Igalelo lokutshintsha-tshintsha ulwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwigumbi lokufundela kwibanga le-12
- Authors: Mini, Nolwandle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54506 , vital:46619
- Description: Olu phando luza kugxila kwigalelo lokutshintsha kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwizikolo ezifundisa isiXhosa kulwimi olongezelweyo. Lo msebenzi wolu phando usekeleze kwigalelo lokutshintshwa tshintshwa kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwigumbi lokufundela. Olu phando luza Kubeka iliso elibanzi kwindlela ekuhlolwa ngalo ulwimi olongezelweleyo kunye nengxelo yeziphumo zokuphela konyaka wama – 2016 nowama- 2017. Abavavanyi kwingxelo zovavanya zovavanyo bayibeke elubala into yokungaphumeleli kwabafundi ngenxa yefuthe lokungawuvi umbuzo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mini, Nolwandle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54506 , vital:46619
- Description: Olu phando luza kugxila kwigalelo lokutshintsha kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwizikolo ezifundisa isiXhosa kulwimi olongezelweyo. Lo msebenzi wolu phando usekeleze kwigalelo lokutshintshwa tshintshwa kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwigumbi lokufundela. Olu phando luza Kubeka iliso elibanzi kwindlela ekuhlolwa ngalo ulwimi olongezelweleyo kunye nengxelo yeziphumo zokuphela konyaka wama – 2016 nowama- 2017. Abavavanyi kwingxelo zovavanya zovavanyo bayibeke elubala into yokungaphumeleli kwabafundi ngenxa yefuthe lokungawuvi umbuzo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
In-vitroevaluation of bridelia ferruginea extract gold nanoparticles for the treatment of colon cancer
- Zosela, Itumeleng, Davids, Hajierah
- Authors: Zosela, Itumeleng , Davids, Hajierah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54124 , vital:46311
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a health burden, being the third common cancer worldwide. Treatment of colorectal cancer is very important to manage the high prevalence rate of this disease. The available treatments for CRC have their drawbacks and side effects. Available treatments of colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the side effects associated with these treatments, alternative treatments that pose less side effects are being developed worldwide. Nanotechnologies have gained global consideration due to their potential to improve the current standards and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment. The use of plants for synthesis of gold nanoparticles has opened a new venture of synthesizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective nanoparticles which possess great properties for CRC treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of green synthesized AuNPs from Bridelia ferruginea for potential cancer treatment. In this work study gold nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing Bridelia ferruginea stem bark extract. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The in vitroanti cancer activity of the AuNPs was investigated using Presto Blue assay, cellular morphology, caspase 3/7 assay on the human colon cancer cell line at different times to assess the optimum time for cell death. The cellular uptake and localization of AuNPs was investigated using HRTEM to assess uptake and location of the AuNPs within the cell. Results obtained from this study showed that the AuNP synthesis from Bridellia ferrugenia was successful. The Presto Blue cell viability results showed that the AuNPs reduced cell viability (%) significantly (p<0.05) after 24 h. The optimum treatment time of HT-29 cells with AuNPs was determined to be 24 h. The apoptotic effects of the AuNPs were assessed using Cell Event reagent, and the results from this assay indicated that caspase 3/7 was activated with treatment with AuNPs which induced cell death via apoptosis. The HRTEM results indicated that there was no uptake of AuNP targeting in HT-29 therefore localization could not be determined. It can be concluded that the AuNPs synthesized from Bridellia ferrugenia have anti-cancer properties and are able to induce cell death through apoptosis. Furthermore, this study revealed that optimization of the AuNPs for cellular uptake is needed to further understand the interaction between the nanoparticles and the cells. This will provide more insight on how cellular death is induced by the nanoparticles. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (including Physiology), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Zosela, Itumeleng , Davids, Hajierah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54124 , vital:46311
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a health burden, being the third common cancer worldwide. Treatment of colorectal cancer is very important to manage the high prevalence rate of this disease. The available treatments for CRC have their drawbacks and side effects. Available treatments of colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the side effects associated with these treatments, alternative treatments that pose less side effects are being developed worldwide. Nanotechnologies have gained global consideration due to their potential to improve the current standards and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment. The use of plants for synthesis of gold nanoparticles has opened a new venture of synthesizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective nanoparticles which possess great properties for CRC treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of green synthesized AuNPs from Bridelia ferruginea for potential cancer treatment. In this work study gold nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing Bridelia ferruginea stem bark extract. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The in vitroanti cancer activity of the AuNPs was investigated using Presto Blue assay, cellular morphology, caspase 3/7 assay on the human colon cancer cell line at different times to assess the optimum time for cell death. The cellular uptake and localization of AuNPs was investigated using HRTEM to assess uptake and location of the AuNPs within the cell. Results obtained from this study showed that the AuNP synthesis from Bridellia ferrugenia was successful. The Presto Blue cell viability results showed that the AuNPs reduced cell viability (%) significantly (p<0.05) after 24 h. The optimum treatment time of HT-29 cells with AuNPs was determined to be 24 h. The apoptotic effects of the AuNPs were assessed using Cell Event reagent, and the results from this assay indicated that caspase 3/7 was activated with treatment with AuNPs which induced cell death via apoptosis. The HRTEM results indicated that there was no uptake of AuNP targeting in HT-29 therefore localization could not be determined. It can be concluded that the AuNPs synthesized from Bridellia ferrugenia have anti-cancer properties and are able to induce cell death through apoptosis. Furthermore, this study revealed that optimization of the AuNPs for cellular uptake is needed to further understand the interaction between the nanoparticles and the cells. This will provide more insight on how cellular death is induced by the nanoparticles. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (including Physiology), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inflation, exchange rate and unemployment nexuses in South Africa: lessons from the Inflation Targeting Framework
- Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Authors: Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54752 , vital:47656
- Description: Unemployment, inflation and exchange rate are key macroeconomic indicators and determinants of the development of a nation, but their relationship remain ambiguous. From the last quarter of 1994 to the same period in 2019, unemployment in South Africa increased from 20 percent to 29.1 percent while over the same period, inflation fell from 15 percent to 4.5 percent. Exchange rate at the same time has increased from 3.55Rand: 1USD to 14.45Rand: 1USD (World Bank Data, 2020). With the adoption of inflation targeting framework as a way of stabilising the general price level which has a trickle effect on unemployment, South Africa has a relatively high unemployment rate of 29.1 percent. This study investigates the relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate in South Africa from 2009 Quarter 1 to 2020 Quarter 1. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between employment, inflation and exchange rate from 1970 to 2019. Lastly the study investigates the inflation threshold from 1970 to 2019. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and shows that there is no short run and long run relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate. There was however a short run and long run relationship between employment, inflation, exchange rate. In a long run analysis, there is a positive relationship between employment and economic growth for both in the short run and long run. Using the conditional least squares method, an inflation threshold of 5% was found to maximise employment in South Africa vindicating the inflation target of 3-5 percent. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policy measures that increase government expenditure and economic growth be made. Thus, policy makers should increase government expenditure, either by running budget deficits or by collecting more revenue to finance its expenditures so as to increase employment or decrease unemployment without incurring the risk of crowding out. Additionally, from the inflation threshold examination, the current interest rate manipulation by raising or lowering the rate must be used to ensure inflation is kept below 5 per cent. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54752 , vital:47656
- Description: Unemployment, inflation and exchange rate are key macroeconomic indicators and determinants of the development of a nation, but their relationship remain ambiguous. From the last quarter of 1994 to the same period in 2019, unemployment in South Africa increased from 20 percent to 29.1 percent while over the same period, inflation fell from 15 percent to 4.5 percent. Exchange rate at the same time has increased from 3.55Rand: 1USD to 14.45Rand: 1USD (World Bank Data, 2020). With the adoption of inflation targeting framework as a way of stabilising the general price level which has a trickle effect on unemployment, South Africa has a relatively high unemployment rate of 29.1 percent. This study investigates the relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate in South Africa from 2009 Quarter 1 to 2020 Quarter 1. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between employment, inflation and exchange rate from 1970 to 2019. Lastly the study investigates the inflation threshold from 1970 to 2019. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and shows that there is no short run and long run relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate. There was however a short run and long run relationship between employment, inflation, exchange rate. In a long run analysis, there is a positive relationship between employment and economic growth for both in the short run and long run. Using the conditional least squares method, an inflation threshold of 5% was found to maximise employment in South Africa vindicating the inflation target of 3-5 percent. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policy measures that increase government expenditure and economic growth be made. Thus, policy makers should increase government expenditure, either by running budget deficits or by collecting more revenue to finance its expenditures so as to increase employment or decrease unemployment without incurring the risk of crowding out. Additionally, from the inflation threshold examination, the current interest rate manipulation by raising or lowering the rate must be used to ensure inflation is kept below 5 per cent. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Investigating customary marriage conflict among the Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo Province
- Authors: Msiza, Dina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54504 , vital:46618
- Description: Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 in South Africa remains one of the greatest initiatives towards equality amongst spouses. However, even with the RCMA of 1998 that is set to regulate customary marriages, customary marriage conflict remains rife across various ethnic groups in South Africa. The RCMA of 1998 leaves a lot of room for interpretation by different cultures and some elements that certain ethnic groups consider as crucial in fulfilling customary marriages are excluded. So, to contribute to Conflict Studies with reference to customary marriage conflict, this study investigated customary marriage conflict among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of customary marriage among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis, coding, and thematic analysis. During the interviews, non-participant observation was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. In the final analysis, this study provides some recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges that were identified. Some of the recommendations include that there is a need to rethink the process of customary marriage in relation to the payment of lobola. Further, there is a need for an in-depth research going forward. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Msiza, Dina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54504 , vital:46618
