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An integrated framework for assessing coastal community vulnerability across cultures, oceans and scales

  • Authors: Aswani, Shankar , Howard, J A , Gasalla, Maria A , Jennings, Sarah , Malherbe, W , Martins, I M , Salim Shyam , Van Putten, Ingrid E , Swathilekshmi, P S , Narayanakumar, R , Watmough G R
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/421581 , vital:71863 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2018.1442795"
  • Description: Coastal communities are some of the most at-risk populations with respect to climate change impacts. It is therefore important to determine the vulnerability of such communities to co-develop viable adaptation options. Global efforts to address this issue include international scientific projects, such as Global Learning for Local Solutions (GULLS), which focuses on five fast warming regions of the southern hemisphere and aims to provide an understanding of the local scale processes influencing community vulnerability that can then be up-scaled to regional, country and global levels. This paper describes the development of a new social and ecological vulnerability framework which integrates exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity with the social livelihoods and food security approaches. It also measures community flexibility to understand better the adaptive capacity of different levels of community organization. The translation of the conceptual framework to an implementable method is described and its application in a number of “hotspot” countries, where ocean waters are warming faster than the rest of the world, is presented. Opportunities for cross-cultural comparisons to uncover similarities and differences in vulnerability and adaptation patterns among the study’s coastal communities, which can provide accelerated learning mechanisms to other coastal regions, are highlighted. The social and ecological framework and the associated survey approach allow for future integration of local-level vulnerability data with ecological and oceanographic models.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An Integrated Management System to reduce False Codling Moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) infested citrus fruit from being packed for export

  • Authors: Mac Aleer, Clint
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta -- South Africa , Cryptophlebia leucotreta -- Biological control -- South Africa , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa , Insect pests -- Biological control -- South Africa , Insecticides , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commerce -- European Economic Community Countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92219 , vital:30691
  • Description: False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is indigenous to southern Africa and is an important pest of citrus in this region. As a result of its endemism to sub-Saharan Africa, several countries to which South Africa exports citrus, regulate it as a phytosanitary pest. Consequently, it is necessary to ship fruit to these markets under cold-disinfestation protocols. This has been possible, as until recently, all of these markets could be considered relatively small niche markets. The South African citrus industry exports approximately 130 million cartons of fruit (15 kg equivalent) annually. During the 2017 season, a total of 48 million cartons were exported to the European Union (EU), which is the equivalent of 41% of South Africa’s total export volume, thus making the EU South Africa’s most important export market. In 2013 the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) conducted a pest risk analysis (PRA) on FCM, leading to the EU declaring it an officially regulated pest for this region, effective of 1 January 2018. Citrus is regarded as a preferred non-native host of FCM and South African citrus was identified as a primary focus due to large volumes being exported to Europe. Shipping under cold disinfestation is not possible with such large volumes of fruit. Additionally, several cultivars would suffer high levels of chilling injury under such conditions. In this study, an Integrated Management System was tested with pre- and postharvest controls to test the hypothesis that pre-harvest interventions resulted in lower post-harvest infection. Thirty orchards ranging from soft citrus cultivars such as Nule and Nova Mandarins, to Navel orange cultivars such as Newhall, Palmer and Late Navel and ending with Valencia cultivars such as Midknight and Delta, were identified for this study. This system relies on pre-harvest inspections such as FCM trap counts and fruit infestation on data trees in every orchard, with associated thresholds for action or continued compliance. Inspections were conducted on a weekly basis. There was a significant relationship between the moth catches and FCM infestation for the full monitoring period, using a two-week lag period for infestation. Inspections of harvested fruit were conducted at the packhouse to determine FCM infestation. This included inspection of the fruit on delivery to the packhouse, on the packing line, and a final fruit sample taken from the packed product and inspected for FCM. The highest levels of infestation were recorded on the Navel cultivars, thus confirming that Navels cultivars are a preferred host for FCM. Significant positive relationships were recorded between FCM infestation during the last 4 weeks before harvest and the level of infestation in the fruit delivered to the packhouse and between the fruit delivered to the packhouse and in the fruit packed in a carton for export. There was a substantial reduction in infestation between the fruit delivered to the packhouse and the fruit packed in a carton for export, with certain orchards recording as much as a 93% reduction in the fruit packed in a carton, which indicated that the packhouse could effectively identify and remove FCM infested fruit. The outcome of the study is that a holistic management approach minimizes the risk of FCM in citrus fruit destined for export and therefore mitigate the risk associated with FCM.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An interpretive phenomenological analysis of change in attitudes and beliefs toward domestic violence and rape myths as experienced by Eastern Cape adolescents

