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Exploring the usefulness of learning management system (LMS) in higher education learning development at a historically disadvantaged Eastern Cape University

  • Authors: Holmberg, Lorraine
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Instructional systems--Management , Education, Higher--Management , Universities and colleges--South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24216 , vital:62443
  • Description: This case study aims to explore how using a Learning Management System (LMS*) to mediate learning, impacts learning development (LD) at a historically disadvantaged university (HDU) in the Eastern Cape (EC). Massification and the technological revolution have together changed the way that teaching and learning takes place, more especially in higher education institutions (HEI). Due to the increased demand for higher education (HE), computers have been used to mediate the learning space, altering the skills teachers and learners are required to have. The LMS under exploration provides a multitude of tools for managing both administrative and academic tasks. This study has drawn extensively from the framework of Activity Theory (AT), and Vygotsky’s theory of learning development to develop understandings and guide data analysis in preparation for discussion and for conclusions to be drawn. The study mostly investigated student interaction patterns with the various tools of the LMS in an effort to determine how these activities impact learning development. A mixed methods approach was used to address data that was automatically generated by the LMS; quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to numeric data, while thematic analysis was applied to textual data obtained from the threaded discussion that transpired between members of the learning community. Findings show the impact which context has on learner development and how, unless all the tools of the LMS are formally integrated for learning purposes, learners can become distracted by the functions these tools offer. This in particular pertains to learners struggling to integrate and assimilate new information. Further to this, the discussion tools serve social purposes, and have the potential to benefit constructionist learning principles, on condition that activity on the tools is structured and has clear outcomes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Job insecurity and work-family conflict in relation to job engagement in the energy industry in selected organisations in Amathole District

  • Authors: Chamisa, Shingirayi Florence https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5804-583X
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Role conflict , Job security , Work and family
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25546 , vital:64332
  • Description: Most employees are failing to meet the competing work related and household strains leading to burnout, absenteeism and loss of the few existing highly skilled employees. The current study utilised the Job Demand-Resources Model to examine the relationship between job insecurity and work-family conflict on the one hand and job engagement on the other hand among technical personnel within selected Eskom depots in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. There is limited research regarding the impact of job insecurity and work-family conflict on job engagement among technicians in the energy industry. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used. The sample (N= 221) comprised of technicians from Eskom branches. Data was collected through the questionnaire method and SPSS was used for data analysis. The results of the Product Pearson Correlation method indicated that job insecurity negatively predicts job engagement, contrary to work-family conflict. Unexpectedly, results from multiple regression method and chi-square showed that job insecurity and work-family conflict together do not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance on job engagement than any of the two separately. This study argument existing knowledge on job insecurity, work-family conflict and job engagement among technicians in the energy industry that has largely been ignored by previous researchers and validates certain aspects of the Job Demands Resources Model. The energy industry should provide consideration to how the need for shifts and sometimes working long hours is justified. Strategies need to be implemented in improving managerial and co-worker support for technicians through socialization and team building activities. In addition, employers must invest in strategies used in stimulating employee well-being directly such as supportive leadership to reduce feelings of job insecurity and stress from the pressure of competing work and home demands. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Social intrepreneurship and millennium development goals in developing countries: case study of Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Ngorora, Grace P K https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-313
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Social entrepreneurship , Economic development , Poverty
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26661 , vital:65847
  • Description: The study set out to examine the contribution of social entrepreneurship to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly MDG 1, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. Poverty reduction occurred when social entrepreneurial activities resulted in the improvement of the socio-economic well-being of social entrepreneurs and their beneficiaries. The problem this study sought to research on was that, despite the impact of social entrepreneurship, there has been inadequate attention to and discussion of its contribution to attaining the MDGs in Zimbabwe. The population were social entrepreneurs in Harare, Zimbabwe. The random sampling method was used to determine the sample size. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data in Harare, Zimbabwe from 132 social entrepreneurs and 200 beneficiaries of social entrepreneurial activities. Secondary information was obtained from textbooks and various internet sources. The data collected was analyzed through SPSS Version 22 because of its appropriateness and wide use. The null hypothesis that social entrepreneurship does not contribute to the achievement of MDGs was rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis that social entrepreneurship provides an alternative to the achievement of MDGs. Findings from the study suggest that social entrepreneurs contribute immensely to poverty reduction. They also contribute towards research and development, promoting gender equality and empowerment, education for all as well as access to health facilities. The segments of the population benefiting from social entrepreneurship include the poor, socially excluded, discriminated, the unemployed and disabled. The impact on poverty and hunger was achieved through microfinance initiatives, income generation activities, empowerment and capacity building. Results showed that social entrepreneurship activities solve social problems through providing food, shelter, water, education and collateral to access finance. The study concluded that social entrepreneurship is a plausible approach to promote implementation of policies to reduce extreme poverty and hunger by using readily available resources to bring sustainable solutions to problems. The strategies to make social entrepreneurship more effective included creating a conducive legal and policy environment, financial provision, political support, and government support, publicity of the contribution of social entrepreneurship, mentorship and collaboration among stakeholders. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The Educational Journal

