Co-management and social equity at Silaka and Hluleka Nature Reserves, South Africa
- Authors: Mtshintsho, Anda
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464834 , vital:76549
- Description: Co-management of protected areas (PAs) is a desired conservation approach aimed at balancing ecological goals and livelihood needs. Central to co-management are issues related to power sharing, responsibilities and benefit sharing. However, there still remains a dominance of an ecological emphasis in PA management, with studies focusing more on ‘objective’ biodiversity indicators for measuring the effectiveness of protected areas. However, focusing only on ecological indicators addresses a narrow perspective of achieving ecological integrity and misses social dimensions that, in some cases, might be considered more important than technical considerations. Particularly, in contexts with a history of socio-physical displacement of Indigenous people and local communities (IPLC), the social dimensions of wellbeing are complexly embedded into the economic and ecological dimensions, such that ignoring these linkages might jeopardise the success of protected areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the state of research and conceptual advances on social indicators of conservation success in co-managed PAs and stakeholder views and perceptions on socially just conservation in co-managed protected areas in Silaka and Hluleka Nature Reserves, South Africa. To achieve this, a scoping review, semi-structured interviews and futures workshops (using the three horizons framework) were conducted. Findings from the scoping review (chapter 2) revealed that much of the reported social monitoring indicators still rely on quantifiable metrics (i.e., economic benefits) and less on subjective and relational metrics (i.e., qualitative strength of social networks and perceptions). Unsurprisingly, many of the reviewed case studies revealed the use of participation as an indicator of evaluating co-management success. Further, the interviews and futures workshop results in chapter 3 showed that the non-accrual of key co-management expectations such as the employment of local people, benefit-sharing (material or otherwise), participation in decision-making and community development has led to heightened conflicts between the reserve management agency and local people. Consequently, the respondents did not value the co-management arrangements, citing unfulfilled promises. Broadly, the findings of this study emphasise the need for collective and collaborative efforts in developing indicators that are not only socially just but those that are context dependent and sensitive. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Mtshintsho, Anda
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464834 , vital:76549
- Description: Co-management of protected areas (PAs) is a desired conservation approach aimed at balancing ecological goals and livelihood needs. Central to co-management are issues related to power sharing, responsibilities and benefit sharing. However, there still remains a dominance of an ecological emphasis in PA management, with studies focusing more on ‘objective’ biodiversity indicators for measuring the effectiveness of protected areas. However, focusing only on ecological indicators addresses a narrow perspective of achieving ecological integrity and misses social dimensions that, in some cases, might be considered more important than technical considerations. Particularly, in contexts with a history of socio-physical displacement of Indigenous people and local communities (IPLC), the social dimensions of wellbeing are complexly embedded into the economic and ecological dimensions, such that ignoring these linkages might jeopardise the success of protected areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the state of research and conceptual advances on social indicators of conservation success in co-managed PAs and stakeholder views and perceptions on socially just conservation in co-managed protected areas in Silaka and Hluleka Nature Reserves, South Africa. To achieve this, a scoping review, semi-structured interviews and futures workshops (using the three horizons framework) were conducted. Findings from the scoping review (chapter 2) revealed that much of the reported social monitoring indicators still rely on quantifiable metrics (i.e., economic benefits) and less on subjective and relational metrics (i.e., qualitative strength of social networks and perceptions). Unsurprisingly, many of the reviewed case studies revealed the use of participation as an indicator of evaluating co-management success. Further, the interviews and futures workshop results in chapter 3 showed that the non-accrual of key co-management expectations such as the employment of local people, benefit-sharing (material or otherwise), participation in decision-making and community development has led to heightened conflicts between the reserve management agency and local people. Consequently, the respondents did not value the co-management arrangements, citing unfulfilled promises. Broadly, the findings of this study emphasise the need for collective and collaborative efforts in developing indicators that are not only socially just but those that are context dependent and sensitive. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Exploring how language teachers’ employment of Reading to Learn (RtL) pedagogy enhances Grade 10 learners’ reading skills
- Authors: Gazide, Sydney
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) South Africa , Social learning , Systemic functional linguistics , Zone of proximal development , English as a second or foreign language , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Second language acquisition , Reading comprehension
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436442 , vital:73272
- Description: The study aimed to explore how language teachers’ employment of the Reading to Learn (RtL) pedagogy enhances Grade 10 learners’ reading skills. The RtL was designed to address challenges regarding learners’ literacy development which other methods could not successfully address. Unfortunately, poor reading skills in English First Additional (FAL) and home languages (HLs) continue to be a challenge among learners from schools situated within poor socio-economic communities in South Africa. The study employed the six-stage curriculum cycle advocated by RtL pedagogy as a scaffolding interaction cycle in the teaching practice reading development sequence to bridge the gap in acquiring reading skills. The main research question for the study was: How can the language teachers’ employment of the RtL pedagogy enhance the teaching of reading? The study was located within the critical education paradigm which encourages critical thinking, creativity, freedom to appreciate and critical awareness in students. This study generated data through focus group discussions, interviews, and document analysis. The research was a case study involving four teachers selected from a secondary school in an informal settlement with low socio-economic standards. A sample of four grade 10 classes with 45 learners in each class for English First Additional Language (FAL), Sesotho Home Language (HL) and Isizulu Home Language (HL) were used in the study. Purposive sampling allowed the researcher to choose participants who were willing to be part of the project. The Reading to Learn pedagogy developed by Rose was drawn from Vygotsky’s, Bernstein’s, and Halliday’s theories. The findings revealed that RtL was used for the professional development of teachers and a methodology that supported learners to improve their reading skills. Even though the study was conducted when South Africa was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with concomitant learning losses, evidence shows that the Reading to Learn pedagogy improved the sampled Grade 10 learners’ reading skills. It was also highlighted that the department of education (DoE) should create conducive teaching and learning conditions through infrastructural development and provision of resources. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
- Authors: Gazide, Sydney
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) South Africa , Social learning , Systemic functional linguistics , Zone of proximal development , English as a second or foreign language , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Second language acquisition , Reading comprehension
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436442 , vital:73272
- Description: The study aimed to explore how language teachers’ employment of the Reading to Learn (RtL) pedagogy enhances Grade 10 learners’ reading skills. The RtL was designed to address challenges regarding learners’ literacy development which other methods could not successfully address. Unfortunately, poor reading skills in English First Additional (FAL) and home languages (HLs) continue to be a challenge among learners from schools situated within poor socio-economic communities in South Africa. The study employed the six-stage curriculum cycle advocated by RtL pedagogy as a scaffolding interaction cycle in the teaching practice reading development sequence to bridge the gap in acquiring reading skills. The main research question for the study was: How can the language teachers’ employment of the RtL pedagogy enhance the teaching of reading? The study was located within the critical education paradigm which encourages critical thinking, creativity, freedom to appreciate and critical awareness in students. This study generated data through focus group discussions, interviews, and document analysis. The research was a case study involving four teachers selected from a secondary school in an informal settlement with low socio-economic standards. A sample of four grade 10 classes with 45 learners in each class for English First Additional Language (FAL), Sesotho Home Language (HL) and Isizulu Home Language (HL) were used in the study. Purposive sampling allowed the researcher to choose participants who were willing to be part of the project. The Reading to Learn pedagogy developed by Rose was drawn from Vygotsky’s, Bernstein’s, and Halliday’s theories. The findings revealed that RtL was used for the professional development of teachers and a methodology that supported learners to improve their reading skills. Even though the study was conducted when South Africa was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with concomitant learning losses, evidence shows that the Reading to Learn pedagogy improved the sampled Grade 10 learners’ reading skills. It was also highlighted that the department of education (DoE) should create conducive teaching and learning conditions through infrastructural development and provision of resources. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
Assessing the Role of Women on Small-Scale Agribusiness at Wincanton Estate in Kariega, South Africa
- Authors: Zalwango, Joanita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Women in agriculture --Eastern Cape – Kariega , Climate change -- Kariega
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61054 , vital:69690
- Description: Agricultural development is a prerequisite for most economies to grow. Agricultural activities are key to food security and sustaining livelihoods globally. Within the African continent, more women are employed in agriculture and agribusiness activities than other sectors. As main contributors to the labour force in the agricultural sector, women get involved in many agricultural and agribusiness activities to sustain their families. With over 60% of women in Sub–Saharan Africa involved in agriculture, there is need to explore and assess the role they play in promoting agribusiness with special focus on Kariega, in South Africa. The identified participants in the study, as self-employed farmers, participate in agribusiness, thereby creating employment opportunities whilst generating personal incomes. Several benefits to female involvement in agribusiness were identified, including the ability to sustain families, stable cash flow, and empowerment. Several challenges were identified, including adequate capital, inaccessibility to private land, droughts, water scarcity, climate change effects and stigmatisation. Through a feminist qualitative methodology, the study utilised semi- structured interviews to collect data from 10 women involved in agribusiness around Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay. Themes from the findings are analysed to highlight the important role played by women toward agribusiness, their achievements, government and private sector role and the hinderances still faced by these women in agricultural cooperatives. Discussion from the analysis included a framework of recommendations, for policy makers, development practitioners and future researchers. The study found that all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector should work together for sustainable agricultural development and sustainable development goals to be achieved. Sustainability among women farmers can be achieved by (a) Increasing government intervention and support (b) Climate smart agriculture practices (c) Overcoming stigmatisation (d) Encouraging and involving the youth (e) Diversification and integration of farm businesses and (f) Using contract farming. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Assessing the Role of Women on Small-Scale Agribusiness at Wincanton Estate in Kariega, South Africa
