An investigation into literacy development in Grade 4 English and isiXhosa home language textbooks : a comparative study
- Authors: Fulani, Ntombekhaya Cynthia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study , Literacy -- South Africa , Textbooks -- South Africa -- Criticism, Textual , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018914
- Description: The 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a gloomy picture of South African literacy when South Africa came last out of 40 countries. It was from this background that my study set out to investigate two English and two isiXhosa grade 4 home language textbooks with their accompanying teachers’ guides from two publishing houses, together with the home language curriculum documents for English and Xhosa because they are an important component in literacy development. It is important to emphasise that this study examined textbooks, not how teachers mediate such textbooks in their classrooms. In other words, my focus was on the textbooks themselves, and it was primarily through textual analysis of this stable, readily available data that I have been able to compare and analyse the potential they offer learners and teachers to achieve the literacy goals prescribed by the curriculum. The study also investigated the likelihood of differential attainment for learners as a result of using these textbooks. This was done by looking at whether the textbooks were in line with the literacy outcomes for English and isiXhosa home languages. It also looked at the kind of reader/writer envisaged in the selected textbooks and the level of challenge the selected textbooks offer and how, if at all, learners are encouraged to be critical readers and writers. The findings of the study were that the English and isiXhosa textbooks of each publishing house envisaged different learners. The English textbooks envisaged a cosmopolitan learner who has greater access to academic literacy. While the isiXhosa textbooks envisaged a parochial learner who has less access to academic literacy compared to the English learner
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fulani, Ntombekhaya Cynthia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study , Literacy -- South Africa , Textbooks -- South Africa -- Criticism, Textual , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018914
- Description: The 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a gloomy picture of South African literacy when South Africa came last out of 40 countries. It was from this background that my study set out to investigate two English and two isiXhosa grade 4 home language textbooks with their accompanying teachers’ guides from two publishing houses, together with the home language curriculum documents for English and Xhosa because they are an important component in literacy development. It is important to emphasise that this study examined textbooks, not how teachers mediate such textbooks in their classrooms. In other words, my focus was on the textbooks themselves, and it was primarily through textual analysis of this stable, readily available data that I have been able to compare and analyse the potential they offer learners and teachers to achieve the literacy goals prescribed by the curriculum. The study also investigated the likelihood of differential attainment for learners as a result of using these textbooks. This was done by looking at whether the textbooks were in line with the literacy outcomes for English and isiXhosa home languages. It also looked at the kind of reader/writer envisaged in the selected textbooks and the level of challenge the selected textbooks offer and how, if at all, learners are encouraged to be critical readers and writers. The findings of the study were that the English and isiXhosa textbooks of each publishing house envisaged different learners. The English textbooks envisaged a cosmopolitan learner who has greater access to academic literacy. While the isiXhosa textbooks envisaged a parochial learner who has less access to academic literacy compared to the English learner
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Developing high-fidelity mental models of programming concepts using manipulatives and interactive metaphors
- Authors: Funcke, Matthew
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer programming -- Study and teaching (Higher) , Computer programmers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017929
- Description: It is well established that both learning and teaching programming are difficult tasks. Difficulties often occur due to weak mental models and common misconceptions. This study proposes a method of teaching programming that both encourages high-fidelity mental models and attempts to minimise misconceptions in novice programmers, through the use of metaphors and manipulatives. The elements in ActionWorld with which the students interact are realizations of metaphors. By simple example, a variable has a metaphorical representation as a labelled box that can hold a value. The dissertation develops a set of metaphors which have several core requirements: metaphors should avoid causing misconceptions, they need to be high-fidelity so as to avoid failing when used with a new concept, students must be able to relate to them, and finally, they should be usable across multiple educational media. The learning style that ActionWorld supports is one which requires active participation from the student - the system acts as a foundation upon which students are encouraged to build their mental models. This teaching style is achieved by placing the student in the role of code interpreter, the code they need to interpret will not advance until they have demonstrated its meaning via use of the aforementioned metaphors. ActionWorld was developed using an iterative developmental process that consistently improved upon various aspects of the project through a continual evaluation-enhancement cycle. The primary outputs of this project include a unified set of high-fidelity metaphors, a virtual-machine API for use in similar future projects, and two metaphor-testing games. All of the aforementioned deliverables were tested using multiple quality-evaluation criteria, the results of which were consistently positive. ActionWorld and its constituent components contribute to the wide assortment of methods one might use to teach novice programmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Funcke, Matthew
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer programming -- Study and teaching (Higher) , Computer programmers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017929
- Description: It is well established that both learning and teaching programming are difficult tasks. Difficulties often occur due to weak mental models and common misconceptions. This study proposes a method of teaching programming that both encourages high-fidelity mental models and attempts to minimise misconceptions in novice programmers, through the use of metaphors and manipulatives. The elements in ActionWorld with which the students interact are realizations of metaphors. By simple example, a variable has a metaphorical representation as a labelled box that can hold a value. The dissertation develops a set of metaphors which have several core requirements: metaphors should avoid causing misconceptions, they need to be high-fidelity so as to avoid failing when used with a new concept, students must be able to relate to them, and finally, they should be usable across multiple educational media. The learning style that ActionWorld supports is one which requires active participation from the student - the system acts as a foundation upon which students are encouraged to build their mental models. This teaching style is achieved by placing the student in the role of code interpreter, the code they need to interpret will not advance until they have demonstrated its meaning via use of the aforementioned metaphors. ActionWorld was developed using an iterative developmental process that consistently improved upon various aspects of the project through a continual evaluation-enhancement cycle. The primary outputs of this project include a unified set of high-fidelity metaphors, a virtual-machine API for use in similar future projects, and two metaphor-testing games. All of the aforementioned deliverables were tested using multiple quality-evaluation criteria, the results of which were consistently positive. ActionWorld and its constituent components contribute to the wide assortment of methods one might use to teach novice programmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Implementation of multilingualism in South African higher education : exploring the use of isiXhosa in teaching and learning at Rhodes University
- Authors: Gambushe, Wanga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Language and education -- South Africa , Multilingual education -- South Africa , Native language and education -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , Cytology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- Education (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017890
- Description: This study explores the implementation of multilingualism at Rhodes University (RU), by examining the teaching and learning practices of lecturers, demonstrators and students within the Cell Biology module, offered by the Biological Sciences and Botany departments at RU. This examination is in line with RU’s Language Policy (2005/2014), which recognises multilingualism and the development of isiXhosa as an academic/scientific language. The study and the choice for the location of the study within RU was motivated by what seemed to be a pattern of under achievement of LOTE speaking students studying Cell Biology. This pattern necessitated a further inquiry into the language aspect of the teaching and learning of Cell Biology. The goals of this research were to investigate spaces where LOTE students use their home languages and the motivations behind their usage of those languages. Due to the varying proficiencies of LOTE students in their mother tongue, this study sought to investigate the language capabilities of LOTE students in their home languages. The perceptions of the main role players in the Cell Biology module were sought, in order to get an idea of what students, lecturers and demonstrators thought about multilingualism in teaching and learning practices in the Cell Biology module. This study has discovered that there is a disparity in achievement between LOTE and English speaking students, with English students outperforming LOTE students consistently in the period investigated. On the language capabilities of LOTE students in their mother tongue, it was discovered that they have enough linguistic capital for a mother tongue intervention to succeed. There were mixed views about the use of LOTE in HE, but students were mostly in favour of the use of LOTE. A number of recommendations are made as to how multilingualism can be implemented in Cell Biology. In this study I argue that there is a need to use the mother tongue of LOTE students in order to support learning, the mother tongue intervention is supported by scholars such as Paxton (2007, 2009; Madiba 2011, 2012, 2014). The use of the mother tongue to support learning should be a short-term measure while the process of the development of African languages is underway, because languages develop as they are used, and form follows function (Madiba 2008). Ultimately, African languages should be developed and use as academic languages in HE not only in order to fulfil the legislative imperatives such as the Constitution and the Language Policy Higher Education but also to increase access and success among LOTE students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gambushe, Wanga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Language and education -- South Africa , Multilingual education -- South Africa , Native language and education -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , Cytology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- Education (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017890
