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Sulphide-enhanced hydrolysis of primary sewage sludge : implications for the bioremediation of sulphate-enriched wastewaters

- Whittington-Jones, Kevin John

  • Authors: Whittington-Jones, Kevin John
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Bioremediation Sewage sludge Hydrolysis
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:3910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003969
  • Description: The potential application of sulphate reducing bacteria for the bioremediation of acid mine drainage has already been recognised, and offers significant financial advantages over conventional chemical treatment approaches. Although the technology has been demonstrated successfully on both small- and large-scale, it’s extensive implementation has been constrained by the provision of suitable and cost effective electron donor and carbon sources. Primary sewage sludge is readily available in large quantities, but the slow rate of solubilization and low yield of soluble products do not apparently favour its use for this application. A number of pre-treatment steps have been introduced in an attempt to improve the yield and rates under methanogenic conditions. However, although early work suggested that degradation of lignocellulose and proteins may be more rapid under sulphate reducing conditions, the fate of primary sewage sludge under these conditions has been ignored. It was proposed that by combining the hydrolysis of primary sewage sludge and biological sulphate reduction, in a settling sludge bed, both processes would be enhanced. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis on laboratory- and pilot-scale, and attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanism involved. The solubilization of primary sewage sludge was enhanced in the presence of sulphate reduction in continuous laboratory-scale reactors. Particulate matter accumulated in the bed of non-sulphidogenic systems, but not in sulphidogenic ones. This was attributed to increased solubilization and the smaller average floc size in the latter. Solubilization occurred within the settling sludge bed of the reactors, and offered a possible explanation for the better performance of the multiple- over single-stage reactor. A pilot-scale Falling Sludge Bed Reactor was constructed at Grootvlei Gold Mine, Springs, South Africa, and resulted in the solubilization of more than 70% of the influent primary sewage sludge. The system was also found to be highly resilient to severe perturbations, and returned rapidly to steady-state. Flask studies revealed that the hydrolysis of both proteins and complex carbohydrates was accelerated in the presence of biological sulphate reduction or sulphide. A study of the enzymology of sludge digestion revealed that sulphate reduction had little direct effect on the activity of the hydrolytic enzymes, but that reactor design was critical in the prevention of washout of these enzymes. Finally, a descriptive model was developed to explain the enhanced hydrolysis of primary sewage sludge. The model incorporated the effect of sulphidogenesis on floc fracture and reflocculation, and likely implications for mass transfer limitations.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Sumbera

- Ma Sane, Do Sagna, Yade (vocals), Toto (guitar), Race, Magx Thiam (keyboards), Galass, Mbaye Joola (percussion), Beuz (drums), Studio 2000

Sutura

- Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus), Biram Ndeck Ndiaye, El Hadji Niang (arrangement), Lamine Faye (guitar), El Hadji Niang (bass), Bakane Seck (percussion), Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus), El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards), Studio 2000

Synthetic and analytical studies of biomimetic metal complexes

- Wellington, Kevin Wayne

  • Authors: Wellington, Kevin Wayne
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Biomimetics Metal complexes Metalloenzymes Metal ions Ligands
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005042
  • Description: Several series of novel diamido, diamino and diimino ligands containing different spacers and heterocyclic donors have been synthesised. The spacers include the flexible biphenyl, the rigid 1,1 O-phenanthroline and various acyclic moieties, while the heterocyclic donors comprise pyridine, imidazole or benzimidazole groups. These ligands have been designed to complex copper and act as biomimetic models of the active site of the enzyme, tyrosinase, and their complexes with copper, cobalt, nickel and platinum have been analysed using microanalytical, IR, UV-Visible and cyclic voltammetric techniques. Attempted reduction of the biphenyl-based diimino ligands resulted in an unexpected intramolecular cyclisation affording azepine derivatives, the structures of which were elucidated with the aid of single crystal X-ray analysis of cobalt and nickel complexes. Computer modelling methods have been used to explore the conformational options of the copper complexes, and to assess the accessibility of the dinuclear copper site to substrate molecules. Computer modelling has also been used, in conjunction with the available analytical data, to visualise the possible structures of selected ligands and complexes. The copper complexes, although predominantly polymeric, were evaluated as biomimetic catalysts using 3,5-di-t-butylphenol and 3,5-di-t-butylcatechol as substrates. Some of the complexes clearly displayed biomimetic potential, exhibiting both phenolase and catecholase activity.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

