A framework to incorporate sustainability into South African consumer protection policy
- Authors: Best, Laura Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Corporate governance -- Law and legislation , Business ethics Sustainability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14565 , vital:27766
- Description: Consumer protection policy measures can enable consumer behaviour shifts in favour of more sustainable choices. Whilst government is responsible for developing consumer protection policy in a particular country, business is central in the implementation of such policy. In South Africa, there is disassociation in consumer protection policy and environmental policy where consumer protection policy is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry, whilst sustainability is located under the Department of Environmental Affairs. As a result, South African consumer protection policy does not holistically incorporate sustainability. A six-step qualitative research process was adopted to develop a framework to implement sustainability into consumer protection policies. First, a theoretical framework for incorporating sustainability into consumer protection policy was developed to structure the qualitative research. Four dimensions for incorporating sustainability into consumer protection were then identified. Qualitative data was collected using an open-ended questionnaire and also content analysis of existing data. Two sets of experts further reviewed and critiqued the proposed framework. The results of the qualitative enquiry, in particular, showed that for all the countries examined, some at least had sustainability consideration elements in their policies, but this was evident to a lesser extent in African countries, particularly those with less-developed economies. On the other hand, policy mechanisms that promoted sustainability were more evident in the policies and laws of developed countries. In the case of most African countries, basic needs were foregrounded as the primary concerns of consumers, ahead of sustainability concerns. Further, poverty limited consumer choices, particularly if more sustainably produced and eco-efficient goods came at a higher price. The research also underscored the importance and centrality of consumer education and stakeholder engagement for achieving sustainability policy intentions. It further confirmed that the basic needs of poor consumers in South Africa, and the impact of poverty on sustainability policy intentions must underpin the proposed framework. Factors that created an enabling environment for the implementation of the framework were identified as policy harmonisation within government policy domains, joined-up government, good corporate governance and shared value that considered the needs of future generations and consumer education. These factors would create an enabling environment for policy implementation. Consumer policy could play a key role in the choices that consumers make and, if well-designed and implemented, could direct consumer spending in support of the goal of sustainability and sustainable consumption. The proposed framework provides a foundation on which to futher refine and develop consumer protection policy that incorporates the well-being of consumers and social justice. Using consumer spending to drive sustainability requires a deliberate intention on the part of policy makers to move away from the more conventional framing of consumer policy, which has tended to focus on the economic interests of consumers, such as price, quality, choice and redress. However, modern business is shifting towards a more holistic conceptualisation of sustainability, as a value that needs to be deliberately and consciously built into the design and essence of a business. Doing so is not only good corporate citizenship, but offers a competitive advantage, which could drive product demand and attract consumers.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A framework to support inexperienced postgraduate research supervisors
- Authors: Mapasa, Tobeka Eugié
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Graduate students -- Supervision of Universities and colleges -- Graduate work -- Supervision , Supervision Research -- Study and teaching -- Supervision
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18529 , vital:28657
- Description: It has been taken for granted that being able to lecture presupposes being able to supervise research students, and completing a Master’s or doctoral degree successfully meant that an academic could assume the research supervisor role. However, findings on research into graduate students’ experiences of the research process indicate that in most cases, postgraduate students are dissatisfied with the guidance they receive from their supervisors. In an effort to contribute to finding ways and to continuing the debate on the improvement of postgraduate research supervision, in this study, I aimed to develop a framework that could be used to support postgraduate research supervisors within faculties. To achieve this aim, I conducted a literature review in order to understand what it means to supervise at postgraduate level effectively and also to identify existing support programmes for postgraduate research supervisors. I adopted a phenomenological research design within an interpretive tradition. The technique used to select the sample was purposeful criterion. The sample size was determined by means of data saturation. It consisted of four faculty postgraduate studies committee chairpersons, seven inexperienced and four experienced postgraduate research supervisors. Meetings and semi-structured interviews were employed to generate data. The findings revealed that attempts by faculties to support postgraduate research supervisors have not been systematically documented as they were done, to a large extent, informally. The size of the faculty, lack of resources, heavy workload and timing emerged as factors that impacted positively and/or negatively on the provision of support to postgraduate research supervisors within faculties. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed that both the experienced and the inexperienced postgraduate research supervisors view good postgraduate research supervision as a relationship of human beings involving critical engagement between the postgraduate students and their supervisors. A need to mentor postgraduate research students was also highlighted. The findings also indicated that the participants viewed good postgraduate research supervision as a developmental process of co-learning and mutual growth culminating from joint effort by both the student and the research supervisor. Striking the balance between backing off and taking over was highlighted as important linked to the roles of the student and that of the supervisor in the research supervision process. The inexperienced and the experienced supervisors had mixed feelings about the usefulness of the existing support initiatives by faculties that they have been exposed to, citing the duration, the level at which some of them were pitched and the presentation styles of the facilitators as cause for concern. The support needs that were common to both the inexperienced and the experienced supervisors were designated mentors, manageable workload and time. The inexperienced postgraduate supervisors expressed the need for focussed support, briefing sessions, online resources for easy access, good timing, and an extended co-supervision period. The experienced supervisors expressed the need for support that will be at their level, group supervision, time and/or money to buy the time and better prepared postgraduate students. This study contributed the proposed framework informed by the integration of the insights from the literature on postgraduate research supervision, professional development and the findings from this study. The principles of the Transformative Learning Theory are appropriate to guide the implementation of the proposed framework in future applications.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A historical analysis of the impact of the 1966 Ugandan constitutional crisis on Buganda’s monarchy