  • Authors: De Vries, Lauré
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Violence in children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Psychological aspects Women -- Violence against Children -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39436 , vital:35246
  • Description: Although there is extensive research focused on decreasing the occurrence of gender-based violence (GBV) (domestic violence and rape) with a focus on underlying attitudes and beliefs, no attention is given to how these attitudes and beliefs and change therein, is experienced. This study aimed to address this gap by interviewing three adolescent learners (one female and two males aged 16 to 18) who formed part of a community-based rape prevention project at their school in Motherwell (Eastern Cape). By utilizing Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researcher explored and described lived experiences in terms of change in attitudes toward domestic violence (objective 1) and beliefs about rape myths (objective 2). Analytic attention was not restricted to the perceived influence of the attended rape prevention project but was given to broader lived experiences. The Transtheoretical Model of Change was employed as the theoretical framework. From the findings, the researcher argues that the three participants experienced a shift from the precontemplation stage toward the action stage. Participants described change from a disengaged but concerned onlooker, to a conscious onlooker, and finally to a willing agent of change. Through the interplay of change influencers deeply embedded in their social context, participants described not only individual change, but also the awakening of an internal willingness to effect broader social change. However, participants raised concerns about their ability to do so. The results of this small study with a cohort of adolescents may have important implications for future research, as adolescents are often an untapped resource in forming part of the larger movement toward social change.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An intracategorical intersectional framework for understanding ‘supportability’ in womxn’s narratives of their pregnancy

  • Authors: Kalyanaraman, Yamini
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Prenatal care -- South Africa , Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Psycology , Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96647 , vital:31304
  • Description: In South Africa, the current Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is 135 per 100,000 live births, with a long way to go before it can achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) global target of under 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. This research project focuses on the narratives of pregnant womxn in the Eastern Cape Province, using an intracategorical intersectional framework and Macleod’s ‘supportability’ model as a base. The study aims to locate womxn’s pregnancies within the interweaving biological, psychological, social, economic, cultural and political contexts within which they occur, while focusing specifically on the aspect of ‘supportability’. Through purposive sampling and snowballing methods, the research team recruited participants who were 18 years and older, in or past the second trimester of their pregnancy, and able to access antenatal care. Research data were produced using photo-elicitation techniques on 92 photographs and narratives from 32 interviews. An intersectional thematic analysis was used to generate themes, which highlighted different aspects that enabled or hindered pregnancy ‘supportability’. In accordance with prior research, it was revealed that womxn found emotional and tangible support the most beneficial. Findings from this study reveal the interconnectedness between a womxn’s personal (emotional, physical and cognitive) experiences of pregnancy, the micro-interactions of support (un)available from partners, family, friends, healthcare workers, workplaces and community members, and the macrostructures of socioeconomic policies, religiosity, cultural practices and healthcare systems. For example, gendered perceptions (a macro-structure) influence the instrumental support provided by partners (a micro-interaction), which impacts the womxn’s well-being (personal). Certain themes that emerged from the different narratives were: the importance of making available pregnancy-related information to the womxn; a desire for non-judgement and acceptance of their pregnancies within their community; and the need for adequate communication in microinteractions. The findings of this research also indicate that, despite the financial tensions inherent in each womxn’s life, the participants were driven by overarching hopes for their child’s future.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation into amaXhosa new initiates’ masculine identity construction, mediation and negotiation: implications for the Life Orientation Curriculum

  • Authors: Mdaka, Sizwe
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Masculinity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Curricula , Men -- Identity -- South Africa , Boys -- Education -- South Africa , Gender identity in education -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94926 , vital:31097
  • Description: This study asked questions about dominant discourses shaping new amaXhosa initiates masculine identities. In particular, it asked questions on the interface between tradition and modern values and how the new initiates negotiate these in constructing masculine identities and the implications this has for schooling (and specifically LO classes). This was a qualitative case study that relied on multiple sources of data including individual and focus groups interview with AmaXhosa new initiates as well as individual interviews with teachers. The study also included classroom observations of Life Orientation classes as the selected schools. Initially, informal discussions with the new initiates were held to gain insights on their perspective of initiation schools. The findings of this study revealed three broad themes. The first was that normative masculine conceptions and manhood, with particular attention paid to constructions of manhood and masculine identity and their relation to emotional display, men as breadwinners and family providers, marriage, and heterosexuality and fatherhood. The second one was on gender space and power in the classroom which revealed masculine performance inside and outside the classroom, and the role played by sitting positions and spatial arrangements as a discursive spaces for the construction of particular masculine identities. The third related the curriculum in practice versus the stated LO curriculum and revealed a disjuncture between the two. With teachers tolerating the traditional male structures and behaviours in the classroom, despite being in conflict with the stated LO curriculum core messages on gender, patriarchy and equality, intentionally or unintentionally select a position of collusion rather than disruption of these classroom behaviours. The study results highlight the complex social space that new initiates inhabit in order to make meaning of their masculine identities, and the challenges for teachers and schools in mediating between the traditional values and behaviours of some leaners, some of which are in conflict with the values and behaviours espoused by the LO curriculum and the modernizing project goals of SA education and the Constitution.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation into bile formation of Wistar rats for excretion of injected gold nanoparticles

