Child sex tourism in South African law
- Authors: Chetty, Kasturi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/485 , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Description: Child sex tourism is tourism organised with the primary purpose of facilitating a commercial sexual relationship with a child. It involves a segment of the local child sex industry that is directly connected to both an international and domestic tourist market. The increase of tourism has brought with it complications in that tourism is being used as a means for sex tourists to initiate contact with children. Aside from child sex tourists who are paedophiles, there are those who engage in the opportunistic exploitation of children while travelling on business or for other reasons. There are a number of social and economic factors leading to child sex tourism and the effect is that child victims are exposed to immediate harm, irreversible damage and even death. As South Africa's tourism industry expands into one of the country’s top earners of foreign currency, it is unfortunate to note that its child sex tourist trade is also on the increase. Reports show that sex tours are as easily organised as wine route tours in Cape Town. Commercial sexual exploitation of children is prevalent in South Africa and has become more organised in recent years. A comprehensive response to the problem is essential to ensure that South Africa does not become a “safe haven” for child sex tourists. Effective laws at home and the extraterritorial application of these laws to prosecute South African nationals for crimes committed abroad are imperative. Significant steps are being taken both nationally and internationally to target child sex tourism. South Africa has ratified several international instruments on children’s rights, trafficking in persons, child labour, and discrimination against women and young girls, all of which relate to child sex tourism. In doing so, South Africa has made an international commitment to uphold the provisions of these instruments and give effect to them. South Africa is therefore under an international obligation to create the necessary structures and apply mechanisms and resources to combat child sex tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Chetty, Kasturi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/485 , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Description: Child sex tourism is tourism organised with the primary purpose of facilitating a commercial sexual relationship with a child. It involves a segment of the local child sex industry that is directly connected to both an international and domestic tourist market. The increase of tourism has brought with it complications in that tourism is being used as a means for sex tourists to initiate contact with children. Aside from child sex tourists who are paedophiles, there are those who engage in the opportunistic exploitation of children while travelling on business or for other reasons. There are a number of social and economic factors leading to child sex tourism and the effect is that child victims are exposed to immediate harm, irreversible damage and even death. As South Africa's tourism industry expands into one of the country’s top earners of foreign currency, it is unfortunate to note that its child sex tourist trade is also on the increase. Reports show that sex tours are as easily organised as wine route tours in Cape Town. Commercial sexual exploitation of children is prevalent in South Africa and has become more organised in recent years. A comprehensive response to the problem is essential to ensure that South Africa does not become a “safe haven” for child sex tourists. Effective laws at home and the extraterritorial application of these laws to prosecute South African nationals for crimes committed abroad are imperative. Significant steps are being taken both nationally and internationally to target child sex tourism. South Africa has ratified several international instruments on children’s rights, trafficking in persons, child labour, and discrimination against women and young girls, all of which relate to child sex tourism. In doing so, South Africa has made an international commitment to uphold the provisions of these instruments and give effect to them. South Africa is therefore under an international obligation to create the necessary structures and apply mechanisms and resources to combat child sex tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
10 Years of IEASA history
- International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), Jooste, Nico
- Authors: International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) , Jooste, Nico
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: International Education Association of South Africa -- History , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education and globalization -- South Africa Student mobility -- Africa International education -- South Africa Education, Higher -- International cooperation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Technical Institutes -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65356 , vital:28752 , ISBN 1920176004
- Description: [Preface - Nico Jooste]: For more than ten years, we have been involved in implementing internationalisation of South African Higher Education. The we I am referring too, are those who are both visionaries and passionately dedicated to the process of internationalisation. A small group of South African Higher Education administrators, academics and senior managers involved themselves in the process of internationalisation of their institutions, and collectively the South African system. This process of internationalisation started as an uncoordinated response to the demands of a South African higher education system that was determined to break with the past, and re-connect with global higher education, it was left to a few dedicated visionaries to create the support structure that would not only assist the higher education institutions, but also the system. The other bodies that were supposed to pay attention to this very important aspect of Higher Education in the 21st century were too busy with other, equally important, matters. It became clear that the priorities of organisations like SAUVCA were not internationalisation, and IEASA was established as the vehicle to promote it. This story of IEASA needed to be told. This book is not aimed at IEASA members only, but also at the broader higher education public. This is the story of an organisation that touched all parts of South African Higher Education society as well as the broader society. It is partly the ‘corporate memory’ of Internationalisation, as well as a reflection on achievements. Ten years looked like a short period to reflect on an organisations history, I am however of the opinion that in a society that is changing so rapidly, we need to reflect more frequently on the past so that we can plan a better future. For any historian operating in the modem era of electronic communication, access to sources of information has become a major challenge. IEASA, Thilor Manikam in particular, needs to be commended for the accurate record keeping of events over the past ten years. Kirstin Nussgruber very diligently captured the efforts of the forces driving the establishment of IEASA for the first two years. This book was mainly based on evidence gathered from minutes, reports and letters that are in the possession of the IEASA Office. I also had the privilege, and advantage, to be a member of the Executive Committee for the past five years. This book cannot be the last word on IEASA, as it is only the view of a member. The bias is thus toward IEASA and focusses mainly on its achievements. Chapter 3 focusses mainly on the achievements of a voluntary organisation. The efforts over the ten years of three persons namely. Roshen Kishun as President, Derek Swemmer as Treasurer, and Thilor Manikam as the Administrator stood out, and was the stabilising factor during the foundation years. The role of Roshen Kishun in the publication of Study South African cannot be underestimated. Without his vision, drive and effort, this publication would not be preparing for the launch of the seventh edition. It is a unique source of information about South African Higher Education. Very few other systems, if any. produce such a publication. Although the author was requested by the IEASA Executive Committee to write this book, the views expressed in this publication is not the views of the Executive Committee, but that of the author.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) , Jooste, Nico
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: International Education Association of South Africa -- History , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education and globalization -- South Africa Student mobility -- Africa International education -- South Africa Education, Higher -- International cooperation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Technical Institutes -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65356 , vital:28752 , ISBN 1920176004
- Description: [Preface - Nico Jooste]: For more than ten years, we have been involved in implementing internationalisation of South African Higher Education. The we I am referring too, are those who are both visionaries and passionately dedicated to the process of internationalisation. A small group of South African Higher Education administrators, academics and senior managers involved themselves in the process of internationalisation of their institutions, and collectively the South African system. This process of internationalisation started as an uncoordinated response to the demands of a South African higher education system that was determined to break with the past, and re-connect with global higher education, it was left to a few dedicated visionaries to create the support structure that would not only assist the higher education institutions, but also the system. The other bodies that were supposed to pay attention to this very important aspect of Higher Education in the 21st century were too busy with other, equally important, matters. It became clear that the priorities of organisations like SAUVCA were not internationalisation, and IEASA was established as the vehicle to promote it. This story of IEASA needed to be told. This book is not aimed at IEASA members only, but also at the broader higher education public. This is the story of an organisation that touched all parts of South African Higher Education society as well as the broader society. It is partly the ‘corporate memory’ of Internationalisation, as well as a reflection on achievements. Ten years looked like a short period to reflect on an organisations history, I am however of the opinion that in a society that is changing so rapidly, we need to reflect more frequently on the past so that we can plan a better future. For any historian operating in the modem era of electronic communication, access to sources of information has become a major challenge. IEASA, Thilor Manikam in particular, needs to be commended for the accurate record keeping of events over the past ten years. Kirstin Nussgruber very diligently captured the efforts of the forces driving the establishment of IEASA for the first two years. This book was mainly based on evidence gathered from minutes, reports and letters that are in the possession of the IEASA Office. I also had the privilege, and advantage, to be a member of the Executive Committee for the past five years. This book cannot be the last word on IEASA, as it is only the view of a member. The bias is thus toward IEASA and focusses mainly on its achievements. Chapter 3 focusses mainly on the achievements of a voluntary organisation. The efforts over the ten years of three persons namely. Roshen Kishun as President, Derek Swemmer as Treasurer, and Thilor Manikam as the Administrator stood out, and was the stabilising factor during the foundation years. The role of Roshen Kishun in the publication of Study South African cannot be underestimated. Without his vision, drive and effort, this publication would not be preparing for the launch of the seventh edition. It is a unique source of information about South African Higher Education. Very few other systems, if any. produce such a publication. Although the author was requested by the IEASA Executive Committee to write this book, the views expressed in this publication is not the views of the Executive Committee, but that of the author.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Relating indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts : an exploratory case study in a secondary school teacher-training programme
- Authors: Mandikonza, Caleb
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007321