Taara

- Didier Sourou Awadi aka DJ Awadi (performer), Amadou Barry aka Doug E Tee or Duggy-Tee (performer), Positive Black Soul (band name aka PBS), MALI K7 S.A. Ali Furka Toure Associe, Bamako

Tama

- Adama Drame (performer, arranger, composer, djembe, tama, doumdoum, chekere, voice, harmonica), Yacouba Kone (djembe), Bakari Doumbia (zin-zin), Mamadou Diabate ( balafon), Djesou Mory Kante (accoustic and electric guitar), Adjara Cisse (lead vocal), Oulare, Mariame Sylla, Tagaly (chorus), Adama Troare (accoustic guitar), Augustin Lompo (bass), Bassirou Sanou (flute), Tinminu Adio (tama), Brass: Andre Laourou, Dadie, Franck Desamin, Dramane Kienou (djembe accompaniment), Lamine Soumano (kora), Seydoni Production B.F.

Tchwa

- Rokia Traore (author, composer, arranger, interpreter, lead singer, guitar, chorus), Bouboucar Traore (singer), Abdul Wahab Berthe (bass), Andra Kouyate (N'Goni), Sidiki Camara (percussion), Label Bleu

Testimony

- Peter Gabriels Muonagor (written, arranged, produced and composed by), Tosia Alesh (arranged and produced by), Studio 2000

Tete

- Selle Diop (comoser, performer), Souleymane Faye (arranged by), Lay Diagne (keyboards), Robson (accoustic guitar, percussion), Nagirou Dia, Selle Diop (chorus), Studio 2000

Tette

- Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus), Biram Ndeck Ndiaye, Ousmane Wade (arrangement), Lamine Faye (guitar), Samba Laobe Ndiaye (bass), Moussa Traore (percussion), Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus), Studio 2000

The analysis of trace gas emissions from landfills

- Rubidge, Gletwyn Robert

  • Authors: Rubidge, Gletwyn Robert
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonnous , Gases -- Analysis , Sanitation -- Environmental engineering
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006341 , Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonnous , Gases -- Analysis , Sanitation -- Environmental engineering
  • Description: Numerous informal houses have been built on and adjacent to a landfill in iBayi, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, which accepted domestic and industrial waste. Formal housing surrounds most of the site at a greater distance - some 60 m, or further, from the landfill. Both formal and informally housed residents complain of odours, burning eyes, sore throats and headaches - symptoms which they believed were caused by the landfill. The landfill gas and ambient air were analyzed to classify and quantify the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) emitted and then to compare the quantitative data with recognised standards to establish if the residents are at risk. Eighteen target (potentially hazardous) VOCs were quantified. A wide variety of compounds were detected in both the ambient air and landfill gas. The results of the VOC analyses were similar to those of other workers in both the qualitative and quantitative studies. The concentrations of the VOCs were mostly lower than the TLV (threshold limit values) values, but exceeded the MRLs (minimum recommended levels). The combined concentrations of the VOC’s in the ambient air either approached or exceeded the limit values for combined exposure thus indicating that a potential health hazard exists. One third of the VOCs were detected in both the ambient air and the subsurface gas, however, external pollution sources also appear to contribute to the VOC concentrations ambient air. Dangerously high methane concentrations were repeatedly detected in the landfill gas amongst the informal houses. There was a vast improvement in the aesthetic qualities of the landfill since the disposal restriction to accept only domestic refuse and building rubble in July 1997. The ambient air was less odorous and landfill site littered. Fewer informal recyclers were present and their concomitant squabbling over valuables had almost vanished. The management of the iBayi landfill holds much room for improvement. There is potential for serious injury or even death if no action is taken to remedy the problems at the iBayi landfill. A holistic solution will have to be found to make the landfill a safe neighbour. Some complementary analyses (such as pH, heavy metal concentrations in the water and sediments etc.) were performed on the leachate and water surrounding the landfill.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The biology of commercially important fish species and a preliminary assessment of the fisheries potential of Katse Dam, Lesotho

