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The portrayal of migrants and liminality in Nadifa Mohamed’s Black Mamba Boy, The Orchard of Lost Souls and The Fortune Men

  • Authors: Fühner, Melissa Ashleigh
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425056 , vital:72205
  • Description: This thesis argues that the characters in Nadifa Mohamed’s oeuvre exhibit both vulnerability and agency and that their position in society oscillates as if between two poles, as they cross social and spatial boundaries. There is no existing scholarly research that focuses on child migrants in Mohamed’s texts specifically. Here, Black Mamba Boy, The Orchard of Lost Souls and The Fortune Men are analysed and compared with a central focus on the child migrant characters to examine her portrayal of conflict-induced migration and its impact on vulnerable communities. In Black Mamba Boy, Mohamed portrays Jama’s exilic journey where he leaves his homeland of Hargeisa and migrates across territorial borders in Northeast Africa to find his father. His quest brings him from Somaliland to Sudan as he walks through countries that are devastated by the war between the British and Italian colonial forces in the 1930s. As Jama attempts to cross the spatial distance between himself and his father he also treads the invisible line between life and death. Along his journey, Jama is exploited and abused by colonial troops and traumatised by the conflict he witnesses. Mohamed revisits her father’s precarious journey not to portray him as a victim but to make him “a hero, not the fighting or romantic kind but the real deal, the starved child who survives every sling and arrow that shameless fortune throws at them” (1). Thus, the text is an account of Jama’s strength as he miraculously survives the brutalities of war. Similarly, in The Orchard of Lost Souls, the child protagonist, Deqo, is a refugee with parents. She internally migrates through Hargeisa at the moment the region breaks out into the Somali Civil War. Deqo attempts to keep herself out of harm’s way as the town is destroyed by soldiers and rebel groups who have opened fire against civilians. As a female child migrant Deqo occupies a particularly vulnerable position as she navigates a space where gender-based violence is used as a method of war. Despite the dangers around her, Deqo actively seeks out safety and a path that will free her from the tightening grip of the war. The Fortune Men depicts Mahmood’s journey of migration as an adult. When he attempts to cross the border into Wales he is ostracised, abused, and dehumanised because of his difference. Jama and Deqo’s exilic journeys are compared to Mahmood’s unsuccessful migration and the children cross borders that adults cannot cross because they use their vulnerability to seek out opportunities and change their environment. This thesis is situated within the theoretical framework of transnational and diasporic literature with a specific focus on the impact of forced migration on child migrants. Through close engagement and comparison of the three primary ii texts mentioned, this thesis demonstrates the vulnerabilities and fluctuating agencies of characters to highlight their liminal positioning. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The possible effect of insecticide drift from citrus orchards, and acute toxicity of insecticides on the biocontrol agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae) established along citrus orchards in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
  • Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The potential of social learning to upscale the Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) process: A case study of the Mpophomeni and Baynespruit Enviro Champs project

  • Authors: Sithole, Nkosingithandile
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Community of practice , Social learning , Water quality management South Africa Pietermaritzburg Citizen participation , Citizen science , Water quality South Africa Pietermaritzburg
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402966 , vital:69910
  • Description: Water is an essential component of human survival, with a wide variety of uses such as washing, cooking, drinking and growing food. Covering approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is necessary for all human survival, and is a source of life for plants and animals. Only 0.036% of freshwater can be accessed and utilised by humans, which is not enough to support the rapidly growing population and economic development. This water is further exhausted by pollution caused by sewage leaks, littering, agricultural runoff and industry discharge which deteriorate water quality significantly. To exacerbate these water issues, the major issue of water accessibility is not directly linked to quantity but has been primarily attributed to poor water governance, at a global and local level (in South Africa). Poorly maintained water infrastructure and inadequate cooperative governance have resulted in the establishment of many Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) projects in South Africa, to respond to water quality monitoring and management challenges. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate how social learning was occurring within two CBWQM Communities of Practice (CoPs) located in KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, namely, the Baynespruit and the Mpophomeni Enviro Champs project (Case Study 1 and 2 respectively), and the potential of social learning to upscale CBWQM. Additionally, it sought to identify the type of support required for the scaling of social learning outcomes in CBWQM communities of practice, along two potential scaling pathways that were identified in a national study on scaling of CBWQM: Scaling Pathway 1(Policy engagement and support) and Scaling Pathway 2 (Capacity building). The research was undertaken as a qualitative case study approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, document, and questionnaire analysis to investigate social learning within the two selected case studies. The data was coded and indexed using a thematic analysis technique and an analytical framework as a tool to investigate how social learning was occurring in both case studies and explore the potential required to upscale it. The study found that there is an existing gap between policy and practice with regard to CBWQM support by government structures. Despite South African water policy advocating for public participation in water resource management, there has been limited support from government to support and resource CBWQM projects over a long period of time. To upscale the practice of CBWQM, the study found that capacity building and learning needs to be improved and better supported practically through models such as the 5Ts of learning, and through supporting CBWQM participants’ learning journey to establish learning pathways for them. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among university students in developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Authors: Ndlovu, Philani
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425019 , vital:72202
  • Description: High alcohol misuse is associated with many challenges, including (a) unsafe sex, problems with the criminal justice system, absenteeism, academic failure, death, injury, and alcohol related harm, both in the developing and developed world. Despite the above, no meta-analysis had been conducted in the literature to comprehensively study the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) amongst university students in the developing world. This study reviewed literature related to AUDs among university students in developing countries. It described the concept of AUD and the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, including biological, cognitive, psycho-social, and economic impacts on the individual and the family. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The role of local level agency in a just green transition: the case of Rhodes University

