Showing items 1 - 20 of 29

Your selections:

A standardisation of Professor Spearman’s “A measure of 'intelligence' for use in schools” and a discussion of the methods of factorial analysis as applied to the study of ability

  • Authors: Butler, J E
  • Date: 1949
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:20970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5740
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1949

Separation and characterisation of chromium (III) carboxylate solutions

  • Authors: Bryson, Michael Andrew Walker
  • Date: 1981
  • Subjects: Chromium
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006847
  • Description: From Summary: The complexes present in chromium(III) carboxylate solutions (acetate or formate) were separated using ion exchange chromatography, electrophoresis and gel filtration. Eight cationic species and one non-ionic species with charges from 0 to +3 and nuclearities ranging from mononuclear to quadranuclear were isolated from chromium(III) acetate solutions. Six cationic species with charges from +1 to +3 and nuclearities ranging from mononuclear to trinuclear were isolated from chromium(III) formate solutions. The empirical formulae for these complexes were determined by analytical methods. Infra- red spectroscopy was used to distinguish between monodentate and bidentate bridged carboxylate ligands. An immediate change in the visible spectrum of a complex on its acidification was used as evidence that a terminal hydroxo group was present.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1981

The relationship between the concept 'art' and its institutionalisation during the period 1850-1871 in South Africa

  • Authors: Steyn, Pieter Andrew
  • Date: 1985
  • Subjects: Art, South African -- 19th century Art -- Political aspects Art and society -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
  • Identifier: vital:2438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005626
  • Description: This research evolved as part of a personal struggle to understand my role as 'art' student. As such the essay is concerned with both the theory and practice of 'art', and the relationship between the two. It is, however, my experience of the lack of an analysis of the concept 'art' as a social and historical phenomenon, and the suppression of the politics of culture in most fine art courses, that has led me to concentrate on theoretical and political issues, rather than the formal aspects of painting. This essay is therefore not concerned with individual 'works of art', but with the general category 'art' as an organisational form. Despite its limitations, the essay goes beyond the personal by exploring some of the social, political, economic and cultural processes that form the broader social context in which the examination of 'art' should take place.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1985

A cross-cultural study of eating disordered behaviour in female university residence students

  • Authors: Geach, Michele Fiona
  • Date: 1996
  • Subjects: Eating disorders -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies Women college students -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:3197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009452
  • Description: The compilation of information on the incidence of eating disorders in South African university residence women has been identified as an urgent matter by the National Eating Disorders Coordinating Committee (NEDCC). This study was undertaken to determine the degree of eating disordered behaviour across cultures in female university residence students from the University of Natal, Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses, and the University of Durban Westville. The Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) was completed by 39 black, 41 white, 6 Indian and 4 Coloured students. It was hypothesised that white women would show higher rates of disordered eating; that black women in more advanced years of study ie. those who are more acculturated, would show more disordered eating behaviour than first year black students; that black females would demonstrate higher Body Mass Index (BMI) scores than white students; and that a positive relationship would be found between Socio-economic status (SES) and disordered eating. The results of this study indicated that there was no significant difference in disordered eating among black and white female students. Degree of disordered eating did not increase with year of study. Although black students demonstrated significantly higher BMI scores than white students, there was no difference in body dissatisfaction scores. Furthermore there was no relationship found between SES and degree of disordered eating behaviour. An attempt is made to explain these results by exploring the role of acculturation to Western appearance standards.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 1996

