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Knowledge of drowning risks amongst adolescents in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Isaacs, Imeraan
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Primary health care
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18422 , vital:42264
  • Description: The purpose of this research study was to explore and describe the knowledge and the level of awareness of drowning risks amongst adolescents in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, Eastern Cape Province, and South Africa. Drowning is defined as the “process of experiencing respiratory impairment from either submersion or immersion into a water medium” (van Beeck et al 2005:853). Global statistics place drowning as being the third foremost cause of unintentional death worldwide (WHO 2013). The World Health Organization reports that more than 90% of the estimated 370 000 drowning fatalities recorded in 2012 occurred in low and middle income countries (WHO 2014). A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Adolescents aged 10- 13 years old who attend a public primary school and model C primary school in Nelson Mandela Metropole area in the Eastern Cape Province were the target population who had the specific characteristics of interest and significance to the research phenomenon (Asiamah et al 2017). Four focus group interviews were conducted. The groups consisted of five to ten participants grouped together to discuss the matter. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process (Streubert & Carpenter 2007). Ethical principles were maintained as well as the concepts of trustworthiness were applied throughout this study.Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. A total of six themes and seven sub-themes arose during the analysis of the data and were completely discussed. The findings suggest that most of the participants are quite aware and knowledgeable of the potential risks that predispose an individual to drowning. The consequences of what happens when a victim is exposed to drowning, however, requires more insight. The risk of being unsupervised as well as not being able to swim was echoed in most of the group interviews. vii A noteworthy finding was the fact that the participants who were involved with some form of water safety programme/s at school were very articulate in their responses to the questions. It was recommended that educational programmes ought to be aligned with current evidence which is reflective of the region’s demographics and dynamics. Even though all researchers do not share the sentiments that swim proficiencies heighten the safety of the individual in and around water, the need for ongoing research initiatives is a significant stimulus that will generate new evidence and inform current preventive strategies. Identification and awareness of drowning risks require a foundation of comprehension in order to better understand and interpret the consequences of these risks. Learn to swim or swim orientation initiatives could potentially assist at primary school level with the safety levels of learners.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Narratives of the commuter: experiences of commuting in the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas

  • Authors: Lingham, Rochin Shelley
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Commuters -- South Africa --Port Elizbeth , Traffic Safefty -- South Africa --Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46911 , vital:39731
  • Description: Transportation is a fundamental element of human existence. As urban areas continue to grow at a rapid speed public transport increasingly takes on the role of providing citizens with access to participate in activities of the city. Research has shown that individual perception of public transport is influenced by passenger response to collective mobility when on board modes of transport. This study aimed to investigate the minibus taxi commuters’ constructions and relevance of their taxi commuting experiences in the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas. Building on existing work it asks: How do commuters in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth describe and narrate their taxi commuting experiences? This thesis is interested in the experience of public transport as told by those who make use of the industry. The study focuses on both commuters and drivers and the way they characterize the social experience of commuting in taxis. These individuals provide first-hand experience and insight of the industry. The purpose of this study is to foreground the voices of those who have first-hand experience of dependency on the public transport industry.It is these voices that must be heard and considered in policy formation. The study found simultaneous vulnerabilities exist between taxi drivers and taxi commuters resulting in both groups being held captive by the taxi industry.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Exploring barriers to the legal adoption of orphaned and vulnerable children amongst the amaXhosa in Queenstown

  • Authors: Xabe, Koleka Beauty
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Adoption , Orphans , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc.
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17597 , vital:41102
  • Description: This study aimed at gaining insights into the barriers that prevent the legal adoption of vulnerable children amongst the amaXhosa in East London and Queenstown. To this end, it examined the knowledge and understanding of amaXhosa people regarding adoption as a permanent placement option for children. The method of investigation was qualitative in nature, as this approach provides a deep description of the phenomenon under study; in this case, the barriers to the legal adoption of vulnerable children amongst the amaXhosa in Queenstown area. Individual interviews were conducted with twelve participants – ten females and two males. Interviewees were foster parents and temporary safe care home employees employed by the Department of Social Development in Queenstown. The study adopted the ‘Circle of Courage’ and the ecological theoretical frameworks. Individual interviews were tape recoded and the transcripts were subject to interpretive analysis according to the guidelines provided by Terre Blanche, Durrheim and Painter (2006). Interviews tended to focus largely on the matter of black children being raised by white parents, people in the same sex domestic relationship, investigated interviewee’s beliefs about adoption within different cultures and its impact on the adoptee. The study also investigated the availability and accessibility of adoption awareness campaigns in their community. The responses of the participants were based on their own experiences, attitudes and external social worker’s report which attained along the process of caring for the (orphan and vulnerable children) OVC’s. The qualitative analysis of the research displays there are various reasons that leads to the decision for not to consider adoption as a placement option for orphan and vulnerable children among the AmaXhosa families. The findings showed that; reasons were both financial constraints, lack of time, race and culture. Despite their decisions and lack of resources, some of the parents appeared to be interested in the option only if they can be provided with support by government. It is evident that the permanent placement (adoption) is the only placement option that can X provide a child with legal rights to a family and award a parent with legal responsibility to a child.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