  • Authors: Nel, Vanray
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419643 , vital:71662
  • Description: The research uses a richly contextualised case study of Rhodes University to explore the role of local level agency in a just green transition. The central concept of the thesis is mainstreaming sustainability. Sustainability has become a core objective both at the macro and micro levels. The just green transition and triple bottom line are shorthand for these macro and micro concepts. At the macro level, there is increasing evidence suggesting that transitioning to a sustainable economy can be a key driver of economic development. At the micro level, the elements of the triple bottom line increasingly overlap, with sustainability no longer a separate goal, or a ‘nice to have’, but integral to organisational success. However, this potential is clearly not being realised, and sustainability often remains ‘niche’. Lack of progress at the macro-level reinforces the importance of bottom-up, local level agency. In keeping with the broader micro-level literature, the case study strongly suggests that mainstreaming sustainability would have multiple benefits. These include reducing dependence on unreliable state-provided services and enhancing Rhodes University’s standing as a genuinely transformative institution. The evidence suggests that there is a pure financial case for green investments, such as the construction of a solar farm at Rhodes University, even before accounting for the social and environmental benefits of such an initiative. This shifts the focus to why institutions like Rhodes University have not been proactive in mainstreaming sustainability. The document analysis and the interviews showed that there is an awareness of the importance and potential of mainstreaming sustainability. However, the funding squeeze is often misperceived as a binding constraint, and there is an absence of innovative thinking about how to finance projects with high returns, such as a solar farm. A theme amongst several of the interviewees was that the university should embrace a policy of enhancing small changes as a way of mainstreaming sustainability gradually. Even here, there are doubts about whether the organisational structure of the university will allow this. On the other hand, there are positive signs that the increasing sense of crisis means management and other key stakeholders are gradually shifting towards seeing the crucial importance of the university embracing a more proactive stance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The Role of the courts in the interpretation and implementation of the Right to Basic Education in Section 29(1)(a) of the South African Constitution

  • Authors: Ngubane, Kwanele Nhlanhla
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424141 , vital:72127
  • Description: The right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution was meant to signal a break between an education system divided along racial lines, and a new democratic education system based on equity, equality, and opportunity for all learners. In reality, the South African education system still remains deeply divided along racial lines, with poor, mostly black learners, being under-resourced by the state, while their richer, mostly white, counterparts are being taught in schools that have access to all the resources necessary to realise the right to basic education. As a result, the right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution has been heavily debated, and between 2010 and 2022, the South African courts have often been called on to interpret the right. In the process, a rich jurisprudence has developed on the core content of the right to basic education, with findings by the courts that the right includes an entitlement to a number of educational resources. These include access to school infrastructure, learner-teacher support materials, desks and chairs, scholar transport, teaching and non-teaching staff, and nutrition. This study examines the way South African courts, between 2010 and 2022, have interpreted and implemented the right to basic education to give effect to section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution. While South African courts have historically shied away from interpreting socio-economic rights to contain a minimum core content and have rather opted for a reasonableness approach, the same is not entirely true for section 29(1)(a). As stated above, courts have been willing to find that the right entails a minimum basket of goods and services without which the right cannot be realised. By examining some of the most important education rights cases during this period, the study proposes that there are five factors that have guided the courts’ interpretation of the right and has assisted in the courts finding that the right contains a minimum core content. These factors are the historical context of the right to basic education; the textual formulation of the right to basic education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution; the interrelatedness of the right to basic education and other rights within the Bill of Rights; subsidiary education policies, legislation, and regulations, and lastly, the role of international law. This study seeks to consider the extent to which each of these factors have played a role in courts’ interpretation of section 29(1)(a). The study also considers the implementation of these judgments and the role that the courts have played in realising the right to education for learners on ground-level. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The use of assistive technology in inclusive education: understanding the experiences of students with learning disabilities at South African universities