- Description: This study explores the implementation of multilingualism at Rhodes University (RU), by examining the teaching and learning practices of lecturers, demonstrators and students within the Cell Biology module, offered by the Biological Sciences and Botany departments at RU. This examination is in line with RU’s Language Policy (2005/2014), which recognises multilingualism and the development of isiXhosa as an academic/scientific language. The study and the choice for the location of the study within RU was motivated by what seemed to be a pattern of under achievement of LOTE speaking students studying Cell Biology. This pattern necessitated a further inquiry into the language aspect of the teaching and learning of Cell Biology. The goals of this research were to investigate spaces where LOTE students use their home languages and the motivations behind their usage of those languages. Due to the varying proficiencies of LOTE students in their mother tongue, this study sought to investigate the language capabilities of LOTE students in their home languages. The perceptions of the main role players in the Cell Biology module were sought, in order to get an idea of what students, lecturers and demonstrators thought about multilingualism in teaching and learning practices in the Cell Biology module. This study has discovered that there is a disparity in achievement between LOTE and English speaking students, with English students outperforming LOTE students consistently in the period investigated. On the language capabilities of LOTE students in their mother tongue, it was discovered that they have enough linguistic capital for a mother tongue intervention to succeed. There were mixed views about the use of LOTE in HE, but students were mostly in favour of the use of LOTE. A number of recommendations are made as to how multilingualism can be implemented in Cell Biology. In this study I argue that there is a need to use the mother tongue of LOTE students in order to support learning, the mother tongue intervention is supported by scholars such as Paxton (2007, 2009; Madiba 2011, 2012, 2014). The use of the mother tongue to support learning should be a short-term measure while the process of the development of African languages is underway, because languages develop as they are used, and form follows function (Madiba 2008). Ultimately, African languages should be developed and use as academic languages in HE not only in order to fulfil the legislative imperatives such as the Constitution and the Language Policy Higher Education but also to increase access and success among LOTE students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Consuming pasts : imaging food as Identity and (post)memory in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Garisch, Margaret Isabel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Searle, Berni -- Criticism and interpretation , Madikida, Churchill -- Criticism and interpretation , Food in art , Memory in art , Postcolonialism and the arts , Art -- Themes, motives , Art, Modern -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018556
- Description: This mini-thesis interprets the convergence of food and memory and explores dialectical processes associating food, identity and (post)memory, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Considering works by prominent South African Artists Berni Searle and Churchill Madikida as well as my own artistic practise and usage of food as conceptual medium, this study considers the converging effects of food, identity and memory, together with the materiality of food, from a fine arts perspective, as particularly rich and developing arena for memory work
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Garisch, Margaret Isabel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Searle, Berni -- Criticism and interpretation , Madikida, Churchill -- Criticism and interpretation , Food in art , Memory in art , Postcolonialism and the arts , Art -- Themes, motives , Art, Modern -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018556
- Description: This mini-thesis interprets the convergence of food and memory and explores dialectical processes associating food, identity and (post)memory, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Considering works by prominent South African Artists Berni Searle and Churchill Madikida as well as my own artistic practise and usage of food as conceptual medium, this study considers the converging effects of food, identity and memory, together with the materiality of food, from a fine arts perspective, as particularly rich and developing arena for memory work
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Oversight for accountable governance in selected municipalities in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Gashi, Kayaletu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1973 , vital:27589
- Description: There is a surge in service delivery protests and a litany of negative reports on
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gashi, Kayaletu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1973 , vital:27589
- Description: There is a surge in service delivery protests and a litany of negative reports on
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The substantive and procedural limitations on the constitutional right to strike
- Authors: Gathongo, Johana Kambo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Employee rules -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:9254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021205
- Description: This treatise discusses the increasing of the procedural and substantive limitations on the employees’ right to strike. The Constitution permits the right to strike to be limited in terms of the laws of general application. The Labour Relations Act (LRA) is a good example. Such limitation must be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society, based on human dignity, equality and freedom. The study sought to investigate whether further increasing the existing limitations on the right to strike unduly breaches employees’ Constitutional right to strike and the purpose of the LRA. Further, the study sought to find out whether the additional content requirements in the strike notice amount to importing into the LRA additional limitations on the fundamental right to strike that enjoys no textual support. Through an extensive literature review, the findings arguably show that indeed further increasing the limitations on the employees’ right to strike may unduly infringe their right to strike. Moreover, the increase of the content requirements in a strike notice creates an unnecessary hurdle to employees wishing to strike. One of the most important finding made is that instead further increasing the limitations on the right to strike, going back to the basics of negotiation to alleviate strikes, particularly wage-related strikes is vital. To achieve this, it is important for employers to re-establish social and individual relationships with their employees, whereby they become aware of the issues that employees face on a daily basis. Also, establishing proper workplace dialogue and forums would assist employers in becoming aware of employees concerns. This would thereby prevent strikes, as problems can be dealt with beforehand. The findings above informed in the recommendations at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gathongo, Johana Kambo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Employee rules -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:9254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021205
- Description: This treatise discusses the increasing of the procedural and substantive limitations on the employees’ right to strike. The Constitution permits the right to strike to be limited in terms of the laws of general application. The Labour Relations Act (LRA) is a good example. Such limitation must be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society, based on human dignity, equality and freedom. The study sought to investigate whether further increasing the existing limitations on the right to strike unduly breaches employees’ Constitutional right to strike and the purpose of the LRA. Further, the study sought to find out whether the additional content requirements in the strike notice amount to importing into the LRA additional limitations on the fundamental right to strike that enjoys no textual support. Through an extensive literature review, the findings arguably show that indeed further increasing the limitations on the employees’ right to strike may unduly infringe their right to strike. Moreover, the increase of the content requirements in a strike notice creates an unnecessary hurdle to employees wishing to strike. One of the most important finding made is that instead further increasing the limitations on the right to strike, going back to the basics of negotiation to alleviate strikes, particularly wage-related strikes is vital. To achieve this, it is important for employers to re-establish social and individual relationships with their employees, whereby they become aware of the issues that employees face on a daily basis. Also, establishing proper workplace dialogue and forums would assist employers in becoming aware of employees concerns. This would thereby prevent strikes, as problems can be dealt with beforehand. The findings above informed in the recommendations at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A geochemical and morphological investigation of placer gold grains from the southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska : implications for source and transport mechanisms
- Gauntlett, Ernest John Herbert
- Authors: Gauntlett, Ernest John Herbert
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Placer deposits -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Gold alloys , Gold mines and mining -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Geochemical surveys -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Trace elements -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Drift -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Gold -- Standards of fineness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018202
- Description: [Partial abstract]: This study presents the first detailed geochemical and morphological characterisation of gold grains from the southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska, a region with significant historical and on-going placer gold mining. Quantitative Au, Ag, Hg, and Cu data are presented for gold grains from eleven sites. Additionally, quantitative Te, W, As, and Sb trace element data are presented for gold grains from ten of the eleven sites. Although it is acknowledged that quantitative trace element analysis of gold grains is a relatively new endeavour, the limited trace element data obtained in this study suggest that trace element analysis could be useful for characterising gold sources on the southern Seward Peninsula. Major and minor element geochemical profiling is sufficient at differentiating between sites from regional provenance systems but insufficient at differentiating between sites within a single system. Differentiating among sites within a single system will likely require microchemical analysis of mineral inclusions and analysis of trace element signatures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gauntlett, Ernest John Herbert
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Placer deposits -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Gold alloys , Gold mines and mining -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Geochemical surveys -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Trace elements -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Drift -- Alaska -- Seward Peninsula , Gold -- Standards of fineness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018202
- Description: [Partial abstract]: This study presents the first detailed geochemical and morphological characterisation of gold grains from the southern Seward Peninsula, Alaska, a region with significant historical and on-going placer gold mining. Quantitative Au, Ag, Hg, and Cu data are presented for gold grains from eleven sites. Additionally, quantitative Te, W, As, and Sb trace element data are presented for gold grains from ten of the eleven sites. Although it is acknowledged that quantitative trace element analysis of gold grains is a relatively new endeavour, the limited trace element data obtained in this study suggest that trace element analysis could be useful for characterising gold sources on the southern Seward Peninsula. Major and minor element geochemical profiling is sufficient at differentiating between sites from regional provenance systems but insufficient at differentiating between sites within a single system. Differentiating among sites within a single system will likely require microchemical analysis of mineral inclusions and analysis of trace element signatures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of local economic development in King Sabata Dalinyebo Municipality