- Description: This study reports research on how student teachers in Science at Mutare Teachers' College in Zimbabwe worked with indigenous knowledge practices in relation to science concepts in the secondary school syllabus. The study was conducted among first-year science students and involved them in developing science learning activities for a peer-teaching process that was part of their course. The research was undertaken during a review ofthe college syllabus and as a study to inform the Secondary Teacher Training Environmental Education Programme (ST²EEP). The research design involved the researcher in participant observations and interviews with rural people to document indigenous knowledge practices and to develop materials for the students to work with in the lessons design part of the study. The student teachers used the documented practices to generate learning activities and lesson plans to teach the science concepts they had identified. A peer review session and focus group interviews followed the lesson presentations. Findings from the research point to the rural community being a repository of diverse indigenous knowledge practices. Student teachers showed that they had prior knowledge of both indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts when they come to class. Student teachers were able to relate indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts in ways that have the potential to enhance the learning of science in rural school contexts that lack laboratories and science equipment. The scope of the study does not allow for anything beyond tentative conclusions that point to the need for further work to be undertaken with student teachers and for the research to be extended to teaching and learning interactions in schools. Recommendations are also made for further resource-based work to be undertaken within the forthcoming St²eep implementation phase in 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mandikonza, Caleb
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007321
- Description: This study reports research on how student teachers in Science at Mutare Teachers' College in Zimbabwe worked with indigenous knowledge practices in relation to science concepts in the secondary school syllabus. The study was conducted among first-year science students and involved them in developing science learning activities for a peer-teaching process that was part of their course. The research was undertaken during a review ofthe college syllabus and as a study to inform the Secondary Teacher Training Environmental Education Programme (ST²EEP). The research design involved the researcher in participant observations and interviews with rural people to document indigenous knowledge practices and to develop materials for the students to work with in the lessons design part of the study. The student teachers used the documented practices to generate learning activities and lesson plans to teach the science concepts they had identified. A peer review session and focus group interviews followed the lesson presentations. Findings from the research point to the rural community being a repository of diverse indigenous knowledge practices. Student teachers showed that they had prior knowledge of both indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts when they come to class. Student teachers were able to relate indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts in ways that have the potential to enhance the learning of science in rural school contexts that lack laboratories and science equipment. The scope of the study does not allow for anything beyond tentative conclusions that point to the need for further work to be undertaken with student teachers and for the research to be extended to teaching and learning interactions in schools. Recommendations are also made for further resource-based work to be undertaken within the forthcoming St²eep implementation phase in 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The principal's leadership role in a successful rural school in Namibia
- Authors: Kawana, Joseph Jost
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003596
- Description: Rural schools generally find it hard to function effectively for a variety of reasons, and managing and leading these schools brings additional challenges. This study explored the role of the principal in an academically successful rural school in Namibia. It drew on leadership theory and findings from related studies to make sense of this particular case of leadership against the odds. Using the interpretive orientation, the research explored selected organisation members’ perceptions of the principal’s leadership through semi-structured interviews. The study found that the actions and attitudes of the leader had a significant influence on the school’s performance. The manner in which the principal conducted himself, the shared vision he encouraged and his insistence on associating with all stakeholders involved in education, were instrumental in the organization’s positive achievements. The principal was shown as committed and a leader with good interpersonal working relationships. The study also revealed that this principal was both a person- and taskoriented leader, and closely resembled the ideals of transformational leadership. This study further found that, through the principal’s instructional leadership, teaching and learning are seen as the core of the school’s activities. Finally, the principal’s leadership role opens the school to the community and results in strong and mutually beneficial relationships between the school and its community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kawana, Joseph Jost
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003596
- Description: Rural schools generally find it hard to function effectively for a variety of reasons, and managing and leading these schools brings additional challenges. This study explored the role of the principal in an academically successful rural school in Namibia. It drew on leadership theory and findings from related studies to make sense of this particular case of leadership against the odds. Using the interpretive orientation, the research explored selected organisation members’ perceptions of the principal’s leadership through semi-structured interviews. The study found that the actions and attitudes of the leader had a significant influence on the school’s performance. The manner in which the principal conducted himself, the shared vision he encouraged and his insistence on associating with all stakeholders involved in education, were instrumental in the organization’s positive achievements. The principal was shown as committed and a leader with good interpersonal working relationships. The study also revealed that this principal was both a person- and taskoriented leader, and closely resembled the ideals of transformational leadership. This study further found that, through the principal’s instructional leadership, teaching and learning are seen as the core of the school’s activities. Finally, the principal’s leadership role opens the school to the community and results in strong and mutually beneficial relationships between the school and its community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The effective combating of intrusion attacks through fuzzy logic and neural networks
- Authors: Goss, Robert Melvin
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011917 , Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Description: The importance of properly securing an organization’s information and computing resources has become paramount in modern business. Since the advent of the Internet, securing this organizational information has become increasingly difficult. Organizations deploy many security mechanisms in the protection of their data, intrusion detection systems in particular have an increasingly valuable role to play, and as networks grow, administrators need better ways to monitor their systems. Currently, many intrusion detection systems lack the means to accurately monitor and report on wireless segments within the corporate network. This dissertation proposes an extension to the NeGPAIM model, known as NeGPAIM-W, which allows for the accurate detection of attacks originating on wireless network segments. The NeGPAIM-W model is able to detect both wired and wireless based attacks, and with the extensions to the original model mentioned previously, also provide for correlation of intrusion attacks sourced on both wired and wireless network segments. This provides for a holistic detection strategy for an organization. This has been accomplished with the use of Fuzzy logic and neural networks utilized in the detection of attacks. The model works on the assumption that each user has, and leaves, a unique footprint on a computer system. Thus, all intrusive behaviour on the system and networks which support it, can be traced back to the user account which was used to perform the intrusive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Goss, Robert Melvin
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011917 , Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Description: The importance of properly securing an organization’s information and computing resources has become paramount in modern business. Since the advent of the Internet, securing this organizational information has become increasingly difficult. Organizations deploy many security mechanisms in the protection of their data, intrusion detection systems in particular have an increasingly valuable role to play, and as networks grow, administrators need better ways to monitor their systems. Currently, many intrusion detection systems lack the means to accurately monitor and report on wireless segments within the corporate network. This dissertation proposes an extension to the NeGPAIM model, known as NeGPAIM-W, which allows for the accurate detection of attacks originating on wireless network segments. The NeGPAIM-W model is able to detect both wired and wireless based attacks, and with the extensions to the original model mentioned previously, also provide for correlation of intrusion attacks sourced on both wired and wireless network segments. This provides for a holistic detection strategy for an organization. This has been accomplished with the use of Fuzzy logic and neural networks utilized in the detection of attacks. The model works on the assumption that each user has, and leaves, a unique footprint on a computer system. Thus, all intrusive behaviour on the system and networks which support it, can be traced back to the user account which was used to perform the intrusive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Workplace forums in terms of the labour relations act 66 of 1995
- Authors: Pather, Sivalingam
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/845 , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Description: The promulgation into law of the concept of workplace forums has been beset with immense criticism and opposition from organized labour and some quarters of organized business. Last ditch efforts by the Ministerial Task Team had won the day for the inclusion of this controversial provision in the new Labour Relations Act.1 Commentators on the Act tend to agree that the fallout with organized labour at the negotiations has probably set the scene as to whether the provisions would be widely used or not. History has shown that the establishment of such forums in workplaces has been low. In some situations where workplace forums had been established, their continuous sustainability was put into doubt. This has led to the de-establishment of some of these forums in some workplaces. Various reasons were provided, but the prime factors for its failure could be traced back to the negotiations at NEDLAC. The unions opposed the original proposal by government that minority unions and even non-union employees can trigger the establishment of a workplace forum and insisted that this be restricted to majority unions. The voluntary nature regarding the establishment of a workplace forum and the trigger that only a majority union can invoke the provisions has still seen unions reluctant to utilize the provisions since it did not serve their purpose. The aims of the provisions, namely to increase workplace democracy, was therefore thwarted in favour of more informal procedures. Although the idea is a noble one, it is argued that the introduction of the provisions was ill-timed and inappropriate. The lesson that the legislature can take is that for any provision to be a success, buy-in from all stakeholders is paramount. Research has shown that there was a steady decline in the establishment of workplace forums. Since December 2004 there was not a single application received by the Commission for Conciliation, mediation and Arbitration. There is also doubt as to whether any of the Forums that were previously established are still functional. What