- Description: Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 in South Africa remains one of the greatest initiatives towards equality amongst spouses. However, even with the RCMA of 1998 that is set to regulate customary marriages, customary marriage conflict remains rife across various ethnic groups in South Africa. The RCMA of 1998 leaves a lot of room for interpretation by different cultures and some elements that certain ethnic groups consider as crucial in fulfilling customary marriages are excluded. So, to contribute to Conflict Studies with reference to customary marriage conflict, this study investigated customary marriage conflict among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of customary marriage among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis, coding, and thematic analysis. During the interviews, non-participant observation was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. In the final analysis, this study provides some recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges that were identified. Some of the recommendations include that there is a need to rethink the process of customary marriage in relation to the payment of lobola. Further, there is a need for an in-depth research going forward. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Mangrove response to water level changes at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi and St Lucia Estuaries
- Authors: Julie, Corianna Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53644 , vital:45689
- Description: Water level variability within an estuary can vary as a function of tides (inundation frequency and duration) and rainfall, acting as one of the main determinants of mangrove growth, diversity, productivity, and distribution. Understanding how mangroves respond in estuaries to water level variability provides baseline information which can be used to predict future changes in mangrove growth and distribution in response to this driver This study measured mangrove characteristics (growth, structure, and areal extent) in two estuaries that differed in tidal setting, and thus water variability; the Nxaxo-Ngqusi and St Lucia estuaries, South Africa. These estuaries are part of a long-term monitoring programme (2010 - 2020) that has recorded mangrove responses to environmental changes. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, long-tem sea-level data (2003 – 2018) collected from the nearest tide gauge, and mangrove growth and areal extent were used to assess mangrove characteristics in a permanently open, micro tidal setting.Additionally, short-term water level data (August 2019 – September 2020), measured with in situ loggers, and sediment input at different sites within the mangrove forest, were also measured. Data was collected along the main channel sites, and at previously set up cattle exclusion plots ( browsed and non-browsed sites set to establish the effect of cattle browsing on mangroves). Similarly, at the St Lucia Estuary, long term water level data (2004 – 2020) collected at the bridge in the lower reaches of the estuary by Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife, and annual mangrove growth, structure and areal extent data were used to assess mangrove characteristics in an estuarine lake that undergoes cycles between hypersaline and freshwater-dominated states. The results showed that mangrove responses to water level changes are complex and depend on several factors such as estuary mouth dynamics, anthropogenic activities, and site-level environmental conditions. The first objective was to compare water level changes and mangrove structure (mangrove height, and pneumatophore characteristics such as height, density and % aerenchyma) and sediment input between different sites at each estuary. Mangrove growth was higher at sites where longer inundation and higher inundation frequency were recorded at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. However,longer inundation periods under closed mouth conditions resulted in stunted growth and mangrove dieback at St Lucia Estuary. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, mangroves at the main channel sites, closer to the water’s edge, had an overall higher growth rate (2.8 – 45.9 cm yr-1) than the mangroves found at the browsed (0 – 25 cm yr-1) and non-browsed sites (0 – 25.3 cm yr-1) on the landward edge of the forest. The effect of cattle browsing at these sites forms part of a long-term monitoring programme and this disturbance could have also influenced the results. Mangrove growth rate was higher in years with more rainfall at all sites within the estuary. At the St Lucia Estuary, mangrove growth rate was highest (0.81 cm yr-1) at a lower mean water level range (0.13 – 1.72 m) between 2010 - 2015, and growth rate was lowest (1.3 cm yr-1) in higher mean water level range conditions (0.34 m – 2.18 m) between 2015 – 2020. When water levels increased by up to 1.1 m due to closed mouth conditions, this led to extensive mangrove dieback further upstream by 2015. The maximum tidal flooding depth and inundation period influenced pneumatophore structure (height, density, and % aerenchyma) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. Sediment accumulation was highest at sites with increased pneumatophore density, but accumulation rates at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary (0.4 – 0.7 g over a high tide lasting 4-5 hours) were low and did not lead to smothering of the pneumatophores. Total sediment accumulation was highest at sites that experienced greater flooding depths. Increased inundation at the St Lucia Estuary caused inundation stress which led to mangrove mortality. This is because these mangroves are found in a closed estuary where increased water levels lead to prolonged submergence of the pneumatophores. A decrease in mangrove area was recorded at both sites. Low rainfall coupled with cattle browsing caused a decrease in mangrove area of 22% between 2009 and 2019, particularly along the mangrove fringe area at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. The mangroves at the St Lucia Estuary, however, experienced mangrove dieback at all sites, with Site 1 recording the greatest percentage decrease in area of 71.7 % (loss of 44.76 ha) between 2010 and 2020. This was related to the progressive increase of freshwater input and water level at St Lucia Estuary under closed mouth conditions. The years leading up to 2019 had peaks in water levels at the St Lucia Estuary, with the highest water level of 2.12 m in 2019 since 2002. As a consequence, there was increased reed growth, where reeds expanded by 58% (177 ha) due to the high influx of freshwater, and no tidal exchange, which occurred in conjunction with a loss of 60.% (42 ha) of the original mangrove extent at the St Lucia Estuary. This study shows that increased water level changes (inundation frequency and duration) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary maintain healthy mangrove stands. This is in contrast to the St Lucia Estuary, where there was a loss of mangroves as a result of high water levels under closed mouth conditions. Mangrove growth and extent at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary fluctuated in response to drought, and trampling and browsing by livestock. Extensive inundation and lack of tidal exchange reduced mangrove growth and extent at the St Lucia Estuary, with mangrove dieback occurring at all sites. These two systems are representative of the dynamic conditions found in South African estuaries. These research findings suggest that the continuous effects of climate change on estuarine habitats could result in changes in estuary mouth dynamics, which could impact mangrove growth, structure, and extent. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Julie, Corianna Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53644 , vital:45689
- Description: Water level variability within an estuary can vary as a function of tides (inundation frequency and duration) and rainfall, acting as one of the main determinants of mangrove growth, diversity, productivity, and distribution. Understanding how mangroves respond in estuaries to water level variability provides baseline information which can be used to predict future changes in mangrove growth and distribution in response to this driver This study measured mangrove characteristics (growth, structure, and areal extent) in two estuaries that differed in tidal setting, and thus water variability; the Nxaxo-Ngqusi and St Lucia estuaries, South Africa. These estuaries are part of a long-term monitoring programme (2010 - 2020) that has recorded mangrove responses to environmental changes. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, long-tem sea-level data (2003 – 2018) collected from the nearest tide gauge, and mangrove growth and areal extent were used to assess mangrove characteristics in a permanently open, micro tidal setting.Additionally, short-term water level data (August 2019 – September 2020), measured with in situ loggers, and sediment input at different sites within the mangrove forest, were also measured. Data was collected along the main channel sites, and at previously set up cattle exclusion plots ( browsed and non-browsed sites set to establish the effect of cattle browsing on mangroves). Similarly, at the St Lucia Estuary, long term water level data (2004 – 2020) collected at the bridge in the lower reaches of the estuary by Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife, and annual mangrove growth, structure and areal extent data were used to assess mangrove characteristics in an estuarine lake that undergoes cycles between hypersaline and freshwater-dominated states. The results showed that mangrove responses to water level changes are complex and depend on several factors such as estuary mouth dynamics, anthropogenic activities, and site-level environmental conditions. The first objective was to compare water level changes and mangrove structure (mangrove height, and pneumatophore characteristics such as height, density and % aerenchyma) and sediment input between different sites at each estuary. Mangrove growth was higher at sites where longer inundation and higher inundation frequency were recorded at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. However,longer inundation periods under closed mouth conditions resulted in stunted growth and mangrove dieback at St Lucia Estuary. At the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary, mangroves at the main channel sites, closer to the water’s edge, had an overall higher growth rate (2.8 – 45.9 cm yr-1) than the mangroves found at the browsed (0 – 25 cm yr-1) and non-browsed sites (0 – 25.3 cm yr-1) on the landward edge of the forest. The effect of cattle browsing at these sites forms part of a long-term monitoring programme and this disturbance could have also influenced the results. Mangrove growth rate was higher in years with more rainfall at all sites within the estuary. At the St Lucia Estuary, mangrove growth rate was highest (0.81 cm yr-1) at a lower mean water level range (0.13 – 1.72 m) between 2010 - 2015, and growth rate was lowest (1.3 cm yr-1) in higher mean water level range conditions (0.34 m – 2.18 m) between 2015 – 2020. When water levels increased by up to 1.1 m due to closed mouth conditions, this led to extensive mangrove dieback further upstream by 2015. The maximum tidal flooding depth and inundation period influenced pneumatophore structure (height, density, and % aerenchyma) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. Sediment accumulation was highest at sites with increased pneumatophore density, but accumulation rates at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary (0.4 – 0.7 g over a high tide lasting 4-5 hours) were low and did not lead to smothering of the pneumatophores. Total sediment accumulation was highest at sites that experienced greater flooding depths. Increased inundation at the St Lucia Estuary caused inundation stress which led to mangrove mortality. This is because these mangroves are found in a closed estuary where increased water levels lead to prolonged submergence of the pneumatophores. A decrease in mangrove area was recorded at both sites. Low rainfall coupled with cattle browsing caused a decrease in mangrove area of 22% between 2009 and 2019, particularly along the mangrove fringe area at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary. The mangroves at the St Lucia Estuary, however, experienced mangrove dieback at all sites, with Site 1 recording the greatest percentage decrease in area of 71.7 % (loss of 44.76 ha) between 2010 and 2020. This was related to the progressive increase of freshwater input and water level at St Lucia Estuary under closed mouth conditions. The years leading up to 2019 had peaks in water levels at the St Lucia Estuary, with the highest water level of 2.12 m in 2019 since 2002. As a consequence, there was increased reed growth, where reeds expanded by 58% (177 ha) due to the high influx of freshwater, and no tidal exchange, which occurred in conjunction with a loss of 60.% (42 ha) of the original mangrove extent at the St Lucia Estuary. This study shows that increased water level changes (inundation frequency and duration) at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary maintain healthy mangrove stands. This is in contrast to the St Lucia Estuary, where there was a loss of mangroves as a result of high water levels under closed mouth conditions. Mangrove growth and extent at the Nxaxo-Ngqusi Estuary fluctuated in response to drought, and trampling and browsing by livestock. Extensive inundation and lack of tidal exchange reduced mangrove growth and extent at the St Lucia Estuary, with mangrove dieback occurring at all sites. These two systems are representative of the dynamic conditions found in South African estuaries. These research findings suggest that the continuous effects of climate change on estuarine habitats could result in changes in estuary mouth dynamics, which could impact mangrove growth, structure, and extent. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Mapping the importance of public participation in the expropriation of land without compensation bill: a case of Silver Town in KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ngwabeni, Siyasanga
