Exploring how the integration of indigenous knowledge in the topic of acids and bases influences Grade 10 Physical Science learners’ conceptions, dispositions and sense-making
- Authors: Haimene, Johanna Shetulimba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Science -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Curriculum planning -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94996 , vital:31105
- Description: The inclusion of indigenous knowledge (IK) in science education is gaining momentum. That is, it is acknowledged that the starting point in learning is what learners already know from their homes or community. This will be consolidated by what these learners will learn in classroom. It is for this reason that the Namibia National Curriculum for Basic Education (NCBE) advocates Learner Centred Education (LCE). The Physical science syllabus also encourages the use of practical activities to enhance the conceptual understanding of the learners. However, the views and beliefs that learners have towards science influence their learning of science. Looking at the same context, various studies carried out have pointed out that the attitude of learners towards the subject influences their performance in that specific subject. It is against this background that this study sought to explore how the integration of indigenous knowledge in lessons on acids and bases influences (or not) learners’ conceptions, dispositions, interest and sense-making. This study used a mixed-method approach whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. It is underpinned by the interpretive paradigm. Within the interpretive paradigm a case study approach was employed. The study was carried out with the Grade 10B Physical Science learners at Namaela Secondary School (Pseudonym) in the Oshikoto Region. To generate data, a variety of data generation techniques were employed, namely pre-and post-intervention questionnaires, pre-and post-test, observations, learners’ journal reflections and semi-structured interviews. Conceptions, dispositions and sense-making, and Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory were used as a lens to analyse the data. A deductive-inductive approach was adopted for data analysis. The findings from the study revealed that learners were able to make sense of science concepts when IK is integrated in the lessons. Additionally, the learners’ conceptions and dispositions shifted positively due to the use of the everyday materials. It emerged that learners were able to learn science well when they link their everyday experiences to school science. This study thus recommends that teachers should be encouraged to integrate IK in their lessons. In order for teachers to effectively integrate IK, the curriculum developers should be explicit on how teachers should integrate IK in their lessons. Moreover, teacher-training institutions should include ways of integrating IK when they are training teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Haimene, Johanna Shetulimba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Science -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Curriculum planning -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94996 , vital:31105
- Description: The inclusion of indigenous knowledge (IK) in science education is gaining momentum. That is, it is acknowledged that the starting point in learning is what learners already know from their homes or community. This will be consolidated by what these learners will learn in classroom. It is for this reason that the Namibia National Curriculum for Basic Education (NCBE) advocates Learner Centred Education (LCE). The Physical science syllabus also encourages the use of practical activities to enhance the conceptual understanding of the learners. However, the views and beliefs that learners have towards science influence their learning of science. Looking at the same context, various studies carried out have pointed out that the attitude of learners towards the subject influences their performance in that specific subject. It is against this background that this study sought to explore how the integration of indigenous knowledge in lessons on acids and bases influences (or not) learners’ conceptions, dispositions, interest and sense-making. This study used a mixed-method approach whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. It is underpinned by the interpretive paradigm. Within the interpretive paradigm a case study approach was employed. The study was carried out with the Grade 10B Physical Science learners at Namaela Secondary School (Pseudonym) in the Oshikoto Region. To generate data, a variety of data generation techniques were employed, namely pre-and post-intervention questionnaires, pre-and post-test, observations, learners’ journal reflections and semi-structured interviews. Conceptions, dispositions and sense-making, and Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory were used as a lens to analyse the data. A deductive-inductive approach was adopted for data analysis. The findings from the study revealed that learners were able to make sense of science concepts when IK is integrated in the lessons. Additionally, the learners’ conceptions and dispositions shifted positively due to the use of the everyday materials. It emerged that learners were able to learn science well when they link their everyday experiences to school science. This study thus recommends that teachers should be encouraged to integrate IK in their lessons. In order for teachers to effectively integrate IK, the curriculum developers should be explicit on how teachers should integrate IK in their lessons. Moreover, teacher-training institutions should include ways of integrating IK when they are training teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring Intersemiotic Complementarity in three Namibian Physical Science teachers’ classroom practice
- Authors: Nakakuwa, Tomas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Semiotics , Communication in science , Communication in education , Physical sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Science -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Language and education -- Namibia , Science teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Visual learning , Verbal learning
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96812 , vital:31324
- Description: The Namibian Science curriculum promotes learners’ development of self-confidence, self-knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. The world we live in is increasingly multimodal, necessitating a multiliteracy in learners in order for them to engage meaningfully with knowledge and skills. Furthermore, scientists themselves engage in a range of inscription practices. While verbal language is the primary medium through which scientific knowledge and concepts are constructed, communicated, and learned, visuals can help learners to gain knowledge that they may not receive from verbal explanation alone. The verbal and visual semiotic modes can also function in a complementarity way, and this is significant in contexts where science lessons are for the most part in a second language - as is the case in Namibia where the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) of English is commonly not the learners’ mother tongue. However, no studies were found exploring the nature of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in the practice of Namibian science teachers, or whether it was related to the number of years of science teaching experience. This study thus aimed to explore the dynamics of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in the classroom practice of three Junior Secondary Physical Science teachers, with varying amounts of science teaching experience, in the Oshana region of Namibia. This qualitative case study, on the dynamics of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in science teacher classroom practice follows in the path of earlier studies which employed Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) in the analysis of multimodal discourse. This thesis is also informed by Social Constructivism in which the various semiotic modes are recognised as components of the toolkit for mediating learning. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm. Data collection involved lesson observations and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis involved identification and coding of themes and categories inductively. The results reveal that the participant teachers employed the full range of intersemiotic sense relations which literature outlines. It was found that the ideational meanings in the verbal and visual modes of the science teachers’ practice are lexico-semantically related through these intersemiotic sense relations. While some teachers utilised some intersemiotic sense relations more often than others, there were no correspondences evident between the use of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity and the number of years of science teaching experience. The results also indicated that different intersemiotic sense relations served different purposes in the science classroom. The verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in the participant teachers’ practice tended to focus on: physical material, processes, symbolism or resemblance. This study has significant implications, providing an empirical basis for informing pre-service Physical Science teachers’ training and guiding the in-service training of Physical Science teachers in Namibia. Since its effective use may not be left up to teaching experience, Namibian Physical Science teacher training programmes need to include the use of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in order to equip and empower Physical Science teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nakakuwa, Tomas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Semiotics , Communication in science , Communication in education , Physical sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Science -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Language and education -- Namibia , Science teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Visual learning , Verbal learning
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96812 , vital:31324