- Authors: Zalwango, Joanita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Women in agriculture --Eastern Cape – Kariega , Climate change -- Kariega
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61054 , vital:69690
- Description: Agricultural development is a prerequisite for most economies to grow. Agricultural activities are key to food security and sustaining livelihoods globally. Within the African continent, more women are employed in agriculture and agribusiness activities than other sectors. As main contributors to the labour force in the agricultural sector, women get involved in many agricultural and agribusiness activities to sustain their families. With over 60% of women in Sub–Saharan Africa involved in agriculture, there is need to explore and assess the role they play in promoting agribusiness with special focus on Kariega, in South Africa. The identified participants in the study, as self-employed farmers, participate in agribusiness, thereby creating employment opportunities whilst generating personal incomes. Several benefits to female involvement in agribusiness were identified, including the ability to sustain families, stable cash flow, and empowerment. Several challenges were identified, including adequate capital, inaccessibility to private land, droughts, water scarcity, climate change effects and stigmatisation. Through a feminist qualitative methodology, the study utilised semi- structured interviews to collect data from 10 women involved in agribusiness around Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay. Themes from the findings are analysed to highlight the important role played by women toward agribusiness, their achievements, government and private sector role and the hinderances still faced by these women in agricultural cooperatives. Discussion from the analysis included a framework of recommendations, for policy makers, development practitioners and future researchers. The study found that all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector should work together for sustainable agricultural development and sustainable development goals to be achieved. Sustainability among women farmers can be achieved by (a) Increasing government intervention and support (b) Climate smart agriculture practices (c) Overcoming stigmatisation (d) Encouraging and involving the youth (e) Diversification and integration of farm businesses and (f) Using contract farming. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Fixed point theory in metric and normed Spaces
- Authors: Naude, Luan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Metric spaces – South Africa , Banach spaces – South Africa , Mappings (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59898 , vital:62686
- Description: In this dissertation, we present major results in the theory of fixed points in metric and normed spaces. We start with a review of the Banach fixed point theorem and some of its applications (in systems of linear equations, differential equations, integral equations, and dynamical systems), and then discuss many of its extensions and generalizations. We look at the theorem of Edelstein ([8, Remark 3.1]) in compact metric spaces, and a generalizaton of it proved by Suzuki ([19, Theorem 3]) in 2009. We then give a detailed account of the work of Meyers: In [11], Meyers proved generalizations of the Banach fixed point theorem to uniform local contractions, and, in [10], a converse to the Banach fixed point theorem. Finally, we look at some of Browder’s work in fixed point theory. In [6], he showed the existence of fixed points for nonexpansive mappings on bounded, closed, and convex sets in uniformly convex Banach spaces, and, in [5], he proved similar results in Hilbert spaces using a connection between nonexpansive mappings and monotone operators. Keywords: Fixed point, Functional analysis, Metric spaces, Banach spaces, Hilbert spaces, contractions, Banach fixed point theorem, nonexpansive mappings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Naude, Luan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Metric spaces – South Africa , Banach spaces – South Africa , Mappings (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59898 , vital:62686
- Description: In this dissertation, we present major results in the theory of fixed points in metric and normed spaces. We start with a review of the Banach fixed point theorem and some of its applications (in systems of linear equations, differential equations, integral equations, and dynamical systems), and then discuss many of its extensions and generalizations. We look at the theorem of Edelstein ([8, Remark 3.1]) in compact metric spaces, and a generalizaton of it proved by Suzuki ([19, Theorem 3]) in 2009. We then give a detailed account of the work of Meyers: In [11], Meyers proved generalizations of the Banach fixed point theorem to uniform local contractions, and, in [10], a converse to the Banach fixed point theorem. Finally, we look at some of Browder’s work in fixed point theory. In [6], he showed the existence of fixed points for nonexpansive mappings on bounded, closed, and convex sets in uniformly convex Banach spaces, and, in [5], he proved similar results in Hilbert spaces using a connection between nonexpansive mappings and monotone operators. Keywords: Fixed point, Functional analysis, Metric spaces, Banach spaces, Hilbert spaces, contractions, Banach fixed point theorem, nonexpansive mappings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Uptake and storage of nutrients by primary producers in the Swartkops Estuary
- Authors: Whitfield, Emily Cailyn
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology --South Africa --Swartkops River Estuary , Eutrophication—Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59611 , vital:62195
- Description: Estuaries occur at the interface between the terrestrial and marine environment and as such act as the last ‘filtering’ mechanism prior to nutrient pollution entering the adjacent ocean. This study focused on the Swartkops Estuary which is eutrophic and requires the removal of nutrients. The role of phytoplankton as nutrient filters and storage of nutrients by seagrass and salt marsh was investigated. This study found that phytoplankton temporarily took up a large percentage of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (max. 99%) and dissolved silica (max. 76%) and limited amounts of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (max. 18%). The amount of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stored by the salt marsh species Spartina maritima and Salicornia tegetaria and the seagrass species Zostera capensis were determined. It was found that the salt marsh grass Spartina maritima stored the most nutrients (149.61 ± 16.59 N g m-2 ; 105.44 ± 13.41 P g m-2 ; 1690.52 ± 168.90 C g m-2 ), while for the salt marsh succulent Salicornia tegetaria less nutrients were stored (27.01 ± 4.17 N g m-2 ; 22.97 ± 3.21 P g m-2 ; 458.66 ± 69.43 C g m-2 ). Zostera capensis also acted as a nutrient store (22.17 ± 6.94 N g m-2 ; 23.75 ± 4.70 P g m-2 ; 221.10 ± 26.74 C g m-2 ). The macrophytes were able to store nutrients for longer periods and thus prevent these nutrients from being exported into the adjacent ocean. On the contrary, phytoplankton uptake was temporary as the nutrients are released once the bloom decays. Without intervention there will be an increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish kills in the eutrophic Swartkops Estuary. Nutrient input from upstream wastewater treatment works, canals and stormwater run-off must be reduced. Conservation and management of the seagrass and salt marsh habitats is needed to ensure the long-term storage of nutrients , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Whitfield, Emily Cailyn
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology --South Africa --Swartkops River Estuary , Eutrophication—Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59611 , vital:62195
- Description: Estuaries occur at the interface between the terrestrial and marine environment and as such act as the last ‘filtering’ mechanism prior to nutrient pollution entering the adjacent ocean. This study focused on the Swartkops Estuary which is eutrophic and requires the removal of nutrients. The role of phytoplankton as nutrient filters and storage of nutrients by seagrass and salt marsh was investigated. This study found that phytoplankton temporarily took up a large percentage of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (max. 99%) and dissolved silica (max. 76%) and limited amounts of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (max. 18%). The amount of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stored by the salt marsh species Spartina maritima and Salicornia tegetaria and the seagrass species Zostera capensis were determined. It was found that the salt marsh grass Spartina maritima stored the most nutrients (149.61 ± 16.59 N g m-2 ; 105.44 ± 13.41 P g m-2 ; 1690.52 ± 168.90 C g m-2 ), while for the salt marsh succulent Salicornia tegetaria less nutrients were stored (27.01 ± 4.17 N g m-2 ; 22.97 ± 3.21 P g m-2 ; 458.66 ± 69.43 C g m-2 ). Zostera capensis also acted as a nutrient store (22.17 ± 6.94 N g m-2 ; 23.75 ± 4.70 P g m-2 ; 221.10 ± 26.74 C g m-2 ). The macrophytes were able to store nutrients for longer periods and thus prevent these nutrients from being exported into the adjacent ocean. On the contrary, phytoplankton uptake was temporary as the nutrients are released once the bloom decays. Without intervention there will be an increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish kills in the eutrophic Swartkops Estuary. Nutrient input from upstream wastewater treatment works, canals and stormwater run-off must be reduced. Conservation and management of the seagrass and salt marsh habitats is needed to ensure the long-term storage of nutrients , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Conceptualising mental distress from an African psychology paradigm: using an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the views of traditional healers
- Nabo-Bazana, Sandisiwe Sifanelwe
- Authors: Nabo-Bazana, Sandisiwe Sifanelwe
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Healers South Africa , Traditional healer , Mental distress , Black psychology , Afrocentrism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406213 , vital:70249
- Description: With South Africa's long history of colonialism and racial oppression, there are still services in the country that many South Africans cannot relate to, including psychology. Research shows that many South Africans experience and are affected by mental distress due to several factors, including poverty, unemployment, and traumatic experiences. Managing and treating such distress has always been challenging for most South Africans. Some debates question the relevance of psychological services from the West in a South African context. This study explores other approaches to psychology that look beyond the Biopsychosocial model when dealing with certain types of disorders in an African context. African psychology, or the Afrocentric approach, looks at what is beneath the surface, not just the presenting problem. Mainstream psychology strives to be universal and applicable to all. However, African psychology disagrees with this notion. African psychology perceives human beings as strongly influenced by social and cultural influences. The focus of this approach includes the spiritual realm and the attached meanings. There is evidence for the need to merge Traditional and Western medicine. The research methodology for this study is qualitative, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. IPA allows for a critical engagement with the ways in which participants construct their reality. The researcher carried out semi-structured interviews to enable participants, all traditional healers (3 female and 2 male), to narrate their experiences dealing with mentally distressed clients. The accounts of these traditional healers were analysed focusing on people who have experienced mental distress. From the analysis and synthesis of the themes, findings illustrate how traditional healers conceptualise and construct mental distress from an African Psychology paradigm. An emerging core theme was the importance of the divine call and its influence on the chosen treatments. More studies are needed to illustrate the potential for collaboration between African Traditional healing and EuroAmerican healing practices, to provide holistic services to people in need. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Nabo-Bazana, Sandisiwe Sifanelwe