The nexus between capital inflows and credit growth in South Africa

  • Authors: Davani, Siviwe
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Capital movements Credit
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16885 , vital:40782
  • Description: This study examines the effect of capital inflows on credit growth on the South African economy. Capital inflows ease the constraint of the low domestic savings in the domestic economy. The study employed the Structural Vector Auto Regression model to analyse the relationship between the variables of interest. The findings of the study indicate that the two types of capital inflows employed in the study, Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Portfolio investment have a significant effect on credit growth in the long-run. The results also indicate that there are other important factors such as macroeconomic stability and political stability which have a significant effect of capital inflows into South Africa. Overall, the results revealed that a greater variation of credit growth is explained by GDP. This indicates that there is a link between GDP and FDI and FPI given their link with credit growth. These results also suggest that the foreign capital channel can be another channel which may affect growth in the domestic economy in the event that there are negative innovations which affects capital flows to South Africa. The study thus suggests that policies which ensures macroeconomic stability and political stability should be pursued given their influence on capital inflows into South Africa. Also it’s recommended that the country mobilise domestic resources to ensure sustainable development
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A sociological investigation of the challenges facing married students : case study of the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus

  • Authors: Qwabi, Thabisile Daphney
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Married students Academic achievement Married students -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10262 , vital:35386
  • Description: The aim of this study was to explain and understand problems facing married students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus. The study population was drawn from the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The study used simple random sampling and purposive sampling to draw a representative sample of 50 married students (21 males and 29females) from the population of this study. This study used a mixed research approach. Questionnaires were distributed, for quantitative purposes, and interviews were conducted, for qualitative purposes, among the chosen representative sample. Data that was collected with questionnaires was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data was analysed using thematic analyses and was used to substantiate quantitative findings. The findings in this study expanded on how factors such as, lack of time to study, the impact of multiple roles on the well-being of married students, pressure from having multiple roles and lack of support from family contributed to the poor academic performance of married students. This study revealed high levels of stress and poor academic performance as a result of having multiple roles among married students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Risk factors of cardio-metabolic diseases among student nurses at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London, South Africa

  • Authors: Mkanzi, Noluthando
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Risk assessment Cardiovascular system -- Diseases Human physiology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12924 , vital:39404
  • Description: Background: Non-communicable diseases are a growing public health concern and its prevalence is escalating exponentially, with a high frequency of morbidity, premature mortality, disability and loss of productivity. Since health education has become an important part of medical care, student nurses are potentially well suited to assist with the combat of these diseases. Early identification and treatment of modifiable risk factors among young adults would reduce the risk of developing cardio-metabolic diseases, thus, promoting health, prolonging life as well as saving costs related to healthcare. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors among student nurses. Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, involving a convenience sample of 228 students during the educational year of 2017-2018 at Lilitha Collegeof Nursing in East London, South Africa. The WHO STEPwise standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data (age, gender, year of study) and behavioural characteristics (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and dietary intake) of the participants. Anthropometric screening included measurement of height, weight and waist circumference. The biochemical screening included measurement of blood pressure and determination of fasting blood glucose concentration. Only students with complete data set were included in the data analysis. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0 was employed for descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: About half (41.7 percent) of the study participants were between the ages of 21 to 25 years and majority were females (67.5 percent).The prevalence of overweight and obesity were found to be 33 percent and 44 percent respectively. The prevalence of overweight was higher in males (44.6 percent), while females (53.9 percent) had higher prevalence of obesity. Female gender and increasing age are the only independent predictors of obesity. Results on blood pressure measurement showed that 25 percent of the participants had elevated blood pressure, and 22 percent were on stage 1 of hypertension while 2 percent were on stage 2. According to Joint National Committee on hypertension (JNC)’s criteria for defining hypertension, 44 percent of the participants had pre hypertension and 11percent had hypertension, diabetes and vegetables consumption were statistically associated with hypertension. The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes was 6 percent and 7 percent respectively. Only abdominal obesity measured by waistto- hip ratio had a significant relationship with diabetes. Just 4.8 percent of the participants smoked daily and 33.3 percent consumed alcohol. Regarding physical activity, males were more active (60.8 percent) compared to females (54.8 percent). Conclusion: A high burden of overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity was observed among student nurses in East London. Screening for cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs) among nursing students and implementation of intervention programs are recommended. Programs to raise awareness about CMRFs, encourage young adult students to adopt a healthy dietary behaviour and promote physical exercise should be initiated.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An analysis of the nature of visualisation objects in three Namibian grade 9 mathematics textbooks: a case study in Namibia

