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Exploring fathers' role in supporting their children's learning : a case of selected primary schools in the East London District

  • Authors: Pampila, Siyabulela
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Father and child -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Home and school -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4915 , vital:28755
  • Description: The aim of this study was to explore fathers’ role in supporting their children’s learning in selected urban primary schools in the East London Education District. Epstein parental involvement theory informed the study. The study was located in the interpretivist research paradigm and it qualitative in nature. It followed a case study research design. Participants were selected through the use of purposive sampling. A total of fifty two (52) participants were selected and these included school teachers, fathers and learners. Semi-structured interviews (for school teachers and fathers) and focus group interviews (for learners) were used in the four selected primary schools. The data was coded and thematic content analysis was used. The findings from the research indicated that fathers’ and teachers had a very limited understanding of fathers’ support in children’s learning. They generally thought that it was confined to activities done at school such as payment of school fees and levies, providing labour for the construction or renovation of school buildings and providing teaching/learning resources. Participants confirmed that the majority of fathers were too poor and with low education to be meaningfully involved in their children’s learning. However, there were a few fathers who believed that their socio-economic status did not prevent them from participating in their children’s learning. They actually indicated useful ways in which they could be involved. It was found that a minority group of fathers who were unemployed spent time helping their children in their learning whilst, those working worked long hours and had no time to help their children. Among the significant findings of the study was the fact that educated fathers were too involved in their children’s learning and even reserved time on weekend to be part of their children’s life and learning. The research also revealed that fathers and teachers had wrong perceptions about themselves and each other in connection with limited fathers’ support in their schools. The study recommends, among other issues, enhanced school/parent partnership with emphasis on the involvement of fathers in academic activities meant to improve their children’s learning.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Synthesis of bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials: A focus on grass and waste paper as raw materials

  • Authors: Vala, Mavula Kikwe
  • Date: 2009-12
  • Subjects: Ethanol as fuel , Biomass energy , Lignocellulose -- Biotechnology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24499 , vital:63049
  • Description: Biofuels are currently recognized as not only a necessity, but an inevitable pathway to secure the planet future energy needs. Food crops have been used (so far) as the biomass for bioethanol and biodiesel production. This has increased concerns over food security and led to the search for diversification and alternative feedstocks for biofuel production. The use of lignocellulosic materials, the most abundant, low cost and easy feedstock to harvest for bioethanol purpose, involves challenging production processes. Several approaches have been used to facilitate the breakdown of the biopolymer structure to produce fermentable sugars that can be converted to ethanol. Most of the approaches have used high temperatures and pressures and have often led to the production of inhibitors of fermentation. In this study, lignocellulosic materials from grass and newsprint were investigated as sources of biomass for bioethanol production using a chemical route (sulfuric acid hydrolysis) which made use of temperatures below 100°C at normal atmospheric pressure. Fermentation of toxic lignocellulosic hydrolyzates was possible after the development of a method for inhibitors removal. The method used treated wood chips as a stationary phase in a chromatographic column to remove inhibitors. This method is expected to be extended to applications such as in municipal wastewater treatment. Sugar yields of 22.26 and 8.9 g/L of hydrolyzate; and an ethanol yield of 184.5 and 130.4 mg/mL of must were achieved for 5g grass and newsprint respectively using optimum conditions of 2percent H2SO4 at 97.5°C for grass and 0.5percent H2SO4 at 97.5°C for newsprint during the hydrolysis process. Pure cellulose was used as a control for the biomass where 254.1 g/L of fermentable sugars were recovered from soluble cellulose and the yield of ethanol was 201.8 mg/mL. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2009
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  • Date Issued: 2009-12

On the evaluation of spectral effects on photovoltaic modules performance parameters and hotspots in solar cells

