Religious Poetry as a Vehicle for Social Control in Africa: The Case of Bakossi Incantatory Poetry
- Authors: Enongene Mirabeau Sone
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2624 , vital:42301
- Description: Religious poetry is generally considered the fruit of a people’s long reflection on their relationship with their gods, with the ancestors, and with the partly seen and unseen universe. It is used to celebrate events in the life of the individual and the community, to express fellowship, and as a powerful means of communication. Thus, religious poetry is an integral element of a people’s heritage. In this paper, I intend to present some forms of religious poetry, which are found among the Bakossi people of Cameroon, in order to show how magically-oriented formulaic expressions are used in order to maintain adherence to the normative order of society. The point I intend to make is that the incantatory form of religious poetry, was, and still is, used among the Bakossi people of Cameroon, as well as in other parts of rural Africa in terms of individual and communal education.
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An Assessment of The Effectiveness of Government Intervention Strategies For Water Provision In Rural Communities In The O R Tambo District Municipality South Africa
- Authors: Kunseh E, Betek Cecilia
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2870 , vital:42969
- Description: ABSTRACT This study examines the provision of potable water to rural areas by South African municipalities, focusing on the experience of the O R Tambo District Municipality. Managing rural water supply systems effectively and efficiently is a challenge to the municipality due to the long distances between consumers and municipal centres. This is couple with the low income of most residents and the government's policy of free basic water is making rural water provision very difficult in the O R Tambo District Municipality. This policy obliges municipalities to supply a basic quantity of water usually set at 6 kilolitres per month to each household free of charge. Many rural municipalities face additional challenges of limited revenue and limited managerial and technical capacity as well as limited quantity and quality water system or source. There is little empirical data on how successful municipalities have been in providing water to rural areas. Data was collected from three local municipalities of O R Tambo that is King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mhlontlo and Qawukeni local municipalities respectively. According to the result of the research, 77% of the sample population complained that there have been no improvements in their livelihood because they still get water from the natural source and even the 33% that were getting water from the taps still have to depend on natural sources because the taps are always broken. Despite significant investment and important progress, access to safe potable water continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for rural communities in O.R.Tambo District Municipality. Rural communities should be educated on the importance of co-operation and willingness to clean and protect the surroundings of natural sources of water.
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Causes of conflict in school governing bodies of Mthatha district schools in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Authors: Mandisa Nokwanda Memela
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2838 , vital:42963
- Description: ABSTRACT According to the South African Schools Act (Act 84, 1996) (SASA), which came into effect in the beginning of 1997, all public schools in South Africa should have democratically elected School Governing Bodies, with parents, educators, non-teaching staff, learners and the principal. Their functions included creating an environment conducive to teaching and learning, developing a vision and mission statement for the school and promoting the best interests of the school. School governance practices are performed with tension due to values inherent in African traditions; customs and values of modern school leadership. Integrating schools and the communities and making the former accountable to its community and having representations of legitimate interests in the schools are seen as politically and socially correct. It is argued that conflicts and tensions in school governance are likely to continue. In this study, the researcher explores and analyses causes of conflict in SGBs of Mthatha District schools in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. A quantitative study using questionnaires was conducted, using five respondents of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) from each of the rural, semi-urban and urban schools. Two schools were selected from each of these categories. This gave a total of thirty respondents. Non- probability purposive sampling was used. Two types of comparative analysis were done to the quantitative data. There was the usual descriptive statistical analysis meant to draw comparisons based on the responses within a given variable. This was the initial analysis for quantitative data. Some reliable conclusions were determined from this analysis. The findings of the study reveal numerous causes of conflict in SGBs related to SGB‟s in ability to execute their functions and ability to rule the school as prescribed in the South Africa Schools Act.84 of 1996. The causes of conflict include parents‟ level of education, parental interference, illiteracy, or lack of transparency, recruitment and lack of financial mismanagement. Finally, it is also evident that only learners could not be blamed for causing conflict. The study concludes with some recommendations, amongst them that there should be a friendly atmosphere between parents and teachers with teachers accepting the presence and involvement of parents in the running of school activities but that parents should not interfere in the teaching practices of educators and should not be at school during odd hours of the day.
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FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PASS RATE AT MATRIC LEVEL IN THE ENGCOBO DISTRICT OF THE EASTERN CAPE OF SOUTH AFRICA
- Authors: SONGWAXA NOKUTHULA PATIENCE
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: ENGLISH LANGUAGE, PASS RATE, MATRIC LEVEL
- Language: English
- Type: Masters, M.Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2385 , vital:41454
- Description: This study investigates the management of English teaching to improve matriculation pass-rate in selected schools in the Engcobo District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The study has been circuits of the Engcobo district. Questionnaires were administered over a group of matriculants, English second language teachers and 8 school principals with a variety of questions and interviews on the causes of this failure problem. Based on the study it has been reared through collect data that some teachers have not been workshopped in the current curriculum (NCS) and this somehow affects the learners. Learners from rural areas have a problem in understanding English language. Lack of educational facilities like libraries also have a negative impact in learner’s progress. Learners who came from Junior Secondary Schools to High schools are not ready and this gives High School teachers a big task to mould them to be ready for matric. It is recommended that parental involvement is vital in their children’s education so as to see their progress and to develop the teacher-parent locomotives learners need to be engaged in Educational activities like debates, public speaking, conducting so as to improve their communication skills. Educators should give more writing and reading exercises to learners so as to minimize the number of learners who are unable to write in Matric.