- Description: The Namibian Science curriculum promotes learners’ development of self-confidence, self-knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. The world we live in is increasingly multimodal, necessitating a multiliteracy in learners in order for them to engage meaningfully with knowledge and skills. Furthermore, scientists themselves engage in a range of inscription practices. While verbal language is the primary medium through which scientific knowledge and concepts are constructed, communicated, and learned, visuals can help learners to gain knowledge that they may not receive from verbal explanation alone. The verbal and visual semiotic modes can also function in a complementarity way, and this is significant in contexts where science lessons are for the most part in a second language - as is the case in Namibia where the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) of English is commonly not the learners’ mother tongue. However, no studies were found exploring the nature of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in the practice of Namibian science teachers, or whether it was related to the number of years of science teaching experience. This study thus aimed to explore the dynamics of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in the classroom practice of three Junior Secondary Physical Science teachers, with varying amounts of science teaching experience, in the Oshana region of Namibia. This qualitative case study, on the dynamics of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in science teacher classroom practice follows in the path of earlier studies which employed Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) in the analysis of multimodal discourse. This thesis is also informed by Social Constructivism in which the various semiotic modes are recognised as components of the toolkit for mediating learning. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm. Data collection involved lesson observations and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis involved identification and coding of themes and categories inductively. The results reveal that the participant teachers employed the full range of intersemiotic sense relations which literature outlines. It was found that the ideational meanings in the verbal and visual modes of the science teachers’ practice are lexico-semantically related through these intersemiotic sense relations. While some teachers utilised some intersemiotic sense relations more often than others, there were no correspondences evident between the use of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity and the number of years of science teaching experience. The results also indicated that different intersemiotic sense relations served different purposes in the science classroom. The verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in the participant teachers’ practice tended to focus on: physical material, processes, symbolism or resemblance. This study has significant implications, providing an empirical basis for informing pre-service Physical Science teachers’ training and guiding the in-service training of Physical Science teachers in Namibia. Since its effective use may not be left up to teaching experience, Namibian Physical Science teacher training programmes need to include the use of verbal-visual intersemiotic complementarity in order to equip and empower Physical Science teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring Lay people’s understanding of substance abuse
- Authors: Ranase, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Psychology -- Qualitative research -- South Africa , Social constructionism -- South Africa , Lay analysis (Psychoanalysis) -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , Dependency (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114881 , vital:34046
- Description: South Africa has been identified as one of the drug centres of the world (UNODC, 2016). Substance abuse has been implicated in violent crimes and accidental deaths, as well as in the increasing the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases (Harker Burnhams & Parry, 2015; Pasche & Myers, 2012; van Heerden et al., 2009). Even though substance abuse is evidently a challenge facing South Africa, there is currently a paucity of literature exploring how substance abuse is understood, specifically among lay people. Research indicates that there is a clear need for qualitative inquiry on lay people’s understanding of substance abuse (Keatley et al, 2017; Lang & Rosenberg, 2017; Sorsdahl et al., 2012 ). Available South African research in this area centres on trends, attitudes and perceptions of substance abuse (Sorsdahl, Stein, & Myers, 2012). Previous studies indicate that professionals often define substance abuse according to observable indicators, as well as the type of substance used (APA, 2013). Research shows that lay people tend to lean towards moral models of understanding, in contrast to professionals who align with the medical models. Located within social constructionism, this study provides insight into how the understanding of substance abuse is shaped by society (Gergen & Gergen, 1996). This study aims to explore how lay people understand substance abuse and use, and whether this understanding confirms or contradicts that of professionals/DSM. The study made use of an exploratory research design. The sampling procedures used was a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A total of 50 participants were recruited and twelve focus groups were conducted. The information was analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: severity of substance abuse; use, abuse and dependence; functionality; loss of control; gateway substance use and experimenting; and mental health literacy. The findings of this study indicate that lay peoples’ understanding of substance abuse centres on the impact that substance use and abuse have on peoples’ lives. Further suggested by the findings is that, lay people often associate poor interpersonal relationships, functionality or lack thereof and loss of control with substance abuse problems. This view is consistent with that of professionals and the DSM5 (APA, 2013). The findings of this research indicate that there are similarities in the views of lay people and those of professionals regarding substance abuse problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ranase, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Psychology -- Qualitative research -- South Africa , Social constructionism -- South Africa , Lay analysis (Psychoanalysis) -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , Dependency (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114881 , vital:34046
- Description: South Africa has been identified as one of the drug centres of the world (UNODC, 2016). Substance abuse has been implicated in violent crimes and accidental deaths, as well as in the increasing the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases (Harker Burnhams & Parry, 2015; Pasche & Myers, 2012; van Heerden et al., 2009). Even though substance abuse is evidently a challenge facing South Africa, there is currently a paucity of literature exploring how substance abuse is understood, specifically among lay people. Research indicates that there is a clear need for qualitative inquiry on lay people’s understanding of substance abuse (Keatley et al, 2017; Lang & Rosenberg, 2017; Sorsdahl et al., 2012 ). Available South African research in this area centres on trends, attitudes and perceptions of substance abuse (Sorsdahl, Stein, & Myers, 2012). Previous studies indicate that professionals often define substance abuse according to observable indicators, as well as the type of substance used (APA, 2013). Research shows that lay people tend to lean towards moral models of understanding, in contrast to professionals who align with the medical models. Located within social constructionism, this study provides insight into how the understanding of substance abuse is shaped by society (Gergen & Gergen, 1996). This study aims to explore how lay people understand substance abuse and use, and whether this understanding confirms or contradicts that of professionals/DSM. The study made use of an exploratory research design. The sampling procedures used was a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A total of 50 participants were recruited and twelve focus groups were conducted. The information was analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: severity of substance abuse; use, abuse and dependence; functionality; loss of control; gateway substance use and experimenting; and mental health literacy. The findings of this study indicate that lay peoples’ understanding of substance abuse centres on the impact that substance use and abuse have on peoples’ lives. Further suggested by the findings is that, lay people often associate poor interpersonal relationships, functionality or lack thereof and loss of control with substance abuse problems. This view is consistent with that of professionals and the DSM5 (APA, 2013). The findings of this research indicate that there are similarities in the views of lay people and those of professionals regarding substance abuse problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring multiple dimensions of identiy development in black South African adolescents
- Authors: Buso, Masimbulele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenagers, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96702 , vital:31310
- Description: South Africa, just like most African countries, is a country rich in social, political and economic history due to colonisation, specifically the apartheid system. The current socio-political and economic climate of the country is said to influence the process of identity development and formation during adolescence. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to explore the various identities that black adolescents are exploring given the context of the country. Additionally, the aim of this research was to explore the methods in which adolescents utilise to develop their identity and the challenges encountered during this process. The study made use of three data collection methods; a Short Reflective exercise, a Nominal Group Technique and Focus Groups. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to generate main themes and sub themes. The main themes discussed in this study revealed that adolescents experiences multiple aspects of their identity, which exist in a complex interwoven system influenced by both external and internal factors. The main challenge was the difficulty in integrating the dominant westernised/individualistic ideology with the collectivistic ideology that adolescents are raised according to. Overall, the study indicated that the majority of the participants had a positive self-concept and a positive outlook with regards to their future. Recommendations emphasise the need for further research that would be based on the South African context to further explore black identity and to gain contextual information that can be used to combat some of the social issues that the South African youth is challenged with.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Buso, Masimbulele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) , Adolescent psychology -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) in adolescence -- South Africa , Teenagers, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96702 , vital:31310