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54541 , vital:46686
- Description: The post-1994 era in the South African public imagination was envisaged to herald widespread and transformative efforts to reverse the gross injustices and human rights violations inflicted over many decades of apartheid and colonialism. One of the key measures initiated by the democratic government to drive this nation building project was the land reform programme. The ‘land question’, which is a popular tagline in South Africa when reference is made to land reform, has come to define the general discourse of socioeconomic disadvantage and change in the post-apartheid and post-colonial period – similarly to other former settler colonies in the African continent and the broader Global South. For South Africa though, this specific issue has been characterised by numerous challenges and failures largely at the level of the state, wherein a significant lack of public engagement, public participation and democratic redistribution was not being done according to ‘the will of the people’. On a number of occasions, the South African state has gone on a ‘solo crusade’ to implement the land reform programme under complex conditions that are largely unfavoured by ordinary people ‘on the ground’ – especially those who were the primary victims of land dispossession under colonialism and apartheid. As a result, over the past few years, indigenous black communities across the country especially in (semi)urban and township areas have voluntarily ‘occupied’ land at their own will and sometimes ‘illegally’, as a way to take up settlement space and determine their lives on the land of their birth. Beyond the public discourse of ‘land invasions’ and ‘failed land reform projects’, this study was conducted to closely understand the extent to which public engagement and participation has been integral in the systematic mechanism(s) to transform the patterns of land ownership and control in the democratic South Africa. To do this, the site of KwaZakhele, Silvertown, in Port Elizabeth was selected to conduct the study. This township is an outcome of apartheid geography and land dispossession where many generations of indigenous black people were displaced. Today, it is a struggling community characterised by high rates of poverty and unemployment – and one of its unresolved socio-political issues is the question of the skewed patterns of land ownership in the area. Methodologically, qualitative semi-structured interviews were utilised to conduct the study and the Marxist Concept of Citizenship was selected as a theoretical framework for the study by the researcher. The study has found that, amongst the general legislative and political shortfalls of public participation breakdown, there are other deep seated structural socioeconomic issues that are at the root of the problem – such as economic inequalities and very low prospects of social mobility – which collectively reproduce the persistent inadequacies of political instability and social unrest in the area. The study recommends an astute combination of ‘bottom-up’ active citizenship and major socioeconomic transformation in the area as a systematic and structural mechanism to empower the community of Silvertown to be the champion of its own liberation struggle for the freedom of its people to own land and democratically participate in their own governance, self-determination, and prosperity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ngwabeni, Siyasanga
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54541 , vital:46686
- Description: The post-1994 era in the South African public imagination was envisaged to herald widespread and transformative efforts to reverse the gross injustices and human rights violations inflicted over many decades of apartheid and colonialism. One of the key measures initiated by the democratic government to drive this nation building project was the land reform programme. The ‘land question’, which is a popular tagline in South Africa when reference is made to land reform, has come to define the general discourse of socioeconomic disadvantage and change in the post-apartheid and post-colonial period – similarly to other former settler colonies in the African continent and the broader Global South. For South Africa though, this specific issue has been characterised by numerous challenges and failures largely at the level of the state, wherein a significant lack of public engagement, public participation and democratic redistribution was not being done according to ‘the will of the people’. On a number of occasions, the South African state has gone on a ‘solo crusade’ to implement the land reform programme under complex conditions that are largely unfavoured by ordinary people ‘on the ground’ – especially those who were the primary victims of land dispossession under colonialism and apartheid. As a result, over the past few years, indigenous black communities across the country especially in (semi)urban and township areas have voluntarily ‘occupied’ land at their own will and sometimes ‘illegally’, as a way to take up settlement space and determine their lives on the land of their birth. Beyond the public discourse of ‘land invasions’ and ‘failed land reform projects’, this study was conducted to closely understand the extent to which public engagement and participation has been integral in the systematic mechanism(s) to transform the patterns of land ownership and control in the democratic South Africa. To do this, the site of KwaZakhele, Silvertown, in Port Elizabeth was selected to conduct the study. This township is an outcome of apartheid geography and land dispossession where many generations of indigenous black people were displaced. Today, it is a struggling community characterised by high rates of poverty and unemployment – and one of its unresolved socio-political issues is the question of the skewed patterns of land ownership in the area. Methodologically, qualitative semi-structured interviews were utilised to conduct the study and the Marxist Concept of Citizenship was selected as a theoretical framework for the study by the researcher. The study has found that, amongst the general legislative and political shortfalls of public participation breakdown, there are other deep seated structural socioeconomic issues that are at the root of the problem – such as economic inequalities and very low prospects of social mobility – which collectively reproduce the persistent inadequacies of political instability and social unrest in the area. The study recommends an astute combination of ‘bottom-up’ active citizenship and major socioeconomic transformation in the area as a systematic and structural mechanism to empower the community of Silvertown to be the champion of its own liberation struggle for the freedom of its people to own land and democratically participate in their own governance, self-determination, and prosperity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Marine Plastic Pollution
- Vilakazi, Bathobile Thandazile Unittah
- Authors: Vilakazi, Bathobile Thandazile Unittah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Waste minimization --Law and legislation -- South Africa , Plastic marine debris , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55605 , vital:53364
- Description: Human activities can alter the ordinary operation of Earth-system processes in such a way that it escalates risks in societies across the globe. One of the more visible human activities is the production, consumption and disposal of plastic items and/or materials, the consequences of which are borne by marine life. The dissertation is founded on the premise that conservation of the marine environment must be a priority for all States. States must take responsibility for the prevention of pollution of the marine environment and further take accountability where activities within their territory are causing pollution of the marine environment through the enforcement of legislative measures. The dissertation is drafted in a manner that aims to ultimately deduce whether the current pollution laws in South Africa adequately address marine plastic pollution (MPP). As such, Chapter Two relies on the regulatory position of MPP at the international level. Various legal instruments relating to marine pollution are expounded on such as the LOSC, MARPOL, London Convention and other regional instruments relating particularly to the African continent. The chapter aims to detail the most relevant global instruments that South Africa is a party to and which promote and mandate States parties to protect the marine environment through the implementation and enforcement of regulatory measures. The global measures either exclusively address MPP or provide general provisions for marine environment protection. Chapter Three and Four of the dissertation provide a critical analysis of the legal measures adopted at the national, provincial and local levels respectively to control, reduce and prevent pollution, including MPP. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 requires the national, provincial and local levels of government to co-operate with each other to provide ―effective, efficient, transparent, accountable and coherent governance‖. Therefore, it is essential for this study to investigate the regulation of MPP at all levels of government particularly when the programmes of the national and provincial government must be implemented by local government. The regulatory measures at these levels of government promote the protection of the environment and further prohibit the illegal dumping of waste and littering. They also encourage communities to reduce, re-use and recycle waste. Additionally, the national government further commits itself to adopting regulations to x plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags. These regulations will urge the plastic industry to produce recyclable plastic bags which will further encourage consumers to recycle and therefore, decrease the entry of plastic into the marine environment. The conclusion in Chapter Five is inferred from Chapter One to Chapter Four of the dissertation. Several shortcomings were observed in the regulatory measures discussed in Chapter Three and Chapter Four, most of which relate to a legal framework weakened by a lack of knowledge on MPP and therefore, an inability to firstly develop measures that expressly deal with the issue, or secondly, develop comprehensive legislative measures that address various types of marine pollution. It is therefore submitted that although South Africa‘s pollution laws in general are exceptional and do address marine pollution, they fail to address MPP sufficiently. As such, Chapter Five presents several policy recommendations in reaction to the findings. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law , Public Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Vilakazi, Bathobile Thandazile Unittah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Waste minimization --Law and legislation -- South Africa , Plastic marine debris , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55605 , vital:53364