  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Education – South Africa , South Africa – Economic conditions , South Africa – Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41657 , vital:36552 , Bulk File 7
  • Description: The Educational Journal was the official organ of the Teachers' League of South Africa and focussed on education within the context of a racialized South Africa. From the 2000s, the journal was published by the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), a trade union formed in August 1998 from the amalgamation of militant and moderate trade unions and also operated in the education sphere.
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The Educational Journal

  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Education – South Africa , South Africa – Economic conditions , South Africa – Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38629 , vital:34841 , Bulk File 7
  • Description: The Educational Journal was the official organ of the Teachers' League of South Africa and focussed on education within the context of a racialized South Africa. From the 2000s, the journal was published by the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), a trade union formed in August 1998 from the amalgamation of militant and moderate trade unions and also operated in the education sphere.
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
  • Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The effects of social media on relationship patterns among adolescents: A study of students in three selected high schools of Alice in Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Kalasaru, Onai Ronald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4984-4250
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Online social networks , Mass media and children
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25085 , vital:63966
  • Description: Technology with the aid of the internet and social media has brought so much into the world, it has managed to reach and develop almost the entire world and this includes remote areas of Sub-Saharan countries like South Africa. These are the least developed and usually the last regions of the world to receive technology. It should be noted that most of the times, technology is bound to make an impact as people use it and this was the motive behind this study which aimed at assessing the effects of socialised media on adolescents who are the future of South Africa. In the study, the researcher aims at discovering whether the use of social media engines among adolescents affects the ways with which they relate with one another. The study which adopted a quantitative methodology was conducted on matriculating students from three randomly selected schools from within and surrounding town of Alice in Eastern Cape South Africa. Respondents were sampled conveniently and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. From the results and conclusions, it showed that technology has reached South Africa’s remote areas and young people like adolescents have many uses for it. However, they proved that even though they now have technology in form of the internet and social media, it does not affect the ways with which they form and maintained social relations. This means that technology does not have a significant impact in the relationship patterns of adolescents in remote areas of South Africa. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The experiences faced by lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender students at the University of Fort Hare

  • Authors: Nyakwima, Esther Rutendo
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Gays , Homosexuality , Bisexuals
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25227 , vital:64070
  • Description: Sexual orientation is one of the vital aspects that a person’s identity, persona, self-esteem, solidarity, equality and worthless are determined. Misconceptions and prejudices often lead to emotional, psychological and verbal discrimination or victimisation and even physical violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. This study explored the experiences, challenges faced by LGBT students at the University Of Fort Hare and the strategies they employ to deal with these challenges and policies which are in place to protect them. The study utilized the psychodynamic theory and the social cognitive theoretical framework to illustrate the homosexuality nexus. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative research methodology which utilised questionnaires and interviews as a methods of data collection. The study revealed that the homosexual population at the University Of Fort Hare is experiencing homophobia, condemnation, homophobic attacks, prejudicial remarks, discrimination and abuse. It was noted that perceived discrimination is rampant from heterosexual students in every category related to discrimination. While the findings do not prove that discrimination causes mental health problems, data collected takes a step towards demonstrating that the social stigma felt by LGBT students has mental health consequences. Inequitable experiences may affect stress levels because discrimination is shadowed by prejudice remarks against homosexuals. The results of the study have further revealed that homosexual students are resilient to harsh circumstances like violence and discrimination. They are by no means secure within their own gendered and sexual lives. They have an idea as to what strategies and implementation tactics would work best for them, given their socio-cultural framework. Homosexual students successively adopt various strategies to protect themselves, such as boundary setting, avoiding certain circumstances, hiding identities, revenging and some openly admitting that they are gay students. Although there are policies in place to protect homosexual students at the University Of Fort Hare, gay and lesbian students have adopted their own strategies to protect themselves as they are unaware of these policies. However, in terms of policies safeguarding homosexuals, it can be noted that the University Of Fort Hare has generally adopted a top-down policy, one-size fits all approach to solving gender issues on campus. The policies are mainly centred on the distribution of resources and strict guidelines on the way people or inmates should conduct themselves towards each other. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The implementation of the Child Justice Act: experiences of social workers working as probation officers