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Investigating the Role of the Representative Council of Learners in the School Governing Body
- Authors: Rufinus Marumo Nakin
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2830 , vital:42961
- Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of the study undertaken at five schools in South Africa was to investigate the role of the Representative Council of Learners on School Governing Bodies in the Bizana District (Eastern Cape). The researcher conducted this research because little had been written about the role of RCLs on School Governing Bodies at South African schools. This was a qualitative study in which a multiple case study approach was used. The researcher collected data from the five schools using document analysis, observations and interviews. Observations of the proceedings were undertaken during the SGB meetings. Unstructured interviews, with a small purposive sampling of informants, supplemented the data obtained from the observations. All data collected in this way were analyzed, discussed and synthesized. There were five learners from each school, three parents from each school, two educators from each school and one principal from each school. There were a total of fifty-five participants. The findings were that RCLs are at present not playing their roles effectively on School Governing Bodies. They are often not included in some of the SGB meetings and thus contribute to their ineffectiveness. The researcher therefore recommended that RCLs should be included at all SGB meetings so as play their roles effectively in representing their fellow learners on SGBs and that further research be undertaken regarding the role of RCLs on School Governing Bodies in South Africa. The researcher is also of the view that formal structures, each with a code of conduct, need to be re-visited and instituted in order to capacitate RCLs. Workshops in this regard are also a recommendation. Key words: School Governing Body, Representative Council of Learners, role, decision making, involvement, democratic principles.
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Phytomedical Studies of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for The Treatment of Chest and Cough Related Diseases in The Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ndamane, Yolanda
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2814 , vital:42954
- Description: GENERAL ABSTRACT Herbal plants play a fundamental role in the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases particularly in remote areas of Eastern Cape where health care facilities are sparsely located. The phytomedical studies of plants implicated in the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases in the OR Tambo District Municipality,Eastern Cape was investigated. This study was aimed at documenting the commonly used plants and validates their efficacy against different organisms which are notorious for causing coughing and chest related diseases. The methods employed for the present study include interviews with traditional healers, herbalist and knowledgeable rural dwellers that provided ethnobotanical information and identified 17 plants used for the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases in the study area. Of these the three medicinal plants that were reported to be most widely and frequently used by the local people as remedies for coughing and chest related diseases were Tetradenia riparia, Plectranthus laxiflarus and Eucalyptus renans. T. riparia was selected for further study based on its frequency of citation during the interviewees. Hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, dichloromethane and Aqueous extracts of Tetradenia riparia were screened against ten bacterial species. The dichloromethane extract was the only extract that did not show any activity against bacterial strains. All other four extracts exhibited various degrees of activity with the ethyl acetate extract showing the highest activity against the bacterial species used during the antibacterial assays. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the leaves of Tetradenia riparia yielded one pure compound. The antimicrobial investigation of the isolated compound showed inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms. It is noteworthy that the isolated compound showed a significantly higher inhibitory activity than the actual crude extract, this is suggestive of the powerful ability of the compound in working independently.The present study has lend scientific credence to the folkloric use of T.riparia in the management of cough on chest related disorders.
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Phytomedicinal Studies Of Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders (Diarrhoea And Stomach Ache), In The Three Districts Of The Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Babalwa N Mbolekwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2862 , vital:42968
- Description: GENERAL ABSTRACT The use of plants for medicinal purposes has involved many plants exhibiting healing powers for many diverse illnesses and circumstances and one of those being diarrhoea. In different areas of the OR Tambo, Ukhahlamba and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa it has been long-established that native plants are the main components of traditional health care systems. The study aimed at identifying and documenting plants frequently used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders (diarrhoea and stomach ache), evaluating their efficacy and isolation of active compounds in the crude extracts. Ethnobotanical information of the commonly used plants was collected and documented through the use of questionnaires with traditional healers, herbalists and community members. In the study area, the ethnobotanical data revealed that 51 plant species belonging to 36 families were used in treating diarrhoea and stomach ache. According to the ethnobotanical information, Acacia mearnsii (idywabasi) was the most frequently used plant for treating diarrhoea and was selected for further studies because of its frequent use in most sites within the study area. Four extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol) from the bark of Acacia mearnsii were screened against five Gram-positive bacteria strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus kristinae and Streptococcus faecalis.) and five Gram-negative bacteria strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumonia and Serratia marcescens). The antibacterial activities were determined by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bio-autographic methods. The extracts showed various degrees of activity. Ethyl acetate extract showed higher activity against bacterial species used during the antibacterial assay and was further investigated for isolation of active compounds. Bio-autography results showed one compound separated on the TLC with activity against the test organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus. In the future, this study may serve as a foundation for choosing the common, active medicinal plants to use in traditional medicine practices.