- Description: Human activities can alter the ordinary operation of Earth-system processes in such a way that it escalates risks in societies across the globe. One of the more visible human activities is the production, consumption and disposal of plastic items and/or materials, the consequences of which are borne by marine life. The dissertation is founded on the premise that conservation of the marine environment must be a priority for all States. States must take responsibility for the prevention of pollution of the marine environment and further take accountability where activities within their territory are causing pollution of the marine environment through the enforcement of legislative measures. The dissertation is drafted in a manner that aims to ultimately deduce whether the current pollution laws in South Africa adequately address marine plastic pollution (MPP). As such, Chapter Two relies on the regulatory position of MPP at the international level. Various legal instruments relating to marine pollution are expounded on such as the LOSC, MARPOL, London Convention and other regional instruments relating particularly to the African continent. The chapter aims to detail the most relevant global instruments that South Africa is a party to and which promote and mandate States parties to protect the marine environment through the implementation and enforcement of regulatory measures. The global measures either exclusively address MPP or provide general provisions for marine environment protection. Chapter Three and Four of the dissertation provide a critical analysis of the legal measures adopted at the national, provincial and local levels respectively to control, reduce and prevent pollution, including MPP. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 requires the national, provincial and local levels of government to co-operate with each other to provide ―effective, efficient, transparent, accountable and coherent governance‖. Therefore, it is essential for this study to investigate the regulation of MPP at all levels of government particularly when the programmes of the national and provincial government must be implemented by local government. The regulatory measures at these levels of government promote the protection of the environment and further prohibit the illegal dumping of waste and littering. They also encourage communities to reduce, re-use and recycle waste. Additionally, the national government further commits itself to adopting regulations to x plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags. These regulations will urge the plastic industry to produce recyclable plastic bags which will further encourage consumers to recycle and therefore, decrease the entry of plastic into the marine environment. The conclusion in Chapter Five is inferred from Chapter One to Chapter Four of the dissertation. Several shortcomings were observed in the regulatory measures discussed in Chapter Three and Chapter Four, most of which relate to a legal framework weakened by a lack of knowledge on MPP and therefore, an inability to firstly develop measures that expressly deal with the issue, or secondly, develop comprehensive legislative measures that address various types of marine pollution. It is therefore submitted that although South Africa‘s pollution laws in general are exceptional and do address marine pollution, they fail to address MPP sufficiently. As such, Chapter Five presents several policy recommendations in reaction to the findings. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law , Public Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Optimization of liposomes for enhanced stability against degradation by gastrointestinal fluid content
- Authors: Scholtz, Carla Chleo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54117 , vital:46305
- Description: Motivation: Liposomes are nanoparticulate carriers consisting of a hydrophobic bilayer and a hydrophilic core. Their application as drug carrier systems arises from their unique physiochemical structure, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their biphasic nature is significant in the delivery of peptide and protein drug molecules as it is thus able to encompass both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Liposomes are actively being used for drug delivery intravenously. These formulations have been successful in reducing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy. However, the intravenous route poses many challenges and is not the preferred route of administration amongst patients. The oral route of administration is non-invasive, and administration is of ease, therefore it is the preferred route of administration amongst patients, especially those with complex medicine regimes. Problem: The gastrointestinal tract is a harsh environment. In order for liposomes to maintain their integrity during their course they require a level of stability against gastric and intestinal fluids and its associated constituents such as gastric and pancreatic enzymes, low pH and bile acid. Methodology: Based on recommendations extrapolated from literature, the incorporation of a bile salt, sodium glycocholate, into liposomes in conjunction with coating the surface with chitosan was selected as the optimization strategies to enhance the stability of liposomes against degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Bilosomes with encapsulated calce in were produced using the thin-film hydration method and coated with chitosan. An in vitrocalce in release assay was conducted in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids which presented with in vivo conditions in terms of pH and enzymes and additional constituents such as a bile salt. Stability was determined by the extent of digestion within the simulated fluids with time. Results: Characterization results suggested that the addition of chitosan and sodium glycocholate to the liposomal formulation has significant effects on the physiochemical properties. The colloidal dispersions could not retain their stability during storage which was noticeable during HRTEM. Despite optimization of the liposomes, in vitro studies showed significant release in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with majority release seen in the presence of pepsin and pancreatic, at low pH and in the presence of bile acid. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Scholtz, Carla Chleo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54117 , vital:46305
- Description: Motivation: Liposomes are nanoparticulate carriers consisting of a hydrophobic bilayer and a hydrophilic core. Their application as drug carrier systems arises from their unique physiochemical structure, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their biphasic nature is significant in the delivery of peptide and protein drug molecules as it is thus able to encompass both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Liposomes are actively being used for drug delivery intravenously. These formulations have been successful in reducing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy. However, the intravenous route poses many challenges and is not the preferred route of administration amongst patients. The oral route of administration is non-invasive, and administration is of ease, therefore it is the preferred route of administration amongst patients, especially those with complex medicine regimes. Problem: The gastrointestinal tract is a harsh environment. In order for liposomes to maintain their integrity during their course they require a level of stability against gastric and intestinal fluids and its associated constituents such as gastric and pancreatic enzymes, low pH and bile acid. Methodology: Based on recommendations extrapolated from literature, the incorporation of a bile salt, sodium glycocholate, into liposomes in conjunction with coating the surface with chitosan was selected as the optimization strategies to enhance the stability of liposomes against degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Bilosomes with encapsulated calce in were produced using the thin-film hydration method and coated with chitosan. An in vitrocalce in release assay was conducted in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids which presented with in vivo conditions in terms of pH and enzymes and additional constituents such as a bile salt. Stability was determined by the extent of digestion within the simulated fluids with time. Results: Characterization results suggested that the addition of chitosan and sodium glycocholate to the liposomal formulation has significant effects on the physiochemical properties. The colloidal dispersions could not retain their stability during storage which was noticeable during HRTEM. Despite optimization of the liposomes, in vitro studies showed significant release in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with majority release seen in the presence of pepsin and pancreatic, at low pH and in the presence of bile acid. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Optimizing herbicide-use for the killing of eucalypt stumps
- Authors: Mavhungu, Tshilidzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53857 , vital:46023
- Description: The South Africa (SA) forest industry relies on plantations of exotic forestry trees (Pinus, Acacia and Eucalyptus) to fulfil its timber requirements. With 52.0% of the afforested land in South Africa planted to various eucalypts and their hybrid combinations. Of the total area planted to eucalypts in SA, 75 000 ha is re-established annually by means of silvicultural regimes and operations matched to site productivity, desired end-product and method of regeneration. Unlike other commercially grown tree species, eucalypt species have the ability to coppice after felling. Coppicing is a common form of regeneration in South African forestry as it allows the plantation owner the option of a second timber rotation without replanting. However, if any factors affecting coppicing are compromised, and the site is to be replanted, then it is important to kill the stumps before replanting as rapid initial growth of the coppice shoots will require earlier control than that associated with normal weeding operations. Over time, various methods of woody plant control have been proposed and tested, with most of these making use of herbicides as opposed to the repeated manual removal of coppice regrowth. Globally, most industries subscribe to standards associated with sustainable production (economic, environmental and social) against which they are measured. Within SA, 80% of the forests are certified though either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or International Standards Organisation (ISO) which recommend the identification and avoidance of ‘highly hazardous’ chemicals; the promotion of ‘non-chemical’ methods for pest management as an element of an integrated pest and vegetation management strategy; and the appropriate use of chemicals that are used. To test the current recommendations for killing eucalypt stumps to include other species, the potential of reducing herbicides used, and the influence of time after application on the survival of eucalypt stumps, two trials were initiated at Entabeni plantation (Venda, Limpopo) and one at Wilgeboom plantation (Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga) between 2018 and 2020. Extending eucalypt cut-stump control practices: Most of the trial work on killing of eucalypts in SA has been conducted on Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus macarthurii, with all grown on shorter pulpwood rotations. To extend current recommendation to include Eucalyptus cloeziana (grown on a longer rotation for poles), a trial was established in 2018 at Entabeni plantation (Limpopo Province) to quantify the interaction between Application method (basal-frill; cut-surface; foliar) and Herbicide (no herbicide applied; Roundup; Garlon; Roundup + Garlon) for the killing of 12 year-old stumps following harvesting. Assessments were carried out at 1, 3 and 6 months following application and included Stump survival, Stump quarter with coppice and Coppice heath. Relative to the control plots (100% survival), all herbicides tested were equally effective, 70–90% of the stumps killed. This study confirms previous research regarding the killing of eucalypt stumps. Roundup, Garlon or a combination of two, when applied according to label recommendations to a stump as a basal-frill or cut-surface application (within 30 minutes of felling) resulted in 70-90% of the stumps killed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mavhungu, Tshilidzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53857 , vital:46023
- Description: The South Africa (SA) forest industry relies on plantations of exotic forestry trees (Pinus, Acacia and Eucalyptus) to fulfil its timber requirements. With 52.0% of the afforested land in South Africa planted to various eucalypts and their hybrid combinations. Of the total area planted to eucalypts in SA, 75 000 ha is re-established annually by means of silvicultural regimes and operations matched to site productivity, desired end-product and method of regeneration. Unlike other commercially grown tree species, eucalypt species have the ability to coppice after felling. Coppicing is a common form of regeneration in South African forestry as it allows the plantation owner the option of a second timber rotation without replanting. However, if any factors affecting coppicing are compromised, and the site is to be replanted, then it is important to kill the stumps before replanting as rapid initial growth of the coppice shoots will require earlier control than that associated with normal weeding operations. Over time, various methods of woody plant control have been proposed and tested, with most of these making use of herbicides as opposed to the repeated manual removal of coppice regrowth. Globally, most industries subscribe to standards associated with sustainable production (economic, environmental and social) against which they are measured. Within SA, 80% of the forests are certified though either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or International Standards Organisation (ISO) which recommend the identification and avoidance of ‘highly hazardous’ chemicals; the promotion of ‘non-chemical’ methods for pest management as an element of an integrated pest and vegetation management strategy; and the appropriate use of chemicals that are used. To test the current recommendations for killing eucalypt stumps to include other species, the potential of reducing herbicides used, and the influence of time after application on the survival of eucalypt stumps, two trials were initiated at Entabeni plantation (Venda, Limpopo) and one at Wilgeboom plantation (Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga) between 2018 and 2020. Extending eucalypt cut-stump control practices: Most of the trial work on killing of eucalypts in SA has been conducted on Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis or Eucalyptus macarthurii, with all grown on shorter pulpwood rotations. To extend current recommendation to include Eucalyptus cloeziana (grown on a longer rotation for poles), a trial was established in 2018 at Entabeni plantation (Limpopo Province) to quantify the interaction between Application method (basal-frill; cut-surface; foliar) and Herbicide (no herbicide applied; Roundup; Garlon; Roundup + Garlon) for the killing of 12 year-old stumps following harvesting. Assessments were carried out at 1, 3 and 6 months following application and included Stump survival, Stump quarter with coppice and Coppice heath. Relative to the control plots (100% survival), all herbicides tested were equally effective, 70–90% of the stumps killed. This study confirms previous research regarding the killing of eucalypt stumps. Roundup, Garlon or a combination of two, when applied according to label recommendations to a stump as a basal-frill or cut-surface application (within 30 minutes of felling) resulted in 70-90% of the stumps killed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Perceptions of Nelson Mandela University social sciences post-graduate students on the decolonization of the social sciences modules