  • Authors: Nghifimule, Selma Ndilipomwene
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6334 , vital:21090
  • Description: Textbooks are a universal and central element of teaching and learning mathematics (Namibia. Ministry of Education [MoE], 2008). Steenpaß and Steinbring (2014) state that diagrams in mathematics textbooks are often used as Visualisation Objects (VOs) to enhance learning of mathematical concepts. VOs in textbooks are thus important teaching and learning tools (Fotakopoulou and Spiliotopoulou, 2008). This Namibian interpretive case study analysed the nature of VOs used in the three approved grade 9 Namibian mathematics textbooks namely: y=mx+c to success, Maths for Life 9 and Discover Mathematics 9. The VOs were analysed by using an analytical framework adapted from Fotakopoulou and Spiliotopoulou (2008). This analytic tool was specifically used to interrogate the following categories: the type of VOs, the roles of VOs, the relation of VOs to mathematical content, the relation of VOs to reality, and their properties. The 266 VOs under study were collected from the Algebra and Geometry chapters of each book. This study also included survey questionnaires with the 50 selected mathematics teachers, which sought their views and perceptions on the use of the identified VOs. In addition, the authors’ rationale in selecting the identified VOs used in their textbooks was sought through interviews. This research study is part of the “Visualisation in Namibia and Zambia” (VISNAMZA) project which seeks to research the effective use of visualisation processes in the mathematics classroom in Namibia and Zambia (Schäfer, 2015). It is hoped that this study contributes towards improving the quality of textbook evaluations, and design of suitable and more comprehensive assessment procedures in Namibia. It is also hoped that it creates a critical awareness of the roles of VOs in textbooks amongst teachers, inspiring them to help their learners interpret VOs effectively. It should also inspire potential authors to use suitable and appropriate VOs that enhance conceptual teaching and learning of mathematics. The study discovered that most of the VOs used in the selected textbooks align well with the mathematical content. The VOs can help make abstract ideas concrete, stimulate learning, simplify and clarify written texts. In addition, VOs can also be used as a tool for reasoning and an instrument for problem solving. The findings however also indicate that some of the VOs used are not self-explanatory; they are vague, unfamiliar and confusing, leading to misinterpretations by some learners. Another interesting finding was that some of the learners found it difficult to interpret VOs on their own without the help of the teacher.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of rangeland degradation on vegetation cover and soil quality in semi-arid communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Maziko, Yonela
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15056 , vital:40159
  • Description: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of degradation on vegetation and soil quality in two semi-arid rangelands in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was undertaken in Kwezana and Esigingqini communal areas that showed signs id degradation. The assessment incorporated the soil and grass layer in different degradation levels, namely nondegraded, slightly degraded, moderately and severely degraded. The non-degraded has a sufficient amount of vegetation cover and species composition. The slightly degraded site consists of a few visible bare patches. The moderately degraded areas showed signs of active sheet erosion such as pedestals and a higher percentage of bare areas and the severely degraded area is characterized by dongas and gullies, with vast areas that have no ground cover or top fertile soil layer. Using a step point method, herbaceous species composition was determined within three transects from three plots 100 m x 40 m in each degradation level. The aboveground phytomass production was determined by harvesting herbaceous species within four randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats in each transect. Bare ground was determined by counting and recording the distance between tufts within each quadrat. Litter cover was determined by visual observation and rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A number of physical and chemical soil properties were used to quantify the effects of degradation on soil quality. To determine soil chemical properties, three soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm, in each plot and analyzed for pH, soil macro (N, C, K, P, Ca, Mg) and micro (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) nutrients. Soil compaction was determined using a soil pocket penetrometer. Readings were taken at 5 mm from 30 points placed at 1 m intervals and distributed in a randomly established straight line in each plot. Soil loss was determined using a rainfall simulator. Splash cups were filled with soil and placed under the rainfall simulator for 8 minutes per rainstorm at 360 mm-1 intensity. Results showed that at Esigingqini a total of 20 herbaceous species were identified, 17 of which were grasses. About 60percent of the identified grasses were Increaser II species, 15percent were Increaser II and 25percent Decreasers. In terms of palatability, 50percent of the grass species had poor palatability and the remaining had either average or high palatability. At Kwezana, 18 herbaceous species were identified of which 28percent were Decreasers and 61percent were Increaser II species. Half of the species had low palatability and only 28percent had high palatability. In both communal areas, litter cover was highest (P < 0.05) in the non-degraded areas followed by the slightly degraded sites and this was to be expected. Similarly, in both communal areas, there was a shift in species composition of decreasers and perennial grasses being replaced by annual species of poor quality and low palatability as the degradation levels increased. Results on soil chemical properties showed that the non-degraded areas had higher (P < 0.05) pH levels (8.5) than the severely degraded soils (5). A similar trend following a degradation gradient was observed for some soil nutrients such as N, P or Mg. Both the macro and micro nutrient concentrations were relatively higher (P < 0.05) in summer than in winter in both communal areas. Results on physical properties showed that soil loss and compaction were relatively lower (P <0.05) in the slightly degraded and non-degraded sites and increased with severity of degradation. In both communal areas, the severely degraded areas lost soil up to 1.1 t ha-1 due to degradation and the non-degraded areas had a soil loss of less than 0.8 t ha-1. The rate of soil loss between the severely and non-degraded areas is significantly different. The differences may be attributed to the differences in the vegetation cover which influences the rate of erosion on the various degradation gradients. These results suggest that both the grass layer and soil quality is negatively affected by degradation. Therefore, there is a need for land use practices that promote the sustainable use of rangeland resources. Such practices may include rotational grazing, reseeding, veld resting and fire. Measures to control the consequences of degradation and rehabilitate these deteriorated rangelands must be a priority.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