  • Authors: Mkokeli, Babalwa
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc , Probation officers , Juvenile justice, Administration of
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25282 , vital:64138
  • Description: The implementation of the Child Justice Act (Act No. 75 of 2008) started on 01 April 2010. The law regulates ways of handling children found to be in conflict with the law. Whilst this law was still a Bill, probation officers who are social workers employed by Social Development & Special Programmes were already bound to work with young offenders, employed under the Probation Services Act no.116 of 2002. Probation officers had clear regulations on their role and responsibility towards children found in conflict with the law, unlike other stakeholders working within the sphere of child justice. Absence of the law encompassing child justice caused a struggle for probation officer because stakeholders like South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice services were not considering services of probation officers important. The situation was frustrating because there was lack of cooperation between probation officers and role players like police, prosecutors and magistrates which often led to gross irregularities on cases of young offenders. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of probation officers with the implementation of the Child Justice Act, particularly working relations with the above mentioned stakeholders. The researcher used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative research approach which is committed to examining people’s daily experiences. In collecting data the researcher used a semi-structured questionnaire schedule comprising open rather than closed-ended questions. The researcher intended to interview fifteen probation officers working at OR Tambo District Municipality. A purposive sampling was used targeting officers who are aware of the child justice system before and after the implementation of the Act. Study findings revealed improvement on working relations between SAPS, NPA and Justice such as (i) increase in the rate of informing probation officers about arrested children, (ii) sitting of preliminary inquiries (PIs), (iii) drop in the number of detained children, (iv) practice of in camera proceedings for young offenders. However, despite the presence of the Child Justice Act (CJA) findings also revealed challenges which were the following: (i) drop in the number of arrested or diverted children, (ii) non-compliance by SAPS to inform POs about arrested children especially during weekends, which often results in parents not being aware that their children are in custody, (iii) areas where PIs are not held, areas where they are not regular as well as non-uniformity in how PIs are conducted, and (iv) cases of children held in public during court proceedings and cases of young offenders handled as adult cases. The following were made as recommendations arising from the study: (i) enforcement of Child Justice Forums at local levels, (ii) strengthening of responsibility and accountability by all stakeholders, and (iii) building capacity and effective monitoring from down up. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Wage settlement agreement entered into between FAWU and Cremona and Sons Cheese Factory

Wage negotiations for 2015 agreement: Dr. Oetker S.A. and Food and Allied Workers Union and its members at Dr Oetker

Agreement on wage and substantive conditions of employment between Peermont Global LTD t/a Emporers Palace and Food and Allied Workers Union

Welcome address at the 2014 Open Access Symposium, Rhodes University

  • Authors: Van der Walt, Wynand
  • Date: 2014-10-21
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/152713 , vital:39334
  • Description: Openinig address by the Head Librarian: Technical Services, Mr Wynand van der Walt, of the 2014 Open Access Symposium, 21 October 2014, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
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Memorandum of Agreement between Davita (PTY) LTD and Food and Allied Worker's Union

Negotiation of Sex: A Study on Prevention Methods of Gender Based Violence amongst Intimate Partners of Ntabankulu

  • Authors: Mketi, Funeka Gloria
  • Date: 2014-10
  • Subjects: Violent Crimes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7550 , vital:54348
  • Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate whether negotiation of sex between intimate partners can be used as a prevention strategy of gender-based violence. The study included both female and male participants. Availability sampling technique was used to select the sample size of thirty. Participants were recruited from the street and data was collected in a private office. Participant’s ethical rights to confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary participation, and informed consent obtained prior taking part in the study were highly respected. Thirty questionnaires were used to collect data. Nature and prevalence of gender-based violence, attitudes, mechanisms and processes involved in negotiation of sex, and prevention strategies were investigated. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. SPSS analyzed and summarized data into tables. Findings showed that prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in intimate partners is high. Negotiation of sex can be used as one of the prevention strategies, and the available processes and mechanisms of negotiating sex should be strengthened. Results also revealed that women empowerment in education and interventions focused on changing men’s attitude towards negotiation can help. Lastly, it appears that there is a need for capacitating both females and males with negotiation skills. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculy of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-10