- Authors: Gcaba, Nokwanda Gladness
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Community development -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9253 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021204
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of local economic development initiatives in rural areas of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape. This is the area which is mostly rural where poverty and unemployment take place every day. In South Africa, local economy is a critical success factor in addressing poverty and inequity .The South African Local Government White Paper on local government defines local government as a sphere of government that is committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve their quality of life. The study evaluates the participation of local people in small business to contribute in economic development of South Africa. Skill development and access to business information is also assessed to understand the knowledge the locals possess so that the able to own businesses. The research was conducted among the municipal officials, Ward Councillors, Municipal Managers and local economic development directorate. Government of South Africa has promoted LED through the concept of the “developmental state” and offers practical and financial support to local groups organized for the purpose of developing the local economy. Although most of the participants were educated people who have knowledge about the local economic development, people at grassroots level are struggling in being involved in different programmes funded by the government. The level of empowerment is low. Documents which are written in foreign language contribute to this challenge of not participating in local economic initiatives. There are few professionals who have experience and who can assist in planning and implementation of LED strategies and policies. Strengthening of already existing business association and partnering with business sector will promote active participants of the local people. The Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs argues that a critical part of local government’s leadership role in the area of LED rests within its ability to draw other key stakeholders into the development process. Effective and sustainable local economic development has been associated with the emergence of strong local partnerships, bringing together key stakeholder from both public and private sectors along with local community interest groups. Although there were studies that were conducted before the locals are unable to play active role in determining their own economic paths. The aim of local economic development to empower the local communities to identify their local resources to create opportunities for economic growth and employment. The objective to of this study is to create such opportunities so that the people at grass root level are able to understand their potentials in order to participate and promote the economic development of South Africa. Successful Local Economic Development depends on local participation as well as on national and regional structures to provide and support local initiative programmes. The government has policies that have not reached every citizen of this country. As indicated in literature review most researchers had dealt with different methods of how the local economic development strategy can be implemented but the gap still exists. The study is supposed to close those gaps by involving different structures in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gcaba, Nokwanda Gladness
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Community development -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9253 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021204
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of local economic development initiatives in rural areas of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape. This is the area which is mostly rural where poverty and unemployment take place every day. In South Africa, local economy is a critical success factor in addressing poverty and inequity .The South African Local Government White Paper on local government defines local government as a sphere of government that is committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve their quality of life. The study evaluates the participation of local people in small business to contribute in economic development of South Africa. Skill development and access to business information is also assessed to understand the knowledge the locals possess so that the able to own businesses. The research was conducted among the municipal officials, Ward Councillors, Municipal Managers and local economic development directorate. Government of South Africa has promoted LED through the concept of the “developmental state” and offers practical and financial support to local groups organized for the purpose of developing the local economy. Although most of the participants were educated people who have knowledge about the local economic development, people at grassroots level are struggling in being involved in different programmes funded by the government. The level of empowerment is low. Documents which are written in foreign language contribute to this challenge of not participating in local economic initiatives. There are few professionals who have experience and who can assist in planning and implementation of LED strategies and policies. Strengthening of already existing business association and partnering with business sector will promote active participants of the local people. The Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs argues that a critical part of local government’s leadership role in the area of LED rests within its ability to draw other key stakeholders into the development process. Effective and sustainable local economic development has been associated with the emergence of strong local partnerships, bringing together key stakeholder from both public and private sectors along with local community interest groups. Although there were studies that were conducted before the locals are unable to play active role in determining their own economic paths. The aim of local economic development to empower the local communities to identify their local resources to create opportunities for economic growth and employment. The objective to of this study is to create such opportunities so that the people at grass root level are able to understand their potentials in order to participate and promote the economic development of South Africa. Successful Local Economic Development depends on local participation as well as on national and regional structures to provide and support local initiative programmes. The government has policies that have not reached every citizen of this country. As indicated in literature review most researchers had dealt with different methods of how the local economic development strategy can be implemented but the gap still exists. The study is supposed to close those gaps by involving different structures in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Reading strategies employed by grade 10 english first additional language teachers to elicit reading culture in the King williams town education district
- Authors: Gcilishe, Tantaswa Brenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading-skill strategies Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6059 , vital:29487
- Description: This study sought to explore strategies used to elicit a reading culture among secondary schools learners. The importance of reading cannot be over emphasised as it is used as an index to how well an education system is, in the delivering of its mandate of creating a reading nation. In view of this, the South African government has developed a range of legislation and policies that shape reading and literacy in the country. Theoretically, the study is built around the socio-cultural theory which is conceptualised by different reading models. Methodologically, it is premised within the interpretive paradigm based on a case study design. In view of this, the study made use of the Qualitative research method with the principal tools for data collection being; interviews, focus group discussion and, observation. The main findings of the study revealed that using English as the medium of instruction in South Africa is not such a good idea. In this regards, teachers need some form of training to cope with the use of English (a first additional language to both teachers and learners) is a problem in itself. The study recommends that the government needs a) to provide funding to ascertain that resources needed to facilitate reading are available, b) the government should also play the role of monitoring and evaluation to make sure that the policies are kept in place and, c) There is need for in-service training for teachers to make sure that they are living up to expectation. There would be tremendous growth in socio-economic terms with a love for reading being fostered among all members of the school and community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gcilishe, Tantaswa Brenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading-skill strategies Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6059 , vital:29487
- Description: This study sought to explore strategies used to elicit a reading culture among secondary schools learners. The importance of reading cannot be over emphasised as it is used as an index to how well an education system is, in the delivering of its mandate of creating a reading nation. In view of this, the South African government has developed a range of legislation and policies that shape reading and literacy in the country. Theoretically, the study is built around the socio-cultural theory which is conceptualised by different reading models. Methodologically, it is premised within the interpretive paradigm based on a case study design. In view of this, the study made use of the Qualitative research method with the principal tools for data collection being; interviews, focus group discussion and, observation. The main findings of the study revealed that using English as the medium of instruction in South Africa is not such a good idea. In this regards, teachers need some form of training to cope with the use of English (a first additional language to both teachers and learners) is a problem in itself. The study recommends that the government needs a) to provide funding to ascertain that resources needed to facilitate reading are available, b) the government should also play the role of monitoring and evaluation to make sure that the policies are kept in place and, c) There is need for in-service training for teachers to make sure that they are living up to expectation. There would be tremendous growth in socio-economic terms with a love for reading being fostered among all members of the school and community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investigating a way of teaching transformation geometry in grade 9 applying van Hiele’s theory and Kilpatrick’s model : a case study
- Authors: Geja, Nokuzola Hlaleleni
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Hiele, Pierre M. van , Kilpatrick, Jeremy , Transformations (Mathematics) , Geometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Geometry -- Mathematical models , Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020601