A case for contemporary third literature: the black experience in the postmillennial fiction of three Kwela authors

  • Authors: Mthembu, Lumumba
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3322 , vital:20480
  • Description: This study seeks to uncover the manner in which the young black experience is constructed in three novels by Sifiso Mzobe, Kgebetli Moele and K. Sello Duiker. Young Blood, Untitled and Thirteen Cents all feature teenage narrators navigating the social milieu of South Africa in the twenty-first century. My analysis is informed by Frantz Fanon’s postcolonial theory because South Africa’s socio-economic landscape conforms to the divisions laid out in The Wretched of the Earth. I contend that post-apartheid South Africa is developing in a manner that is symptomatic of the Fanonian post-independence African state. My close reading of the novels teases out the conditions under which young black subjects must survive and express themselves. I look into the roles of the community, the government, the family, and the school in shaping this experience. Naturally, my discussion segues into questions of sexuality and gender as they intersect with race. I demonstrate how these texts fail and succeed as works of Third Literature, a genre derived from Third Cinema, which I have adapted due to its Fanonian ideological underpinning. Third Literature is a fundamentally revolutionary and activistic genre which seeks to pave the way for social change. In this regard, I concern myself with the recommendations these three authors may have for the readers of their texts. In conclusion, these texts demonstrate that racialized identities are social constructs with measurable experiential effects. However, there are ways of actively resisting or even
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Investigating youth perceptions of youth participation in development: a focus on community engagement as a platform for youth/student participation at Rhodes University

  • Authors: Dano, Nqaba
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1444 , vital:20058
  • Description: The main objective of the study is to investigate youth perceptions of youth participation in development with a focus on the Rhodes Community Engagement programme as a platform for youth participation. The study was inspired by trying to locate the position that youth put themselves in when they regard their own participation in development. It was further motivated by trying to gain perspectives from the youth themselves because most discourses on youth rarely feature their own voices. The study utilized a qualitative methodology with an interpretive paradigm, which used semi-structured in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. The theoretical framework used was the notion of participatory development. The literature consulted was broken up into participation in development which looked at the history of participation and the need for participation, the importance of participation and the limits of participation and the type of participation. It looked at youth participation, the definition of youth as a group in society and the discourses that surround how youth are defined; lastly it looked at community engage in higher education, the role students place in community engagement and the nature of Rhodes Community engagement. The data was discussed and analysed following the above mentioned themes which were participation in development, youth participation and community engagement. From the data collected it was made evident that if youth are given more spaces and chances to actively participate they could challenge prominent discourses that treat them as irresponsible minors and exclude them from decision-making processes that directly affect them and the society within which they live.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Solid waste management and its implications on livestock health in selected abattoirs of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Nongcula, Vikhaya Vincent
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12293 , vital:39250
  • Description: An investigation was carried out on the implications of solid waste management on livestock health in selected abattoirs of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of solid waste management on livestock health as well as to assess the perceptions of solid waste management among livestock owners. In this study, a questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding farmer’s perceptions on solid waste and how it affects animal health, and active abattoir inspection were conducted to assess how solid waste affects the animal. The results revealed that most farmers practiced poor solid waste management as a result animals were exposed to ingestion of indigestible materials. This was confirmed on the basis that most farmers (99.2 percent) had no municipal dustbins in their areas, no recycling programmes (94.2 percent) and 51.7percent of the farmers disposed their litter in open land as a result most farmers (75.9percent) agreed that solid waste management was a problem in their areas. Due to poor solid waste management, 53.8 percent of the farmers confirmed that they have seen livestock ingesting indigestible materials such as plastics and 69.0 percent of the farmers suspected that ingestion of such materials caused some of the health issue experienced by animals on their farm. The active abattoir inspection revealed that plastics, wires, nails, ropes, stones, bones, cloths, hairs and polybezoars were frequently occurring in slaughter cattle stomachs particularly in the rumen and reticulum and in female and older cattle. As a result most affected cattle were in thin and average condition. The effect of indigestible objects on body condition score (BCS) and organ condemnation was determined using linear regression analysis test; where BCS and condemnation were the dependent variables and indigestible objects were the independent variables. The results revealed that some organs were condemned in affected cattle and the statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference (p< 0.05) between the prevalence of indigestible materials and organ condemnation. However, there was a significant difference between the prevalence of indigestible materials and body condition score of affected cattle although they were coming from different farming systems. It was concluded that livestock health was affected by solid waste and recommended that practice of good animal husbandry and proper solid waste management be practiced to overcome the implications (poor body condition score) of solid waste in livestock. Furthermore, close cooperation between government extension officers, commercial and communal farmers in knowledge-sharing regarding health issues of livestock is recommended.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The effectiveness of brain-compatible blended learning material in the teaching of programming logic

  • Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick , Webb, Paul
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Computer-assisted instruction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45344 , vital:38572
  • Description: Blended learning is an educational approach which integrates seemingly distinct educational approaches such as face-to-face and online experiences. In a blended learning environment, the classroom lectures can, for example, be augmented with learning material opened in a variety of technologically delivered formats. Brain-compatible learning is an approach to education which stems from a combination of neuroscience and educational psychology. Brain compatible learning is not a formalised education approach or recipe for teachers', instead it provides a `set of principles and a base of knowledge and skills upon which we can make better decisions about the learning process. While the electiveness of education based on brain-compatible learning principles have been proven in a classroom environment, very little knowledge exists regarding its use in an e-learning environment. The purpose of this research was to determine whether an e-learning intervention which was designed according to brain-compatible learning principles would have an elect on student motivation to learn and on student achievement in the subject Technical programming 1. An e-learning based educational intervention which incorporated several brain-compatible learning principles was designed and administered as a controlled experiment intervention. The impact of the research experiment was measured both qualitatively using an purpose-designed instrument and quantitatively through an analysis of the formal assessments for this subject. The findings of this study, namely that brain-compatible learning principles can be used in an e-learning environment and that e-learning material which adheres to brain-compatible education principles have a positive elect on Technical Programming 1 students' achievement and motivation to learn, appear to be meaningful contributions to the current debate on blended learning.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Understanding how the incorporation of indigenous knowledge (IK) enables or constrains the teaching and learning of alcoholic fermentation in Life Sciences in Grade 11

  • Authors: Mutanho, Chrispen
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1264 , vital:20041
  • Description: There is growing interest in the role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in science education in many parts of the world. In South Africa, this comes against the backdrop of a long history of cultural alienation, neglect and suppression of the IK of the indigenous people by colonial governments. Hence, the first post-independence National Curriculum Policy Statement (Curriculum, 2005) and its subsequent modified versions emphasised the need to redress the imbalances of the past so as to make science accessible to learners from diverse cultural backgrounds. However, literature reveals that the efforts to implement an IK-based curriculum are constrained by the lack of clarity, knowledge and skills on how to effectively make use of IK in the classroom situation so as to bring about effective teaching and learning. Against this background, this study sought to understand how the incorporation of IK enables or constrains the teaching and learning of alcoholic fermentation. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study was conducted at a high school in Mthatha District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study comprised of a sample of ten Life Sciences teachers from four neighbouring high schools, two Grade 11 Life Sciences teachers and their classes and two focus groups of six learners from each class. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the participants and the research site. The study made use of a questionnaire, document analysis, lesson observation, stimulated recall interviews and focus group interviews to generate data. The questionnaire sought to get an overview of Life Sciences teachers’ attitudes, opinions and experiences on incorporating IK in science teaching. The data gathered were then used as baseline information to inform the main study. The lesson observations, stimulated recall interviews and the focus group interviews sought to understand how the incorporation of IK enables or constrains the teaching and learning of alcoholic fermentation. Document analysis, lesson observation, stimulated recall interviews and focus group interviews were conducted to understand the experience of incorporating IK in a real life classroom situation. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural constructivism and Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) theory. From Vygotsky’s theory I borrowed the idea of mediated learning, scaffolding (Bruner, 1986), zone of proximal development (ZPD), as well as the use of language and cultural artefacts as tools of analysis of the classroom interaction between the teacher and the learners during the teaching-learning process. Shulman’s theory of PCK was also used to analyse how teachers apply IK in teaching Science. The data obtained were coded inductively and presented in tables, graphs and thick descriptive texts to make it easy to understand. The findings of this research show that incorporating IK improved the teaching-learning process by arousing learners’ interest in science, increasing learners’ participation and motivation, meaning making, language use, questioning and engagement in the learning process. Teaching became learner-centred, for it was directed by learners’ questions. Collaborative learning through group discussions, debates, arguments and brainstorming emerged to be an effective way of engaging learners in learning. The teachers used probing to encourage critical thinking before scaffolding learners. However, even though teachers generally accept IK as valuable in their teaching they lack the pedagogical content knowledge to effectively incorporate it into meaningful teaching and learning. Furthermore, teachers viewed cultural diversity as a constraint to their efforts to incorporate IK in teaching science. On the contrary, their learners held the view that having cultural diversity in classrooms created an opportunity to learn from other people’s cultures. Variables such as experience and difference in the cultural background of learners and teachers alike, tended to affect the teachers’ ability to incorporate IK.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Public understanding of malaria in pregnancy : selected Dar es Salaam audiences' reception of the health education film Chumo