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AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY ON MEANINGS CREATED WHEN BEADWORK IS USED FOR RESTORATION OF AFRICAN ETHNIC IDENTITY: A CASE OF ABATHEMBU FROM QUNU VILLAGE, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
- Authors: ROZANI CARINA NOMFUZO
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: RESTORATION OF AFRICAN ETHNIC IDENTITY, BEADWORK
- Language: English
- Type: Masters, MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2377 , vital:41453
- Description: This study is an assessment on the meanings created when beadwork is used for restoration of African identity among AbaThembu. The research site is Qunu village. The research presents some insights on learners and community members’ perceptions towards integration of beadwork (IK) into the formal curricula. The results further respond to questions on how respondents think beadwork can be used for restoration of ethnic identity, and its possible inclusion into the school curricula. Questions surrounding the complex relations arising from an interface between indigenous knowledge and Eurocentric ideals are answered. The importance of the study is its potential to present knowledge on the identities created when beadwork is used for restoration of ethnic identity. A structured interview schedule was administered at selected schools and this was complemented by in-depth interviews which involved learners and parents. Ethnography and observation also featured. Photographic documentation of beadwork was also done. Learners were targeted due to wide assumptions that the young generation shun indigenous lifestyles. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM 20 version while qualitative data was analyzed manually. The study was underpinned by frameworks founded on Critical Theory which seeks to interpret social aspects from a constructivist point of view. In that regard people’s day to day activities are upheld as key in understanding their way of life and dealing with challenges they encounter(Guess, 1981). Specifically, the Kaupapa Maori theory developed in New Zealand was used. Although it is rooted in arguments highlighting the Maori worldviews, philosophical foundations, cultural values and languages it was found useful in interpreting the state of indigenous knowledge usage in the South African context (Smith, 1999). EZiko siPheka siSophula theoretical framework was further used to interprete social aspects in the study. It was found to be appropriate because it explains issues from a holistic, relational and participatory angle (Goduka, 2012). Findings revealed complexities facing customary practices in the modern context amid different perceptions held towards reliance on the practices to restore ethnic identity. The study noted that through curricula transformation, it could be possible that identities representing abaThembu culture can be re-invented to suit the modern context and appeal to the younger generation. One of the key recommendations includes infusion of indigenous activities such as beadwork into modern institutions like education in efforts to promote people’s identities and beadwork entrepreneurship to sustain livelihoods.
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Beliefs, Attitudes, Practices, Response to Interventions and Therapeutic Education of Obese and Normal Weight Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients attending the Diabetic Clinic in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha
- Authors: Odufu Alexander Abiodun
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2854 , vital:42965 , Type 2 diabetes, belief, attitudes, practices, responses to intervention, therapeutic education
- Description: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Education is the cornerstone of diabetes care. Because of lack of awareness, most patients suffer from diabetes complications. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, practices and responses to interventions and therapeutic education of obese and normal weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: to determine the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practices among patients with T2DM; to estimate the proportions of uncontrolled blood glucose, poor quality of life, and no adherence to medications and diet among patients with T2DM; to explore food choices and nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM; and to develop from responses, educational programs towards self and health professional management. Methods: This descriptive study included two hundred T2DM. A modified version of the Diabetes knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaires were used for data collection. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique and all data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 18. The patient‟s knowledge, attitudes and practice about the disease, the proportion of uncontrolled blood glucose and no adherence to medication and diet, nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM were the main outcome measures. Results: The mean age of the patients were 49.0±16.6 years for men and 48.2±15.8 years for females with the male to female ratio being 1:1. The population was formed by adults and elderly adults, who were between 18 and 80 years of age. Most were obese (43.0%); married (50.5%) and overweight (27.7%). Patients‟ awareness about diabetes was high. The overall knowledge on the etiology and features of T2DM was good. Answers for glycemic control, risk factors and complications were very good. Awareness about eye and renal complications was also high. A majority also noted eye problems as the complication of DM yet only 69% have visited an ophthalmologist. More than half of the sample population correctly answers questions regarding dietary requirements in diabetes.80% of the patients responded that alcohol is not good for a diabetic, that losing weight can prevent diabetic from getting worse and that smoking can worsen diabetes. 20% of the population does not know that the above mentioned factors are important in the management of their condition. The percentage of uncontrolled blood sugar and HbA1c among T2DM residing in Mthatha was good as 80% of the patients have their previous and current blood sugar level and HbA1c as normal. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were high in most areas of diabetes care. However, the majority of the patients were obese emphasizing the need for additional educational efforts in life style modification.