Continuity and generalized continuity in dynamics and other applications

  • Authors: Mimna, Roy Allan
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Topological dynamics -- Research Dynamics -- Mathematical models -- Research Perturbation (Mathematics) Attractors (Mathematics) Baire classes Mathematics -- Research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:5404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005218
  • Description: The topological dynamics of continuous and noncontinuous dynamical systems are investigated. Various definitions of chaos are studied, as well as notions of stability. Results are obtained on asymptotically stable sets and the perturbation stability of such sets. The primary focus is on the traditional point sets of topological dynamics, including the chain recurrent set, omega-limit sets and attractors. The basic setting is that of a continuous function on a compact metric space, sometimes with additional properties on the space. The investigation includes results on the dynamical properties of typical continuous functions in the sense of Baire category. Results are also developed concerning dynamical systems involving quasi-continuous functions. An invariance property for the omega-limit sets of such functions is given. Omega-limit sets are characterized for Riemann integrable derivatives and derivatiyes which are continuous almost everywhere. Techniques used in the investigation and formulation of results include finding theorems which relate the rather disparate notions of dynamical properties and generalized continuity. In addition to dynamical systems, numerous other applications of generalized continuity are imoestigated. Techniques used include application of the Baire Category Theorem and the notion of semi-closure. For example, results are formulated concerning functions determined by dense sets, including separately continuous functions, thus generalizing the classical result for continuous functions on dense subsets of the domain. The uniform boundedness theorem is extended to functions which are not necessarily continuous, including various derivatives. The closed graph theorem is strictly generalized in two separate ways, and applications are presented using these generalizations. An invariance property of separately continuous functions is given. Cluster sets are studied in connection with separate continuity, and various results are presented concerning locally bounded functions.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002

A methodology for measuring and monitoring IT risk

  • Authors: Tansley, Natalie Vanessa
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Business -- Data processing -- Security measures , Information resources management , Information technology -- Security measures
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/772 , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Business -- Data processing -- Security measures , Information resources management , Information technology -- Security measures
  • Description: The primary objective of the research is to develop a methodology for monitoring and measuring IT risks, strictly focusing on internal controls. The research delivers a methodology whereby an organization can measure its system of internal controls, providing assurance that the risks are at an acceptable level. To achieve the primary objective a number of secondary objectives were addressed: What are the drivers forcing organizations to better corporate governance in managing risk? What is IT risk management, specifically focusing on operational risk. What is internal control and specifically focusing on COSO’s internal control process. Investigation of measurement methods, such as, Balance Scorecards, Critical Success Factors, Maturity Models, Key Performance Indicators and Key Goal Indicators. Investigation of various frameworks such as CobiT, COSO and ISO 17799, ITIL and BS 7799 as to how they manage IT risk relating to internal control.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation into the representation of women in South African Cosmopolitan Magazine advertisements of 2004

  • Authors: Ranchod, Amisha
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/784 , Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
  • Description: This study investigates the representations of women in advertisements featured in South African Cosmopolitan magazine published in 2004 so as to critically analyse the stereotypes of women it presents, the institutional mechanisms behind this and its implications for gender ‘constructions’. By using a random cluster sample, 60 advertisements found in Cosmopolitan were analysed to examine the stereotypical portrayals of women within its imagery. In addition, survey questionnaires were distributed amongst female students to determine whether exposure to advertisements featured in Cosmopolitan magazines moulds their thoughts with regard to South African women today, as well as to analyse their attitudinal change before and after exposure to a number of advertisements. It was found that even though the majority of respondents claimed to be aware of the stereotypical representations of women found in the advertisements, and did not believe that these portrayals were a true reflection of South African women, various aspects of their lives continue to be affected by these representations in a number of ways. The findings of this study indicate that the trend found in previous studies – that stereotypical images of women prevail in the media – is evident in South Africa too. It was established that the ideologies of both patriarchy and capitalism work together in supporting the pervasiveness of negative, disempowering portrayals of women in Cosmopolitan advertisements. Stereotypical imagery of women serve as the site at which the ideologies of capitalism and patriarchy fuse, drawing on a common, shared notion of the objectified female to further their goals of maximisation of profits and male dominance respectively.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2007