- Description: South Africa, just like most African countries, is a country rich in social, political and economic history due to colonisation, specifically the apartheid system. The current socio-political and economic climate of the country is said to influence the process of identity development and formation during adolescence. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to explore the various identities that black adolescents are exploring given the context of the country. Additionally, the aim of this research was to explore the methods in which adolescents utilise to develop their identity and the challenges encountered during this process. The study made use of three data collection methods; a Short Reflective exercise, a Nominal Group Technique and Focus Groups. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to generate main themes and sub themes. The main themes discussed in this study revealed that adolescents experiences multiple aspects of their identity, which exist in a complex interwoven system influenced by both external and internal factors. The main challenge was the difficulty in integrating the dominant westernised/individualistic ideology with the collectivistic ideology that adolescents are raised according to. Overall, the study indicated that the majority of the participants had a positive self-concept and a positive outlook with regards to their future. Recommendations emphasise the need for further research that would be based on the South African context to further explore black identity and to gain contextual information that can be used to combat some of the social issues that the South African youth is challenged with.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring mythical creatures and their influence on mental health amongst black South Africans residing in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Supernatural beliefs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44717 , vital:38150
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well - being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing Running Head: EXPLORATION OF MYTHICAL CREATURES AND MENTAL HEALTH 9 fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well - being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Supernatural beliefs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44717 , vital:38150
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well - being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing Running Head: EXPLORATION OF MYTHICAL CREATURES AND MENTAL HEALTH 9 fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well - being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring Mythical creatures and their influence on mental health amongst black South Africans residing in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mythology Cultural psychiatry Psychiatry, Transcultural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45075 , vital:38231
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well-being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology. Considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mythology Cultural psychiatry Psychiatry, Transcultural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45075 , vital:38231
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well-being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology. Considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring opportunities for integrating indigenous knowledge and practices into animal husbandry in Grade 10 Agricultural Science lessons
- Authors: Siseho, Robert Simwanza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96790 , vital:31320
- Description: The performance of learners in Agricultural Science at secondary schools in the Omaheke region of Namibia is worrisome. For some years performance in the subject has been below the national average, even though the region is known for its agricultural activities. My assumption is that this could be compounded by the fact that even though the Namibian curriculum encourages teachers to integrate local or indigenous knowledge (IK) in their lessons, it is not clear how this should be executed. It is against this background that this study set out to explore opportunities for integrating indigenous animal husbandry knowledge and practices into the animal husbandry section of Namibian Grade 10 Agricultural Science lessons. This was a qualitative case study underpinned by the interpretive paradigm. The study first focused on finding out what practices and knowledge might be integrated into animal husbandry within Grade 10 Agricultural Science. Secondly, it aimed at finding strategies for integrating indigenous knowledge into Grade 10 Agricultural Science. Thirdly, using my experience of co-developing model lessons with two Grade 10 Agricultural Science teachers, it sought to identify what assistance teachers need to integrate IK. The fourth goal was to observe the lessons taught in order to find out how the two teachers mediated the lessons featuring IK. Data were collected using interviews, workshop discussions, observations (videotaped lessons) and reflections. The data were validated through member checking and triangulation via various techniques. I used Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory and Wenger’s (1998) community of practice as a composite lens to analyse my data. The findings showed that there is indigenous knowledge in animal husbandry of disease prevention and treatment, the feeding of livestock, castration, de-horning and parasite control. Strategies to integrate IK included inviting or visiting parents or farmers, using the learners’ mother tongue and exploiting local resources. It emerged that teachers need help with teaching strategies, the development of worksheets, lesson planning and the use of technology. The mediation of the lessons included use of the chalkboard and a data projector, worksheets, the teacher assisting learners, and learners assisting one another. The study recommends that teachers integrate IK into their lessons to contextualize learning, increase learners’ participation in class and enhance their understanding of science. It also recommends that curriculum developers make it clear how IK should be integrated and assessed. The study further recommends that institutions of higher education should train teachers on how to integrate IK in the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Siseho, Robert Simwanza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96790 , vital:31320
- Description: The performance of learners in Agricultural Science at secondary schools in the Omaheke region of Namibia is worrisome. For some years performance in the subject has been below the national average, even though the region is known for its agricultural activities. My assumption is that this could be compounded by the fact that even though the Namibian curriculum encourages teachers to integrate local or indigenous knowledge (IK) in their lessons, it is not clear how this should be executed. It is against this background that this study set out to explore opportunities for integrating indigenous animal husbandry knowledge and practices into the animal husbandry section of Namibian Grade 10 Agricultural Science lessons. This was a qualitative case study underpinned by the interpretive paradigm. The study first focused on finding out what practices and knowledge might be integrated into animal husbandry within Grade 10 Agricultural Science. Secondly, it aimed at finding strategies for integrating indigenous knowledge into Grade 10 Agricultural Science. Thirdly, using my experience of co-developing model lessons with two Grade 10 Agricultural Science teachers, it sought to identify what assistance teachers need to integrate IK. The fourth goal was to observe the lessons taught in order to find out how the two teachers mediated the lessons featuring IK. Data were collected using interviews, workshop discussions, observations (videotaped lessons) and reflections. The data were validated through member checking and triangulation via various techniques. I used Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory and Wenger’s (1998) community of practice as a composite lens to analyse my data. The findings showed that there is indigenous knowledge in animal husbandry of disease prevention and treatment, the feeding of livestock, castration, de-horning and parasite control. Strategies to integrate IK included inviting or visiting parents or farmers, using the learners’ mother tongue and exploiting local resources. It emerged that teachers need help with teaching strategies, the development of worksheets, lesson planning and the use of technology. The mediation of the lessons included use of the chalkboard and a data projector, worksheets, the teacher assisting learners, and learners assisting one another. The study recommends that teachers integrate IK into their lessons to contextualize learning, increase learners’ participation in class and enhance their understanding of science. It also recommends that curriculum developers make it clear how IK should be integrated and assessed. The study further recommends that institutions of higher education should train teachers on how to integrate IK in the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring Teacher Assessment Practices in The General Education and Training Level in Junior Secondary Schools in Mthatha Education District
- Authors: Novukela, Cawe Sandys
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3460 , vital:43409
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is one of the largest and most important public health emergencies of our time that has resulted in human suffering and huge financial implications for organisations, governments and individuals (IDF Atlas, 2015). Furthermore there is growing evidence that a number of employees are overstretched in their work environments and this has resulted in stress and burnout (McCormack and Cotter, 2013). This study investigated the effects of diabetes mellitus on burnout among WSU employees as well as the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and burnout. A mixed method research design using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed in order to explore the effects of diabetes on burnout as well as the prevalence of diabetes and burnout at WSU. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather quantitative data and semi-structured interviews were used for the qualitative data collection. A total number of 169 participants were involved in this study. This included 154 participants and 15 participants who were selected for the quantitative and qualitative respectively using random sampling technique and purposive sampling method. The quantitative data was analysed using Stata version 13. The study findings indicated that the prevalence of diabetes at WSU was 16% and 57% participants were burned out. It was further found that the majority of participants (58%) who were diabetic also suffered from burnout. The relationship between diabetes and burnout was found to be significant. Qualitative data analysis involved coding data and analysing the emerging themes to form the basis of the findings. The results of the study found an emerging problem of high level of burnout and also a significant number of employees who were diabetic. A combination of these two conditions poses a challenge to the continued uninterrupted functioning of WSU. It is recommended that the university should educate its employees about diabetes and burnout as well as create an environment that promotes healthy lifestyle. A model has been developed that could help deal with diabetes and burnout. , Thesis - Faculty of Health Sciences, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Novukela, Cawe Sandys