- Nthimo, Mokitinyane Francis

  • Authors: Nthimo, Mokitinyane Francis
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Fishes -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishes -- Physiology , Rainbow trout , Barbus aeneus , Labeo , Katse dam (Lesotho) , Fisheries -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishery management -- Lesotho
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5238 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005081 , Fishes -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishes -- Physiology , Rainbow trout , Barbus aeneus , Labeo , Katse dam (Lesotho) , Fisheries -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishery management -- Lesotho
  • Description: The construction of the Katse dam was completed in 1996. The dam started filling in 1995 and reached full capacity in early 1998. It forms part of Phase 1A of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The main aim of the project is to provide revenue to Lesotho, by transferring water from the catchment of the Senqu (Orange) River in Lesotho to South Africa’s major industrial and population centres. During the implementation of the project, an estimated 130 people were displaced. However, the most serious impact has been the loss of the traditional way of life in the form of arable and grazing land as a consequence of inundation. One of the obligations of the project is to ensure that the standard of living of those affected by the project is not impaired. The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority identified a number of rural development projects, which included fisheries development. This study is an integral part of fisheries development in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the biology and the demographics of the fish species in the lake. This information would serve as the basis for the development of a management plan for the sustainable utilisation of the fisheries resources. To achieve this aim, the following specific objectives were addressed: 1. Investigation of the biology of the three principal species. 2. Description of the key population parameters (growth, mortality & recruitment). 3. Investigation of the distribution and relative abundance of the three species. The three principal species in the Katse dam are rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and the two cyprinids, Barbus aeneus and Labeo capensis. Sectioned otoliths were used to age O. mykiss while both otoliths and scales were used to age B. aeneus and L. capensis. Marginal zone analysis revealed that slow growth was experienced in winter for the three species. The maximum-recorded age for both B. aeneus and L. capensis was 12 years while O. mykiss reached 4 years. There was no significant difference in growth rates of the different sexes and growth was best described by the 3 parameter Von-Bertalanfy growth model as Lt = 603[1-e⁻°·¹⁵⁽t ⁺ °·°³⁾] for B. aeneus, Lt = 526[1-e⁻°·²¹⁽t ⁺ °·⁹⁾] for O. mykiss and Lt = 521[1-e⁻°·¹⁷⁽t ⁺ °·²¹⁾] for L.capensis. Male and female O. mykiss attained 50% sexual maturity (Lm₅₀) at 235 and 275mm FL, respectively. There was no difference in Lm₅₀ for male and female B. aeneus and L. capensis. B. aeneus reached sexual maturity at 285mm FL while L. capensis reached sexual maturity at 244mm. Both cyprinid species spawned in summer (November to January) while O. mykiss spawned in winter (May to August). The mean total mortality rate (Z) estimated from catch curves and Butterworth et al (1989) equation was 0.72 yr⁻¹ for B. aeneus, 0.62 yr⁻¹ for L. capensis and 1.32 yr⁻¹ for O. mykiss. The estimate of natural mortality was 0.41 yr⁻¹ for both B. aeneus and L. capensis and 0.81yr⁻¹ for O. mykiss.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The comparative value of wild and domestic plants in home gardens of a South African rural village

- High, Christopher, Shackleton, Charlie M

  • Authors: High, Christopher , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181907 , vital:43779 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006247614579"
  • Description: Rural inhabitants make considerable use of wild resources from communal areas around their settlements, as well as from arable and residential plots. These wild resources compete with the main crops planted in arable plots and home gardens, but play a significant economic and nutritional role in rural livelihoods. This paper reports upon a conservative financial evaluation of the wild plant resources harvested from home gardens and arable plots by inhabitants of rural village in the Bushbuckridge lowveld (South Africa), and examines their importance relative to other domesticated crops. On average, each household made use of four to five species of wild plants growing on their residential plot, whereas the mean number of crop plants was 3.4. The total value of all plants was R1694 (US$ 269) per household per year, or approximately R4200 (US$ 667) per hectare of home garden per year. Wild plants represented 31% of the value of all plants grown on residential plots, relative to the 69% for domesticated crops (including fruit trees). Approximately 72% of the total value of all plant products was consumed by the household, and the remaining 28% was sold.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The development of a geographic information systems based atlas of southern African freshwater fish, and its application to biogeographic analysis