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Healers South Africa , Traditional healer , Mental distress , Black psychology , Afrocentrism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406213 , vital:70249
- Description: With South Africa's long history of colonialism and racial oppression, there are still services in the country that many South Africans cannot relate to, including psychology. Research shows that many South Africans experience and are affected by mental distress due to several factors, including poverty, unemployment, and traumatic experiences. Managing and treating such distress has always been challenging for most South Africans. Some debates question the relevance of psychological services from the West in a South African context. This study explores other approaches to psychology that look beyond the Biopsychosocial model when dealing with certain types of disorders in an African context. African psychology, or the Afrocentric approach, looks at what is beneath the surface, not just the presenting problem. Mainstream psychology strives to be universal and applicable to all. However, African psychology disagrees with this notion. African psychology perceives human beings as strongly influenced by social and cultural influences. The focus of this approach includes the spiritual realm and the attached meanings. There is evidence for the need to merge Traditional and Western medicine. The research methodology for this study is qualitative, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. IPA allows for a critical engagement with the ways in which participants construct their reality. The researcher carried out semi-structured interviews to enable participants, all traditional healers (3 female and 2 male), to narrate their experiences dealing with mentally distressed clients. The accounts of these traditional healers were analysed focusing on people who have experienced mental distress. From the analysis and synthesis of the themes, findings illustrate how traditional healers conceptualise and construct mental distress from an African Psychology paradigm. An emerging core theme was the importance of the divine call and its influence on the chosen treatments. More studies are needed to illustrate the potential for collaboration between African Traditional healing and EuroAmerican healing practices, to provide holistic services to people in need. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Development and optimisation of a qPCR assay for the enumeration of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV) used for commercial applications
- Authors: Mela, Thuthula
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Late expression factor 8 (LEF-8) , Late expression factor 9 , Dark field microscopy , Genomic DNA , Polymerase chain reaction , Plasmids
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362949 , vital:65377
- Description: The citrus industry contributes significantly to the South African agricultural sector. Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is highly important to the South African citrus industry as it is classified as a phytosanitary pest by most international markets. Thaumatotibia leucotreta has caused an estimated annual loss of up to R100 million to the industry. In order to control T. leucotreta in South Africa, an integrated pest management (IPM) programme has been used. One of the components of this programme is Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV), which has been formulated to a registered biopesticide namely Cryptogran and has been successfully applied in the field for over 15 years. To use CrleGV as biopesticides, quantification of the viral particles is required to perform bioassays for field trials and formulation, among other applications. Darkfield microscopy is a traditional method used for the quantification of CrleGV; however, the method is characterised as being subjective, tedious, labour intensive, and time-consuming. This study aims to develop and optimise a qPCR technique to accurately quantify CrleGV-SA OBs using plasmid DNA for downstream applications. Firstly, lef-8, lef-9, and granulin conserved genes from CrleGV-SA and CrleGV-CV3 genome sequences were analysed by performing multiple alignments to evaluate the degree of identity between these genes. This was done to design two sets of oligonucleotides (internal and external) from regions with the highest identity. Subsequently, in silico testing was done to evaluate the designed oligonucleotides to determine whether they specifically bind to the selected target regions. Secondly, three sets of DNA plasmids (pJET1.2-Gran, pJET1.2-lef-9, and pJET1.2-lef-8) were constructed, each containing a target region for either granulin, lef-9, and lef-8 genes for use as standards in a downstream qPCR assay. This was achieved by first extracting gDNA from CrleGV-SA OBs and using the gDNA as a template to PCR amplify the target regions of the selected gene regions with the designed oligonucleotides. Subsequently, the PCR amplified regions were then directly ligated into the pJET1.2/blunt vector, and the plasmids were confirmed by colony PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and Sanger sequencing. Thirdly, two different methods of CrleGV-SA gDNA extraction were compared to determine which method has the best yields in terms of concentration. The extraction methods compared were the Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit according to manufacturer’s instructions (Method 1a), pre-treatment with Na2CO3 prior to using the Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit (Method 1b), pre- treatment with Na2CO3, and neutralisation with Tris-HCl prior to gDNA extraction using the Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit (Method 1c) and the CTAB method (Method 2). The gDNA concentration and purity for all samples were determined using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Method 1c (Na2CO3 and Tris-HCl pre-treated plus Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit) was the most efficient at extracting genomic DNA compared with the other methods, resulting in the highest DNA concentration in short processing time. Fourthly, plasmid standards were evaluated for use in the qPCR assay. This was done as it was important to consider the efficacy of the oligonucleotides; including the ability of the oligonucleotides to anneal to the appropriate segment of DNA without extensive formation of oligonucleotides dimers, non-specific annealing, or formation of secondary structure. In addition, it was done to ensure that highly accurate standard curves were generated. The standard curves were to be utilised in the downstream qPCR assay to determine the quantity of test samples by interpolation, reading from the values within the standard curve. Lastly, darkfield microscopy and qPCR methods of enumeration were compared to verify their accuracy and determine the most consistent and comparable method. This was achieved by quantifying the purified, crude-purified, and viral formulated CrleGV-SA suspensions using these methods. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results produced by the two enumeration methods. The obtained results showed that the granulin, lef- 8 and lef-9 qPCR values did not significantly differ from the darkfield microscopy results. The findings of this study revealed that the two assays, lef-8 qPCR and lef-9 qPCR, were more robust, sensitive, and efficient for the quantification of CrleGV-SA. Thus, this study has successfully developed a qPCR assay that is comparable with the traditional darkfield microscopy counting technique. This is the first study to use the qPCR technique to enumerate CrleGV-SA using plasmid standards. The developed qPCR assay is reliable, rapid, and cost- effective and has a great potential to be used as an alternative method to darkfield microscopy in the laboratory and commercial settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mela, Thuthula
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Late expression factor 8 (LEF-8) , Late expression factor 9 , Dark field microscopy , Genomic DNA , Polymerase chain reaction , Plasmids
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362949 , vital:65377
- Description: The citrus industry contributes significantly to the South African agricultural sector. Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is highly important to the South African citrus industry as it is classified as a phytosanitary pest by most international markets. Thaumatotibia leucotreta has caused an estimated annual loss of up to R100 million to the industry. In order to control T. leucotreta in South Africa, an integrated pest management (IPM) programme has been used. One of the components of this programme is Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV), which has been formulated to a registered biopesticide namely Cryptogran and has been successfully applied in the field for over 15 years. To use CrleGV as biopesticides, quantification of the viral particles is required to perform bioassays for field trials and formulation, among other applications. Darkfield microscopy is a traditional method used for the quantification of CrleGV; however, the method is characterised as being subjective, tedious, labour intensive, and time-consuming. This study aims to develop and optimise a qPCR technique to accurately quantify CrleGV-SA OBs using plasmid DNA for downstream applications. Firstly, lef-8, lef-9, and granulin conserved genes from CrleGV-SA and CrleGV-CV3 genome sequences were analysed by performing multiple alignments to evaluate the degree of identity between these genes. This was done to design two sets of oligonucleotides (internal and external) from regions with the highest identity. Subsequently, in silico testing was done to evaluate the designed oligonucleotides to determine whether they specifically bind to the selected target regions. Secondly, three sets of DNA plasmids (pJET1.2-Gran, pJET1.2-lef-9, and pJET1.2-lef-8) were constructed, each containing a target region for either granulin, lef-9, and lef-8 genes for use as standards in a downstream qPCR assay. This was achieved by first extracting gDNA from CrleGV-SA OBs and using the gDNA as a template to PCR amplify the target regions of the selected gene regions with the designed oligonucleotides. Subsequently, the PCR amplified regions were then directly ligated into the pJET1.2/blunt vector, and the plasmids were confirmed by colony PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and Sanger sequencing. Thirdly, two different methods of CrleGV-SA gDNA extraction were compared to determine which method has the best yields in terms of concentration. The extraction methods compared were the Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit according to manufacturer’s instructions (Method 1a), pre-treatment with Na2CO3 prior to using the Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit (Method 1b), pre- treatment with Na2CO3, and neutralisation with Tris-HCl prior to gDNA extraction using the Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit (Method 1c) and the CTAB method (Method 2). The gDNA concentration and purity for all samples were determined using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Method 1c (Na2CO3 and Tris-HCl pre-treated plus Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus kit) was the most efficient at extracting genomic DNA compared with the other methods, resulting in the highest DNA concentration in short processing time. Fourthly, plasmid standards were evaluated for use in the qPCR assay. This was done as it was important to consider the efficacy of the oligonucleotides; including the ability of the oligonucleotides to anneal to the appropriate segment of DNA without extensive formation of oligonucleotides dimers, non-specific annealing, or formation of secondary structure. In addition, it was done to ensure that highly accurate standard curves were generated. The standard curves were to be utilised in the downstream qPCR assay to determine the quantity of test samples by interpolation, reading from the values within the standard curve. Lastly, darkfield microscopy and qPCR methods of enumeration were compared to verify their accuracy and determine the most consistent and comparable method. This was achieved by quantifying the purified, crude-purified, and viral formulated CrleGV-SA suspensions using these methods. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results produced by the two enumeration methods. The obtained results showed that the granulin, lef- 8 and lef-9 qPCR values did not significantly differ from the darkfield microscopy results. The findings of this study revealed that the two assays, lef-8 qPCR and lef-9 qPCR, were more robust, sensitive, and efficient for the quantification of CrleGV-SA. Thus, this study has successfully developed a qPCR assay that is comparable with the traditional darkfield microscopy counting technique. This is the first study to use the qPCR technique to enumerate CrleGV-SA using plasmid standards. The developed qPCR assay is reliable, rapid, and cost- effective and has a great potential to be used as an alternative method to darkfield microscopy in the laboratory and commercial settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Global climate justice: the case of climate migrants