Characterisation of InAs-based epilayers by FTIR spectroscopy

  • Authors: Baisitse, Tshepiso Revonia
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Gallium arsenide semiconductors
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/474 , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Gallium arsenide semiconductors
  • Description: This study focuses on the characterization of InAs and InAs1-xSbx epitaxial layers by infrared reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy and Hall measurements. Reflectance measurements were performed in order to obtain the dielectric parameters and to extract from these information about the electrical properties (mobility and carrier concentration) of this important III-V material system. The transmittance measurements were used to determine the bandgap of InAsSb. Infrared reflectivity and transmittance measurements were performed in the wavelength range 200 – 2000 cm-1 on InAs and InAsSb layers grown on three types of substrates. A classical two oscillator model that takes into account both the free carriers and the lattice, was used to analyse the reflectance data using the BMDP® computer curve fitting software. The dielectric parameters and the electrical properties (carrier concentration and mobility) were extracted from the simulations. Due to the low free carrier concentration in the epitaxial structures, the plasma resonance frequency (ωp) values obtained from the simulations of reflectance spectra measured above 200 cm-1, were in the order of 20-30 cm-1. These low values were confirmed by direct measurements of ωp in reflectance spectra obtained in the range 15-200 cm-1. The simulated carrier concentration and mobility values determined optically were compared to the values determined by Hall measurements at room temperature and previously reported values by other researchers. The simulated values obtained were in reasonable agreement with the Hall values. The simulated and measured carrier concentrations obtained for InAs layers were significantly higher than the intrinsic carrier concentration for InAs at room temperature, indicating notable concentrations of donors resulting from the growth process.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2007

Water quality, abalone growth and the potential for integrated mariculture on a South African abalone Haliotis midae L. farm

  • Authors: Yearsley, Rowan David
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Abalones -- South Africa Abalone culture -- South Africa Abalones -- Growth Mariculture -- South Africa Water quality -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5334 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005180
  • Description: Abalone Haliotis midae farming in South Africa is highly intensive, employing pump-ashore, flow-through systems. Despite the known sensitivity of abalone to water quality, there is only a rudimentary understanding of water quality dynamics on South African abalone farms and its effects on abalone production. Furthermore, the potential for reusing the relatively dilute abalone farm effluent to culture other animal species has not been investigated. This study investigated the dynamics of water quality and growth on a South African abalone farm and assessed the suitability of the effluent for the culture of silver kob Argyrosomus inodorus and bloodworm Arenicola loveni loveni. Monitoring of water quality and abalone growth in abalone tanks revealed that oxygen concentrations decreased, while H⁺ ion and free-ammonia (NH₃) concentration increased in a gradient between the inflow and outflow. Abalone growth was positively correlated with oxygen concentration and negatively correlated with free-ammonia and H⁺ ion concentration. The oxygen (O) concentration of the farm influent was dependent upon the influents’ temperature (T) and was described by the relationship O (mg L⁻¹) = 11.244 – 0.208T (r²=0.74). Linear regression analysis of data collected from abalone farm tanks revealed that the concentration of total ammonia at the outflow of abalone tanks (μg TAN L⁻¹) was dependant upon temperature (°C), flow-rate (L s⁻¹ kg⁻¹ H. midae), abalone size (g) and length of time since the tank was last cleaned (d) (n = 125, r² = 0.80). The production of total ammonia (μg TAN s⁻¹ kg⁻¹) was related to temperature, abalone size and days that the tanks remained un-cleaned (n = 125; r² = 0.81). A diurnal cycle of respiration was evident in abalone tanks with higher oxygen consumption and H+ ion production at night. The oxygen concentration of farm effluent was related to temperature, farm biomass and flow rate by means of a linear regression equation (n = 40; r² = 0.69). The results demonstrated the importance of optimising the flow-rate per unit of biomass for various temperatures and sizes of abalone. As abalone size and temperature cannot be controlled under farm conditions, the flow-rate per unit of biomass which the abalone culture system receives will determine the quality of the culture water. The specific growth rate (0.48 ± 0.01 % BW d⁻¹), mortality (1.8 ± 0.5 %), feed conversion ratio (3.0 ± 0.2) and protein efficiency ratio (1.0 ± 0.1) of silver kob kept in either abalone farm effluent or control seawater for 120 days did not differ significantly (t-test, P>0.05). A 90 day growth trial indicated that abalone farm effluent is a suitable culture medium for bloodworm. Bloodworm supplied with control seawater lost weight at 0.19 ± 0.04 % BW d-1, while those given abalone effluent grew at 0.39 ± 0.07 % BW d⁻¹. Mortality was 6 ± 3 % in effluent and 11 ± 8 % in seawater. The bloodworm were efficient at processing solid waste. Abalone farm effluent initially contained 7.7 ± 13 mg L⁻¹ more suspended solids than control seawater, which contained 3.5 ± 0.5 mg L⁻¹, but after passing through bloodworm systems the concentration in abalone effluent was reduced to only 1.4 ± 3.5 mg L⁻¹ above that in control seawater. Therefore, abalone farm effluent could be reused as a culture medium for both silver kob and bloodworm. Future work is needed to investigate aspects of the feasibility of such systems such as growth rates at different sizes and stocking densities.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2008