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Biochemical Evaluation Of Pregnant Women Practicing Geophagia With Special Reference To Iron Nutritional Status In The King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Authors: Abiodun Adams
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2878 , vital:42970 , Geophagia, pregnant women, iron nutritional status, iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Description: Abstract Introduction There is no information on iron deficiency anaemia and ferritin-related oxidative stress as a potential result of geophagia during pregnancy in the King Sabatha Dalyindyebo Municipality, South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of geophagia (soil eating) associated with biochemical and haematological indices of iron nutritional status of pregnant women. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 210 (response rate=95.5% of 220 eligible) pregnant women living in the Mthatha areas of the King Sabata Dalyindebo Municipality attending 3 selected clinics during 2012. Data (socio-demographic, geophagia, haematological indices, serum iron and transferrin saturation) were analyzed using univariate analysis (mean, proportions, percentiles, Odd Ratio and 95%CI, ANOVA and chi-square) and multivariate analysis (Odd Ratio and 95% CI and logistic regression model) was performed. P-Value <0.05 was significant. Results In all cases, 98.6% (n=207) and 100% (n=210) defined by serum iron ≤ 30µmol/l and <40µmol/l, presented with iron deficiency, respectively. However, iron deficiency, defined by serum ferritin <12µg/l and by transferrin saturation <16%, was present in 25.7% (n=54) and 61.9% (n=130) of all cases, respectively. Iron-deficiency anaemia was present in 51.4% (n=108) and 18.6% (n=39) using WHO haemoglobin and serum iron cut-offs and WHO haemoglobin and serum ferritin cut-offs, respectively. However,ii 37.1% (n=78/210) had an iron deficiency, defined by serum iron <10 µmol/l and 30.5% (n=64/210) defined by transferrin saturation <10%. In geophagics, 98.7% (n=76) had iron-deficiency anaemia (using serum iron cut-offs) whereas only 24.1% (n=32) of non geophagics presented with iron deficiency anaemia. However, using serum ferritin cut-offs, geophagics had iron deficiency anaemia estimated at 69.2% (n=27/59) but non geophagics had iron deficiency anaemia estimated at 30.8% (n=12/39). The optimal cut-offs of serum iron <10 µmol/l and transferrin saturation <10% are the best discriminants of iron deficiency as defined by serum ferritin <12 µg/l. Ferritin-related oxidative stress was present among 24.8% in the study population (the highest quartile of serum ferritin being >30.01 µg/l). The most important factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia in all pregnant women were geophagic behaviour (OR=2.1 95% CI 1.1-4.2; P=0.029), MCHC decreases (<30.5 0R=16.6 95%CI 6.8-40.2; P=0.006) and MCHC decreases (30.5-31.5 OR=2.9 95%CI 1.4-6.1; P=0.006). In all pregnant women, serum iron <14 (OR=6.2 95%CI 1.2-31.7; P=0.030), platelets <228 (OR=3.9 95%CI 1.6-10.8; P=0.008), age ≥28years (OR=4.2 95%CI 1.7-10.4; P=0.002), transferrin saturation ≥18% (OR=51.3 95%CI 8.9-295.2; P=<0.0001), were identified as the most significant independent determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress. However, increase in age, depletion in iron, decrease in platelet count but increase in transferrin saturation were the significant independent determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress among geophagic pregnant women (Y=0.282 x Age – 1.007 x iron – 0.023 platelet +0.946 transferrin saturation). In non-geophagic pregnant women, only a decrease in iron and an increase in transferrin saturation were the significant characteristics of ferritin-related oxidative stress (Y=-3.21-0.309 x iron + 0.379 transferrin saturation). Conclusioniii Geophagia induces a high level of anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia and ferritin-related oxidative stress. The most independent determinants of iron deficiency anaemia in all pregnant women were geophagic behaviour and MCHC decrease. Independent and important determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress in all pregnant women were severe categories of decreased iron and platelets with higher levels of age ≥28 years, transferrin saturation (≥18%)
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EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN OPTICS TEACHING MODULE IN ENHANCING CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF GRADE 11 LEARNERS AT A SELECTED SCHOOL IN MTHATHA
- Authors: MERLIN JOHN
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: PhD Manuscript
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2065 , vital:40812 , DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
- Description: This study aimed at investigating the conceptions and alternative conceptions regarding the optical phenomena ‘reflection’, ‘refraction’ and ‘total internal reflection’ amongst Grade 11 learners at a selected school in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa and developing remedies to enhance their conceptual understanding of this area. The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre-test – post-test design. To enhance the credibility of the findings of the study, the data were collected using mixed methods (both questionnaires and interviews). The questionnaires developed for the study were 4 tier Optics Diagnostic Instruments (4ODIs) which were designed in such a way that both qualitative and quantitative data could be collected. To explore the findings from the pre-tests, face-to-face interviews with selected learners from both the groups were conducted. This stage was followed by the design an optics teaching module which aimed at enhancing the experimental group learners’ conceptual understanding of the optical phenomena, whereas the comparison group was taught in the traditional teaching method. To test the effectiveness of the designed teaching module, the 4ODIs were administered as post-tests to both groups. To enhance the credibility of the findings from the post-tests, face-to-face interviews were conducted with some selected learners from the experimental group. Since the aim of the interviews at this stage was to test how the designed optics teaching module helped the experimental group learners in enhancing their conceptual understanding, the comparison group learners were not interviewed at this stage since they were taught in the traditional teaching method. The quantitative analyses were carried out using Microsoft Excel and the statistical software, IBM SPSS Version 20. The qualitative analysis was carried out manually by coding and categorizing the learners’ responses from the questionnaires and the interviews. The item analysis of the 1st tiers was carried out using Microsoft Excel. The statistical comparisons of the test scores of the 1st tiers of the tests (pre-test – post-test comparison of both the groups and the experimental group – comparison group comparison of both the pre-tests and the post-tests) were performed using t-tests (independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test). The 2nd tiers (learners’ confidence levels in their responses to the corresponding 1st tiers) and the 4th tiers (learners’ confidence levels in their responses to the corresponding 3rd tiers) were analysed by (using SPSS) calculating measures of central tendencies of their responses. The 3rd tiers (open-ended questions) and the interviews were analysed manually by coding and categorizing learners’ responses. Before the implementation of the optics teaching module, both the experimental and the comparison groups were found to hold a variety of alternative conceptions about the optical phenomena. Moreover, the performances of both the groups were the same. It was also found that the learners from both the groups were not confident when they approached the pre-tests. The qualitative analyses of the learners’ responses to the 3rd tiers and the interviews suggested that most of the correct responses given by the learners to tier-1 of the pre-test questionnaires originated from a faulty or vague understanding of the scientific concepts. Moreover, some of the incorrect responses identified could not be considered as alternative conceptions because of the very low confidence levels the learners displayed in these responses. Such responses were categorized as ‘errors due to lack of knowledge’. The analyses of the post-test questionnaires, and face-to-face interviews conducted immediately after the post-tests, revealed that the experimental group outperformed the comparison group in terms of their conceptual understanding of the optical phenomena. In other words, the number of experimental group learners who held scientifically-accepted concepts increased for some questions of the post-tests and in some other questions, the experimental group learners developed new scientific understanding of many situations with regard to the optical phenomena. To conclude, the findings of the study proved that the Grade 11 learners in the selected school held a variety of alternative conceptions and errors due to lack of knowledge. However, the optics teaching module, which was designed by taking into consideration the learners’ prior knowledge regarding the particular learning area, could remedy most of the alternative conceptions and errors which were merely due to lack of knowledge.
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IMPACTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES ON THE STABLE ISOTOPIC DYNAMICS OF PARTICULATE ORGANIC MATTER IN MBASHE RIVER, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
- Authors: MUNETSI ZVAVAHERA
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: stable isotopes, anthropogenic activities, enrichment, depletion
- Language: English
- Type: Masters, MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2361 , vital:41451
- Description: Mbashe River passes through three districts of Eastern Cape, South Africa, with catchments that have been modified by anthropogenic activities. To determine the effects of anthropogenic activities on the river particulate organic matter, (δ13CPOM), (δ15NPOM) and C/N ratios of particulate organic matter were investigated. Six sampling sites from three sections of the river were identified and selected according to anthropogenic activity occurring close to the river and sampled over a period of twelve months. The results indicated that different anthropogenic activities had significant effect on the POM stable isotope dynamics, resulting in uniquely distinct stable isotopes signatures varying both temporally and spatially. The C/N ratios, (δ13CPOM), and (δ15NPOM) isotopic values varied significantly (95% confidence interval) and revealed that POM was derived from different sources in the river catchment. Anthropogenic activities affected C/N ratios and δ15NPOM temporally, spatially and between river sections. The upstream was δ15NPOM depleted (4.5‰) while downstream the river δ15NPOM was enriched (5.8 ‰). The δ13CPOM values ranged from -12‰ to -32‰ temporally during the study period. The study revealed that POM was mainly derived from allochthonous sources (C/N ratios >8). The (δ15NPOM) revealed that upstream was more affected by anthropogenic activities than downstream. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic activities had more temporal effect than site to site. Further research is recommended and required to check whether isotopic dynamics observed can be replicated and determine whether the effect of anthropogenic activities is increasing or decreasing.