- Van Heerden, Samantha Jane Ashburner
- Authors: Van Heerden, Samantha Jane Ashburner
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Climate justice , Environmental refugees , Climatic changes Social aspects , Applied ethics , Political science Philosophy , Refugees , Global justice , Relocation (Housing) Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406749 , vital:70304
- Description: Climate change is predicted to displace thousands of people across the globe. Due to their geographical location and limited resources available for adaptation, this will particularly impact those in developing states, who might have to flee from the growing frequency and severity of rising sea levels, drought and desertification, and acute natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. This is likely to have pervasive effects on the moral interests of those affected, threatening loss of life, the deterioration of livelihoods, and for small island states even complete or substantial loss of state territory. In this thesis I will argue that we should conceive of this situation as a problem of global justice. Though some argue that questions of justice only arise within the state, I will argue that global economic and political institutions have contributed to the plight of climate migrants, and that following from Darrel Moellendorf’s theory of associational justice, this enduring impact results in an association and duties of justice that transcend state borders. To respect the dignity of climate migrants, such an unjust association needs to be rectified by establishing ethical principles that could be reasonably endorsed by everyone affected. Drawing from Gillian Brock, I will argue that the best way to rectify the situation is through establishing a principle of distributive justice which focuses on ‘agency needs’: needs whose fulfilment is necessary for human agency. Using this framework, I then provide some recommendations of what is owed to climate migrants to achieve justice for them. I also consider how these duties of justice should be distributed, first critiquing a dominant approach that attributes duties primarily to polluters. In the end, I recommend that duties should be dispersed between all those who support the global institutions responsible, those who have been high polluters since 1990, and the most affluent in the world. As the effects of climate change become increasingly pronounced within the next fifty years, establishing what is owed to those displaced is of utmost importance, and I hope this thesis shows how normative philosophy can help us think through these urgent questions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Van Heerden, Samantha Jane Ashburner
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Climate justice , Environmental refugees , Climatic changes Social aspects , Applied ethics , Political science Philosophy , Refugees , Global justice , Relocation (Housing) Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406749 , vital:70304
- Description: Climate change is predicted to displace thousands of people across the globe. Due to their geographical location and limited resources available for adaptation, this will particularly impact those in developing states, who might have to flee from the growing frequency and severity of rising sea levels, drought and desertification, and acute natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. This is likely to have pervasive effects on the moral interests of those affected, threatening loss of life, the deterioration of livelihoods, and for small island states even complete or substantial loss of state territory. In this thesis I will argue that we should conceive of this situation as a problem of global justice. Though some argue that questions of justice only arise within the state, I will argue that global economic and political institutions have contributed to the plight of climate migrants, and that following from Darrel Moellendorf’s theory of associational justice, this enduring impact results in an association and duties of justice that transcend state borders. To respect the dignity of climate migrants, such an unjust association needs to be rectified by establishing ethical principles that could be reasonably endorsed by everyone affected. Drawing from Gillian Brock, I will argue that the best way to rectify the situation is through establishing a principle of distributive justice which focuses on ‘agency needs’: needs whose fulfilment is necessary for human agency. Using this framework, I then provide some recommendations of what is owed to climate migrants to achieve justice for them. I also consider how these duties of justice should be distributed, first critiquing a dominant approach that attributes duties primarily to polluters. In the end, I recommend that duties should be dispersed between all those who support the global institutions responsible, those who have been high polluters since 1990, and the most affluent in the world. As the effects of climate change become increasingly pronounced within the next fifty years, establishing what is owed to those displaced is of utmost importance, and I hope this thesis shows how normative philosophy can help us think through these urgent questions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The elucidation of nickel and zinc based Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) using a polycarboxylate-benzene ligand: a synthetic, spectroscopic, and thermoanalytical study
- Authors: Hodgson, Ivan Mark
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290877 , vital:56795
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Hodgson, Ivan Mark
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290877 , vital:56795
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Investigating customary marriage conflict among the Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo Province
- Authors: Msiza, Dina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54504 , vital:46618
- Description: Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 in South Africa remains one of the greatest initiatives towards equality amongst spouses. However, even with the RCMA of 1998 that is set to regulate customary marriages, customary marriage conflict remains rife across various ethnic groups in South Africa. The RCMA of 1998 leaves a lot of room for interpretation by different cultures and some elements that certain ethnic groups consider as crucial in fulfilling customary marriages are excluded. So, to contribute to Conflict Studies with reference to customary marriage conflict, this study investigated customary marriage conflict among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of customary marriage among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis, coding, and thematic analysis. During the interviews, non-participant observation was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. In the final analysis, this study provides some recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges that were identified. Some of the recommendations include that there is a need to rethink the process of customary marriage in relation to the payment of lobola. Further, there is a need for an in-depth research going forward. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Msiza, Dina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54504 , vital:46618
- Description: Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 in South Africa remains one of the greatest initiatives towards equality amongst spouses. However, even with the RCMA of 1998 that is set to regulate customary marriages, customary marriage conflict remains rife across various ethnic groups in South Africa. The RCMA of 1998 leaves a lot of room for interpretation by different cultures and some elements that certain ethnic groups consider as crucial in fulfilling customary marriages are excluded. So, to contribute to Conflict Studies with reference to customary marriage conflict, this study investigated customary marriage conflict among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of customary marriage among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis, coding, and thematic analysis. During the interviews, non-participant observation was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. In the final analysis, this study provides some recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges that were identified. Some of the recommendations include that there is a need to rethink the process of customary marriage in relation to the payment of lobola. Further, there is a need for an in-depth research going forward. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of a new live-work residential model for low-income communities in Walmer, Gqeberha
- Authors: Megan, Hobbs
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Low-income housing --South Africa –Walmer—Designs and plans , Housing development – South Africa-- Walmer
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58716 , vital:60025
- Description: Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the South African economy and educational have changed to accommodate the national lockdown regulations. This has resulted in many South Africans to lose their jobs and work and education has moved to virtual platforms. It is recognized that the low-income households and communities would be the most disadvantages in these changes as they have limited additional space available to use as home offices and study spaces and their access to technology and internet is also limited This treatise deals with the design of a New Live-Work Residential Model as an answer to the challenges and changes in the working and academic environment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This project is focused on the low-income communities Walmer, Gqeberha. The aim is to develop a new Live-Work-Study Environment that is focused on providing for – and the improvement of – low-income areas. A system of residential buildings would be created that would encourage and support a Live-Work-Study Environment specifically in low-income environments in a way that it would increase their living standards in the most economical way possible and can be used as a prototype in other similar low-income environments. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Megan, Hobbs
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Low-income housing --South Africa –Walmer—Designs and plans , Housing development – South Africa-- Walmer
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58716 , vital:60025
- Description: Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the South African economy and educational have changed to accommodate the national lockdown regulations. This has resulted in many South Africans to lose their jobs and work and education has moved to virtual platforms. It is recognized that the low-income households and communities would be the most disadvantages in these changes as they have limited additional space available to use as home offices and study spaces and their access to technology and internet is also limited This treatise deals with the design of a New Live-Work Residential Model as an answer to the challenges and changes in the working and academic environment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This project is focused on the low-income communities Walmer, Gqeberha. The aim is to develop a new Live-Work-Study Environment that is focused on providing for – and the improvement of – low-income areas. A system of residential buildings would be created that would encourage and support a Live-Work-Study Environment specifically in low-income environments in a way that it would increase their living standards in the most economical way possible and can be used as a prototype in other similar low-income environments. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Youth sub-cultures: the case of izikhothane amongst youth in Port Elizabeth townships