- Scott, Lucy Elizabeth Powell

  • Authors: Scott, Lucy Elizabeth Powell
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern , Freshwater fishes -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Geographic information systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005099 , Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern , Freshwater fishes -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Geographic information systems
  • Description: A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) atlas of southern African freshwater fish was developed for the SADC countries from natural history collection specimens, hydrological, topographical and climatological data. The primary purpose of the development of the atlas of freshwater fish was the construction of a practical framework to transform vast amounts of existing biological data for use in research and management of aquatic resources. The database of freshwater fish collection specimens that was incorporated into the atlas, was developed in association with ALCOM (Aquatic Resources Management for Local Community Development Programme). The development of advanced computing and GIS technology has increased the scope of biological atlas projects by facilitating the integration of large amounts of spatial data to produce derived databases for specific applications. The atlas of freshwater fish was constructed using TNTmips GIS software as the most practical system available for managing and analysing biological data with a spatial component. The atlas contains 35 180 comprehensive distribution records of 735 species of fish. It has many applications as an inventory of ichthyofaunal spatial biodiversity, including those of conservation planning, environmental assessment and biogeographic research. Biogeographic studies have traditionally been subjective due to the logistical problems of working with large amounts of distribution data, although some small-scale quantitative research has been carried out in the past. The content of the atlas of freshwater fish is tested with respect to these previous studies, on known patterns of freshwater fish distributions, and the analytical capability of the atlas is tested and demonstrated with some new preliminary approaches to the analysis of freshwater fish distributions in southern Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The development of a geomorphological classification system for the longitudinal zonation of South African rivers

- Rowntree, Kate M, Wadeson, R A, O'Keeffe, Jay

  • Authors: Rowntree, Kate M , Wadeson, R A , O'Keeffe, Jay
  • Date: 2000
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:6722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006799
  • Description: The recognition of the Reserve by the new South African Water Law poses new challenges for river scientists. The ecological water requirement or environmental flow is recognised by that part of the Reserve known as the ecological Reserve. If the ecological Reserve is to be implemented, it must first be defined and quantified for all river systems subject to water related developments. Standard procedures are being developed through the Resource Directed Measures (RDM) of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry while monitoring the health of South Africa's rivers is taking place through the National River Health Programme (NRHP). Cost effective methods of developing spatial frameworks for both the RDM and NRHP are required. Concepts of longitudinal river zonation were developed by river ecologists in the 1960s and 1970s to assist in the classification of ecologically uniform stretches of rivers. This paper reviews the different zonation concepts and presents a geomorphological classification of South African river zones that is being applied to the RDM and NRHP. The classification is tested on three rivers, the Sabie, Buffalo and Olifants.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The development of a geomorphological classification system for the longitudinal zonation of South African rivers

- Rowntree, Kate, Wadeson, Roy A, O'Keeffe, Jay

  • Authors: Rowntree, Kate , Wadeson, Roy A , O'Keeffe, Jay
  • Date: 2000
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Article
  • Identifier: vital:7082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012338
  • Description: The recognition of the Reserve by the new South African Water Law poses new challenges for river scientists. The ecological water requirement or environmental flow is recognised by that part of the Reserve known as the ecological Reserve. If the ecological Reserve is to be implemented, it must first be defined and quantified for all river systems subject to water related developments. Standard procedures are being developed through the Resource Directed Measures (RDM) of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry while monitoring the health of South Africa's rivers is taking place through the National River Health Programme (NRHP). Cost effective methods of developing spatial frameworks for both the RDM and NRHP are required. Concepts of longitudinal river zonation were developed by river ecologists in the 1960s and 1970s to assist in the classification of ecologically uniform stretches of rivers. This paper reviews the different zonation concepts and presents a geomorphological classification of South African river zones that is being applied to the RDM and NRHP. The classification is tested on three rivers, the Sabie, Buffalo and Olifants.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The development of a pro forma document for use in police rape investigations in South Africa