  • Authors: Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425160 , vital:72215
  • Description: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of students with learning disabilities in accessing assistive technology at South African universities. The field of learning disabilities is relatively emerging in South Africa. Critical scholarly literature demonstrates that universal access, democratic participation and inclusion remains a challenge for students with learning disabilities in higher education. This research is informed by the Social Model of Disability (SMD) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which are considered vital elements of disability inclusion and transformation in higher education. The social model of disability provides valuable insights into social barriers that continue to marginalise, discriminate and exclude those living with disabilities. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative surveys were utilised to further complement the research. The unit of analysis in this study were students with learning disabilities, academic, library, disability unit, Student Affairs Services and ICT staff members. Two universities were chosen for this purpose: one with a dedicated disability unit and another one still in its infancy in establishing a disability unit. The findings indicate that the disability services offered to the students at the two institutions are qualitatively different. This study reveals glaring gaps at institutional level in the nature and extent of support services available to students with learning disabilities: lack of adequate resources including funding, inaccessible assistive technology, lack of training and expertise and staff attitudes in dealing with students with learning disabilities. The study found that after the students with learning disabilities disclose, they are neglected, and experience negative attitudes and stigma. The study showed that sometimes it is hard and expensive to get accommodations as a student with learning disabilities. The findings suggest that having a dedicated disability unit increases inclusion and awareness about available services compared to universities that do not have them. A concern was raised by the staff members that students with disabilities do not make use of the available assistive technology. This study calls for integrating the universal design for learning with assistive technology to enhance the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in South African universities. This will assist students with learning disabilities to achieve better academic outcomes and complete their tasks more efficiently and independently. This study recognises that the provision of disability services is a costly enterprise but service delivery needs to be fast-tracked regardless. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The views and opinions of Rhodes University lecturers towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in higher education

  • Authors: Nkunzi, Zintle
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424963 , vital:72197
  • Description: This research sought to investigate how African languages function as a communicative tool in a university where English is the medium of instruction. The study's purpose is to provide a systematic review of research that has been carried out on language attitudes towards isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in higher education. The study reveals that South African higher education institutions such as Rhodes University mostly use English as the LoLT- a language which for most lecturers is not their first/home language but helps ease communication in a multilingual community. Rhodes University is characterised by multilingualism because the university community is made up of diversity in culture, language, and educational background of the people. Previously explored language attitude studies are based on students’ views and this study investigated RU lecturer views and opinions towards isiXhosa as a LoLT. The study focused on the importance and the need (if any) of isiXhosa in a multilingual higher education institution. The study reveal that language barriers are one of the difficulties, but academic cultural differences seem to play a crucial role that can impact on the learning and teaching outcomes. This can lead to negative experiences and the forming of stereotypical views. These views include how lecturers are and should be trained to teach mathematics, science, and academic studies in African languages. The SA higher education practices and language use (i.e., monolingual language policy) are one of the reasons that the implementation of indigenous languages in education policies in SA is fraught with difficulties due to several factors. Amongst the factors is the fact that indigenous languages are not yet fully developed as academic languages. The study further reveals that lecturers find it difficult to teach mathematical studies in isiXhosa because of lack of terminology in the language for academic purposes particularly at a tertiary level. Furthermore, existing literature highlights the importance of the use of code-switching which is a beneficial practice for lecturers in assisting their students who struggle with English as a LoLT at RU. The lecturer views towards isiXhosa as a LoLT at RU is not only on language barrier but also about the lack of development in the language use in spaces where only English is believed to be the best such as language for academics. The study also reveals an integration of Information Communication Technology in education and how language appears as a barrier. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

The yield spread as a predictor for buy or sell signals for sectoral indices of the JSE

  • Authors: Roeber, Christine
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419687 , vital:71666
  • Description: The predictive nature of the yield curve has been of interest to researchers for years. In this thesis, the evidence for the yield curve as a predictor is examine, specifically as a predictor for bear markets in the JSE stock market for 8 sub-sectoral indices. The study explores a dynamic market timing strategy for timing the South African stock market compared to a normal buy-and-hold strategy. First, probit models are estimated for each of the sectoral indices which did not prove to have tracked well all the bear market phases. Then a dynamic market timing portfolio is simulated against a buy-and-hold only strategy, the dynamic market timing portfolio proved to have outperformed a buy-and-hold strategy for almost all the indices. Thus, a Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability was done on these sub-indices. The research finds that the yield curve in South Africa is not a useful tool for a buy-sell strategy for most of the sub-sectoral indices of the JSE. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Thermal physiology of juvenile red roman seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps after long-term exposure to low pH conditions