Chief executive officer compensation and the effect on company performance in a South African context

  • Authors: Bradley, Samuel
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Chief executive officers -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Compensation management -- South Africa , Wage surveys -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001637 , Chief executive officers -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Compensation management -- South Africa , Wage surveys -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation
  • Description: The goal of this research was to determine, in a South African context, whether there is any correlation between chief executive officer compensation and the performance of the company. For the purposes of the research , the compensation of chief executive officers was broken down into three components: salary, bonus and "other" remuneration, while company performance was measured on return on equity, return on assets and earnings per share figures. Studies on this topic have been carried out in other countries, most notably in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. It appears that no research of a similar nature has been carried out in South Africa. Data in respect of the forty largest listed companies in South Africa were collected over a period of five years. The econometric models used for the research were based on models identified in the literature study. The data were then analysed for evidence of a correlation between chief executive officer compensation and the performance of the company. The results of this study indicate that there is no linear relationship between chief executive officer compensation and company performance variables. The econometric models did, however, show correlations between certain variables, taking into account the other predictor variables in the model. Evidence of correlations between age and experience and compensation was also found , which may present potential avenues of research to scholars in the future.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2012

Poverty alleviation through empowerment and participation: the Seki Women's Foundation

  • Authors: Lawrence, Yolisa Innocentia
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020020
  • Description: As poverty alleviation projects are being established in communities in order to reduce the impact of unemployment, crime, and inequality as well as other factors propagating poverty, numerous projects fail to democratically meet the needs of the poor majority. Development initiatives brought forth by government and non-governmental organisations, which adopt a top-down approach in order to accelerate development, do not always have a positive effect on the community, especially on the poor majority, which development is meant to empower and benefit. This results in the short life span of the project and leads the community into immense poverty. Thus, the focus of this research paper was to evaluate the extent to which poverty alleviation projects such as the Seki Women’s Foundation, contribute towards the alleviation of poverty in its community, located in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. This evaluation study focused more on aspects of development concerning community participation, empowerment through skills training and project sustainability. The objectives of the study were to investigate the values, aims and objectives of the Seki Women’s Foundation; how these values, aims and objectives were fulfilled; the challenges faced by the project towards effective community development and the determinants of the long-term sustainability of the project. The research study adopted a qualitative approach, which allowed the researcher to collect meaningful knowledge from the volunteers and stakeholders by conducting semi-structured interviews and a focus group which were guided by open-ended questions. The data was thematically analysed where important concepts were coded in order to obtain accurate information so that valid results could be reached. The main findings of the research study suggested that the contribution made by the Seki Women’s Foundation towards poverty alleviation and community development is to empower the volunteers and community through skills training in baking, gardening and sewing. The volunteers share these skills amongst community members, enabling them to be self-sufficient and implement the skills in their own surroundings. The project builds strong partnerships with the stakeholders by being accountable and transparent about the utilisation of funds through report formulation. Although the project implements some principles of community development, the full participation of volunteers in the development process remains a concern, especially in decision making. The challenges faced by the project are concerned with burglary of clothing containers, stealing of vegetation and garden tools and the community not buying the products sold by the project. The research study recommends that the volunteers reason with the community and instil trust and honesty to avoid crime. The project should instil authentic participation in all development processes and form a partnership with local shops in convincing them to sell their produce as this will allow some income to generate within the project and community.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013