- Authors: Musisi, Fred
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Uganda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1971 Uganda -- History Buganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20703 , vital:29377
- Description: 1966 was a particularly tumultuous year in the East African country of Uganda. After an era of relative peace and stability, the country was plagued by a range of tragedies that resulted in a constitutional crisis after the 24 May attack on the palace of the King of Buganda. This was the first time in Uganda's short history that the state had deliberately and systematically turned its guns on its own people. As a point of departure the study advances that existing historical analyses on the crisis lack detail. Consequently, the core of the study was to provide a more focused detailed and multi-faceted historical account of the 1966 crisis on the Buganda’s monarchy. The study yielded insights into the political and socio-economic impacts of the 1966 political turmoil on the people of Buganda. Using the historical method to inform the research design; the study employed an archival history methodology to examine how both the colonial legacy and the internal dynamics of the Ugandan society combined to lead to a serious and dramatic conflict between the kingdom of Buganda and State of Uganda. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the political turmoil left an indelible scar on the Kingdom of Buganda. The study offers clarity on why and how the crisis occurred and contributes a better understanding of the ‘grey area’ of knowledge and insights into what the abolition of the Kingdom meant to the Baganda.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A history of the Grahamstown Teachers’ Training College 1894-1975
- Authors: Kelly, Leonard Eric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Grahamstown Teachers' Training College , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- History , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7903 , vital:21322
- Description: In the Cape Colony, and then in South Africa generally, the twentieth century was to see the emergence, growth, and final closure of teacher training colleges. South Africa was one of the few Anglophone countries on the African Continent which, in 2003, did not have a separate and dedicated system of Teacher Education Colleges.1 From the 1920s on, there was a spirited debate over whether primary school teacher training was better achieved in the training college or the university. The publication of the National Education Amendment Act (No 73 of 1969) finally placed all teacher training, primary/elementary and secondary, within University Faculties of Education. The present study investigates the history of the Grahamstown Teacher Training College (GTTC) which was officially recognised in 1894 for the training of young white women. The GTTC was an independent college, founded and owned by an Anglican Religious Community for women, the Community of the Resurrection of Our Lord (CR), but it was also an Aided College of the Cape Education Department. As an Aided College, the GTTC was subject to Government Inspection annually, and the students wrote the official examinations set by the Department of Education. The College was run entirely by women and existed for 81 years. The emphasis in the college was on the practical professional training offered. The focus was on the ‘complete’ education of the student, rather than merely on the content of the curriculum. This study shows that the GTTC more than earned its reputation of being one of the finest training colleges in South Africa and that it was indeed a unique educational development. A feature of particular note was that the college was a trail-blazer, a pioneer in the field of education practices. It was the first college to introduce class music and class singing, the first to employ a physical education teacher, to have a full-time librarian and elocutionist, and it was at the GTTC that the assignment method of study was introduced. All these factors are highlighted in the course of this study.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A holistic investigation of amateur batters performance responses to a century protocol: a focused cognitive perspective
- Authors: Goble, David
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cricket -- Batting -- Physiological aspects , Cricket players -- Physiology , Cricket players -- Health and hygiene , Cognition -- Testing , Neurophysiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/40725 , vital:25020
- Description: No cognitive study has implemented an exercise modality that requires both physical effort and cognitive control, therefore, the effects of such exercise are unknown. Additionally, no studies have investigated how prolonged batting impacts cognitive functioning nor how physical responses and cognitive functioning are related while batting. At intensities of 6070 percent heart rate maximum, acute and prolonged bouts of physical activity have been shown to improve cognitive functioning. At higher intensities, the beneficial effects are minimal and in some cases performance is impaired. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to determine how prolonged intermittent batting (a task that requires high muscular and cardiovascular loads but also continuous cognitive control) affects cognitive, physiological, physical and biophysical responses in amateur batters. Further aims included to test the reliability of the method employed in assessing these responses. To answer this question, the investigation was separated into three studies: phase 1 (a large-scale pilot) and phase 2 and 3 (a repeated measures test-retest hypothesis). In each phase, batters completed the 30 over BATEX simulation, which replicated the demands of scoring a one-day international century. To establish physiological, physical and perceptual strain; heart rate, sprint times and perceived exertion data were collected each over. Changes in body mass over time were compared to determine the effects of fluid loss on cognitive performance. Before, during and after the simulation, psychomotor function, visual attention, working memory, visual learning and memory as well as executive functions were assessed (CogState brief test battery). During cognitive assessments, heart rate and heart rate variability parameters were sampled so that autonomic modulation of the heart could be determined. The methodological differences between phase 1 and phase 2 and 3, were (respectively); the frequency of cognitive assessments (five vs. three), the samples used (15 schoolboy vs. 16 academy batters), hydration protocols (250ml of Energade vs. water ad libitum) and a singular change in a physical dependent variable (batting accuracy vs. vertical jump). In schoolboy and academy batters, the prolonged batting simulation placed significant strain on the cardiovascular and muscular subsystems; increasing heart rate (p<0.01), decreasing body mass (p<0.01) and deteriorating sprint performance (p<0.01) over time. In each sample, batters’ perceived exertion increased significantly (p<0.01) and exertion was highest in the final over of the protocol. Interestingly, the changes in cardiovascular and muscular responses were larger in schoolboy batters. While the cognitive performance decrements over time were not significant in academy batters (p>0.05; d<0.2), the magnitude of impairment in psychomotor function (p>0.05; d = 0.37), visual attention (p>0.05; d = 0.56), working memory (p>0.05; d = 0.61) and executive function (p>0.05; d = 0.58) was larger in schoolboy batters. In both samples, the simulation altered the modulation of heart rate significantly. Heart rate variability decreased linearly with time spent batting (p<0.01; d>0.8). During cognitive assessments, heart rate variability increased with time-on-task, where responses were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the last task of the battery compared to the first. Importantly, the results of the retest phase were the same as in the test phase and only two