  • Authors: Allison, Caitlin
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424323 , vital:72143
  • Description: Climate change has caused a combination of effects on the physiology of fishes. Of particular concern are the effects of thermal variability and ocean acidification. Organismal energy budgets change throughout ontogeny and research into the metabolic scope during early life stages is particularly useful in identifying potential bottlenecks. The first part of this thesis aimed to assess the absolute aerobic scope (AAS, described as the difference between the maximum and standard metabolic rates) of individual juveniles from a protected population of the endemic, commercially important seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps, across a range of ecologically relevant temperatures (T = 11, 14, 18, 22˚C) under present-day conditions (pH = 8.03, pCO2 ≈ 420 μatm) using intermittent flow respirometry. The second component sought to investigate how long-term exposure (from fertilisation to juvenile, ~100 days exposure) to high-pCO2/hypercapnic conditions (pH = 7.63, pCO2 ≈ 1400 μatm), would affect the AAS of juvenile C. laticeps over a range of temperatures. Lower pH conditions were predicted to cause a decrease in the AAS of treatment animals due to additional energetic costs of acid-base regulation. The findings of the first data chapter demonstrated that juvenile C. laticeps reared under current CO2 conditions are tolerant to a wide range of thermal conditions, and individuals with a broad aerobic scope will be the best suited to coping with enhanced thermal variability. In contrast to the expected outcomes of the second data chapter, juvenile C. laticeps reared under high pCO2 conditions displayed greater AAS at high and low temperatures when compared with specimens from high pH conditions. Whilst a high degree of individual phenotypic variation was observed in the metabolic response of both groups, this was reduced at the lower and upper extreme temperatures for high pH and low pH animals respectively. Notably, the variation in treatment animal’s SMR was significantly diminished across all temperatures tested, compared to only a localised reduction in the SMR of high pH animals at cold temperatures. This may be indicative of compensatory pathways affecting energy restructuring and thermally-governed physiological trade-offs under hypercapnia. Given these results, juvenile C. laticeps appear to be more resilient to ocean acidification than anticipated, potentially owing to intrapopulation metabolic phenotypic diversity. This is likely attributed to the parental lineage originating in the Tsitsikamma MPA, which is thought to boast greater phenotypic diversity as a consequence of the refuge that these conservation areas offer from exploitation. Owing to the restriction imposed by the availability of surviving, captive-reared juveniles, the sample size used in this study was relatively low. However, owing to the repeated-measures nature of this research the sample size was sufficient to offer suitable statistical power for the polynomial mixed model used in the analysis. Future research should incorporate both physiological and behavioural responses to multiple environmental stressors to better understand covariation between these two traits, and to detect any behavioural trade-offs that might arise through compensation. In addition, these trials should be repeated using offspring from outside of the MPA to compare whether the same level of resilience and metabolic phenotypic diversity would be present in an exploited population. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Towards interrogating the notion of a Black aesthetic in multi-cultural Africa

  • Authors: Maina, Muhunyo
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425231 , vital:72221
  • Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Using the indigenous technology of making oshikundu to mediate learning of the topic diffusion in Namibia

  • Authors: Endjala, Alma Panduleni
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia , Diffusion Study and teaching (Secondary) Activity programs Namibia , Ethnoscience Namibia , Pedagogical content knowledge , Social learning , Science teachers Education (Continuing education) , Oshikundu
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419726 , vital:71670
  • Description: The Namibian Science curriculum acknowledges that indigenous knowledge (IK) is an important basis for learning science. Among the shared reasons is that it provides learners with access to abstract scientific concepts. As a result, teachers are encouraged to integrate IK into the teaching and learning of science. However, it seems that there are no explicit guidelines on how IK should be integrated into science classrooms. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to explore how the indigenous technology of making oshikundu (a non-alcoholic beverage) can be mobilised by Grade 8 Life Science teachers to mediate learning of diffusion in their classrooms. The study was underpinned by interpretive and indigenous research paradigms. Within these paradigms, a qualitative case study approach was employed. Four Grade 8 Life Science teachers from four different schools in Okahandja town, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia, participated in this study. Additionally, an expert community member who was knowledgeable about the indigenous technology of making oshikundu was requested to demonstrate how to make it. In this event, the Life Science teachers had to identify the science concepts embedded in the practice. To gather data, this study made use of semi-structured interviews, workshop discussions, observations and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was used as a theoretical framework and Mavhunga and Rollnick’s topic-specific pedagogical content knowledge (TSPCK) was used as an analytical framework. The findings of this study revealed that the teachers’ understanding was positively influenced by the integration of IK which certainly assisted them to relate better to the concept of diffusion. This was validated when teachers extracted emerging science concepts from the indigenous technology of making oshikundu. The implication of this study is that expert community member presentations can greatly enhance sense making of science concepts. The study thus recommends that school-based teachers’ continuing professional development in collaboration with expert community members should be carried out to enhance both the teachers’ subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge on IK integration. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Visual representations of linear algebraic expressions: a case study in a Grade 9 after-school mathematics club