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3460 , vital:43409
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is one of the largest and most important public health emergencies of our time that has resulted in human suffering and huge financial implications for organisations, governments and individuals (IDF Atlas, 2015). Furthermore there is growing evidence that a number of employees are overstretched in their work environments and this has resulted in stress and burnout (McCormack and Cotter, 2013). This study investigated the effects of diabetes mellitus on burnout among WSU employees as well as the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and burnout. A mixed method research design using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed in order to explore the effects of diabetes on burnout as well as the prevalence of diabetes and burnout at WSU. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather quantitative data and semi-structured interviews were used for the qualitative data collection. A total number of 169 participants were involved in this study. This included 154 participants and 15 participants who were selected for the quantitative and qualitative respectively using random sampling technique and purposive sampling method. The quantitative data was analysed using Stata version 13. The study findings indicated that the prevalence of diabetes at WSU was 16% and 57% participants were burned out. It was further found that the majority of participants (58%) who were diabetic also suffered from burnout. The relationship between diabetes and burnout was found to be significant. Qualitative data analysis involved coding data and analysing the emerging themes to form the basis of the findings. The results of the study found an emerging problem of high level of burnout and also a significant number of employees who were diabetic. A combination of these two conditions poses a challenge to the continued uninterrupted functioning of WSU. It is recommended that the university should educate its employees about diabetes and burnout as well as create an environment that promotes healthy lifestyle. A model has been developed that could help deal with diabetes and burnout. , Thesis - Faculty of Health Sciences, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the financial giving behaviours at a congregational church in Port Elizabeth: a qualitative study
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: United Congregational Church of Southern Africa , Bantu Congregational Church in South Africa Church finance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Finance -- Psychological aspects Investments -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43990 , vital:37090
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: United Congregational Church of Southern Africa , Bantu Congregational Church in South Africa Church finance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Finance -- Psychological aspects Investments -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43990 , vital:37090
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the financial giving behaviours at a congregational church in Port Elizabeth: a qualitative study
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tithes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43979 , vital:37089
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; iv Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tithes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43979 , vital:37089
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; iv Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the influence of management practice on mesopredator and herbivore occupancy and interactions
- Authors: Winterton, Deborah Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Herbivores -- Habitat -- Conservation , Herbivores -- Habitat Herbivores -- Conservation Herbivores -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44368 , vital:37159
- Description: Ecological studies need to consider ecological interactions between species and their environment across trophic levels. This complexity not only makes the study of ecology very challenging but it also means that ecosystems are vulnerable to change as a disruption at any of the levels could result in cascading effects through the hierarchy. This sensitivity to change makes it especially important to understand ecosystem function as this is needed for effective and adaptive conservation management. A key way in which humans drive and change ecosystem function is through land use and associated management practice. A primary objective of many protected areas is restoration of natural function through re-introduction of large ungulates, which are often fenced and small, thus requiring intensive management that can influence ecosystem function. This is true of the West Coast National Park (the park). Small antelope abundance, and associated drivers, in the contractual Postberg section of the park have been a long-term management question. Postberg is a small (1800 ha) fenced and isolated section of the park which was historically used for agriculture (livestock grazing and some cultivation) and later large wild ungulate species were re-introduced and kept at high densities. The perception of a lower abundance of small antelope has been attributed to predation by a mesopredator (Caracal caracal), however interspecific competition and habitat quality is also known to influence species abundance. Therefore, I aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of small antelope occurrence in the region and how this might differ across three sites with different management practices. Using 18 camera traps, I documented the occurrence of small, medium and large ungulates and caracal. My study spanned across three areas that each represented different forms of management practice with regards to fencing, and stocking rates of managed ungulate species. I made use of single-season, single-species occupancy models in R to assess occupancy of small antelope and caracal and I used the abundance induced heterogeneity model to estimate abundance of managed ungulates. I employed the single-season, two-species occupancy model in PRESENCE to explore species co-occurrence and interactions. Activity patterns and temporal overlap between managed ungulates, small antelope and caracal were assessed using the overlap and activity packages in R. Vegetation height appears to be an important driver of common duiker occupancy. Fallow lands were strongly favoured by managed ungulates suggesting that they may be utilising these patches for foraging. Small antelope occupancy was highest outside of the park and caracal detections were lowest outside of the park. The low detection of caracal across all areas, along with the known diet of caracals, suggests that predation is not likely the driver of small antelope occurrence. Our data suggest that co-occurrence between small antelope and managed ungulates is high and that these sympatric species have probably partitioned food resources. I found that small antelope were mostly crepuscular, managed ungulates more diurnal while caracal were primarily nocturnal. There was a high overlap between small antelope and managed ungulate activity while overlap between caracal and small antelope indicates some temporal partitioning. Overall I found some effects of inter-specific interactions at the local scale. There was, however, no consistent pattern across the areas which, in line with literature, suggests large scale ecological trends are difficult to detect at local scales. Due to the heterogeneity of the region’s vegetation, coupled with the small size of the biome and extensive fragmentation by land use, there are few areas which adequately represent the biome to test how large ungulates would utilise the area at a large scale. This has important implications for the management of small protected areas in the region who are mandated to restore these areas to their historical and natural function. The ability of conservation managers to meet objectives of restoring parks to their historical function, and maintaining these systems as such, may be questioned if our protected areas are not meeting the spatial requirements of re-introduced species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Winterton, Deborah Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Herbivores -- Habitat -- Conservation , Herbivores -- Habitat Herbivores -- Conservation Herbivores -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44368 , vital:37159
- Description: Ecological studies need to consider ecological interactions between species and their environment across trophic levels. This complexity not only makes the study of ecology very challenging but it also means that ecosystems are vulnerable to change as a disruption at any of the levels could result in cascading effects through the hierarchy. This sensitivity to change makes it especially important to understand ecosystem function as this is needed for effective and adaptive conservation management. A key way in which humans drive and change ecosystem function is through land use and associated management practice. A primary objective of many protected areas is restoration of natural function through re-introduction of large ungulates, which are often fenced and small, thus requiring intensive management that can influence ecosystem function. This is true of the West Coast National Park (the park). Small antelope abundance, and associated drivers, in the contractual Postberg section of the park have been a long-term management question. Postberg is a small (1800 ha) fenced and isolated section of the park which was historically used for agriculture (livestock grazing and some cultivation) and later large wild ungulate species were re-introduced and kept at high densities. The perception of a lower abundance of small antelope has been attributed to predation by a mesopredator (Caracal caracal), however interspecific competition and habitat quality is also known to influence species abundance. Therefore, I aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of small antelope occurrence in the region and how this might differ across three sites with different management practices. Using 18 camera traps, I documented the occurrence of small, medium and large ungulates and caracal. My