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda B
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54694 , vital:47442
- Description: The studies on youth subcultures have always attracted scholars and media, both locally and internationally. Specifically, in South Africa, we have witnessed subcultural youth formations, such as amapantsula1 , umswenko2 , the smarteez, zef, emmos and so forth. In the past few years, we saw the rise of a certain subcultural youth formation, popularly known as izikhothane3 , in South African townships. Owing to an escalation in izikhothane, this study was undertaken among the youth in Port Elizabeth townships. The study sought to explore and describe the significance of izikhothane membership and the rituals that are performed during their meetings. The qualitative approach was used for the study and semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observations were employed as data collection tools. The study used the explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The population for the study was the youth who are involved in the youth subculture of izikhothane in Port Elizabeth townships. The themes, which answered the questions, were identified as follows: the definition of isikhothane according to izikhothane, pulling or attraction factors, izikhothane rituals, the significance of isikhothane membership, the stopping age and the perceptions of community members about izikhothane. One of the main findings of this study is the age at which the youth join izikhothane. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda B
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54694 , vital:47442
- Description: The studies on youth subcultures have always attracted scholars and media, both locally and internationally. Specifically, in South Africa, we have witnessed subcultural youth formations, such as amapantsula1 , umswenko2 , the smarteez, zef, emmos and so forth. In the past few years, we saw the rise of a certain subcultural youth formation, popularly known as izikhothane3 , in South African townships. Owing to an escalation in izikhothane, this study was undertaken among the youth in Port Elizabeth townships. The study sought to explore and describe the significance of izikhothane membership and the rituals that are performed during their meetings. The qualitative approach was used for the study and semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observations were employed as data collection tools. The study used the explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The population for the study was the youth who are involved in the youth subculture of izikhothane in Port Elizabeth townships. The themes, which answered the questions, were identified as follows: the definition of isikhothane according to izikhothane, pulling or attraction factors, izikhothane rituals, the significance of isikhothane membership, the stopping age and the perceptions of community members about izikhothane. One of the main findings of this study is the age at which the youth join izikhothane. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A quantitative analysis of the relationship between the 12 components of the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) and the Human Development Index (HDI) scores within the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations
- Authors: Peel, Brendon Robert
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Quantitative research , Economic development Developing countries , Economic development Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development projects Africa, Sub-Saharan , Heritage Foundation (South Africa) , United Nations Development Programme , Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) , Human Development Index (HDI) , Resource Based Theory (RBT)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191841 , vital:45171
- Description: Nations in Sub-Saharan Africa tend to experience some of the worst levels of human development and economic freedom in the world. Previous research has shown that there is a positive and significant correlation between these two macroeconomic facets. Further research has shown that if nations' policy-makers can manage their resources and capabilities appropriately, then this could improve their economic freedom and human development levels. This study aims to analyse the relationship between the scores of the 12 different components of the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) and the overall Human Development Index (HDI) scores of Sub-Saharan African nations. The specific selection of nations utilised in the study are the 16 countries that make up the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Based on a review of the literature on human development, economic freedom, and the Resource Based Theory (RBT) on a macro-level, a correlational study was conducted to determine the relationship between the relevant variables. The information was collected from the Heritage Foundation and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), respectively. The data and scores collected and used in the study are from the years 2015 to 2019. The correlational results demonstrated that nine of the 12 components of the IEF has a positive and significant correlation with HDI within the selected African nations. The strongest correlation being between 'Property Rights' and HDI. Therefore, it is likely that if the property rights within a nation are upheld, said nation would have higher levels of human development. The three components that proved to have an insignificant result with HDI were; 'Tax Burden', 'Government Spending', and 'Fiscal Health'. The results indicate that all components that fall under the category of 'Government Size' share no significant correlational relationship with human development. It is recommended that governments and policy-makers take this into consideration when managing their resources and capabilities to improve the nation's human development. Further research is required to identify the specifics on how this management and allocation of resources can be utilised effectively to improve the human development and economic freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Peel, Brendon Robert
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Quantitative research , Economic development Developing countries , Economic development Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development projects Africa, Sub-Saharan , Heritage Foundation (South Africa) , United Nations Development Programme , Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) , Human Development Index (HDI) , Resource Based Theory (RBT)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191841 , vital:45171
- Description: Nations in Sub-Saharan Africa tend to experience some of the worst levels of human development and economic freedom in the world. Previous research has shown that there is a positive and significant correlation between these two macroeconomic facets. Further research has shown that if nations' policy-makers can manage their resources and capabilities appropriately, then this could improve their economic freedom and human development levels. This study aims to analyse the relationship between the scores of the 12 different components of the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) and the overall Human Development Index (HDI) scores of Sub-Saharan African nations. The specific selection of nations utilised in the study are the 16 countries that make up the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Based on a review of the literature on human development, economic freedom, and the Resource Based Theory (RBT) on a macro-level, a correlational study was conducted to determine the relationship between the relevant variables. The information was collected from the Heritage Foundation and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), respectively. The data and scores collected and used in the study are from the years 2015 to 2019. The correlational results demonstrated that nine of the 12 components of the IEF has a positive and significant correlation with HDI within the selected African nations. The strongest correlation being between 'Property Rights' and HDI. Therefore, it is likely that if the property rights within a nation are upheld, said nation would have higher levels of human development. The three components that proved to have an insignificant result with HDI were; 'Tax Burden', 'Government Spending', and 'Fiscal Health'. The results indicate that all components that fall under the category of 'Government Size' share no significant correlational relationship with human development. It is recommended that governments and policy-makers take this into consideration when managing their resources and capabilities to improve the nation's human development. Further research is required to identify the specifics on how this management and allocation of resources can be utilised effectively to improve the human development and economic freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Exploring targeted metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics for characterising aquaponics bacterial ecology and phytochemistry
- Authors: Abraham, Benjamin Melakail
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192453 , vital:45227
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Abraham, Benjamin Melakail
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192453 , vital:45227
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Effects of elevated temperature, rainfall and soil nutrients on acacia mearnsii invasion
- Authors: Kharivha, Tshililo
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Acacia mearnsii , Acacia mearnsii Effect of high temperatures on South Africa , Acacia mearnsii Climatic factors South Africa , Plant invasions South Africa , Invasive plants , Climatic changes South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189997 , vital:44954
- Description: Climate change is associated with the risk of plant invasion hence a better understanding of the effects of elevated temperature, precipitation and soil nutrients on dominant invasive plants is needed for effective ecological planning. This study was set out to: (i) examine how elevated temperature (±2°C increase), (ii) high (above local average) and low (below local average) precipitation, (iii) elevated soil nutrient content (increase in soil N), and (iv) a combination of the above manipulations affects germination and growth of Acacia mearnsii, a dominant invasive plant in South Africa. The study further evaluated how the above-mentioned treatments affect soil chemical properties following A. mearnsii germination and growth. The above-mentioned specific objectives were tested under manipulated greenhouse conditions over six experimental months. The results indicated that the above-mentioned climate change scenarios have the potential to facilitate germination and growth of the invasive species A. mearnsii, and this is likely to proliferate its invasion in future. Results showed that seed germination was significantly high under all climate change manipulation treatments (˃50%) with highest seed germination recorded under high rainfall treatment (64%). Plant height was significantly higher under high temperature and high rainfall treatments throughout all the experimental months, though it was lowest under high nitrogen and combined treatment with high rainfall. The numbers of branches were high under higher temperature and low rainfall treatments than under high rainfall, high nitrogen and both combined treatments of low and high rainfall. Relative to the control, plants grown under climate change scenarios increased their root lengths, but this varied across different treatments. Total dry biomass was relatively high under high temperature treatment (0,7 g). Lower plant dry biomass was observed under low and high rainfall treatments (0,4 g), high nitrogen and combined treatments with both low and high rainfall treatments (0,1 g). Concerning the effects of climate change scenarios on soil chemical properties, soil pH levels were significantly higher after A. mearnsii germination and growth than before the experiment was setup. Soil resistivity was significantly higher in climate change treatments receiving nitrogen and combined treatments of low rainfall than other treatments and the soils before experiment. Soil total P was significantly higher in all the climate change treatments after A. mearnsii germination experiment than the before experiment soils. Soils receiving high temperature, high nitrogen, and combined treatment of low rainfall had significantly higher soil total N than other treatments and the before experiment soils. Soil total C was significantly higher in soils receiving high temperature, high nitrogen, and combined treatment of low rainfall after A. mearnsii germination than other treatments and before experiment soils. The findings suggest that future climate change scenarios of increased temperature and rainfall with soil nutrients could considerably enhance growth and germination success of the invasive plant A. mearnsii. Similarly, climate change scenarios could enhance some soil nutrient properties, which in turn, is likely to give the invasive plant A. mearnsii a germination and growth advantage. These results are the first in South Africa to show that future climate changes have the potential to facilitate A. mearnsii germination and growth, making it more invasive. The findings have implications for invasive plants management, especially action for managing the plant through clearing of the plant in sensitive ecosystems (e.g. riparian systems). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Kharivha, Tshililo