Opportunities and challenges for socio-economic transformation in rural Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mutami, Cephas
  • Date: 2014-10
  • Subjects: Economic development--Social aspects , Rural development , Community development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26459 , vital:65338
  • Description: The focus of the thesis is the impediments of rural development in Zimbabwe and how opportunities for socio-economic transformation can be enhanced in the current setting. The study embarks from a conceptualization of rural poverty in Zimbabwe using theoretical and empirical evidence. Poverty in rural Zimbabwe has a historical legacy of deprivation and dispossession and is concentrated in communal areas which have low resources bases with low agriculture potential due to low rainfall and poor soils. The myriad of challenges in rural Zimbabwe point to the incoherent of rural development polices which are distorting markets for inputs and produce. Thus the study sought to address the rural development policy bottlenecks and develop a policy agenda for development.Using mixed methods approach, the study considered household economic conditions, their production practices and their vulnerability contexts in three selected districts which represent communal, old resettlement and small scale A1 and A2 areas. The household data is blended with interview data of rural development practitioners in both private and public agencies to produce comprehensive information on the impact of rural development policies. Archival research method was also used to do content reviews on government policy papers and programs so as to provide a holistic approach to analysis. Naturally mixed methods produce large volumes of data which requires thorough analysis. This was only possible through the use of analytical computer software packages for qualitative and quantitative data such as Atlas Ti and Excel spreadsheet, respectively. The study revealed that rural households in Zimbabwe are farmers. The majority of these farmers are smallholders who are located in remote communal areas and resettlement areas. Communal farmers constitute the bulk of rural citizens and live on less than a dollar a day. They are engaged in mixed farming methods and other non-farm activities especially during off-agriculture season. Communal households basically produce staples, with a low percentage producing cotton and groundnuts. Production choices and methods are shaped by subsistence needs of households but more so by risks and vulnerability contexts which they operate in. Farmers in resettlement areas face a different set of opportunities and threats to their livelihoods as they are located in prime agricultural land. However they are still challenged with the rural development approaches of central government. On the policy front, there is no pronounced rural development policy in Zimbabwe. The current setting has numerous pronouncements and programs which all seek to alleviate underdevelopment in Zimbabwe. These programs are replicating each other in practice and in most cases benefit the political elites and large scale commercial farmers. The multiplicity of government institutions which deal with rural development results in incremental decisions and programs which further impoverishes rural households. The study posits a rural development policy framework which is based on a comprehensive policy agenda which takes into cognizance the production requirements of households. Such a policy needs to be inclusive to the rural households in terms of governance and programs. A rural development policy agenda and framework would require the harnessing of resources from both the government and private players in well-articulated market friendly approaches. This would stimulate high productivity, enhance off-farm activities, raise incomes and foremost create appropriate social protection programs. Thus the potential for sustained economic growth and development in Zimbabwe lies with smallholder agriculture based rural development framework which can impact on the 67% population who live and work in rural areas. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-10

Perceptions of social media as a tool for research: a study of postgraduate students, University of Fort Hare, Alice campus

  • Authors: Abolanle, Ogunnubi Adeyemi
  • Date: 2014-10
  • Subjects: University of Fort Hare , Media literacy , Internet research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26381 , vital:65299
  • Description: The study aimed at examining the perceptions of social media as a tool for research among postgraduate students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. Data were collected using a quantitative research approach by administering structured questionnaires to 310 postgraduate students under the cluster sampling across different faculties and departments, and analysed by SPSS Statistical software and Chi-square test. 264 questionnaires were returned for analysis and these respondents maintained that they utilized social media platforms for their academic research. The findings further revealed that social media has to a large extent improved students‟ research activities as they frequently seek practical knowledge for demonstration and tutorship. Furthermore, the respondents regard social media as a good platform for research topics in audio and video formats, scholarly articles, journals and books. This study concluded that since students explore the social media platforms and search engines for various reasons, academic research inclusive, it therefore becomes imperative to create more links within the social media for students to explore books, scholarly journals and articles necessary for research and academic purposes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-10

Settlement agreement on substantive conditions of employment entered into and between Epol, a division of Rainbow Farms (Pty) LTD and Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)

Bishop Makgoba function, 23 February 2008

  • Authors: Badat, Saleem
  • Date: 2014-09-29
  • Subjects: Makgoba, Thabo (1960- )
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: vital:7643 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014331
  • Description: Address at the Bishop Makgoba function, 23 February 2008, Rhodes University, Grahamstown
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Welcome address at the BIO-08 Conference

  • Authors: Badat, Saleem
  • Date: 2014-09-29
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: vital:7642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014330
  • Description: Welcome address by the Vice-chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, at the BIO-08 Conference, January 2008, Grahamstown, South Africa
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