  • Authors: Simon, Michael
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Photovoltaic cells , Energy dissipation , Electric power production , Photovoltaic power generation , Solar energy , Spectral energy distribution
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Physics)
  • Identifier: vital:11593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/257 , Photovoltaic cells , Energy dissipation , Electric power production , Photovoltaic power generation , Solar energy , Spectral energy distribution
  • Description: The performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules in terms of their ability to convert incident photon to electrical energy (efficiency) depends mostly on the spectral distribution of incident radiation from the sun. The incident spectrum finally perceived by the module depends strongly on the composition of the medium in which it has traveled. The composition of the earth’s atmosphere, which includes, amongst others, water vapour, gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, absorbs or scatters some of the sunlight. The incident solar spectrum is also modified by the diffuse aspect of radiation from the sky which strongly depends on aerosol concentration, cloudiness and local reflection of the earth’s surface. Although it is well known that the changes in outdoor spectrum affect device performance, little work has been conducted to support this theory. This is probably due to lack of spectral data or in certain instances where data is available, little knowledge of interpreting that data. The outdoor spectral data that one obtains in the field does not come clearly for just simple interpretation. Different analytical interpretation procedures have been proposed, all trying to explain and quantify the spectral influence on PV devices. In this study an assessment methodology for evaluating the effects of outdoor spectra on device performance parameters during the course of the day, seasons and or cloudy cover has been developed. The methodology consists of developing a device dependant concept, Weighted Useful Fraction (WUF) using the outdoor measured spectral data. For measuring PV module’s performance parameters, a current-voltage (I-V) tester was developed in order to monitor the performance of six different module technologies. The Gaussian distribution was used to interpret the data. For hot-spot analysis, different techniques were used, which include Infrared thermographic technique for identifying the hot-spots in the solar cells, SEM and EDX techniques. The AES technique was also used in order to identify other elements at hot-spots sites that could not be detected by the EDX technique. iii Results obtained indicate that multicrystalline modules performance is affected by the changes in the outdoor spectrum during summer or winter seasons. The modules prefer a spectrum characterized by WUF = 0.809 during summer season. This spectrum corresponds to AM 2.19 which is different from AM 1.5 used for device ratings. In winter, the mc-Si module’s WUF (0.7125) peaks at 13h00 at a value corresponding to AM 1.83. Although these devices have a wider wavelength range, they respond differently in real outdoor environment. Results for mono – Si module showed that the device performs best at WUF = 0.6457 which corresponds to AM 1.83 during summer season, while it operates optimally under a winter spectrum indicated by WUF of 0.5691 (AM2.58). The seasonal changes resulted in the shift in WUF during day time corresponding to the “preferred” spectrum. This shift indicates that these devices should be rated using AM values that correspond to the WUF values under which the device operates optimally. For poly-Si, it was also observed the WUF values are lower than the other two crystalline-Si counterparts. The pc-Si was observed to prefer a lower AM value indicated by WUF = 0.5813 during winter season while for summer it prefers a spectrum characterized by WUF = 0.5541 at AM 3.36. The performance of the single junction a-Si module degraded by 67 percent after an initial outdoor exposure of 16 kWh/m² while the HIT module did not exhibit the initial degradation regardless of their similarities in material composition. It was established that the WUF before degradation peaks at 15h00 at a value of 0.7130 corresponding to AM 4.50 while the WUF after degradation “prefers” the spectrum (WUF = 0.6578) experienced at 15h30 corresponding to AM value of 5.57. Comparing the before and after degradation scenarios of a-Si:H, it was observed that the device spends less time under the red spectrum which implies that the device “prefers” a full spectrum to operate optimally. The degradation of a-Si:H device revealed that the device spectral response was also shifted by a 7.7 percent after degradation. A higher percentage difference (61.8 percent) for spectral range for the HIT module is observed, but with no effects on device parameters. Seasonal changes (summer/winter) resulted in the outdoor spectrum of CuInSe2 to vary by WUF = 1.5 percent, which resulted in the decrease in Isc. This was ascertained by iv analyzing the percentage change in WUF and evaluating the corresponding change in Isc. The analysis showed that there was a large percentage difference of the module’s Isc as the outdoor spectrum changed during the course of the day. This confirmed that the 17 percent decrease in Isc was due to a WUF of 1.5 percent. In mc-Si solar cells used in this study, it was found that elemental composition across the entire solar cell was not homogenously distributed resulting in high concentration of transition metals which were detected at hot spot areas. The presence of transition metals causes hot-spot formation in crystalline solar cells. Although several transition elements exist at hot-spot regions, the presence of oxygen, carbon, iron and platinum was detected in high concentrations. From this study, it is highly recommended that transition elements and oxygen must be minimized so as to increase the life expectancy of these devices and improve overall systems reliability
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Xenophobia in South Africa: a socio-legal analysis

  • Authors: Sibanda, Samukeliso
  • Date: 2011-04
  • Subjects: Xenophobia -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25548 , vital:64334
  • Description: The ways in which xenophobia continues to express itself in South Africa deserve to be noted at an advanced study. Over the past 15 years the expressions of xenophobia have been accompanied by increased deaths, more discrimination, increase of stereotyping of people of African descent and increased violence towards non-nationals, especially in the poorer parts of South Africa. Many of such xenophobic expressions have gone unnoticed and where they have been noticed, they have received little attention, leading to the exacerbation of the problem. The researcher of this study dwelt on a socio-legal analysis of xenophobia in South Africa. Appreciating the legal connotations and the expressions of xenophobia in South African society is a major concern of this study. To fulfill the objectives of this study, the researcher explores the extent and expression of xenophobia, in addition to analyzing and assessing the efficacy of legislative and other measures aimed to protect non-nationals in South Africa. The study investigates the role of state organizations, government and civil society and evaluates the impact of xenophobia on the enjoyment of human rights by non-nationals. A central objective of this study was to suggest alternative ways of explaining and understanding xenophobia and the responses to it. Empirical research was conducted to explore the extent of xenophobia in South Africa and how and why it is manifested in the way it is. Through in-depth face-to-face interviews it was revealed that the extent and manifestation of xenophobia differs in relation to particular communities, economic set ups and social settings; with poor communities being the most vulnerable to violent xenophobic attacks. Further, it was interesting to note that people have no firm understanding of what xenophobia entails as a social, legal, political and economical phenomenon. Again, it became evident that xenophobia still manifests in a country founded on values of equality, dignity and justice. Moreover, it was established that there is a weak link between law, human action and human behavior. It also became evident that education and sensitization need to be employed if xenophobic perceptions and behaviors are to be sufficiently dealt with. Recommendations were provided upon completion of the study. These included developing the law consciously, thus ensuring that the law has public legitimacy; effective law enforcement and prosecution; human rights education and training (especially in government departments, civil society organizations and institutions of learning); use of media and other communication channels to advocate for non discrimination, equality and respect for human rights, values and integration. Finally, the fight against xenophobia, racial discrimination and other related forms of intolerance needs to be taken up by all members of South African society and Africa at large. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2011
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  • Date Issued: 2011-04