condition effects were observed; (i) heart rate (retest lower: p<0.04;d = 0.39), (ii) body mass (retest lower: p<0.03;d = 0.09). A task-related condition effect in heart rate variability (PNN30) was also observed (retest higher: p<0.03; d = not calculated). Resultantly, the test-retest reliability of phase 2 and 3 was high. The results indicate that prolonged intermittent batting at an intensity of 64-77 %HRmax impaired cognitive functioning in amateur batters. However, the cardiovascular and muscular strain induced by prolonged intermittent batting and its effects on cognitive functioning are mediated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors (age, training status, playing experience and hydration). Therefore, while prolonged batting has similar effects on cognitive functioning as acute bouts of physical activity, they do not share the same relationship. The author hypothesises that the continuous cognitive component inherent in prolonged batting mitigates the beneficial effects of physical activity, as demonstrated previously. Future research is needed to elucidate this relationship. Additionally, player experience affects the way in which batters regulate performance while batting; which also affects the rate of and magnitude of impairment during batting. Finally, the methodological limitations of this study provide direction for future research into batting.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A mobile based user centred integrated remote patient monitoring framework for low resource settings
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkanyiso
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health services accessibility Medical telematics Patient monitoring -- Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8563 , vital:33128
- Description: There is a gap in healthcare service delivery within low resource settings of South Africa. These areas are under-serviced because of poor health infrastructure and few available medical experts. This contributes immensely to poor health care delivery especially to chronically ill diabetic patients and increases mortality rates. However, innovative remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems have been developed to curb the above challenge in recent years. Unfortunately, most of these systems are standalone and are incompatible with one another. Most of them relay on Internet for connectivity which is imminent in low resource settings. This makes continuity of care of chronic ill patients a great challenge. Additional, the efficacy and feasibility of RPM using mobile phones in low resource settings of South Africa are still unknown. It was also noted that none of these systems have been developed for a clinical trial. The goal of this study was to provide a standard framework that allows optimal design of mobile RPM systems which are interoperable. The objectives were to investigate the RPM system efficacy and reliability in low resource settings and determine its effects on clinical management, self-care and health outcomes. The framework was validated with a clinical trial to remotely monitor diabetic adults in Limpopo province of South Africa. A prototype system was developed based on sound user centric design process and enterprise architectural principles to remotely monitor diabetic elderly patients using cellular technologies and existing hospital infrastructure. It was evaluated using a controlled, randomized clinical trial for 6 months. There were 120 patients who took part in the study and were categorized into two groups, the intervention Group X and the control Group Y. Each group comprised of 60 participants. Evidence from this study justified the feasibility and possibility of long term implementation of RPM system to cater for chronic ill patients in low resource settings worldwide. Results showed that the self-care and normal blood glucose levels improved for both groups whereas quality of life improved only for Group X. It was shown that extensive self-care knowledge with the help of RPM system improved self-care and helped normalize their glucose levels. The hospital admissions and mortality between the two groups did not differ much. However, the intervention group had more hospital visits than the control group because the participants were requested to visit the hospitals in case of emergency. The users perceived the RPM system as feasible and effective way of clinical management and self-care. Due to wide acceptance, some patients were even willing to continue using the system after the trial. Home measurements proved to be reliable and helped improve self-care. In future, a standardized and unified framework based on rule set would provide comprehensive remote healthcare allowing continuous patient monitoring at a reduced overall cost thereby decreasing mortality rates.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A narrative, child-participatory study of domestic mobility within grandmother-headed households in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Lotter, Jaclyn Oehley
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women heads of households South Africa Eastern Cape , Poor women South Africa Eastern Cape , Migration, Internal South Africa , Poverty South Africa , HIV infections Social aspects South Africa , HIV infections Economic aspects South Africa , AIDS (Disease) Social aspects South Africa , AIDS (Disease) Economic aspects South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7678 , vital:21285
- Description: The movement of adults and children between households in South Africa is a tradition entrenched by apartheid state policies and fuelled by poverty and HIV/AIDS. Children affected by domestic mobility include not only orphans, but those whose families are struggling financially or are deprived of income through illness or death. One example of domestic mobility is the redistribution of children through grandmother-headed households. While domestic mobility has been researched from a number of different academic perspectives, there is scanty psychological literature on the subject, and a gap around children’s experiences of their own mobility. Children’s roles and agency in their mobility, and how these are shaped by their environments, social relations and resilience, are not considered. This research aimed to explore the meanings that domestic mobility had in the lives, identity constructions and personal narratives of South African children currently residing in grandmother-headed households in the Eastern Cape. This was achieved through a narrative approach, interested in big life-stories, as well as small stories of everyday interaction. Over the course of two years, five child participants aged between eight and 12 years constructed narrative material through participatory action research methodologies, including the mapping of time-lines and their lived environments, and photovoice. Child participants and their families were selected from the client-base of a non-governmental organisation, Isibindi (Alice). Narratives were analysed as case studies to tell detailed stories of children’s lives, and to comment on issues associated with domestic mobility, socio-economic status, gender, education, HIV/AIDS and social protection. The study found that blanket definitions of poverty and domestic mobility conceal important variations in levels of poverty and individual experiences of mobility. While children are excluded from processes of decision-making about their mobility, they perform their agency by contributing to household survival and ensuring the continuation of mutually beneficial attachment relationships. This research argues that interventions which act on various systemic levels (macro, meso and exo) add support and protection for vulnerable children. This research also argues for psychological “scaffolding” of potentially traumatic or precarious processes, such as domestic mobility and deaths in families, through caregivers preparing and consulting with children before events happen.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A national strategy towards cultivating a cybersecurity culture in South Africa