- Description: Transformation geometry has been neglected in our schools because teachers are often not proficient enough to teach it, as it was not part of the syllabus during their training. The study investigates effective ways of teaching transformation geometry in grade 9, applying van Hiele’s theory (1986) of geometry teaching and learning and Kilpatrick’s model of mathematical proficiency. The teaching programme activities require consistent use of physical manipulatives by the teacher for effective teaching, learning and understanding of geometric concepts. The type of study is a case study. Data collection tools are: - baseline evaluation, teacher & learner interviews (pre & post programme intervention) and observation (pre & post) during the implementation of the teaching programme. Results were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. My research findings show some improvement of learner performance after the application of the programme. Baseline evaluation shows that some learners attained below and above 30%. Interviews showed that some learners had problems before the implementation of the programme and some problems were eliminated by the use of the programme activities and learning progression was evident. Learner performance showed that learners had acquired some knowledge and critical thinking and reasoning skills, reflection skills, communication through LOLT improved, commitment to activities of the programme and teaching practice had improved. Learner performance showed that a learner can be in two different levels at the same time. Consistent use of manipulatives resulted in effective teaching and learning of geometry in grade 9. The results of this research support other researchers’ views of teaching geometry using van Hiele’s theory (1986) and Kilpatrick et al. (2001). Shaw (2002) argues that teaching geometry with manipulatives enhances conceptual understanding by the learner. In my opinion, it also promotes immediate intervention by the teacher as soon as the learner picks an incorrect object. The project enhanced and improved levels of communication between the learner, teacher and others in the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Geja, Nokuzola Hlaleleni
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Hiele, Pierre M. van , Kilpatrick, Jeremy , Transformations (Mathematics) , Geometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Geometry -- Mathematical models , Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020601
- Description: Transformation geometry has been neglected in our schools because teachers are often not proficient enough to teach it, as it was not part of the syllabus during their training. The study investigates effective ways of teaching transformation geometry in grade 9, applying van Hiele’s theory (1986) of geometry teaching and learning and Kilpatrick’s model of mathematical proficiency. The teaching programme activities require consistent use of physical manipulatives by the teacher for effective teaching, learning and understanding of geometric concepts. The type of study is a case study. Data collection tools are: - baseline evaluation, teacher & learner interviews (pre & post programme intervention) and observation (pre & post) during the implementation of the teaching programme. Results were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. My research findings show some improvement of learner performance after the application of the programme. Baseline evaluation shows that some learners attained below and above 30%. Interviews showed that some learners had problems before the implementation of the programme and some problems were eliminated by the use of the programme activities and learning progression was evident. Learner performance showed that learners had acquired some knowledge and critical thinking and reasoning skills, reflection skills, communication through LOLT improved, commitment to activities of the programme and teaching practice had improved. Learner performance showed that a learner can be in two different levels at the same time. Consistent use of manipulatives resulted in effective teaching and learning of geometry in grade 9. The results of this research support other researchers’ views of teaching geometry using van Hiele’s theory (1986) and Kilpatrick et al. (2001). Shaw (2002) argues that teaching geometry with manipulatives enhances conceptual understanding by the learner. In my opinion, it also promotes immediate intervention by the teacher as soon as the learner picks an incorrect object. The project enhanced and improved levels of communication between the learner, teacher and others in the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Religious musical performance as an articulation of transformation : a study of how the Tsonga Presbyterians of the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique negotiate their indigenous Tsonga and Swiss reformed church heritages
- Authors: Germiquet, Nicole Madeleine
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Igreja Presbiteriana de Moçambique , Sacred music -- Mozambique , Church music -- Mozambique , Church music -- Presbyterian , Tsonga (African people) -- Mozambique -- Music , Ethnomusicology , Church music -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020836
- Description: The Presbyterian Church of Mozambique (IPM) has its origins in the Swiss Mission and the European Reformed Church. An ethnomusicological study was conducted on the music of the IPM in order to uncover its musical influences. The musical influences were found to pertain to an indigenous Tsonga musical character, as well as to a Reformed Church musical tradition. By situating the discussion in this thesis within the perspective that music may reflect that which is not explicitly spoken about in words, the music of the IPM was shown to reflect the dual-heritage of the members of the IPM. Thus, this thesis attempts to answer the questions: how is the music of the IPM a reflection of the Tsonga Presbyterians’ dual-heritage?; and how do the Tsonga Presbyterians negotiate their dual-heritage? It was found that the Tsonga Presbyterians negotiate their dual-heritage by blending a Reformed Church performance style with a Tsonga one. For example, the music in the form of hymns and church songs, performed by church choirs, is shown to be didactic in nature where the lyrics are the most important aspect of the music. The didactic nature of the music is a principle of the Reformation carried forth in the music of the IPM. Although music serves to transmit the Christian message and is used as a means of praising the Christian God in the IPM, it also exists on the level in which the indigenous Tsonga heritage may be incorporated into the Christian lives of the members of the IPM without having an impact on the Reformed Church belief system. This is where the members have the freedom to blend their musical heritages. Music, in this instance, is shown to be a powerful tool by which the importance of an indigenous, and an appropriated, heritage may be garnered and observed.Looking to the historical aspects of the IPM, the music and language literacy education, provided by Swiss missionaries on the mission stations, was shown to have had an influence on Tsonga hymn composition. Along with the mobile phone, the observed decrease in music literacy at Antioka was situated within a discussion that looked at the influence of these aspects on the transmission, conservation and continuation of music in the IPM. Throughout the thesis, social transformation is referred to and the manner in which the music of the IPM is conserved or continued is an indication of how musical transformation may reflect social transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Germiquet, Nicole Madeleine
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Igreja Presbiteriana de Moçambique , Sacred music -- Mozambique , Church music -- Mozambique , Church music -- Presbyterian , Tsonga (African people) -- Mozambique -- Music , Ethnomusicology , Church music -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020836
- Description: The Presbyterian Church of Mozambique (IPM) has its origins in the Swiss Mission and the European Reformed Church. An ethnomusicological study was conducted on the music of the IPM in order to uncover its musical influences. The musical influences were found to pertain to an indigenous Tsonga musical character, as well as to a Reformed Church musical tradition. By situating the discussion in this thesis within the perspective that music may reflect that which is not explicitly spoken about in words, the music of the IPM was shown to reflect the dual-heritage of the members of the IPM. Thus, this thesis attempts to answer the questions: how is the music of the IPM a reflection of the Tsonga Presbyterians’ dual-heritage?; and how do the Tsonga Presbyterians negotiate their dual-heritage? It was found that the Tsonga Presbyterians negotiate their dual-heritage by blending a Reformed Church performance style with a Tsonga one. For example, the music in the form of hymns and church songs, performed by church choirs, is shown to be didactic in nature where the lyrics are the most important aspect of the music. The didactic nature of the music is a principle of the Reformation carried forth in the music of the IPM. Although music serves to transmit the Christian message and is used as a means of praising the Christian God in the IPM, it also exists on the level in which the indigenous Tsonga heritage may be incorporated into the Christian lives of the members of the IPM without having an impact on the Reformed Church belief system. This is where the members have the freedom to blend their musical heritages. Music, in this instance, is shown to be a powerful tool by which the importance of an indigenous, and an appropriated, heritage may be garnered and observed.Looking to the historical aspects of the IPM, the music and language literacy education, provided by Swiss missionaries on the mission stations, was shown to have had an influence on Tsonga hymn composition. Along with the mobile phone, the observed decrease in music literacy at Antioka was situated within a discussion that looked at the influence of these aspects on the transmission, conservation and continuation of music in the IPM. Throughout the thesis, social transformation is referred to and the manner in which the music of the IPM is conserved or continued is an indication of how musical transformation may reflect social transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Factors affecting the usage of banking products and services by low income and under-banked consumers
- Authors: Giwe, Mbunwe Belter
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Banks and banking , Bank facilities , Bank customers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9334
- Description: A fundamental idea of this study was that the formal financial institutions have an essential role to play in the process of assisting financial inclusion of South Africa's low income and under-banked consumers. Financial inclusion is important for consumers to have access to affordable basic financial products and services. An increase in the number of financially included consumers is important for growth of home ownership, positive savings habits among low income consumers and mitigating risks with insurance products. Consumers have access to financial products and services but are not equipped with the basic knowledge to fully benefit from the use of these financial products and services. As a result, the construct of financial inclusion and the measures being taken by South African financial institutions to optimise financial inclusion was investigated in this study. There is a broad consensus that under-banked consumers face a myriad of factors that may prevent them from having effective access and usage of banking products and services. The effective usage of banking products and services not only promotes an inclusive society but also consumers' ability to take full advantage of the benefits of having access to suitable financial products and services. The influence of these factors on the usage of banking products and services by low income and under-banked consumers was under investigation in this research study. The influence of these factors on the usage of banking products and services by low income and under-banked consumers was under investigation in this research study. To achieve this, the researcher identified a number of factors that have a relationship with usage. These include Financial Awareness, Trust, Fees, Simplicity and Appropriateness of banking products and services. Consumers' usage of banking products and services were tested using primary data collected from low income and under-banked consumers in the NMB. This study only focused on five influencing factors. The investigation of other possible factors contributing