Evolutionary development and functional role of plant natriuretic peptide (PNP)-B

  • Authors: Hove, Runyararo Memory
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Plant hormones , Peptides , Plant gene expression , Peptide hormones , Peptides -- Separation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
  • Identifier: vital:11251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/155 , Plant hormones , Peptides , Plant gene expression , Peptide hormones , Peptides -- Separation
  • Description: Plant natriuretic peptides (PNP) are novel peptides which, like in vertebrates, have been shown to have a function associated with water and salt homeostasis. Two PNP-encoding genes have been identified and isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana, namely; AtPNP-A and AtPNP-B. In this study, the focus was on PNP-B, which has not been extensively studied. Bioinformatic analysis was done on the AtPNP-B gene. This included the bioinformatic study of its primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure, transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and its relation to other known proteins. The AtPNP-B gene was shown to be a 510 bp long, including a predicted 138 bp intron. AtPNP-B was also shown to have some sequence similarity with AtPNP-A and CjBAp12. The TFBS for AtPNP-B and OsJPNP-B were compared and they comprised of TFBS that are related to water homeostasis and pathogenesis. This suggested two possible functions; water stress and homeostasis and a pathogenesis related function for PNP-B. Following bioinformatic analysis, the heterologous expression of the AtPNP-B was attempted to investigate whether the AtPNP-B gene encoded a functional protein and to determine the functional role of PNP-B. However, expression was unsuccessful. An evolutionary study was then carried out which revealed that there were some plants without the intron such as, rice, leafy spurge, oilseed rape, onion, poplar, sugar cane, sunflower and tobacco. These plants would therefore be used for expression and functional studies in the future. The evolutionary studies also revealed that PNP-B had a relationship with expansins and the endoglucanase family 45. Other PNP-B related molecules were also obtained from other plant genomes and therefore used in the construction of a phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic tree revealed that AtPNP-B clustered in the same group as CjBAp12 while AtPNP-A had its own cluster group. There were also other PNP-B like molecules that clustered in the same group as expansins (α- and β-). Thus, we postulate that, like PNP-A, PNP-B also has a possible function in water and salt homeostasis. However, due to the clustering iii of AtPNP-B into the same group as CjBAp12, a possible role of PNP-B in pathogenesis-related response is also postulated.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Interpretation of regional geochemical data as an aid to exploration target generation in the North West Province South Africa