- Authors: Gcaza, Noluxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Cyberspace -- Security measures Computer security -- South Africa Subculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13735 , vital:27303
- Description: In modern society, cyberspace is interwoven into the daily lives of many. Cyberspace is increasingly redefining how people communicate as well as gain access to and share information. Technology has transformed the way the business world operates by introducing new ways of trading goods and services whilst bolstering traditional business methods. It has also altered the way nations govern. Thus individuals, organisations and nations are relying on this technology to perform significant functions. Alongside the positive innovations afforded by cyberspace, however, those who use it are exposed to a variety of risks. Cyberspace is beset by criminal activities such as cybercrime, fraud, identity theft to name but a few. Nonetheless, the negative impact of these cyber threats does not outweigh the advantages of cyberspace. In light of such threats, there is a call for all entities that reap the benefits of online services to institute cybersecurity. As such, cybersecurity is a necessity for individuals, organisations and nations alike. In practice, cybersecurity focuses on preventing and mitigating certain security risks that might compromise the security of relevant assets. For a long time, technology-centred measures have been deemed the most significant solution for mitigating such risks. However, after a legacy of unsuccessful technological efforts, it became clear that such solutions in isolation are insufficient to mitigate all cyber-related risks. This is mainly due to the role that humans play in the security process, that is, the human factor. In isolation, technology-centred measures tend to fail to counter the human factor because of the perception among many users that security measures are an obstacle and consequently a waste of time. This user perception can be credited to the perceived difficulty of the security measure, as well as apparent mistrust and misinterpretation of the measure. Hence, cybersecurity necessitates the development of a solution that encourages acceptable user behaviour in the reality of cyberspace. The cultivation of a cybersecurity culture is thus regarded as the best approach for addressing the human factors that weaken the cybersecurity chain. While the role of culture in pursuing cybersecurity is well appreciated, research focusing on defining and measuring cybersecurity culture is still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies have shown that there are no widely accepted key concepts that delimit a cybersecurity culture. However, the notion that such a culture is not well-delineated has not prevented national governments from pursuing a culture in which all citizens behave in a way that promotes cybersecurity. As a result, many countries now offer national cybersecurity campaigns to foster a culture of cybersecurity at a national level. South Africa is among the nations that have identified cultivating a culture of cybersecurity as a strategic priority. However, there is an apparent lack of a practical plan to cultivate such a cybersecurity culture in South Africa. Thus, this study sought firstly to confirm from the existing body of knowledge that cybersecurity culture is indeed ill-defined and, secondly, to delineate what constitutes a national cybersecurity culture. Finally, and primarily, it sought to devise a national strategy that would assist SA in fulfilling its objective of cultivating a culture of cybersecurity on a national level.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A new synthetic approach for preparation of Efavirenz
- Authors: Chada, Sravanthi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents , Asymmetric synthesis , Enzyme inhibitors , HIV (Viruses) -- Enzymes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15512 , vital:28265
- Description: Efavirenz, a drug that is still inaccessible to millions of people worldwide, is potent non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), is one of the preferred agents used in combination therapy for first-line treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). NNRTIs attach to and block an HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase, by blocking reverse transcriptase; NNRTIs prevent HIV from multiplying and can reduce the amount of HIV in the body. Efavirenz can't cure HIV/AIDS, but taken in combination with other HIV medicines (called an HIV regimen) every day helps people with HIV live longer healthier lives. Efavirenz also reduces the risk of HIV transmission and can be used by children who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. All the above therapeutic uses of efavirenz prompted us to identify the novel and hopefully cost efficient synthetic methodology for the preparation of efavirenz. In this thesis a new synthetic method for asymmetric synthesis of efavirenz is described. This route started from commercially available starting materials and it is first established in traditional batch chemistry and further the parameters transferred to a semi continuous flow protocol for optimization.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A participatory action research approach to engaging peer educators in the prevention of teenage pregnancy
- Authors: Hendricks, Farah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Peer teaching -- South Africa Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa , Sex instruction for teenagers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16011 , vital:28306
- Description: The phenomenon of teenage pregnancy among school-going youth is on the increase in South Africa, despite the existence of a number of intervention programmes. Although both curricular and co-curricular awareness programmes targeting this phenomenon are currently employed within South African schools, these programmes have patently not met with much success, since the problem remains acute. It was the question why these programmes are not succeeding in alleviating the problem that prompted my interest in undertaking this study. Based on literature that suggests that those programmes that are successful in reaching the youth are designed through participatory processes, rather than being designed by outside experts, my thesis proposes that prevention programmes that are designed and implemented by the youth for the youth may be more successful in helping them to make healthy decisions in terms of their sexual behaviour. This study attempted to engage youth in a participatory way in identifying and exploring their perceptions of teenage pregnancy and using the knowledge thus gained to design, implement and evaluate prevention strategies in their school. The study is informed by social learning theory and adopted a participatory action research (PAR) design, which is located in a critical paradigm. I purposefully recruited twenty-four youths (14 females and 10 males) to participate. The primary research question that guided this study was: “How can peer educators be engaged to create prevention strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy and its impacts?” The following sub-questions were identified from the primary research question: What do learners themselves know feel and experience with regard to the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy How might a participatory methodology help learners to create relevant and contextualised strategies for addressing teenage pregnancy? How can such strategies be implemented in a school system? What recommendations could be made for addressing teenage pregnancy in a contextualised way? The research was conducted in two cycles. In Cycle One, data was generated through two focus group discussions, led by a young researcher from the community to encourage openness and honesty. In addition through snowball sampling, six teenage mothers and two teenage fathers agreed to be interviewed individually. The same questions were asked in the two discussions and the individual interviews, namely: “What do you know, feel and think about teenage pregnancy?” In the first cycle, I responded to my first sub-research question. Interviews, drawings and focus group discussions were used to generate data. Three themes emerged from the data to provide insight into how the youth at the school perceived the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy. The findings from this cycle revealed certain tensions between what youth said they needed and what adults, such as teachers and parents, thought they needed to know. The participating teenagers regarded themselves as sexual beings, while the adults in their sphere of influence preached abstinence, moralised or merely cited the facts, without entering into any discussion of how young people could deal with social pressures and better protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy. The participating youth were clearly aware of how to prevent pregnancy, but the social barriers to using condoms or contraceptive pills were a stumbling block. They possessed knowledge of the potential consequences of risky behaviour, but this did not stop them from engaging in such behaviour. In the second cycle of the research, the participants used the findings of the first cycle to develop prevention messages and strategies to convey these messages to their peers. They used participatory visual methods to accomplish this. The findings from this cycle revealed that a peer education approach helped participants to increase maturity in sexual decision-making, had a positive effect on the learning and acquisition of new skills, and improved critical thinking relating to sexuality. The study also had a positive impact on other learners’ knowledge and the attitudes displayed by both learners and teachers, and also led to improvements in school policies related to sexuality education. It is contended that the study contributed important theoretical and methodological insights. Knowledge generated from the study could make a contribution to the field of sexuality education and how it should be approached in schools, particularly in communities facing social and economic adversity. The methodological contribution of this study provided guidelines and theory on how participatory action research and participatory methods can be implemented in schools to enable youth to influence change in their schools, not only regarding teenage pregnancy, but also other social issues.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A political discourse analysis of social memory, collective identity and nation-building in the Sunday Mail and the Standard of Zimbabwe between 1999 and 2013
- Authors: Santos, Phillip
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/41753 , vital:25130
- Description: Although much effort has been expended on studying many sites of social memory, little attention has been directed at the media’s work of memory, especially in post-colonial Africa. The media’s work of memory is important because of its social standing as a communicative and cultural institution, and because social memory is imbricated in processes of both collective identity formation and nation-building which partly shape patterns of economic distribution, recognition, and representation in society. It is in this context that this study shows how Zimbabwe’s The Sunday Mail and The Standard newspapers used social memory to construct the country’s national identity between 1999 and 2013 in the context of a socio-economic and political crisis for the country’s poly-racial, and poly-ethno-linguistic communities. The study also explores how these newspapers worked as memory sites through their construction of Zimbabwe’s national identity during the period under study. It achieves these tasks by analysing how these newspapers reported on such issues as Zimbabwe’s colonial history, the country’s narrative of decolonisation, the Gukurahundi narrative, the land reform process, elections and independence celebrations. The study takes a critical realist approach to qualitative research, and uses Fairclough and Fairclough’s (2012) method of political discourse analysis as well as Aristotle’s approach to rhetoric for a close reading of the sampled newspaper articles. It is informed by Nancy Fraser’s Theory of Justice, Chantal Mouffe’s Model of Agonistic Pluralism, and Jurgen Habermas’s Discourse Ethics Theory. The study concludes that these two newspapers actively use social memory to construct versions of national identity for specific socio-political and economic ends. Editorials and opinions from The Sunday Mail, which construct Zimbabwean-ness in nativist terms represent the hegemonic appropriation of social memory to construct a sense of Zimbabwean nationhood. In contrast, The Standard uses social memory to construct Zimbabwean-ness in modernist terms with citizenship as the core organising principle of belonging. The political discourse analysis of The Sunday Mail’s and The Standard’s evocation of social memory shows that the two newspapers reflect the tension between indigenist and universalist imaginaries of belonging in Zimbabwe. But the newspapers’ construction of belonging in Zimbabwe is informed by justice claims as seen from each of their political standpoints. As such, their respective definitions of Zimbabweans’ justice claims in terms of their political standpoints, also propose how those justice claims should be addressed and who stands to benefit from them.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A social realist analysis of participation in academic professional development for the integration of digital technologies in higher education
- Authors: Mistri, Gitanjali Umesh
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Compensatory education -- South Africa -- Case studies , Education, Higher -- Computer-assisted instruction , Education, Higher -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa , Durban University of Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:20936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5510
- Description: The introduction of digital technologies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), in keeping with higher education institutions globally, has had a significant impact on the learning environment at the institution. Despite this the anticipated demand for academic professional development (APD) did not materialise at DUT. Using Margaret Archer’s Realist Social Theory (1995) this single-institution case study offers a critical examination of cultural, structural and agential conditions that enable and constrain academic professional development (APD) for the integration of digital technologies in teaching–learning interactions at a higher education institution in South Africa. Archer’s (1995) morphogenetic approach enabled an investigation of the interface between the conditions encountered by the academics (at macro, meso and micro levels), in order to theorise about the material, ideational and agential conditions that obtained and which in turn influenced the decision to participate or not participate in the APD programmes. This longitudinal study from 2012 until 2016 traced the APD related changes following the decision to promote the implementation of digital technologies in teaching–learning interactions as an institutional imperative. The theoretical framework allowed for an examination of the interpretation of the conditions experienced by academics, either as compatible or contradictory to their individual or collective concerns. It further provided an insight into their evaluation of the legitimacy and value of the APD programmes. The study examined the impact of the provision of resources for APD on the nature of the use of digital technologies in teaching–learning interactions at the site of the case study, the Durban University of Technology in South Africa. The analysis of academic reactions to the changes instituted at both the meso (institutional) and micro (academic professional development) levels revealed that the changes produced conditions that resulted in limited morphogenesis. In particular, it seems that the disruption brought about by the introduction of the