  • Authors: Thole, Sagoleka Thabo
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Nanoparticles , Nanomedicine Gold -- Immunology Bile acids -- Physiological effect
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43900 , vital:37082
  • Description: There is an increase in the use of nanoparticles (NPs) throughout the world. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are commonly used NPs in the field of biomedicine. NPs bigger than 8 nm are excreted via the hepatobiliary system. Bile acids (BAs) are regarded as the main components of bile. If there is a decreased or increased secretion of BAs, the composition of microbiota in the gut can change. Under normal physiological condition BAs fluctuates daily without causing any harm. Nevertheless, it is the long-term changes in bile acid secretion that can affect microbiota in the gut. If there is an increased excretion of AuNPs via hepatobiliary pathway it can alter bile formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the hepatobiliary excretion of AuNPs will alter the bile formation two weeks after intravenous administration of 14 nm AuNPs to Wistar rats. Rat liver samples of two previous experiments were used to investigate bile formation. The rats had been injected intravenously with a single dose of citrate capped and functionalised AuNPs. These rats were killed 14 days later. Small pieces of liver were stored in RNAlater. The mRNA of different enzymes and transporters in the hepatobiliary system were quantified in these samples and compared with suitable control. As a reference the mRNA of the same enzymes and transporters were extracted and quantified in rat liver that were killed one day after injection with one of the abovementioned functionalised AuNPs. The study shows down-regulation of genes responsible for conjugation of BAs whereas the rate-limiting enzymes were not significantly changed. This was the first study to investigate the formation of bile in relation to the use of AuNPs. The effect and consequences of AuNPs on the hepatobiliary system need further investigation.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An Investigation into Social Factors Contributing to Intimate Partner Violence. A Case Study of Tentergate Village, Enoch Mgijima Municipality

  • Authors: Ndubane, Masimbonge
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Intimate partner violence
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Anthropology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16474 , vital:40723
  • Description: This study sought to investigate social factors contributing to intimate partner violence in Tentergate village. Intimate partner violence or intimate personal violence, a matter once considered private, has gained increased attention as a public health crisis. In their efforts to better understand and prevent this behavior, social science researchers have discovered the link between gender inequality, early exposure to violence, spousal abuse and family conflicts. This paper uses social feminist, social learning and family violence theory to explain intimate partner violence. Participants‘ perceptions were assessed through systematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was done on data obtained from interviews conducted on 30 women informants. The study revealed that there are several social factors contributing to intimate partner violence. In the final analysis, it argues that effective treatment and prevention should include both criminal justice and public health strategies.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation into the contribution of human resource development to job creation in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Nketiah, Francis
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42030 , vital:36619
  • Description: This study aimed at determining the contribution of Human Resource Development to job creation in the Eastern Cape Province. This investigation was done on how development in human resources in the Municipality (King William’s Town/Bhisho specifically) and the Province would help reduce the rate of unemployment in the Province of Eastern Cape in general. This research was necessitated by the fact that Eastern Cape is one of the Province with the highest level of unemployment in the country and Bhisho is the administrative capital of the Province. The study investigated the relationship between HRD and job creation in the Province. The statement of the problem, therefore, provided a foundation within which the aims of the study were explained. The significance of this research cannot be overemphasized especially against the backdrop of the intertwined society crisis of unemployment and poverty facing the Province. Although an extensive amount of research on HRD has been conducted, there is still no specific solution to how the human resource development contribute to job creation to reduce poverty and its associated social vices in the Eastern Cape Province. The objective of the study examine how human resource development can help reduce unemployment, discuss how stakeholders can help train and develop the youth especially the unemployed and to examine the relevance of human resource development to government department in King William’s Town/Bhisho. The nature of the study necessitated the use of questionnaires to elicit information from households. The researcher then presented, analyzed and discussed research findings. The nature of the study enabled the use of tables and frequency distribution to present data. In drawing conclusions, it became clear that there were problems hindering job creation and employment in the Municipality. The main problem was the lack of employable skills on the part of the job seeker and inadequate entrepreneurial skills to create new jobs or expand already existing jobs. To address the problems identified, recommendations were made to the Municipal officials, institutions of learning (FET colleges and universities) and to job seekers/students as well.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation into the interaction partners of the scaffold protein human CNK1 in the NF-κB pathway