  • Authors: Mapukule, Livhuwani Ernest
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Ore deposits -- South Africa , Prospecting -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
  • Identifier: vital:11519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/268 , Ore deposits -- South Africa , Prospecting -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
  • Description: This study involves the application, interpretation and utilization of regional geochemical data for target generation in the North West Province, South Africa. A regional soil geochemical survey programme has been carried out by the Council of Geoscience South Africa since 1973. A number of 1:250 000 sheet areas have been completed, but there are no interpretative maps which could aid in mineral exploration and other purposes. In order to utilize the valuable and expensive data, the project was motivated through data acquisition and interpretation to generate exploration targets. The study area is confined to Mafikeng, Vryburg, Kuruman and Christiana in the Northwest Province, where potential exploration and mining opportunities exist in areas of great geological interest. These include geological events such as the Bushveld Complex, the Kalahari manganese field and the Kraaipan greenstone belts. The aim of this project was to utilize geochemical data together with geophysical and geological information to verify and identification of possible obscured ore bodies or zones of mineralization, and to generate targets. Another objective was the author to be trained in the techniques of geochemical data processing, interpretation and integration of techniques such as geophysics, in the understanding of the geology and economic geology of the areas. Approximately 5 kg of surface soil was collected per 1 km2 by CGS from foot traversing. Pellets of the samples were prepared and analyzed for TiO2, MnO and Fe2O3, Sc, V, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Y, Ba, Nb, Rb, Th, W, Zr, Pb, Sr and U using the simultaneous wavelengthdispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer technique at the Council for Geoscience, South Africa. For each element the mean +2 standard deviations were used as a threshold value to separate the negative from the positive anomalies. The integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical information was used to analyze and understand the areas of interest. A number of computer programmes were extensively used for data processing, manipulation, and presentation. These include Golden Software Surfer 8®, Arc-View 3.2a®, TNT-Mips®, JMP 8 ®, and Microsoft Excel®. Through geochemical data processing and interpretation, together with the low resolution aeromagnetic data, gravity data and geological data, seven (7) exploration target areas have been generated: These have been numbered A to G. It is concluded that there is good potential for Cr, PGMs, vanadium, nickel, iron, copper, manganese, uranium and niobium in the targets generated. The results provide some indication and guide for exploration in the target areas. In Target A, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni and V anomalies from the lower chromitite zone of far western zone of the Bushveld Complex, which has be overlain buy the thick surface sand of the Gordonia Formation. Target B occurs over the diabase, norite, andesitic lava and andalusite muscovite hornfels of the Magaliesberg Formation. This target has the potential for Cu, Fe and Ni mineralization. The felsic rocks of the Kanye Formation and the Gaborone Granite in target C have shown some positive anomalies of niobium, uranium, yttrium and rubidium which give the area potential for Nb, REE and U exploration. Target D is located on the Allanridge Formation, and has significant potential for Ni-Cu mineralization, and is associated with the komatiitic lava at the base of the Allanridge Formation in the Christiana Area. The light green tholeiitic, calc-alkali basalt and andesitic rocks of the Rietgat Formation are characterized by a north-south trending yttrium anomaly with supporting Ba and Y anomalies (Target E). This makes the area a potential target for rare earth elements. Calcrete on the west of the Kuruman has a low b potential target for vanadium. It is believed that the area might be potential for potassium-uranium vanadate minerals, carnotite which is mostly found in calcrete deposits. This study has proved to be a useful and approach in utilizing the valuable geochemical data for exploration and future mining, generated by Council for Geoscience Science. It is recommended that further detailed soil, rock and geochemical surveys and ultimately diamond drilling be carried out in the exploration target areas generated by this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

The impact of inflation on financial development in South Africa

  • Authors: Muzvanya, Kudzai Fungai
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Economic development Monetary policy Consumer price indexes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13045 , vital:39440
  • Description: Growing theoretical and empirical studies have predicted different influences that inflation has on financial development in different economies. This dissertation observes the impact South Africa’s inflation has on financial development over the period between 1990 and 2012. Monetary policy framework in South Africa has, to a greater extent, assisted in monitoring the movement of the consumer price index. Although inflation does affect financial sector performance, the study also looked into other variables that have an effect like private credit, money supply and gross domestic product. To test for stationarity to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used. To determine the long- and short-run relationship, the Johansen Maximum Likelihood test and VECM models were used. Results of the study indicated that money supply and inflation have a negative effect on financial development. In addition, apart from money supply and inflation the findings revealed that private credit and gross domestic product play a significant part in financial sector performance. The study recommends that the South African Reserve Bank should keep the inflation rate within its target range (3-6percent). This would ensure price stability and restore investor confidence in the financial sector, which then improves financial sector development.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Barriers to participation in sports among urban adolescents at an International School in Cape Town, South Africa

  • Authors: Klaasen, Robyn Jade
  • Date: 2021-10
  • Subjects: Urban teenagers -- Sports , Sports administration
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22155 , vital:51991
  • Description: The benefits of participating in sport have been well documented and great emphasis has been placed on the role that it plays in the development of character and social skills, apart from physical and psychological benefits. Sport represents an optimal means of enabling children and adolescents to meet their daily requirements for physical activity to maintain health. Conversely, despite all of the widely acknowledged benefits, participation in sport among children and adolescents continues to decline throughout the world. Although a great deal of research has been conducted to identify barriers to participation in sport, most of it has concerned poor, rural, disadvantaged, or other marginalised groups. As a consequence, a large proportion of the research has attributed low rates of participation in sport to practical barriers, which usually take the forms of either logistical problems or a lack of resources. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers to participation in sport among adolescents in an affluent, urban setting, at an international school in Cape Town, South Africa. The Barriers to Sport Participation Questionnaire was used to identify the social, personal, and practical barriers that affected 107 adolescents who were enrolled in the school. The data was analysed by means of the SPSS (IBM, Version 27) software package and seven significant barriers were identified. Fear of academic failure, environmental constraints, and lack of interest were identified as the primary barriers, thereby emphasising the significant influence of personal barriers, rather than practical ones. It was also found that the influence of particular barriers was greater on females than their male counterparts and that the respondents who either did not participate in sport themselves or were from households in which other members did not do so were more adversely affected by some barriers than the others. Significant correlations were found between some grades and certain barriers, the most notable being those between respondents in Grades 7, 9, and 10 and the fear of academic failure barrier. In light of these findings, it could be concluded that the global decline in participation in sport among the youth is a complex problem and that particular barriers, which might not have been identified in previous research, could be particularly influential in affluent environments. As it is evident that as barriers can be specific to particular groups and settings, the optimal means of overcoming them is unlikely to be found through the adoption of a one-size-fitsall approach. Instead, further research and customised interventions are required. , Thesis (HMS) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-10

