with the change in the mole ratio of the MoS2 NFs and carbon support multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Structural analysis through HRTEM analysis revealed a d-spacing of 0.65 nm with a corresponding (002) lattice plane belonging to a trigonal crystalline phase of MoS2. Also, HRTEM analysis has revealed d-spacing of 0.291 nm corresponding to 002 plane of MWCNTs. Raman spectroscopy has revealed Characteristic Raman vibration frequencies and symmetries at 264.6 cm-1(Eg), 354.2 cm-1 (Ag ) belonging trigonal phase of MoS2 (1T-MoS2). FTIR analysis has revealed a narrow peak at 457.6 cm-1 due Mo-S vibration bond. This observation confirms the success of synthesis of MoS2 nanostructures. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge-discharge (CD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements have revealed that the ratio 6:3:1 have shown to be optimum ratio due to its large reduction rate compared to pristine MoS2 NFs and other carbon supported MoS2 NFs. Calculated Rreduction for the carbon supported MoS2 NFs is the order 3:6:1>1:8:1>6:3:1>8:1:1 indicating the trend of ratio 3:6:1 appeared to have higher reduction rate than the rest of the material and it had far less ΔEpp than the rest of other ratios. All CV curves for both pristine MoS2 NFs and carbon supported MoS2 NFs confirmed a distinct Faradic characteristic. The VS2 nanosheets (NSs) and carbon supported VS2 NSs were also effectively synthesized via hydrothermal method. The SEM micrographs for VS2 NSs and carbon supported VS2 NSs samples reveals level increased. Furthermore, SEM-EDX analysis have confirmed the presence of V and S as well as C and O on carbon supported VS2 nanocomposites, and it clearly shown a gradually blending as the ratios increases. The structural studies through XRD analysis have revealed peaks at 2θ angles of 15.4◦, 28.2◦, 34.2◦, 36.2◦, 43.3◦,48.3◦, 54.4◦, 57.7◦ and 66.2◦ which correspond to the lattice planes (001), (002), (100), (011), (102), (003), (110), (103) and (201) belonging to hexagonal VS2 (H-VS2) crystalline phase as per JCPDS card 36-1139. The HRTEM have revealed that the VS2 NSs have an edge to edge length of ~ 0.294 – 1.248 µm. Also, HRTEM micrographs of VS2 NSs have revealed interplanar d spacing of 0.571 nm belonging to the (001) lattice plane of hexagonal VS2 (H-VS2) structure. FTIR analysis have shown a peak at 558 cm-1 attributed to V-S which is evident that sulfur has bonded with the metal (V) and is in agreement with EDS. CV, CD and EIS measurements have shown that the ratio 1:8:1 is more superior to VS2 NSs and other carbon supported VS2 NSs. Based on Rreduction for the carbon supported nanosheets VS2 nanosheets are ordered as 1:8:1>3:6:1>6:3:1>8:1:1. Carbon supported VS2 NSs of the mole ratio 1:8:1 showed a small resistance of 0.32 Ω. This is further evidence that the carbon supported VS2 NSs of the mole ratio 1:8:1 in addition to revealing excellent catalytic behaviour is also more chemically stable and has good conductivity properties._________
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of mergers and acquisitions on employee well-being in the beverage industry: The CCBSA coastal region case
- Authors: Belle, Isabel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
- Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Belle, Isabel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
- Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
How to do things with speeches: a critical discourse analysis of military coup texts in Nigeria
- Authors: Bello, Umar
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Speeches, addresses, etc., Nigerian -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Critical discourse analysis -- Nigeria , Corpora (Linguistics) , Social sciences -- Philosophy , Intertextuality , Interpellation -- Nigeria , Forensics (Public speaking) , Oratory -- Nigeria , Nigeria -- Politics and government -- 1960- , Nigeria -- Social conditions -- 1960-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143336 , vital:38234
- Description: Coup speeches that usher the military into political power in Nigeria are the central focus of this thesis. There are seven coup speeches that are notable in the changing of the political course in Nigeria and in enabling the military to rule Nigeria for 30 years, establishing another alternative political construct and party (Bangura 1991). The seven coup speeches along with two others, one a colonial proclamation of conquest and the other a counter coup speech (altogether making nine) constitute the data of this thesis. The analysis done here uses Critical Discourse Analysis, based on a combination of Fairclough (1989, 2001), Fairclough and Fairclough (2012), Thompson’s (1984, 1988 and 1990) works with complementary insights by Chilton (2004), to analyze the speeches in order to understand the ideologies, perceptions and arguments of the coup makers enshrined in the texts. I also employ a concordance analytic system in corpus linguistics to sort uses of important terms and lexical items. The analysis is divided into three broad parts, namely: an analysis of representation of social actors and their action, an analysis of the processes of interpellation and then an analysis of the premises of the arguments contained in the speeches. In the concluding part, there is a discussion of the dialectical nature of the coup speeches especially in the areas of mutual influences which aids in the gradual sedimentation of the political ideology of the military. In particular, there is a longitudinal intertextual analysis across all the speeches, from the earliest to the latest, to see how a coup speech genre is created. The contribution of this work to knowledge is in terms of combining discourse analysis and social theory to illuminate some aspects of Nigeria’s socio- political crises in depth and multifariously. This work helps in understanding the nature of Nigerian autocratic democracy, subservient followership by the citizenry and the supremacy of the military elite. The work employs a novel combination of representation, argumentation, interpellation and constitutive intertextuality in understanding military discourse. It looks at speaker intention, the exploitation of interpretation or reception and the formation of subjects in general and each with its importance and social context. The work as a whole reveals that the military try to build legitimacy by way of establishing authority through rhetorical arguments in varying degrees. These arguments are laid bare, and what they discern is that charges are decidedly trumped up by the military against their opponents and constructed to suit the spin of their moments. The coup makers in some instances construct strawmen of opponents and then go ahead to attack their constructed assumptions or they charge without substance using nominalizations, metaphorical constructions and presuppositions. They apply stipulative definitions and emotionally loaded words in evaluating their actions favourably and also in the negative evaluation of the actions of the opponents. At the level of interpellational analysis, the data reveals the use of language in gradually hailing the citizens as military subjects. The role of the audience changes here i.e. from those to be convinced in rhetorical evaluation of opponents to those to be firmly controlled. The persistent hailing and positioning of the citizens as military subjects help in concretizing their subjecthood. The reaction of the people in affirmation of support to the rule of the military is crucial and it completes the interpellation process. As observed by Clark (2007, 141) “many African societies are so inured to military intervention as not to regard it as aberrant”. This inuring of the societies has to do with hegemonic ideological practices in military discourses claiming legitimacy and the right to rule. At the reception level, this shows that most of the citizens have bought into the dominant ideology and are as such interpellated by it or have adopted what Hall (2015, 125) would call the ‘dominant-hegemonic position’. Aspects of argumentation, speech acts, and deontic modals used by the coup makers help in gradually solidifying the subservient nature of the citizens to the military junta. The diachronic and intertextual nature of the analysis also reveals that the colonial proclamation of conquest in Nigeria by Lord Fredrick Lugard possibly influenced the first coup speech in 1966 in terms of structure and genre. There are traces of the colonial proclamations found in the 1966 coup speech. In substance, the military appear to copy their colonial progenitors. Historically, the military were formed as an army of colonial conquest. There is a dialectical interplay between colonial discourse and military coup speeches. The first coup speech, for its part, influences other coup speeches and they in general impact on civilian political language. The work analyzes from the minute to the global and in this bid unties the layers of assumptions, constructions and points of views that underpin an otherwise objective presentation of reality. The study also engages social theory in illuminating aspects of discourse, social practice and political action. The works of post-structuralists like Foucault, Althusser, Bourdieu, Habermas, Laclau and Mouffe, Derrida etc. are employed in shedding light on the processes of social formation in the interpellation of subjects and in the construction of a new political authority by the military regimes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bello, Umar