  • Authors: Moodley, Holisha
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: CNK1 , Scaffold proteins
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96031 , vital:31228
  • Description: The protein connector enhancer of KSR1 (CNK1) plays a role in a number of signalling pathways including those involved in cell proliferation, cell growth and differentiation. De-regulation of these pathways has been linked to the promotion of oncogenic signalling. The involvement of CNK1 in all of these diverse pathways indicates a need to better understand the role of this protein within the cell and within key signalling networks. The research provides a platform to understand the intricate relationships that occur between these key signalling networks with the potential to identify new drug targets. CNK1 is multifunctional scaffolding protein that has binding domains that mediate and co-ordinate signalling within the MAPK, Hippo, PI3K/AKT, JNK and NF-κB pathways as well as downstream of the AT2 receptor. The activity of CNK1 is regulated through its interactions with a range of different binding partners within these pathways. Of particular interest to this research is the role of CNK1 in NF-κB signalling. The deregulation of the NF-κB pathway is implicated in chronic inflammation, tissue damage and induction of cervical and breast cancer. CNK1 has been reported to regulate the non-canonical branch of the NF-κB pathway, upstream of the IKK complex however new findings lead to uncertainty about these conclusions. In addition, the interacting partner of CNK1 in the NF-κB pathway has not been elucidated. In this thesis, we aim to identify the binding partners of CNK1 in the NF-κB pathway. First, we validate an epitope-tagged CNK1-expression construct to express elevated levels of CNK1 in cervical cancer cells. We report that the expression of myc-CNK1 is comparable to endogenous CNK1. Cells expressing elevated CNK1 levels were used in traditional co-immunoprecipitation reactions to identify potential CNK1-interacting proteins. We present data that indicates a potential role for NIK in the CNK1 signalling complex. We discuss the weaknesses of the traditional co-immunoprecipitation reactions and design an alternative co-immunoprecipitation technique with which to study CNK1-interacting partners. In this system, a promiscuous biotin ligase fused to the protein sequence for CNK1 (BirA-CNK1) is used to label proteins proximal to CNK1 with biotin. Using this BirA- CNK1-expressing construct in cervical cancer cells, we demonstrate that CNK1 interacts with IKKα-IKKβ in the NF-κB pathway.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation into the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes in Limpopo Province, South Africa: success factors, typologies and implications for development

  • Authors: Denison, Jonathan Anthony Noel
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Irrigation projects -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Land use -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Limpopo
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92317 , vital:30709
  • Description: The research aimed to determine the factors that contribute to the success or failure of smallholder irrigation schemes in the Limpopo Province. It focussed on public-schemes where farmers share the water system Limpopo Province has more than half of the smallholder irrigation schemes in the country with an equipped area of approximately 28 000 ha. The main aims of the research were to identify key factors that explain performance and to develop a contemporary irrigation scheme typology. The research intended to provide a better perspective on how to focus investments across the multiple thematic areas that are associated with sustained and profitable irrigation farming activity. A survey of 102 irrigation schemes was conducted, comprising 82% of the population of schemes greater than 20 ha in Limpopo Province. The quantitative survey complemented prior in-depth qualitative research undertaken on Limpopo schemes. Data was consolidated into five performance indicators and 13 characteristic factors that impact performance. Schemes were viewed as technical and socio-biological systems where performance was determined by the dynamic interaction of multiple factors. The analysis was done in a complex systems framework using correlation, cluster and principle component analysis. It was postulated that over-arching concepts of productivity, profitability and manageability would explain why schemes succeed or fail. The schemes were found to be relatively very small in size with three quarters (74.8%) of them falling in the 50 to 250 ha size range, and only 11 schemes larger than 250 ha. Average plot sizes were 1.34 ha with a wide range between 0.18 and 16.25 ha. There were 65 operational schemes (equivalent to 63.7%), and 37 had failed (equivalent to 36.3%). Using a criterion for success of greater than 50% cropping intensity (to align with other studies and below which schemes can be considered to have failed), the success rate of the Limpopo schemes was 58%. The result was similar to the rest of South Africa and the same as the average rate for SADC identified in other studies using the same criterion. The schemes exhibited a mixed production purpose on average, with a significant market emphasis indicating these schemes have largely evolved from ‘food schemes’ to partly market-farming. Main crops grown were summer-maize and winter fresh-vegetables and cropping intensities on operational schemes ranged widely from 10% to 175%, with an average of 94%. Failure was associated with three dominant factors: energy type; infrastructure condition; and water resource constraints. The first two factors showed that manageability of technology was important. There is strong empirical evidence that pumped smallholder schemes are vulnerable in their physical form, prone to functional and financial failure, live much shorter lives, and perform no better than gravity-canal schemes. Out of the 37 schemes that failed, 34 (91.8%) were pumped. Pumped schemes tend to collapse suddenly while young and exhibit lower cut-off thresholds in productivity that, when crossed, trigger collapse. They also have much lower resilience to factors such as water stress or low farm-profitability. Pumped schemes need higher levels farm sophistication, market-oriented farming, and operational capability to keep the pumping pressure up. Water resource constraints were widespread, considerably more so on gravity schemes. Commercialising farmers were inhibited by lack of access to knowledge. Success was associated with numerous factors, but two findings stand out; the performance of gravity systems and the prevalence of land-exchange activity; the latter enabled by institutional flexibility and reflecting a process of ‘bricolage’ at play. Increased plot size was associated with increased commercialisation and, when larger than 1.8 ha, only commercialised farming was pursued. Market proximity seemed to play a role in increased longevity and to market access in commercialisation. These findings highlighted the importance of productivity and profitability in explaining success. Gravity schemes performed much more strongly in terms of longevity (nearly four times longer-lived) and similarly to pumped schemes in terms of cropping intensity. This was achieved under much greater water stress and with considerably worse infrastructure condition. Water efficiency was determined to be high on half of the schemes that were using short-furrow irrigation; equivalent, in a basin perspective, to drip irrigation. Two of the three top performing schemes (>150% intensity) were old gravity schemes. Farmers on approximately 75% of Limpopo smallholder schemes are currently engaging in land exchange transactions in a highly insecure and un-formalised institutional setup. Land exchange prevalence longer than two years was moderately associated with cropping intensity and strongly associated with commercialisation. This result has three important implications. First, it suggests that more land is utilised on the schemes when there is vibrant land-leasing activity. Secondly, schemes with a higher prevalence of long-term leasing seem to have a strong tendency to be more commercialised. Thirdly, the duration of the lease is significant, as neither single-season, nor annual leases yielded any positive associations, while those exchanges that were two years or longer, were associated with increased performance. These findings highlight the potential for longer-term land-exchange interventions to address the widespread low land utilisation on smallholder schemes, and to catalyse more commercially-oriented farming. An irrigation scheme typology was derived from the cluster analysis and was aligned to a contemporary irrigation farming typology. The key descriptors included technology type, purpose of farming and scheme management type. By matching scheme type to the farmer typology (or typologies), strategic decisions regarding technology choices for infrastructure, land, and water institutional interventions can be better informed. All schemes demand attention to the multiple factors required to achieve performance, not least water-tenure security, irrigation management organisational development, and infrastructure modernisation. Complexity was demonstrated by the finding that multiple factors contribute to success, and that there are many dimensions that change independently and have a cascading effect through the system in ways that are difficult to predict. Agricultural systems support to achieve productivity and profitability are essential for success. The research findings lead to the recommendation that, in addition, strategic planners must also consider the implications of the dominant factors of water-technology choices so that these are manageable, and the dynamics of farm-size change based on land exchange processes, in order to harness new opportunities to maximise irrigation scheme performance in future.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation into the prevalence of power harassment in the public service: a case study of a provincial department