Investigating grade 6 teachers’ views and practices regarding creating an intellectually safe classroom environment

  • Authors: Damana, Yanga
  • Date: 2019-05
  • Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroom management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19947 , vital:44808
  • Description: An intellectually safe classroom (ISC) is essential for teaching and learning to occur. The aim of this study was to investigate Grade 6 teachers’ views and practices regarding the creation of intellectually safe classroom environments. The paradigm that was used in the study was the interpretive paradigm and the research approach was qualitative. A case study design was used. Three Mdantsane primary schools was purposively selected and two Grade 6 teachers from each school were the participants. Semi structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. The research found that participants are cognizant of the need to develop ISC. They define ISC as a classroom that is both emotionally and physically safe for learning to occur. The participants are very conversant with the benefits of ISC. Most of the teachers purposefully tried to implement ISC. This included the establishment of classroom rules, and they acknowledged the role that the teacher plays in setting up an ISC and the manner in which they establish trust and co-operation within their classrooms. However, they are often constrained in their implementation of ISC by their own teaching styles and by factors outside of their control. This emphasised the pivotal role that teachers have in the establishment of an ISC. It is recommended that ISC be implemented in all classrooms with the entire school community working together to do so. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2019
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  • Date Issued: 2019-05

Implementation of the policy on religious equity in public schools in the East London Education District : towards a framework for religious diversity

  • Authors: Makasi, Cordelia Noma-Abysinia
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Religious education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Religion and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Christianity and politics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5014 , vital:28935
  • Description: The study sought to establish the implementation of the policy on religious equity in public schools in the East London Education district in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Underpinned by Van Meter and Van Horn (2015) with implementation and conceptual theory and also a theory on opportunity to learn and school performance by Van Der Grift and Houtveen(2006), the study was located in the pragmatist research paradigm and followed a mixed methods approach and concurrent triangulation design. The research sampling technique was random for high school learners in selected schools and purposeful for principals, heads of departments, teachers and provincial education officials. Three methods were employed to collect data from selected public schools and from the provincial office namely; semi-structured interviews, individual interviews and observation. Quantitative data were analysed statistically and presented in the form of descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using the thematic content analysis technique. Major findings of the study are that teachers and principals understood the concept religious equity and had a fair understanding of the policy on religious equity. Schools were predominantly Christian-oriented in terms of religious practices and there were no recorded cases of religious conflict. Learners of minority religions were not compelled to attend Christian religious functions in schools and were allowed to attend their own religious functions outside school. This was established from the fact that participants cited freedom of religion as being exercised in schools. However, it was further established that there was no strategic monitoring and support for teachers in the implementation of religious equity. There were also no deliberate measures and strategies for the implementation of religious equity suggesting challenges and inconsistencies in the implementation of the policy. While there were notable challenges in the implementation of the policy, due to resistance of stakeholders to change, schools had great opportunities which could be utilized to enhance the implementation of the policy on religious equity. The study concludes by noting that, while key policy implementers had an understanding of religious equity, the situation on the ground revealed challenges and inconsistencies in the implementation of the policy which resulted in a Christian-dominated school environment at the expense of minority religions The study recommends, among other things, that that religious equity be adhered to as enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 and the South African Schools Act of 1996. The teaching and learning environment should include Religion Education as per prescription by National Policy on Religion Education of 2003, that monitoring and support of teachers be done, and that community involvement with policy development be considered crucial as well as moral education teaching in schools. A framework for enhancing implementation of the policy on religious equity is also proposed.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Academic Practices and Reasoning: APR 111

  • Authors: Scott,R , Blatchford, M
  • Date: 2012-06
  • Language: English
  • Type: Examination paper
  • Identifier: vital:18270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1011266
  • Description: Academic Practices and Reasoning: APR 111, special examination June 2012.
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  • Date Issued: 2012-06

The obligation of unmarried biological parents to provide financial support for their children: a contemporary assessment from a children’s rights perspective

  • Authors: Obi, Lauretta
  • Date: 2021-07
  • Subjects: Children's rights , Support (Domestic relations)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22445 , vital:52322
  • Description: In South Africa, the compelling task of unmarried biological parents to provide financial support (in the form of paying monthly maintenance) to their children, as a matter of children’s rights, is intended to ensure the children’s economic and psychological well-being both in the present and future. This study seeks, within the private judicial system and socio-economic context, to explore the nature of children’s rights as they pertain to parental financial support and, the responsibilities of unmarried parents to provide financial support for their biological children until they become self-supporting. This is significant as many unmarried parents usually downplay their responsibilities towards ensuring the well-being of their minor children. Section 28 of the South African Constitution of 1996 enshrines it as a duty of parents to fulfil this aspect of their children’s fundamental rights and our courts apply these rules to the letter. The task of providing support to children basically rests with their birth parents as the primary care givers, and in the absence of these parents or, due to their inability, this legal obligation falls on the state. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-07