technology imperative was accompanied by conditions resulting in further diversification of academic capacities at the institution. This study advances concrete propositions about the conditions that influenced the APD related responses of the academics to the institutionalisation of e-Learning. The research adds to knowledge through insights into the process theory approach to causation, which recognises that structures, mechanisms and events produce unique effects and that the same mechanisms at times produce different events. This study argues that understanding what underlies a certain course of events may enable informed interventions to create better correspondences between APD and the introduction of digital technologies in higher education. Further, this study has generated insights into the importance of taking into consideration the discipline-related knowledge structures in the design and provision of academic development programmes. It is proposed that the incorporation of organising principles of knowledge practices within the academic professional development programme design would earn value and legitimacy for the programme, and promote participation by academics in digital technology-related academic professional development. In summary, the research contributes to an understanding of why it has been that, even with many first order barriers – such as digital access and infrastructural limitations – reduced, the uptake of digital technologies and participation in related academic professional development programmes by academics in higher education has yet to initiate a move beyond doing what is familiar in a digitally-mediated learning environment.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A spiritual intelligence model for operational humanitarian leadership development in conflict-affected areas
- Authors: Els, Deon André
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Development leadership Conflict management , Peace-building Spiritual life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15534 , vital:28267
- Description: The scale and cadence of crises that demand international humanitarian response are on the rise and pose increasingly hostile and complex challenges to operational humanitarian leaders. The international responses to humanitarian crises since 2011 recognised the need for successful humanitarian leadership development that emphasises the importance of ethical and effective leadership. The under-achievement of operational humanitarian leaders in conflict-affected areas has long been a chief concern amongst humanitarian organisations and leadership scholars. Several approaches to the development of operational humanitarian leaders have been presented as possible solutions such as establishing new financing mechanisms; improving technical abilities, academic knowledge, simulation training, conflict management skills; conflict prevention training; and enhancing the capacity for collaborative networks. Despite various efforts, it is reported that ineffective and incompetent leadership is still a major constraint on the success and effectiveness of operational humanitarian response in conflict-affected areas. This research effort attempted to contribute to improving operational humanitarian leadership by considering a “human or people-centred approach”. The primary objective was to identify the factors that influence the successful development of the spiritual intelligence (SQ) of humanitarian leaders working in conflict-affected areas. The primary objective was, therefore, to improve the abilities and skills of humanitarian leaders by validating and analysing factors that should contribute to the development of spiritually intelligent leaders and, subsequently, improve humanitarian leadership performance. There is growing consensus that values, ethical behaviour, self-awareness, motivation, compassion, humility, empathy, co-ordination and the empowerment of others have a significant impact on the effectiveness of operational humanitarian leadership which emphasises the need for human or people-centred approaches in developing humanitarian leaders. The striking similarities between abilities pertaining to effective, operational, humanitarian leadership and the capabilities of a spiritually intelligent individual suggested an opportunity to investigate the development of a spiritual intelligence model for humanitarian leaders. The frequency, duration and intensity of humanitarian crises between 2004 and 2016 further emphasised the urgent need for operational leaders to develop and apply abilities based on spiritual intelligence in the humanitarian sector. Some scholars argue that the development of spiritually intelligent leaders should play an instrumental role in successfully responding to global crises.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A strategic framework for managing and implementation of the intergovernmental relations policy in selected Eastern Cape municipalities
- Authors: Shasha, Zamuxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Intergovernmental fiscal relations -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8353 , vital:32310
- Description: It is of paramount importance to highlight that the South African government is established in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. Whilst the government of South Africa is one, it consists of three spheres namely; national, provincial and local. These spheres of government are naturally distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. This is expressed in terms of section 41(1) of the Constitution, which requires that there should be co-operation, mutual trust and good faith amongst these three spheres of government. This form of a relationship compels different spheres to inform and consult one another on matters of common interest, co-ordinate their legislation, and adhere to agreed procedures in accordance with the provisions of the constitution which is the supreme law of the Republic. The study sort to find a strategic framework for managing and implementation of the Intergovernmental Relations Policy in Selected Eastern Cape Municipalities. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify the sample elements. The sample was composed of 160 participants and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to gather information pertaining the research problem. A mixed research method was used to analyse the data gathered. The sampled respondents were municipal and government employees from various departments who have knowledge of the IGR policy. The study findings pointed out that the current framework on intergovernmental relations was ineffective in the Eastern Cape municipalities that were surveyed. Respondents pointed to a number of shortfalls in the implementation of the intergovernmental relations, which made it ineffective in improving how these municipalities operated and rendered service delivery. A number of factors inhibiting the effectiveness of the intergovernmental relations included lack of communication, poor coordination, lack of clear strategy, poor budgets amongst other factors. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher developed a strategic framework that could be adopted by municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The functionality of this framework would be influenced by the corrective measures taken by the municipalities in addressing the underlying problems of the current intergovernmental relations, as identified by the respondents.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A study of mathematics teacher identity as shaped through participation in a mathematics teacher professional development programme
- Authors: Kangela, Nyameka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematics Teacher Enrichment Programme (MTEP) (Rhodes University) , Mathematics teachers -- Psychology , Mathematics teachers -- Psychology -- Case studies , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7832 , vital:21305