to the usage of banking products and services is necessary. Making use of a larger sample and an improved model with other pertinent influencing factors might bring to light the significant factors involved in the decisions made by consumers in the usage of banking products and services. The significant factors presented in this study reveals that of the five proposed relationships, only two were found to be significant (Financial Awareness and Appropriateness). The findings of the study show that the usage of banking products and services can be increased through increased Financial Awareness about various available banking products and services, changing the unrealised need of the consumers into a realised need for banking and providing affordable products and services for various sections of the population. Appropriateness also reported a positive significant influence on Usage. This means that consumers are likely to access their bank account at different locations. With banking institutions offering products and services that meet their needs, consumers can achieve their financial goals and improve lifestyles by doing all transactions via the bank account and having more control over their personal financial affairs. Recommendations where suggested based on the empirical results to help improve the banking institutions ways of attracting and retaining consumers to effectively use their products and services. It was recommended that banking institutions should tailor their marketing campaigns towards low income and under-banked consumers in order to improve the level of financial awareness of consumers about banking products and services they consume. Seek to improve their communications strategies by adopting techniques that effectively transmits their ideas between the banking institutions and low income and under-banked consumers. And also focus should be on the creation of innovative design systems to ensure that banking products and services will effectively address the needs of low income and under-banked consumers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Giwe, Mbunwe Belter
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Banks and banking , Bank facilities , Bank customers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9334
- Description: A fundamental idea of this study was that the formal financial institutions have an essential role to play in the process of assisting financial inclusion of South Africa's low income and under-banked consumers. Financial inclusion is important for consumers to have access to affordable basic financial products and services. An increase in the number of financially included consumers is important for growth of home ownership, positive savings habits among low income consumers and mitigating risks with insurance products. Consumers have access to financial products and services but are not equipped with the basic knowledge to fully benefit from the use of these financial products and services. As a result, the construct of financial inclusion and the measures being taken by South African financial institutions to optimise financial inclusion was investigated in this study. There is a broad consensus that under-banked consumers face a myriad of factors that may prevent them from having effective access and usage of banking products and services. The effective usage of banking products and services not only promotes an inclusive society but also consumers' ability to take full advantage of the benefits of having access to suitable financial products and services. The influence of these factors on the usage of banking products and services by low income and under-banked consumers was under investigation in this research study. The influence of these factors on the usage of banking products and services by low income and under-banked consumers was under investigation in this research study. To achieve this, the researcher identified a number of factors that have a relationship with usage. These include Financial Awareness, Trust, Fees, Simplicity and Appropriateness of banking products and services. Consumers' usage of banking products and services were tested using primary data collected from low income and under-banked consumers in the NMB. This study only focused on five influencing factors. The investigation of other possible factors contributing to the usage of banking products and services is necessary. Making use of a larger sample and an improved model with other pertinent influencing factors might bring to light the significant factors involved in the decisions made by consumers in the usage of banking products and services. The significant factors presented in this study reveals that of the five proposed relationships, only two were found to be significant (Financial Awareness and Appropriateness). The findings of the study show that the usage of banking products and services can be increased through increased Financial Awareness about various available banking products and services, changing the unrealised need of the consumers into a realised need for banking and providing affordable products and services for various sections of the population. Appropriateness also reported a positive significant influence on Usage. This means that consumers are likely to access their bank account at different locations. With banking institutions offering products and services that meet their needs, consumers can achieve their financial goals and improve lifestyles by doing all transactions via the bank account and having more control over their personal financial affairs. Recommendations where suggested based on the empirical results to help improve the banking institutions ways of attracting and retaining consumers to effectively use their products and services. It was recommended that banking institutions should tailor their marketing campaigns towards low income and under-banked consumers in order to improve the level of financial awareness of consumers about banking products and services they consume. Seek to improve their communications strategies by adopting techniques that effectively transmits their ideas between the banking institutions and low income and under-banked consumers. And also focus should be on the creation of innovative design systems to ensure that banking products and services will effectively address the needs of low income and under-banked consumers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A child's journey through traumatic grief: a case study
- Authors: Goliath, Chantal Debra
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder in children -- South Africa , Victims of family violence -- South Africa , Grief in children -- South Africa , Violent crimes -- South Africa , Family violence -- South Africa , Ritual abuse -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018646
- Description: The death of a parent is one of the most serious stressors that can occur in a child’s life. The aim of this study was to describe an 11-year-old child’s journey through traumatic grief after the violent death of her mother. The conceptual framework utilised was Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT). The case study approach was applied as it provided a suitable research design in which to give an account of the subject in a therapeutic situation. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to select the research subject in the study. The following three principles of data collection were adhered to: a) using multiple sources of information, b) creating a case study database, and c) maintaining a chain of evidence. Irving Alexander’s content-analysis technique in conjunction with Guba’s model of trustworthiness was employed for data analysis. The finding that emerged from the study was the resilience shown by Linda in relation to her adaptive functioning following the trauma of witnessing the violent death of her mother. Conclusions and recommendations were made following the findings based on the information obtained during the therapy sessions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Goliath, Chantal Debra
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder in children -- South Africa , Victims of family violence -- South Africa , Grief in children -- South Africa , Violent crimes -- South Africa , Family violence -- South Africa , Ritual abuse -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018646
- Description: The death of a parent is one of the most serious stressors that can occur in a child’s life. The aim of this study was to describe an 11-year-old child’s journey through traumatic grief after the violent death of her mother. The conceptual framework utilised was Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT). The case study approach was applied as it provided a suitable research design in which to give an account of the subject in a therapeutic situation. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to select the research subject in the study. The following three principles of data collection were adhered to: a) using multiple sources of information, b) creating a case study database, and c) maintaining a chain of evidence. Irving Alexander’s content-analysis technique in conjunction with Guba’s model of trustworthiness was employed for data analysis. The finding that emerged from the study was the resilience shown by Linda in relation to her adaptive functioning following the trauma of witnessing the violent death of her mother. Conclusions and recommendations were made following the findings based on the information obtained during the therapy sessions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of the Integrated Quality Management System at selected schools within the Lukhanji Circuit, Queenstown District
- Authors: Gongqa, Mxolanisi Michael
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Total quality management in education -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3285 , vital:20420
- Description: The study focused on the evaluation of the integrated management system (IQMS) at selected schools within the Queenstown Education District. A quantitative research method was used for the study and questionnaires were used as a research tool to collect data. The respondents were members of the school management teams (SMT) which comprised the principals, deputy principals, heads of departments, senior educators and educators. These are key role-players in the management and implementation of IQMS. The rationale was to obtain pertinent information which would address the research questions and objectives of the study. The primary objective of the study as outlined above was to evaluate the impact of IQMS implementation in the Queenstown district with specific reference to the Lukhanji Circuit, on the performance of the high schools selected. It was envisaged that the results of the study would contribute towards developing measures to ensure that IQMS implementation achieves the desired objectives. The research questions were: To what extent can IQMS implementation be used as a tool to measure and improve teaching and learning? What measures have been put in place by the district to support and build capacity of the educators to perform? What factors hinder the effective IQMS implementation? The key findings of the study reveal that IQMS as a tool to improve teaching and learning had the overwhelming support of the majority of the respondents. However, a reasonable percentage of the respondents were of the view that IQMS constituted an administrative burden to educators. There are educators who displayed a negative attitude towards the implementation of IQMS. The respondents also felt that the district office needs to provide more support for IQMS implementation so that its objectives can be fully realised. The study makes clear recommendations such as the de-linking of IQMS from salaries and pay progression, provision of more support by the district, to make IQMS more user-friendly to educators and additional budget and teacher training to enhance educators’ professional development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gongqa, Mxolanisi Michael
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Total quality management in education -- South Africa -- Queenstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3285 , vital:20420