- Authors: Manduluka, Lubabalo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54481 , vital:46603
- Description: This research project is motivated by the students 2015-2016 higher education student protest that called for the decolonization of higher education institutions. It is widely accepted that for university module to serve students properly, it should be relevant to students it should be and must be localised. The research study considered the perceptions of post-graduate students on the decolonization of social sciences modules from the Nelson Mandela University. The objectives of the study are as follows: to investigate the perception of post-graduate students based within the School of Social Sciences on the decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University at South campus. To come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some to the challenges faced by tertiary institutions on decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University. The geographical area of the university is Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, Summerstrand, and the study was done on the south campus of the Nelson Mandela University. This study attempts to shed some light on the decolonization and Africanization of the modules through the lenses of post-graduate students. Literature is utilized to get a broader understanding of the concept of decolonization. The study also suggests how the university curriculum can be Africanized so that it can be more inclusive to African students and more relevant to African students. Interviews with post-graduate students are used as guideline to get a better understanding of how the modules affect them and the solutions to their concerns emerging from colonized modules. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Manduluka, Lubabalo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54481 , vital:46603
- Description: This research project is motivated by the students 2015-2016 higher education student protest that called for the decolonization of higher education institutions. It is widely accepted that for university module to serve students properly, it should be relevant to students it should be and must be localised. The research study considered the perceptions of post-graduate students on the decolonization of social sciences modules from the Nelson Mandela University. The objectives of the study are as follows: to investigate the perception of post-graduate students based within the School of Social Sciences on the decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University at South campus. To come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some to the challenges faced by tertiary institutions on decolonization of the social sciences modules at the Nelson Mandela University. The geographical area of the university is Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, Summerstrand, and the study was done on the south campus of the Nelson Mandela University. This study attempts to shed some light on the decolonization and Africanization of the modules through the lenses of post-graduate students. Literature is utilized to get a broader understanding of the concept of decolonization. The study also suggests how the university curriculum can be Africanized so that it can be more inclusive to African students and more relevant to African students. Interviews with post-graduate students are used as guideline to get a better understanding of how the modules affect them and the solutions to their concerns emerging from colonized modules. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Dingiswayo, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53676 , vital:45686
- Description: The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The research objective was to investigate what small-scale vegetable farmers’ perceptions and readiness are in terms of strategies to cope with drought conditions. The study was conducted within the Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Primary data collection was conducted among 44 small-scale vegetable farmers of the Amathole municipal district. These are farmers who receive social support from the government, are registered with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the Amathole district. The primary data was also collected from 13 agricultural extension officers with high experience in advising small-scale farmers residing in the Amathole district. Data collection took place in various local municipalities under Amathole District Municipality, namely: Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei. A multi-method approach was adopted in this study as an appropriate technique to create an improved quality of research which eliminates the deep-rooted bias to either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. A self-administered questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions – one for the small-scale farmer survey and the second for the extension officer survey – was employed as data collection instrument. The demographic characteristics of small-scale vegetable farmers in the survey area indicated that the present majority of farmers are married male Xhosa farmers between the ages of 56 and 65 years old, with a secondary level of education. The majority of the farmers are typically resource-poor − which implies that the added menace of drought poses the risk that small-scale vegetable farming could decline to mere subsistence level or worse. Drought was found to be a major problem in Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities within the Amathole municipal district, with an acute impact on farmers’ production and generation of income. From the data, it emerged that farmers are not sufficiently informed about and do not receive specific training in drought mitigation strategies. Farmers rely on drought alleviation methods but there is a lack of adaptive strategies and timely, long-term ii state intervention. Being resource-poor, these small-scale producers are reliant on natural resources – notably water for irrigating crops. The study established further that there is neither the resources nor sufficient training by and involvement of the extension service. Farmers therefore rely on the use of drought coping mechanisms and drought mitigation techniques and on adapting their production systems. The information-sharing sessions recommended can assist in improving rural livelihoods and the productivity of small-scale vegetable farmers. The absence of engagement of youth in farming means that modern conservation and innovative farming techniques and systems are not implemented towards reducing the impacts of climate change − as well as revitalizing rural areas such Amathole. Access to education about drought, improved drought coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies should be created to facilitate an exchange of traditional and modern agricultural information. The development of infrastructure in rural communities and farming areas is another factor crucial to improving farming systems and operations in the Amathole municipal district. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Dingiswayo, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53676 , vital:45686
- Description: The present study aimed to investigate perceptions of small-scale vegetable farmers on drought mitigation strategies in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The research objective was to investigate what small-scale vegetable farmers’ perceptions and readiness are in terms of strategies to cope with drought conditions. The study was conducted within the Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Primary data collection was conducted among 44 small-scale vegetable farmers of the Amathole municipal district. These are farmers who receive social support from the government, are registered with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the Amathole district. The primary data was also collected from 13 agricultural extension officers with high experience in advising small-scale farmers residing in the Amathole district. Data collection took place in various local municipalities under Amathole District Municipality, namely: Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei. A multi-method approach was adopted in this study as an appropriate technique to create an improved quality of research which eliminates the deep-rooted bias to either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. A self-administered questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions – one for the small-scale farmer survey and the second for the extension officer survey – was employed as data collection instrument. The demographic characteristics of small-scale vegetable farmers in the survey area indicated that the present majority of farmers are married male Xhosa farmers between the ages of 56 and 65 years old, with a secondary level of education. The majority of the farmers are typically resource-poor − which implies that the added menace of drought poses the risk that small-scale vegetable farming could decline to mere subsistence level or worse. Drought was found to be a major problem in Mbashe, Mnquma, Amahlathi and Great Kei local municipalities within the Amathole municipal district, with an acute impact on farmers’ production and generation of income. From the data, it emerged that farmers are not sufficiently informed about and do not receive specific training in drought mitigation strategies. Farmers rely on drought alleviation methods but there is a lack of adaptive strategies and timely, long-term ii state intervention. Being resource-poor, these small-scale producers are reliant on natural resources – notably water for irrigating crops. The study established further that there is neither the resources nor sufficient training by and involvement of the extension service. Farmers therefore rely on the use of drought coping mechanisms and drought mitigation techniques and on adapting their production systems. The information-sharing sessions recommended can assist in improving rural livelihoods and the productivity of small-scale vegetable farmers. The absence of engagement of youth in farming means that modern conservation and innovative farming techniques and systems are not implemented towards reducing the impacts of climate change − as well as revitalizing rural areas such Amathole. Access to education about drought, improved drought coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies should be created to facilitate an exchange of traditional and modern agricultural information. The development of infrastructure in rural communities and farming areas is another factor crucial to improving farming systems and operations in the Amathole municipal district. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Plastic particle characterization and concentrations found in the river and marine water environment of Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Moss, Kerry-Leigh
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53874 , vital:46025
- Description: Only 12% of the world's published plastic research includes references to Africa despite it being a significant contributor to the global plastic waste and mismanagement problem (~88.5% of Africa's plastic waste is mismanaged). Ocean plastics are transported from land by rivers to the sea. However, source contextualization is complex. Many African rivers predominantly run alongside human settlements that host informal waste dumpsites. In this study a simple cost effective, easily deployed, consistent and replicable survey methodology was employed. The study quantified macro plastic in three rivers discharging into Algoa Bay, South Africa. The results indicated that industrial Swartkops and metropolitan Baakens Rivers both illustrate moderate plastic pollution (>3000 plastic particles/day), with the relatively natural Sundays River to showing minimal evidence of river macroplastic (<100 plastic particles/day). The types of plastic were noted using the RIMMEL app (premier African implementation), enabling proportional comparison of different plastic litter types to be completed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Oceanography Department,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Moss, Kerry-Leigh
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53874 , vital:46025
- Description: Only 12% of the world's published plastic research includes references to Africa despite it being a significant contributor to the global plastic waste and mismanagement problem (~88.5% of Africa's plastic waste is mismanaged). Ocean plastics are transported from land by rivers to the sea. However, source contextualization is complex. Many African rivers predominantly run alongside human settlements that host informal waste dumpsites. In this study a simple cost effective, easily deployed, consistent and replicable survey methodology was employed. The study quantified macro plastic in three rivers discharging into Algoa Bay, South Africa. The results indicated that industrial Swartkops and metropolitan Baakens Rivers both illustrate moderate plastic pollution (>3000 plastic particles/day), with the relatively natural Sundays River to showing minimal evidence of river macroplastic (<100 plastic particles/day). The types of plastic were noted using the RIMMEL app (premier African implementation), enabling proportional comparison of different plastic litter types to be completed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Oceanography Department,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Protean career management of independent music creatives in Gqeberha : narratives of practice
- Authors: Henneberry, Robyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54439 , vital:46541
- Description: This study is concerned with the promotion of local music creatives. The literature explores ways to help the independent music creatives successfully navigate in the music industry by adopting a protean career profile. The research question that was explored in the study was whether or not the independent popular female creatives in the city of Gqeberha’s music industry adopted protean career profiles for successful career navigation. These pop music creatives’ profiles were compared to those of classical creatives for further insight. Relevant literature was analysed to collect data about what international authors have discovered about creatives’ successful navigation of their careers. The information that was gleaned from the analysis indicated that numerous individuals have adopted the profile of the protean career to successfully navigate their environment. The rationale for adopting the protean career profile was that it is directly related to one’s employability. Although the working world (including the music industry) is rapidly changing, this notion of employability will enable an individual to remain updated about the latest trends in their work environment and thus successfully navigate that environment. This concept was applied to research among music creatives in the South African (SA) context. Although there was limited research on the protean career profile, the published research findings that were available indicated that employability and information were in alliance with the international research on the protean career (which constitutes one’s employability). Employing qualitative data collection procedures, the researcher interviewed 14 independent female music creatives with different backgrounds, roles and experiences. Interviews were semi-structured one-on-one as well as focus groups. This narrative strategy of inquiry helped determine whether or not these individuals had adopted the protean career for successful navigation of their working environment. After data collection the researcher engaged in a cyclical coding process for deep analysation of the data utilising atlas.ti. The data was reduced from codes to categories, and eventually towards linking categories. The findings from the study revealed that the participants’ environment (surroundings) did not sufficiently support them, the creatives do not have sufficient guidance in their music paths and not all of them had adopted the protean profile. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Henneberry, Robyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54439 , vital:46541
- Description: This study is concerned with the promotion of local music creatives. The literature explores ways to help the independent music creatives successfully navigate in the music industry by adopting a protean career profile. The research question that was explored in the study was whether or not the independent popular female creatives in the city of Gqeberha’s music industry adopted protean career profiles for successful career navigation. These pop music creatives’ profiles were compared to those of classical creatives for further insight. Relevant literature was analysed to collect data about what international authors have discovered about creatives’ successful navigation of their careers. The information that was gleaned from the analysis indicated that numerous individuals have adopted the profile of the protean career to successfully navigate their environment. The rationale for adopting the protean career profile was that it is directly related to one’s employability. Although the working world (including the music industry) is rapidly changing, this notion of employability will enable an individual to remain updated about the latest trends in their work environment and thus successfully navigate that environment. This concept was applied to research among music creatives in the South African (SA) context. Although there was limited research on the protean career profile, the published research findings that were available indicated that employability and information were in alliance with the international research on the protean career (which constitutes one’s employability). Employing qualitative data collection procedures, the researcher interviewed 14 independent female music creatives with different backgrounds, roles and experiences. Interviews were semi-structured one-on-one as well as focus groups. This narrative strategy of inquiry helped determine whether or not these individuals had adopted the protean career for successful navigation of their working environment. After data collection the researcher engaged in a cyclical coding process for deep analysation of the data utilising atlas.ti. The data was reduced from codes to categories, and eventually towards linking categories. The findings from the study revealed that the participants’ environment (surroundings) did not sufficiently support them, the creatives do not have sufficient guidance in their music paths and not all of them had adopted the protean profile. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Quantifying variability of emissions of greenhouse gas (CO2& CH4) across selected soils and agricultural practices
- Authors: Sebake, Tebogo Matsimela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54107 , vital:46302
- Description: Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG’s)in the atmosphere are warming the planet, and agriculture is responsible for about 30% of these emissions. Soils act as a host for greenhouse gases, since both their storage and emission capacities are large, accounting for two-times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and in plant and animal life. It sequesters large amounts of carbon, and because agricultural practices depend on soil for production, the practices influence the soil’s ability to store the carbon effectively. Production soils emit greenhouse gas, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, which are assessed for emissions in this study. Climate change creates unpredictability in precipitation and temperature; farmers need to be flexible and adapt production methods to such environmental changes in order to continue producing sustainably. Global food production needs to grow drastically to meet the projected demands for rising population and diet shifts; studies have shown that feeding a more populated and a more affluent, equal, world will require roughly a doubling of agricultural production by 2050, which means more GHG emissions from the soil. To enable better control on these emissions, their links to agricultural practices need to be better quantified. The study was done in two areas: (1) long-term comparative farming systems research trial with controlled vegetable plots, in the agricultural school of Nelson Mandela University, in George, Western Cape province and (2) long-term wheat research trial of the Free State University, in Bethlehem, Free State province. The objective in study area one is to assess and compare GHG emissions from conventional and organic systems. Temperature and soil moisture were measured during gas samples to establish the influence they have on gas emissions. The objective in study area two is to assess and compare GHG emissions from no-till, plough, and stubble mulch. Stubble mulch refers to crop residue left in place on the land as a surface cover during fallow periods. Two polypropylene canisters are placed in a sampled plot to trap gas emitted from the soil. Analyses of the trapped gases in the headspace gives concentrations of CO2and CH4that was emitted during the duration the canister was closed. The gas is analysed by a G2201-i Picarro gas analyser, presently the only such instrument in South Africa. The analyser’s near-infrared Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology is capable of simultaneous measurements of CO2and CH4down to parts per million. In study area one, conventional plots (R2T6 & R1T6) emitted 65.089ppm CO2and 61.159ppm CO2, and 0.0010ppm CH4and 0.0004ppm CH4, respectively. Organic plots (R1T3 & R2T3) emitted 53.264ppm CO2and 47.885ppm CO2, and 0.0023ppm CH4and 0.0019ppm CH4respectively. Thus, conventional plots emitted 19.98% & 30.98% more CO2than organic plots; but organic plots emitted 81.97% & 155.5% more CH4thanconventional plots. In study area two, ploughed soils emitted 38.727ppm CO2and 0.015ppm CH4, no-tilled soils emitted 31.798ppm CO2 and 0.011ppm CH4andstubble mulched soils emitted 28.373ppm CO2 and 0.009ppm CH4. Thus, ploughed soils emitted 19.65%more CO2than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 11.38% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 30.36% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils. Ploughed soils emitted 30.77% more CH4 than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 20% more CH4 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 50% more CH4than stubble mulched soils. Moist soils result in decreased CO2emissions in conventional plots and increased CH4emissions in organic plots. Increasing temperature patterns are followed by a trend of increasing gas emissions. Reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and developing sustainable tillage practices can help mitigate climate change and increases the chances of stabilizing GHG concentrations and temperature control within a required range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sebake, Tebogo Matsimela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54107 , vital:46302
- Description: Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG’s)in the atmosphere are warming the planet, and agriculture is responsible for about 30% of these emissions. Soils act as a host for greenhouse gases, since both their storage and emission capacities are large, accounting for two-times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and in plant and animal life. It sequesters large amounts of carbon, and because agricultural practices depend on soil for production, the practices influence the soil’s ability to store the carbon effectively. Production soils emit greenhouse gas, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, which are assessed for emissions in this study. Climate change creates unpredictability in precipitation and temperature; farmers need to be flexible and adapt production methods to such environmental changes in order to continue producing sustainably. Global food production needs to grow drastically to meet the projected demands for rising population and diet shifts; studies have shown that feeding a more populated and a more affluent, equal, world will require roughly a doubling of agricultural production by 2050, which means more GHG emissions from the soil. To enable better control on these emissions, their links to agricultural practices need to be better quantified. The study was done in two areas: (1) long-term comparative farming systems research trial with controlled vegetable plots, in the agricultural school of Nelson Mandela University, in George, Western Cape province and (2) long-term wheat research trial of the Free State University, in Bethlehem, Free State province. The objective in study area one is to assess and compare GHG emissions from conventional and organic systems. Temperature and soil moisture were measured during gas samples to establish the influence they have on gas emissions. The objective in study area two is to assess and compare GHG emissions from no-till, plough, and stubble mulch. Stubble mulch refers to crop residue left in place on the land as a surface cover during fallow periods. Two polypropylene canisters are placed in a sampled plot to trap gas emitted from the soil. Analyses of the trapped gases in the headspace gives concentrations of CO2and CH4that was emitted during the duration the canister was closed. The gas is analysed by a G2201-i Picarro gas analyser, presently the only such instrument in South Africa. The analyser’s near-infrared Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy technology is capable of simultaneous measurements of CO2and CH4down to parts per million. In study area one, conventional plots (R2T6 & R1T6) emitted 65.089ppm CO2and 61.159ppm CO2, and 0.0010ppm CH4and 0.0004ppm CH4, respectively. Organic plots (R1T3 & R2T3) emitted 53.264ppm CO2and 47.885ppm CO2, and 0.0023ppm CH4and 0.0019ppm CH4respectively. Thus, conventional plots emitted 19.98% & 30.98% more CO2than organic plots; but organic plots emitted 81.97% & 155.5% more CH4thanconventional plots. In study area two, ploughed soils emitted 38.727ppm CO2and 0.015ppm CH4, no-tilled soils emitted 31.798ppm CO2 and 0.011ppm CH4andstubble mulched soils emitted 28.373ppm CO2 and 0.009ppm CH4. Thus, ploughed soils emitted 19.65%more CO2than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 11.38% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 30.36% more CO2 than stubble mulched soils. Ploughed soils emitted 30.77% more CH4 than no-tilled soils, no-tilled soils emitted 20% more CH4 than stubble mulched soils and ploughed soils emitted 50% more CH4than stubble mulched soils. Moist soils result in decreased CO2emissions in conventional plots and increased CH4emissions in organic plots. Increasing temperature patterns are followed by a trend of increasing gas emissions. Reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and developing sustainable tillage practices can help mitigate climate change and increases the chances of stabilizing GHG concentrations and temperature control within a required range. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Re-imagining Afrikaner masculinity through conceptual fashion design
- Authors: Smit, Dalton
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54563 , vital:46708
- Description: Traditional Afrikaner culture has often been associated with conservative beliefs, giving patriarchal figures such as the husband and father superior status. Although South Africa has undergone social progression, large numbers in Afrikaner communities still live according to old, patriarchal norms. My perceptions of Afrikaner masculinity, informed by my cultural background, enforce patriarchy's functioning in some Afrikaner homes, allowing the development of rigid expectations of a male's self-expression. These mind-sets of what masculinity is do not align with my values, beliefs, and the visual presentation of my identity. With the application of autoethnographic inquiry in this practice-based study, I was able to analyse and interpret the nuanced discrimination against the performance of my male identity in an Afrikaner cultural context. I implemented autoethnographic and practice-based methods to respond to and challenge outdated and conservative views regarding the prevalence of Afrikaner masculine ideals and their negative implications. The contribution of the research practice is FYN BOI, a fictive persona constructed and performed by me. He represents a liberated facet of my identity whose reaction is rejection against the Afrikaner cultural opinions of me, and in turn, is fuelled by the criticism to provoke further and challenge these views. The conceptual garments created are considered his wardrobe, which he uses in his self-expression online. With this unconventional approach to a fashion study, disseminating the research practice online instead of a physical exhibition allows for the study to be accessed to audiences beyond academia's domain. This undertaking intends to contribute to the existing discourse of masculinity and prejudice against individuals' self-expression of their identity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Smit, Dalton
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54563 , vital:46708
- Description: Traditional Afrikaner culture has often been associated with conservative beliefs, giving patriarchal figures such as the husband and father superior status. Although South Africa has undergone social progression, large numbers in Afrikaner communities still live according to old, patriarchal norms. My perceptions of Afrikaner masculinity, informed by my cultural background, enforce patriarchy's functioning in some Afrikaner homes, allowing the development of rigid expectations of a male's self-expression. These mind-sets of what masculinity is do not align with my values, beliefs, and the visual presentation of my identity. With the application of autoethnographic inquiry in this practice-based study, I was able to analyse and interpret the nuanced discrimination against the performance of my male identity in an Afrikaner cultural context. I implemented autoethnographic and practice-based methods to respond to and challenge outdated and conservative views regarding the prevalence of Afrikaner masculine ideals and their negative implications. The contribution of the research practice is FYN BOI, a fictive persona constructed and performed by me. He represents a liberated facet of my identity whose reaction is rejection against the Afrikaner cultural opinions of me, and in turn, is fuelled by the criticism to provoke further and challenge these views. The conceptual garments created are considered his wardrobe, which he uses in his self-expression online. With this unconventional approach to a fashion study, disseminating the research practice online instead of a physical exhibition allows for the study to be accessed to audiences beyond academia's domain. This undertaking intends to contribute to the existing discourse of masculinity and prejudice against individuals' self-expression of their identity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Real-time feedback model for supporting individualised learning of programming students
- Authors: Keen, Charne
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53624 , vital:45691
- Description: Feedback is crucial to the enhancement of the learning and teaching environment, especially in those environments that suffer from a number of extrinsic challenges. The growing demands for educators to provide academic interventions throughout the lecture session and the need for continuous improvement of the quality of university education make it necessary to find and apply more effective and efficient educational technologies and practices based on the correlation of teaching with a student’s conceptual understanding and individual learning preference. Following a combination of Design Science Research (DSR) and Case Study Methodology, this research addresses this problem by designing a technology based real-time feedback (TBRTF) model that can easily be implemented in a South African University. The model designed followed a layered architecture pattern. The architecture describes the data, technology and user support layers of the model. The data support layer incorporates the collection of student academic data and learning preferences. The technology incorporates a machine learning component. The machine learning component covers two technological aspects: the prediction component and the clustering component. This TBRTF model provides the guidelines needed to develop a system that supports individualised real-time feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students. The aim of the model is that as the students partake in learning activities where the student data is updated, the monitoring component will fire, updating the probability of failure prediction and in turn the student clusters are regenerated. This will notify the educator of a change and provide decision making support. The student will be allocated individualised feedback in the form of learning materials based on the cluster that the student is allocated to. Through a demonstration and evaluation, this study showed that by following the proposed architecture of the TBRTF model, a model that supports individualised realtime feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students can be developed. The validation used an artificial neural network as the prediction component and a k-means clustering algorithm as the clustering component. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Keen, Charne
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53624 , vital:45691
- Description: Feedback is crucial to the enhancement of the learning and teaching environment, especially in those environments that suffer from a number of extrinsic challenges. The growing demands for educators to provide academic interventions throughout the lecture session and the need for continuous improvement of the quality of university education make it necessary to find and apply more effective and efficient educational technologies and practices based on the correlation of teaching with a student’s conceptual understanding and individual learning preference. Following a combination of Design Science Research (DSR) and Case Study Methodology, this research addresses this problem by designing a technology based real-time feedback (TBRTF) model that can easily be implemented in a South African University. The model designed followed a layered architecture pattern. The architecture describes the data, technology and user support layers of the model. The data support layer incorporates the collection of student academic data and learning preferences. The technology incorporates a machine learning component. The machine learning component covers two technological aspects: the prediction component and the clustering component. This TBRTF model provides the guidelines needed to develop a system that supports individualised real-time feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students. The aim of the model is that as the students partake in learning activities where the student data is updated, the monitoring component will fire, updating the probability of failure prediction and in turn the student clusters are regenerated. This will notify the educator of a change and provide decision making support. The student will be allocated individualised feedback in the form of learning materials based on the cluster that the student is allocated to. Through a demonstration and evaluation, this study showed that by following the proposed architecture of the TBRTF model, a model that supports individualised realtime feedback in the learning and teaching environment of programming students can be developed. The validation used an artificial neural network as the prediction component and a k-means clustering algorithm as the clustering component. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Studies on seed germination and response to fertilization of Amaranthus accessions collected in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Ramangoele, Mpaballeng Alinah
- Authors: Ramangoele, Mpaballeng Alinah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54112 , vital:46307
- Description: Studies were conducted at Döhne Agricultural Development Institute (D.A.D.I.), geographically located between latitude 32°31'34.077"S and longitude 27°27'37.473"E in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape Province from summer 2018 until autumn 2019.The objectives were to determine seed germination and seedling vigour of four local Amaranthus accessions and to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth, yield and nutrient composition. In the germination studies, herein referred to as Experiment 1,laboratory assessments were laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) replicated four times to test seed germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigour of four Amaranthus accessions namely: A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus 1, A. Hybridus and A. Retroflexus 2. Data collection included germination percentage, radicle length, co-efficient of velocity of germination and seedling vigour. A.Retroflexus2 gave the highest germination percentage in summer (85%) and autumn (87.75%).Seed weight resulted in the highest germination percentage and was observed to have shown a high positive correlation of {R2=0.91} in summer and{R2=0.92} in autumn respectively. The highest seedling vigour (p<0.001) in summer was attained from A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2.In the greenhouse in summer, the highest emergence percentage was observed from A. Hypochondriacus(93.00%), whilst in autumn it was A.Retroflexus2 (88.38%).A. Retroflexus1 was the least performer in both seasons. In summer, A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2 resulted in very high seedling vigour. In autumn A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus2 and A. Hybridus resulted in high seedling vigour and A. Retroflexus1 in moderate seedling vigour. The relationship observed between seed weight and seedling vigour showed a negative (inverse)correlation in summer {R2=0.58} and autumn {R2=0.62}.In Experiment 2, seedlings of A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus 2were transplanted in 5litrebasal perforated plastic pots which were filled with soil. The experimental layout was a CRD replicated four times. The treatments were: control (no amendment), goat manure, cattle manure and NPK fertilizer. Growth performance data were collected for plant height, the number of leaves and stem girth. In summer, when goat manure was applied both accessions resulted in the tallest plants (78.80cm) yet A. Retroflexus 2 and vA. Hypochondriacus gave the greatest stem girthand highest number of leaves respectively. In autumn, the tallest plants and highest number of leaves were observed from A. Retroflexus 2fertilized with NPK and the greatest stem girth was observed from A. Hypochondriacus fertilized with goat manure. The interaction of fertilization and accessions resulted in A. Retroflexus 2 fertilized with goat manure generating the greatest fresh shoot biomass (137.27g plant-1) and the least from the control. Both accessions fertilized with goat manure attained the greatest dry leaf biomass. Insummer, A.Retroflexus2 outperformed A. Hypochondriacus in calcium content despite the treatments. Unfertilized A. Retroflexus2 produced leaves with high potassium. Both unfertilized accessions showed the highest magnesium content. All A. Retroflexus2 treatments outperformed A. Hypochondriacus treatments on iron content except the control. The summer season was the best in terms of growth and yield of the tested accessions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ramangoele, Mpaballeng Alinah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54112 , vital:46307