  • Authors: Pardesi, Sheena
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Harassment -- South Africa , Bullying in the workplace -- South Africa Sexual harassment of women
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43336 , vital:36798
  • Description: Workplace harassment is experienced internationally, and much research has been done on this very complex topic. An area that has not received much focus is “power harassment” which specifically refers to the abuse of one’s authority or position in the workplace with the intent to harm an employee, provided the succumb to whatever undue pressure or influence exerted. The context of this study is the public service of South Africa because it is characterised by strict norms and a high level of bureaucracy, an is assumed to be free from such occurrence. A provincial department in South Africa was used as case study and inferential statistics was used to generalise the findings. The main aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of power harassment in the provincial department. A representative sample was selected from the provincial department and information was collected by means of an online survey. A quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statics. Chi-Square tests and cross tabulation tables were analysed to test several hypotheses.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of learning and emerging knowledge in the Mpophomeni Sanitation Education Project, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

  • Authors: Boothway, Reinetta Louina
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa , Mpophomeni Sanitation Education Project (South Africa) , Water quality management -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Knowledge and learning
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115377 , vital:34121
  • Description: This study took place within the broader context of water resources management in South Africa. With the democratisation of water stewardship through an enabling international and South African water policy landscape, an opportunity opened up for citizens to participate in the effective management of their own water resources. In this context, a community-engaged citizen science project known as the Mpophomeni Sanitation Education Project emerged to demonstrate how a diverse range of knowledge agents can work and learn together to better manage their water resources and address problems of sewage pollution threatening their provincial water source. The following study aimed to shed light on the learning and emerging knowledge in the MSEP. The study was conducted in three phases. Wenger’s Communities of Practice (CoP) theory provided a lens to look at Phase One, which aimed to answer the following sub-question: Is the MSEP a CoP? Wenger’s CoP theory also assisted with the investigation during Phase Two, which looked at the following question: What is the nature of learning in the MSEP? Social realist theories of knowledge and education, and Tàbara and Chabay with their Ideal Type (IT) worldviews, provided suitable lenses for Phase Three’s investigation of the following question: What is the nature of emerging knowledge in the MSEP? The main finding for Phase One is that the MSEP does function as a CoP. With its strong focus on relationships, it’s clearly defined joint enterprise of solving the problem of sewage pollution, individual and joint commitment to engage with the problem and the sharing of a repertoire of tools, ideas and practices it is cultivating a culture conducive to purposeful learning. Regarding the exploration of the nature of learning in Phase Two, findings confirming the engagement of identity with learning and the importance of context for meaning-making emerged. Finally, study findings about the nature of knowledge in the MSEP found that the knowledge practices in the MSEP that are both social and epistemic in nature are produced by a diverse range of knowledge agents in an open knowledge space.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of plant conservation strategies employed in Makhanda, South Africa: an educational exploration