- Netto, Lauren Joy

  • Authors: Netto, Lauren Joy
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Interviewing in law enforcement , Criminal investigation , Police questioning -- Forms , Rape -- Investigation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3031 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002540 , Interviewing in law enforcement , Criminal investigation , Police questioning -- Forms , Rape -- Investigation -- South Africa
  • Description: This research developed a pro forma document for use in police rape investigations in South Africa. The immediate context for the research is the alarmingly high incidence of rape in South Africa. The rape statistics vary to an extent, largely due to the fact that a large proportion of the rapes that occur in South Africa are not reported to the police. These statistics expose the limited success of the South African Police Services (SAPS) in terms of investigating rape cases in this country, as well as the public perception of the effectiveness of the South African Police Services in this regard as evidenced by the non or under-reporting of rape in South Africa. The pro forma document is an investigative tool designed to standardise and systematise rape investigations by providing set guidelines for obtaining the essential information about each rape case. This is a prerequisite for Tender profiling, which involves predicting the relationship between offence and offender variables. Profiling can only be successful if the investigator obtains all the information about a crime. Hence the pro forma document, as an investigative instrument designed to access essential information about a crime, is a key requirement for the development of informed and accurate profiles of offenders. As a standardised form, the document will allow for systematic and thorough rape investigations in South Africa. The researcher employed the qualitative methodology of action research. This entailed involving the participants in all stages of the research process. The data was collected by means of focus group interviews with detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit and the Child Protection Unit in Grahamstown. Additional sources of data were various investigative documents that originated from a number of different countries. Analysis of the data followed a number of procedural steps specifically suggested for focus group interview research and involved a process of coding. The codes identified during the analysis provided the foundation for the items that were included in the pro forma document. In keeping with the action research approach, the participants were caned upon to evaluate the progress of the research after the initial data collection and analysis were completed, and a draft version of the pro forma document had been compiled. This feedback provided another source of data which contained suggestions for amendments to the pro forma document which the researcher implemented. The research process was hindered to a certain extent by the unpredictable nature of police work which influenced the data gathering procedure. This could point to a possible limitation of the research. Furthermore, the aim of the research was to develop a pro forma document for use in rape investigations in South Africa. This aim did not encompass marketing the document. Herein lies another possible limitation of the research in that the document has not yet been used and tested in real cases. A discussion of the research process includes issues involved in practically implementing the pro forma document in rape investigations.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The development of a WAIS-III short form for use in South Africa

- Rust, Annegret L

  • Authors: Rust, Annegret L
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Intelligence tests -- South Africa , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002556 , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Intelligence tests -- South Africa , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa
  • Description: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - 3rd Edition (WAIS-III) is the newest of the internationally recognised Wechsler family of intelligence tests. It has been improved in terms of its psychometric properties, neuropsychological assessment abilities and its content. This test is in the process of being standardised by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa. As the adapted South African version will be available shortly for use in the multicultural circumstances of South Africa, the application of the various aspects of this test needs to be investigated. This test is very comprehensive and thorough, however its one disadvantage is that it takes on average three hours to administer in its entirety. Thus there is a need to find ways in which to abbreviate the test for particular purposes when time is limited, for example in research, brief clinical assessments or neuropsychological screenings. The concept of abbreviating tests, including the earlier Wechsler intelligence test can be traced back to 1917, when it was asked if all the items on the Binet-Simon scale were required to give an accurate assessment of IQ (Levy, 1968). Since then there have been many short form suggestions made, with many different considerations in mind. These can be divided into two main approaches or methods. Firstly, the number of subtests of the scale can be reduced. Thus with the WAIS-III which consists of 14 subtests in total, an option is to use, for example only four of the subtests to get an estimate of a person's IQ. Secondly, the number of items in each subtest can be reduced. Thus only half the items or even only a third of the items on a subtest can be administered to get an estimate of the persons' performance on each subtest and in this way estimate their overall IQ. Both methods have been used on the WAIS and WAIS-R, although the reduction of the subtests is favoured. Both should now be validated and considered for use with the WATS-III in South Africa. Wechsler tests and their constituent subtests have been found to be differentially effected by race, education, language and socio-economic status (Kaufman, McLean & Reynolds, 1988; Nell 1999). These differences have also been found to impact on the short forms which are suggested, as certain subtests are considered to be more biased towards particular groups than others. Vocabulary and Block Design in particular bias testees who are not as westernised or acculturated towards a largely American and European culture (Kaufman, McLean & Reynolds, 1988). These differences, although often ascribed to race, language or socio-economic status can best be understood more broadly in terms of degree of acculturation (i.e. westernisation) (Shuttleworth-Jordan, 1996) and test-wiseness (Nell, 1999). In South Africa in particular, with its extreme cultural diversity these factors need to be carefully considered when developing short forms. In the present study the development of a short form appropriate to South Africa's diverse cultural circumstances will be approached, through a sample which has been stratified according to gender, first language (English vs. African), quality of schooling received (Private/Model C vs. DET) and level of education achieved (Matric vs. Graduate). Both a subtest reduction method and an item reduction method will be considered to arrive at a short form. The subtest reduction method will be considered further in an attempt to clarify which subtests would be more or less appropriate to include in a short form considering group differences. Finally the thesis will develop suggestions as to which short forms would be best for use in South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The dynamics of an emerging outcomes-based educational approach in a second language English classroom