  • Authors: Herbert, Sindisiwe
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424019 , vital:72116
  • Description: Visualisation is commonly used as a tool in introducing algebra through visual or kinaesthetic sequences designed to prompt learners' development of a general rule for moving from a term's position to its output value. Fluency in both the concepts and the conventions of elementary algebra are essential to learners, as algebra forms the language in which many advanced mathematical ideas are encoded. Moreover, algebraic fluency is often associated with an ability to think abstractly about arithmetic processes. In many classrooms, however, research has shown that learners often focus on fluency in algebraic conventions rather than concepts, learning how to manipulate expressions without understanding the algorithms they are taught to follow. This trend can be linked to several causes, including teacher-centred mathematics classrooms in which learners are – whether implicitly or explicitly – encouraged to copy formulae and methods in order to ‘get it right in a test’ without necessarily grasping the underlying logical relationships. This case study, therefore, aimed to determine whether there was value in using visual, kinaesthetic models to broaden and deepen learners' use of algebra. To that end, in the context of an extra-curricular mathematics club that aimed to decentre the teachers and demand innovative ideas of the participants, six pairs of Grade 9 learners were tasked with creating visual representations of a linear algebraic expression using coloured building cubes. The responses to this task over the course of five assignments were many and varied and almost universally displayed a sustained internal logic that the learners were able to explain and develop. Most pairs began with a visual list of terms arranged in sets of towers, pyramids or, in one case, a spiral. At the end of the study, all but one of the pairs had settled on a Visual Expression, in which various colours were used to represent elements of the algebra such as the values of the coefficient, the variable and the constant term. The participants' representations grew in complexity over the course of the study and the conformity of the final responses showed that the club was a collaborative space in which learners shared ideas. However, the structure of the Visual Expressions and their own confessions of nerves about ‘getting it wrong’ in the interviews suggest that the participants were stuck in a mindset that led them to seek out and idealise the representation closest to the original algebra, even though that representation revealed little about the structural relationship underlying the expression. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Vulamasango Singene: sociological analysis of a rural social movement

  • Authors: Kirchmann, Gail Lynne
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425132 , vital:72213
  • Description: This dissertation tests the claim made by a large membership-based organisation that it is a social movement. The organisation, Vulamasango Singene (VS) operates across the rural areas of large parts of the Eastern Cape Province. It has, for twenty years, advocated for the re-opening of land restitution claims for a specific category of forced removal known as “betterment”. This study provides an analysis of an organisation that has yet to achieve its objective in spite of sufficient financial resources, logistical and strategic support, numeric strength and the legal clarity of its demand. The research is situated within the framework of social movement theory. The study examined the origins, institutional infrastructure, demographic make-up, activities and culture of VS. These were analysed against four components that are identified in the literature as key characteristics of a social movement. These are: (i) informal networks (as opposed to structured and managed engagements); (ii) a plurality of actors (as opposed to a homogenous grouping); (iii) mobilising around issues of conflict; and (iv) sharing common beliefs and demonstrating solidarity. Data were gathered through an archival study and field research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a sample of VS’s leadership, and staff of the non-governmental organisation in which VS originated, as well as expert informants in the land reform arena. The findings with respect to each of the criteria were: (i) VS’s structure was rigid and internal communication was largely formal. (ii) There was almost no demographic or political diversity within VS. (iii) VS had, in the past, mobilised around issues of conflict, but there had been no mobilisation for ten years. (iv) While there was some evidence of sharing common beliefs and demonstrating solidarity, this was limited. The conclusion reached was that VS is not a social movement. This does not imply that VS is not an important democratic or representative organisation. It does, however, provide a theoretical position from which VS, and other organisations, can direct further action. The study touched on the relationship between northern donors, local professional NGOs and grassroots organisations in South Africa. Interactions among these institutions impact on the way that organisations and social movements develop. Comparisons with other similar organisations were made and similarities and differences were highlighted. It was suggested that, because of the importance of the issue, further research in this regard is necessary. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