study spanned across three areas that each represented different forms of management practice with regards to fencing, and stocking rates of managed ungulate species. I made use of single-season, single-species occupancy models in R to assess occupancy of small antelope and caracal and I used the abundance induced heterogeneity model to estimate abundance of managed ungulates. I employed the single-season, two-species occupancy model in PRESENCE to explore species co-occurrence and interactions. Activity patterns and temporal overlap between managed ungulates, small antelope and caracal were assessed using the overlap and activity packages in R. Vegetation height appears to be an important driver of common duiker occupancy. Fallow lands were strongly favoured by managed ungulates suggesting that they may be utilising these patches for foraging. Small antelope occupancy was highest outside of the park and caracal detections were lowest outside of the park. The low detection of caracal across all areas, along with the known diet of caracals, suggests that predation is not likely the driver of small antelope occurrence. Our data suggest that co-occurrence between small antelope and managed ungulates is high and that these sympatric species have probably partitioned food resources. I found that small antelope were mostly crepuscular, managed ungulates more diurnal while caracal were primarily nocturnal. There was a high overlap between small antelope and managed ungulate activity while overlap between caracal and small antelope indicates some temporal partitioning. Overall I found some effects of inter-specific interactions at the local scale. There was, however, no consistent pattern across the areas which, in line with literature, suggests large scale ecological trends are difficult to detect at local scales. Due to the heterogeneity of the region’s vegetation, coupled with the small size of the biome and extensive fragmentation by land use, there are few areas which adequately represent the biome to test how large ungulates would utilise the area at a large scale. This has important implications for the management of small protected areas in the region who are mandated to restore these areas to their historical and natural function. The ability of conservation managers to meet objectives of restoring parks to their historical function, and maintaining these systems as such, may be questioned if our protected areas are not meeting the spatial requirements of re-introduced species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the interplay of sociolinguistic factors in the teaching of esl at secondary school level in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Jhamba , Duren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15770 , vital:40522
- Description: The researcher noted that earlier second language teaching models tended to treat language as an artefact to be scrutinised and adhered to with grammatical precision. This tended to reduce all language learning to the mere acquisition of grammatical skills. However, since all language behaviour is embedded in sociocultural and contextual frameworks, all teaching should provide cross-cultural awareness of that complexity as well as of the internal variation within language. Therefore, the research explored the interplay of sociolinguistic factors in the teaching of English in Zimbabwe. The Mixed Methods design; a combination of the descriptive survey and the case study was adopted. The questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis methods were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to assess the role of sociolinguistic factors in second language teaching pedagogy. A combination of convenient sampling and stratified random sampling was used to come up with a sample representative of the school categories and the gender of teachers in the 38 secondary schools in Gweru District. The data for the research was collected from a random sample of 50 teachers. The data analysis supported the need for a reconceptualisation of ESL teaching in Zimbabwe. Notably, language teaching tended to be exam-centric, unimaginative and not well linked to the needs of the learners in the communicative environment outside the school. This confirmed the initial observation that the secondary school graduates generally lacked sociolinguistic competence skills. The teachers were, however generally not motivated to include culture and sociolinguistics in their teaching. The research therefore recommended a revisit of the 7 | Page allowance for the interplay of sociolinguistic factors at all the planning stages of the ESL curriculum; the status, corpus and acquisition stages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jhamba , Duren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15770 , vital:40522
- Description: The researcher noted that earlier second language teaching models tended to treat language as an artefact to be scrutinised and adhered to with grammatical precision. This tended to reduce all language learning to the mere acquisition of grammatical skills. However, since all language behaviour is embedded in sociocultural and contextual frameworks, all teaching should provide cross-cultural awareness of that complexity as well as of the internal variation within language. Therefore, the research explored the interplay of sociolinguistic factors in the teaching of English in Zimbabwe. The Mixed Methods design; a combination of the descriptive survey and the case study was adopted. The questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis methods were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to assess the role of sociolinguistic factors in second language teaching pedagogy. A combination of convenient sampling and stratified random sampling was used to come up with a sample representative of the school categories and the gender of teachers in the 38 secondary schools in Gweru District. The data for the research was collected from a random sample of 50 teachers. The data analysis supported the need for a reconceptualisation of ESL teaching in Zimbabwe. Notably, language teaching tended to be exam-centric, unimaginative and not well linked to the needs of the learners in the communicative environment outside the school. This confirmed the initial observation that the secondary school graduates generally lacked sociolinguistic competence skills. The teachers were, however generally not motivated to include culture and sociolinguistics in their teaching. The research therefore recommended a revisit of the 7 | Page allowance for the interplay of sociolinguistic factors at all the planning stages of the ESL curriculum; the status, corpus and acquisition stages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the management-union relationship at a large automotive manufacturer
- Authors: Le Roux, Loreen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40382 , vital:36154
- Description: The South African labour environment makes a significant contribution to the country’s ability to function within a social market economy. Labour instability deters foreign investment and has had a negative impact on productivity levels. It would, therefore, be of value to the field of labour relations to consider how the management-union relationship at an organisational level can be improved to encourage a stable, effective and collective relationship. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore and describe the nature of the management-union relationship, including both the confrontational and cooperative elements of interaction, at a large automotive MANUFACTURER that operates within a multinational group. The study explored the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework, which was once or is regarded as the benchmark of Industrial Relations structures within the South African context. This was due to its implementation of an adapted Co-determination Model of employee participation from as early as 1994; thus, providing an opportunity to study a long-established and mature management-union relationship. The relationship was regarded as an aspect of the Industrial Relations climate and focused on interaction within the MANUFACTURER’s Industrial Relations Framework (three committees being the Joint Strategic Workshop, Plant Committee and Negotiating Committee). The aim of the study is to describe the specific factors identified by the parties as having influenced their relationship. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework was considered in terms of its contribution towards achieving the parties’ goals and lastly, suggestions for improvement were shared to improve the effectiveness of the relationship. The literature reviewed considered the nature of the collective relationship. Firstly, the characteristics of a collective relationship were described to appreciate the complexity and multifaceted, simultaneous influences of the external and internal elements, which impact on the relationship. Secondly, frames of reference were identified that contextualised the chosen industrial relations ideology adopted. Thirdly, typical industrial relations relationship patterns were described which explained the selected approach adopted in the management-union interaction. Fourthly, the South African legislative context was highlighted to appreciate the South African Government’s support for the primacy of the collective relationship. Lastly, a few academic models that included seminal work, were considered to recognise key factors influencing the collective relationship. The most common factors identified were attitudinal dimensions (attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions), goals, sharing common objectives, trust, recognition of legitimacy, access to information, voice, equity (fairness), and communication. The sample consisted of Human Resource Management and NUMSA representatives who participated in the Industrial Relations Framework. Semi-structured, individual interviews were used as a research instrument for data gathering. On conclusion of this phase, a thematic analysis was conducted and themes were identified. This assisted in the description of key factors that had an impact on this particular collective relationship within a pluralistic industrial relations context. The findings revealed that the nature of the relationship differed at the various committees. It was influenced by the functioning of the committee, the effectiveness in achieving the parties’ goals, the level of management represented and the nature of the processes involved in the interaction (information-sharing, consultation and negotiation). Positive changes are underway whereby union capacity building is being addressed to aid and elevate the level of engagement. Operational improvements to benefit the functioning of the committees and afford the union increased input. A joint organisational vision is also being drafted as the first step towards a closer, future partnership as the MANUFACTURER faces competitive challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Le Roux, Loreen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40382 , vital:36154