- Westphal, Vivian

  • Authors: Westphal, Vivian
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1502 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003384
  • Description: Curriculum 2005 and outcomes-based education was introduced to South African educators in 1996 by the Minister of Education, Prof. S.M.E. Bengu as an alternative to the racially divided education system prior to the first democratic elections of 1995. The new curriculum was designed to transform the education system into a more equitable system by focussing on creating learners who would become creative thinkers, independent, productive workers and responsible, non-racial citizens. Learners would take a greater role in their own education and teachers would take on new roles as facilitators in the learning process. The new approach was introduced into grade 1 in 1998 and grade 2 in 1999. By using a modified ethnographic approach, this research project studies how one teacher has begun to think about Curriculum 2005 and implement an OBE approach to ESL teaching in a grade 2 classroom. It also focuses on gaining insights into how the teacher has attempted to make sense of the new curriculum in terms of her current practice and the training she has received in OBE. The ethnographic approach of the thesis has allowed the researcher to draw on many forms of data providing a holistic view. Tentative findings show that the teacher is experiencing difficulty in “unpacking” the underlying principles of OBE in terms of her current methods of teaching ESL. She continues to work from tacit knowledge. Because she has received very little training in OBE, she lacks the tools to become a more reflective practitioner. Despite this, her ESL lessons show a positive communicative approach to language teaching by focusing on stories, rhymes and songs as comprehensible input for the learners. The findings of this thesis tentatively suggest that unless teachers are given more adequate training and learning support materials, their classroom practices will remain relatively unchanged.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

The economic implications of trade policy reform in South Africa for the automotive industry in the Eastern Cape Province

- Onyango, Donald Otieno

  • Authors: Onyango, Donald Otieno
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Commercial policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002669 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Commercial policy
  • Description: South Africa is no longer a pariah state and has been fully integrated into the global family of nations. With the country’s accession to multilateral agreements like the World Trade Organization (WTO), there has been pressure on the government to abandon its hitherto protectionist trade regime in favour of free and fair trade. Trade liberalisation has had profound implications for the country’s manufacturing sector in general, and the automotive industry in particular, which has seen tariff protection radically slashed and import restrictions greatly eased. Not only has the market share of domestic producers fallen, but increases in exports have to date not matched those of imports. As a result there has been a deterioration in the sector’s balance of trade and a reduction in employment levels, at a time when the country desperately needs to create new jobs. Recent developments, however, suggest that this scenario may be set to change. The thesis applies orthodox neoclassical and heterodox approaches to trade policy to an assessment of the likely economic impact of trade liberalisation on the automotive industry in the Eastern Cape, and by extension nationally. The thesis argues that reliance on orthodox trade theory to inform the direction of trade policy, especially in a developing country context, is unlikely to bring about an adequate increase in the level of exports and employment. This is because liberalisation of the import regime is likely to increase import levels without necessarily stimulating export levels, a scenario which serves to negate the presupposed benefits of liberalisation. The study uses information from surveys conducted on both motor vehicle assemblers and component manufacturing firms to investigate the effect of trade liberalisation on the sector in the Province and finds that, by and large, the motor assemblers have not fared as badly as expected and have in fact positioned themselves to export more vehicles and components. The components sector has had to contend with increased competition from cheaper imports. The thesis, while acknowledging that, as far as possible, free trade is an optimal position, nonetheless argues that governments still have an important role to play in the promotion of industrialisation. The scope of government intervention should, however, be limited to selective interventions which are aimed at counteracting market failure and facilitating innovation and the diffusion of technological know-how. The thesis argues that institution of supply side measures, such as the encouragement of research and development (R&D), skills development and industrial training, is necessary for sustained growth in the manufacturing sector to be realised. The thesis also finds that, contrary to expectations, the liberalisation of the automotive sector has not had the desired effects. Despite an increase in the value of automotive exports and an overall trend towards reduced net foreign exchange usage, employment levels are on the decline. The thesis also finds that without major export initiatives by both motor vehicle assemblers and component manufacturers, the future of the industry will be placed in jeopardy, especially with reduced protection and incentives.
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  • Date Issued: 2000
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