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Intestinal Helminth Infection among HIV Infected adults in Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa
- Authors: OLukayode Ademola Adeleke
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Medicine, Family Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis, Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2151 , vital:40906
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INVESTIGATION INTO PROBLEMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CURRICULUM 2005 IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM IN FOUR SELECTED DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLS IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
- Authors: Nthabiseng Joyce Mokhantso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Management and Policy
- Language: English
- Type: Masters. Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2345 , vital:41449
- Description: This study investigated problems of implementation of C2005 in the South African Education System, which eventually led to its demise in 2010 replaced by CAPS. Its aim was to identify the common factors and the programmes and actions that could be used to help implement curriculum successfully. Theoretically, the literature review formed an essential part of the research process and constituted part of the whole project in itself. It was a critical synthesis of previous researches, which have been undertaken that helped to validate the need for the study to be conducted. In retrospect, the evaluation of the literature reviewed led logically to the formulation of the research questions that constituted the bases for the formulation of the, which formed the instrumentation for the collection of the main primary data required to complete the study. Methodologically, the researcher identified the need to discern an elaborate methodological choice, design and application using qualitative, quantitative and participatory research paradigms constituting the triangulation approach. This was the most important part of the research study, which guided the whole process to a successful conclusion. Through the methodological application, the study produced data from which findings were deduced and recommendations made to respond to the research problem. The conclusion that could be drawn is that curriculum reform and implementation should be considered in terms of the curriculum cycle if set aims and objectives were to be achieved successfully. Sporadic curriculum implementation leads to its apparent failure as was the case with C2005. The fear of the researcher is that CAPs might go the same way since its introduction and implementation did not subscribe to the curriculum cycle perspective. I
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Management of discipline policy for educators by school management teams in the Maluti district, Eastern Cape Province (RSA): a case study of two selected schools
- Authors: Lishman, Bilibane Thabo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Educational Management and Policy
- Language: English
- Type: Masters, Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2353 , vital:41450
- Description: This research project was an attempt to determine School Management Teams (SMTs) management of teacher discipline at school using the discipline policy (code of conduct for educators) as a frame of reference. This was because procedures and processes for managing teacher discipline were new to principals and their SMTs. The main aim was to investigate the practices and experiences of SMTs regarding management of discipline policy for better or improved teacher conduct. Again, the study sought to understand and explain the gap between discipline policy and its implementation as SMTs seemed to be grappling with the implementation process thereof. The study is located in an interpretive and qualitative perspective where a case study research design was used. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from participants selected from two schools (school A and school B). The participants were sampled purposively out of a population of 245 principals and 245 site stewards. The principal and site steward of each school were interviewed because they were found to be relevant to the case of discipline policy implementation. The principal of each school represented the SMT while the site stewards represented the teaching staff. There were therefore four participants who contributed to data collection. During the data collection process, all issues of ethics like voluntary participation, permission, informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity and rights of participants were considered. As data were collected using face-to-face interviews, they were analysed qualitatively, using interim analysis of coding, segmentation, categorising and theming. This research project is grounded in two theories, namely, progressive discipline theory and decentralisation of power theory. The researcher‟s use of progressive discipline as a framework of analysis is based on the fact that the theory focuses on discipline as a corrective measure and not a punitive measure. It also focuses on a series of steps in ii which the disciplinary action is taken each time an educator commits an act of misconduct. The decentralisation-of-power theory is used as a frame of reference because it states that a current trend in education reform is the decentralisation of decision-making powers from a central level to a school level, hence there is schoolbased management. The literature sourced for this study is also based on these two theories. Major findings were established, discussed and recommendations were made. The literature, together with the major findings, generally agreed that all schools had SMTs to manage schools on a day-to-day basis. It was also revealed that the discipline policy for educators was there in every school and was clear, actionable and was the product of collective participation. The onus is upon the capacity of the SMTs to implement the policy for the benefit of quality education. The findings and recommendations suggest that for the implementation of this discipline policy, SMTs must first improve the school culture and school climate.
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Moralising female identity in Cameroon in the 1990s: female prostitution and the song “you gu cry”
- Authors: Enongene Mirabeau Sone
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Misse Ngoh; females; identity; prostitution; Cameroon; modernity; music
- Language: English
- Type: Journal Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2672 , vital:42313
- Description: Between the 1970s and early 1980s, when Cameroon was still at the juncture of promising social plenitude, popular music genres like Makossa were a mere auditory art instead of a profit-making activity as we have in Cameroon today. Popular music at that time was simply “music for the ears”, meant to produce emotional sounds, pleasant to listen to. Bars, night clubs and streets were common environs where dancing took place as the physical expression of pleasure from music. The explosion of early music such as Makossa did not match the precarious marketable opportunities at that time. As a result, music appeared as a hobby, and not because singers derived income from its production. The themes focused on varying social experiences and problems, from love and emotional pathos to (im)morality. As such, one is tempted to assert that singers hardly expressed demur or outright lampoonery against public transgressions such as corruption, prostitution or swindling, as is the case nowadays. The themes were far less what we find in contemporary Cameroonian literate culture, namely cinema, media and popular music. This paper focuses on Misse Ngoh’s popular song titled “you gu cry” as a medium of social reform through the beguiling fantasies of a female archetype, Mary, in Cameroon in the nineties. The paper contends that though this song produces laughter, rendering it a humorous piece with potential enough to entertain, the same humour turns out serious, handling prostitution and women involved in this activity in a very negative way. This is achieved when Misse Ngoh, using his female archetype Mary, constructs a problematic image of females in the Cameroon urban sphere. Taking these into consideration, Cameroon popular music as seen from Misse Ngoh’s “you gu cry” takes on a different significance. Finally, in the iconography of Mary, this paper sets out to explore the agency of females who were baffled within the intricacies of urban life and modernity in the nineties. It examines the challenges of the new urban spaces (as notorious corners of prostitution) that such women chose.