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Acacia mearnsii , Acacia mearnsii Effect of high temperatures on South Africa , Acacia mearnsii Climatic factors South Africa , Plant invasions South Africa , Invasive plants , Climatic changes South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189997 , vital:44954
- Description: Climate change is associated with the risk of plant invasion hence a better understanding of the effects of elevated temperature, precipitation and soil nutrients on dominant invasive plants is needed for effective ecological planning. This study was set out to: (i) examine how elevated temperature (±2°C increase), (ii) high (above local average) and low (below local average) precipitation, (iii) elevated soil nutrient content (increase in soil N), and (iv) a combination of the above manipulations affects germination and growth of Acacia mearnsii, a dominant invasive plant in South Africa. The study further evaluated how the above-mentioned treatments affect soil chemical properties following A. mearnsii germination and growth. The above-mentioned specific objectives were tested under manipulated greenhouse conditions over six experimental months. The results indicated that the above-mentioned climate change scenarios have the potential to facilitate germination and growth of the invasive species A. mearnsii, and this is likely to proliferate its invasion in future. Results showed that seed germination was significantly high under all climate change manipulation treatments (˃50%) with highest seed germination recorded under high rainfall treatment (64%). Plant height was significantly higher under high temperature and high rainfall treatments throughout all the experimental months, though it was lowest under high nitrogen and combined treatment with high rainfall. The numbers of branches were high under higher temperature and low rainfall treatments than under high rainfall, high nitrogen and both combined treatments of low and high rainfall. Relative to the control, plants grown under climate change scenarios increased their root lengths, but this varied across different treatments. Total dry biomass was relatively high under high temperature treatment (0,7 g). Lower plant dry biomass was observed under low and high rainfall treatments (0,4 g), high nitrogen and combined treatments with both low and high rainfall treatments (0,1 g). Concerning the effects of climate change scenarios on soil chemical properties, soil pH levels were significantly higher after A. mearnsii germination and growth than before the experiment was setup. Soil resistivity was significantly higher in climate change treatments receiving nitrogen and combined treatments of low rainfall than other treatments and the soils before experiment. Soil total P was significantly higher in all the climate change treatments after A. mearnsii germination experiment than the before experiment soils. Soils receiving high temperature, high nitrogen, and combined treatment of low rainfall had significantly higher soil total N than other treatments and the before experiment soils. Soil total C was significantly higher in soils receiving high temperature, high nitrogen, and combined treatment of low rainfall after A. mearnsii germination than other treatments and before experiment soils. The findings suggest that future climate change scenarios of increased temperature and rainfall with soil nutrients could considerably enhance growth and germination success of the invasive plant A. mearnsii. Similarly, climate change scenarios could enhance some soil nutrient properties, which in turn, is likely to give the invasive plant A. mearnsii a germination and growth advantage. These results are the first in South Africa to show that future climate changes have the potential to facilitate A. mearnsii germination and growth, making it more invasive. The findings have implications for invasive plants management, especially action for managing the plant through clearing of the plant in sensitive ecosystems (e.g. riparian systems). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
The contribution of export support programmes for small and medium enterprises in the agro-processing sector in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Fihlani, Asisipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51400 , vital:43271
- Description: Globally, government export support programmes have been created to assist SMEs with exports. In South Africa, there has been an introduction of government export support programme. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) for SMEs in the agro-processing sector in the Eastern Cape, with specific focus on East London and Port Elizabeth. A qualitative methodology meant to acquire in-depth knowledge was employed in the study. A case study was developed, in which EMIA’s contribution to SMEs’ export was the case in study. A group of seventeen participants, which included government officials and SMEs were interviewed and thematic analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of EMIA to agro-processing SME exports. The study found that EMIA was useful towards SME exports but lacked on addressing key barriers to exports faced by SMEs. The study recommends that government should place more emphasis on linking SMEs with proper contacts of buyers in international markets and that SMEs should be incentivised for costs relating to logistics for initial export orders. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Finance, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Fihlani, Asisipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51400 , vital:43271
- Description: Globally, government export support programmes have been created to assist SMEs with exports. In South Africa, there has been an introduction of government export support programme. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) for SMEs in the agro-processing sector in the Eastern Cape, with specific focus on East London and Port Elizabeth. A qualitative methodology meant to acquire in-depth knowledge was employed in the study. A case study was developed, in which EMIA’s contribution to SMEs’ export was the case in study. A group of seventeen participants, which included government officials and SMEs were interviewed and thematic analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of EMIA to agro-processing SME exports. The study found that EMIA was useful towards SME exports but lacked on addressing key barriers to exports faced by SMEs. The study recommends that government should place more emphasis on linking SMEs with proper contacts of buyers in international markets and that SMEs should be incentivised for costs relating to logistics for initial export orders. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Finance, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The effect of plant-derived dietary protein sources on cultured abalone Haliotis midae (L. 1758) digestive physiology
- Authors: Wright, Jason Geoffrey
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Physiology -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- South Africa -- Growth , Haliotis midae -- Digestive organs , Abalone culture -- South Africa , Plant proteins as feed
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176803 , vital:42760
- Description: The growth and feed conversion ratio of farmed abalone Haliotis midae (L. 1758) fed a formulated diet varies in feeds with different protein sources. To better understand this, the effect that various combinations of dietary soybean meal (SBM), sunflower meal (SFM) and fishmeal (FM) had on the digestive efficiency of farmed H. midae when included in a formulated feed, were assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect that plant-based proteins had on abalone digestion and gut-bacterial profile of cultured adult abalone when combined with fishmeal. This was done by analysing the chymotrypsin (protease) and cellulase (carbohydrase) digestive enzyme activities from whole-gut sections of farmed abalone that were fed one of four diets for 12 months: FM-only, SBM-only, fishmeal and soybean meal (FM-SBM), and fishmeal and sunflower meal (FM-SFM). There were significant interactions between the diets, sampling date, and sex of the abalone, which had an influence on the cellulase activities in the digestive tracts of the animals. Those fed the SBM diet had the highest cellulase activity by the end of the sampling period (ANOVA; df = 9; F = 2.9; P = 0.005). The significant interactions between diet and sampling date influenced the chymotrypsin activities of abalone. Animals fed the FM diet had the highest activity of chymotrypsin for most of the sampling period (ANOVA; df = 9; F = 2.5; P = 0.01). Therefore, diet did have an impact on the cellulase and chymotrypsin activities of abalone fed either combination diets (FM-SBM; FM-SFM) or single protein diets (FM; SBM). The presence of plant material such as cellulose fibres in the diets containing plant proteins may have influenced the cellulase activity levels of each treatment as it would have stimulated endogenous and exogenous cellulase production. However, treatments with the highest crude fibre content, SBM and FM-SFM, resulted in differing activities. The activity levels of chymotrypsin may have been impacted by the protein type, presence of protein inhibitors and temporal changes in utilisation. Abalone fed the FM diet exhibited the highest chymotrypsin activities on sampling day 182, which was in summer. Animals fed the treatment diets containing fishmeal also developed their reproductive tissues, and may explain the low chymotrypsin activities in abalone fed SBM-only. Additionally, the presence of allergenic compounds would have influenced enzyme activity, as they would have negatively affected the nutrient utilisation and absorptive capacity. Fluctuations in water temperature may have had an effect on enzyme activity, as activities were highest during summer, when seawater temperatures are most variable. A change to lowered water temperatures are known to trigger the growth of digestive epithelial tissue in abalone to allow for increased enzyme secretions and nutrient absorption (Schaeffer et al. 2013). The effect that plant protein inclusion in abalone diets had on the gut-microbiota was revealed by analysing the differences in gut-bacterial community profiles, through the use of metagenomic sequencing. The relative abundance of the phylum Verrucomicrobia, class Verrcomicrobiae and the genus Rubritalea were highest in the SBM diet. These bacterial groups were also influenced by the plant material from soybean meal, as hydrolysed cellulose is broken down by cellulases, and allowed for the proliferation of Rubritalea bacteria due to them using cellobiose as an energy source. The presence of Bacteroidetes was due to the phyla having bacterial species that can breakdown proteins and species that can break down carbohydrates. The animal protein present in the composition of the FM diet had a positive influence on proteolytic Bacteroidetes growth. The high levels of cellulose from the plant fibres in the soybean meal-only diet (SBM) promoted growth of saccharolytic Bacteroidetes. Tenericutes bacteria’s prominence was due to the higher plant fibres from the soybean meal as some Mycoplasma are known to degrade polysaccharides. Therefore, exposure to formulated feeds with high levels of these plant materials would allow for high proliferation. The thesis established that plant-derived dietary proteins in formulated feeds result in an effect on digestive enzyme activity and a difference in the community structure of gut bacteria in H. midae abalone. The results from the current research highlight the importance of studying abalone gut physiology when investigating the impacts of formulated feed composition, and can be used as an additional factor when determining the efficacy of a dietary component. Further research on the gut-bacterial groups and different digestive enzymes of H. midae abalone is encouraged, in order to create a holistic view on their response to dietary plant proteins inclusion in formulated feeds, thus reducing the need for fishmeal protein. , Thesis (MSc)-- Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Wright, Jason Geoffrey