is certain is that statutory workplace forums is not at the forefront as a vehicle for change that was envisaged in the Explanatory Memorandum that accompanied the new Labour Relations Act. What is also certain is that employers and employees are utilizing other forums to ensure workplace participation. These forums, however, only provide a voice to unionized workers. The vast majority of non-union workers remain voiceless. The proposed amendments in 2002 that intimated that the trigger be any union and not only majority unions failed to be passed into law. Perhaps it is that type of catalyst that is required to give life to the provisions. The future of workplace forums in South Africa is bleak and will continue to be if there is no intervention by the parties at NEDLAC to revive it. A complete revamp of the legislation would be required for such a revival. Some commentators have made meaningful suggestions on changes that can be made to the legislation to make workplace forums more attractive. Some have suggested it be scrapped altogether and future workplace participatory structures should be left to the parties to embrace voluntarily. Workplace forums are a novel innovation with great potential to encourage workplace democracy. There is nothing wrong with the concept. The application of such forums in the South African context is what is concerning. Perhaps prior experience and experimentation with similar type forums have tarnished workplace participation. The strategies by the previous regime and some employers have caused such participation to equate to co-option. Perhaps not enough spade work was done to ensure that the climate and attitude of the parties was conducive for its introduction. What is paramount no matter the form it takes is that workplace participation is crucial for economic growth and the introduction of new work methods to improve productivity. Without the establishment of such forums, whether voluntary or statutory, the ‘second channel principle’ that promotes non-adversarial workplace joint decision-making would be lost and conflict based participation could spiral leading to economic disaster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Pather, Sivalingam
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/845 , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Description: The promulgation into law of the concept of workplace forums has been beset with immense criticism and opposition from organized labour and some quarters of organized business. Last ditch efforts by the Ministerial Task Team had won the day for the inclusion of this controversial provision in the new Labour Relations Act.1 Commentators on the Act tend to agree that the fallout with organized labour at the negotiations has probably set the scene as to whether the provisions would be widely used or not. History has shown that the establishment of such forums in workplaces has been low. In some situations where workplace forums had been established, their continuous sustainability was put into doubt. This has led to the de-establishment of some of these forums in some workplaces. Various reasons were provided, but the prime factors for its failure could be traced back to the negotiations at NEDLAC. The unions opposed the original proposal by government that minority unions and even non-union employees can trigger the establishment of a workplace forum and insisted that this be restricted to majority unions. The voluntary nature regarding the establishment of a workplace forum and the trigger that only a majority union can invoke the provisions has still seen unions reluctant to utilize the provisions since it did not serve their purpose. The aims of the provisions, namely to increase workplace democracy, was therefore thwarted in favour of more informal procedures. Although the idea is a noble one, it is argued that the introduction of the provisions was ill-timed and inappropriate. The lesson that the legislature can take is that for any provision to be a success, buy-in from all stakeholders is paramount. Research has shown that there was a steady decline in the establishment of workplace forums. Since December 2004 there was not a single application received by the Commission for Conciliation, mediation and Arbitration. There is also doubt as to whether any of the Forums that were previously established are still functional. What is certain is that statutory workplace forums is not at the forefront as a vehicle for change that was envisaged in the Explanatory Memorandum that accompanied the new Labour Relations Act. What is also certain is that employers and employees are utilizing other forums to ensure workplace participation. These forums, however, only provide a voice to unionized workers. The vast majority of non-union workers remain voiceless. The proposed amendments in 2002 that intimated that the trigger be any union and not only majority unions failed to be passed into law. Perhaps it is that type of catalyst that is required to give life to the provisions. The future of workplace forums in South Africa is bleak and will continue to be if there is no intervention by the parties at NEDLAC to revive it. A complete revamp of the legislation would be required for such a revival. Some commentators have made meaningful suggestions on changes that can be made to the legislation to make workplace forums more attractive. Some have suggested it be scrapped altogether and future workplace participatory structures should be left to the parties to embrace voluntarily. Workplace forums are a novel innovation with great potential to encourage workplace democracy. There is nothing wrong with the concept. The application of such forums in the South African context is what is concerning. Perhaps prior experience and experimentation with similar type forums have tarnished workplace participation. The strategies by the previous regime and some employers have caused such participation to equate to co-option. Perhaps not enough spade work was done to ensure that the climate and attitude of the parties was conducive for its introduction. What is paramount no matter the form it takes is that workplace participation is crucial for economic growth and the introduction of new work methods to improve productivity. Without the establishment of such forums, whether voluntary or statutory, the ‘second channel principle’ that promotes non-adversarial workplace joint decision-making would be lost and conflict based participation could spiral leading to economic disaster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Cytokine properties of CD23 on human Eosinophilic cells
- Authors: Ferreira, Lauren
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cytokines , CD23 antigen , Eosinophil
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10333 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012001 , Cytokines , CD23 antigen , Eosinophil
- Description: CD23, the low affinity IgE receptor, is expressed by various cell types and has numerous functions depending on the form of the protein, its interaction with various ligands and the type of cell involved. CD23 is pivotal in the regulation of IgE, with the soluble form involved in up-regulation, while the membrane bound form is involved in the down-regulation. It is clear why it is believed to be a central molecule in allergic responses, and a therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic disease. In this study a recombinant form of the entire extracellular domain of the protein, exCD23, was produced by PCR cloning and expressed in E. coli. His•Tag™s were introduced onto the C-terminus and N-terminus, respectively, in order to simplify the purification procedure. After renaturation and purification, the recombinant exCD23 bound IgE, indicating its activity. From the IgE binding studies it was established that the position of the tag did not influence the binding. GST•Tagged™ exCD23 was also produced in an attempt to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein, but this proved unsuccessful. Butyrate differentiated EoL-1 cells were treated with the Nterminal His•Tagged™ exCD23, and the protein appeared to suppress the secretion of the constitutively expressed cytokines, especially IL-8 and IFN- , when compared to untreated cells. In addition, treatment of the EoL-1 cells with exCD23 had a significant proliferative effect, but could not induce differentiation of this cell line into mature eosinophilic-like cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ferreira, Lauren
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cytokines , CD23 antigen , Eosinophil
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10333 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012001 , Cytokines , CD23 antigen , Eosinophil
- Description: CD23, the low affinity IgE receptor, is expressed by various cell types and has numerous functions depending on the form of the protein, its interaction with various ligands and the type of cell involved. CD23 is pivotal in the regulation of IgE, with the soluble form involved in up-regulation, while the membrane bound form is involved in the down-regulation. It is clear why it is believed to be a central molecule in allergic responses, and a therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic disease. In this study a recombinant form of the entire extracellular domain of the protein, exCD23, was produced by PCR cloning and expressed in E. coli. His•Tag™s were introduced onto the C-terminus and N-terminus, respectively, in order to simplify the purification procedure. After renaturation and purification, the recombinant exCD23 bound IgE, indicating its activity. From the IgE binding studies it was established that the position of the tag did not influence the binding. GST•Tagged™ exCD23 was also produced in an attempt to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein, but this proved unsuccessful. Butyrate differentiated EoL-1 cells were treated with the Nterminal His•Tagged™ exCD23, and the protein appeared to suppress the secretion of the constitutively expressed cytokines, especially IL-8 and IFN- , when compared to untreated cells. In addition, treatment of the EoL-1 cells with exCD23 had a significant proliferative effect, but could not induce differentiation of this cell line into mature eosinophilic-like cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Creating value through customer relationships in the services sector
- Authors: Allie, Hisham
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Customer services , Value added
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/790 , Customer services , Value added
- Description: Many academic studies in the past have focussed on how to create value for businesses in terms of adding profit to the bottom line through performance, and many argue that adding value for the client is also viewed as a profitable business strategy. This strategy translates as a win-win business relationship since long-term relationships ensure customer loyalty, customer retention and repeat business. In the services sector, it is difficult to quantify the worth or value that a particular service has since services are intangible products. The perception of value of such a service is known as “perceived value” since value recognition rests with the consumer who attempts to quantify the worth of that service. It is generally accepted in the services sector that establishing long-term, mutually beneficial, meaningful business relationships add value for the client and helps them to attach a value to the services that company provides. A company cannot establish such relationships without the help of its employees who represents the face of the organisation and implements the value adding strategy on the organisation’s behalf. Recent studies have begun to address this, examining value creation in business relationships in the context of the sale of tangible goods. The process of value creation for customers in services relationships remains underresearched. Perceived value explains why customers choose one particular service over another, why service companies gain competitive advantage by maintaining genuine longterm customer relationships, and why “the personal touch”, created through emotional attributes such as trust, caring and empathy, adds value from customers’ perspective. This dissertation presents a study of perceived value from the perspective of the customer within the context of the delivery of a credence product in a services relationship model. Using grounded theory methodology; following in-depth interviews with consumers of general insurance, a number of customer-value creation dimensions for businesses have been identified. Parallel interviews with members of staff from the supplier company add a further perspective. This research demonstrates how organisations or suppliers in the services industry can add value when delivering a credence product in a services relationship context. It is believed that an understanding of the value-adding dimensions can be implemented to create opportunities to build value for customers, with commensurate benefits for suppliers. Following analysis of the interviews held with each buyer, a total of six value dimensions are identified in the findings chapter. Each dimension is individually described, discussed, and illustrated with quotations from customers and supplier’s staff. Other issues relating to value arising from the interviews are examined in the discussion chapter. Three areas for further research are proposed in the conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Allie, Hisham