  • Authors: Cimi, Pumlani Viwe
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Plant conservation , Rare plants Biodiversity conservation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37979 , vital:34276
  • Description: The school curriculum in South Africa gives educators the freedom to design and organise learning experiences according to their local circumstances and availability of resources. In that context, this study advocates conservation education through use of plants on school grounds and visits to local herbaria and botanical gardens as part of the school curriculum. Trees growing on street verges in town suburbs are also a resource that could be using for teaching. School learners from three schools representing different areas of Makhanda (Grahamstown) participated in plant-related activities and were surveyed to determine their prior knowledge about plants and plant conservation. Learners answered a series of questions in writing using a funnel sequence and the inverted funnel sequence in questionnaire design. This motivated respondents to co-operate and fully complete a questionnaire. In addition, the non-participant observation technique was used to capture behavioural reactions to the activities in order to supplement the data generated through questionnaires and interviews. This proved to be a purposeful, systematic and a selective way of watching and listening to an interaction phenomenon as it takes place. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that most Makhanda residents (especially in rural and township areas) use traditional medicine and medicinal plants to treat many diseases. They also use plants for cultural activities. Traditional remedies are practised among the rural and township communities because of ease of availability, convenience, and also due to social, psychological and cultural reasons. Medicinal plants have been increasingly recognized for their role not only for health care, but also for improving the economic status. Community members and street vendors were also questioned using semi-structured interviews. Open-ended questions were used successfully to assess the person’s knowledge, attitudes, opinions, beliefs and feelings. This type of interview ensures that a specific question does not lose its purpose. These interviews were used to determine how community members see, interpret and relate to nature. In the interviews, I also assessed the real needs of the local communities because there is a tendency to think that our power, knowledge and resources can give us the right to predict what communities really need without actually asking them. When our imposed initiatives fail, we often accuse these communities of a lack of interest in our issue of interest. Documents on plants and their uses kept in the Selmar Schönland Herbarium were compared with the information given by community members and street vendors. Xhosa plant names and ethnobotanical information given by the community members and street vendors was used to augment existing information on plant use. A further aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of plant resources provided by the street trees and gardens for education. Makhanda streets were sampled and, of the 1 435 plants that were countered from 17 streets, only 15 indigenous species were represented, while 20 alien species were recorded. These trees can be used for lessons on both alien and indigenous plants. Notable differences in tree density and species richness were evident across suburbs with the highest density and richness found in the more affluent suburbs and poor representation of trees in the township. This will affect learner perceptions and viewpoints. The results from the analysed data revealed that use of the school grounds, botanical gardens, the local herbarium and town streets are effective in plant conservation education in schools and communities. These types of resources could be used for environmental education for future generations in South Africa and all over the world.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of Raymond Mhlaba municipality indigent policy on water service delivery: a case study of free basic water policy (FBWP) in selected areas of Golf Course and Bhofolo.

  • Authors: Ncube, Mary Silibaziso
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Community development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16974 , vital:40799
  • Description: The study was looking at the Free Basic Water policy (FBWP) in the Eastern Cape which was introduced in July 2001 in South Africa. FBWP was introduced to all provinces, however people living in rural areas, poor areas and villages are still suffering from lack of clean and safe drinking water. People lack adequate supplies of water and this creates conditions under which the diseases thrive. The researcher used mixed research methodology which comprises of qualitative (interview) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches. The reason for the use of mixed methodology was to get adequate information both from the municipality (the provider of water) and the residents (the receivers of the services provided by the municipality) in order to assess how the unreliable water provision affect residents and the challenges being faced by the municipality in providing water. The findings of the study are that both people under Golf course and Bhofolo have little knowledge about FBW and most of the residents are unable to pay their water bills. Residents in the two research areas suffer from medical problems due to unreliable water provision. The study is therefore, of view that South Africa needs to prioritise improvement of access to water in rural areas, poor areas and villages. There is a need to educate people about FBW and on how to save water.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of the challenges and their impacts as experienced by experts at the forensic pathology services in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

  • Authors: Adams, Terry
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Forensic pathology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40213 , vital:35985
  • Description: This study focuses on the challenges facing the workers at the Port Elizabeth Forensic Pathology Services in Gelvandale and Mount Road stations. The study follow a qualitative approach which include among others, individual interviews using an interview guide containing questions. Observation has also been used as a research tool to observe at the two stations. To supplement the above research techniques, scholarly published journal articles and books were consulted to corroborate what might have transpired in other studies similar to this one. The concept backlog has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges facing the workers in this study and relevant literature has been consulted. The research finding has been outlined and finally recommendations has been made with the view of addressing some of the problems encountered by the workers.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of the effetiveness of correctional centre-based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism

  • Authors: Mangesi, Nosipho
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Recidivism Social justice
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16408 , vital:40717
  • Description: Since the Department of Correctional Services has been transformed into an institution of rehabilitation and skills development, there is a need for a sound classification system whereby offenders are classified according to their potential for treatment and training programmes that match their risk/needs. The study was conducted in Middledrift Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape with the aim of examining the effectiveness of correctionally based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism. Research towards correctional programmes was necessitated by the extant of recidivism in South Africa. The question is where does the problem lie because offenders are provided with rehabilitation programmes to make them law abiding citizens and reintegrate well into the community up on release but, in many cases it does not become possible as many ex-offenders return to custody either for new offence or parole violation. The study used qualitative design in data collection and in explaining the results. A sample of sixteen recidivists and five correctional officials formed participants for the study selecting using purposive sampling procedures. Involvement in vocational programmes was used as a criteria for selectiong of correctional officials as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight recidivists and all five correctional officials and a focus group interview was held with the other eight set of recidivists. The study examined the impact of vocational programmes on recidivism followed by the factors that hinder effective offender rehabilitation and factors that influence recidivism up on release. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of a voice recorder as a back up for collected data. Findings revealed that a small number of recidivists attend vocational training programmes and these programmes vi (vocational) are short in the centre together with programme facilitators at the time of reporting. Offenders stated that the available vocational programmes are of no interest to them. Participantas stated that vocational training does assist in desisting criminal activities up on release as it provide skills and opportunities for employment to curb unemployment as indicated as a major factor influencing recidivism. Findings also revealed that periodic re-assesment is not adequately conducted and classification for vocational training is not likely to be sufficiently done according to offender risk/needs. The study recommends that, a large number of offenders be provided with vocational training programmes and that offender classification incorporate the principles of RNR model
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of the extent, effects and impact of Gender-based Violence in Duncan Village, East London

  • Authors: Peter, Noma-Afrika
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Violence -- Sex differences Human rights
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Phil (Human rights)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16851 , vital:40779
  • Description: This research seeks to investigate GBV against women in Duncan Village in the East London area to find out the extent of the prevalence, its effect, and remedial solutions. The study adopted a qualitative method. The data was collected through semi-structured one-to one interviews from 16 participants using systematic random sampling. The findings revealed that GBV is prevalent in Duncan Village. Most of the women residing in Duncan Village are dependent on child support grant and raise their children alone without the support of their biological fathers. The study further revealed that GBV against women often happens during day time and the victims are either married or single women. One of the contributing factors of GBV is unemployment. Therefore, this study recommends that awareness of GBV should be made continuously in communities by the government and stakeholders. In addition, the Commission for Gender Equality and NGOs that deal with GBV should be visible in all wards so that their services are known and utilised. The Department of Women Affairs should be the main driver in ensuring that women from previously disadvantaged communities are economically empowered, for example, by initiating income generating projects. However, they too should first be capacitated on business and financial management skills.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of the long term chemical stability and physical performance of PMD-citronellal acetal compared with dibutyl phthalate and BIS(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate as plasticisers in selected cosmetic formulations

  • Authors: Marx, Amor
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Plastics -- Additives , Chemistry, Technical , Cosmetics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42574 , vital:36669
  • Description: Plasticisers are used by cosmetic manufacturers to improve the film forming abilities of a product and increase flexibility of the film formed on the skin or hair surface, as is desired, for example, in nail lacquers and lip coats. In recent years authorities have banned several plasticisers in cosmetic products (mainly phthalates) since these substances may pose a wide range of health risks and can be harmful to the environment. It is, therefore, necessary to find alternative, safe plasticisers, preferably of natural origin e.g. bio-plasticisers which can replace the toxic phthalates and still impart the same desirable properties to the cosmetic products in which they are used. In this study, the novel bio-plasticiser para-menthane-3,8-diol-citronellal acetal (PMD-citronellal acetal) was selected to compare its stability properties and plasticising behaviour with well-known non-phthalate bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) and the problematic dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The objectives were to determine if the novel bio-plasticiser PMD-citronellal acetal plasticising properties and chemical stability are similar or better than DEHT and DBP within two cosmetic formulations, viz. a nail lacquer and a lip coat formulation, after being incubated at elevated temperature (40 ˚C) over a three month period. The results showed that flexibility for all plasticised formulations remained stable at room temperature (21 ˚C) and elevated temperature (40 ˚C). Adhesion performance of DEHT and PMD-citronellal acetal nail lacquer formulations outperformed DBP nail lacquer formulations. Elevated temperature and storage time had no influence on the organoleptic properties of any plasticised formulation. PMD-citronellal acetal plasticised lip coat and nail lacquer formulations outperformed both DEHT and DBP nail formulations with regard to hardness. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) studies revealed that neat DPB, DEHT and Acetal were chemically stable at room temperature and elevated temperature over a three month incubation period. Furthermore, the three plasticised nail lacquer and lip coat formulations remained chemical stable over the three month incubation period at elevated temperature. Chemical stability of the nail lacquer formulations was further evaluated by means of leaching tests using Solid Phase Extraction [1] and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) at two temperatures (31 and 50 °C) and three time intervals (24, 48 and 72 hours). No leaching out of the nail lacquer formulation for Acetal and DEHT could be detected. It was observed that trace amounts of DBP leached from the nail lacquer formulation at 50 °C. DBP leaching decreased over time and was found to be statistically significant over the studied period. It can be concluded that PMD-citronellal acetal can be selected as bio-plasticiser which exhibits similar properties to DEHT based on the performance stability and non-leaching criteria, and can be used as an alternative plasticiser to the toxic DBP in cosmetic formulations.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of the policy implementation measures for the advancement of women into leadership positions in the workplace in contemporary South Africa: a case of the department of education in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