The impact of social grants on poverty reduction

  • Authors: Magawana, Xolisa Tania
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects , Economic development , Social problems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020106
  • Description: The South African government implements numerous strategies with the aim of reducing poverty. The social grant system is one of these. Social grants are aimed at reducing poverty as well as income inequality. Considering the growing number of social grant beneficiaries, people often question whether these grants reduce poverty and, if they do, whether they are effective.This treatise investigates the impact of social grants in poverty reduction. In order to investigate this, the researcher used the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, as a study area. This study examines the different views of social grants beneficiaries, and the importance of prioritisation when using this unearned money. It alsoinvestigates the role played by the heads of household and shows how beneficiaries’ locations can influence the use of unearned income. Social grants dispense little money, but the researcher discovered that the responsibility of spending and allocating the money lies with the head of household. The descriptive statists show that social grants have created dependency and that families require exit strategies to stop depending entirely on these grants. Findings from the correlation matrix show both positive and negative correlations. Finally, the study has identified the need for an integrated strategy that will not only provide income, but that will also improve the lives of South Africans.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013

A bone fragment

Exploratory study of the enablers and challenges of a social entrepreneur : case of Dr Govender in the Gelvandale community, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

  • Authors: Mfeketho, Chuma Nqabase Masechaba
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Famhealth Medipark (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) , Businesspeople -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social capital (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Success in business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017519
  • Description: Social entrepreneurs seek to create social value in various ways in the community. Notably, they encounter not only enabling factors but also face and attempt to deal with a variety of challenges in their endeavor to start and run social ventures. This academic paper adopts a single case study approach with the aims to explore challenges and attempts to deal with them, as well as enablers, in how Dr Govender sought to create social value within the community of Gelvandale in Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Famhealth Medipark was chosen because it is unique and has been considered as an example of successful social entrepreneurship in Port Elizabeth. In the light of this, there has not been any previous study particularly focusing on its challenges and enablers in adding social value in the community through a multi-disciplinary venture. This research is valuable as it builds our understanding of how social entrepreneurs create social value. This qualitative study uses a single case study to focus on incidents of challenges and enabling factors as experienced, recollected and expressed by Dr Govender as a social entrepreneur. A variety of data, such as interview data collected through sampling incidents in nine in-depth initial and follow-up interviews, documents, audio documentaries and emails, were used. Open coding and constant comparison was used to analyze data and induce themes. Findings depict that Dr Govender as a social entrepreneur was propelled by four enablers: (1) strong enthusiasm to create positive change in others within a community, (2) network to resources, (3) a nurturing world view, and (4) consistent self-sacrifice. Dr Govender also revealed that he faced four types of challenges in setting up and operating Famhealth Medipark (FHM) as a vehicle with the sole purpose of creating and adding social value to the community of Gelvandale. Predominantly, (1) limitation of finance, (2) overwhelming effect of multiple roles, (3) negative effects of the non-accredited status of the care-giver training programme, and (4) the predominance of a destructive mindset entrenched within the Gelvandale community were key challenges he faced and attempted to deal with in setting up and operating a social venture to ultimately create social value. Although other types of data have been used, the predominant reliance on primary data collected through in-depth interviews is one of the major limitations of this qualitative study. However, this qualitative and exploratory study provides insights into our understanding of not only challenges encountered by social entrepreneurs but also the various drivers that sustain their social mission. Recommendations were then made, based on the findings from the research conducted.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014

Impact of the global financial crisis on economic growth: implications for South Africa and other developing economies

  • Authors: Savy, Neil Edward
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Gross domestic product -- Developing countries , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- Developing countries , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development -- Developing countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017542
  • Description: This paper examines the impact of the recent global financial crisis on economic growth in developing economies and South Africa in particular. It explores whether the events experienced by developing countries conform to what would be anticipated from economic theory. This is done by firstly comparing country growth forecasts for 2012 captured in 2008 at the beginning of the crisis to actual 2012 GDP growth data. Secondly, panel data analysis is used to investigate three important transmission channels, namely those of Trade, Capital Flows and Exchange Rates for 25 developing economies. The results suggest that economic forecasters in 2008 on average overestimated GDP growth for 2012 by -21.6 percent (excluding Venezuela). The only important transmission channel identified using Trend analysis to explain this negative impact on growth was capital flows. However when using Panel regression analysis all three channels were found to explain the economic impact of the crisis on GDP growth for developing countries, conforming to economic theory. It was discovered that, contrary to what was initially expected, portfolio inflows actually increased for most developing countries during the crisis. This possibly can be explained by the impact of quantitative easing in the USA. South Africa was found to have been negatively impacted by the global financial crisis, but to a lesser extent when compared to most other developing countries. The findings are important for global investors looking for new investment opportunities. The extent to which individual economies are “decoupled” from developed economies’ performance provides possible opportunities for diversifying risk through a geographic spread of investor portfolios.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015