- Description: The study focused on the evaluation of the integrated management system (IQMS) at selected schools within the Queenstown Education District. A quantitative research method was used for the study and questionnaires were used as a research tool to collect data. The respondents were members of the school management teams (SMT) which comprised the principals, deputy principals, heads of departments, senior educators and educators. These are key role-players in the management and implementation of IQMS. The rationale was to obtain pertinent information which would address the research questions and objectives of the study. The primary objective of the study as outlined above was to evaluate the impact of IQMS implementation in the Queenstown district with specific reference to the Lukhanji Circuit, on the performance of the high schools selected. It was envisaged that the results of the study would contribute towards developing measures to ensure that IQMS implementation achieves the desired objectives. The research questions were: To what extent can IQMS implementation be used as a tool to measure and improve teaching and learning? What measures have been put in place by the district to support and build capacity of the educators to perform? What factors hinder the effective IQMS implementation? The key findings of the study reveal that IQMS as a tool to improve teaching and learning had the overwhelming support of the majority of the respondents. However, a reasonable percentage of the respondents were of the view that IQMS constituted an administrative burden to educators. There are educators who displayed a negative attitude towards the implementation of IQMS. The respondents also felt that the district office needs to provide more support for IQMS implementation so that its objectives can be fully realised. The study makes clear recommendations such as the de-linking of IQMS from salaries and pay progression, provision of more support by the district, to make IQMS more user-friendly to educators and additional budget and teacher training to enhance educators’ professional development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
"Why Persephone?" investigating the unique position of Persephone as a dying god(dess) offering hope for the afterlife
- Authors: Goodwin, Grant
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mythology, Greek , Gods, Greek , Future life , Greece -- Religious life and customs , Persephone -- (Greek deity)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017896
- Description: Persephone’s myth is unique, as it was the central narrative of one of the most prominent ancient mystery religions, and remains one of the few (certainly the most prominent) ancient Greek myths to focus on the relationship of a mother and her daughter. This unique focus must have offered her worshippers something important that they perhaps could not find elsewhere, especially as a complex and elaborate cult grew around it, transforming the divine allegory of the changing seasons or the storage of the grain beneath the earth, into a narrative offering hope for a better place in the afterlife. To understand the appeal of this myth, two aspects of her worship and mythic significance require study: the expectations of her worshippers for their own lives, to which the goddess may have been seen as a forerunner; and the mythic frameworks operating which would characterise the goddess for her worshippers. The myth, as described in The Hymn to Demeter, is initially interpreted for its literary meaning, and then set within its cultural milieu to uncover what meaning it may have had for Persephone’s worshippers, particularly in terms of marriage and death, which form the initial motivating action of the myth. From this socio-anthropological study we turn to the mythic patterns and motifs the story offers, particularly the figure of the goddess of the Underworld (primarily in the influential Mesopotamian literature), and the Dying-Rising God figure (similarly derived from the Near East). These figures, when compared to the Greek goddess, may both reveal her unique appeal, and highlight the common attractions that lie in the figures generally. By this two-part investigation, on the particular culture’s expectations and the general mythic framework she exists in, Persephone’s meaning in her native land may be uncovered and understood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Goodwin, Grant
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mythology, Greek , Gods, Greek , Future life , Greece -- Religious life and customs , Persephone -- (Greek deity)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017896
- Description: Persephone’s myth is unique, as it was the central narrative of one of the most prominent ancient mystery religions, and remains one of the few (certainly the most prominent) ancient Greek myths to focus on the relationship of a mother and her daughter. This unique focus must have offered her worshippers something important that they perhaps could not find elsewhere, especially as a complex and elaborate cult grew around it, transforming the divine allegory of the changing seasons or the storage of the grain beneath the earth, into a narrative offering hope for a better place in the afterlife. To understand the appeal of this myth, two aspects of her worship and mythic significance require study: the expectations of her worshippers for their own lives, to which the goddess may have been seen as a forerunner; and the mythic frameworks operating which would characterise the goddess for her worshippers. The myth, as described in The Hymn to Demeter, is initially interpreted for its literary meaning, and then set within its cultural milieu to uncover what meaning it may have had for Persephone’s worshippers, particularly in terms of marriage and death, which form the initial motivating action of the myth. From this socio-anthropological study we turn to the mythic patterns and motifs the story offers, particularly the figure of the goddess of the Underworld (primarily in the influential Mesopotamian literature), and the Dying-Rising God figure (similarly derived from the Near East). These figures, when compared to the Greek goddess, may both reveal her unique appeal, and highlight the common attractions that lie in the figures generally. By this two-part investigation, on the particular culture’s expectations and the general mythic framework she exists in, Persephone’s meaning in her native land may be uncovered and understood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Challenges of post-apartheid state-owned company pension fund reform: a case study of the controversy around the Transnet-Transport Pension Fund
- Authors: Goqoza, Noluyolo Juliet
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54766 , vital:26610
- Description: This thesis examines the restructuring of the pension funds of Transnet, a South African state-owned company involved in transportation, from the 1990s. Two of its main pension funds, the Transport-Transnet Pension sub-Fund (TTPF) and the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund (TSDBF), have been surrounded by controversy, with major court actions brought by aggrieved pensioners in 2006-2012 and again from 2013, and smaller cases in 1997-1999 and 2004. (There were also a number of smaller cases, mostly unsuccessful, but the thesis will not examine them). The case that started in 2013 is the biggest class action in the country‟s history, and makes claims of serious mismanagement and bad faith against the Transnet management. But the fundamental grievance is that (according to the 2013 legal case) “more than 80% of pensioners earn less than R4 000.00 a month… 62 % earn less than R2 500.00… 45% of the pensioners earn less than the state‟s ordinary old-age pension” grant for the poor. Although that case is ongoing, this thesis examines the background and controversies that frame the case. It provides an overview of the history and development of the South African pensions system and South African state-owned companies; it examines how these have been shaped by the apartheid and post-apartheid periods, and by the rise of neo-liberalism; it examines the evolution of Transnet and its pensions systems, from the early days of the South African Railways and Harbours Administration (SAR&H, formed 1910), to its restructuring into the South African Transport Services (SATS) in 1982, and then into Transnet in 1990. The thesis shows that the operations of the TTPF and TSDBF, which are closed to new members, have had serious effects on pensioners that rely upon them. Pensions are very low (the main reason for the various court cases), and this is for a range of reasons. Annual increases in pensions are formally set at below-inflation levels, leading to falling real incomes. More pressure on pensioners‟ livelihoods has arisen from Transnet‟s cuts to other benefits, like the medical aid Transmed, provided to pensioners. While the schemes are solvent, the pensions generally started at a low base, partly because most pensioners were relatively poorly paid workers before retirement (and the pensions were linked to former salaries). There is also a racial dimension: while most white workers at SAR&H/ SATS and Transnet were poorly paid, black, Coloured and Indian workers were paid even worse, and, further, were only brought into the pension schemes late. Both TTPF and TSDBF are defined benefit funds, which means members are guaranteed specific benefits at retirement, with the employer obligated to inject funds to meet shortfalls where needed. Yet neither the state nor Transnet has been willing to take actions to lift the basic pensions, such as investments into the funds, or to make systematic ex gratia payments to bring the pensions to a reasonable level, to remove historic racial inequalities between pensioners, to increase medical aid co-payments or coverage or to otherwise address the pensioners‟ situation. It does not seem that the reason for the problems is that the two funds have been severely mismanaged or asset-stripped, as alleged in the 2013 class action: it must be noted that both funds report surpluses. But the surpluses are possible because the pensions are low and falling in real terms, and the numbers of pensioners declining due to deaths. It seems clear that Transnet is unable or unwilling to act to decisively improve the situation of the pensioners: ensuring a surplus on existing pension funds is a major goal. This is partly because Transnet itself has ongoing financial problems, and partly because it operates in the context of neo-liberal restructuring, like corporatisation, commercialisation and privatisation, which places limits on the additional funding of the funds. At the same time, the pensioners have very little real, as opposed to a nominal, say in the administration of the pension schemes, limiting their ability to affect the rules and administration or raise issues. The thesis seeks to use historical institutionalism, which sees policies and major institutions, including state-owned companies, as shaped by power and conflict, especially between classes. This is used to try and explain changing state policies and the changing role and actions of state-owned companies, as a way of understanding Transnet‟s actions, as well as its treatment of its pensioners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Goqoza, Noluyolo Juliet
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54766 , vital:26610