  • Authors: Nkwera, Godfrey
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Chumo (Television program) , Malaria in pregnancy -- Tanzania -- Dar es Salaam , Health education -- Tanzania -- Dar es Salaam , Communication in medicine -- Tanzania -- Dar es Salaam , Sex role -- Tanzania -- Dar es Salaam , Health behavior -- Tanzania -- Dar es Salaam , Health behavior -- Sex differences -- Tanzania -- Dar es Salaam
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017785
  • Description: This study examines the impact of a health education film, Chumo, in Dar es Salaam on knowledge about malaria in pregnancy. Specifically, the study examines the meanings that the selected audiences make after watching the film. Drawing on the tradition of ‘reception studies’, the data for this study was generated through focus group discussions. These discussions were preceded by thematic analysis of the film and its script. An analysis of the audiences’ responses reveals that Chumo, mostly, successfully conveyed new knowledge about malaria in pregnancy, and reinforced existing knowledge bases about the disease. The audiences were able to ‘decipher’ most of the preferred meanings (of the producers) with regard to the disease, particularly in relation to the transmission of the disease and its prevention in pregnant woman. For example, the analysis indicates that both women and men become more aware of the importance of attending antenatal care sessions at local clinics (hereafter ANC). An interesting finding is that men, mostly, expressed a reluctance to attend ANC with their wives because they fear having to undergo HIV/AIDS testing. Men also expressed the sentiment that attending ANC is a women’s responsibility. The discussion groups also raised issues about the use of insecticide-treated nets - some people believe that using them will affect their health because of the chemicals used to treat the nets. From the reception analysis, various other meanings and themes, relating to the choice of storylines and gender stereotypes used in the story, were raised in discussion. The study attempted to assess whether the storyline was advantageous in conveying the core educational messages, or if some elements of the storyline either ‘got in the way’ or reinforced gender roles in ways that may or may not be helpful in terms of combatting malaria in pregnancy. The study also found that Chumo stimulated interpersonal communication, which may trigger behaviour change. It can be demonstrated, at least for the participants in these focus groups, that the film motivated positive attitudes towards behaviour change, i.e. created at least some intention to change. However, interpersonal communication and attitude to change are not, of course, actual change of behaviour: these elements only indicate the possibility of behaviour change in the future. Further study needs to be undertaken to explore whether the actual change took place and whether the change is a result of the exposure to Chumo.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Recent developments in banking supervision and the soundness of the financial system : a comparative study of South Africa, Brazil and China

  • Authors: Gutu, Taurai Fortune
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Basel III (2010) , Bank management -- South Africa , Bank management -- Brazil , Bank management -- China , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Ratio analysis , Liquidity (Economics)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020892
  • Description: While the 2008 financial crisis has come and gone, its effects on the global financial sector still show. Globalisation has since changed the way that banks do business, and increased competitiveness and with it the level of risk within the international banking community. Therefore, because of these prolonged effects of the financial crisis and the rise in the level of risk in banking, regulators deemed it fit to make the global financial sector safer and sounder. As a result, the BASEL III Capital Accord was introduced with tighter capital adequacy and liquidity ratio requirements; as well as also introducing the leverage ratio. In this paper, through the study of the rules and regulations on banks in South Africa, Brazil and China, it was discovered that all three countries have since begun the implementation of the new Accord as from January 2013. While preparatory measures may be different, there is a general sense of regulatory alignment among the three countries. By analysing the capital adequacy, liquidity and leverage ratios of the three countries, it was also established that these ratios are interconnected, with the capital adequacy ratio being the most important one. The study concludes that, with proper implementation of these ratios and effective management, countries implementing the BASEL III regulations would be in a stronger position to achieve soundness in their banking systems. , Gutu, Taurai Fortunate
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  • Date Issued: 2015