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Customer services , Value added
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/790 , Customer services , Value added
- Description: Many academic studies in the past have focussed on how to create value for businesses in terms of adding profit to the bottom line through performance, and many argue that adding value for the client is also viewed as a profitable business strategy. This strategy translates as a win-win business relationship since long-term relationships ensure customer loyalty, customer retention and repeat business. In the services sector, it is difficult to quantify the worth or value that a particular service has since services are intangible products. The perception of value of such a service is known as “perceived value” since value recognition rests with the consumer who attempts to quantify the worth of that service. It is generally accepted in the services sector that establishing long-term, mutually beneficial, meaningful business relationships add value for the client and helps them to attach a value to the services that company provides. A company cannot establish such relationships without the help of its employees who represents the face of the organisation and implements the value adding strategy on the organisation’s behalf. Recent studies have begun to address this, examining value creation in business relationships in the context of the sale of tangible goods. The process of value creation for customers in services relationships remains underresearched. Perceived value explains why customers choose one particular service over another, why service companies gain competitive advantage by maintaining genuine longterm customer relationships, and why “the personal touch”, created through emotional attributes such as trust, caring and empathy, adds value from customers’ perspective. This dissertation presents a study of perceived value from the perspective of the customer within the context of the delivery of a credence product in a services relationship model. Using grounded theory methodology; following in-depth interviews with consumers of general insurance, a number of customer-value creation dimensions for businesses have been identified. Parallel interviews with members of staff from the supplier company add a further perspective. This research demonstrates how organisations or suppliers in the services industry can add value when delivering a credence product in a services relationship context. It is believed that an understanding of the value-adding dimensions can be implemented to create opportunities to build value for customers, with commensurate benefits for suppliers. Following analysis of the interviews held with each buyer, a total of six value dimensions are identified in the findings chapter. Each dimension is individually described, discussed, and illustrated with quotations from customers and supplier’s staff. Other issues relating to value arising from the interviews are examined in the discussion chapter. Three areas for further research are proposed in the conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Postnatal women's experiences of the prevention of mother-to-child transmittion of HIV programme
- Authors: Links, Nomvuyiseko
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10042 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011704 , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Description: This research study endeavoured to explore and describe the experiences of women who participated in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Programme. Data relating to evaluation of the PMTCT Programme in the piloted sites compiled by other researchers in the Department of Health focus on the process, progress and extent of service implementation. There appears to be a dearth of information available from women participants in the PMTCT Programme. The objectives of the study were to: · Explore and describe postnatal women’s experiences of the PMTCT Programme offered in the East London Hospital Complex. · Propose recommendations into the existing guidelines for midwives who implement the PMTCT Programme in the health services to ensure optimal implementation of this programme. The research population included postnatal women who participated in the PMTCT of HIV Programme at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Ethics Committee, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital complex and the Advanced Degrees Committee and Human Ethics Committee at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The research study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in design. Data collection was carried out by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with postnatal women at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim with the aid of field notes. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s method of data analysis (in De Vos et al, 2000:343). Themes were identified from the transcriptions and finalised after consensus discussions with an independent coder who was experienced in qualitative research. Literature control, guided by the themes identified in the interviews, was carried out to compare and verify the findings of the study. Three major themes with sub-themes were identified during data analysis. The major themes were identified as follows: · The participants expressed feelings of being devastated by the results that confirmed their HIV positive status. · The participants expressed a thirst for knowledge on how to live with the diagnosis and on how to continue with the PMTCT Programme. · The physical environment where counselling and testing were done, as well as the practical arrangements, were not conducive to the full implementation of the PMTCT Programme at the antenatal clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made in the form of additional guidelines for midwives implementing the PMTCT Programme in the antenatal clinic health services. Guidelines for further midwifery-related research were formulated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Links, Nomvuyiseko
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10042 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011704 , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Description: This research study endeavoured to explore and describe the experiences of women who participated in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Programme. Data relating to evaluation of the PMTCT Programme in the piloted sites compiled by other researchers in the Department of Health focus on the process, progress and extent of service implementation. There appears to be a dearth of information available from women participants in the PMTCT Programme. The objectives of the study were to: · Explore and describe postnatal women’s experiences of the PMTCT Programme offered in the East London Hospital Complex. · Propose recommendations into the existing guidelines for midwives who implement the PMTCT Programme in the health services to ensure optimal implementation of this programme. The research population included postnatal women who participated in the PMTCT of HIV Programme at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Ethics Committee, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital complex and the Advanced Degrees Committee and Human Ethics Committee at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The research study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in design. Data collection was carried out by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with postnatal women at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim with the aid of field notes. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s method of data analysis (in De Vos et al, 2000:343). Themes were identified from the transcriptions and finalised after consensus discussions with an independent coder who was experienced in qualitative research. Literature control, guided by the themes identified in the interviews, was carried out to compare and verify the findings of the study. Three major themes with sub-themes were identified during data analysis. The major themes were identified as follows: · The participants expressed feelings of being devastated by the results that confirmed their HIV positive status. · The participants expressed a thirst for knowledge on how to live with the diagnosis and on how to continue with the PMTCT Programme. · The physical environment where counselling and testing were done, as well as the practical arrangements, were not conducive to the full implementation of the PMTCT Programme at the antenatal clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made in the form of additional guidelines for midwives implementing the PMTCT Programme in the antenatal clinic health services. Guidelines for further midwifery-related research were formulated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Evaluating the impact of the Institutional Repository, or positioning innovation between a rock and a hard place
- Authors: Thomas, G M E
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012411
- Description: Repositories remain an innovative but marginalized technology largely because there is no consensus about an agreed set of Performance Indicators (PIs) that demonstrate their overall impact on the research enterprise of our universities. A successful Institutional Repository should be evaluated in terms of the extent to which the open access repository builds a critical mass of scholarly content which is sustained and available through active university community engagement and ongoing scholarly contributions (faculty, researchers & students) that, when managed efficiently and effectively, ultimately strengthen, promote and give visibility to the research enterprise of the institution, and bring benefit to broader society. However, librarians are grappling with what and how best to demonstrate ‘institutional good’ but without clear evidence, assessment is fed by perception based on limited information which leads to diminished impact and value of the facility, a tyranny described as being caught between a rock and a hard place. Using Illuminative Evaluation to design a series of quantitative and qualitative metrics, it is proposed that a distinction be made between significant and secondary Performance Indicators where the former gather evidence to demonstrate the overall effect or impact of the IR on the individual and collective research community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Thomas, G M E
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012411
- Description: Repositories remain an innovative but marginalized technology largely because there is no consensus about an agreed set of Performance Indicators (PIs) that demonstrate their overall impact on the research enterprise of our universities. A successful Institutional Repository should be evaluated in terms of the extent to which the open access repository builds a critical mass of scholarly content which is sustained and available through active university community engagement and ongoing scholarly contributions (faculty, researchers & students) that, when managed efficiently and effectively, ultimately strengthen, promote and give visibility to the research enterprise of the institution, and bring benefit to broader society. However, librarians are grappling with what and how best to demonstrate ‘institutional good’ but without clear evidence, assessment is fed by perception based on limited information which leads to diminished impact and value of the facility, a tyranny described as being caught between a rock and a hard place. Using Illuminative Evaluation to design a series of quantitative and qualitative metrics, it is proposed that a distinction be made between significant and secondary Performance Indicators where the former gather evidence to demonstrate the overall effect or impact of the IR on the individual and collective research community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Translating Heaney: a study of Sweeney astray, The cure at Troy, and Beowulf
- Van der Woude, Peter William