Perceptions of rural households about the role and effect of biogas production on rural household income in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality

  • Authors: Ngcobo, Lindiwe
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable living -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4694 , vital:28494
  • Description: Rural development efforts to reduce poverty and enhance food security and generally improve livelihoods in developing countries continue to be constrained by high energy cost. For that reason, renewable energy has been identified as a possible panacea to fill this gap. Renewable energy is cheaper, more accessible and environmentally sustainable and promotes inclusivity. Biogas is a renewable energy that is readily available and easy to use by poor rural households. The use of biogas digesters among households in rural areas of developing countries is a well-known technology. The potential for biogas in these areas has been demonstrated and a strong economic case has been made. However, its adoption and use have been lower than expectations possibly as result of non-economic considerations, including social issues about which rural people hold different perceptions. Perceptions of rural households are important because they influence the behaviour to a large extent. Since limited access to affordable energy in rural areas has encouraged government and private organisations to initiate biogas projects to overcome the challenge, it is important to ascertain the factors that affect attitudes towards the technology. The present study sought to explore perceptions of rural households about biogas production towards rural household income in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Specifically, this research investigated the state of biogas project being implemented by the University of Fort Hare’s Institute of Technology (FHIT), the perceptions of respondents towards biogas production and determine the contribution of biogas consumption to rural income. The study also aimed to identify the factors affecting the adoption of biogas production in the study area. The study was carried out in Melani village in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and employed survey data obtained from 48 households who were enumerated to identify their perceptions on biogas production, with special emphasis on the role and effect contributed to rural income of Melani village. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling technique was used in data collection. Data were collected and captured in Excel and then analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 24 Descriptive statistics was used to examine socio-economic characteristics of households and state of biogas production in the area, Bivariate correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships among the key elements of perceptions of household towards biogas adoption, binary logistic model was used to estimate factors influencing adoption of biogas technology by households. The results show that women were dominant for both adopters and non-adopters of biogas. The majority of households were young with mean age of 40 years while for non-adopters were 65 years old on average. The results showed high levels of literacy amongst household adopters. Majority of the households for both adopters and non-adopters of biogas technology were married and unemployed and household size ranged from one to five persons, with social grants being dominant source of income. The bivariate correlation analysis suggests a positive effect of green pepper production and livestock ownership on biogas technology adoption. Age and level of education were negatively correlated with adoption of biogas. The cross tabulation analysis suggests that water scarcity, lack of knowledge about biogas technology, cattle ownership, lack of maintenance and repairing, flooded biogas digesters during rainy season are negatively associated with the uptake of biogas technology. The empirical results from binary logistic model suggest that land size was the key determinant of adoption behaviour towards biogas technology while age of the household head, source of income and level of education may have a negative influence on adoption of biogas technology. Based on the findings highlighted above, the study recommends strategies to encourage households to adopt biogas technology.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The experiences of the development support group DSG in the integrated quality management system IQMS in Butterworth District, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ndandani- Msindwana, Judith Nonkululeko
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:16173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/467 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study investigated the experiences of the Development Support Group (DGS) when implementing the IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) in Butterworth District of the Eastern Cape. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of the DSG when implementing the IQMS in an attempt to determine whether the DSG can cope with the task of being part of evaluation in education, and how the negative experiences could be improved. In order to get the experiences of the DSG when implementing the IQMS, the researcher embarked on this phenomenological study. Data were collected by means of one-on-one semi-structured interviews and the perusal of the IQMS document, Resolution 8 of 2003. Responses from the participants were tape-recorded and eventually transcribed, analyzed and interpreted. The main feature revealed by the study is gross lack of confidence, feeling of insecurity and ambivalence on the part of the DSG. On the basis of the findings, recommendations that will assist the DSG (and other IQMS implementers) to improve IQMS implementation, have been made. This study also serves as the voice of the DSG for they have also made suggestions to improve on the negative experiences they have highlighted. The conclusions arrived at in this study are specific to the DSG of the sampled schools. The conclusions reflect and explain the challenges faced by the DSG in Butterworth district. But the findings give a reflective explanatory depth to the experiences the DSG when implementing the IQMS.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