The barefoot road

The impact of job redesign on employee job outcomes: the case of the implementation of a private-public partnership model at a hospital

  • Authors: Onaga, Chukwuka Moses
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Department of Health , Hospitals -- Employees , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job enrichment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017521
  • Description: It has been widely reported that despite high health expenditure and a myriad of policies in place, South Africa’s health outcomes are worse than those in many lower income countries. The adverse health outcomes are even more pronounced in a rural province such as the Eastern Cape Province. Consequently, the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH) had turned to Private Public Partnerships (PPP) with the hope of mitigating some of the challenges beleaguering the health system in the province. This study evaluated the impact of the implementation of one of the PPP models at an Eastern Cape Hospital on key employee job outcomes. This is crucial as there had not yet, been this type of scientific assessment of the impact of the PPP model since the inception of the PPP about half a decade ago. Theoretical guidance of the study was provided by the Job Characteristics Theory (JCT) of Oldham and Hackman (1975), which predicted that changes in five core characteristics of a job will affect three critical psychological states which will in turn impact on key employee job outcomes. Uniquely, this study veered away from the traditional quantitative approach to the application of the JCT but rather adopted a qualitative case study approach. There is historical evidence that cross cultural validation of a theory in a new setting (a South African PPP hospital in this instance) benefits from an initial qualitative study. Data collection and analysis were guided by the JCT. Primary data collection was by semi-structured, face to face, one on one interviews. The analyses of the data specifically employed pattern matching and explanation building techniques, all underpinned by the JCT. Validity of interview data was strongly contributed to by available relevant case study documents. This study found that indeed, the implementation of this PPP model brought about changes in all five (JCT) core job characteristics of clinical staff, but to varying degrees in the three unique shared service areas. Interestingly, the three psychological states were found to have been impacted upon by changes in the JCT core job characteristics but also by factors related to the context of the job, such as quality of supervision and co-worker relationship. In contrast to the predictions of the JCT, this study also found that the key job outcomes were impacted directly by such contextual factors as the recent availability of specialists and staff shortages, among others. It also emerged that the PPP implementation has directly evoked a perception of inequity and breach of psychological contract among clinical staff working at the shared service areas. Among the three shared areas, the accident and emergency unit was discovered to have had the worst overall impact. Due to the importance of contextual factors at this PPP setting, key recommendations were directed towards improved management of the jobs. It is also recommended that a follow-up quantitative study be commissioned to further explore the main themes that emerged from this study. This research report is presented in three sections. Section 1 is the evaluative report itself, structured as an academic paper. Section 2 expands on the literature that was briefly reviewed in Section 1 while Section 3 outlines, in greater details, the research methods followed during the conduct of the research and the justifications thereof.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Political grey : areas of ambiguity and contradiction