- Authors: Van der Woude, Peter William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Heaney, Seamus, 1939- Criticism and interpretation Heaney, Seamus, 1939- Sweeney astray Sophocles. Philoctetes -- Translations History and criticism Beowulf -- Translations History and criticism Buile Suibhne Geilt Buile Suibhne Geilt -- Translations History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002256
- Description: This thesis examines Seamus Heaney’s approach to translation with specific reference to Sweeney Astray, The Cure at Troy, and Beowulf. An assessment of Heaney’s translations, and the ways in which they relate to his poetry, is essential to an understanding of his work as a poet. This thesis demonstrates the centrality of translation to Heaney’s oeuvre as an effective means to comment on his Northern Irish socio-political context without producing political propaganda. Translation is a valuable means for Heaney to elucidate his contemporary experience by considering it in terms of the recorded past captured within his chosen translations. Instead of comparing the three translations with their original texts, this thesis concentrates on Heaney’s translations as a continuation of his own creative work and as catalysts for further poetry. The translations are explored in chronological order to allow a sense of Heaney’s development as a translator and his efforts to remain critically attuned to the Northern Irish political situation. The first chapter examines Heaney’s translation of the Gaelic poem Buile Suibhne, which is published as Sweeney Astray. In this first major act of translation Heaney recognises the political role that translation is able to play. He draws attention to the protagonist’s sense of cultural ease in both Britain and Ireland, which he argues is exemplary for the people of Ulster and renders the narrative particularly accessible to a Northern Irish readership due to his anglicisation of the text, which is intended as a reminder to both Catholics and Protestants of their shared identity as Irishmen. The second chapter focuses on Heaney’s translation of Sophocles’ Philoctetes, entitled The Cure at Troy. Heaney’s translation contextualises the Ancient Greek concern for personal integrity in the face of political necessity, a situation relevant to his own complex relationship with Northern Irish politics. His alterations to the text accentuate the positive aspects of the play, suggesting the very real possibility of social change within the seemingly constant violence of Northern Ireland. The third chapter explores Heaney’s engagement with the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, as a means of coming to terms with the complex history of Irish colonisation through language. This chapter assesses Heaney’s incorporation of Irish dialectal words into his translation, which lend the poem political weight, and yet prove to be contextually appropriate, rendering Heaney’s Beowulf a masterpiece of readability and subtle political commentary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Van der Woude, Peter William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Heaney, Seamus, 1939- Criticism and interpretation Heaney, Seamus, 1939- Sweeney astray Sophocles. Philoctetes -- Translations History and criticism Beowulf -- Translations History and criticism Buile Suibhne Geilt Buile Suibhne Geilt -- Translations History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002256
- Description: This thesis examines Seamus Heaney’s approach to translation with specific reference to Sweeney Astray, The Cure at Troy, and Beowulf. An assessment of Heaney’s translations, and the ways in which they relate to his poetry, is essential to an understanding of his work as a poet. This thesis demonstrates the centrality of translation to Heaney’s oeuvre as an effective means to comment on his Northern Irish socio-political context without producing political propaganda. Translation is a valuable means for Heaney to elucidate his contemporary experience by considering it in terms of the recorded past captured within his chosen translations. Instead of comparing the three translations with their original texts, this thesis concentrates on Heaney’s translations as a continuation of his own creative work and as catalysts for further poetry. The translations are explored in chronological order to allow a sense of Heaney’s development as a translator and his efforts to remain critically attuned to the Northern Irish political situation. The first chapter examines Heaney’s translation of the Gaelic poem Buile Suibhne, which is published as Sweeney Astray. In this first major act of translation Heaney recognises the political role that translation is able to play. He draws attention to the protagonist’s sense of cultural ease in both Britain and Ireland, which he argues is exemplary for the people of Ulster and renders the narrative particularly accessible to a Northern Irish readership due to his anglicisation of the text, which is intended as a reminder to both Catholics and Protestants of their shared identity as Irishmen. The second chapter focuses on Heaney’s translation of Sophocles’ Philoctetes, entitled The Cure at Troy. Heaney’s translation contextualises the Ancient Greek concern for personal integrity in the face of political necessity, a situation relevant to his own complex relationship with Northern Irish politics. His alterations to the text accentuate the positive aspects of the play, suggesting the very real possibility of social change within the seemingly constant violence of Northern Ireland. The third chapter explores Heaney’s engagement with the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, as a means of coming to terms with the complex history of Irish colonisation through language. This chapter assesses Heaney’s incorporation of Irish dialectal words into his translation, which lend the poem political weight, and yet prove to be contextually appropriate, rendering Heaney’s Beowulf a masterpiece of readability and subtle political commentary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The effect of elephants (Loxodonta africana, Blumenbach, 1797) on Xeric Succulent Thicket
- Authors: Knott, Edward Joseph
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , African elephant , Elephants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Succulent plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005359 , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , African elephant , Elephants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Succulent plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study looks at the impact of elephant feeding on the Xeric Succulent Thicket component of Eastern Cape Subtropical Thicket (ECST) in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP). Observations of elephant feeding were carried out and vegetation transects were surveyed for impact of elephant feeding. The results indicated that the Nyati elephants spent the majority of their time grazing (nearly 90%), particularly the cow-young herds, and especially when the herd gathered in larger numbers. Browsing events were concentrated on Acacia karroo (81%) and there was no significant difference between the sexes in their preference for this species. Despite being subjected to most of the browsing, the majority of A. karroo trees were undamaged and the effect of elephants was generally light. It appears unlikely that, three years after re-introduction to Nyati, the elephants have had an effect on community structure of the vegetation. Surveys were conducted on stands of the alien invasive weed prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica, and it was recorded that elephants in Nyati have had a dramatic effect on prickly pear, utilising all adult plants assessed and destroying 70% of them. This level of destruction in such a short period of time suggests that prickly pear is a highly favoured species. The results from the present study suggest that elephants can play a role in the control of prickly pear. Results are discussed in terms of elephants as both megaherbivores and keystone species, and as agents of intermediate disturbance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Knott, Edward Joseph
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , African elephant , Elephants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Succulent plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005359 , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , African elephant , Elephants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Succulent plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study looks at the impact of elephant feeding on the Xeric Succulent Thicket component of Eastern Cape Subtropical Thicket (ECST) in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP). Observations of elephant feeding were carried out and vegetation transects were surveyed for impact of elephant feeding. The results indicated that the Nyati elephants spent the majority of their time grazing (nearly 90%), particularly the cow-young herds, and especially when the herd gathered in larger numbers. Browsing events were concentrated on Acacia karroo (81%) and there was no significant difference between the sexes in their preference for this species. Despite being subjected to most of the browsing, the majority of A. karroo trees were undamaged and the effect of elephants was generally light. It appears unlikely that, three years after re-introduction to Nyati, the elephants have had an effect on community structure of the vegetation. Surveys were conducted on stands of the alien invasive weed prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica, and it was recorded that elephants in Nyati have had a dramatic effect on prickly pear, utilising all adult plants assessed and destroying 70% of them. This level of destruction in such a short period of time suggests that prickly pear is a highly favoured species. The results from the present study suggest that elephants can play a role in the control of prickly pear. Results are discussed in terms of elephants as both megaherbivores and keystone species, and as agents of intermediate disturbance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Rehabilitation of the Orange River Mouth Salt Marsh : seed, wind and sediment characteristics
- Authors: Shaw, Gregory Alan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Salt marshes -- Orange River , Rivers -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects , Orange River -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10626 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/603 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012010 , Salt marshes -- Orange River , Rivers -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects , Orange River -- Ecology
- Description: The Orange River is an important source of freshwater and like many other wetlands in semi-arid regions, supports various social (Spurgeon, 1998), economic (Spurgeon, 1998; Bornman et al., 2005) and ecological functions. The saltmarsh at the Orange River Mouth has become degraded over time following numerous anthropogenic impacts. As a result the Transboundary RAMSAR site was placed on the Montreux record emphasising the importance for rehabilitation. The potential of the marsh for natural rehabilitation was assessed through three physical factors which were considered to have the most influence on the saltmarsh i.e. 1) sediment 2) water 3) wind. Three sampling areas were chosen to investigate the sediment characteristics of the ORM saltmarsh and the suitability for seed germination and adult survival. Site A was representative of the general marsh area, Site B was thought to have favourable sediment conditions for saltmarsh growth because of the large numbers of seedlings and Site C was prone to inundation by wind blown sediment. The sites were sampled in 2005 (dry conditions) and in 2006 after high rainfall and river flooding. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the sediment throughout the marsh was hypersaline in many instances above the tolerance range for S. pillansii (> 80 mS.cm-1) The freshwater event in 2006 lowered salinity significantly in two of the three sites. Differences in sediment characteristics were also compared for three habitats i.e. driftlines, open sites and under vegetation. Driftlines (C. coronopifolia = 872 seedlings m-2; S. pillansii = 1296 seedlings m-2) and the microhabitat associated with adult plants (C. coronopifolia = 803 seedlings m-2; S. pillansii = 721 seedlings m-2) created favourable conditions for seedling growth, however open unvegetated (C. coronopifolia = 56 seedlings m-2; S. pillansii = 49 seedlings m-2) areas had significantly lower seedling density. Due to the marsh currently being in a desertified state this study aimed to establish whether the remaining vegetation could produce enough seed to revegetate the marsh. Laboratory studies indicated that seeds of both species germinated best in freshwater (0 psu). The germination of S. pillansii seeds was 40 percent at 0 psu compared to 5 percent at 35 psu. After storage under hypersaline conditions (35 psu) C. coronopifolia showed 100 percent seed germination when returned to freshwater whereas storage at 70 psu decreased the viability of S. pillansii seeds. The plants are producing adequate seed that will allow for regrowth and rehabilitation if sediment and groundwater characteristics are suitable for seed germination, seedling growth and adult survival. However the increase in bare areas at the Orange River mouth as a result of salt marsh dieback has increased the available sediment source. The wind blown sediment has covered large areas of the remaining adult salt marsh vegetation, particularly in the northern corner at Site C, causing further die-back.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Shaw, Gregory Alan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Salt marshes -- Orange River , Rivers -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects , Orange River -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10626 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/603 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012010 , Salt marshes -- Orange River , Rivers -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects , Orange River -- Ecology