- Description: Studies were conducted at Döhne Agricultural Development Institute (D.A.D.I.), geographically located between latitude 32°31'34.077"S and longitude 27°27'37.473"E in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape Province from summer 2018 until autumn 2019.The objectives were to determine seed germination and seedling vigour of four local Amaranthus accessions and to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth, yield and nutrient composition. In the germination studies, herein referred to as Experiment 1,laboratory assessments were laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) replicated four times to test seed germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigour of four Amaranthus accessions namely: A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus 1, A. Hybridus and A. Retroflexus 2. Data collection included germination percentage, radicle length, co-efficient of velocity of germination and seedling vigour. A.Retroflexus2 gave the highest germination percentage in summer (85%) and autumn (87.75%).Seed weight resulted in the highest germination percentage and was observed to have shown a high positive correlation of {R2=0.91} in summer and{R2=0.92} in autumn respectively. The highest seedling vigour (p<0.001) in summer was attained from A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2.In the greenhouse in summer, the highest emergence percentage was observed from A. Hypochondriacus(93.00%), whilst in autumn it was A.Retroflexus2 (88.38%).A. Retroflexus1 was the least performer in both seasons. In summer, A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus2 resulted in very high seedling vigour. In autumn A. Hypochondriacus, A. Retroflexus2 and A. Hybridus resulted in high seedling vigour and A. Retroflexus1 in moderate seedling vigour. The relationship observed between seed weight and seedling vigour showed a negative (inverse)correlation in summer {R2=0.58} and autumn {R2=0.62}.In Experiment 2, seedlings of A. Hypochondriacus and A. Retroflexus 2were transplanted in 5litrebasal perforated plastic pots which were filled with soil. The experimental layout was a CRD replicated four times. The treatments were: control (no amendment), goat manure, cattle manure and NPK fertilizer. Growth performance data were collected for plant height, the number of leaves and stem girth. In summer, when goat manure was applied both accessions resulted in the tallest plants (78.80cm) yet A. Retroflexus 2 and vA. Hypochondriacus gave the greatest stem girthand highest number of leaves respectively. In autumn, the tallest plants and highest number of leaves were observed from A. Retroflexus 2fertilized with NPK and the greatest stem girth was observed from A. Hypochondriacus fertilized with goat manure. The interaction of fertilization and accessions resulted in A. Retroflexus 2 fertilized with goat manure generating the greatest fresh shoot biomass (137.27g plant-1) and the least from the control. Both accessions fertilized with goat manure attained the greatest dry leaf biomass. Insummer, A.Retroflexus2 outperformed A. Hypochondriacus in calcium content despite the treatments. Unfertilized A. Retroflexus2 produced leaves with high potassium. Both unfertilized accessions showed the highest magnesium content. All A. Retroflexus2 treatments outperformed A. Hypochondriacus treatments on iron content except the control. The summer season was the best in terms of growth and yield of the tested accessions. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Synthesis and characterization of iron doped sodium and potassium titanates using the pechini sol-gel method
- Authors: Guga, Aluwani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53646 , vital:45683
- Description: Iron doped (Fe: 5Ti) sodium and potassium titanates were prepared by the Pechini sol-gel method and calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the titanate nanomaterials. A quantitative XRD analysis using Rietveld refinement of the titanates confirmed the powders to consist of crystalline phases with the Na2Ti7O15 and K2Ti8O17 phases predominant for the sodium and potassium titanate, respectively. This was further confirmed using selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the TEM. SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the titanates are consistent with a nanostructured material exhibiting rod-like morphology. The elemental compositions of the titanites were examined by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS and found to agree well with the targeted Fe to Ti ratio from synthesis. Limited evidence for the segregation of iron in the titanate regions were found indicating the iron to be incorporated within the titanate lattice. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) fine-structure analysis of the Fe L2,3 core-loss edge was successfully used to match the Fe to a 2+ or 3+ valence state, consistent with its occupation at Ti lattice sites. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the vibrational modes of the functional group of the sodium and potassium titanates. Vibrational modes consistent with previously reported findings for the titanate phases identified were found with no evidence of isolated Fe related modes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Guga, Aluwani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53646 , vital:45683
- Description: Iron doped (Fe: 5Ti) sodium and potassium titanates were prepared by the Pechini sol-gel method and calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the titanate nanomaterials. A quantitative XRD analysis using Rietveld refinement of the titanates confirmed the powders to consist of crystalline phases with the Na2Ti7O15 and K2Ti8O17 phases predominant for the sodium and potassium titanate, respectively. This was further confirmed using selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in the TEM. SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the titanates are consistent with a nanostructured material exhibiting rod-like morphology. The elemental compositions of the titanites were examined by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS and found to agree well with the targeted Fe to Ti ratio from synthesis. Limited evidence for the segregation of iron in the titanate regions were found indicating the iron to be incorporated within the titanate lattice. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) fine-structure analysis of the Fe L2,3 core-loss edge was successfully used to match the Fe to a 2+ or 3+ valence state, consistent with its occupation at Ti lattice sites. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the vibrational modes of the functional group of the sodium and potassium titanates. Vibrational modes consistent with previously reported findings for the titanate phases identified were found with no evidence of isolated Fe related modes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The aesthetics of hegemony: a speculative design proposal exploring the convergence of surveillance capitalism and brain-computer interface technologies in the future
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Davies, James Tibbott
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54417 , vital:46517
- Description: This study examines the power dynamics of surveillance capitalism, and its role in shaping cultural hegemony. The research was expressed using graphic design to illustrate a (potential) future where Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and surveillance capitalism converge. The critique focused on Google and Facebook’s hegemony in the data-surveillance marketplace and what role this has in shaping global discourse. Both companies are funding the development of BCIs, with the aim of using brain signals as a means of interacting with the digital world, which would give the two biggest advertising companies in the world access to new sources of data. A speculative design framework was utilized to visually question the societal implications of this emerging technology and the funding behind its development. A theoretical investigation of the concepts underpinning critical theory and critical design was conducted to help clarify and critically inform this methodological approach, promoting the use of practice-based design as a critically reflective investigative tool. The resulting artefacts designed using this process were showcased in the form of a website and video that act as a visual embodiment the research, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach and the value of using communication design as a mechanism to question the status quo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The benefits of community music on individuals in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Rossouw, Carolyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54552 , vital:46703
- Description: Countless research studies have outlined the benefits of Community Music engagement. Community Music is a global phenomenon that offers benefits to and across both international and national music projects. There are many forms of Community Music, including choral groups, instrumentalists, bands, and other ensembles. A variety of reasons or perspectives exist as to why participants engage in Community Music activities, such as the benefits that they gain when engaging in a project and/or the experiences of learning music in a social context. Characteristics of Community Music entail voluntary participation for individuals from all walks of life (e.g., those of high or low socio-economic standing, different races, and/or different levels of mental and/or emotional well-being). This study investigated three Community Music projects that take place at three different churches in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Community Music projects described in this study were different to those that are usually described in academic studies in so far as they are not aimed at social reform, social intervention, creative possibilities, or self-expression. Instead, this study focussed on investigating Community Music in Port Elizabeth based purely on creative possibilities and self-expression in order to better understand the benefits it can have on the individuals and community taking part therein. The Community Music projects described in this study involve both adult and youth participants and all fall under ‘church music’. Specifically, the projects consist of an adult church choir, a youth worship band, and an instrumental ensemble. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study approach was adopted, and data were gathered through observations, unstructured interviews, and both audio-visual and written materials. Themes emerged from the study that have been categorised as follows: social benefits, well-being benefits, spiritual benefits, musical skills development benefits, and leadership benefits. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Rossouw, Carolyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54552 , vital:46703
- Description: Countless research studies have outlined the benefits of Community Music engagement. Community Music is a global phenomenon that offers benefits to and across both international and national music projects. There are many forms of Community Music, including choral groups, instrumentalists, bands, and other ensembles. A variety of reasons or perspectives exist as to why participants engage in Community Music activities, such as the benefits that they gain when engaging in a project and/or the experiences of learning music in a social context. Characteristics of Community Music entail voluntary participation for individuals from all walks of life (e.g., those of high or low socio-economic standing, different races, and/or different levels of mental and/or emotional well-being). This study investigated three Community Music projects that take place at three different churches in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Community Music projects described in this study were different to those that are usually described in academic studies in so far as they are not aimed at social reform, social intervention, creative possibilities, or self-expression. Instead, this study focussed on investigating Community Music in Port Elizabeth based purely on creative possibilities and self-expression in order to better understand the benefits it can have on the individuals and community taking part therein. The Community Music projects described in this study involve both adult and youth participants and all fall under ‘church music’. Specifically, the projects consist of an adult church choir, a youth worship band, and an instrumental ensemble. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study approach was adopted, and data were gathered through observations, unstructured interviews, and both audio-visual and written materials. Themes emerged from the study that have been categorised as follows: social benefits, well-being benefits, spiritual benefits, musical skills development benefits, and leadership benefits. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12