With dreams in our hands: Towards transgressive knowledge-making cultures

  • Authors: Knowles, Corinne Ruth
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: African feminism , Pedagogy , Political sociology , Knowledge, Theory of Political aspects , Transformative learning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402955 , vital:69909 , DOI 10.21504/10962/402955
  • Description: Knowledge-making in universities is not neutral and takes different forms. This thesis critically examines the politics of knowledge to propose and present a transgressive schema for knowledge-making that is co-created with students. It emerges from teaching and learning encounters in the Humanities Extended Studies (ES) Programme at Rhodes University, where for the past decade we have experimented with different ways of knowledge-making that run counter to conventional pedagogic practices. We set up a project for the thesis that allowed us to work with knowledge in ways that are Afrocentric, and that hold and nurture our dreams. The theory and methodology of the project are explained in the first academic paper for this PhD by publication. The project and its derivatives use an African Feminist framing, and centre the ontoepistemologies of African young people who find themselves alienated and marginalised by a western bias in university curricula. Former ES student volunteers came up with topics, responded to them, reviewed each other’s work, and co-wrote two academic papers that demonstrate a praxis of African Feminist research and pedagogic principles. Two further projects practise the principles that emerge from the primary project, and together they have tested knowledge-making cultures that inspire critical thinking and creative humanity. These are explained in two further academic papers. One is co-written with the copresenter of an online inter-continental short course for PhD students on African Feminist Research Methodology. The other is single authored, and introduces the third project, a Political and International Studies third-year course on African Feminist theory. The schema for knowledge-making uses the hand, which holds our dream, as a descriptive metaphor. Each of the five fingers of the hand represents an aspect of how we have collaborated on the projects and in lecture rooms, and what this has taught us about how to nurture and inspire the dreams of young African people through transgressive knowledgemaking cultures. The five aspects – framing, activating, seeing, creating, imagining – are mutually constitutive elements of knowledge-making that are introduced throughout the thesis, and explained in careful detail in the conclusion as a synthesis of the collaborations. , Siphethe amaphupha ezandleni zethu: ukwenza iinckubeko zolwazi ezigxile ekuphazamiseni isiqhelo Isishwankathelo Ukwenziwa kolwazi kwiiunivesithi asiyonto engathathi cala kwaye yenzeka ngeendlelangeendlela. Le thisisi iphonononga ipolitiki yolwazi ngenjongo yokucebisa nokuvelisa iindlela zokwenziwa kolwazi ezigxile ekuphazamiseni kwesiqhelo, ndlela leyo eyenziwa ngentsebenziswano nabafundi. Le Ndlela yokuphazamisa isiqhelo ivela kwindlela zokufunda nokufundisa kwinkqubo yeExtended Studies kwiUnivesithi iRhodes, apho kwiminyaka elishumi edlulileyo besisebenzisa amalinge ohlukileyo okwenza ulwazi ohlukileyo kwindlela zokufunda eziqhelekileyo. Siqulunqe inkqubo yale thisisi evumele ukuba sisebenze nolwazi ngendlela ekhokhelelisa ubuAfrika phambile, nkqubo leyo eyondla nebamba amaphupha ethu. Inkcazo-bungcali neendlela zokwenza uphando lwalo msebenzi zicacisiwe kwiphepha lokuqala lethisisi yePhD ezakupapashwa. Lo msebenzi neminye imisebenzi efana nawo isebenzisa iAfrikan Feminism ngenjongo yokubeka ngokusesikweni ndlela le ingxile kwindlela yokufundisa neengcambu zayo ezizinze eAfrika, kwaye ikhokhelisa imfundo yabantu abatsha abazifumana besenziwe amakheswa nabahlelelekileyo kunyenjwa kwasentshona kwizifundo zaseunivesithi. Abafundi ababefunda kwiES baze nezihloko, yangabo abaziphendulayo, bahlola imisebenzi yoogxa babo, kwaye bancedisa ekubhaleni amaphepha amabini abonakalisa indlela yokuphanda kusetyenziswa iziseko zokufunda zeAfrikan Feminism. Eminye imisebenzi isebenzise iziseko eziphuma kulo msebenzi wokuqala, kwaye yomibini le misebenzi iphonononga iinkcubeko zokwenza ulwazi ezikhuthaza ukuzikisa ukucinga nobuntu obunobuchule. Oku kucaciswa nzulu kumaphepha amabini. Omnye ubhalwe nomfundi kunye nombhali obefundisa kwikhosi emfutshane ebikwi-intanethi ephakathi kwamazwekazi eyenzelwe abafundi be- PhD kwiAfrican Feminist Research Methodology. Omnye umsebenzi ubhalwe ngumntu omnye, nothi wazise umsebenzi wesithathu, ikhosi yonyaka wesithathu yePolitical and International Studies yenkcazo-bungcali iAfrican Feminism. Icebo lokwenza ulwazi lisebenzisa isandla esibambe amaphupha ethu, njengesafobe esinika inkcazelo. Umnwe ngamnye umele indlela esisebenzisene ngayo kule misebenzi nakumagumbi okufundela, kunye nesikufundileyo ngokukhulisa nokukhuthaza amaphupha wabantu abasebatsha baseAfrika ngokusebenzisa imisebenzi egxile kwiinkcubeko zolwazi eziphazamisa ukwenziwa kolwazi ngendlela eqhelekileyo. Imiba emihlanu- ukwenza isakhelo, ukuqalisa, ukubona, ukudala, ukusebenzisa imifanekiso ntelekelelo- iyingqokelela yenxalenye yokwenza ulwazi ngendlela enentsebenziswano kwaye ezi ziseko zaziswa banzi kwithisisi, kwaye zicaciswe gabalala kwisishwankathelo njengengqokelela yentsebenziswano kulo msebenzi. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Year-end oversight in Local Government: a case study of water and sanitation service delivery at Amathole District Municipality