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Speeches, addresses, etc., Nigerian -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Critical discourse analysis -- Nigeria , Corpora (Linguistics) , Social sciences -- Philosophy , Intertextuality , Interpellation -- Nigeria , Forensics (Public speaking) , Oratory -- Nigeria , Nigeria -- Politics and government -- 1960- , Nigeria -- Social conditions -- 1960-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143336 , vital:38234
- Description: Coup speeches that usher the military into political power in Nigeria are the central focus of this thesis. There are seven coup speeches that are notable in the changing of the political course in Nigeria and in enabling the military to rule Nigeria for 30 years, establishing another alternative political construct and party (Bangura 1991). The seven coup speeches along with two others, one a colonial proclamation of conquest and the other a counter coup speech (altogether making nine) constitute the data of this thesis. The analysis done here uses Critical Discourse Analysis, based on a combination of Fairclough (1989, 2001), Fairclough and Fairclough (2012), Thompson’s (1984, 1988 and 1990) works with complementary insights by Chilton (2004), to analyze the speeches in order to understand the ideologies, perceptions and arguments of the coup makers enshrined in the texts. I also employ a concordance analytic system in corpus linguistics to sort uses of important terms and lexical items. The analysis is divided into three broad parts, namely: an analysis of representation of social actors and their action, an analysis of the processes of interpellation and then an analysis of the premises of the arguments contained in the speeches. In the concluding part, there is a discussion of the dialectical nature of the coup speeches especially in the areas of mutual influences which aids in the gradual sedimentation of the political ideology of the military. In particular, there is a longitudinal intertextual analysis across all the speeches, from the earliest to the latest, to see how a coup speech genre is created. The contribution of this work to knowledge is in terms of combining discourse analysis and social theory to illuminate some aspects of Nigeria’s socio- political crises in depth and multifariously. This work helps in understanding the nature of Nigerian autocratic democracy, subservient followership by the citizenry and the supremacy of the military elite. The work employs a novel combination of representation, argumentation, interpellation and constitutive intertextuality in understanding military discourse. It looks at speaker intention, the exploitation of interpretation or reception and the formation of subjects in general and each with its importance and social context. The work as a whole reveals that the military try to build legitimacy by way of establishing authority through rhetorical arguments in varying degrees. These arguments are laid bare, and what they discern is that charges are decidedly trumped up by the military against their opponents and constructed to suit the spin of their moments. The coup makers in some instances construct strawmen of opponents and then go ahead to attack their constructed assumptions or they charge without substance using nominalizations, metaphorical constructions and presuppositions. They apply stipulative definitions and emotionally loaded words in evaluating their actions favourably and also in the negative evaluation of the actions of the opponents. At the level of interpellational analysis, the data reveals the use of language in gradually hailing the citizens as military subjects. The role of the audience changes here i.e. from those to be convinced in rhetorical evaluation of opponents to those to be firmly controlled. The persistent hailing and positioning of the citizens as military subjects help in concretizing their subjecthood. The reaction of the people in affirmation of support to the rule of the military is crucial and it completes the interpellation process. As observed by Clark (2007, 141) “many African societies are so inured to military intervention as not to regard it as aberrant”. This inuring of the societies has to do with hegemonic ideological practices in military discourses claiming legitimacy and the right to rule. At the reception level, this shows that most of the citizens have bought into the dominant ideology and are as such interpellated by it or have adopted what Hall (2015, 125) would call the ‘dominant-hegemonic position’. Aspects of argumentation, speech acts, and deontic modals used by the coup makers help in gradually solidifying the subservient nature of the citizens to the military junta. The diachronic and intertextual nature of the analysis also reveals that the colonial proclamation of conquest in Nigeria by Lord Fredrick Lugard possibly influenced the first coup speech in 1966 in terms of structure and genre. There are traces of the colonial proclamations found in the 1966 coup speech. In substance, the military appear to copy their colonial progenitors. Historically, the military were formed as an army of colonial conquest. There is a dialectical interplay between colonial discourse and military coup speeches. The first coup speech, for its part, influences other coup speeches and they in general impact on civilian political language. The work analyzes from the minute to the global and in this bid unties the layers of assumptions, constructions and points of views that underpin an otherwise objective presentation of reality. The study also engages social theory in illuminating aspects of discourse, social practice and political action. The works of post-structuralists like Foucault, Althusser, Bourdieu, Habermas, Laclau and Mouffe, Derrida etc. are employed in shedding light on the processes of social formation in the interpellation of subjects and in the construction of a new political authority by the military regimes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Satire in J.J. R. Jolobe's literary works : a critique in relation to contemporary South Africa
- Authors: Benayo, Xolela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Jolobe, James J. R. , Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa poetry -- History and criticism , Humor in literature , Xhosa literature -- Humor , Xhosa language
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161762 , vital:40667
- Description: J.J.R. Jolobe is regarded as one of the individuals who made a valuable contribution to the development of isiXhosa literature through his works, notably in his poetry (Ilitha, Umyezo; Jolobe 1936). His poetry ranges from abstract subjects to more philosophical matters. This study is aimed at decoding the manner in which he employs satire to conscientise African people of the then horrible situation that they were facing. With that said, poetry will not be the only work that this thesis analyses in the process of evaluating Jolobe’s satire; his essays will also be examined (Amavo; Jolobe 1940). Based on the writings of various authors specialising in the subject, satire has been deemed to be a style of literary writing, one which involves invective satire. For the researcher, that statement will be rebutted, as it will be argued that the mode of satire need not be wholly invective. Jolobe’s light-hearted satire not only showcases the amusing side of his writings, but also indicates the seriousness with which they were intended. Themes covered in Jolobe’s satire have inspired the researcher to evaluate these literary texts in relation to modern contexts, especially when it comes to the relationship between the lines of the author’s experience and the public. With that said, the social role of satire is something that one cannot deny. One could therefore say that there is an urgent need for African satirists to face the existing social and economic reality as authentically as possible. The voice of a satirist should also echo the voice of their society as a whole. Satirical study in post-colonial Africa, in South Africa in particular, is useful due to the idea that the works of the likes of Jolobe may diminish in significance due to neo-colonialism. In fact, this is the point which is considered in this study of Jolobe’s satire. This study also examines stages afforded to the development of satire in Africa, especially in the post-colonial era. The purpose is to identify the effects of satire that are related to socio-political as well as religious factors. These factors are often seen as those that play a vital role is one’s personal morals, and those that are meant to shape the whole community. Jolobe addresses imperialism and the class struggle, which speaks to the society’s loyalties regarding the mobilization toward realizing the dream of being independent. This speaks to the works analysed, revealing protests against oppression and exploitation by imperialists; such works show how inhumane people could be against those who they deem to be beneath their standards. Researchers like Mahlasela (1973), Sirayi (1985), Kwetana (2000) and Khumalo (2015) are amongst those who have made it a point to study Jolobe to ensure that these works are kept alive, along with their significance. Other prospective researchers can follow suite in researching the great Jolobe. In ensuring that the aims of this study come to light, the researcher will be using socialist realism as a way of seeing that the works of Jolobe are realistic in nature. With that said, there will be an exploration of allegoric satire. Satiric allegory will be evaluated with regard to the view that it represents a unique slant on satire, whereby it deems satire to be more than just a supportive method of literary criticism. This allows the researcher to hold the view that satire should not be a restrictive framework when dealing with African literature. Satire as a modern form of criticism can be viewed as having an element of humanism, which would result in the satirist doing all he can to make sure that what is satirized is not isolated from the struggle of the community. It is for the above-mentioned reasons that we see a big challenge in the future development of satiric discourse in African literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Benayo, Xolela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Jolobe, James J. R. , Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa poetry -- History and criticism , Humor in literature , Xhosa literature -- Humor , Xhosa language
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161762 , vital:40667
- Description: J.J.R. Jolobe is regarded as one of the individuals who made a valuable contribution to the development of isiXhosa literature through his works, notably in his poetry (Ilitha, Umyezo; Jolobe 1936). His poetry ranges from abstract subjects to more philosophical matters. This study is aimed at decoding the manner in which he employs satire to conscientise African people of the then horrible situation that they were facing. With that said, poetry will not be the only work that this thesis analyses in the process of evaluating Jolobe’s satire; his essays will also be examined (Amavo; Jolobe 1940). Based on the writings of various authors specialising in the subject, satire has been deemed to be a style of literary writing, one which involves invective satire. For the researcher, that statement will be rebutted, as it will be argued that the mode of satire need not be wholly invective. Jolobe’s light-hearted satire not only showcases the amusing side of his writings, but also indicates the seriousness with which they were intended. Themes covered in Jolobe’s satire have inspired the researcher to evaluate these literary texts in relation to modern contexts, especially when it comes to the relationship between the lines of the author’s experience and the public. With that said, the social role of satire is something that one cannot deny. One could therefore say that there is an urgent need for African satirists to face the existing social and economic reality as authentically as possible. The voice of a satirist should also echo the voice of their society as a whole. Satirical study in post-colonial Africa, in South Africa in particular, is useful due to the idea that the works of the likes of Jolobe may diminish in significance due to neo-colonialism. In fact, this is the point which is considered in this study of Jolobe’s satire. This study also examines stages afforded to the development of satire in Africa, especially in the post-colonial era. The purpose is to identify the effects of satire that are related to socio-political as well as religious factors. These factors are often seen as those that play a vital role is one’s personal morals, and those that are meant to shape the whole community. Jolobe addresses imperialism and the class struggle, which speaks to the society’s loyalties regarding the mobilization toward realizing the dream of being independent. This speaks to the works analysed, revealing protests against oppression and exploitation by imperialists; such works show how inhumane people could be against those who they deem to be beneath their standards. Researchers like Mahlasela (1973), Sirayi (1985), Kwetana (2000) and Khumalo (2015) are amongst those who have made it a point to study Jolobe to ensure that these works are kept alive, along with their significance. Other prospective researchers can follow suite in researching the great Jolobe. In ensuring that the aims of this study come to light, the researcher will be using socialist realism as a way of seeing that the works of Jolobe are realistic in nature. With that said, there will be an exploration of allegoric satire. Satiric allegory will be evaluated with regard to the view that it represents a unique slant on satire, whereby it deems satire to be more than just a supportive method of literary criticism. This allows the researcher to hold the view that satire should not be a restrictive framework when dealing with African literature. Satire as a modern form of criticism can be viewed as having an element of humanism, which would result in the satirist doing all he can to make sure that what is satirized is not isolated from the struggle of the community. It is for the above-mentioned reasons that we see a big challenge in the future development of satiric discourse in African literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The workload of flight attendants during short-haul flight operations: a system analysis
- Authors: Bennett, Chloe Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Flight attendants -- Health and hygiene , Employees -- South Africa -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123431 , vital:35437
- Description: Background and aim: Flight attendants forms a significant part in 24-hour aviation industry. Flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in the aviation industry as it continues to jeopardize the ability to fulfil important safety and security roles which is critical in performance duty of a flight attendant. However, little attention has been accomplished to the workload, working conditions and fatigue of flight attendants crew in transport aircraft. In addition, there is currently less research that have also embraced the problematic of smaller regional/commercial operation (short-haul flight operations) inducing fatigue among short-haul flight attendants as the nature of this operation are often characterised with high productivity expectations in a demanding environment with high time pressures resulting in high workloads and fatigue. Thus, flight attendant fatigue and workload is a worldwide challenge in this operational environment and less attention has been given to the determining factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the workload factors contributing to flight attendant fatigue during short-haul flight operations. Methods (System analysis): To achieve the research aim, the work system analysis, based on the Smith and Carayon-Sainfort model was chosen as the main research approach which was conducted in two ways; based on existing literature and secondly based on expert interviews. This method provided a systemic aspect to understand the whole work system of flight attendants work during short-haul operations in order to identify all the contributing factors to flight attendant fatigue and workload. Results: The literature analysis and the data from the expert interviews highlighted significant findings to flight attendant fatigue and workload. The reasons for flight attendant fatigue operating short-haul flights can be found at organizational, task, individual, environmental levels and tools and technologies and due to the interaction of the factors. The main factors of flight attendants’ fatigue are thought primarily as a function of scheduling due to irregular, mixed schedules with early starts and late finishes, extended duty days (long working hours), as well as high workload, due to the short turnaround flights, the number of sectors flown in a single duty period and duty length and high jobs demands. In addition, flight duty and rest regulations, confined work space in the cabin, vibrations, noise and lighting, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, family responsibilities all add to additional stress placed on the body which can influence workload and sleep and consequently influencing fatigue. Conclusion: Overall the study determined that flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in modern industry of short-haul operations. Using this systematic approach (work system analysis based on the framework of the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) allowed for an accurate representation of the complexity of flight attendant work environment in short-haul aviation industries, thus contributed to an increased understanding of fatigue and risk factors that span the entire work system and aid in identifying the patterns in combination of work system variables that are associated with increased risk to flight attendant fatigue. Overall flight attendant fatigue is a product of interactions with the short-haul environment. It can have a negative impact on safety, performance and well-being. Therefore, it needs to be managed and dealt with in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bennett, Chloe Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Flight attendants -- Health and hygiene , Employees -- South Africa -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123431 , vital:35437
- Description: Background and aim: Flight attendants forms a significant part in 24-hour aviation industry. Flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in the aviation industry as it continues to jeopardize the ability to fulfil important safety and security roles which is critical in performance duty of a flight attendant. However, little attention has been accomplished to the workload, working conditions and fatigue of flight attendants crew in transport aircraft. In addition, there is currently less research that have also embraced the problematic of smaller regional/commercial operation (short-haul flight operations) inducing fatigue among short-haul flight attendants as the nature of this operation are often characterised with high productivity expectations in a demanding environment with high time pressures resulting in high workloads and fatigue. Thus, flight attendant fatigue and workload is a worldwide challenge in this operational environment and less attention has been given to the determining factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the workload factors contributing to flight attendant fatigue during short-haul flight operations. Methods (System analysis): To achieve the research aim, the work system analysis, based on the Smith and Carayon-Sainfort model was chosen as the main research approach which was conducted in two ways; based on existing literature and secondly based on expert interviews. This method provided a systemic aspect to understand the whole work system of flight attendants work during short-haul operations in order to identify all the contributing factors to flight attendant fatigue and workload. Results: The literature analysis and the data from the expert interviews highlighted significant findings to flight attendant fatigue and workload. The reasons for flight attendant fatigue operating short-haul flights can be found at organizational, task, individual, environmental levels and tools and technologies and due to the interaction of the factors. The main factors of flight attendants’ fatigue are thought primarily as a function of scheduling due to irregular, mixed schedules with early starts and late finishes, extended duty days (long working hours), as well as high workload, due to the short turnaround flights, the number of sectors flown in a single duty period and duty length and high jobs demands. In addition, flight duty and rest regulations, confined work space in the cabin, vibrations, noise and lighting, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, family responsibilities all add to additional stress placed on the body which can influence workload and sleep and consequently influencing fatigue. Conclusion: Overall the study determined that flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in modern industry of short-haul operations. Using this systematic approach (work system analysis based on the framework of the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) allowed for an accurate representation of the complexity of flight attendant work environment in short-haul aviation industries, thus contributed to an increased understanding of fatigue and risk factors that span the entire work system and aid in identifying the patterns in combination of work system variables that are associated with increased risk to flight attendant fatigue. Overall flight attendant fatigue is a product of interactions with the short-haul environment. It can have a negative impact on safety, performance and well-being. Therefore, it needs to be managed and dealt with in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
System analysis of fatigue in pilots and co-pilots executing short-hall flight operations
- Authors: Bennett, Cleo Taylor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Air pilots -- Health and hygiene , Fatigue , Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work environment -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146622 , vital:38543
- Description: Background: This study was conducted as part of Denel’s South African Regional Aircraft (SARA) development project. Regional aircraft have a maximum flight time of 60 minutes. Hence, the study focuses on matters pertaining to the short-haul flight context. Pilot fatigue has been recognised as a safety concern in the aviation industry. It impacts on pilot performance across the board, not least in the short-haul context. However, the specific factors that lead to pilot fatigue in short-haul operations have not been well researched. Research Aim: To identify and examine the factors which influence pilot/co-pilot fatigue in short-haul aviation contexts. Method: Fatigue is multifaceted, and has multiple definitions and descriptions. It is acknowledged as a complex phenomenon, the development of which is dynamically influenced by various factors. Thus, a systems approach based on the work system model by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) was adopted for this study. A systems analysis was conducted in two parts: 1) a literature analysis, and 2) expert interviews. Results: Both the literature analysis and the interviews indicated that pilot fatigue in short-haul flight operations represent composite system outcomes influenced by various factors. The factors identified were structured (systematised) into categories, namely organizational factors, task-related factors, environmental factors, factors linked to technology and tools, and non-work-related factors specific