- Description: There is an abundance of evidence suggesting that all is not well in mathematics education in South Africa. It is also common cause that the role of mathematics teachers is central to finding sustainable solutions to what is commonly referred to as a mathematics crisis. The purpose of this study is to explore the process of change in selected mathematics teachers’ identities as they participated in a mathematics teacher Professional Development Programme (PDP) at Rhodes University. The core of the PDP was a teacher enrichment programme called the Mathematics Teacher Enrichment Programme (MTEP), under the aegis of the First Rand Foundation (FRF) Mathematics Education Chair at Rhodes University. MTEP foregrounded and emphasized the teaching of mathematics for conceptual understanding. The research approach was qualitative, and it used elements of the methods associated with educational ethnography. The data was collected from five teachers from five different schools that participated in the FRF Maths Chair project. I used Wenger’s (1998) three modes of belonging to analyse the identities of the five participants. This was achieved through analysing the teachers’ practice with a particular focus on teaching for conceptual understanding. I used Sfard & Prusak’s (2005) framework to analyse the participants’ journey from an actual to a designated identity through their participation in MTEP. The participants’ changing sense of belonging to MTEP was a key element in transforming their practice to teaching for conceptual understanding. I assumed the role of a participant observer during MTEP sessions, and of an outside observer as a researcher.The study found that the selected teachers’ participation in the MTEP community of practice strongly encouraged them to accumulate shared histories of learning and teaching. The study found that as participating teachers adopted and grew into their designated identity they partially embraced and implemented a conceptual teaching approach. The gap between their actual and their designated identity was partly closed as they sought to align their teaching with MTEP’s goal of conceptual teaching.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A technical and economic evaluation of a passive underground mine-water purification system (PUMPS): a geothermally powered geo-engineering system designed for in-situ bio-remediation of acid mine water
- Authors: Ntholi, Thakane Thato Prudence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- South Africa Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment , Mine water -- South Africa -- Evaluation Acid mine drainage -- South Africa Environmental geochemistry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19586 , vital:28900
- Description: PUMPS mimics natural geothermal vents as a conceptual model designed for the remediation of acid mine water (AMW) in voids of abandoned gold mines of the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa. In this system, a reaction chamber containing Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii sulfate reducing bacteria will be set at the bottom of a 3-4 km deep mine that will be flooded. A geothermal system with at least one (1) doublet will be drilled from the bottom of the mine to the depth of 8km, where the temperatures are sufficient for geothermal energy harvesting. AMW, used as a geothermal fluid, will be pumped down the injection well and circulate through hot rock. The hot water is then used to generate electricity and then channelled into the reaction chamber to undergo bio-remediation. Following treatment, the water flows back into the mine voids where it will improve the quality of untreated AMW through dilution. Eventually, the mine will be flooded with clean water that can be stored underground and/or pumped up to surface for social and ecosystem services. Following an introduction and proof of concept for the PUMPS, the research builds further on the technical and economic evaluation of the PUMPS in order to assert its viability and sustainability. The technical viability includes testing the ability for Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii to survive in high pressure condition; quantifying the amount of energy that can be drawn from the geothermal reservoir; determining the placement and scheme of the geothermal wells; and, finally, developing a robust economic model of the system. Experiments show that Desulfotomaculum Kuznetsovii can tolerate high pressure conditions in of at least 100bar at their ideal sulfate reducing temperature of 63°C. Geochemical modelling shows that AMW can be used effectively as a geothermal fluid for PUMPS. To achieve highest efficiency and minimal fluid loss, the geothermal wells should be placed along the SSE-NNW direction, based on the known stress field across the Witwatersrand Basin. With a flow rate of 30l/s the energy drawn from the geothermal reservoir is sufficient to drive PUMPS and the surplus energy is determined by the volume of AMW treated per day. All results indicate that the PUMPS is technically and economically viable. The economic model shows that the value and viability of the PUMPS is best reflected with a comprehensive inclusion of potential revenue (for example from chemical solution mining of deep seated gold) and financial/environmental incentives.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A theoretical model for successful management of revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa
- Authors: Amansure, Ricardo Julian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7408 , vital:21351
- Description: The Renewable Energy (RE) sector is one of the fastest growing new industries in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The Bloomberg New Energy Finance Climate Scope Report recently ranked RSA third globally, behind China and Brazil, and first among African countries for investment in clean energy (Glickman, 2014). However, one of the main benefits to be derived from the industry, that of socio-economic and enterprise development, is not being achieved owing to unsuccessful management of revenue for beneficiary communities in the renewable energy sector in RSA. Challenges relating to good governance and long-term planning are causing significant harm to communities that are already vulnerable, and are threatening to have a negative effect on the industry’s ability to fulfil its obligation to alleviate and, ultimately, eradicate poverty in some of the poorest communities in RSA.The primary objective of this study is to develop a model for the successful management of revenue for beneficiary communities in the renewable energy sector in South Africa. The model will provide guidance for enterprises, stakeholders, industry experts and community development practitioners within the renewable energy sector towards a pro-active, effective, and relevant decision-making process to achieve success in managing revenue for beneficiary communities. To address the primary objective, a number of secondary objectives were established by developing a conceptual model comprising variables identified in a comprehensive survey of the related literature. A path diagram, based on the formulation of appropriate hypotheses, was constructed between the independent variable and subsequent intervening and dependent variables. Primary data sourced from the identified national and international population of project management practitioners were collected by means of an electronic measuring instrument. The data were analysed and tested empirically by means of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The determinants that were identified through a review of the literature as influencing the success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa included: the use of outside advice, strategic financial services, strategic planning, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and project management. In order to achieve the objective, the following research questions were formulated: What is the influence of external factors such as outside advisers and support services on the perceived success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa? The purpose of this research, therefore, was to evaluate and recommend new methodologies to the renewable energy sector