- Description: This thesis examines the restructuring of the pension funds of Transnet, a South African state-owned company involved in transportation, from the 1990s. Two of its main pension funds, the Transport-Transnet Pension sub-Fund (TTPF) and the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund (TSDBF), have been surrounded by controversy, with major court actions brought by aggrieved pensioners in 2006-2012 and again from 2013, and smaller cases in 1997-1999 and 2004. (There were also a number of smaller cases, mostly unsuccessful, but the thesis will not examine them). The case that started in 2013 is the biggest class action in the country‟s history, and makes claims of serious mismanagement and bad faith against the Transnet management. But the fundamental grievance is that (according to the 2013 legal case) “more than 80% of pensioners earn less than R4 000.00 a month… 62 % earn less than R2 500.00… 45% of the pensioners earn less than the state‟s ordinary old-age pension” grant for the poor. Although that case is ongoing, this thesis examines the background and controversies that frame the case. It provides an overview of the history and development of the South African pensions system and South African state-owned companies; it examines how these have been shaped by the apartheid and post-apartheid periods, and by the rise of neo-liberalism; it examines the evolution of Transnet and its pensions systems, from the early days of the South African Railways and Harbours Administration (SAR&H, formed 1910), to its restructuring into the South African Transport Services (SATS) in 1982, and then into Transnet in 1990. The thesis shows that the operations of the TTPF and TSDBF, which are closed to new members, have had serious effects on pensioners that rely upon them. Pensions are very low (the main reason for the various court cases), and this is for a range of reasons. Annual increases in pensions are formally set at below-inflation levels, leading to falling real incomes. More pressure on pensioners‟ livelihoods has arisen from Transnet‟s cuts to other benefits, like the medical aid Transmed, provided to pensioners. While the schemes are solvent, the pensions generally started at a low base, partly because most pensioners were relatively poorly paid workers before retirement (and the pensions were linked to former salaries). There is also a racial dimension: while most white workers at SAR&H/ SATS and Transnet were poorly paid, black, Coloured and Indian workers were paid even worse, and, further, were only brought into the pension schemes late. Both TTPF and TSDBF are defined benefit funds, which means members are guaranteed specific benefits at retirement, with the employer obligated to inject funds to meet shortfalls where needed. Yet neither the state nor Transnet has been willing to take actions to lift the basic pensions, such as investments into the funds, or to make systematic ex gratia payments to bring the pensions to a reasonable level, to remove historic racial inequalities between pensioners, to increase medical aid co-payments or coverage or to otherwise address the pensioners‟ situation. It does not seem that the reason for the problems is that the two funds have been severely mismanaged or asset-stripped, as alleged in the 2013 class action: it must be noted that both funds report surpluses. But the surpluses are possible because the pensions are low and falling in real terms, and the numbers of pensioners declining due to deaths. It seems clear that Transnet is unable or unwilling to act to decisively improve the situation of the pensioners: ensuring a surplus on existing pension funds is a major goal. This is partly because Transnet itself has ongoing financial problems, and partly because it operates in the context of neo-liberal restructuring, like corporatisation, commercialisation and privatisation, which places limits on the additional funding of the funds. At the same time, the pensioners have very little real, as opposed to a nominal, say in the administration of the pension schemes, limiting their ability to affect the rules and administration or raise issues. The thesis seeks to use historical institutionalism, which sees policies and major institutions, including state-owned companies, as shaped by power and conflict, especially between classes. This is used to try and explain changing state policies and the changing role and actions of state-owned companies, as a way of understanding Transnet‟s actions, as well as its treatment of its pensioners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effect of strike action on the value and volatility of the South African Rand
- Authors: Gordon, Ross Patrick
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , Rand, South African , Dollar, American
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020018
- Description: This study analyses whether the advent of strike action has an effect on the value and volatility of the South African Rand compared with the US Dollar. The literature suggests that strike action can have a significant effect on the exchange rate in terms of either value or volatility, and consequences can result that cause inefficiencies in the economy; inhibiting employment and economic growth. Strike action has become common place in South Africa, with 2012 alone recording 99 strikes, 45 of which were “wildcat” or unprotected strikes. This study uses GARCH and Intervention Analyses to determine what the resulting effects of the strikes might be on the exchange rate. The analysis used ZAR/USD exchange rate data for the period January 2000 to October 2013, and covered 72 of the most significant strikes in terms of lost man-days. The results are mixed, suggesting that the effects of strikes do not always conform to expectations (increased volatility and a depreciation in the Rand), and that outside factors affecting the global economy may have a more significant effect on the exchange rate than strikes on their own.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gordon, Ross Patrick
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , Rand, South African , Dollar, American
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020018
- Description: This study analyses whether the advent of strike action has an effect on the value and volatility of the South African Rand compared with the US Dollar. The literature suggests that strike action can have a significant effect on the exchange rate in terms of either value or volatility, and consequences can result that cause inefficiencies in the economy; inhibiting employment and economic growth. Strike action has become common place in South Africa, with 2012 alone recording 99 strikes, 45 of which were “wildcat” or unprotected strikes. This study uses GARCH and Intervention Analyses to determine what the resulting effects of the strikes might be on the exchange rate. The analysis used ZAR/USD exchange rate data for the period January 2000 to October 2013, and covered 72 of the most significant strikes in terms of lost man-days. The results are mixed, suggesting that the effects of strikes do not always conform to expectations (increased volatility and a depreciation in the Rand), and that outside factors affecting the global economy may have a more significant effect on the exchange rate than strikes on their own.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Towards an evaluation and protection strategy for critical infrastructure
- Authors: Gottschalk, Jason Howard
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Public works -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018793
- Description: Critical Infrastructure is often overlooked from an Information Security perspective as being of high importance to protect which may result in Critical Infrastructure being at risk to Cyber related attacks with potential dire consequences. Furthermore, what is considered Critical Infrastructure is often a complex discussion, with varying opinions across audiences. Traditional Critical Infrastructure included power stations, water, sewage pump stations, gas pipe lines, power grids and a new entrant, the “internet of things”. This list is not complete and a constant challenge exists in identifying Critical Infrastructure and its interdependencies. The purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of protecting Critical Infrastructure as well as proposing a high level framework aiding in the identification and securing of Critical Infrastructure. To achieve this, key case studies involving Cyber crime and Cyber warfare, as well as the identification of attack vectors and impact on against Critical Infrastructure (as applicable to Critical Infrastructure where possible), were identified and discussed. Furthermore industry related material was researched as to identify key controls that would aid in protecting Critical Infrastructure. The identification of initiatives that countries were pursuing, that would aid in the protection of Critical Infrastructure, were identified and discussed. Research was conducted into the various standards, frameworks and methodologies available to aid in the identification, remediation and ultimately the protection of Critical Infrastructure. A key output of the research was the development of a hybrid approach to identifying Critical Infrastructure, associated vulnerabilities and an approach for remediation with specific metrics (based on the research performed). The conclusion based on the research is that there is often a need and a requirement to identify and protect Critical Infrastructure however this is usually initiated or driven by non-owners of Critical Infrastructure (Governments, governing bodies, standards bodies and security consultants). Furthermore where there are active initiative by owners very often the suggested approaches are very high level in nature with little direct guidance available for very immature environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gottschalk, Jason Howard
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Public works -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018793
- Description: Critical Infrastructure is often overlooked from an Information Security perspective as being of high importance to protect which may result in Critical Infrastructure being at risk to Cyber related attacks with potential dire consequences. Furthermore, what is considered Critical Infrastructure is often a complex discussion, with varying opinions across audiences. Traditional Critical Infrastructure included power stations, water, sewage pump stations, gas pipe lines, power grids and a new entrant, the “internet of things”. This list is not complete and a constant challenge exists in identifying Critical Infrastructure and its interdependencies. The purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of protecting Critical Infrastructure as well as proposing a high level framework aiding in the identification and securing of Critical Infrastructure. To achieve this, key case studies involving Cyber crime and Cyber warfare, as well as the identification of attack vectors and impact on against Critical Infrastructure (as applicable to Critical Infrastructure where possible), were identified and discussed. Furthermore industry related material was researched as to identify key controls that would aid in protecting Critical Infrastructure. The identification of initiatives that countries were pursuing, that would aid in the protection of Critical Infrastructure, were identified and discussed. Research was conducted into the various standards, frameworks and methodologies available to aid in the identification, remediation and ultimately the protection of Critical Infrastructure. A key output of the research was the development of a hybrid approach to identifying Critical Infrastructure, associated vulnerabilities and an approach for remediation with specific metrics (based on the research performed). The conclusion based on the research is that there is often a need and a requirement to identify and protect Critical Infrastructure however this is usually initiated or driven by non-owners of Critical Infrastructure (Governments, governing bodies, standards bodies and security consultants). Furthermore where there are active initiative by owners very often the suggested approaches are very high level in nature with little direct guidance available for very immature environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Understanding how Grade 11 life sciences teachers mediate biodiversity concepts in a second language context : a case study
- Authors: Gqoloqa, Zingisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017339