  • Authors: Seoke, Duncan
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425206 , vital:72219
  • Description: Poor service delivery is a challenge that has continued to plague the constitutional democracy of South Africa. Legislation has, in response, been passed to ensure efficient service delivery. Despite this legislation, municipal service delivery has been alarmingly poor, and reports on municipal performance and newspaper articles have corroborated this. On the causes of poor service delivery, the existing literature appears to have focused on financial mismanagement, corruption, and the incapacity of officials. Absent from existing literature are discussions on how municipal service delivery is affected by the lack of interrelatedness between municipal public resource management processes (such as revenue collection, expenditure management and oversight). This dissertation addresses this gap by examining the municipal public resource management processes from an oversight perspective. The study sought to analyse the effectiveness of year-end oversight at Amathole District Municipality (ADM) over water and sanitation services. This research aimed to study the year-end oversight over service delivery with reference to the Municipal Public Resource Management (MPRM) model. According to the model, effective service delivery includes inter alia effective oversight, as oversight forms part of the entire system of the municipal resource management cycle. Thus, for the MPRM model, oversight should be exercised on all these processes. The research was a desktop analysis that used both a qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The primary document analysed was the ADM Oversight Report (OR). This report is produced by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and reflects the year-end oversight conducted by the MPAC on the municipality's activities. In the analysis of the OR, it was concluded that the ADM MPAC had failed to conduct effective year-end oversight of W&S services. The efficacy of the ADM MPAC's year-end oversight was measured against guidelines for effective year-end oversight from the National Treasury and the MPRM model. The findings suggested that there were inefficiencies in the manner that the ADM MPAC exercised its year-end oversight. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

“Rwanda cannot be exorcised”: representations of the trauma of the Rwandan Genocide in selected films and novels

  • Authors: Jennings, Kathleen
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425067 , vital:72206
  • Description: Although the Rwandan genocide (itsembabwoko in Kinyarwanda) has often been compared with the Holocaust, in terms of literary and cinematic narratives it has been largely underrepresented, with the notable exception of the release of the films Hotel Rwanda (2004) and Sometimes in April (2005), as well as novels such as Gil Courtemanche’s A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali (2003). However, although there is now a larger oeuvre of works on the subject, they are often not widely known or disseminated beyond their countries of origin. Of even greater concern is the fact that most cinematic narratives on itsembabwoko rely on Western narrative structures in their approach to storytelling. As a result, trauma in these narratives largely tends to focus on the experiences of Western protagonists or on Rwandan protagonists from a Western point of view. This tendency can be tied to the use of Western trauma theory in exploring the effects of the genocide on its witnesses and survivors, at the expense of arguably more relevant postcolonial trauma theory. This presents a problem in theorising the trauma of itsembabwoko, which occurred in a highly specific historical context involving the processes of colonization and decolonization, and in which the difficulties in unifying a population which had been split along socio-economic lines since pre-colonial times remained unresolved. Despite its shortcomings in the postcolonial African context, it would be a mistake to dismiss Yale trauma theory entirely, however, since theorists such as Cathy Caruth still provide valuable insights into the effects of trauma on both the individual and the collective. As a result, I have sought to find commonalities between the two schools of thought, so as to create a more nuanced view of itsembabwoko, its repercussions and the violence preceding it. In writing this thesis, I have selected mostly Rwandan authors, often survivors of the genocide, whose works provide an alternative view of Rwanda’s violent history to that presented in the works mentioned above. Given that the majority of the texts I focus on have been released more recently – mostly the mid-2010s – and are less well-known than their Western counterparts, they provide the opportunity to compare first-hand accounts with those that can only partially recreate the terror of anti-Tutsi violence in Rwanda. My analysis hopefully provides a new perspective on the dominant narratives which have shaped the way in which non-Rwandan (predominantly Western) audiences understand the genocide. The overall aim of this thesis, then, is to demonstrate the importance of placing the genocide and its resultant trauma in a broader historical context, with a view to establishing that it is shortsighted to ignore the impact of pre- and post-genocide trauma on the Rwandan people when discussing itsembabwoko. Though this has been achieved in socio-historical studies, such as Mahmood Mamdani’s When Victims Become Killers: Colonialism, Nativism, and the Genocide in Rwanda, very little has been produced on literary and cinematic representations of the genocide. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Technological pedagogical content knowledge development: investigating secondary school teachers' integration and use of technology during emergency remote teaching in Endola education circuit