by introducing a model of perceived success in managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa. The study provided new insight into managing revenue for beneficiary communities in RSA. With the renewable energy sector being one of the fastest growing sectors in the RSA, and the RSA Government being determined to link the location of renewable energy facilities to economic development, this research has given new insight into managing revenue for SED and ED. The objectives of multi-sector participation, transformational change and sustainable initiatives for beneficiary communities could ensure greater consideration and care when managing beneficiary revenue. Thereby, the opportunity presented by the RE industry for beneficiary communities can change these communities dramatically for the better. The study makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge about managing revenue for beneficiary communities. The proposed model has led to a better understanding of the determinants that influence the success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities, namely: distinctive benefits (a combination of two variables: outside advice and support services), financial management, developmental benefits (a combination of two variables: infrastructure development and education), human development, project management and strategic planning. The study has also opened up new avenues of research into this subject.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Access to information by high school learners in selected schools in the Fort Beaufort Education District, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Oyediran- Tidings,Stella Olubukunmi , Nekhwevha, F H
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Information services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape nformation technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Information services Information literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2094 , vital:27608
- Description: The level of access to educational information is pertinent to the attainment of quality education by learners. Librarians play a key role in facilitating access to such information. Access to educational information equips the possessor with the power of knowledge to assert their rights under any right regime, and a right to education cannot be fully exercised without corresponding access to educational information. Set in the Fort Beaufort Education District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this study evaluates the level of access to educational information as an enabler of quality education. Research revealed that despite the acclaimed educational improvement in South Africa, the quality of education in many black constituencies and provinces remains low. Therefore, the objectives of this study include inter alia an investigation of the educational information needs of high school learners in the Fort Beaufort Education District, the educational information available and accessible to them, how the learners access information, the services and technologies accessible to the learners, challenges confronting their access and means of improving learners’ access to educational information in the district and by extension in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Access to information by high school learners in selected schools in the Fort Beaufort Education District, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Oyediran- Tidings,Stella Olubukunmi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information resources Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Information services Information literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5304 , vital:29186
- Description: The level of access to educational information is pertinent to the attainment of quality education by learners. Librarians play a key role in facilitating access to such information. Access to educational information equips the possessor with the power of knowledge to assert their rights under any right regime, and a right to education cannot be fully exercised without corresponding access to educational information. Set in the Fort Beaufort Education District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this study evaluates the level of access to educational information as an enabler of quality education. Research revealed that despite the acclaimed educational improvement in South Africa, the quality of education in many black constituencies and provinces remains low. Therefore, the objectives of this study include inter alia an investigation of the educational information needs of high school learners in the Fort Beaufort Education District, the educational information available and accessible to them, how the learners access information, the services and technologies accessible to the learners, challenges confronting their access and means of improving learners’ access to educational information in the district and by extension in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Adoption and up scaling of conservation agriculture in Malawi
- Authors: Paul, John Mussa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Agricultural conservation -- Malawi , Conservation of natural resources -- Malawi Agriculture -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19717 , vital:28943
- Description: Conservation agriculture (CA) has been widely recommended as one of the best ‘climate smart’ agriculture (CSA) practices in many regions of Africa and beyond. It helps to cushion smallholder farmers from the impacts of climate variability and change manifested through erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells and droughts. CA is a preferred strategy for rehabilitating degraded agricultural land by improving its soil health for optimal crop production. However, adoption and upscaling of this farming practice in many African countries, which face critical challenges of food insecurity and soil degradation, including Malawi, is not significantly expanding despite these established benefits. This participatory action research study therefore explored factors limiting CA adoption and upscaling among the smallholder farmers in Khombedza Extension Planning Area where Total LandCare, the Malawian Ministry of Agriculture and other NGOs have been supporting farmers to adopt CA practices for more than five years. Participatory approaches were used throughout the research process for data collection, with farmers acting as co-researchers as they are best placed to identify the farming challenges and recommend solutions. Key informant interviews and field observations complemented and validated some of the results from the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) activities. The study findings revealed a number of factors behind low CA adoption and upscaling, with many relating to the poor extension system promoted by NGOs and government extension staff. Other factors relate to farmers’ perceptions and are linked to the CA system itself. The on-farm participatory training clarified the majority of farmers’ understanding and changed their mindset towards CA practices, which in turn increased its visibility in terms of adoption and scale of upscaling across the villages under study. In trying to address the poor extension system, as observed and reported by the majority of participants, the research practically tested a “Farmer Neighbourhood (FN) model”, which provided a greater opportunity for farm level interactive learning and provision of better farmer-to-farmer and farmer-to-field staff extension support. The majority of participants and field staff, as well as members of the National Conservation Agriculture Task Force (NCATF) in Malawi, made a recommendation to replicate this model of targeting and supporting farmers in order to increase CA visibility throughout the country. Participation and interactive farmer learning emerged as major themes, which guided successful implementation of the research whilst addressing the research questions and objectives.
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- Date Issued: 2017