  • Authors: Koekemoer, Carmen
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Politics in art , Art -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Leadership in art , Portraits, African , Portraits, European , Art and revolutions -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
  • Identifier: vital:2492 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013136
  • Description: This Master of Fine Arts submission, consisting of a thesis titled ‘Political Grey: Areas of Ambiguity and Contradiction’ accompanied by an exhibition titled ‘Positions’, encompasses the concept of leadership while uncovering and expressing its ‘grey areas’ in a contemporary and undefined moment in South Africa. The concept of leadership has been complicated throughout the thesis in terms of how it is conceptualised in a traditional royal African art context as well as how Leader-Figures have been and are portrayed in both Western and African portrait genres. The notion that the new is built upon the old is continued throughout my thesis and is evident in the accompanying body of work. This notion is expressed on a number of levels: by the re-contextualisation of the print medium; the creative processes described as ‘postproduction’ which I use in my work; as well as that which is described as a ‘post-transitional’ moment. The recent political history of the country is considered, with reference made to the anti-apartheid movement and resistance art produced. Printmaking, viewed as an archetypal medium for resistance, is discussed, with reference made to its socio-political role during the 1980s as well as to the extent to which it continues to be used by contemporary artists in a different realm of conflict and change. This is demonstrated by the shift from the medium as a tool for protest to the medium as an instrument of political irony and pointed commentary.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Prioritising native fish populations for conservation using genetics in the Groot Marico catchment, North West Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Van der Walt, Kerry-Ann
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Native fishes Fishery management -- South Africa -- North West Fish populations Fishes -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Western Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69102 , vital:29390
  • Description: The Groot Marico catchment in the North West Province is a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) because it represents unique landscape features with unique biodiversity that are considered to be of special ecological significance. Three native freshwater species Amphilius uranoscopus, Chiloglanis pretoriae and Barbus motebensis, have high local conservation importance and B. motebensis is endemic to the catchment and is IUCN-listed as vulnerable. The main objective of this study is to contribute towards the effective conservation of these three species in the Groot Marico River system by assessing their genetic structure to determine whether tributary populations of the three species comprise of one genetic population or whether they are divided into genetically distinct subpopulations, in order to prioritise areas for conservation. The central null hypothesis was that there is no genetic differentiation between tributary populations (i.e., panmixia) of B. motebensis, A. uranoscopus and C. pretoriae in the Groot Marico catchment, North West Province. In total, 80 individuals per species were collected, targeting at least 10 individuals per population from a total of eight populations (seven tributaries and the Groot Marico main stem) and across the study area. Samples were collected by electrofishing and specimens were euthanized using an overdose of clove oil. A sample of muscle tissue was removed for genetic evaluation and the remainder of the specimens served as voucher specimens. For the genetic evaluation, mitochondrial (ND2, cyt b) and nuclear (S7) genes were used. Genetic techniques used were DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), purification and sequencing. From the 240 individuals collected, 123 sequences for B. motebensis, 111 sequences for A. uranoscopus and 103 sequences for C. pretoriae were analysed across all three genes. Statistical analysis included looking at cleaned sequences in order to obtain models using MODELTEST (version 3.06). Population structuring and phylogeographic analysis was performed in Arlequin (version 2000), TCS (version 1.2.1) and PAUP*. Results indicated that for B. motebensis the null hypothesis could be rejected as there were two distinct lineages (the Draai and Eastern lineages) that demonstrated significant divergence in both the ND2 and S7 genes, suggesting historical isolation. The low divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (0% < D < 0.8%) suggests that this isolation is not very old and is probably not comparable to species level differentiation. The null hypothesis was also rejected for A. uranoscopus as there were also significant levels of differentiation between tributary populations resulting in the identification of two lineages (the Ribbok and Western lineages). However, for C. pretoriae, the null hypothesis could not be rejected as there was no genetic differentiation between tributary populations i.e., one panmictic population. Therefore, due to each species showing different genetic structuring within the tributary populations, more than one priority area for conservation needs to be implemented. These priority areas of conservation where therefore evaluated based on the current conservation status of the species (B. motebensis being vulnerable on the IUCN Red List), the number of Evolutionary Significant Units for each species and the overall genetic diversity of all three species in the Groot Marico catchment. In total, four tributary populations were conservation priorities areas, these were the Draai, Vanstraatens, Ribbok and Kaaloog tributaries. The Draai, Vanstraatens and Kaaloog tributaries were selected as priority areas for B. motebensis (B. motebensis is considered to be the most vulnerable of all three species). The Draai tributary was selected due to the B. motebensis population within the tributary showing isolation from the rest of the tributary populations. In order to conserve B. motebensis from the Southern lineage, the Vanstraatens and Kaaloog tributaries were selected. Reasons for selecting these two specific tributaries within the Southern lineage were that the Vanstraatens tributary had unique alleles (three Evolutionary Significant Units) for B. motebensis and the Kaaloog tributary had high genetic diversity (HD = 0.889, ND2 gene) when compared to the other tributary populations. The Ribbok and Vanstraatens tributaries were selected as priority areas for the conservation of A. uranoscopus. The Ribbok tributary was selected as it showed isolation from the rest of the tributary populations, as seen with the Draai tributary (B. motebensis) and the Vanstraatens tributary was selected to represent the Western lineage as it had the highest diversity for both genes (ND2 and S7). The Ribbok tributary has the highest prioritisation when compared to the Vanstraatens tributary. Chiloglanis pretoriae occurs within the Draai, Vanstraatens, Ribbok and Kaaloog tributaries, therefore by prioritising these tributaries for conservation, C. pretoriae will in turn be conserved.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Involuntary consent

  • Authors: Futter, Dylan Brian
  • Date: 2013-05-24
  • Subjects: Ignorance (Theory of knowledge) Responsiblity Free will and determinism Theory (Philosophy) Social ethics Blame
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007846
  • Description: In this dissertation I take exception with a widely held philosophical doctrine, according to which agents are only blameworthy for the bad actions they have chosen to bring about. My argument strategy is to present cases in which agents are blamed for involuntary actions that are not in any way connected to their culpable and voluntary choices. These failures correspond, I suggest, to occasions of culpable ignorance where agents have been negligent or careless. More specifically, I claim that violations of natural duties of respect and consideration, and certain acquired role-type duties, are blamed without any voluntary consent. If my examples are persuasive, then the point is reached where a normative principle of 'voluntary consent' does not in fact coincide with people's actual practices and 'considered judgements'. In the final sections of the dissertation, I argue against the plausibility of keeping the principle and revising our judgements. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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