- Description: The South African labour environment makes a significant contribution to the country’s ability to function within a social market economy. Labour instability deters foreign investment and has had a negative impact on productivity levels. It would, therefore, be of value to the field of labour relations to consider how the management-union relationship at an organisational level can be improved to encourage a stable, effective and collective relationship. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore and describe the nature of the management-union relationship, including both the confrontational and cooperative elements of interaction, at a large automotive MANUFACTURER that operates within a multinational group. The study explored the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework, which was once or is regarded as the benchmark of Industrial Relations structures within the South African context. This was due to its implementation of an adapted Co-determination Model of employee participation from as early as 1994; thus, providing an opportunity to study a long-established and mature management-union relationship. The relationship was regarded as an aspect of the Industrial Relations climate and focused on interaction within the MANUFACTURER’s Industrial Relations Framework (three committees being the Joint Strategic Workshop, Plant Committee and Negotiating Committee). The aim of the study is to describe the specific factors identified by the parties as having influenced their relationship. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework was considered in terms of its contribution towards achieving the parties’ goals and lastly, suggestions for improvement were shared to improve the effectiveness of the relationship. The literature reviewed considered the nature of the collective relationship. Firstly, the characteristics of a collective relationship were described to appreciate the complexity and multifaceted, simultaneous influences of the external and internal elements, which impact on the relationship. Secondly, frames of reference were identified that contextualised the chosen industrial relations ideology adopted. Thirdly, typical industrial relations relationship patterns were described which explained the selected approach adopted in the management-union interaction. Fourthly, the South African legislative context was highlighted to appreciate the South African Government’s support for the primacy of the collective relationship. Lastly, a few academic models that included seminal work, were considered to recognise key factors influencing the collective relationship. The most common factors identified were attitudinal dimensions (attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions), goals, sharing common objectives, trust, recognition of legitimacy, access to information, voice, equity (fairness), and communication. The sample consisted of Human Resource Management and NUMSA representatives who participated in the Industrial Relations Framework. Semi-structured, individual interviews were used as a research instrument for data gathering. On conclusion of this phase, a thematic analysis was conducted and themes were identified. This assisted in the description of key factors that had an impact on this particular collective relationship within a pluralistic industrial relations context. The findings revealed that the nature of the relationship differed at the various committees. It was influenced by the functioning of the committee, the effectiveness in achieving the parties’ goals, the level of management represented and the nature of the processes involved in the interaction (information-sharing, consultation and negotiation). Positive changes are underway whereby union capacity building is being addressed to aid and elevate the level of engagement. Operational improvements to benefit the functioning of the committees and afford the union increased input. A joint organisational vision is also being drafted as the first step towards a closer, future partnership as the MANUFACTURER faces competitive challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the meaning of informal social alcohol consumption rituals in performing masculinity amongst male university students
- Authors: Makgale, Obakeng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: College students -- Alcohol use , Drinking of alcoholic beverages -- South Africa , College students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Male college students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Masculinity
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96680 , vital:31308
- Description: Alcohol use amongst university students has received a significant amount of attention in different countries across the world (Dempster, 2011; Kobin, 2013; Maphisa & Young, 2018). The purpose of this study is to explore the meaning of informal social alcohol drinking rituals in performing masculinity amongst male university students. This study used a Social Constructionist approach to gender as theoretical framework. Thus, gender is understood as constructed through social interactions, where a person performs their masculinity before an approving audience (Butler, 2009; Sallee, 2011). This research employed a qualitative research approach. Four participants were selected for in-depth interviews which were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis (Attride-Sterling, 2001). Two global themes emerged from the data set. The first global theme focused on “Men and Alcohol” and concerns the facilitative role that alcohol use and tolerance plays in masculine performance, exploring how masculinities compete for the hegemonic position through excessive alcohol use. The second global theme concerns the “Wolf Pack” and focuses on how peer groups engage in informal social drinking rituals and how these rituals function within the group dynamic. Informal social drinking rituals appear to play a significant role in successful display of hegemonic forms of masculinity in this context, and also play a significant role in expanding one’s social network. However, the consequences associated with this social practice places one in the position of having to maintain participation in heavy drinking in order to feel secure, leaving one vulnerable to negative consequences associated with excessive drinking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makgale, Obakeng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: College students -- Alcohol use , Drinking of alcoholic beverages -- South Africa , College students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Male college students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa , Masculinity
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96680 , vital:31308
- Description: Alcohol use amongst university students has received a significant amount of attention in different countries across the world (Dempster, 2011; Kobin, 2013; Maphisa & Young, 2018). The purpose of this study is to explore the meaning of informal social alcohol drinking rituals in performing masculinity amongst male university students. This study used a Social Constructionist approach to gender as theoretical framework. Thus, gender is understood as constructed through social interactions, where a person performs their masculinity before an approving audience (Butler, 2009; Sallee, 2011). This research employed a qualitative research approach. Four participants were selected for in-depth interviews which were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis (Attride-Sterling, 2001). Two global themes emerged from the data set. The first global theme focused on “Men and Alcohol” and concerns the facilitative role that alcohol use and tolerance plays in masculine performance, exploring how masculinities compete for the hegemonic position through excessive alcohol use. The second global theme concerns the “Wolf Pack” and focuses on how peer groups engage in informal social drinking rituals and how these rituals function within the group dynamic. Informal social drinking rituals appear to play a significant role in successful display of hegemonic forms of masculinity in this context, and also play a significant role in expanding one’s social network. However, the consequences associated with this social practice places one in the position of having to maintain participation in heavy drinking in order to feel secure, leaving one vulnerable to negative consequences associated with excessive drinking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the South African taxi industry's value chain: the case of mini-bus taxi service in South Africa
- Authors: Mqikela, Luthando Khanya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Transportation and state -- South Africa Transportation -- South Africa Taxicabs -- South Africa Taxicab drivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42364 , vital:36649
- Description: The mini-bus taxis commercial trading industry as a whole has characterised the relations between commuters and the public sector. The South African government is under pressure to create favourable working conditions for the mini-bus taxi drivers as they are an intergral part of the informal economy. The failure of the value chain's ability to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry has lead to investors shying away from investing in this sector. The onus is on government and mini-bus owners to play a more active role in ensuring favourable outcomes for local economies. For this initiative to be effective capable officials need to be deployed to fulfil this mandate. Given that government has traditionally not operated in the sphere of what is termed 'commercial diplpmacy', it is realised that a concerted effort be made to have a skilled and capable workforce that can function in both the commercial diplomacy in markets across the world. It is against the background sketched above that the South African government, along with the assistance of two prominent bodies, namely National Taxi Association and SANTACO sprearheading the initiative to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry, have created a conducive environment for the mini-bus taxi industry to remain relevant in the mordern economy. This paper uncovers some of the obstacles that limit the growth of the industry and highlights the various challenges the sector faces to leap forward to the future. The research was conducted using qualitative methods by interviewing various stakeholders in the value chain. The interviewees compromised customers using public transport, taxi drivers and subject matters expects. The interviews were conducted using recordings that were later transcribed in to filed notes. The various extracts of the interviews informed the themes emerging from the analysis of the research.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mqikela, Luthando Khanya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Transportation and state -- South Africa Transportation -- South Africa Taxicabs -- South Africa Taxicab drivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42364 , vital:36649