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Morphology and histochemistry of the digestive tract in the Banded Tilapia (Tilapia Sparrmanii, Smith 1840)
- Authors: Bongile, Bhomela
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Tilapia sparrmanii, fish; Tilapia; teleost; stomach; digestive system; light microscopy; light microscopy; histology; morphology Teleostei, digestive tube, histology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters, Msc Zoology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2401 , vital:41456
- Description: The digestive system of Tilapia sparrmanii, Smith 1894, a small sized cichlid fish widely distributed in Southern Africa and of little economic importance was studied by light microscopy as part of establishing base-line data for future references. The gut in T. sparrmanii was a simple long coiled tube. With greater fish length, the gut progressed into a complexly-coiled definitive form. Strong linear correlations were observed between fish size and gut length. The esophagus was relatively very short and the stomach sac-like and small. Histologically, T. sparrmanii displayed a stratified esophagus epithelium with goblet cells which displayed both neutral and acid mucus at the anterior region. The stomach of T. sparrmanii was divided into three distinct segments the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric portions. The study revealed that the gastric wall is composed of several tunicae: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The tunica mucosa was thrown up into a number of high longitudinal folds projecting into a lumen. The mucosal surface had surface epithelial cells. The epithelium in this region was simple columnar devoid of goblet cells, with glandular regions in the lamina propria. The mucosa of the fundic region had gastric pits lined by columnar epithelium, and simple tubular glands filled most of the lamina propria. The pyloric part of the stomach was very short and its mucosa was slightly folded and devoid of both gastric pits and mucous glandular cells. The lining epithelium of this portion of the stomach was simple columnar and a few goblet cells were seen at its junction with the first part of the intestine. The tunica muscularis of the stomach contained skeletal muscle in the initial and terminal regions, usually intermingled with smooth muscle fibres. Skeletal muscle fibres were also observed in the first portion of the proximal intestine, iii near the junction with the stomach. Gastric pits were present as invaginations of the mucosal surface. Their epithelium secreted both neutral and acid mucins. Simple, straight, tubular unbranched gastric glands occupied most of the surface of the mucosa, and were lined with cells that had eosinophilic granules. The tunica muscularis of the stomach consisted of skeletal muscles usually mixed with smooth muscle fibres. Also, the stomach was separated from the proximal intestine by a pyloric sphincter. Results demonstrate that the intestine was a relatively undifferentiated muscular tube lined with a simple columnar epithelium interspersed with goblet cells. The proximal region had a greater surface area, as revealed by the presence of elongated mucosal ridges. The enterocytes were covered apically with uniform microvilli. The number of goblet cells were moderate in the proximal intestine and fewer in the medial intestine. All segments of the intestine contained neutral and acidic mucins. The distal intestine mucosa was thinner and less elaborately folded and consisted of columnar cells with shorter and sparser microvilli. After the intestinerectal valve, the rectum displayed lower mucosal folds, numerous goblet cells and a thicker muscularis. An ileorectal valve was observed. This confirms that separate intestine and rectum does exist in T. sparrmanii.