- Description: The Orange River is an important source of freshwater and like many other wetlands in semi-arid regions, supports various social (Spurgeon, 1998), economic (Spurgeon, 1998; Bornman et al., 2005) and ecological functions. The saltmarsh at the Orange River Mouth has become degraded over time following numerous anthropogenic impacts. As a result the Transboundary RAMSAR site was placed on the Montreux record emphasising the importance for rehabilitation. The potential of the marsh for natural rehabilitation was assessed through three physical factors which were considered to have the most influence on the saltmarsh i.e. 1) sediment 2) water 3) wind. Three sampling areas were chosen to investigate the sediment characteristics of the ORM saltmarsh and the suitability for seed germination and adult survival. Site A was representative of the general marsh area, Site B was thought to have favourable sediment conditions for saltmarsh growth because of the large numbers of seedlings and Site C was prone to inundation by wind blown sediment. The sites were sampled in 2005 (dry conditions) and in 2006 after high rainfall and river flooding. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the sediment throughout the marsh was hypersaline in many instances above the tolerance range for S. pillansii (> 80 mS.cm-1) The freshwater event in 2006 lowered salinity significantly in two of the three sites. Differences in sediment characteristics were also compared for three habitats i.e. driftlines, open sites and under vegetation. Driftlines (C. coronopifolia = 872 seedlings m-2; S. pillansii = 1296 seedlings m-2) and the microhabitat associated with adult plants (C. coronopifolia = 803 seedlings m-2; S. pillansii = 721 seedlings m-2) created favourable conditions for seedling growth, however open unvegetated (C. coronopifolia = 56 seedlings m-2; S. pillansii = 49 seedlings m-2) areas had significantly lower seedling density. Due to the marsh currently being in a desertified state this study aimed to establish whether the remaining vegetation could produce enough seed to revegetate the marsh. Laboratory studies indicated that seeds of both species germinated best in freshwater (0 psu). The germination of S. pillansii seeds was 40 percent at 0 psu compared to 5 percent at 35 psu. After storage under hypersaline conditions (35 psu) C. coronopifolia showed 100 percent seed germination when returned to freshwater whereas storage at 70 psu decreased the viability of S. pillansii seeds. The plants are producing adequate seed that will allow for regrowth and rehabilitation if sediment and groundwater characteristics are suitable for seed germination, seedling growth and adult survival. However the increase in bare areas at the Orange River mouth as a result of salt marsh dieback has increased the available sediment source. The wind blown sediment has covered large areas of the remaining adult salt marsh vegetation, particularly in the northern corner at Site C, causing further die-back.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Voltammetric characterisation of the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of benzyl-and dodecyl-mercapto tetra substituted metallophthalocyanines complexes
- Agboola, Bolade, Westbroek, Philippe, Ozoemena, Kenneth I, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Agboola, Bolade , Westbroek, Philippe , Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281414 , vital:55723 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2006.08.047"
- Description: Voltammetric characterisations of cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc phthalocyanine complexes tetra substituted with benzyl- and dodecyl-mercapto ring substituents and immobilisation on gold electrodes via the self-assembling technique are presented. The self-assembled films are stable and showed blocking characteristics towards the following Faradaic processes; gold surface oxidation, under potential deposition of copper and solution redox chemistry of [Fe(H2O)6 3+ ]/[Fe(H2O)6 2+ ]. The solution chemistry of [Fe(CN)6]−3/[Fe(CN)6]−4 redox process was used to study the orientation of the CoPcs-SAMs and this revealed a possible deviation from flat orientation of the complexes on the gold electrodes when the SAM formation times were greater than 24 h. For SAM formation time at 24 and 48 h, CoTDMPc-SAM showed more inhibition of the [Fe(CN)6]−3/[Fe(CN)6]−4 redox process than the CoTBMPc-SAM counterpart, indicating more blocking characteristics of the dodecylmercapto ring substituents compared to the benzylmercapto counterpart. To avoid SAM desorption, the potential application should be limited to −0.2 to +0.8 V vs. Ag∣AgCl (NaCl, sat’d) in acidic and neutral pH.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Agboola, Bolade , Westbroek, Philippe , Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281414 , vital:55723 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2006.08.047"
- Description: Voltammetric characterisations of cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc phthalocyanine complexes tetra substituted with benzyl- and dodecyl-mercapto ring substituents and immobilisation on gold electrodes via the self-assembling technique are presented. The self-assembled films are stable and showed blocking characteristics towards the following Faradaic processes; gold surface oxidation, under potential deposition of copper and solution redox chemistry of [Fe(H2O)6 3+ ]/[Fe(H2O)6 2+ ]. The solution chemistry of [Fe(CN)6]−3/[Fe(CN)6]−4 redox process was used to study the orientation of the CoPcs-SAMs and this revealed a possible deviation from flat orientation of the complexes on the gold electrodes when the SAM formation times were greater than 24 h. For SAM formation time at 24 and 48 h, CoTDMPc-SAM showed more inhibition of the [Fe(CN)6]−3/[Fe(CN)6]−4 redox process than the CoTBMPc-SAM counterpart, indicating more blocking characteristics of the dodecylmercapto ring substituents compared to the benzylmercapto counterpart. To avoid SAM desorption, the potential application should be limited to −0.2 to +0.8 V vs. Ag∣AgCl (NaCl, sat’d) in acidic and neutral pH.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Isolation and characterization of genes encoding heat shock protein 70s (hsp 70s) from two species of the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae and Latimeria menadoensis
- Modisakeng, Keoagile William
- Authors: Modisakeng, Keoagile William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Coelacanth Coelacanth -- Genetics Heat shock proteins Molecular chaperones Proteins -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004030
- Description: The extant coelacanths have a close resemblance to the coelacanth fossil records dating back to 230mya. Like their predecessors, the extant coelacanths inhabit rocky caves at a depth of 100-300m below sea level. In the Comoros, the water temperature at these depths is estimated to fluctuate between 14-20°C. High-level adaptation to these environment and lack of competition are thought to have led to the morphological uniformity and slow change throughout the history of the coelacanths. Under stress conditions, proteins unfold or misfold leading to the formation of aggregates. Molecular chaperones facilitate the correct folding of other proteins so that they can attain a stable tertiary structure. In addition, molecular chaperones aid the refolding of denatured proteins and the degradation of terminally misfolded protein after cellular stress. Heat shock proteins form one of the major classes of molecular chaperones. Here we show that, despite high-level adaptation to a unique habitat and slow change, the genome of the coelacanth encodes the major and highly conserved molecular chaperone, Hsp70. Latimeria menadoensis and Latimeria chalumnae contain intronless hsp70 genes encoding Hsp70 proteins archetypal of known Hsp70s. Based on the coelacanth codon usage, we have shown that bacterial protein expression systems, particularly Escherichia coli, may not be appropriate for the overproduction of coelacanth Hsp70s and coelacanth proteins in general. Also interesting, was the discovery that like the rat Hsc70, the L. menadoensis Hsp70 could not reverse thermal sensitivity in a temperate sensitive E. coli DnaK mutant strain, BB2362. We also report the successful isolation of a 1.2 kb region of L. menadoensis hsp70 upstream regulatory region. This region contain three putative heat shock elements, a TATA- box and two CAAT-boxes. This regulatory region resembled the Xenopus, mouse, and particularly tilapia hsp70 promoters, all of which have been shown to drive the expression of reporter genes in a heat dependent manner. Taken together, this data is the first to strongly suggest an inducible Hsp70-base cytoprotection mechanism in the coelacanth. It further provides basis to formulate testable predictions about the regulation, structure and function of Hsp70s in the living fossil, Latimeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Modisakeng, Keoagile William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Coelacanth Coelacanth -- Genetics Heat shock proteins Molecular chaperones Proteins -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004030
- Description: The extant coelacanths have a close resemblance to the coelacanth fossil records dating back to 230mya. Like their predecessors, the extant coelacanths inhabit rocky caves at a depth of 100-300m below sea level. In the Comoros, the water temperature at these depths is estimated to fluctuate between 14-20°C. High-level adaptation to these environment and lack of competition are thought to have led to the morphological uniformity and slow change throughout the history of the coelacanths. Under stress conditions, proteins unfold or misfold leading to the formation of aggregates. Molecular chaperones facilitate the correct folding of other proteins so that they can attain a stable tertiary structure. In addition, molecular chaperones aid the refolding of denatured proteins and the degradation of terminally misfolded protein after cellular stress. Heat shock proteins form one of the major classes of molecular chaperones. Here we show that, despite high-level adaptation to a unique habitat and slow change, the genome of the coelacanth encodes the major and highly conserved molecular chaperone, Hsp70. Latimeria menadoensis and Latimeria chalumnae contain intronless hsp70 genes encoding Hsp70 proteins archetypal of known Hsp70s. Based on the coelacanth codon usage, we have shown that bacterial protein expression systems, particularly Escherichia coli, may not be appropriate for the overproduction of coelacanth Hsp70s and coelacanth proteins in general. Also interesting, was the discovery that like the rat Hsc70, the L. menadoensis Hsp70 could not reverse thermal sensitivity in a temperate sensitive E. coli DnaK mutant strain, BB2362. We also report the successful isolation of a 1.2 kb region of L. menadoensis hsp70 upstream regulatory region. This region contain three putative heat shock elements, a TATA- box and two CAAT-boxes. This regulatory region resembled the Xenopus, mouse, and particularly tilapia hsp70 promoters, all of which have been shown to drive the expression of reporter genes in a heat dependent manner. Taken together, this data is the first to strongly suggest an inducible Hsp70-base cytoprotection mechanism in the coelacanth. It further provides basis to formulate testable predictions about the regulation, structure and function of Hsp70s in the living fossil, Latimeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Investigating the feasibility of an indoor aquatic centre for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Janse van Rensburg, Philippus Jacobus