  • Authors: Munyanyo, Johanna
  • Date: 2023-10
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423882 , vital:72101
  • Description: The Covid-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in human history. The closure of schools and other learning spaces has impacted billions of learners worldwide. The mitigative measures and many new standard operating procedures have brought restrictions and many challenges. The face-to-face traditional teaching method lost its value, and teaching shifted to distance through the integration of technologies. The integration of technologies necessitated the emergency remote teaching process, as it is one of the distance teaching modes that can make teaching possible even for less technologically privileged nations. Literature has shown that the integration and usage of technology during teaching support the development of technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) of teachers. This study, therefore, sought to investigate how the integration and use of technology during the emergency remote teaching of Covid-19 developed the secondary school teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge. The study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, and a qualitative case study approach was employed. It was conducted in seven secondary schools in the Endola education circuit, Ohangwena region, with the purposeful participation of twenty-six secondary school teachers. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory together with the TPACK framework of Thompson and Mishra (2007) as both theoretical and analytical frameworks. The study's results showed that teachers made use of existing technological resources to sustain their teaching efforts during ERT. They encountered various challenges, including a lack of technological expertise (knowledge) among both teachers and learners. The shift to virtual instruction during ERT supported teachers in developing proficient technological pedagogical content knowledge. This research concludes that schools possess the necessary technological infrastructure to enable teachers to incorporate technology into their teaching methods. Furthermore, it highlights that teachers generally hold favourable attitudes toward integrating technology into their instruction. Nevertheless, it recommends that there is a need for improving both in-service and pre-service teachers’ training and support for effectively teaching in online and blended learning environments. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10

Composition Portfolio

  • Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
  • Date: 2023-04-10
  • Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
  • Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04-10

A critical analysis of the criteria applied in South Africa to distinguish an independent contractor from an employee for income tax purposes

  • Authors: Mkhoma, Londekile Nosipho
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Independent contractor , Common law tests , Income tax
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61702 , vital:71827
  • Description: The study set out to critically analyse the criteria used by South Africa to determine the distinction between independent contractors and employees. Comparisons are also drawn with the criteria used in the United Kingdom(UK) and New Zealand (NZ) to assess whether there are new ideas that can be drawn from these and help improve the criteria used in South Africa. This was motivated by the ongoing debates around this issue and the desire to make a contribution that might bring some new insights and clarity. Under South African tax legislation employers are only obliged to deduct income tax from persons identified as employees while on the other hand, they cannot deduct tax contributions from the money paid to independent contractors for services rendered. Furthermore, there is no statutory definition for the term “independent contractor” in the Income Tax Act of South Africa nor in the country’s labour legislation. The definition of this term has largely been established by the labour courts in instances where disputes have arisen around these matters. Using a doctrinal research method (including a comparative legal research), which is a qualitative research approach, articles, statutes, judgements, explanatory memoranda, and policy documents on the subject under investigation were analysed. It is submitted that the criteria used in the two countries used in the comparison are similar to the ones used in South Africa, with some variations. All three countries use similar tests to make their determinations and a survey of the UK and NZ’s case law indicates that the most preferred criteria are the multifactoral approach to determine the true nature of the relationship between employers and their employees. This approach has been found to be more flexible which allows it to accommodate the changes that are occurring in the world of work. In the South African context, the labour court has adopted a substance-over-form approach in making their determinations, arguing that the nature of the working relationship between employer and employee is a more important indicator than the mere contents of a written contract. The labour court has also used labour legislation mainly to assist in the interpretation of the distinction between independent contractors and employees. The study established that the criteria used in the UK is a bit more complex because workers are put in three different categories and the definition of employee is not 4 uniform in all the available statutes. In New Zealand the multiple factor approach is preferred just like in South Africa. In conclusion is submitted that the study established that there is nothing, other than the UK’s Mutuality of Obligation Test, that would assist in further clarifying the criteria used to classify employees or independent contractors in South Africa , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04
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