  • Authors: Mangisa, Tembela
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Leadership in women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Women in development -- South Africa Leadership
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40900 , vital:36265
  • Description: Long gone are the times when a woman’s place was in the home. This research was therefore aimed at highlighting the evolving of times in that women and men are now exposed to equal opportunities, and most specifically in education as well as in the workplace. However, the level of equal opportunities that they are exposed to is seemingly not the same when it comes to the work environment, as men still enjoy most of the benefits of being in top positions and being paid more than the female counterparts for doing the same or similar work, with women still discriminated against in this regard in the workplace like they did in the past. South Africa has made significant progress in terms of the economic participation as well as empowerment of women in the labour market. The country has also made great strides in mobilising female leadership and political participation. This has been done through the introduction of labour regulations and affirmative legislation to correct the injustices of the past for previously disadvantaged individuals, and for the purpose of this research, women. These corrective legislative measures also protect women from present unfair discrimination and ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities to education, the workplace and society. Equality in all respects is very important and is the founding principle for the new democratic South Africa, and in this regard gender equality, as women and men are regarded equal before the law and must therefore be treated as such in order to be able to fully create and achieve the vision behind this blueprint. However, the accuracy and efficacy in the implementation of these legislative measures is questionable, because the policies are there in blueprint. However, when it comes to the actual realisation of these policies, it is a different tale as even the numbers prove that it is still very much a man’s world, especially in positions of authority in the workplace as women are still very much circulated in lower and middle level management echelons in both government and industry. This is a prevalent issue not just in South Africa, but worldwide. Even though there are more women than men in the country and apparently in the workplace, one would think that the situation for women would be better. The situation is slowly improving, but it could be better than it is still. Change does it indeed take time, and that is very much clear in terms of policy implemenation, the attitudes in society which still very much influence both men and womens careers, and the representation of women in positions of authority. One would therefore also think that as women are seemingly in majority in the workplace, they would also be in majority in executive and decision-making positions. However, that seems not to be the case as even so and to emphasise this point, women are most spread accross lower levels in organisations, and oftentimes in low-skilled and low-paid sectors in the economy. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to highlight the plight for women in terms of gaining access to the executive suite in government and industry. Indeed, there are legislative frameworks that have been put in place to assist women in this regard, to gain access to management roles, and thereby the senior management roles particularly. However, the research has proven that women are still very much congested in lower and middle management roles, and the senior management roles are still very much occupied by men. There are women who have risen to the occasion and are in executive positions in various spheres, thereby busting the myth that women are not fit to be in leadership positions or cannot handle the job, nor the responsibilities and pressures that come with the job. However, many women in leadership positions are faced with different kinds of pressures than men, such as balancing work and family life, including patriarchal attitudes in the work environment and society about the place and even work of a woman. Therefore, the research was aimed at evaluating the level at which society functions today in terms of growth on the aspects of a woman’s place and that of women in leadership, and finding out what are the attitudes and perceptions in terms of women empowerment in society. There is still the perception that women cannot reach the executive suite, and that it should be a man’s job both in the workplace and in society, and also there is a shock to see a woman advance into what is thought to be a man’s world. Indeed, there has been a somewhat positive shift in that women are getting an education and slowly penetrating these male dominated spaces. However, it is not enough. Legislation is there, but it might not be properly implemented and executed in the various spaces that men and women interact in both in society, the workplace and organisations in South Africa and abroad. It seems highly unlikely and unbelievable that not much has really changed over the years though. Indeed, one could argue that the situation for women is much better than before, as they were before barred from even entering the world of work, as it was believed that a women’s place is in the home in times of yesteryear. The situation is indeed better for women, especially in politics. The study therefore provides concrete evidence that women are still faced with barriers in organisations or the workplace, and hence their underrepresentation in positions of authority highlights some of these barriers, whether they are evenly visible or not.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation of the security of passwords derived from African languages

  • Authors: Sishi, Sibusiso Teboho
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Computers -- Access control -- Passwords , Computer users -- Attitudes , Internet -- Access control , Internet -- Security measures , Internet -- Management , Data protection
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163273 , vital:41024
  • Description: Password authentication has become ubiquitous in the cyber age. To-date, there have been several studies on country based passwords by authors who studied, amongst others, English, Finnish, Italian and Chinese based passwords. However, there has been a lack of focused study on the type of passwords that are being created in Africa and whether there are benefits in creating passwords in an African language. For this research, password databases containing LAN Manager (LM) and NT LAN Manager (NTLM) hashes extracted from South African organisations in a variety of sectors in the economy, were obtained to gain an understanding of user behaviour in creating passwords. Analysis of the passwords obtained from these hashes (using several cracking methods) showed that many organisational passwords are based on the English language. This is understandable considering that the business language in South Africa is English even though South Africa has 11 official languages. African language based passwords were derived from known English weak passwords and some of the passwords were appended with numbers and special characters. The African based passwords created using eight Southern African languages were then uploaded to the Internet to test the security around using passwords based on African languages. Since most of the passwords were able to be cracked by third party researchers, we conclude that any password that is derived from known weak English words marked no improvement in the security of a password written in an African language, especially the more widely spoken languages, namely, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Setswana.
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  • Date Issued: 2019
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