What limits an invasive biotic and abiotic effects on the distribution of the invasive mussel mytilus galloprovincialis on the South African coastline

Woody encroachment and plant-root soil interactions in a semi-arid savanna

  • Authors: Gusha, Bukho
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12139 , vital:39174
  • Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceous species composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands, management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015

Woody encroachment and plant-root soil interactions in a semi-arid savanna

  • Authors: Gusha, Bukho
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12053 , vital:39131
  • Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceousspecies composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015

The application of the “reasonable suspicion of bias” test in relation to the appointment of a tax Ombud in South Africa

  • Authors: Tendayi, Tatenda Lovemore
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4190 , vital:20631
  • Description: The South African Parliament established a tax Ombud to act as an oversight body which reviews administrative complaints against SARS. Concerns have, however, been raised by academics and experts that the tax Ombud is not adequately independent of SARS so as to be able to investigate the complaints effectively and without bias. The manner in which the appointment, funding and staffing of the tax Ombud have been provided for, have been cited as the major sources of the perception of impartiality. According to decisions of the highest courts in South Africa, the “reasonable suspicion of bias” test must be applied in cases where institutional bias is alleged. The test investigates whether or not the reasonable person would suspect that the particular decision maker will be biased, due to institutional factors. After applying the “reasonable suspicion of bias” test to the model of the South African tax Ombud, the conclusion reached is that the model of the tax Ombud gives rise to a reasonable suspicion of bias. Notwithstanding the fact that the model gives rise to a suspicion of bias, it is concluded that the model, in its current form, remains fair as safeguards have been put in place by the legislature to ensure that fairness prevails. There is, however, international precedent which suggests that the sources of institutional bias can be eliminated completely from the model of the tax Ombud. Specifically, if the funding and staffing of the tax Ombud’s office is removed from SARS, the model of the tax Ombud would move closer to the ideal standards of fairness.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016

A hermeneutic phenominological study of the understanding and treatment of Amafufunyana by traditional healers

  • Authors: Gqibitole, Camagwini
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Traditional medicine Healers Mental illness -- Treatment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5521 , vital:29313
  • Description: Traditional healers have a different understanding of psychological illnesses to the western paradigm as well as a different way of diagnosing and treating psychological illnesses. Aims and Objectives. This study’s aim is to examine how traditional healers understand the causes of mental illness mainly focusing on amafufunyana and how this understanding informs treatments methods. Method. This has been done based on hermeneutic phenomenology by drawing from the lived experience of traditional healers through a focus group interview. Results. Upon analysis of the data it becomes clear that traditional healers understand the aetiology of amafufunyana to be supernatural forces. Amafufunyana present in overt and covert symptoms and the diagnostic process entails connecting with the ancestors for their guidance and confirmation of diagnosis, as well as guidance on which imithi to use. The treatment process is congruent with the diagnostic process as it also entails guidance from the ancestors on which imithi to use. Other valuable aspects of traditional healing were brought forward while conducting this study. The aspect of protection from the ancestors was emphasised. It became evident in the analysis of this study that the rituals that are performed in order to appease the ancestors facilitate the connection to the ancestors and through maintaining this connect one can be protected from an array of illnesses and misfortunes. Recommendations. It is recommended that recommended that more studies are conducted with traditional healers in order to give them an opportunity to elaborate on their lived experience of healing, as it was observed that a majority of literature speak on behalf of traditional healers.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2017
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact