Professional women balancing work and motherhood : a study of coping strategies used in balancing this dual role
- Authors: Gunton, Andrea
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Working mothers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Work and family -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Role conflict Stress (Psychology) Working mothers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007242
- Description: The aim of this qualitative research study is to develop insights into the dynamics involved in work- family conflict, balance and coping strategies. The study explores the experiences of seven professional women, who are also mothers, employed in professional work positions in Grahamstown. The research is interpretive in nature as it aims to explore the conflicts experienced by the professional mothers in balancing their competing roles. The study focused on the demands that these women face and the coping strategies that these working mothers develop and use, in order to balance their career aspirations as well as their family responsibilities. It set out to explore the women’s perceptions of work- family conflict and the extent to which they experience it, further examining the compromises that the women have had to make and possible feelings of guilt or regret that they may have experienced. The findings indicated that this balance is sensitive to many facilitating and hindering factors. The participants revealed that they experience work- family conflict, and that the experience of it has largely to do with the guilt of not spending enough time with their family. Another significant finding was that the women expressed their coping strategies as being organised; forming a line between work and family life as well as employing domestic workers. The women further stated that there are constant compromises that have to be made to fit in the multiple roles, and that feelings of guilt and/or regret do set in at times.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gunton, Andrea
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Working mothers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Work and family -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Role conflict Stress (Psychology) Working mothers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007242
- Description: The aim of this qualitative research study is to develop insights into the dynamics involved in work- family conflict, balance and coping strategies. The study explores the experiences of seven professional women, who are also mothers, employed in professional work positions in Grahamstown. The research is interpretive in nature as it aims to explore the conflicts experienced by the professional mothers in balancing their competing roles. The study focused on the demands that these women face and the coping strategies that these working mothers develop and use, in order to balance their career aspirations as well as their family responsibilities. It set out to explore the women’s perceptions of work- family conflict and the extent to which they experience it, further examining the compromises that the women have had to make and possible feelings of guilt or regret that they may have experienced. The findings indicated that this balance is sensitive to many facilitating and hindering factors. The participants revealed that they experience work- family conflict, and that the experience of it has largely to do with the guilt of not spending enough time with their family. Another significant finding was that the women expressed their coping strategies as being organised; forming a line between work and family life as well as employing domestic workers. The women further stated that there are constant compromises that have to be made to fit in the multiple roles, and that feelings of guilt and/or regret do set in at times.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Quality of work and work life: understanding the work ethic of medical professionals in selected hospitals in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa
- Authors: Kwizera, Alice Stella
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Hospitals -- Medical staff -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Work ethic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medical personnel -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Protestant work ethic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003111
- Description: This thesis reports a study of work ethic values, beliefs and attitudes held by medical professionals in selected hospitals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study was in response to the public outcry about the declining work ethic and poor service delivery in South Africa’s healthcare sector. Scholarly interest in the work ethic and its role in economic development dates back to Max Weber’s classical work, which was the starting point for my study. The German economic sociologist published his seminal essay on The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism in 1904/1905. Since that time, Weber’s ideas on the Protestant work ethic continue to inform and influence studies of the contemporary work ethic, which is thought to have become secularised. My study was informed by data collected in 2009 through a questionnaire survey and personal interviews. A total of 174 doctors and nurses, working in four urban, periurban and rural hospitals near East London, completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire replicated the Multi-Dimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) developed by Miller, Woehr and Hudspeth in 2001/2002. The instrument examines seven critical dimensions of the work ethic, namely self-reliance, morality, (foregoing) leisure, hard work, centrality of work in life, not wasting time, and delay of gratification. In addition, I conducted personal interviews in the same four hospitals with 41 hospital managers, doctors, nurses, and patients to discuss their understanding of the work ethic and its practical application. The study found that both doctors’ and nurses’ overall work ethic scores on the MWEP scale were above average. Although there was no significant difference between the overall work ethic scores of the two professions, doctors scored significantly higher than nurses on the ‘hard work’ and ‘self reliance’ dimensions of the work ethic scale. In the qualitative study, the doctors’ work ethic was rated much more highly than the nurses’ by their superiors and patients; and the work ethic of nurses in the urban hospitals was rated much lower than that of their rural colleagues. In contradiction to the idea of the secularization of the contemporary work ethic, religiosity and religious beliefs were influential in the endorsement of work ethic principles. In line with the notion that ‘happy’ workers are more productive, job and life satisfaction were found to be strong correlates of the work ethic of medical professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kwizera, Alice Stella
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Hospitals -- Medical staff -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Work ethic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medical personnel -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Protestant work ethic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003111
- Description: This thesis reports a study of work ethic values, beliefs and attitudes held by medical professionals in selected hospitals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study was in response to the public outcry about the declining work ethic and poor service delivery in South Africa’s healthcare sector. Scholarly interest in the work ethic and its role in economic development dates back to Max Weber’s classical work, which was the starting point for my study. The German economic sociologist published his seminal essay on The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism in 1904/1905. Since that time, Weber’s ideas on the Protestant work ethic continue to inform and influence studies of the contemporary work ethic, which is thought to have become secularised. My study was informed by data collected in 2009 through a questionnaire survey and personal interviews. A total of 174 doctors and nurses, working in four urban, periurban and rural hospitals near East London, completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire replicated the Multi-Dimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) developed by Miller, Woehr and Hudspeth in 2001/2002. The instrument examines seven critical dimensions of the work ethic, namely self-reliance, morality, (foregoing) leisure, hard work, centrality of work in life, not wasting time, and delay of gratification. In addition, I conducted personal interviews in the same four hospitals with 41 hospital managers, doctors, nurses, and patients to discuss their understanding of the work ethic and its practical application. The study found that both doctors’ and nurses’ overall work ethic scores on the MWEP scale were above average. Although there was no significant difference between the overall work ethic scores of the two professions, doctors scored significantly higher than nurses on the ‘hard work’ and ‘self reliance’ dimensions of the work ethic scale. In the qualitative study, the doctors’ work ethic was rated much more highly than the nurses’ by their superiors and patients; and the work ethic of nurses in the urban hospitals was rated much lower than that of their rural colleagues. In contradiction to the idea of the secularization of the contemporary work ethic, religiosity and religious beliefs were influential in the endorsement of work ethic principles. In line with the notion that ‘happy’ workers are more productive, job and life satisfaction were found to be strong correlates of the work ethic of medical professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Quantification of the cross-sectoral impacts of waterweeds and their control in Ghana
- Authors: Akpabey, Felix Jerry
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Control -- Environmental aspects -- Ghana Alien plants -- Research -- Ghana Introduced organisms Economic development -- Social aspects -- Research -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005435
- Description: The Akosombo Dam on the Volta River in Ghana was built in 1963 to provide cheap energy to fuel industry and to accelerate the economic growth of the country. It provides hydroelectric power, enhanced fishing and water transportation upstream, and improved opportunities for irrigated farming, especially in the lower reaches, and their attendant economic multiplier effects. A few years after the construction of this major dam, a rapid expansion of industrialization took place in Ghana. This brought about an exponential increase in demand for more electrical power. This led to the construction of a smaller dam at Akuse, downstream of the Akosomho Dam in 1981 and the formation of a headpond at Kpong. The impoundment of the river at the two sites (Akosombo and Kpong) caused an alteration in the existing ecological and biophysical processes in the river basin, including a slowing of the flow of the river, upstream and downstream. Changes in the natural processes, such as a reduction in the flow of the river and an increase in nutrient status of the water, resulted in an invasion of aquatic weeds, increasing the density of aquatic snails (intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis), silting and closure of the estuary, as well as other more subtle effects. The invasion of the river's main course and the dams by aquatic plants led to a corresponding reduction of navigable water both upstream and downstream. The aim of this thesis was to quantify the impact and control of waterweeds, especially water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae), in Ghana. A floral survey on the Kpong Headpond recorded 49 emergent, 12 free floating and I submerged aquatic plant species, many of which were indigenous, but the exotic or introduced water hyacinth was recorded at most of the sampling sites, and was the most abundant and had the biggest impact on the utilization of the water resource. Mats of water hyacinth served as substrates for other, indigenous species to grow out into the main channel of the headpond, including the intake point of the Kpong head works of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and landing sites for boats. These mats resulted in a reduction of the fish (fin and shell) harvest, reducing the annual production to far below demand. Water hyacinth was also shown to have severe health implications. A survey of the Ministry of Health records showed that the prevalence of both urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis had risen significantly over time as the abundance of waterweeds, most notably water hyacinth, increased, and ranged between 70% and 75% but up to 100% in some lakeside communities. Based on the work done by an NGO on board the medical boat ("Onipa Nua "), losses in terms of money due to the effect on health of the aquatic weed infestations on the Volta River in 2006 amounted to US$ 620,000. Economic losses due to invasive alien aquatic weeds were also calculated on the Oti River Arm of Lake Volta. It was estimated that about US$2.3 million per annum would be lost to the Volta Lake Transport Company and individual boat transport operators if this section of the river were 100% covered by aquatic weeds (water hyacinth and Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell (Salviniaceae)). It was also estimated that US$327,038 was spent annually in monitoring and managing the weeds in the Oti River. Control interventions for aquatic weeds have been implemented in river systems in Ghana. The biological control agents Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) have been used on water hyacinth infestations in the Oti River Arm of Lake Volta, the Tano River and the Lagoon complex in the south-western part of the country. Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been used to control salvinia, and Neohydronomous affinis Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to control water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes Lilmaeus (Araceae) in the Tano River and Lagoon complex. Although these projects have been regarded as successful, they have relied on research from elsewhere in the world and no postrelease quantification has been conducted. In evaluating the impact of the biological control agents Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhorniae weevils on water hyacinth infestations in the Tano River, fresh adult feeding scars were recorded as well as the numbers of adult weevils on each water hyacinth plant sampled at six sites. Despite being released in 1994, weevil numbers and resultant damage to plants in the Tano Lagoon was low in comparison to other regions of the world where these agents have been used. The main reason for this is that this lagoon floods seasonally, washing weevil-infested plants out to sea. Water hyacinth then re-infests the lagoon from seed and the weevil populations are low. To resolve this situation, two courses of action are proposed. The first is to mass rear the weevils along the shore of the lagoon and release them when the first seedlings recruit. The second proposal is that additional agents that have shorter lifecycies and are more mobile than the weevils should be released. To this end, the water hyacinth mirid, Eccritotarsus catarinensis (Carvalho) (Hemiptera: Miridae) was imported from South Africa and released onto the Tano Lagoon in 2009. Retrospective laboratory host specificity trials were conducted on Neachetina eichharniae and Neachetina bruchi weevils 15 years after their release into Ghana to see if any variation in their host ranges had occurred. Considerable damage was inflicted on the E. crassipes leaves by the Neachetina weevils, while little feeding damage was recorded on both Heteranthera callifalia Kunth. (Pontederiaceae) and Eichharnia natans (P.Beauv.) Solms (Pontederiaceae). All the weevils introduced on H callifalia and E. natans died after the first week. This study served to confirm the host specificity and thereby the safety of these agents. Invasive alien aquatic macrophytes have negative impacts on the environment and economy of Ghana. The control of these weeds is essential to socioeconomic development and improved human health standards in riparian communities. Biological control offers a safe and sustainable control option, but requires diligent implementation. However, aquatic weed invasion is more typically a result of the anthropogenically induced eutrophication of water bodies, and this is the main issue that has to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Akpabey, Felix Jerry
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Control -- Environmental aspects -- Ghana Alien plants -- Research -- Ghana Introduced organisms Economic development -- Social aspects -- Research -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005435
- Description: The Akosombo Dam on the Volta River in Ghana was built in 1963 to provide cheap energy to fuel industry and to accelerate the economic growth of the country. It provides hydroelectric power, enhanced fishing and water transportation upstream, and improved opportunities for irrigated farming, especially in the lower reaches, and their attendant economic multiplier effects. A few years after the construction of this major dam, a rapid expansion of industrialization took place in Ghana. This brought about an exponential increase in demand for more electrical power. This led to the construction of a smaller dam at Akuse, downstream of the Akosomho Dam in 1981 and the formation of a headpond at Kpong. The impoundment of the river at the two sites (Akosombo and Kpong) caused an alteration in the existing ecological and biophysical processes in the river basin, including a slowing of the flow of the river, upstream and downstream. Changes in the natural processes, such as a reduction in the flow of the river and an increase in nutrient status of the water, resulted in an invasion of aquatic weeds, increasing the density of aquatic snails (intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis), silting and closure of the estuary, as well as other more subtle effects. The invasion of the river's main course and the dams by aquatic plants led to a corresponding reduction of navigable water both upstream and downstream. The aim of this thesis was to quantify the impact and control of waterweeds, especially water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae), in Ghana. A floral survey on the Kpong Headpond recorded 49 emergent, 12 free floating and I submerged aquatic plant species, many of which were indigenous, but the exotic or introduced water hyacinth was recorded at most of the sampling sites, and was the most abundant and had the biggest impact on the utilization of the water resource. Mats of water hyacinth served as substrates for other, indigenous species to grow out into the main channel of the headpond, including the intake point of the Kpong head works of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and landing sites for boats. These mats resulted in a reduction of the fish (fin and shell) harvest, reducing the annual production to far below demand. Water hyacinth was also shown to have severe health implications. A survey of the Ministry of Health records showed that the prevalence of both urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis had risen significantly over time as the abundance of waterweeds, most notably water hyacinth, increased, and ranged between 70% and 75% but up to 100% in some lakeside communities. Based on the work done by an NGO on board the medical boat ("Onipa Nua "), losses in terms of money due to the effect on health of the aquatic weed infestations on the Volta River in 2006 amounted to US$ 620,000. Economic losses due to invasive alien aquatic weeds were also calculated on the Oti River Arm of Lake Volta. It was estimated that about US$2.3 million per annum would be lost to the Volta Lake Transport Company and individual boat transport operators if this section of the river were 100% covered by aquatic weeds (water hyacinth and Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell (Salviniaceae)). It was also estimated that US$327,038 was spent annually in monitoring and managing the weeds in the Oti River. Control interventions for aquatic weeds have been implemented in river systems in Ghana. The biological control agents Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) have been used on water hyacinth infestations in the Oti River Arm of Lake Volta, the Tano River and the Lagoon complex in the south-western part of the country. Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been used to control salvinia, and Neohydronomous affinis Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to control water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes Lilmaeus (Araceae) in the Tano River and Lagoon complex. Although these projects have been regarded as successful, they have relied on research from elsewhere in the world and no postrelease quantification has been conducted. In evaluating the impact of the biological control agents Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhorniae weevils on water hyacinth infestations in the Tano River, fresh adult feeding scars were recorded as well as the numbers of adult weevils on each water hyacinth plant sampled at six sites. Despite being released in 1994, weevil numbers and resultant damage to plants in the Tano Lagoon was low in comparison to other regions of the world where these agents have been used. The main reason for this is that this lagoon floods seasonally, washing weevil-infested plants out to sea. Water hyacinth then re-infests the lagoon from seed and the weevil populations are low. To resolve this situation, two courses of action are proposed. The first is to mass rear the weevils along the shore of the lagoon and release them when the first seedlings recruit. The second proposal is that additional agents that have shorter lifecycies and are more mobile than the weevils should be released. To this end, the water hyacinth mirid, Eccritotarsus catarinensis (Carvalho) (Hemiptera: Miridae) was imported from South Africa and released onto the Tano Lagoon in 2009. Retrospective laboratory host specificity trials were conducted on Neachetina eichharniae and Neachetina bruchi weevils 15 years after their release into Ghana to see if any variation in their host ranges had occurred. Considerable damage was inflicted on the E. crassipes leaves by the Neachetina weevils, while little feeding damage was recorded on both Heteranthera callifalia Kunth. (Pontederiaceae) and Eichharnia natans (P.Beauv.) Solms (Pontederiaceae). All the weevils introduced on H callifalia and E. natans died after the first week. This study served to confirm the host specificity and thereby the safety of these agents. Invasive alien aquatic macrophytes have negative impacts on the environment and economy of Ghana. The control of these weeds is essential to socioeconomic development and improved human health standards in riparian communities. Biological control offers a safe and sustainable control option, but requires diligent implementation. However, aquatic weed invasion is more typically a result of the anthropogenically induced eutrophication of water bodies, and this is the main issue that has to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rapid enzymatic detection of organophosphorous and carbamate pesticides in water
- Authors: Mwila, Katayi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organophosphorus compounds , Carbamates , Water -- Pesticide content -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality biological assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Pesticides -- Toxicology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biological assay , Acetylcholinesterase , Parathion , Aldicarb , Carbaryl , Carbofuran , Nitrophenols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004084 , Organophosphorus compounds , Carbamates , Water -- Pesticide content -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality biological assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Pesticides -- Toxicology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biological assay , Acetylcholinesterase , Parathion , Aldicarb , Carbaryl , Carbofuran , Nitrophenols
- Description: The increased use of pesticides has resulted in a corresponding increase in concern for the effect they may have on the health of humans and other non-target organisms. The two main areas of concern are the toxicological effects that mixtures of pesticides may have as well as the endocrine disrupting effects. Although the individual pesticides may be present at concentrations below the levels deemed to be detrimental to health, it has been argued that their combined effect may still result in elevated health risks. Another important aspect of pesticide risk assessment requires a consideration of the breakdown products of pesticides and their effect on human health. There has been very little research into the effects of degradation products and this issue should be addressed as these could potentially pose a higher risk than their parent compounds. One of the most important bio-markers available for use is the ubiquitous enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This enzyme is responsible for one of the most important functions in the body; namely nerve impulse transmission, upon which all life depends. The inhibition of this enzyme indicates toxicity and as a subsequence, a threat to the organism’s well-being. Bioassays have also recently been developed to test chemicals for endocrine disrupting effects. These tests rely on a dose response equivalent to that of the most potent well known estrogen 17-β estradiol. Any chemical that has a measurable response is deemed to display endocrine disrupting effects. This first aim of this study was to investigate the toxicological and endocrine disrupting effects of three organophosphorus pesticides; aldicarb, parathion and demeton-S-methyl, in addition to two breakdown products; aminophenol and p-nitrophenol. Two carbamate pesticides; carbaryl and carbofuran were also analysed. The toxicological effects of mixtures of the parent pesticide compounds were tested to assess if any antagonistic, additive or synergistic effects were observed. This data was then used in conjunction with an artificial neural network to assess if individual pesticides could be distinguished from mixtures of pesticides. A final objective was to sample various Eastern Cape water sources, utilising the enzymatic assay to determine the presence of any of these pesticides in these samples. There were several conclusions drawn from this study. AChE was successfully used as an assay to test the toxicity of the pesticides under investigation, based on their inhibition of this enzyme. An important factor for consideration throughout the study was the need to establish basal and monitor AChE activity (i.e. the need to monitor AChE activity in the absence of any pesticide). This ensured accurate comparison of the results obtained. It was found that demeton-S-methyl was the most potent of these pesticides followed by carbaryl, parathion, aldicarb and finally carbofuran, and that carbofuran could potentiate AChE. The results indicated that pesticide mixtures generally exhibited an additive inhibitory effect on AChE, although at some concentrations of pesticides, synergistic and antagonistic effects were noted. From the data using mixtures of pesticides, a feed forward neural network was created that was successfully able to distinguish individual pesticides from mixtures within its training parameters. None of the pesticides tested displayed endocrine disrupting properties in the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES), T47D-KBluc and MDA-kb2 bio-assays. Other studies reported mixed results in this regard and thus no final conclusions could be drawn. The Blaauwkrantz River, Kariega River, Sundays River, Swartkops River and Kowie River were all tested for pesticides and although positive results were recorded, conventional methods indicated that there were no pesticides in the rivers. There were, however, trace metals present which are known to inhibit AChE, thus causing a false positive result. These results indicated that AChE can be used as a high throughput initial pre-screening tool, but that it cannot serve as a substitute for more accurate conventional testing methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mwila, Katayi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organophosphorus compounds , Carbamates , Water -- Pesticide content -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality biological assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Pesticides -- Toxicology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biological assay , Acetylcholinesterase , Parathion , Aldicarb , Carbaryl , Carbofuran , Nitrophenols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004084 , Organophosphorus compounds , Carbamates , Water -- Pesticide content -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality biological assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Pesticides -- Toxicology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biological assay , Acetylcholinesterase , Parathion , Aldicarb , Carbaryl , Carbofuran , Nitrophenols
- Description: The increased use of pesticides has resulted in a corresponding increase in concern for the effect they may have on the health of humans and other non-target organisms. The two main areas of concern are the toxicological effects that mixtures of pesticides may have as well as the endocrine disrupting effects. Although the individual pesticides may be present at concentrations below the levels deemed to be detrimental to health, it has been argued that their combined effect may still result in elevated health risks. Another important aspect of pesticide risk assessment requires a consideration of the breakdown products of pesticides and their effect on human health. There has been very little research into the effects of degradation products and this issue should be addressed as these could potentially pose a higher risk than their parent compounds. One of the most important bio-markers available for use is the ubiquitous enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This enzyme is responsible for one of the most important functions in the body; namely nerve impulse transmission, upon which all life depends. The inhibition of this enzyme indicates toxicity and as a subsequence, a threat to the organism’s well-being. Bioassays have also recently been developed to test chemicals for endocrine disrupting effects. These tests rely on a dose response equivalent to that of the most potent well known estrogen 17-β estradiol. Any chemical that has a measurable response is deemed to display endocrine disrupting effects. This first aim of this study was to investigate the toxicological and endocrine disrupting effects of three organophosphorus pesticides; aldicarb, parathion and demeton-S-methyl, in addition to two breakdown products; aminophenol and p-nitrophenol. Two carbamate pesticides; carbaryl and carbofuran were also analysed. The toxicological effects of mixtures of the parent pesticide compounds were tested to assess if any antagonistic, additive or synergistic effects were observed. This data was then used in conjunction with an artificial neural network to assess if individual pesticides could be distinguished from mixtures of pesticides. A final objective was to sample various Eastern Cape water sources, utilising the enzymatic assay to determine the presence of any of these pesticides in these samples. There were several conclusions drawn from this study. AChE was successfully used as an assay to test the toxicity of the pesticides under investigation, based on their inhibition of this enzyme. An important factor for consideration throughout the study was the need to establish basal and monitor AChE activity (i.e. the need to monitor AChE activity in the absence of any pesticide). This ensured accurate comparison of the results obtained. It was found that demeton-S-methyl was the most potent of these pesticides followed by carbaryl, parathion, aldicarb and finally carbofuran, and that carbofuran could potentiate AChE. The results indicated that pesticide mixtures generally exhibited an additive inhibitory effect on AChE, although at some concentrations of pesticides, synergistic and antagonistic effects were noted. From the data using mixtures of pesticides, a feed forward neural network was created that was successfully able to distinguish individual pesticides from mixtures within its training parameters. None of the pesticides tested displayed endocrine disrupting properties in the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES), T47D-KBluc and MDA-kb2 bio-assays. Other studies reported mixed results in this regard and thus no final conclusions could be drawn. The Blaauwkrantz River, Kariega River, Sundays River, Swartkops River and Kowie River were all tested for pesticides and although positive results were recorded, conventional methods indicated that there were no pesticides in the rivers. There were, however, trace metals present which are known to inhibit AChE, thus causing a false positive result. These results indicated that AChE can be used as a high throughput initial pre-screening tool, but that it cannot serve as a substitute for more accurate conventional testing methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rebellious uniform
- Authors: Farmer, Mark Ross
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: High school students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Discipline Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Conduct of life Teenagers -- Education (Secondary) -- South Africa School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002197
- Description: In this thesis, I focus on adolescent teens at Kingswood College High School, where I am currently employed as a student assistant in Grahamstown. I form part of a networked hierarchy at Kingswood College whereby I am expected to perform duties which require me to uphold discipline, forge respect and act as a mentor to students. Within this complex role I am mindful of the power dynamics within the school and my focus is on how the students at Kingswood College in some instances challenge them. Regulations in regard to uniforms and in regard to the arrangement of each learner’s belongings insist on the sublimation/sacrificing of an individual identity in favour of an institutional one. Thus tiny departures from those norms, slight transgressions, might be understood as small rebellions which the boarder stages against disciplinary structures and the conformity demanded of him or her. I am particularly interested in these transgressions. In this thesis I attempt to unravel the complexities associated with such idiosyncrasies and how they play out amongst adolescent teens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Farmer, Mark Ross
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: High school students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Discipline Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Conduct of life Teenagers -- Education (Secondary) -- South Africa School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002197
- Description: In this thesis, I focus on adolescent teens at Kingswood College High School, where I am currently employed as a student assistant in Grahamstown. I form part of a networked hierarchy at Kingswood College whereby I am expected to perform duties which require me to uphold discipline, forge respect and act as a mentor to students. Within this complex role I am mindful of the power dynamics within the school and my focus is on how the students at Kingswood College in some instances challenge them. Regulations in regard to uniforms and in regard to the arrangement of each learner’s belongings insist on the sublimation/sacrificing of an individual identity in favour of an institutional one. Thus tiny departures from those norms, slight transgressions, might be understood as small rebellions which the boarder stages against disciplinary structures and the conformity demanded of him or her. I am particularly interested in these transgressions. In this thesis I attempt to unravel the complexities associated with such idiosyncrasies and how they play out amongst adolescent teens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Research and development of a preliminary South African voluntary carbon standard for landscape restoration projects
- Authors: Curran, Patrick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Carbon -- Environmental aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Carbon -- Standards -- Research , Restoration ecology -- Research -- South Africa , Environmental sciences -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006968 , Carbon -- Environmental aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Carbon -- Standards -- Research , Restoration ecology -- Research -- South Africa , Environmental sciences -- Research
- Description: The mandatory and voluntary carbon markets have both developed around the increasing trade of carbon offsets. In order to add legitimacy to an otherwise intangible commodity there has been a rise in the development of third party carbon certification standards, particularly in the voluntary market. These standards aim to provide independent, third party certification to projects that are developed specifically to generate and sell carbon offsets. South Africa has the opportunity to engage with these markets, but current participation in and certification of projects is sluggish. These projects have not taken off mainly due to the high transaction costs and lag times surrounding the current certification of projects', complex baseline methodologies, accounting uncertainty and the often bureaucratic systems surrounding the current voluntary carbon certification standards and methodologies. In order to overcome these pitfalls this project aimed to address these challenges through initiating the development of a preliminary South African voluntary carbon standard. This was done by: a) undertaking a critical assessment of the development of current carbon markets, with a particular focus on voluntary markets and third party certification, b) critically analysing the current voluntary carbon certification standards for best practices, pitfalls and weaknesses. To provide a better understanding of the historical development of voluntary certification standards, various established certification standards were evaluated, including the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and ISO 14000 standards. This analysis focussed on the challenges they faced in acceptance and in particular how they have managed to operationalize sustainable development within the certification process. In order to explicitly ensure the incorporation of a sustainable development assessment of projects under the proposed standard, an expert workshop was held with 14 experts from a wide variety of disciplines. These experts identified the crucial sustainable development challenges facing South Africa. They identified 12 sub-themes and 44 indicators that could be used to measure and incorporate sustainable development indicators into the certification process. These were then further developed through using the 'Input – Output – Outcome – Impact' framework model which allowed the indicators to be organised and understood and thus practical. The analysis of the voluntary certification standards and the development of the sustainable development indicator framework were ultimately incorporated into the development of the proposed South African voluntary carbon standard. The key approach to this standard is the incorporation and focus of the proposed standard to ensuring the generation of net SD benefits and placing them at the same level as carbon within the project design and development, validation and verification process. The full and effective integration of these has been missing within current fully fledged voluntary carbon standards, as they often rely on a mixture of project design standards to achieve this. Offering the inclusion of all components into one standard, specifically designed for South Africa, will not only assure SD credentials but also increase transparency and understanding, and reduce costs. This thesis allowed for the development of innovative new ideas and process focussed specifically at including and mainstreaming South Africa’s developmental challenges into the certification process. This is the hoped that the standard will effectively certify South African based landscape restoration projects, but also decrease costs and increase efficiencies in order to encourage the development of these projects. This preliminary standard not only aims to incorporate and address all the issues identified but also has the end goal of acting as the basis for future debate and development surrounding a potential South African voluntary carbon certification standard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Curran, Patrick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Carbon -- Environmental aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Carbon -- Standards -- Research , Restoration ecology -- Research -- South Africa , Environmental sciences -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006968 , Carbon -- Environmental aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Carbon -- Standards -- Research , Restoration ecology -- Research -- South Africa , Environmental sciences -- Research
- Description: The mandatory and voluntary carbon markets have both developed around the increasing trade of carbon offsets. In order to add legitimacy to an otherwise intangible commodity there has been a rise in the development of third party carbon certification standards, particularly in the voluntary market. These standards aim to provide independent, third party certification to projects that are developed specifically to generate and sell carbon offsets. South Africa has the opportunity to engage with these markets, but current participation in and certification of projects is sluggish. These projects have not taken off mainly due to the high transaction costs and lag times surrounding the current certification of projects', complex baseline methodologies, accounting uncertainty and the often bureaucratic systems surrounding the current voluntary carbon certification standards and methodologies. In order to overcome these pitfalls this project aimed to address these challenges through initiating the development of a preliminary South African voluntary carbon standard. This was done by: a) undertaking a critical assessment of the development of current carbon markets, with a particular focus on voluntary markets and third party certification, b) critically analysing the current voluntary carbon certification standards for best practices, pitfalls and weaknesses. To provide a better understanding of the historical development of voluntary certification standards, various established certification standards were evaluated, including the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and ISO 14000 standards. This analysis focussed on the challenges they faced in acceptance and in particular how they have managed to operationalize sustainable development within the certification process. In order to explicitly ensure the incorporation of a sustainable development assessment of projects under the proposed standard, an expert workshop was held with 14 experts from a wide variety of disciplines. These experts identified the crucial sustainable development challenges facing South Africa. They identified 12 sub-themes and 44 indicators that could be used to measure and incorporate sustainable development indicators into the certification process. These were then further developed through using the 'Input – Output – Outcome – Impact' framework model which allowed the indicators to be organised and understood and thus practical. The analysis of the voluntary certification standards and the development of the sustainable development indicator framework were ultimately incorporated into the development of the proposed South African voluntary carbon standard. The key approach to this standard is the incorporation and focus of the proposed standard to ensuring the generation of net SD benefits and placing them at the same level as carbon within the project design and development, validation and verification process. The full and effective integration of these has been missing within current fully fledged voluntary carbon standards, as they often rely on a mixture of project design standards to achieve this. Offering the inclusion of all components into one standard, specifically designed for South Africa, will not only assure SD credentials but also increase transparency and understanding, and reduce costs. This thesis allowed for the development of innovative new ideas and process focussed specifically at including and mainstreaming South Africa’s developmental challenges into the certification process. This is the hoped that the standard will effectively certify South African based landscape restoration projects, but also decrease costs and increase efficiencies in order to encourage the development of these projects. This preliminary standard not only aims to incorporate and address all the issues identified but also has the end goal of acting as the basis for future debate and development surrounding a potential South African voluntary carbon certification standard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rewrite, revise, refine, reflect, rethink: the long and short of teaching journalism at Rhodes
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018945 , https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8715-8542
- Description: Vice-Chancellor’s 2011 Senior Distinguished Teaching Award lecture, 10 October 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018945 , https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8715-8542
- Description: Vice-Chancellor’s 2011 Senior Distinguished Teaching Award lecture, 10 October 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rhodes University Graduation Ceremony 2012
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007245
- Description: Rhodes University Graduation Ceremonies 2012 [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Thursday, 12 April at 18.00 [and] Friday, 13 April at 10:30; 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 14 April at 10:30 , Rhodes University Awards, Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007245
- Description: Rhodes University Graduation Ceremonies 2012 [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Thursday, 12 April at 18.00 [and] Friday, 13 April at 10:30; 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 14 April at 10:30 , Rhodes University Awards, Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rhodes University Research Report 2012
- Rhodes University, Roberts, Jaine, Connan, Verna, Mantolo, Thumeka, Macgregor, Jill, Jacob, Patricia
- Authors: Rhodes University , Roberts, Jaine , Connan, Verna , Mantolo, Thumeka , Macgregor, Jill , Jacob, Patricia
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011985
- Description: [From Introduction] Rhodes University continued to grow in overall accredited research outputs in 2012, and in other forms of scholarship which enhance the intellectual space of the university. During the graduation ceremonies that followed the 2012 academic year, 2 288 students earned new qualifications. A record 948 students or 41 percent graduated with postgraduate degrees. We also celebrated a new University record of 63 PhD graduates, a wonderful achievement for the smallest university in the country. Our Science Faculty was a particularly noteworthy contributor to the postgraduate numbers, with 35 PhD graduates, 83 Master’s graduates and 132 honours graduates. The University’s Enrolment Plan outlines our intention of becoming a more postgraduate university, and our overall strategy is to enhance our contribution to knowledge production through research and scholarship. Rhodes is well-positioned for such a trajectory, and we look to strengthening our capacity to serve society in this way by striving to provide our academics with effective research support. In the latest Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Ministerial Report on National Research Outputs, Rhodes University is listed as having the third most favourable research output rate per capita (the accepted norm for measuring efficiency of investment in the research domain) in the South African university system, and the second highest percentage of academic staff with PhDs (56 percent). Other studies show that Rhodes has the top PhD graduation rate of South African Universities, and very good postgraduate throughput rates overall. We continue to give special attention to identifying potential new postgraduate and research niche areas and programmes, and to developing the appropriate institutional arrangements to effectively support larger numbers of Honours, Masters and Doctoral students, and further enhance their academic and social experiences. The audited result of our DHET submission of accredited research outputs for 2012 has not yet been received at the time of writing, so exact success rates in book and conference submissions are not yet known. These are the smaller components of our overall accredited outputs (in the previous year, books and accredited conference proceedings each contributed 7 percent of our total accredited publishing output, while journals contributed 86 percent). In 2012, Rhodes submitted 46.82 book and book chapter units for consideration (up by 33 percent on the 2011 submission), and 32.04 accredited conference proceeding weighted units (down by 8.6 percent on the 2011 submission, which in turn had been up 46.8 percent on the previous year’s submission).Year-on-year variance on the relatively small submission base in these categories is to be expected. The big component of Rhodes’ publication output, our journal publications, grew by 13.2 percent on the 2011 level to 350.47 units (the previous year has seen a 6 percent increase in this category), maintaining Rhodes’ position amongst the most research productive institutions in the South African Higher Education system. Coupled with Rhodes’ high volume of accredited journal outputs in relation to its size, a very pleasing quality measure is that 90 percent of Journal outputs (the highest proportion in the sector) appear in internationally accredited journal indices. Accredited outputs from thesis-based PhD and Masters graduates rose by 4.9 percent in 2012 to a new high for Rhodes (2011’s figure had grown by 15.4 percent over 2010, which in turn had grown by 35.8 percent over 2009). I add my warm thanks and congratulations to all of our researchers, funders, collaborators and partners who contributed to the excellent accredited research results of 2012, as well as generated the many forms of scholarship that are not counted in the accreditation exercise, but which contribute much to the rich intellectual space that is Rhodes. I also thank all of the administrators who play a crucial role in preparing the university’s meticulous audited submissions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rhodes University , Roberts, Jaine , Connan, Verna , Mantolo, Thumeka , Macgregor, Jill , Jacob, Patricia
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011985
- Description: [From Introduction] Rhodes University continued to grow in overall accredited research outputs in 2012, and in other forms of scholarship which enhance the intellectual space of the university. During the graduation ceremonies that followed the 2012 academic year, 2 288 students earned new qualifications. A record 948 students or 41 percent graduated with postgraduate degrees. We also celebrated a new University record of 63 PhD graduates, a wonderful achievement for the smallest university in the country. Our Science Faculty was a particularly noteworthy contributor to the postgraduate numbers, with 35 PhD graduates, 83 Master’s graduates and 132 honours graduates. The University’s Enrolment Plan outlines our intention of becoming a more postgraduate university, and our overall strategy is to enhance our contribution to knowledge production through research and scholarship. Rhodes is well-positioned for such a trajectory, and we look to strengthening our capacity to serve society in this way by striving to provide our academics with effective research support. In the latest Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Ministerial Report on National Research Outputs, Rhodes University is listed as having the third most favourable research output rate per capita (the accepted norm for measuring efficiency of investment in the research domain) in the South African university system, and the second highest percentage of academic staff with PhDs (56 percent). Other studies show that Rhodes has the top PhD graduation rate of South African Universities, and very good postgraduate throughput rates overall. We continue to give special attention to identifying potential new postgraduate and research niche areas and programmes, and to developing the appropriate institutional arrangements to effectively support larger numbers of Honours, Masters and Doctoral students, and further enhance their academic and social experiences. The audited result of our DHET submission of accredited research outputs for 2012 has not yet been received at the time of writing, so exact success rates in book and conference submissions are not yet known. These are the smaller components of our overall accredited outputs (in the previous year, books and accredited conference proceedings each contributed 7 percent of our total accredited publishing output, while journals contributed 86 percent). In 2012, Rhodes submitted 46.82 book and book chapter units for consideration (up by 33 percent on the 2011 submission), and 32.04 accredited conference proceeding weighted units (down by 8.6 percent on the 2011 submission, which in turn had been up 46.8 percent on the previous year’s submission).Year-on-year variance on the relatively small submission base in these categories is to be expected. The big component of Rhodes’ publication output, our journal publications, grew by 13.2 percent on the 2011 level to 350.47 units (the previous year has seen a 6 percent increase in this category), maintaining Rhodes’ position amongst the most research productive institutions in the South African Higher Education system. Coupled with Rhodes’ high volume of accredited journal outputs in relation to its size, a very pleasing quality measure is that 90 percent of Journal outputs (the highest proportion in the sector) appear in internationally accredited journal indices. Accredited outputs from thesis-based PhD and Masters graduates rose by 4.9 percent in 2012 to a new high for Rhodes (2011’s figure had grown by 15.4 percent over 2010, which in turn had grown by 35.8 percent over 2009). I add my warm thanks and congratulations to all of our researchers, funders, collaborators and partners who contributed to the excellent accredited research results of 2012, as well as generated the many forms of scholarship that are not counted in the accreditation exercise, but which contribute much to the rich intellectual space that is Rhodes. I also thank all of the administrators who play a crucial role in preparing the university’s meticulous audited submissions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Ritualised discourse practices of feedback in a university foundation programme: a critical investigation
- Authors: Richardson, Amy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164955 , vital:41187
- Description: In order for students to become true members of academic communities of practice they need epistemological access, including guidance on central institutional knowledge-producing processes and mastery of key academic literacy practices. A powerful source of guidance is marker feedback. Drawing on key insights from the New Literacy Studies and taking up the mandate of Critical Ethnography to improve the status quo, this thesis reports on the feedback practices in a university foundation programme. The findings are based on three micro-case studies compiled and analysed by means of methods drawn from Ethnography, Sociolinguistics and Critical Analysis in conjunction with an expanded, multimodal, APPRAISAL analysis, including adjusted categories and the author’s own feedback typologies. Two major arguments emerge: the feedback provided amounts to a set of ritualised discourse practices and its effects can be likened to the product of the children’s game of Head-body-tail. Consequently, feedback conventions are opaque and, potentially, impede epistemological access. They further entrench five sets of ideologies: (1) Students must master basic English literacy before they are coached in more complex issues such as argumentation; an assumption which leads to differential socialisation. (2) There is a single set of literacy practices that is rewarded. (3) Students have different levels of authorial authority depending on their language abilities. (4) ‘Middle students’ may benefit the most from feedback. (5) Specific comments are preferred over general ones. Analysis of feedback, furthermore, shows that markers’ frames of reference shape their pedagogy and that draft and final versions of work may be framed differently by markers. These findings require a response and, in order to facilitate epistemological access, suggestions are made for improved marker training based on the problematisation of the ritual involved in marking students’ work in this university foundation programme. , Thesis (MA)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Richardson, Amy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164955 , vital:41187
- Description: In order for students to become true members of academic communities of practice they need epistemological access, including guidance on central institutional knowledge-producing processes and mastery of key academic literacy practices. A powerful source of guidance is marker feedback. Drawing on key insights from the New Literacy Studies and taking up the mandate of Critical Ethnography to improve the status quo, this thesis reports on the feedback practices in a university foundation programme. The findings are based on three micro-case studies compiled and analysed by means of methods drawn from Ethnography, Sociolinguistics and Critical Analysis in conjunction with an expanded, multimodal, APPRAISAL analysis, including adjusted categories and the author’s own feedback typologies. Two major arguments emerge: the feedback provided amounts to a set of ritualised discourse practices and its effects can be likened to the product of the children’s game of Head-body-tail. Consequently, feedback conventions are opaque and, potentially, impede epistemological access. They further entrench five sets of ideologies: (1) Students must master basic English literacy before they are coached in more complex issues such as argumentation; an assumption which leads to differential socialisation. (2) There is a single set of literacy practices that is rewarded. (3) Students have different levels of authorial authority depending on their language abilities. (4) ‘Middle students’ may benefit the most from feedback. (5) Specific comments are preferred over general ones. Analysis of feedback, furthermore, shows that markers’ frames of reference shape their pedagogy and that draft and final versions of work may be framed differently by markers. These findings require a response and, in order to facilitate epistemological access, suggestions are made for improved marker training based on the problematisation of the ritual involved in marking students’ work in this university foundation programme. , Thesis (MA)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rivers as borders, dividing or uniting? : the effect of topography and implications for catchment management in South Africa
- Authors: Smedley, David Alan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rivers -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- Orange River Watershed , Watershed management -- South Africa , Watershed management -- Orange River Watershed , South Africa -- Boundaries , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005527 , Rivers -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- Orange River Watershed , Watershed management -- South Africa , Watershed management -- Orange River Watershed , South Africa -- Boundaries , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa's water resources are unequally distributed over space and time to a high degree and our already stressed water resources situation will only be exacerbated by climate change if current predictions are correct. The potential for conflict over increasingly strained water resources in South Africa is thus very real. In order to deal with these complex problems national legislation is demanding that water resource management be decentralized to the local level where active participation can take place in an integrated manner in accordance with the principles of IWRM. However, administrative and political boundaries rarely match those of catchments as, throughout South Africa, rivers have been employed extensively to delineate administrative and political boundaries at a number of spatial scales. The aim of this research is to determine if rivers act as dividing or uniting features in a socio-political landscape and whether topography will influence their role in this context. By considering sections of the Orange-Senqu River, some of which are employed as political or administrative boundaries, this project furthermore aims to consider the implications of this for catchment management in South Africa. South Africa's proposed form of decentralized water management will have to contend with the effects of different topographies on the way in which rivers are perceived and utilized. The ability of a river to act as a dividing or uniting feature is dependent on a number of interrelated factors, the effects of which are either reduced or enhanced by the topography surrounding the river. Factors such as the state of the resource, levels of utilization, local histories and the employment of the river as a political or administrative border are all factors that determine the extent to which a river unites or divides the communities along its banks, and are all influenced by topography. The implications of this for the management of catchments in South Africa are significant. Local water management institutions will have to contend with a mismatch in borders and in many cases bridge social divides that are deeply entrenched along the banks of rivers. Importantly, the need for a context specific approach to catchment management is highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Smedley, David Alan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rivers -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- Orange River Watershed , Watershed management -- South Africa , Watershed management -- Orange River Watershed , South Africa -- Boundaries , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005527 , Rivers -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Management -- Orange River Watershed , Watershed management -- South Africa , Watershed management -- Orange River Watershed , South Africa -- Boundaries , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa's water resources are unequally distributed over space and time to a high degree and our already stressed water resources situation will only be exacerbated by climate change if current predictions are correct. The potential for conflict over increasingly strained water resources in South Africa is thus very real. In order to deal with these complex problems national legislation is demanding that water resource management be decentralized to the local level where active participation can take place in an integrated manner in accordance with the principles of IWRM. However, administrative and political boundaries rarely match those of catchments as, throughout South Africa, rivers have been employed extensively to delineate administrative and political boundaries at a number of spatial scales. The aim of this research is to determine if rivers act as dividing or uniting features in a socio-political landscape and whether topography will influence their role in this context. By considering sections of the Orange-Senqu River, some of which are employed as political or administrative boundaries, this project furthermore aims to consider the implications of this for catchment management in South Africa. South Africa's proposed form of decentralized water management will have to contend with the effects of different topographies on the way in which rivers are perceived and utilized. The ability of a river to act as a dividing or uniting feature is dependent on a number of interrelated factors, the effects of which are either reduced or enhanced by the topography surrounding the river. Factors such as the state of the resource, levels of utilization, local histories and the employment of the river as a political or administrative border are all factors that determine the extent to which a river unites or divides the communities along its banks, and are all influenced by topography. The implications of this for the management of catchments in South Africa are significant. Local water management institutions will have to contend with a mismatch in borders and in many cases bridge social divides that are deeply entrenched along the banks of rivers. Importantly, the need for a context specific approach to catchment management is highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
RUL News, Quarter 1, 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020856
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: It is now two months since I joined Rhodes University Library on February 01 2012 as the latest Director in a list of respected professionals who have led this Library to what it is today. I feel extremely privileged to have inherited an amazingly beautiful library building that has all the trappings of a modern 21st century academic library. To this end I acknowledge the former Director Gwenda Thomas who drove this reconstruction and renewal process together with Ms Jeanne Berger, former Acting Director and Deputy Director. I believe that together we are poised to embark on a new trajectory that will redefine this institution. This redefinition will include a new vision, mission and values statement; an articulated organizational culture; staff enablement and development for consolidation and innovation; and increased visibility and appreciation of the Library. While we enjoy the physical Library environment, we also need to explore the frontiers of the digital library. Unprecedented growth in technology provides us with vast new opportunities for identifying appropriate or relevant models for library services and communication. We need to commence this conversation proactively so that we understand and embrace the newest technologies to enable and contribute to the success of our users and the University. I believe that we have an exciting future ahead of us and that collectively we can set the agenda for this future. The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” certainly holds true for us and I look forward to working with each one of you.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020856
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: It is now two months since I joined Rhodes University Library on February 01 2012 as the latest Director in a list of respected professionals who have led this Library to what it is today. I feel extremely privileged to have inherited an amazingly beautiful library building that has all the trappings of a modern 21st century academic library. To this end I acknowledge the former Director Gwenda Thomas who drove this reconstruction and renewal process together with Ms Jeanne Berger, former Acting Director and Deputy Director. I believe that together we are poised to embark on a new trajectory that will redefine this institution. This redefinition will include a new vision, mission and values statement; an articulated organizational culture; staff enablement and development for consolidation and innovation; and increased visibility and appreciation of the Library. While we enjoy the physical Library environment, we also need to explore the frontiers of the digital library. Unprecedented growth in technology provides us with vast new opportunities for identifying appropriate or relevant models for library services and communication. We need to commence this conversation proactively so that we understand and embrace the newest technologies to enable and contribute to the success of our users and the University. I believe that we have an exciting future ahead of us and that collectively we can set the agenda for this future. The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” certainly holds true for us and I look forward to working with each one of you.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
RUL News, Quarter 2, 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020858
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: The last three months have been an exciting time for me at the Rhodes University Library (RUL) as it coincides with my first 100 days as the Director. It’s been a time for observations, questions, conversations, reviews, meetings, gaining trust, challenging assumptions and old habits, and taking ownership with the intention of facilitating change and innovation for a redefined future. After all of this, I must admit that the future looks extremely positive. An invitation to speak at the 11th South African Online Information Meeting (SAOIM) on 06 June 2012 on the topic “Change and Innovation: the need to push the limits” gave me pause for thought regarding innovation and organizational development. While there is a tendency to link innovation to technology, it may be used to implement change at every level of an organization. Change refers to altering one’s approach or attitude; a process which enables transformation, becoming different or doing things differently. Peter Drucker defines innovation as “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Therefore an effective organization must be prepared to grasp the opportunities, alongside the threats, by responding to the challenge of change to continue adding value to its defined audience. An innovative organization focuses on the following four significant areas: - Alignment of internal strategies to corporate/institutional goals and strategies - People, skills and roles - Defined workflows or processes - Cultural engagement and support Keeping the above in mind, the following activities were held towards redefining the organization’s purpose and culture, and identifying the focus areas for 2013-2015: Review of the Faculty Library model on May 03 2012 with all the Principal Faculty Librarians. The following questions were addressed: - What are we doing well? - What are we not doing well? Why not? - How could we do things differently? - What are the burning issues critical for success or failure? - How well are we positioned for the future? 2-day strategic planning session on 14-15 June 2012 which was facilitated by Dr Noel Pearse of the Rhodes Business School. The context was set by Dr Sizwe Mabizela, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and the Dr Peter Clayton, DVC: Research who focused on the Rhodes priorities and the research agenda respectively. Presentations on Open Scholarship; Mobile Technologies; Library Leadership; Changing User Needs and Library as Space were made by staff and the World Café concept was used to encourage open discussions and exchange of ideas among staff in teams and across levels. The most positive and encouraging outcome hereof is that various task teams which include every member of staff have taken the responsibility of developing the eStrategy and the strategies relating to Marketing & Communications, Staff Development, User Services and Infrastructure, as well as the Purpose Statement (Vision, Mission and Values) and the Organisational Culture. This is indeed an innovative way of the staff taking ownership of the future of the organization. I believe that the greatest asset of an organization is its human capital and RUL is fortunate to have a corps of staff that is representative of different skills, expertise and varying experience. Collectively we can define the conditions for successful innovation by enhancing existing strengths; committing to change; focusing on specific needs; innovating for the present which will have long-term impact; and changing our behaviours and processes. This gives us the opportunity to: - demonstrate our value to the University management - take the lead in being strategic and inculcate the “One organization, many leaders” mindset - focus on exceptional user experiences - use technology as an enabler - redefine our role through collaboration and embedded librarianship Jean Sykes (Chief Librarian and Information Services Director: London School of Economics) is of the opinion that “Librarians are very well-placed to make a difference and secure an enviable reputation for our profession if we continue to watch, listen, think, analyse, collaborate, share, test and try and if we deploy real leadership skills, displaying a genuine willingness to keep reinventing ourselves and our old skills to match the changing environment we find ourselves in at any stage.” I agree!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020858
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: The last three months have been an exciting time for me at the Rhodes University Library (RUL) as it coincides with my first 100 days as the Director. It’s been a time for observations, questions, conversations, reviews, meetings, gaining trust, challenging assumptions and old habits, and taking ownership with the intention of facilitating change and innovation for a redefined future. After all of this, I must admit that the future looks extremely positive. An invitation to speak at the 11th South African Online Information Meeting (SAOIM) on 06 June 2012 on the topic “Change and Innovation: the need to push the limits” gave me pause for thought regarding innovation and organizational development. While there is a tendency to link innovation to technology, it may be used to implement change at every level of an organization. Change refers to altering one’s approach or attitude; a process which enables transformation, becoming different or doing things differently. Peter Drucker defines innovation as “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Therefore an effective organization must be prepared to grasp the opportunities, alongside the threats, by responding to the challenge of change to continue adding value to its defined audience. An innovative organization focuses on the following four significant areas: - Alignment of internal strategies to corporate/institutional goals and strategies - People, skills and roles - Defined workflows or processes - Cultural engagement and support Keeping the above in mind, the following activities were held towards redefining the organization’s purpose and culture, and identifying the focus areas for 2013-2015: Review of the Faculty Library model on May 03 2012 with all the Principal Faculty Librarians. The following questions were addressed: - What are we doing well? - What are we not doing well? Why not? - How could we do things differently? - What are the burning issues critical for success or failure? - How well are we positioned for the future? 2-day strategic planning session on 14-15 June 2012 which was facilitated by Dr Noel Pearse of the Rhodes Business School. The context was set by Dr Sizwe Mabizela, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and the Dr Peter Clayton, DVC: Research who focused on the Rhodes priorities and the research agenda respectively. Presentations on Open Scholarship; Mobile Technologies; Library Leadership; Changing User Needs and Library as Space were made by staff and the World Café concept was used to encourage open discussions and exchange of ideas among staff in teams and across levels. The most positive and encouraging outcome hereof is that various task teams which include every member of staff have taken the responsibility of developing the eStrategy and the strategies relating to Marketing & Communications, Staff Development, User Services and Infrastructure, as well as the Purpose Statement (Vision, Mission and Values) and the Organisational Culture. This is indeed an innovative way of the staff taking ownership of the future of the organization. I believe that the greatest asset of an organization is its human capital and RUL is fortunate to have a corps of staff that is representative of different skills, expertise and varying experience. Collectively we can define the conditions for successful innovation by enhancing existing strengths; committing to change; focusing on specific needs; innovating for the present which will have long-term impact; and changing our behaviours and processes. This gives us the opportunity to: - demonstrate our value to the University management - take the lead in being strategic and inculcate the “One organization, many leaders” mindset - focus on exceptional user experiences - use technology as an enabler - redefine our role through collaboration and embedded librarianship Jean Sykes (Chief Librarian and Information Services Director: London School of Economics) is of the opinion that “Librarians are very well-placed to make a difference and secure an enviable reputation for our profession if we continue to watch, listen, think, analyse, collaborate, share, test and try and if we deploy real leadership skills, displaying a genuine willingness to keep reinventing ourselves and our old skills to match the changing environment we find ourselves in at any stage.” I agree!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Ruth First in Mozambique: portrait of a scholar
- Authors: Tebello, Letsekha
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: First, Ruth, 1925-1982 Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Women political activists -- South Africa Journalists -- South Africa Anti-apartheid movements -- South Africa Government, Resistance to -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003108
- Description: Ruth First was an activist, journalist and sociologist trained by experience and credentialed by her numerous publications. Having lived most of her adult life as an intellectual and activist, First died in August 1982 at the hands of a regime and its supporters who intensely detested all these pursuits. This research project sketches the intellectual contributions made by the South African sociologist during her time at the Centre of African Studies at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Her life like the newspaper she edited in the early 1970s was a Fighting Talk and this research project is about celebrating that life and valorising some of the life’s work that she left behind. Making use of qualitative research methods such as archiving, semi-structured interviews and contents analysis, this thesis sought to document Ruth First’s intellectual interventions while at the Centre of African Studies. Engaging with her work while she was in Mozambique and inserting her intellectual contributions, which like those of many African scholars have given way to debates from the global North, into our curriculum would perhaps be the real refutation of the assassin's bomb. This engagement is also crucial as it extends much further than the striking accolades which take the form of buildings and lectures established in her honour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tebello, Letsekha
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: First, Ruth, 1925-1982 Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Women political activists -- South Africa Journalists -- South Africa Anti-apartheid movements -- South Africa Government, Resistance to -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003108
- Description: Ruth First was an activist, journalist and sociologist trained by experience and credentialed by her numerous publications. Having lived most of her adult life as an intellectual and activist, First died in August 1982 at the hands of a regime and its supporters who intensely detested all these pursuits. This research project sketches the intellectual contributions made by the South African sociologist during her time at the Centre of African Studies at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Her life like the newspaper she edited in the early 1970s was a Fighting Talk and this research project is about celebrating that life and valorising some of the life’s work that she left behind. Making use of qualitative research methods such as archiving, semi-structured interviews and contents analysis, this thesis sought to document Ruth First’s intellectual interventions while at the Centre of African Studies. Engaging with her work while she was in Mozambique and inserting her intellectual contributions, which like those of many African scholars have given way to debates from the global North, into our curriculum would perhaps be the real refutation of the assassin's bomb. This engagement is also crucial as it extends much further than the striking accolades which take the form of buildings and lectures established in her honour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Silence, like breathing
- Authors: Van der Nest, Megan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Diaries -- Authorship , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015246
- Description: In this collection of free verse lyric poems I have drawn inspiration from childhood memories, as well as from the natural world and encounters with the people around me. Each poem focuses on a small moment, presenting an emotive portrait of a memory or an experience. These small moments lead, cumulatively, to deeper insights into myself and the world around me. The collection is divided into four seasons, in part because the work is strongly influenced by the natural world, but also because the progression of the seasons mirrors something of the personal journey reflected in the poems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van der Nest, Megan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Diaries -- Authorship , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015246
- Description: In this collection of free verse lyric poems I have drawn inspiration from childhood memories, as well as from the natural world and encounters with the people around me. Each poem focuses on a small moment, presenting an emotive portrait of a memory or an experience. These small moments lead, cumulatively, to deeper insights into myself and the world around me. The collection is divided into four seasons, in part because the work is strongly influenced by the natural world, but also because the progression of the seasons mirrors something of the personal journey reflected in the poems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Small mammal communities at high altitude within the Sneeuberg Mountain complex, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Kok, Armand du Preez
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mountain animals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammal populations -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005454 , Mountain animals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammal populations -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Due to their widespread and specious nature, small mammals are ideal for biogeographical studies. Small mammals also effectively connect various trophic levels by being both consumers and prey items for other animals. The Great Escarpment is the dominant mountain landscape in South Africa. Yet, very little small mammal research has been conducted on the Great Escarpment outside of the Main Drakensberg Mountains. This is surprising given the importance of mountains in shaping regional ecology. In this study, I assessed the diversity and community composition of small mammals at three high altitude (>1700m) sites within the Sneeuberg Mountain Complex (SMC) from June 2009 to May 2010. I also tested the effectiveness of five different bait types for measuring small mammal diversity (i.e. number of individuals caught, species richness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson index of diversity). Out of a total of 423 captures, 292 individuals of 12 small mammal species (one shrew, one elephant shrew and 10 rodents) were recorded over 5280 trap nights. The species richness and diversity of small mammals captured at the three sites were similar and this homogeneity was probably related to the regional processes (e.g. climate and latitude) that govern species richness and diversity. The most effective bait type in terms of capture success, species richness and diversity measurements was peanut butter and oats. In addition, the use of richness estimators revealed that peanut butter and oats was the most effective bait for sampling the species richness of small mammals. The effectiveness of peanut butter and oats was related to this bait having a more attractive scent, when compared to the other bait types. Future studies should focus on researching the range of local and regional processes that drive small mammal diversity at high altitudes in South Africa. I also recommend the use of more than one bait type when planning to survey small mammal communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kok, Armand du Preez
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mountain animals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammal populations -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005454 , Mountain animals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammal populations -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammals -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Due to their widespread and specious nature, small mammals are ideal for biogeographical studies. Small mammals also effectively connect various trophic levels by being both consumers and prey items for other animals. The Great Escarpment is the dominant mountain landscape in South Africa. Yet, very little small mammal research has been conducted on the Great Escarpment outside of the Main Drakensberg Mountains. This is surprising given the importance of mountains in shaping regional ecology. In this study, I assessed the diversity and community composition of small mammals at three high altitude (>1700m) sites within the Sneeuberg Mountain Complex (SMC) from June 2009 to May 2010. I also tested the effectiveness of five different bait types for measuring small mammal diversity (i.e. number of individuals caught, species richness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson index of diversity). Out of a total of 423 captures, 292 individuals of 12 small mammal species (one shrew, one elephant shrew and 10 rodents) were recorded over 5280 trap nights. The species richness and diversity of small mammals captured at the three sites were similar and this homogeneity was probably related to the regional processes (e.g. climate and latitude) that govern species richness and diversity. The most effective bait type in terms of capture success, species richness and diversity measurements was peanut butter and oats. In addition, the use of richness estimators revealed that peanut butter and oats was the most effective bait for sampling the species richness of small mammals. The effectiveness of peanut butter and oats was related to this bait having a more attractive scent, when compared to the other bait types. Future studies should focus on researching the range of local and regional processes that drive small mammal diversity at high altitudes in South Africa. I also recommend the use of more than one bait type when planning to survey small mammal communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Smashing the crystal ball: post-structural insights associated with contemporary anarchism and the revision of blueprint utopianism
- Authors: Alexander, Tarryn Linda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social change , Utopian socialism -- Philosophy , Utopias -- Philosophy , Anarchism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3311 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003099 , Social change , Utopian socialism -- Philosophy , Utopias -- Philosophy , Anarchism
- Description: This thesis is an exploration of the images which define revolution's meaning. It suggests a possible shifting of emphasis from the scientific imaginary which centres on identifying the correct way to totalising revolution, towards a post-structuralist-anarchistic imaginary which privileges prefigurative radicalisations of social relations in the here and now. It looks specifically at how the field of post-structuralism intertwines with historically anarchist concepts to generate an horizon of social change animated by experimental and open-ended transformations. While the thesis offers positive characterisations of the types of contemporary movements, tactics and principles which embody the change from closed to open utopianism, it is chiefly a commentary on the role of theory in depicting the complexity of relations on the ground and the danger of proposing one totalising pathway from one state of society to another. It asks the reader to consider, given the achievements of movements and given the insights of post-structuralism, whether it is still worthwhile to proclaim certainty when sketching the possibilities for transcendence toward emancipation, an aim, which in itself, is always under construction. I engage this by firstly establishing a practical foundation for the critique of endpoints in theory by exploring the horizontal and prefigurative nature of a few autonomous movements today. Secondly I propose the contemporary theory of post-structuralist anarchism as concomitant with conclusions about transformation made in the first chapter. Finally I recommend a few initial concepts to start debate about the way forward from old objectivist models of transformation. The uncertainties of daily life, crumbling of economic powers and rapid pace of change in the twenty-first century have opened up fantastic spaces for innovative thought. Reconsidering old consensus around what constitutes a desirable image of revolution is of considerable importance given today's burgeoning bottom-up political energy and the global debate surrounding the possibilities for bottom-up revolutionisation of society. I submit that theories which portray stories of permanent, pure and natural end-points to revolution are deficient justifications for radical action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Alexander, Tarryn Linda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social change , Utopian socialism -- Philosophy , Utopias -- Philosophy , Anarchism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3311 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003099 , Social change , Utopian socialism -- Philosophy , Utopias -- Philosophy , Anarchism
- Description: This thesis is an exploration of the images which define revolution's meaning. It suggests a possible shifting of emphasis from the scientific imaginary which centres on identifying the correct way to totalising revolution, towards a post-structuralist-anarchistic imaginary which privileges prefigurative radicalisations of social relations in the here and now. It looks specifically at how the field of post-structuralism intertwines with historically anarchist concepts to generate an horizon of social change animated by experimental and open-ended transformations. While the thesis offers positive characterisations of the types of contemporary movements, tactics and principles which embody the change from closed to open utopianism, it is chiefly a commentary on the role of theory in depicting the complexity of relations on the ground and the danger of proposing one totalising pathway from one state of society to another. It asks the reader to consider, given the achievements of movements and given the insights of post-structuralism, whether it is still worthwhile to proclaim certainty when sketching the possibilities for transcendence toward emancipation, an aim, which in itself, is always under construction. I engage this by firstly establishing a practical foundation for the critique of endpoints in theory by exploring the horizontal and prefigurative nature of a few autonomous movements today. Secondly I propose the contemporary theory of post-structuralist anarchism as concomitant with conclusions about transformation made in the first chapter. Finally I recommend a few initial concepts to start debate about the way forward from old objectivist models of transformation. The uncertainties of daily life, crumbling of economic powers and rapid pace of change in the twenty-first century have opened up fantastic spaces for innovative thought. Reconsidering old consensus around what constitutes a desirable image of revolution is of considerable importance given today's burgeoning bottom-up political energy and the global debate surrounding the possibilities for bottom-up revolutionisation of society. I submit that theories which portray stories of permanent, pure and natural end-points to revolution are deficient justifications for radical action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Social capital and fisheries co-management in South Africa: the East Coast Rock Lobster Fishery in Tshani Mankozi, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kaminsky, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) -- Economic aspects Human capital -- South Africa Fishery management -- South Africa Natural resources -- Co-management -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003110
- Description: It is evident that natural fish stocks are in rapid decline and that millions of people around the world rely on these resources for food and for securing a livelihood. This has brought many social scientists, biologists and fisheries experts to acknowledge that communities need to take more control in managing their natural resources. The paradigm shift in fisheries management from a top-down resource orientated control to a participatory people-centred control is now being advocated in many maritime nations in facilitating community-based natural resource management. At the heart of these projects is the establishment of institutions and social networks that allow for clear communication and information sharing, based on scientific data and traditional knowledge which ultimately allow empowered communities to collectively manage their resources in partnership with government, market actors and many other stakeholders. Central to the problem is the issue of access rights. In many situations where co-management of natural resources through community-government partnerships is advocated, the failure of coastal states to provide adequate legislature and regulatory frameworks has jeopardised such projects. A second issue is the failure of many states to provide adequate investments in social and human capital which will enable communities to become the primary stakeholder in the co-management of their natural resources. Whilst investments like capacity building, education, skills training and development, communications and institution building can initially require high financial investments, the regulatory costs for monitoring, controlling and surveying fish stocks along the coastline will go down as communities take ownership of their resources under sustainable awareness. The main unit of investment therefore is social capital which allows for the increase in trust, cooperativeness, assertiveness, collective action and general capabilities of natural resource governance. High levels of social capital require good social relations and interactions which ultimately create a social network of fishers, community members and leaders, government officials, market players, researchers and various other stakeholders. Co-management thus has an inherent network structure made up of social relations on a horizontal scale amongst community members as well as on a vertical scale with government and fisheries authorities. These bonding relations between people and the bridging relations with institutions provide the social capital currency that allows for a successful co-management solution to community-based natural resource governance. The South African coastline is home to thousands of people who harvest the marine resources for food security and securing a basic income. Fishing is a major cultural and historical component of the livelihoods of many people along the coastline, particularly along the Wild Coast of South Africa located on its South-eastern shoreline. Due to the geopolitical nature of South Africa’s apartheid past many people were located in former tribal lands called Bantustans. The Transkei, one of the biggest homelands, is home to some of South Africa’s poorest people, many of whom rely on the marine resources. By 1998 the government sought to acknowledge the previously unrecognised subsistence sector that lived along the South African coastline with the promulgation of the Marine Living Resources Act. The act sought to legalise access rights for fishers and provide opportunities for the development of commercial fisheries. The act and many subsequent policies largely called for co-management as a solution to the management of the subsistence sector. This thesis largely explains the administrative and legislative difficulties in transporting the participatory components of co-management to the ground level. As such co-management has largely remained in rhetoric whilst the government provides a contradictory policy regarding the management of subsistence and small-scale fishers. This thesis attempts to provide qualitative ethnographic research of the East Coast Rock Lobster fishery located in a small fishing village in the Transkei. The fishery falls somewhere on the spectrum between the small-scale and subsistence sector as there are a basket of high and low value resources being harvested. It will be argued that in order to economically and socially develop the fishery the social capital and social networks of the community and various stakeholders needs to be analysed in order to effectively create a co-management network that can create a successful collective management of natural resources thereby sustaining these communities in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kaminsky, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) -- Economic aspects Human capital -- South Africa Fishery management -- South Africa Natural resources -- Co-management -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003110
- Description: It is evident that natural fish stocks are in rapid decline and that millions of people around the world rely on these resources for food and for securing a livelihood. This has brought many social scientists, biologists and fisheries experts to acknowledge that communities need to take more control in managing their natural resources. The paradigm shift in fisheries management from a top-down resource orientated control to a participatory people-centred control is now being advocated in many maritime nations in facilitating community-based natural resource management. At the heart of these projects is the establishment of institutions and social networks that allow for clear communication and information sharing, based on scientific data and traditional knowledge which ultimately allow empowered communities to collectively manage their resources in partnership with government, market actors and many other stakeholders. Central to the problem is the issue of access rights. In many situations where co-management of natural resources through community-government partnerships is advocated, the failure of coastal states to provide adequate legislature and regulatory frameworks has jeopardised such projects. A second issue is the failure of many states to provide adequate investments in social and human capital which will enable communities to become the primary stakeholder in the co-management of their natural resources. Whilst investments like capacity building, education, skills training and development, communications and institution building can initially require high financial investments, the regulatory costs for monitoring, controlling and surveying fish stocks along the coastline will go down as communities take ownership of their resources under sustainable awareness. The main unit of investment therefore is social capital which allows for the increase in trust, cooperativeness, assertiveness, collective action and general capabilities of natural resource governance. High levels of social capital require good social relations and interactions which ultimately create a social network of fishers, community members and leaders, government officials, market players, researchers and various other stakeholders. Co-management thus has an inherent network structure made up of social relations on a horizontal scale amongst community members as well as on a vertical scale with government and fisheries authorities. These bonding relations between people and the bridging relations with institutions provide the social capital currency that allows for a successful co-management solution to community-based natural resource governance. The South African coastline is home to thousands of people who harvest the marine resources for food security and securing a basic income. Fishing is a major cultural and historical component of the livelihoods of many people along the coastline, particularly along the Wild Coast of South Africa located on its South-eastern shoreline. Due to the geopolitical nature of South Africa’s apartheid past many people were located in former tribal lands called Bantustans. The Transkei, one of the biggest homelands, is home to some of South Africa’s poorest people, many of whom rely on the marine resources. By 1998 the government sought to acknowledge the previously unrecognised subsistence sector that lived along the South African coastline with the promulgation of the Marine Living Resources Act. The act sought to legalise access rights for fishers and provide opportunities for the development of commercial fisheries. The act and many subsequent policies largely called for co-management as a solution to the management of the subsistence sector. This thesis largely explains the administrative and legislative difficulties in transporting the participatory components of co-management to the ground level. As such co-management has largely remained in rhetoric whilst the government provides a contradictory policy regarding the management of subsistence and small-scale fishers. This thesis attempts to provide qualitative ethnographic research of the East Coast Rock Lobster fishery located in a small fishing village in the Transkei. The fishery falls somewhere on the spectrum between the small-scale and subsistence sector as there are a basket of high and low value resources being harvested. It will be argued that in order to economically and socially develop the fishery the social capital and social networks of the community and various stakeholders needs to be analysed in order to effectively create a co-management network that can create a successful collective management of natural resources thereby sustaining these communities in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Social networks in recently established human settlements in Grahamstown East/Rhini, South Africa
- Authors: Mukorombindo, Yeukai Chido
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social networks -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Human settlements -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Social capital (Sociology) Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social life and customs Poor -- Social networks -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions Social change -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003098
- Description: This thesis attempts to understand the concepts of social capital and social networks within the South African government’s current policy on “human settlements”. It considers the association between social networks, social capital and social cohesion, community development and improved general quality of life. The thesis also explores the possibility and challenges of using social capital and social networks amongst low income urban communities as a viable strategy against poverty and for the development of sustainable human settlements. The thesis will examine the nature and form in which informal social networks function in a low income urban community in South Africa and the benefits that arise from these. The thesis particularly looked at informal social security networks in the form of savings clubs/stokvels and burial societies as well as other informal social networks such as religious associations and neighbourhood social support groups. The study discovered that in light of the high unemployment rate, high poverty levels and increasing urban economic pressures, most low income households cannot access or rely on social networks as a means of survival but on grants and wages. Social security networks are only accessible to those who can afford monthly membership contributions thereby excluding the poorest of the poor. For those who can afford to be members of social security networks, the benefits are limited and they do not adequately address household needs. The study also showed how those who cannot afford to be members of social security networks still have access to some sort of communal social support. Neighbours stand out as valuable in this regard. However, the casual neighbourhood support networks are not ‘resource rich’ mainly due to, the inability of people to donate and reciprocate. Religious networks are mainly identified with emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being, providing friendship, comfort and advice but these benefits are only provided to members only in their time of need. The theoretical understanding of social networks producing social capital which is seen as being beneficial to the poorest of the poor is questioned, as the results show the inequalities and divisions that exist within informal social networks themselves. On the other hand, all the social networks considered in this thesis have managed to contribute towards strengthening neighbourly relations, trust, building community identity and promoting values of ubuntu- sharing and caring for one another which in the long-run benefits the community, both members and non-members alike.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mukorombindo, Yeukai Chido
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social networks -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Human settlements -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Social capital (Sociology) Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social life and customs Poor -- Social networks -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions Social change -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003098
- Description: This thesis attempts to understand the concepts of social capital and social networks within the South African government’s current policy on “human settlements”. It considers the association between social networks, social capital and social cohesion, community development and improved general quality of life. The thesis also explores the possibility and challenges of using social capital and social networks amongst low income urban communities as a viable strategy against poverty and for the development of sustainable human settlements. The thesis will examine the nature and form in which informal social networks function in a low income urban community in South Africa and the benefits that arise from these. The thesis particularly looked at informal social security networks in the form of savings clubs/stokvels and burial societies as well as other informal social networks such as religious associations and neighbourhood social support groups. The study discovered that in light of the high unemployment rate, high poverty levels and increasing urban economic pressures, most low income households cannot access or rely on social networks as a means of survival but on grants and wages. Social security networks are only accessible to those who can afford monthly membership contributions thereby excluding the poorest of the poor. For those who can afford to be members of social security networks, the benefits are limited and they do not adequately address household needs. The study also showed how those who cannot afford to be members of social security networks still have access to some sort of communal social support. Neighbours stand out as valuable in this regard. However, the casual neighbourhood support networks are not ‘resource rich’ mainly due to, the inability of people to donate and reciprocate. Religious networks are mainly identified with emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being, providing friendship, comfort and advice but these benefits are only provided to members only in their time of need. The theoretical understanding of social networks producing social capital which is seen as being beneficial to the poorest of the poor is questioned, as the results show the inequalities and divisions that exist within informal social networks themselves. On the other hand, all the social networks considered in this thesis have managed to contribute towards strengthening neighbourly relations, trust, building community identity and promoting values of ubuntu- sharing and caring for one another which in the long-run benefits the community, both members and non-members alike.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Structural analysis of effects of mutations on HIV-1 subtype C protease active site
- Mathu, Alexander Muchugia Nganga
- Authors: Mathu, Alexander Muchugia Nganga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) -- Research , HIV infections -- Treatment -- Research , Protease inhibitors -- Research , Viruses -- Effect of drugs on -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004073 , HIV (Viruses) -- Research , HIV infections -- Treatment -- Research , Protease inhibitors -- Research , Viruses -- Effect of drugs on -- Research
- Description: HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic that poses a great threat especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where the highest population of those infected with the virus is found. It has far reaching medical, socio-economic and scientific implications. The HIV-1 protease enzyme is a prime therapeutic target that has been exploited in an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality. However problems arise from drug toxicity and drug-resistant mutations of the protease which is a motivation for research for new, safer and effective therapies. Evidence exists to show that there are significant genomic differences in Subtype B and C that have a negative effect on the intrinsic binding of inhibitors. It is imperative to look at all perspectives from epidemiological, molecular to the pharmacological ones so as to achieve rational design of therapeutic agents. This study involved the use of in silico structural analysis of the effects of mutations in the active site. The data was provided by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases consisting of HIV-1 Subtype C protease sequences of 29 infants exhibiting drug-resistance to ritonavir and lopinavir. The major active site mutations causing drug resistance identified in this study were M46I, I54V and V82A using the Stanford HIV database tool. Homology modeling without extra restraints produced models with improved quality in comparison to those with restraints. MetaMQAPII results differed when models were visualized as dimers giving erroneous modeled regions in comparison to monomers. A broader study with a larger dataset of HIV-1 subtype C protease sequences is required to increase statistical confidence and in order to identify the pattern of drug resistant mutations. Homology modeling without extra restraints is preferred for calculating homology models for the HIV-1 subtype C. Further investigations needs to be done to ascertain the accuracy of validation results for dimers from MetaMQAPII as it is designed for evaluation of monomers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mathu, Alexander Muchugia Nganga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) -- Research , HIV infections -- Treatment -- Research , Protease inhibitors -- Research , Viruses -- Effect of drugs on -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004073 , HIV (Viruses) -- Research , HIV infections -- Treatment -- Research , Protease inhibitors -- Research , Viruses -- Effect of drugs on -- Research
- Description: HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic that poses a great threat especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where the highest population of those infected with the virus is found. It has far reaching medical, socio-economic and scientific implications. The HIV-1 protease enzyme is a prime therapeutic target that has been exploited in an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality. However problems arise from drug toxicity and drug-resistant mutations of the protease which is a motivation for research for new, safer and effective therapies. Evidence exists to show that there are significant genomic differences in Subtype B and C that have a negative effect on the intrinsic binding of inhibitors. It is imperative to look at all perspectives from epidemiological, molecular to the pharmacological ones so as to achieve rational design of therapeutic agents. This study involved the use of in silico structural analysis of the effects of mutations in the active site. The data was provided by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases consisting of HIV-1 Subtype C protease sequences of 29 infants exhibiting drug-resistance to ritonavir and lopinavir. The major active site mutations causing drug resistance identified in this study were M46I, I54V and V82A using the Stanford HIV database tool. Homology modeling without extra restraints produced models with improved quality in comparison to those with restraints. MetaMQAPII results differed when models were visualized as dimers giving erroneous modeled regions in comparison to monomers. A broader study with a larger dataset of HIV-1 subtype C protease sequences is required to increase statistical confidence and in order to identify the pattern of drug resistant mutations. Homology modeling without extra restraints is preferred for calculating homology models for the HIV-1 subtype C. Further investigations needs to be done to ascertain the accuracy of validation results for dimers from MetaMQAPII as it is designed for evaluation of monomers.
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- Date Issued: 2012