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Pulse amplitude tonometry and angiogenic factors in preeclampsia in rural African women
- Authors: Meeme, Allen
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) (Health Sciences, Physiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2009 , vital:40800
- Description: The pathogenesis of preeclampsia remains a puzzle despite extensive research that has been carried out over the years. Endothelial dysfunction and altered angiogenic balance have now been shown to play a significant role in the protean manifestations of this syndrome. There are several direct and indirect methods that have been used for assessing endothelial function during pregnancy. The most commonly used non-invasive method for assessing endothelial function in pregnancy has been the flow-mediated ultrasonic method. Because this method requires a skilled sonographer and a good quality ultrasound machine, it is not readily available for routine investigational use. Pulse amplitude tonometry using the EndoPAT 2000 is a novel non-invasive automated method that has been used rather extensively in recent years for assessing endothelial dysfunction in non-pregnant subjects, with only a few reports in pregnancy. This study set out to assess pulse amplitude tonometry using EndoPAT 2000 in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in rural African women to determine whether it can demonstrate endothelial dysfunction associated with preeclampsia. In addition, angiogenic factors known to be associated with preeclampsia were measured to assess whether there are any differences in their levels between normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in the rural African setting. As HIV, a common condition in this population of antenatal mothers, is known to affect endothelial function, secondary evaluation was carried out based on the HIV status to assess if there are any differences in the tested parameters. This was a prospective case-control study conducted in Mthatha Hospital Complex, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A total of two hundred and fifteen (215) participants with known HIV status were recruited into the study; 105 women had preeclampsia (cases) and 110 were normotensive pregnant women (controls). Endothelial function was assessed using EndoPAT 2000 technique that measured pulse amplitude tonometry using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI, arbitrary units). Blood samples were also taken from the subjects and the serum was stored at -70°C until assayed for soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF). Nitric oxide levels were measured indirectly using nitrite and nitrate levels in serum from blood samples taken from the test arm about 5 minutes after the end of the pulse amplitude tonometry, and these were measured using the Cayman colorimetric method. sFLt-1 and PIGF levels were quantified using specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Statistix 8.0 and Graphpad Prism 5 software were used for data analysis. Data were summarised as means ± standard error of the mean (SEM) for normally distributed data and medians (interquartile range, IQR) for non-normally distributed data. Two sample Student’s t-test was used to compare means while Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare medians. Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to determine correlations between variables. Secondary analysis was carried based on whether the cases were early onset or late onset and whether cases and controls were HIV-positive or negative. Kruskal-Wallis and one way ANOVA were used to compare means between cases and controls. Statistical significance was set at a p value of <0.05. Women with preeclampsia were found to have significantly lower RHI [1.70(1.04-3.61)au vs.1.81 (1.18-4.62) au; p˂0.05], lower PIGF levels (90.26 ± 8.99 pg/ml vs. 172.80 ± 20.24 pg/ml; p˂0.01) and higher sFlt1, (2087.3 ± 200.1 pg/ml vs. 1546.5 ± 91.9 pg/ml; p˂0.01) compared to normotensive controls. The sFlt1/PIGF ratio was also found to be higher among women with preeclampsia (66.77 ± 18.66 vs. 22.26 ± 2.95; p˂0.01) compared to the normotensive controls. Unlike the lower RHI, the nitrite and nitrate levels did not differ between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women (6.04 ± 0.52 µM vs 6.12 ± 0.49 µM; p>0.05). No significant relationship was observed between RHI and nitrite/nitrate levels (r=-0.08, p>0.05), RHI and pro-angiogenic factor PIGF (r=0.101, p>0.05) or RHI and anti-angiogenic factor sFlt1 (r= 0.002, p>0.05). There was also no significant relationship between RHI and the sFlt1/PlGF ratio (r=-0.047, p>0.05). HIV-positive status significantly affected sFlt1, baseline pulse wave amplitude and augmentation index compared to HIV-negative status in the different groups of women. RHI, PlGF and the sFlt1/PlGF ratio differences were not statistically significant. Pulse amplitude tonometry measured as reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using EndoPAT 2000 revealed the presence of endothelial dysfunction in rural African women with preeclampsia, thus suggesting that this technique can be used reliably to assess endothelial dysfunction in pregnant women. To our knowledge this is the first such report involving rural African women. The significant differences in the levels and ratios of angiogenic factors found in the preeclamptic women when compared with the normotensive controls in this study also confirm what has been reported in the literature. Although endothelial dysfunction was clearly demonstrable in the preeclamptic rural African women, this appears not to have been associated with either reduced or elevated levels of nitric oxide, as assessed using nitrite/ nitrate levels when compared with normotensive controls. This finding adds to the current conflicting reports on nitric oxide levels in preeclampsia reported in the literature. The RHI in both cases and control pregnant women was also not significantly correlated with the levels of nitrites/nitrates. Although this might raise some questions about the actual role of nitric oxide in endothelial dysfunction in rural African women with preeclampsia, the explanation for this finding might simply be the fact that NO has a very short half-life, and has to be measured indirectly using its more stable metabolites such as nitrites and nitrates. The absence of significant correlation between RHI and angiogenic factors demonstrated in this study could mean that the effect of sFlt1 may be more on the larger arteries than small resistance arteries from which RHI is obtained. It is recommended that prospective studies are carried out to determine whether the RHI becomes abnormal before the onset of clinical preeclampsia or not as the search for predictors of preeclampsia continues.
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The Influence of School Environmental Factors on Grade 12 Learners’ Academic Performances
- Authors: SIKUZA PUMLA MARJORIE
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2822 , vital:42959
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Exploring the curriculum content knowledge and skills bearing acquired by acquired by advanced certificate in education graduates in a selected institution of higher learning
- Authors: Mnukwa Zolile Maxwell
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Educational Management and Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis, D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2207 , vital:40916
- Description: Abstract
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