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Physiology -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- South Africa -- Growth , Haliotis midae -- Digestive organs , Abalone culture -- South Africa , Plant proteins as feed
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176803 , vital:42760
- Description: The growth and feed conversion ratio of farmed abalone Haliotis midae (L. 1758) fed a formulated diet varies in feeds with different protein sources. To better understand this, the effect that various combinations of dietary soybean meal (SBM), sunflower meal (SFM) and fishmeal (FM) had on the digestive efficiency of farmed H. midae when included in a formulated feed, were assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect that plant-based proteins had on abalone digestion and gut-bacterial profile of cultured adult abalone when combined with fishmeal. This was done by analysing the chymotrypsin (protease) and cellulase (carbohydrase) digestive enzyme activities from whole-gut sections of farmed abalone that were fed one of four diets for 12 months: FM-only, SBM-only, fishmeal and soybean meal (FM-SBM), and fishmeal and sunflower meal (FM-SFM). There were significant interactions between the diets, sampling date, and sex of the abalone, which had an influence on the cellulase activities in the digestive tracts of the animals. Those fed the SBM diet had the highest cellulase activity by the end of the sampling period (ANOVA; df = 9; F = 2.9; P = 0.005). The significant interactions between diet and sampling date influenced the chymotrypsin activities of abalone. Animals fed the FM diet had the highest activity of chymotrypsin for most of the sampling period (ANOVA; df = 9; F = 2.5; P = 0.01). Therefore, diet did have an impact on the cellulase and chymotrypsin activities of abalone fed either combination diets (FM-SBM; FM-SFM) or single protein diets (FM; SBM). The presence of plant material such as cellulose fibres in the diets containing plant proteins may have influenced the cellulase activity levels of each treatment as it would have stimulated endogenous and exogenous cellulase production. However, treatments with the highest crude fibre content, SBM and FM-SFM, resulted in differing activities. The activity levels of chymotrypsin may have been impacted by the protein type, presence of protein inhibitors and temporal changes in utilisation. Abalone fed the FM diet exhibited the highest chymotrypsin activities on sampling day 182, which was in summer. Animals fed the treatment diets containing fishmeal also developed their reproductive tissues, and may explain the low chymotrypsin activities in abalone fed SBM-only. Additionally, the presence of allergenic compounds would have influenced enzyme activity, as they would have negatively affected the nutrient utilisation and absorptive capacity. Fluctuations in water temperature may have had an effect on enzyme activity, as activities were highest during summer, when seawater temperatures are most variable. A change to lowered water temperatures are known to trigger the growth of digestive epithelial tissue in abalone to allow for increased enzyme secretions and nutrient absorption (Schaeffer et al. 2013). The effect that plant protein inclusion in abalone diets had on the gut-microbiota was revealed by analysing the differences in gut-bacterial community profiles, through the use of metagenomic sequencing. The relative abundance of the phylum Verrucomicrobia, class Verrcomicrobiae and the genus Rubritalea were highest in the SBM diet. These bacterial groups were also influenced by the plant material from soybean meal, as hydrolysed cellulose is broken down by cellulases, and allowed for the proliferation of Rubritalea bacteria due to them using cellobiose as an energy source. The presence of Bacteroidetes was due to the phyla having bacterial species that can breakdown proteins and species that can break down carbohydrates. The animal protein present in the composition of the FM diet had a positive influence on proteolytic Bacteroidetes growth. The high levels of cellulose from the plant fibres in the soybean meal-only diet (SBM) promoted growth of saccharolytic Bacteroidetes. Tenericutes bacteria’s prominence was due to the higher plant fibres from the soybean meal as some Mycoplasma are known to degrade polysaccharides. Therefore, exposure to formulated feeds with high levels of these plant materials would allow for high proliferation. The thesis established that plant-derived dietary proteins in formulated feeds result in an effect on digestive enzyme activity and a difference in the community structure of gut bacteria in H. midae abalone. The results from the current research highlight the importance of studying abalone gut physiology when investigating the impacts of formulated feed composition, and can be used as an additional factor when determining the efficacy of a dietary component. Further research on the gut-bacterial groups and different digestive enzymes of H. midae abalone is encouraged, in order to create a holistic view on their response to dietary plant proteins inclusion in formulated feeds, thus reducing the need for fishmeal protein. , Thesis (MSc)-- Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The effect of sectoral foreign direct investment on sectoral growth and sectoral employment in South Africa
- Authors: Paul, Bernice Nicole
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , South Africa -- Economic policy , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , UNCTAD-ICTSD Project on IPRs and Sustainable Development , Unemployment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Master , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177964 , vital:42894
- Description: Over several decades past, developing countries have received increased amounts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This form of investment has been welcomed because of the perceived benefits attached to it. FDI is seen as an important driver of economic development for many nations. For South Africa specifically, GDP growth rates have remained less than required, unemployment rates have reached staggering levels, poverty and inequality levels are increasing and the list goes on. Considering the perceived benefits of FDI, one may argue that FDI can play a crucial role in reducing the mentioned challenges facing the nation, however, only if directed to initiatives contributing to growth and employment. The 2015 Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development includes an action menu promoting investment in sectors relating to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the relationship between sector FDI and sector growth in addition to investigating the effect of sector FDI on sector employment over the period 2000Q1 to 2016Q4 for six of South Africa’s economic sectors. The reason for such a study is based on the premise that developing nations such as South Africa lack sound trade and industrial policies favorable to foreign investors. This then leads to the nation failing to attract higher volumes of FDI which could be used to address structural challenges facing the country. It is therefore important to identify sectors in which FDI has resulted in growth and employment so that when policies are considered, the right FDI is targeted. A comprehensive review of existing theoretical and empirical literature showed that FDI does result in economic growth for developed and developing countries, although FDI crowds out domestic investment in the short run. Literature on the effect of FDI on employment showed diverse effects. Some studies found FDI to increase employment overall, other studies found FDI to increase employment only during periods of restructuring and some studies found FDI to result in job losses. For South African sectors, the present study finds that the financial services sector receives the highest volume of South African FDI, followed by the mining and quarrying sector and the manufacturing, however, FDI in all six sectors under study is associated with increased growth and employment. This finding suggests that the financial services sector has received increased volumes of FDI as a result of financialization of the South African economy. It is this increased FDI in the financial services sector that is directed to income redistribution from the real sector to the finance sector. This study employed econometric techniques and methods of analysis to investigate the relationship between sector FDI and sector growth, and the effect of sector FDI on sector employment. Panel cointegration tests were conducted for all six sectors included in the study to establish if long run equilibrium relationships exist among integrated variables. The Johansen-Fisher panel cointegration test revealed that there is evidence of cointegration in four of the six sectors. Since cointegration was established, the study proceeded to perform the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analysis and estimate a Panel Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Results from the causality analysis found a unidirectional causality relationship between FDI and GDP growth, while the panel VECM found FDI to have a significant effect on growth in all sectors. The Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model employed to investigate the effect of FDI on employment found FDI to have an insignificant effect on employment in all sectors included, although the signs of the coefficients suggest that FDI is associated with increased employment and rising wages is associated with increased productivity growth. Since this study finds that FDI is associated with increased GDP growth in all six sectors under study, policy makers should devise strategies to attract FDI in sectors such as the transportation, storage and communication sector and the electricity, gas and water sector as FDI in these sectors are associated with increased growth however, they receive very low levels of FDI. There are a number of reasons for this, therefore, government institutions and policy makers should investigate the reasons for these low levels of FDI inflows into these sectors so that they can devise further strategies to address these reasons and perhaps attract higher levels of FDI into these sectors. Spillover benefits play a major role in host nations participating in FDI therefore, prior to entering into bilateral treaty agreements, policy makers should ensure that foreign investors are compelled to create jobs, offer training and qualifications etc. through their investments so that some of the SDGs can be achieved. Additionally, this study finds a positive, statistically insignificant relationship between FDI and employment. FDI may not have a significant relationship on employment due to jobless growth and capital-intensive growth rather than labor-intensive growth. Such a situation calls for government intervention. Skills shortage is a rising problem in South Africa; therefore, investors choose to employ advanced technologies rather than people. Under such circumstances, governments are encouraged to invest resources into skills development so that human capital are not completely replaced by technology. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Paul, Bernice Nicole
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , South Africa -- Economic policy , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , UNCTAD-ICTSD Project on IPRs and Sustainable Development , Unemployment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Master , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177964 , vital:42894