Interaction of terpenes and oxygenated terpenes with some drugs

  • Authors: Ajayi, Emmanuel Olusegun
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Terpenes -- Essences and essential oils , Lavenders -- Monoterpenes -- Drug interactions , Drugs -- Camphor -- Medicinal plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
  • Identifier: vital:11332 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/418 , Terpenes -- Essences and essential oils , Lavenders -- Monoterpenes -- Drug interactions , Drugs -- Camphor -- Medicinal plants
  • Description: SFME and HD for the extraction of essential oil in Lavandula officinalis in Alice have been reported. A total of 59 compounds were identified with the major compound being 1,8-cineole, an oxygenated monoterpene, with 46.89% and 44.84% yield obtained for HD and SFME respectively. Charge transfer (CT) complexes formed between α-pinene, 1,8-cineole and camphor as electron donors with iodine as the electron acceptor have been studied spectrophotometrically in methylene chloride solution. The Benesi- Hildebrand equation has been applied to estimate the formation constant (Kf) and molecular extinction coefficient (εCT). The value of Kf is the highest in camphor-I2 complex compared to the other two complexes. Antibacterial assessment was carried out on the various reagents, determining the MIC of individual reagents and in combination. The results show an improvement, on combination of the various reagents than when tested alone.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

Sustainability challenges of community newspapers: The case study of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper

  • Authors: Ndarane, Luvuyo Gladstone
  • Date: 2022-09
  • Subjects: Community newspapers , Journalism, Regional
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23754 , vital:60485
  • Description: Community newspapers are an important source of information and play a vital role in the development of communities. They are, therefore, an important stakeholder in community development. IDike-Lethu community newspaper`s presence in the community of Alice and in the areas where it is distributed is facilitating communication and development in these areas. Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is benefiting in the presence of iDike-Lethu because this newspaper is the conduit through which communication to its citizens is submitted. This study assessed the challenges iDike- Lethu is having that impact on its maximum contribution in this society. Participants in this study are residents of Alice and are readers of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper. This study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Major findings that impede smooth operations in this newspaper were discovered. These include inadequate funding, lack of technical backing and lack of community support. The study findings show that with all the challenges iDike-Lethu is having it continues to play a meaningful role by disseminating information, promoting local culture, equipping communities with skills and providing a platform on which these communities including local businesses send information across. Recommendations include the need for this newspaper to find a commercial, profitable and sustainable financial model which will support and reinforce its operations. This study will contribute in further research of methods to link communities and community newspapers to work harmoniously. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-09

Yield responses, mineral levels of forages and soil in old arable land planted to four legume pasture species in Lushington communal area, South Africa

  • Authors: Gulwa, Unathi
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Forage plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Minerals in animal nutrition Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2799 , vital:28091
  • Description: This study was conducted in the old arable land located in Lushington communal area in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of legume introduction on biomass yield, forage and soil mineral levels of the arable lands planted to four leguminous pastures in four seasons. Planting was done in March and October 2008 in Lushington. All legumes were subjected to grow under rain fed conditions. Trifolium vesiculosum (arrowleaf clover), Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza), Trifolium repens (white clover) and Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) are the four forage legume species that were sampled for the purposes of this study. The four legume species persisted out of the fourteen species that were initially tested for adaptability and persistence in the environmental conditions of Lushington communal area. The legumes, grasses and soils from these legume plots were sampled to determine the effect of legume introduction on the forage yield, mineral contents of the companion grasses and soils over four seasons. Plant and soil samples were collected once in spring (November) 2013, summer (February), autumn (March) and winter (May) 2014 for biomass production, macro and micronutrients determination. Results indicated that legume inclusion and season affected (P < 0.05) the total dry matter (TDM) yield production. Plots with Lespedeza cuneata had the highest TDM (1843 kg/ha) and control plots had the least dry matter production (1091 kg/ha). Summer season provided the highest (P < 0.05) TDM compared to the other seasons. Both legume and grass quality was also affected (P < 0.05) by legume inclusion in different seasons. Accordingly, grasses harvested from Trifolium repens plot showed higher CP level (10.90 percent) than those harvested from other plots whereas the lowest grass CP content (6.90 percent) was measured in the control treatment. L. cuneate had the highest (P < 0.05) CP level (11.00 percent) and T. repens had the least CP (6.63 percent) level. Grasses harvested in autumn had the highest (P < 0.05) CP level (12.50 percent) and those harvested in winter had the least CP level (4.60 percent). Similarly, all legume pastures harvested in spring had superior (P < 0.05) CP (10.80 percent) levels and those harvested in winter had the least CP (3.50 percent) level. Legume inclusion had an effect (P < 0.05) on both grass and legume macro nutrient contents. Trifolium repens plot had the highest grass K (1.07 percent), Ca (1.50 percent) and Mg (1.83 percent), whereas there were lower K (0.12 percent), Ca (1.25 percent) and Mg (1.08 percent) contents in grasses harvested from the control and T. vesiculosum plots, respectively. In legumes, macro nutrient concentrations: K (0.68 percent), Ca (1.75 percent) were superior in the T. vesiculosum plot in comparison to other plots. Season also affected (P < 0.05) both grass and legume macro nutrient content. There was higher K (0.90 percent), Ca (1.30 percent) and Mg (0.94 percent) content in grasses harvested in autumn whereas there were lower levels in winter harvests. In legumes, superior K (0.74 percent) and Mg (1.87 percent) content were attained during spring while the least were measured in winter (0.07 percent) and autumn (0.75 percent), respectively. Likewise, both legume inclusion and season had an significant effect (P < 0.05) on the forages micronutrient levels. During spring, there was superior soil P content (36.28 mg/kg) while during autumn; there was less P (22.58 mg/kg) content. The highest SOC level (1.49 percent) was measured in the T. repens plot whereas the lowest SOC (1.15 percent) was attained in the control plot. The results of this study showed that grass legume mixtures produced forages with high nutrient content and herbage yield. Legume planting in the old arable lands has a potential to improve soil quality parameters such as soil P and SOC content.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Water governance and social equity in South Africa: a case study of Amathole District Municipality.