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Philippus Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/791 , Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an Indoor Aquatic Centre for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The main problem was to establish the minimum aquatic facilities an Indoor Aquatic Centre must have, to be able to host National and International aquatic events. The sub problems identified to address the main problem were as follows: - Should accommodation be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should medical facilities be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be a gymnasium at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be food malls available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Will sports tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre? In this study the researcher discusses current tourism opportunities, possible sports tourism opportunities and the current aquatic facilities the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole has to offer. From the discussion regarding these issues it was found that the metropole do offer many attraction opportunities including the following: - Adventure and Sport; - Agriculture; - Arts and Culture; - Business and Conferencing; - Coastal and Beaches; - Entertainment and Shopping; - Historical; - Wild Life and Nature. Adventure and Sport attractions contribute to sports tourism in the metropole and an Indoor Aquatic Centre could enable the metropole to improve sports tourism figures to the metropole. Sports tourism is defined as any tourism that is linked with a sports event. The conclusion can be made that the main initiative for sports tourism is to host a major sporting event to attract tourists. Adding other tourist attractions makes the destination more attractive. It is also important that the community is educated and informed about sports tourism so that the tourist and the community benefits from the event. Indoor Aquatic Centres found in countries like Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, The Far East, United Kingdom and the United States of America, were discussed to identify the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The literature study has shown that the Indoor Aquatic Centre should be a multi purpose centre with a minimum of two heated pools and leisure facilities included. This will enable the centre to generate different streams of income to enhance sustainability. The aquatic centre should also be designed to host National and International events, but not necessarily for Olympic Games events. An empirical study was done to see if the respondents agree on the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre, identified by the literature study and if they agree that sports tourism within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole will benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The conclusion of the empirical study is that the respondents’ view correlate with the information found during the literature study regarding the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre listed as follows: - The minimum number of heated pools are two consisting of a fifty metre ten lane pool and a twenty five metre ten lane pool; - A food mall that consists of a restaurant, fast food stalls and a food store; - Medical facilities, conference facilities, gymnasium and other leisure facilities must also be available; - Accommodation facilities must be available and consists of two and three bedroom fully serviced apartments; - The Indoor Aquatic centre must be able to have seating for 2000 people and parking for 1000 vehicles. The study has addressed the main problem and the sub problems, but further research needs to be conducted regarding the funding of the Indoor Aquatic Centre as this issue was not successfully addressed. More information is needed regarding the different ways of funding and who the stakeholders should be in this process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Philippus Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/791 , Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an Indoor Aquatic Centre for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The main problem was to establish the minimum aquatic facilities an Indoor Aquatic Centre must have, to be able to host National and International aquatic events. The sub problems identified to address the main problem were as follows: - Should accommodation be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should medical facilities be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be a gymnasium at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be food malls available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Will sports tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre? In this study the researcher discusses current tourism opportunities, possible sports tourism opportunities and the current aquatic facilities the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole has to offer. From the discussion regarding these issues it was found that the metropole do offer many attraction opportunities including the following: - Adventure and Sport; - Agriculture; - Arts and Culture; - Business and Conferencing; - Coastal and Beaches; - Entertainment and Shopping; - Historical; - Wild Life and Nature. Adventure and Sport attractions contribute to sports tourism in the metropole and an Indoor Aquatic Centre could enable the metropole to improve sports tourism figures to the metropole. Sports tourism is defined as any tourism that is linked with a sports event. The conclusion can be made that the main initiative for sports tourism is to host a major sporting event to attract tourists. Adding other tourist attractions makes the destination more attractive. It is also important that the community is educated and informed about sports tourism so that the tourist and the community benefits from the event. Indoor Aquatic Centres found in countries like Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, The Far East, United Kingdom and the United States of America, were discussed to identify the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The literature study has shown that the Indoor Aquatic Centre should be a multi purpose centre with a minimum of two heated pools and leisure facilities included. This will enable the centre to generate different streams of income to enhance sustainability. The aquatic centre should also be designed to host National and International events, but not necessarily for Olympic Games events. An empirical study was done to see if the respondents agree on the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre, identified by the literature study and if they agree that sports tourism within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole will benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The conclusion of the empirical study is that the respondents’ view correlate with the information found during the literature study regarding the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre listed as follows: - The minimum number of heated pools are two consisting of a fifty metre ten lane pool and a twenty five metre ten lane pool; - A food mall that consists of a restaurant, fast food stalls and a food store; - Medical facilities, conference facilities, gymnasium and other leisure facilities must also be available; - Accommodation facilities must be available and consists of two and three bedroom fully serviced apartments; - The Indoor Aquatic centre must be able to have seating for 2000 people and parking for 1000 vehicles. The study has addressed the main problem and the sub problems, but further research needs to be conducted regarding the funding of the Indoor Aquatic Centre as this issue was not successfully addressed. More information is needed regarding the different ways of funding and who the stakeholders should be in this process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The use of Landsat ETM imagery as a suitable data capture source for alien acacia species for the WFW programme
- Authors: Cobbing, Benedict Louis
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Global Positioning System , Landsat satellites , Agriculture -- Remote sensing , Geography -- Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005532 , Geographic information systems , Global Positioning System , Landsat satellites , Agriculture -- Remote sensing , Geography -- Remote sensing
- Description: Geographic Information System technology today allows for the rapid analysis of vast amounts of spatial and non-spatial data. The power of a GIS can only be effected with the rapid collection of accurate input data. This is particularly true in the case of the South African National Working for Water (WFW) Programme where large volumes of spatial data on alien vegetation infestations are captured throughout the country. Alien vegetation clearing contracts cannot be generated, for WFW, without this data, so that the accurate capture of such data is crucial to the success of the programme. Mapping Invasive Alien Plant (IAP) data within WFW is a perennial problem (Coetzee, pers com, 2002), because not enough mapping is being done to meet the annual requirements of the programme in the various provinces. This is re-iterated by Richardson, 2004, who states that there is a shortage of accurate data on IAP abundance in South Africa. Therefore there is a need to investigate alternate methods of data capture; such as remote sensing, whilst working within the existing WFW data capture standards. The aim of this research was to investigate the use of Landsat ETM imagery as a data capture source for mapping alien vegetation for the WFW Programme in terms of their approved mapping methods, for both automated and manual classification techniques. The automated and manual classification results were compared to control data captured by differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS). The research tested the various methods of data capture using Landsat ETM images over a range of study sites of varying complexity: a simple grassland area, a medium complexity grassy fynbos site and a complicated indigenous forest site. An important component of the research was to develop a mapping (classification) Ranking System based upon variables identified by WFW as fundamental in data capture decision making: spatial and positional accuracy, time constraints and cost constraints for three typical alien invaded areas. The mapping Ranking System compared the results of the various mapping methods for each factor for the study sites against each other. This provided an indication of which mapping method is the most efficient or suitable for a particular area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Cobbing, Benedict Louis
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Global Positioning System , Landsat satellites , Agriculture -- Remote sensing , Geography -- Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005532 , Geographic information systems , Global Positioning System , Landsat satellites , Agriculture -- Remote sensing , Geography -- Remote sensing
- Description: Geographic Information System technology today allows for the rapid analysis of vast amounts of spatial and non-spatial data. The power of a GIS can only be effected with the rapid collection of accurate input data. This is particularly true in the case of the South African National Working for Water (WFW) Programme where large volumes of spatial data on alien vegetation infestations are captured throughout the country. Alien vegetation clearing contracts cannot be generated, for WFW, without this data, so that the accurate capture of such data is crucial to the success of the programme. Mapping Invasive Alien Plant (IAP) data within WFW is a perennial problem (Coetzee, pers com, 2002), because not enough mapping is being done to meet the annual requirements of the programme in the various provinces. This is re-iterated by Richardson, 2004, who states that there is a shortage of accurate data on IAP abundance in South Africa. Therefore there is a need to investigate alternate methods of data capture; such as remote sensing, whilst working within the existing WFW data capture standards. The aim of this research was to investigate the use of Landsat ETM imagery as a data capture source for mapping alien vegetation for the WFW Programme in terms of their approved mapping methods, for both automated and manual classification techniques. The automated and manual classification results were compared to control data captured by differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS). The research tested the various methods of data capture using Landsat ETM images over a range of study sites of varying complexity: a simple grassland area, a medium complexity grassy fynbos site and a complicated indigenous forest site. An important component of the research was to develop a mapping (classification) Ranking System based upon variables identified by WFW as fundamental in data capture decision making: spatial and positional accuracy, time constraints and cost constraints for three typical alien invaded areas. The mapping Ranking System compared the results of the various mapping methods for each factor for the study sites against each other. This provided an indication of which mapping method is the most efficient or suitable for a particular area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Normative value systems as portrayed by V.N.M. Swaartbooi and V. Magadla