- Description: The mini-bus taxis commercial trading industry as a whole has characterised the relations between commuters and the public sector. The South African government is under pressure to create favourable working conditions for the mini-bus taxi drivers as they are an intergral part of the informal economy. The failure of the value chain's ability to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry has lead to investors shying away from investing in this sector. The onus is on government and mini-bus owners to play a more active role in ensuring favourable outcomes for local economies. For this initiative to be effective capable officials need to be deployed to fulfil this mandate. Given that government has traditionally not operated in the sphere of what is termed 'commercial diplpmacy', it is realised that a concerted effort be made to have a skilled and capable workforce that can function in both the commercial diplomacy in markets across the world. It is against the background sketched above that the South African government, along with the assistance of two prominent bodies, namely National Taxi Association and SANTACO sprearheading the initiative to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry, have created a conducive environment for the mini-bus taxi industry to remain relevant in the mordern economy. This paper uncovers some of the obstacles that limit the growth of the industry and highlights the various challenges the sector faces to leap forward to the future. The research was conducted using qualitative methods by interviewing various stakeholders in the value chain. The interviewees compromised customers using public transport, taxi drivers and subject matters expects. The interviews were conducted using recordings that were later transcribed in to filed notes. The various extracts of the interviews informed the themes emerging from the analysis of the research.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the underpinning factors that contribute to the involvement of children in criminal behaviour: A case of King William’s Town”
- Authors: Mbomvana, Anelisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: juvenile delinquency Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16220 , vital:40700
- Description: Crime, in its daily occurrence, makes everyone a victim; whether of primary, secondary or of tertiary victimization, which has connotations of either direct or indirect victimization. It affects everyone and every sector. The involvement and the perpetration of crime by children, owing to a number of social dynamics, has serious implications and repercussions on children and how they later on conduct themselves. The aim of the study was to explore the factors that underpin criminal behaviour in children. The qualitative research method was adopted in the study and it informed the data collection and analysis processes of the study. Interviews and a focus group discussions were, therefore used to gain insight into the experiences of the participants. Through the use of purposive sampling, thirty five (35) participants comprising key and focus participants who were children in conflict with the law, their parents, the community members, social workers, probation officers and youth care workers from a certain Child and Youth Care Rehabilitation centre in King William’s Town were selected. The findings revealed that it was a variety of multi-factorial components that influenced criminal behaviour in children, and amongst those were individual, family, community and school factors. However, it was found that the impact of these detrimental factors identified was not comparable to the impact of the parent in the life of a child. The propensity and the extent to which these factors can affect a child was found as less probable where strong relationships were maintained between the parents and their children. This further implies that nurture was found to be very pivotal, as the role of the parents and of family support were found to be the most significant in children. Single parenting, father absence, undisclosed paternal identities, parental ignorance, poor parenting, and divorce were issues that emerged and were indicated in the study to be potentially harmful in the lives of children. A strong correlation was found between ignorant parenting and ill behavior in children as it was also found that parental conduct was very important as it defined the family’s wellbeing. A corresponding relationship was also established between dropping out of school and crime due to the fact that an overwhelming number of child offenders who participated in the study had dropped out of school. It was v further concluded that in spite of the social work profession’s adoption of the developmental approach, the propensity and timing the interventions took place was compared to those of the residual approach wherein the welfare system intervened as a measure of last resort. The study recommends that emphasis needs to be stressed on family based programmes in order to protect and secure the spontaneous growth of children
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mbomvana, Anelisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: juvenile delinquency Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16220 , vital:40700
- Description: Crime, in its daily occurrence, makes everyone a victim; whether of primary, secondary or of tertiary victimization, which has connotations of either direct or indirect victimization. It affects everyone and every sector. The involvement and the perpetration of crime by children, owing to a number of social dynamics, has serious implications and repercussions on children and how they later on conduct themselves. The aim of the study was to explore the factors that underpin criminal behaviour in children. The qualitative research method was adopted in the study and it informed the data collection and analysis processes of the study. Interviews and a focus group discussions were, therefore used to gain insight into the experiences of the participants. Through the use of purposive sampling, thirty five (35) participants comprising key and focus participants who were children in conflict with the law, their parents, the community members, social workers, probation officers and youth care workers from a certain Child and Youth Care Rehabilitation centre in King William’s Town were selected. The findings revealed that it was a variety of multi-factorial components that influenced criminal behaviour in children, and amongst those were individual, family, community and school factors. However, it was found that the impact of these detrimental factors identified was not comparable to the impact of the parent in the life of a child. The propensity and the extent to which these factors can affect a child was found as less probable where strong relationships were maintained between the parents and their children. This further implies that nurture was found to be very pivotal, as the role of the parents and of family support were found to be the most significant in children. Single parenting, father absence, undisclosed paternal identities, parental ignorance, poor parenting, and divorce were issues that emerged and were indicated in the study to be potentially harmful in the lives of children. A strong correlation was found between ignorant parenting and ill behavior in children as it was also found that parental conduct was very important as it defined the family’s wellbeing. A corresponding relationship was also established between dropping out of school and crime due to the fact that an overwhelming number of child offenders who participated in the study had dropped out of school. It was v further concluded that in spite of the social work profession’s adoption of the developmental approach, the propensity and timing the interventions took place was compared to those of the residual approach wherein the welfare system intervened as a measure of last resort. The study recommends that emphasis needs to be stressed on family based programmes in order to protect and secure the spontaneous growth of children
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring visual literacy development through films in senior phase English first additional language
- Authors: Khosa, Michael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Visual litearcy , Motion pictures in education -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92672 , vital:30727
- Description: Despite learners’ general poor performance in English First Additional Language (EFAL), research indicates their wide exposure to film viewing which is untapped when teaching visual literacy in EFAL classes (Mnyanda, 2017). This study identified a golden opportunity of introducing film teaching in the senior phase in order to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and values for self-fulfilment, and meaningful participation in society as citizens of a free country. Two teachers’ meaning-making and pedagogical practices of teaching film were explored in a rural Eastern Cape District, South Africa. Qualitative research methodology was used to collect data from lesson observations using a video camera and post-lesson interviews with each teacher. I drew on Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory of learning which privileges learners’ social interaction, More Knowledgeable Other and scaffolding in the learning process. Critical Discourse Analysis offered insights on challenging stereotypes available in designing and redesigning texts. It emerged that lack of resources in previously disadvantaged schools and teachers’ missed opportunities to teach film in context were major causes of underperformance. Findings also interestingly revealed that learners could perform better when taught through the film. This study recommends that schools should teach film since it is can improve learners’ results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Khosa, Michael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Visual litearcy , Motion pictures in education -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92672 , vital:30727