  • Authors: Hutete, Clarity
  • Date: 2022-03
  • Subjects: Municipal water supply
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21931 , vital:51844
  • Description: South Africa has reformed its water governance to remedy the prominent disparities in water service provision that resulted from the legacy of apartheid. However, despite the new policy reforms and strategies adopted, inequities in water governance remain prevalent. Those residing in marginalised and poor rural areas are the most vulnerable and highly affected by this phenomenon. While this has been attributed to several factors, such as fragmentation of the water sector and lack of capacity, among other reasons, an analysis of the literature revealed that the absence of a water governance framework for social equity is highly prevalent in the context of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) where the research was conducted. Hence, the study's main objective was to develop a water governance framework for social equity that can be utilised to advise councils and policymakers on the attainment of social equity by water service providers at the local level. The study utilised the constructivist research philosophy by adopting a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research approach to address the research questions. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis were used to collect data. A total sample of thirty-four (n=34) participants was purposefully selected; twenty participants (n=20) participated in semi-structured interviews, while fourteen (n=14) participants were engaged through focus group discussions. Findings obtained from the thematic data analysis utilised revealed that while human rights principles and social equity values underpin South Africa’s water reforms, Amathole District Municipality is yet to fully absorb these foundational concepts into its water governance. The study revealed that this is largely attributed to a lack of meaningful participation, limited transparency and accountability in the processes and procedures of the municipality. Results also revealed that persistent inequities still exist in Amathole District Municipality as reflected by the unequal distribution of water services, inconsistency in services provision, lack of transparency and established procedures to guarantee procedural fairness and limited impact on interventions specifically in rural areas. Furthermore, the study revealed that the municipality’s efforts to address water inequities are highly undermined by various economic, environmental, socio- economic, and institutional governance factors. Therefore, the study recommended a Water Governance Framework for Social Equity (WGFSE) and proffered recommendations to enhance social equity for Amathole District Municipality and other municipalities with similar contexts. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2022-03

A strategic framework for managing and implementation of the intergovernmental relations policy in selected Eastern Cape municipalities

  • Authors: Shasha, Zamuxolo
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Intergovernmental fiscal relations -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8353 , vital:32310
  • Description: It is of paramount importance to highlight that the South African government is established in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. Whilst the government of South Africa is one, it consists of three spheres namely; national, provincial and local. These spheres of government are naturally distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. This is expressed in terms of section 41(1) of the Constitution, which requires that there should be co-operation, mutual trust and good faith amongst these three spheres of government. This form of a relationship compels different spheres to inform and consult one another on matters of common interest, co-ordinate their legislation, and adhere to agreed procedures in accordance with the provisions of the constitution which is the supreme law of the Republic. The study sort to find a strategic framework for managing and implementation of the Intergovernmental Relations Policy in Selected Eastern Cape Municipalities. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify the sample elements. The sample was composed of 160 participants and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to gather information pertaining the research problem. A mixed research method was used to analyse the data gathered. The sampled respondents were municipal and government employees from various departments who have knowledge of the IGR policy. The study findings pointed out that the current framework on intergovernmental relations was ineffective in the Eastern Cape municipalities that were surveyed. Respondents pointed to a number of shortfalls in the implementation of the intergovernmental relations, which made it ineffective in improving how these municipalities operated and rendered service delivery. A number of factors inhibiting the effectiveness of the intergovernmental relations included lack of communication, poor coordination, lack of clear strategy, poor budgets amongst other factors. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher developed a strategic framework that could be adopted by municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The functionality of this framework would be influenced by the corrective measures taken by the municipalities in addressing the underlying problems of the current intergovernmental relations, as identified by the respondents.
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2017

Academic Practices and Reasoning: APR 122

  • Authors: Scott, R , Blatchford, M
  • Date: 2010-01
  • Language: English
  • Type: Examination paper
  • Identifier: vital:18236 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1011228
  • Description: Academic Practices and Reasoning: APR 122, Jan/Feb supplementary examination 2010.
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2010-01
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