- Zideba-Thomas, Cynthia Daniswa
- Authors: Zideba-Thomas, Cynthia Daniswa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Social life and customs -- 20th century , Language and culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/650 , Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Social life and customs -- 20th century , Language and culture -- South Africa
- Description: This study will focus on norms and value systems as portrayed by two female Xhosa writers. The aim of this study is to show how normative value systems are represented by two female Xhosa female writers. It also aims to show the effects of these systems on women. The method of research will be based on survey of Xhosa literature focusing on the following two books, Inzol ‘enkundleni, by V. Magadla and UMandisa by V.N.M. Swaartbooi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Zideba-Thomas, Cynthia Daniswa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Social life and customs -- 20th century , Language and culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/650 , Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Social life and customs -- 20th century , Language and culture -- South Africa
- Description: This study will focus on norms and value systems as portrayed by two female Xhosa writers. The aim of this study is to show how normative value systems are represented by two female Xhosa female writers. It also aims to show the effects of these systems on women. The method of research will be based on survey of Xhosa literature focusing on the following two books, Inzol ‘enkundleni, by V. Magadla and UMandisa by V.N.M. Swaartbooi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Comparative electrooxidation of nitrite by electrodeposited Co (II), Fe (II) and Mn (III) tetrakis (benzylmercapto) and tetrakis (dodecylmercapto) phthalocyanines on gold electrodes
- Agboola, Bolade, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Agboola, Bolade , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281212 , vital:55702 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2007.01.031"
- Description: This work reports on the electrooxidation of nitrite using Co(II), Fe(II) and Mn(III) tetrakis (benzylmercapto) and tetrakis (dodecylmercapto) phthalocyanines electrodeposited onto a gold electrode. Good catalytic activity (in terms of lowering overpotential) was obtained for these molecules when compared to previously reported MPc catalysts. The catalytic current was found to vary linearly with nitrite concentration in the range employed in this work (0.1–1 mM) and high sensitivities ranging from 6.9 to 9.9 μA mM−1 were observed for all the modified electrodes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Agboola, Bolade , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281212 , vital:55702 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2007.01.031"
- Description: This work reports on the electrooxidation of nitrite using Co(II), Fe(II) and Mn(III) tetrakis (benzylmercapto) and tetrakis (dodecylmercapto) phthalocyanines electrodeposited onto a gold electrode. Good catalytic activity (in terms of lowering overpotential) was obtained for these molecules when compared to previously reported MPc catalysts. The catalytic current was found to vary linearly with nitrite concentration in the range employed in this work (0.1–1 mM) and high sensitivities ranging from 6.9 to 9.9 μA mM−1 were observed for all the modified electrodes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The constitutional right to food in South Africa
- Authors: Holness, David Roy
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Right to food , Human rights -- South Africa , Nutrition policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/844 , Right to food , Human rights -- South Africa , Nutrition policy -- South Africa
- Description: This dissertation is a study of the ambit of the right to food as it is contained in the South African Bill of Rights and the steps needed to realise the right. Existing and potential food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition provide the social context for this research. The rationale for conducting the research is primarily two-fold. Firstly, the access to sufficient food is an indispensable right for everyone living in this country. Secondly, the right to food in South Africa has not been subject to extensive academic study to date. Socio-economic rights are fully justiciable rights in this country, equally worthy of protection as civil and political rights. Furthermore, socio-economic rights (like the right to food) are interdependent with civil and political rights: neither category can meaningful exist without realisation of the other. The right to sufficient food is found in section 27(1)(b) of the South African Constitution. Children have the additional right to basic nutrition in terms of section 28(1)(c). The right to sufficient food is subject to the internal limitation of section 27(2) that the state must take reasonable measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right. Furthermore, as with all rights in the Bill of Rights, both these rights are subject to the general limitations clause found in section 36. There is international law authority in various human rights instruments for the protection of the right to food and what the right entails. In accordance with section 39 of the Constitution, such international law must be considered when interpreting the right to food. It is argued that a generous and broad interpretation of food rights in the Constitution is called for. Existing legislation, state policies and programmes are analysed in order to gauge whether the state is adequately meeting its right to food obligations. Furthermore, the state’s food programmes must meet the just administrative action requirements of lawfulness, reasonableness and procedural fairness of section 33 of the Constitution and comply with the Promotion of Just Administrative Justice Act. The dissertation analyses the disparate and unco-ordinated food and law policies in existence, albeit that the National Food Security Draft Bill offers the hope of some improvement. Particular inadequacies highlighted in the state’s response to the country’s food challenges are a lack of any feeding schemes in high schools and insufficient food provision in emergency situations. Social assistance grants available in terms of the Social Assistance Act are considered due to their potential to make food available to grant recipients. On the one hand there is shown to be a lack of social assistance for unemployed people who do not qualify for any form of social grant. On the other hand, whilst presently underutilised and not always properly administered, social relief of distress grants are shown to have the potential to improve access to sufficient food for limited periods of time. Other suggested means of improving access to sufficient food are income generation strategies, the introduction of a basic income grant and the creation of food framework legislation. When people are denied their food rights, this research calls for creative judicial remedies as well as effective enforcement of such court orders. However, it is argued that education on what the right to food entails is a precondition for people to seek legal recourse to protect their right to food. Due to a lack of case authority on food itself, guidance is sought from the findings of South Africa’s Constitutional Court in analogous socio-economic rights challenges. Through this analysis this dissertation considers the way forward, either in terms of direct court action or via improved access to other rights which will improve food access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Holness, David Roy
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Right to food , Human rights -- South Africa , Nutrition policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/844 , Right to food , Human rights -- South Africa , Nutrition policy -- South Africa
- Description: This dissertation is a study of the ambit of the right to food as it is contained in the South African Bill of Rights and the steps needed to realise the right. Existing and potential food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition provide the social context for this research. The rationale for conducting the research is primarily two-fold. Firstly, the access to sufficient food is an indispensable right for everyone living in this country. Secondly, the right to food in South Africa has not been subject to extensive academic study to date. Socio-economic rights are fully justiciable rights in this country, equally worthy of protection as civil and political rights. Furthermore, socio-economic rights (like the right to food) are interdependent with civil and political rights: neither category can meaningful exist without realisation of the other. The right to sufficient food is found in section 27(1)(b) of the South African Constitution. Children have the additional right to basic nutrition in terms of section 28(1)(c). The right to sufficient food is subject to the internal limitation of section 27(2) that the state must take reasonable measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right. Furthermore, as with all rights in the Bill of Rights, both these rights are subject to the general limitations clause found in section 36. There is international law authority in various human rights instruments for the protection of the right to food and what the right entails. In accordance with section 39 of the Constitution, such international law must be considered when interpreting the right to food. It is argued that a generous and broad interpretation of food rights in the Constitution is called for. Existing legislation, state policies and programmes are analysed in order to gauge whether the state is adequately meeting its right to food obligations. Furthermore, the state’s food programmes must meet the just administrative action requirements of lawfulness, reasonableness and procedural fairness of section 33 of the Constitution and comply with the Promotion of Just Administrative Justice Act. The dissertation analyses the disparate and unco-ordinated food and law policies in existence, albeit that the National Food Security Draft Bill offers the hope of some improvement. Particular inadequacies highlighted in the state’s response to the country’s food challenges are a lack of any feeding schemes in high schools and insufficient food provision in emergency situations. Social assistance grants available in terms of the Social Assistance Act are considered due to their potential to make food available to grant recipients. On the one hand there is shown to be a lack of social assistance for unemployed people who do not qualify for any form of social grant. On the other hand, whilst presently underutilised and not always properly administered, social relief of distress grants are shown to have the potential to improve access to sufficient food for limited periods of time. Other suggested means of improving access to sufficient food are income generation strategies, the introduction of a basic income grant and the creation of food framework legislation. When people are denied their food rights, this research calls for creative judicial remedies as well as effective enforcement of such court orders. However, it is argued that education on what the right to food entails is a precondition for people to seek legal recourse to protect their right to food. Due to a lack of case authority on food itself, guidance is sought from the findings of South Africa’s Constitutional Court in analogous socio-economic rights challenges. Through this analysis this dissertation considers the way forward, either in terms of direct court action or via improved access to other rights which will improve food access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007