- Description: Despite learners’ general poor performance in English First Additional Language (EFAL), research indicates their wide exposure to film viewing which is untapped when teaching visual literacy in EFAL classes (Mnyanda, 2017). This study identified a golden opportunity of introducing film teaching in the senior phase in order to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and values for self-fulfilment, and meaningful participation in society as citizens of a free country. Two teachers’ meaning-making and pedagogical practices of teaching film were explored in a rural Eastern Cape District, South Africa. Qualitative research methodology was used to collect data from lesson observations using a video camera and post-lesson interviews with each teacher. I drew on Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory of learning which privileges learners’ social interaction, More Knowledgeable Other and scaffolding in the learning process. Critical Discourse Analysis offered insights on challenging stereotypes available in designing and redesigning texts. It emerged that lack of resources in previously disadvantaged schools and teachers’ missed opportunities to teach film in context were major causes of underperformance. Findings also interestingly revealed that learners could perform better when taught through the film. This study recommends that schools should teach film since it is can improve learners’ results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring workplace conflict, case study of a day care centre, Nyanga, Western Cape: a conflict management perspective
- Authors: Williams, Annuschka, Angela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial Interpersonal conflict Organizational behavior Teams in the workplace
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44412 , vital:37166
- Description: This study sought to explore a workplace conflict case study through a conflict management framework in an effort to offer recommendations to the organisation. The study was located in a day care centre, which has been in existence for over 15 years and which provides a number of health and social support services, and capacity-building opportunities for children, women and youth. The study presents a literature review and theoretical framework on conflict, workplace conflict and work conflict management as a backdrop for the empirical investigation. The study employed a qualitative research design and methodology. The study found that the conflict in the organisation has multiple bases, of which communication, structure and values are the major contributors. The conflict is both affective and substantive in nature. The essential divining force is the perceived and felt change in the organisational value and orientation which links to the historic versus the emerging developmental approach driving the organisational programmes.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Williams, Annuschka, Angela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial Interpersonal conflict Organizational behavior Teams in the workplace
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44412 , vital:37166
- Description: This study sought to explore a workplace conflict case study through a conflict management framework in an effort to offer recommendations to the organisation. The study was located in a day care centre, which has been in existence for over 15 years and which provides a number of health and social support services, and capacity-building opportunities for children, women and youth. The study presents a literature review and theoretical framework on conflict, workplace conflict and work conflict management as a backdrop for the empirical investigation. The study employed a qualitative research design and methodology. The study found that the conflict in the organisation has multiple bases, of which communication, structure and values are the major contributors. The conflict is both affective and substantive in nature. The essential divining force is the perceived and felt change in the organisational value and orientation which links to the historic versus the emerging developmental approach driving the organisational programmes.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Extraction, isolation and characterization of oleanolic acid and its analogues from Syzygium aromaticum (cloves) and evaluation of their biological activities
- Authors: khwaza, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Antibacterial agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19076 , vital:39882
- Description: Pathogenic microorganisms have serious impact on people's lives. Every year, millions of people around the world die of bacterial infections. Resistance to common antibacterial drugs has proven to be a challenging problem in control of bacterial infections. In an attempt to develop an effective and affordable treatment for bacterial infections, oleanolic acid isolated from syzygium aromaticum conjugates incorporating other pharmaceutical scaffolds such as chloroquine derivatives, curcumin, and ergocalciferol etc have been developed. Based on the previous successes of testing combination of antimicrobial drugs and pharmaceutical drugs which appeared to be the promising strategy to overcome treatment failure; a series of hybrid compounds containing oleanolic acid and other pharmaceutical scaffolds were synthesized. 4- Aminoquinoline derivatives were first hybridized with selected organic compounds to form a class of hybrid compounds containing either amide bond or ester bond as a linker between the precursor molecules. Analogues/hybrid compounds can overcome the disadvantages of combination therapy such as drug-drug interaction. The structural effects of this type of conjugation of oleanolic acid and other pharmaceutical scaffolds were characterised by FTIR, Mass Spec and NMR spectroscopy. These compounds were studied along with the monosubstituted oleanolic acid analogues and the organic components in order to compare the effects of the substitution on their biological response.‖ All the synthesized analogues were tested against 11 bacterial strains on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The synthesized compounds showed selectivity and higher activity against Enterococcus faecalis (EF), Klebsiella oxytoca (KO), Escherischia coli (EC), Staphylococcus aureous (SA), Proteus vulgaris (PV) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) with MIC values; ranging between of 1.25 mg/mL to 0.072 mg/mL
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: khwaza, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Antibacterial agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19076 , vital:39882
- Description: Pathogenic microorganisms have serious impact on people's lives. Every year, millions of people around the world die of bacterial infections. Resistance to common antibacterial drugs has proven to be a challenging problem in control of bacterial infections. In an attempt to develop an effective and affordable treatment for bacterial infections, oleanolic acid isolated from syzygium aromaticum conjugates incorporating other pharmaceutical scaffolds such as chloroquine derivatives, curcumin, and ergocalciferol etc have been developed. Based on the previous successes of testing combination of antimicrobial drugs and pharmaceutical drugs which appeared to be the promising strategy to overcome treatment failure; a series of hybrid compounds containing oleanolic acid and other pharmaceutical scaffolds were synthesized. 4- Aminoquinoline derivatives were first hybridized with selected organic compounds to form a class of hybrid compounds containing either amide bond or ester bond as a linker between the precursor molecules. Analogues/hybrid compounds can overcome the disadvantages of combination therapy such as drug-drug interaction. The structural effects of this type of conjugation of oleanolic acid and other pharmaceutical scaffolds were characterised by FTIR, Mass Spec and NMR spectroscopy. These compounds were studied along with the monosubstituted oleanolic acid analogues and the organic components in order to compare the effects of the substitution on their biological response.‖ All the synthesized analogues were tested against 11 bacterial strains on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The synthesized compounds showed selectivity and higher activity against Enterococcus faecalis (EF), Klebsiella oxytoca (KO), Escherischia coli (EC), Staphylococcus aureous (SA), Proteus vulgaris (PV) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) with MIC values; ranging between of 1.25 mg/mL to 0.072 mg/mL
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Fabrication of efficient nonlinear optical absorber using Zn phthalocyanine-semiconductor quantum dots conjugates
- Mgidlana, Sithi, Oluwole, David O, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mgidlana, Sithi , Oluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187496 , vital:44663 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2018.11.024"
- Description: In this paper, we report on the synthesis of Zn(II) phthalocyanine derivatives and their conjugates with core/shell and core/shell/shell semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs). Zn(II) mono amino-carboxyethylphenoxy phthalocyanine (1), Zn(II) mono 3-carboxyphenoxy-tris(pyridin-2-yloxy) phthalocyanine (2) and Zn(II) mono aminophenoxy-tris(benzothiazole) phthalocyanine (3) were synthesized. The photophysical and optical limiting properties of the phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes and their conjugates with SQDs were investigated in dimethyl sulfoxide. The optical limiting behaviour of the Pc complexes and their conjugates were measured by the open aperture Z-scan technique at laser excitation wavelength of 532 nm with 10 ns pulse. The conjugates outperformed the Pc complexes alone with the conjugates of 2-SQDs affording highest nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff) value of ∼80 cm/GW and lowest limiting threshold (Ilim) value of ∼0.27 J·cm−2 as compared to other samples while complex 1 gave low βeff and high Ilim values of 42.2 cm/GW and 1.39 J·cm−2, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mgidlana, Sithi , Oluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187496 , vital:44663 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2018.11.024"
- Description: In this paper, we report on the synthesis of Zn(II) phthalocyanine derivatives and their conjugates with core/shell and core/shell/shell semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs). Zn(II) mono amino-carboxyethylphenoxy phthalocyanine (1), Zn(II) mono 3-carboxyphenoxy-tris(pyridin-2-yloxy) phthalocyanine (2) and Zn(II) mono aminophenoxy-tris(benzothiazole) phthalocyanine (3) were synthesized. The photophysical and optical limiting properties of the phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes and their conjugates with SQDs were investigated in dimethyl sulfoxide. The optical limiting behaviour of the Pc complexes and their conjugates were measured by the open aperture Z-scan technique at laser excitation wavelength of 532 nm with 10 ns pulse. The conjugates outperformed the Pc complexes alone with the conjugates of 2-SQDs affording highest nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff) value of ∼80 cm/GW and lowest limiting threshold (Ilim) value of ∼0.27 J·cm−2 as compared to other samples while complex 1 gave low βeff and high Ilim values of 42.2 cm/GW and 1.39 J·cm−2, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019