- Description: This research focused on an investigation of the pedagogy and strategies used by Grade 11 Life Sciences teachers when mediating Biodiversity concepts with English second language learners. My interest in this investigation was triggered by the Examiners’ Reports for Life Sciences from 2009 to 2012 which consistently noted learner challenges in answering, interpreting and analysing questions during exams. The reports highlighted learners’ lack of understanding of the questions which led to them providing irrelevant information in their exam scripts. These reports claimed that challenges experienced by these learners could be attributed to language issues experienced by English second language learners. Influenced by these reports, a qualitative case study of two Senior Secondary schools in East London, Eastern Cape South Africa was conducted. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and driven by the desire to achieve an in-depth understanding of the case under study, three phases of information gathering were followed. The first phase was that of gathering information through document analysis. Documents were analysed to gain insights and understanding of the issue before conducting interviews. The next phase was that of gathering information through semi-structured interviews followed by classroom observations. Findings from these observations were verified through stimulated recall interviews which provided clarity on the intentionality of choosing a certain method and strategy over another when assisting learners in making meaning of biodiversity concepts. The main findings of this study are that factors which limit learner understanding of biodiversity concepts are a result of a combination of factors such as failure to interpret questions, spelling problems which alter meaning of concepts and an inability to make distinctions among closely related concepts within the topic of Biodiversity. Responding to these factors, teachers demonstrated knowledge of a variety of teaching strategies to support learners. The choice of teaching strategies seemed to be guided by their experiences as well as the challenges they often encounter. Furthermore, teachers’ reflections on their practice provided opportunities for them to identify strengths and limitations of their choice of strategies and possibilities for improvement. It was also noted that factors such as large class sizes, gaps in content knowledge and a lack of detail in chalkboard summary limited the effectiveness of their teaching strategies. The study recommends that: • Teacher-learner ratio needs to be considered for effective support; • There is still a need to capacitate educators in environmental education. In-service training should focus on developing teacher understanding of foundational knowledge in life sciences; and • Teachers need to improve their chalkboard summary skills to increase the level of support that could be provided by comprehensive chalkboard summary through the elaboration of ideas
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gqoloqa, Zingisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017339
- Description: This research focused on an investigation of the pedagogy and strategies used by Grade 11 Life Sciences teachers when mediating Biodiversity concepts with English second language learners. My interest in this investigation was triggered by the Examiners’ Reports for Life Sciences from 2009 to 2012 which consistently noted learner challenges in answering, interpreting and analysing questions during exams. The reports highlighted learners’ lack of understanding of the questions which led to them providing irrelevant information in their exam scripts. These reports claimed that challenges experienced by these learners could be attributed to language issues experienced by English second language learners. Influenced by these reports, a qualitative case study of two Senior Secondary schools in East London, Eastern Cape South Africa was conducted. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and driven by the desire to achieve an in-depth understanding of the case under study, three phases of information gathering were followed. The first phase was that of gathering information through document analysis. Documents were analysed to gain insights and understanding of the issue before conducting interviews. The next phase was that of gathering information through semi-structured interviews followed by classroom observations. Findings from these observations were verified through stimulated recall interviews which provided clarity on the intentionality of choosing a certain method and strategy over another when assisting learners in making meaning of biodiversity concepts. The main findings of this study are that factors which limit learner understanding of biodiversity concepts are a result of a combination of factors such as failure to interpret questions, spelling problems which alter meaning of concepts and an inability to make distinctions among closely related concepts within the topic of Biodiversity. Responding to these factors, teachers demonstrated knowledge of a variety of teaching strategies to support learners. The choice of teaching strategies seemed to be guided by their experiences as well as the challenges they often encounter. Furthermore, teachers’ reflections on their practice provided opportunities for them to identify strengths and limitations of their choice of strategies and possibilities for improvement. It was also noted that factors such as large class sizes, gaps in content knowledge and a lack of detail in chalkboard summary limited the effectiveness of their teaching strategies. The study recommends that: • Teacher-learner ratio needs to be considered for effective support; • There is still a need to capacitate educators in environmental education. In-service training should focus on developing teacher understanding of foundational knowledge in life sciences; and • Teachers need to improve their chalkboard summary skills to increase the level of support that could be provided by comprehensive chalkboard summary through the elaboration of ideas
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Validity and accuracy of self-reported drug allergies
- Authors: Grant, Elzaan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Drug allergy , Medical history taking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3295 , vital:20421
- Description: Purpose: Pharmacists must ensure the safe and effective use of medication, but often have only the documented patient history to guide assessment of therapy. There is a lack of information on the incidence of claimed drug allergies or the validity of these self-reported drug allergies in the South African population. Mislabelling of patients as being allergic to medication often deprives them of important therapeutic drugs and alternative agents may be more dangerous, less effective and more costly (Hung et al., 1994). The aim of the research was therefore to determine the incidence of drug allergies in patients admitted to a private hospital and to assess the validity of these self-reported drug allergies. Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental study design was used. Data was collected using a concurrent, cross-sectional approach and collected from patients admitted to hospital using Medical Chart Reviews and researcher-led, questionnaire based interviews. During the seven month sampling period, 693 patients were identified with one or more self-reported drug allergies. A subset of 99 patients (14.2%) consented to a researcher-led interview. The allergies were assigned to one of three groups based on the history: (i) High probability: signs and symptoms typical of an immunological reaction. (ii) Low probability: signs and symptoms of the reaction were predictable reactions or side effects of the drug. (iii) Unknown status: no information concerning the reaction history was available. Results: A total of 953 allergies were identified in the 693 patients, with a ratio of drug allergy to patient of 1.4:1. The majority of claimed allergies were to penicillin (39.2%), opioid analgesics (17.6%), other antimicrobials, including co-trimoxazole (13.5%), NSAIDs (9.9%) and unspecified “sulphur” allergy (8.7%). Descriptions of the “allergic” reactions were only recorded on 8.9% (62, n=693) of the reviewed charts. Only 56.5% (35, n=62) of the symptoms recorded as “allergy” were indicative of the event being allergic or immunological in nature. In total, 1.3% (9, n=693) of the patients with a self-reported allergy received the allergen while in hospital. In three cases this was the result of a pharmacist overlooking the recorded allergy, and dispensing the allergen to the patient. A total of 118 allergies were identified in the 99 interviewed patients, with a ratio of drug allergy to patient of 1.2:1. Inaccurate allergy history was found in 9.1% (9, n=99) of the interviewed patients. Overall, the majority of self-reported drug allergies (67.8%) had a “high probability” of being a true drug allergy. Allergies that were assigned into the high probability group were: penicillin (74.1%), co-trimoxazole (91.7%), NSAID‟s (55.6%) and 75.0% of opioids. Conclusion: In summary, the validity of self-reported drug allergies need to be determined before excluding medication from a patient‟s treatment options. Detailed descriptions can assist in the evaluation of self-reported allergies which would be advantageous to both prescribers and patients. Pharmacists need to play a bigger role in ensuring accurate documentation of drug allergy history, with detailed descriptions, in order to ensure safe and effective drug use within the hospital environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Grant, Elzaan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Drug allergy , Medical history taking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3295 , vital:20421
- Description: Purpose: Pharmacists must ensure the safe and effective use of medication, but often have only the documented patient history to guide assessment of therapy. There is a lack of information on the incidence of claimed drug allergies or the validity of these self-reported drug allergies in the South African population. Mislabelling of patients as being allergic to medication often deprives them of important therapeutic drugs and alternative agents may be more dangerous, less effective and more costly (Hung et al., 1994). The aim of the research was therefore to determine the incidence of drug allergies in patients admitted to a private hospital and to assess the validity of these self-reported drug allergies. Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental study design was used. Data was collected using a concurrent, cross-sectional approach and collected from patients admitted to hospital using Medical Chart Reviews and researcher-led, questionnaire based interviews. During the seven month sampling period, 693 patients were identified with one or more self-reported drug allergies. A subset of 99 patients (14.2%) consented to a researcher-led interview. The allergies were assigned to one of three groups based on the history: (i) High probability: signs and symptoms typical of an immunological reaction. (ii) Low probability: signs and symptoms of the reaction were predictable reactions or side effects of the drug. (iii) Unknown status: no information concerning the reaction history was available. Results: A total of 953 allergies were identified in the 693 patients, with a ratio of drug allergy to patient of 1.4:1. The majority of claimed allergies were to penicillin (39.2%), opioid analgesics (17.6%), other antimicrobials, including co-trimoxazole (13.5%), NSAIDs (9.9%) and unspecified “sulphur” allergy (8.7%). Descriptions of the “allergic” reactions were only recorded on 8.9% (62, n=693) of the reviewed charts. Only 56.5% (35, n=62) of the symptoms recorded as “allergy” were indicative of the event being allergic or immunological in nature. In total, 1.3% (9, n=693) of the patients with a self-reported allergy received the allergen while in hospital. In three cases this was the result of a pharmacist overlooking the recorded allergy, and dispensing the allergen to the patient. A total of 118 allergies were identified in the 99 interviewed patients, with a ratio of drug allergy to patient of 1.2:1. Inaccurate allergy history was found in 9.1% (9, n=99) of the interviewed patients. Overall, the majority of self-reported drug allergies (67.8%) had a “high probability” of being a true drug allergy. Allergies that were assigned into the high probability group were: penicillin (74.1%), co-trimoxazole (91.7%), NSAID‟s (55.6%) and 75.0% of opioids. Conclusion: In summary, the validity of self-reported drug allergies need to be determined before excluding medication from a patient‟s treatment options. Detailed descriptions can assist in the evaluation of self-reported allergies which would be advantageous to both prescribers and patients. Pharmacists need to play a bigger role in ensuring accurate documentation of drug allergy history, with detailed descriptions, in order to ensure safe and effective drug use within the hospital environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015