to the individual pilot. An example of a task-related factor would be the performance by pilots of multiple take-offs and landings; organizational factors include work time arrangements and duty scheduling (e.g. unpredictable schedule, early starts/late finishes, number of flight sectors in a shift, extended working hours, numerous consecutive work days, standby duties, flight, duty and rest limitations (regulations and guidelines); and short turnaround periods); environmental factors might include the small pressurised cockpit environment, movement restriction, very low humidity, low air pressure, vibrations, high noise levels, low light intensity light, and inclement weather); there are many examples of how tools and technology utilized by pilots might affect their fatigue levels; and finally, pilot-specific non-work-related factors would include things like the pilot’s age, health (lifestyle), family stress, work experience and sleep environment. All of these factors were identified during the literature analysis and have a significant bearing on how fatigue could present in short-haul pilots/co-pilots. Other important fatigue-related factors revealed during the expert interviews included, organizational culture, time management, health implications of fatigue, and management of fatigue. Conclusions: Pilot fatigue is a complex and multi-factorial physiological condition. There are many interacting components which contribute to pilot fatigue in short-haul operations. These should be viewed from an integrated perspective and holistic, systems-based approaches should be taken to manage these issues, particularly in the context of short-haul operations. This would optimize pilot performance and well-being and, most importantly, improve the safety of the work environment to enhance overall operation safety. Limitations: The study does not quantify the contributions made to pilot fatigue by the various factors explored. Therefore, care needs to be taken when designing and implementing interventions based on this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bennett, Cleo Taylor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Air pilots -- Health and hygiene , Fatigue , Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work environment -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146622 , vital:38543
- Description: Background: This study was conducted as part of Denel’s South African Regional Aircraft (SARA) development project. Regional aircraft have a maximum flight time of 60 minutes. Hence, the study focuses on matters pertaining to the short-haul flight context. Pilot fatigue has been recognised as a safety concern in the aviation industry. It impacts on pilot performance across the board, not least in the short-haul context. However, the specific factors that lead to pilot fatigue in short-haul operations have not been well researched. Research Aim: To identify and examine the factors which influence pilot/co-pilot fatigue in short-haul aviation contexts. Method: Fatigue is multifaceted, and has multiple definitions and descriptions. It is acknowledged as a complex phenomenon, the development of which is dynamically influenced by various factors. Thus, a systems approach based on the work system model by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) was adopted for this study. A systems analysis was conducted in two parts: 1) a literature analysis, and 2) expert interviews. Results: Both the literature analysis and the interviews indicated that pilot fatigue in short-haul flight operations represent composite system outcomes influenced by various factors. The factors identified were structured (systematised) into categories, namely organizational factors, task-related factors, environmental factors, factors linked to technology and tools, and non-work-related factors specific to the individual pilot. An example of a task-related factor would be the performance by pilots of multiple take-offs and landings; organizational factors include work time arrangements and duty scheduling (e.g. unpredictable schedule, early starts/late finishes, number of flight sectors in a shift, extended working hours, numerous consecutive work days, standby duties, flight, duty and rest limitations (regulations and guidelines); and short turnaround periods); environmental factors might include the small pressurised cockpit environment, movement restriction, very low humidity, low air pressure, vibrations, high noise levels, low light intensity light, and inclement weather); there are many examples of how tools and technology utilized by pilots might affect their fatigue levels; and finally, pilot-specific non-work-related factors would include things like the pilot’s age, health (lifestyle), family stress, work experience and sleep environment. All of these factors were identified during the literature analysis and have a significant bearing on how fatigue could present in short-haul pilots/co-pilots. Other important fatigue-related factors revealed during the expert interviews included, organizational culture, time management, health implications of fatigue, and management of fatigue. Conclusions: Pilot fatigue is a complex and multi-factorial physiological condition. There are many interacting components which contribute to pilot fatigue in short-haul operations. These should be viewed from an integrated perspective and holistic, systems-based approaches should be taken to manage these issues, particularly in the context of short-haul operations. This would optimize pilot performance and well-being and, most importantly, improve the safety of the work environment to enhance overall operation safety. Limitations: The study does not quantify the contributions made to pilot fatigue by the various factors explored. Therefore, care needs to be taken when designing and implementing interventions based on this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A q-metholological approach to audience reception of public awareness messages on sexual violence
- Authors: Bennie, Rachel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Research -- Methodology , Psychology -- Research , Communication in social action -- South Africa , Psychology -- Research -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140805 , vital:37920
- Description: Public awareness poster campaigns are an often-used method for raising awareness about, and engaging audiences on the topic of rape and other forms of sexual violence (Potter, 2012). However, poster campaigns, as social artefacts, operate in a public arena in which numerous discourses about a phenomenon are produced, reproduced and interact with each other, with sometimes unintended/unanticipated discursive consequences (Böhmke, Bennie, Minnie, Moore, Pilusa & Pollock, 2015). How messages aimed at raising awareness of sexual violence are framed has the potential to reproduce dominant social narratives and gendered subject positions in ways that reinforce notions of men as active sexual agents and potential perpetrators, and women as sexually passive and potential victims (Gavey, 2005). Other approaches, such as bystander intervention, seek to move away from a focus on victims and perpetrators to emphasise the role that community members can play in risk detection, safety promotion and the prevention of sexual violence (McMahon & Banyard, 2012). Since a range of possible messages about sexual violence can be communicated through poster campaigns, it is important to critically examine the content and orientation of campaign material. This study focused on intended audience views regarding messages about sexual violence contained in anti-sexual violence poster materials. The purpose was to collaborate with a selected audience to better understand which messages are effective and which strategies of communication are perceived to be less so. Through the use of Q-methodology, volunteer participants were invited to express their opinions in relation to messages about sexual violence from a range of posters from several international campaigns. The analysis focused on uncovering the discursive subject positions that participants’ express in their attitudinal responses to the poster messages, providing not only a description of these positions, but also illustrating the level of resonance that the poster messages may find with intended audiences. The aim of the study is to potentially inform the development of more focused campaign material, tailored to the specific context from which participants were drawn. Analysis shows clear patterns of audience resistance towards stereotypical representations of sexual violence and messages that are geared towards the simple prohibition of behaviours. The findings highlight the need for the development of alternative strategies of engagement that focus on specific engagement with understandings of sexual violence in the context of intimate and/or acquaintance relationships and which are aimed at inviting audiences to take up a position in relation to sexual violence phenomena that troubles the reproduction of received notions of gendered subjectivities and (hetero) sexuality
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bennie, Rachel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Research -- Methodology , Psychology -- Research , Communication in social action -- South Africa , Psychology -- Research -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140805 , vital:37920
- Description: Public awareness poster campaigns are an often-used method for raising awareness about, and engaging audiences on the topic of rape and other forms of sexual violence (Potter, 2012). However, poster campaigns, as social artefacts, operate in a public arena in which numerous discourses about a phenomenon are produced, reproduced and interact with each other, with sometimes unintended/unanticipated discursive consequences (Böhmke, Bennie, Minnie, Moore, Pilusa & Pollock, 2015). How messages aimed at raising awareness of sexual violence are framed has the potential to reproduce dominant social narratives and gendered subject positions in ways that reinforce notions of men as active sexual agents and potential perpetrators, and women as sexually passive and potential victims (Gavey, 2005). Other approaches, such as bystander intervention, seek to move away from a focus on victims and perpetrators to emphasise the role that community members can play in risk detection, safety promotion and the prevention of sexual violence (McMahon & Banyard, 2012). Since a range of possible messages about sexual violence can be communicated through poster campaigns, it is important to critically examine the content and orientation of campaign material. This study focused on intended audience views regarding messages about sexual violence contained in anti-sexual violence poster materials. The purpose was to collaborate with a selected audience to better understand which messages are effective and which strategies of communication are perceived to be less so. Through the use of Q-methodology, volunteer participants were invited to express their opinions in relation to messages about sexual violence from a range of posters from several international campaigns. The analysis focused on uncovering the discursive subject positions that participants’ express in their attitudinal responses to the poster messages, providing not only a description of these positions, but also illustrating the level of resonance that the poster messages may find with intended audiences. The aim of the study is to potentially inform the development of more focused campaign material, tailored to the specific context from which participants were drawn. Analysis shows clear patterns of audience resistance towards stereotypical representations of sexual violence and messages that are geared towards the simple prohibition of behaviours. The findings highlight the need for the development of alternative strategies of engagement that focus on specific engagement with understandings of sexual violence in the context of intimate and/or acquaintance relationships and which are aimed at inviting audiences to take up a position in relation to sexual violence phenomena that troubles the reproduction of received notions of gendered subjectivities and (hetero) sexuality
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A stunting profile of children under the age of five visiting Bhisho hospital clinic, part of the umbrella project: a profile of stunting in children under the age of five in food insecure villages in Mqanduli, Ngqushwa and Bhisho hospital, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Beyleveld, Janine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Children -- growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50201 , vital:42066
- Description: Introduction and Background: Stunting is the most prevalent form of childhood malnutrition where about 149 million children under the age of five can be classified as stunted globally. South Africa has one of the highest stunting rates in the world at 27%, causing devastating effects on economic productivity as well as on an individual’s nutritional status. The presence of stunted growth in children is a strong indicator of chronic undernutrition and highlights injustices experienced within communities. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop a stunning profile of children under the age of five, visiting BhishoHospital’s gateway clinic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of stunting of the children visiting Bhisho Hospital’s clinic and to identify the drivers of stunting in the area. Methodology: A quantitative study with a descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. The study population included all children under the age of five visiting Bhisho Hospital’s clinic. Data was collected by means of an interview-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of stunting in the area was 47.5%. A significant association was found between the participants' main form of sanitation and stunting category in the group of infants younger than six months (p = 0.007) and the group older than six months(p = 0.040). Discussion: The prevalence of stunting in the area was far higher than the national average of 27%, although the majority of the sample had a normal weight. The use of non-flush toilets was found to be a risk factor for childhood stunting. Recommendation: Financial and political investment in child health needs to be placed as a top priority in South Africa to reduce stunting rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Beyleveld, Janine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Children -- growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50201 , vital:42066
- Description: Introduction and Background: Stunting is the most prevalent form of childhood malnutrition where about 149 million children under the age of five can be classified as stunted globally. South Africa has one of the highest stunting rates in the world at 27%, causing devastating effects on economic productivity as well as on an individual’s nutritional status. The presence of stunted growth in children is a strong indicator of chronic undernutrition and highlights injustices experienced within communities. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop a stunning profile of children under the age of five, visiting BhishoHospital’s gateway clinic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of stunting of the children visiting Bhisho Hospital’s clinic and to identify the drivers of stunting in the area. Methodology: A quantitative study with a descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. The study population included all children under the age of five visiting Bhisho Hospital’s clinic. Data was collected by means of an interview-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of stunting in the area was 47.5%. A significant association was found between the participants' main form of sanitation and stunting category in the group of infants younger than six months (p = 0.007) and the group older than six months(p = 0.040). Discussion: The prevalence of stunting in the area was far higher than the national average of 27%, although the majority of the sample had a normal weight. The use of non-flush toilets was found to be a risk factor for childhood stunting. Recommendation: Financial and political investment in child health needs to be placed as a top priority in South Africa to reduce stunting rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
History on trial: a study of the Salem commonage land claim
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, GJW
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 , Salem (South Africa) -- History , Land tenure -- Law and legilstion -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146647 , vital:38545