- Description: Over several decades past, developing countries have received increased amounts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This form of investment has been welcomed because of the perceived benefits attached to it. FDI is seen as an important driver of economic development for many nations. For South Africa specifically, GDP growth rates have remained less than required, unemployment rates have reached staggering levels, poverty and inequality levels are increasing and the list goes on. Considering the perceived benefits of FDI, one may argue that FDI can play a crucial role in reducing the mentioned challenges facing the nation, however, only if directed to initiatives contributing to growth and employment. The 2015 Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development includes an action menu promoting investment in sectors relating to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the relationship between sector FDI and sector growth in addition to investigating the effect of sector FDI on sector employment over the period 2000Q1 to 2016Q4 for six of South Africa’s economic sectors. The reason for such a study is based on the premise that developing nations such as South Africa lack sound trade and industrial policies favorable to foreign investors. This then leads to the nation failing to attract higher volumes of FDI which could be used to address structural challenges facing the country. It is therefore important to identify sectors in which FDI has resulted in growth and employment so that when policies are considered, the right FDI is targeted. A comprehensive review of existing theoretical and empirical literature showed that FDI does result in economic growth for developed and developing countries, although FDI crowds out domestic investment in the short run. Literature on the effect of FDI on employment showed diverse effects. Some studies found FDI to increase employment overall, other studies found FDI to increase employment only during periods of restructuring and some studies found FDI to result in job losses. For South African sectors, the present study finds that the financial services sector receives the highest volume of South African FDI, followed by the mining and quarrying sector and the manufacturing, however, FDI in all six sectors under study is associated with increased growth and employment. This finding suggests that the financial services sector has received increased volumes of FDI as a result of financialization of the South African economy. It is this increased FDI in the financial services sector that is directed to income redistribution from the real sector to the finance sector. This study employed econometric techniques and methods of analysis to investigate the relationship between sector FDI and sector growth, and the effect of sector FDI on sector employment. Panel cointegration tests were conducted for all six sectors included in the study to establish if long run equilibrium relationships exist among integrated variables. The Johansen-Fisher panel cointegration test revealed that there is evidence of cointegration in four of the six sectors. Since cointegration was established, the study proceeded to perform the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analysis and estimate a Panel Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Results from the causality analysis found a unidirectional causality relationship between FDI and GDP growth, while the panel VECM found FDI to have a significant effect on growth in all sectors. The Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model employed to investigate the effect of FDI on employment found FDI to have an insignificant effect on employment in all sectors included, although the signs of the coefficients suggest that FDI is associated with increased employment and rising wages is associated with increased productivity growth. Since this study finds that FDI is associated with increased GDP growth in all six sectors under study, policy makers should devise strategies to attract FDI in sectors such as the transportation, storage and communication sector and the electricity, gas and water sector as FDI in these sectors are associated with increased growth however, they receive very low levels of FDI. There are a number of reasons for this, therefore, government institutions and policy makers should investigate the reasons for these low levels of FDI inflows into these sectors so that they can devise further strategies to address these reasons and perhaps attract higher levels of FDI into these sectors. Spillover benefits play a major role in host nations participating in FDI therefore, prior to entering into bilateral treaty agreements, policy makers should ensure that foreign investors are compelled to create jobs, offer training and qualifications etc. through their investments so that some of the SDGs can be achieved. Additionally, this study finds a positive, statistically insignificant relationship between FDI and employment. FDI may not have a significant relationship on employment due to jobless growth and capital-intensive growth rather than labor-intensive growth. Such a situation calls for government intervention. Skills shortage is a rising problem in South Africa; therefore, investors choose to employ advanced technologies rather than people. Under such circumstances, governments are encouraged to invest resources into skills development so that human capital are not completely replaced by technology. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The reproductive performance, demography and spatial ecology of an extralimital white rhinoceros population
- Authors: Truter, Anja
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: White rhinoceros -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- Effect of poaching on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Reproduction , White rhinoceros -- Dispersal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Endangered species -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial behavior in animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Shamwari Game Reserve (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Master , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177975 , vital:42895
- Description: The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) (hereafter rhino) is under threat of becoming extinct due to continued poaching for its horns. In South Africa and elsewhere in Africa private landowners have, over the last few decades, contributed to the conservation of various species, including rhinos, even in areas where they have not occurred historically (i.e., where they are extralimital). Unfortunately, very few studies have investigated the conservation contribution of extralimital white rhinos on private reserves to the overall meta-population and/or their reproductive performance. The first aim of my study was therefore to determine whether or not the white rhinos introduced to a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape Province in 1992 have been successful from a reproductive perspective. I calculated inter-calving intervals, age at first calving, conception period, sex ratio, fecundity and fertility rates for white rhinos over this 28-year period. The average annual population growth rate for the rhinos was 10%, which is higher than the recommended 5% by the Rhino Management Group. Trends in density-dependent parameters such as age at first calving and inter-calving intervals also indicated that my study population is still well below carrying capacity for white rhinos and is contributing positively to white rhino conservation in South Africa. The second aim of my study was to investigate home range size and vegetation preferences of white rhinos. Home ranges were mostly larger for all age groups compared to rhinos in their native range. Previously cultivated lands (dominated by several grass species) were preferred by all rhino age groups. The rehabilitation of these previous agricultural-based pastures has likely contributed to the successful introduction of the white rhino as an extralimital megaherbivore in the Eastern Cape. I conclude that although extralimital white rhino populations in the Eastern Cape can be successful from a reproductive perspective, their potential impact on the indigenous biodiversity of the region should be a key future research priority. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Truter, Anja
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: White rhinoceros -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- Effect of poaching on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Reproduction , White rhinoceros -- Dispersal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , White rhinoceros -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Endangered species -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Spatial behavior in animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Shamwari Game Reserve (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Master , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177975 , vital:42895
- Description: The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) (hereafter rhino) is under threat of becoming extinct due to continued poaching for its horns. In South Africa and elsewhere in Africa private landowners have, over the last few decades, contributed to the conservation of various species, including rhinos, even in areas where they have not occurred historically (i.e., where they are extralimital). Unfortunately, very few studies have investigated the conservation contribution of extralimital white rhinos on private reserves to the overall meta-population and/or their reproductive performance. The first aim of my study was therefore to determine whether or not the white rhinos introduced to a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape Province in 1992 have been successful from a reproductive perspective. I calculated inter-calving intervals, age at first calving, conception period, sex ratio, fecundity and fertility rates for white rhinos over this 28-year period. The average annual population growth rate for the rhinos was 10%, which is higher than the recommended 5% by the Rhino Management Group. Trends in density-dependent parameters such as age at first calving and inter-calving intervals also indicated that my study population is still well below carrying capacity for white rhinos and is contributing positively to white rhino conservation in South Africa. The second aim of my study was to investigate home range size and vegetation preferences of white rhinos. Home ranges were mostly larger for all age groups compared to rhinos in their native range. Previously cultivated lands (dominated by several grass species) were preferred by all rhino age groups. The rehabilitation of these previous agricultural-based pastures has likely contributed to the successful introduction of the white rhino as an extralimital megaherbivore in the Eastern Cape. I conclude that although extralimital white rhino populations in the Eastern Cape can be successful from a reproductive perspective, their potential impact on the indigenous biodiversity of the region should be a key future research priority. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Assessing the implementation of expanded public works programme in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (2013-2018)
- Authors: Nombebe, Gcobisa
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55107 , vital:49120
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) between 2013 and 2018. This was necessitated by the common trend observed in the country that, despite many interventions to alleviate poverty, the unemployment rate continues to increase, and poverty remains a challenge. The study was qualitative, and it used secondary data to achieve its objectives. The data was sourced from journals, municipal documents, the national Department of Public Works’ publications, newspapers and many other secondary sources. The results revealed that the EPWP performance in BCMM is greatly influenced by effective performance management systems, proper planning, political impact, training and development, and committed leadership. This was perceived as the first attempt towards improving the EPWP aligned employment statistics in BCMM. These results were found to be very important in helping an organisation to achieve employment targets. Furthermore, the municipality should investigate strengthening its consultative processes to involve the public in the job creation and decision-making processes. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Nombebe, Gcobisa
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55107 , vital:49120
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) between 2013 and 2018. This was necessitated by the common trend observed in the country that, despite many interventions to alleviate poverty, the unemployment rate continues to increase, and poverty remains a challenge. The study was qualitative, and it used secondary data to achieve its objectives. The data was sourced from journals, municipal documents, the national Department of Public Works’ publications, newspapers and many other secondary sources. The results revealed that the EPWP performance in BCMM is greatly influenced by effective performance management systems, proper planning, political impact, training and development, and committed leadership. This was perceived as the first attempt towards improving the EPWP aligned employment statistics in BCMM. These results were found to be very important in helping an organisation to achieve employment targets. Furthermore, the municipality should investigate strengthening its consultative processes to involve the public in the job creation and decision-making processes. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04