- Description: This thesis critically examines the Salem commonage claim, a dispute that has shaken the hamlet of Salem to its core. On ground level it has caused racialized fault lines to reopen, while suspicion and distrust has also grown between the black Africans of the area as well. On a national level, the Constitutional Court judgement has potentially set a precedent with regards to its jurisprudential approach in determining the validity of land claims in South Africa. Its interpretation of the law was determined by the restorative justice jurisprudence enshrined in the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 (the Act). It based its own understanding of the history of the commonage on this jurisprudence. In a bold step towards realising the aims and purposes of the Act, the Constitutional Court found that both the black African claimants as well as the white landowners have equal rights to the land. One of the reasons why the decision of the Constitutional Court is ground-breaking is that the dispute involves a former commonage – land used for common purpose. The Constitutional Court emphasised that the Act was an “extraordinary piece of legislation” and had to be interpreted in such a way so as to address the injustices of the past. This included provisions of the Act which dealt with how oral testimonies from claimants would be dealt with. Another interesting feature was the heavy reliance by all parties on expert witnesses in the persons of eminent historians, Professors Martin Legassick and Herman Giliomee. This case gave much-needed clarification as to what the appropriate role of an expert historian witness may be in a land claim. The success or failure of land claims often depend on the weight of the evidence supplied by the expert historian witness. But the historian must also take cognisance of the fact that the evidence s/he gives is appropriate according to the scope of law. This case also dismisses the assumption that colonial instruments of land assignation are beyond reproach. These instruments which grant rights to land may also be scrutinised in a court of law, just like when oral testimony is tested for its credibility. This is important to note, especially when balancing land rights of the claimants against those of the landowners. This thesis agrees with the decision taken by the Constitutional Court in this instance. However, it also cautions that such softly-softly approaches may appear as a suitable compromise on paper, but the feeling on the ground may not be as receptive to reconciliation as what the courts would have hoped for. To the jurist, this judgement accurately encapsulates the purpose and aims of the Act. However, such a judgement may not seem satisfactory to the people of Salem. The decisions of the Salem commonage case are sure to inform the discourse of land claims in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, GJW
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 , Salem (South Africa) -- History , Land tenure -- Law and legilstion -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146647 , vital:38545
- Description: This thesis critically examines the Salem commonage claim, a dispute that has shaken the hamlet of Salem to its core. On ground level it has caused racialized fault lines to reopen, while suspicion and distrust has also grown between the black Africans of the area as well. On a national level, the Constitutional Court judgement has potentially set a precedent with regards to its jurisprudential approach in determining the validity of land claims in South Africa. Its interpretation of the law was determined by the restorative justice jurisprudence enshrined in the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 (the Act). It based its own understanding of the history of the commonage on this jurisprudence. In a bold step towards realising the aims and purposes of the Act, the Constitutional Court found that both the black African claimants as well as the white landowners have equal rights to the land. One of the reasons why the decision of the Constitutional Court is ground-breaking is that the dispute involves a former commonage – land used for common purpose. The Constitutional Court emphasised that the Act was an “extraordinary piece of legislation” and had to be interpreted in such a way so as to address the injustices of the past. This included provisions of the Act which dealt with how oral testimonies from claimants would be dealt with. Another interesting feature was the heavy reliance by all parties on expert witnesses in the persons of eminent historians, Professors Martin Legassick and Herman Giliomee. This case gave much-needed clarification as to what the appropriate role of an expert historian witness may be in a land claim. The success or failure of land claims often depend on the weight of the evidence supplied by the expert historian witness. But the historian must also take cognisance of the fact that the evidence s/he gives is appropriate according to the scope of law. This case also dismisses the assumption that colonial instruments of land assignation are beyond reproach. These instruments which grant rights to land may also be scrutinised in a court of law, just like when oral testimony is tested for its credibility. This is important to note, especially when balancing land rights of the claimants against those of the landowners. This thesis agrees with the decision taken by the Constitutional Court in this instance. However, it also cautions that such softly-softly approaches may appear as a suitable compromise on paper, but the feeling on the ground may not be as receptive to reconciliation as what the courts would have hoped for. To the jurist, this judgement accurately encapsulates the purpose and aims of the Act. However, such a judgement may not seem satisfactory to the people of Salem. The decisions of the Salem commonage case are sure to inform the discourse of land claims in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Genetic connectivity in sandy beach macroinfauna with contrasting life histories and zonation patterns
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Karien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fishes -- Genetics , Seashore ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45944 , vital:39380
- Description: Open-ocean sandy beaches are highly dynamic ecosystems that continuously respond to waves, tides and storms. These beaches support a suite of uniquely adapted fauna that exhibits a high degree of endemism. This diversity, which also includes some economically important resource species, contributes to the great socio-economic and ecological value of sandy beach systems, which provide ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and water purification, fish nursery habitat (surf zone), and natural buffering against storms. Despite their broad global distribution comprising ~70 % of the world’s ice-free coastline, beaches are naturally fragmented by other intertidal marine habitats and extensive coastal development. Sea-level rise is now threatening beaches, particularly along developed coasts through coastal squeeze, with an increased risk of habitat loss and exacerbated fragmentation. Such habitat loss has important implications for population and species persistence, depending on the level of connectivity among populations. While sandy beach macroinfauna tend to be highly mobile across and along shore, they also show a strong bias towards direct, or aplanktonic, development; the latter could reduce opportunities for dispersal and sustained population connectivity. However, comparatively little is known about population connectivity on sandy beaches, limiting scientifically sound management of much of the world’s coastline. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by working towards a conceptual model quantifying population connectivity, and by investigating the specific roles of life history, across-shore zonation, and geographic range as putative indicators and possibly drivers of genetic differentiation (ΦST) and connectivity (gene flow) among beach macroinvertebrate populations. The main hypotheses are that 1) species with a pelagic larval stage will display lower genetic differentiation with higher rates of gene flow among populations than species with a benthic lecithotrophic larval stage or direct development; and 2) genetic differentiation among populations will decrease along an across-shore axis, from the supratidal to the low water mark. Two opposing hypotheses were tested concerning the relationship between genetic structure and distributional range: 3a) Species with a large range (measured as distance and number of latitudes) will show less genetic differentiation than those with a narrow range, because they are more able to disperse; or 3b) more widely distributed species may occur across more phylogenetic | v breaks, and thus show higher genetic differentiation than species restricted to a smaller ranges and single biogeographic provinces. First, the extent and likely drivers of population connectivity were investigated for a suite of temperate South African macroinfauna. Very low, non-significant genetic differentiation was demonstrated for the beach clam Donax serra, thus supporting the hypothesis that pelagic larval dispersers display low/no genetic differentiation among populations (Chapter 2). Statistical power of the COI locus was, however, low in this species, due to reduced genetic variability which could be attributed to an expansion from a small source population into extant habitats. The results highlighted the need for caution when interpreting a lack of genetic differentiation as evidence for population connectivity. Nevertheless, COI sequences verified that D. serra occupying the cool and warm-temperate regions of the South African coast, constitute a single species, despite morphological and behavioural differences between inhabitants of these two bioregions. D. sordidus, a congener of D. serra, and endemic to the warm-temperate (Agulhas) bioregion of South Africa, was investigated to test two opposing hypotheses (Chapter 3): 1) this pelagic larval disperser lack genetic differentiation with high rates of gene flow across its range, or alternatively 2) these clams are genetically structured across their range due to the influence of freshwater input (measured as distance to nearest estuary), and morphodynamics of the surf zone (represented by surf-zone width). Significant global ΦST was estimated for D. sordidus, with differentiation predominantly driven by haplotype frequencies at a single study site and estimates of gene flow among most sample locations generally high. Tentative evidence suggested that natural selection driven by differences in water salinity due to estuarine runoff and surf-zone width, might be maintaining two dominant haplotypes across the range of this species. Beach clams from the Southern Hemisphere, occupying different distributional ranges, were compared to test the hypothesis that genetic structure decreases with an increase in range. This hypothesis was poorly supported by the results; opposite (yet mostly non-significant) trends demonstrated for ΦST and haplotype diversity, thus providing some support for the alternative hypothesis that more phylogeographic breaks in broad-ranging species results in higher estimates of genetic structure in these species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Karien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fishes -- Genetics , Seashore ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45944 , vital:39380
- Description: Open-ocean sandy beaches are highly dynamic ecosystems that continuously respond to waves, tides and storms. These beaches support a suite of uniquely adapted fauna that exhibits a high degree of endemism. This diversity, which also includes some economically important resource species, contributes to the great socio-economic and ecological value of sandy beach systems, which provide ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and water purification, fish nursery habitat (surf zone), and natural buffering against storms. Despite their broad global distribution comprising ~70 % of the world’s ice-free coastline, beaches are naturally fragmented by other intertidal marine habitats and extensive coastal development. Sea-level rise is now threatening beaches, particularly along developed coasts through coastal squeeze, with an increased risk of habitat loss and exacerbated fragmentation. Such habitat loss has important implications for population and species persistence, depending on the level of connectivity among populations. While sandy beach macroinfauna tend to be highly mobile across and along shore, they also show a strong bias towards direct, or aplanktonic, development; the latter could reduce opportunities for dispersal and sustained population connectivity. However, comparatively little is known about population connectivity on sandy beaches, limiting scientifically sound management of much of the world’s coastline. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by working towards a conceptual model quantifying population connectivity, and by investigating the specific roles of life history, across-shore zonation, and geographic range as putative indicators and possibly drivers of genetic differentiation (ΦST) and connectivity (gene flow) among beach macroinvertebrate populations. The main hypotheses are that 1) species with a pelagic larval stage will display lower genetic differentiation with higher rates of gene flow among populations than species with a benthic lecithotrophic larval stage or direct development; and 2) genetic differentiation among populations will decrease along an across-shore axis, from the supratidal to the low water mark. Two opposing hypotheses were tested concerning the relationship between genetic structure and distributional range: 3a) Species with a large range (measured as distance and number of latitudes) will show less genetic differentiation than those with a narrow range, because they are more able to disperse; or 3b) more widely distributed species may occur across more phylogenetic | v breaks, and thus show higher genetic differentiation than species restricted to a smaller ranges and single biogeographic provinces. First, the extent and likely drivers of population connectivity were investigated for a suite of temperate South African macroinfauna. Very low, non-significant genetic differentiation was demonstrated for the beach clam Donax serra, thus supporting the hypothesis that pelagic larval dispersers display low/no genetic differentiation among populations (Chapter 2). Statistical power of the COI locus was, however, low in this species, due to reduced genetic variability which could be attributed to an expansion from a small source population into extant habitats. The results highlighted the need for caution when interpreting a lack of genetic differentiation as evidence for population connectivity. Nevertheless, COI sequences verified that D. serra occupying the cool and warm-temperate regions of the South African coast, constitute a single species, despite morphological and behavioural differences between inhabitants of these two bioregions. D. sordidus, a congener of D. serra, and endemic to the warm-temperate (Agulhas) bioregion of South Africa, was investigated to test two opposing hypotheses (Chapter 3): 1) this pelagic larval disperser lack genetic differentiation with high rates of gene flow across its range, or alternatively 2) these clams are genetically structured across their range due to the influence of freshwater input (measured as distance to nearest estuary), and morphodynamics of the surf zone (represented by surf-zone width). Significant global ΦST was estimated for D. sordidus, with differentiation predominantly driven by haplotype frequencies at a single study site and estimates of gene flow among most sample locations generally high. Tentative evidence suggested that natural selection driven by differences in water salinity due to estuarine runoff and surf-zone width, might be maintaining two dominant haplotypes across the range of this species. Beach clams from the Southern Hemisphere, occupying different distributional ranges, were compared to test the hypothesis that genetic structure decreases with an increase in range. This hypothesis was poorly supported by the results; opposite (yet mostly non-significant) trends demonstrated for ΦST and haplotype diversity, thus providing some support for the alternative hypothesis that more phylogeographic breaks in broad-ranging species results in higher estimates of genetic structure in these species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020