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Peri-urban agriculture and population growth : the case of Asmara, Eritrea
- Authors: Fessahaie, Tesfamichael
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Eritrea -- Asmara , Cities and towns -- Eritrea -- Asmara -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d109790
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to provide a differentiated view of peri-urban agriculture in the context of urban population growth in Asmara, Eritrea. Peri-urban agriculture is viewed as a distinct type of broader urban agriculture, and in this case is not as subsistence-orientated as other branches of it. Urban population growth is comprised of three elements, namely, natural population increase, rural-urban migration and outward movement of people to the urban periphery linked to urban expansion. Each receives extensive treatment. Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea and using Weeks (2004:473) phrase can be termed as a “primate city”. As such, it exerts a major influence on the political, economic and cultural life of the country, but has never been subjected to this type of research. The analytical framework that is adopted is that of urban population growth. In order to operationalize it, theoretical insights into each of its three branches were applied. For example, the informalisation of the economy in developing cities was used to explain the operation of peri-urban agriculture in the context of natural population growth. An adaption of the original Harris-Todaro Model by Fields (2004) was used for the migrants, and the Mosaic Model by Bryant and Johnson (1992) for those facing urban encroachment. Primary data were collected in the field by the author with the help of research assistants. This was supplemented by secondary data which involved reports commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works. Focus Group discussions were also held to supplement the data with information, views and insights that do not emerge in one-to-one interviews. This thesis demonstrates that those respondents operating within the context of natural population growth make a viable living from peri-urban agriculture, but that they also recognise that there are considerable challenges to be faced. Three sub-groups of farmers are identified. Of these, poultry farmers are the most vulnerable because of the high costs of the inputs, the uncertainty associated with avian „flu and an undeveloped distribution network. The vegetable producers, on the other hand, have a sophisticated marketing network, but low levels of education, high household numbers and an impending shortage of land and water. The agriculturalists that have migrated to Asmara seem to have created sustainable occupations for themselves over a number of years. However, 75 percent of them felt that migration to Asmara was not worthwhile. This negative view is explained in terms of the struggle it has taken to maintain such a living and the growing shortage of land. This set of farmers achieves lower production levels than its city-reared counterparts, carries considerable expenses and has to hire its land. The farmers who have had to cope with urban encroachment fall into two classes. The first has chosen to remain in peri-urban agriculture despite feeling the pressure to scale down activities and thus have a lower income. The majority of this group are dairy farmers who have to trade off increasing costs of cattle feed against shrinking grazing land. They are unwilling to take the initiative to solve their land problems, but look to the authorities to do so. The second class of respondents in this category have abandoned their agricultural holdings. The majority of these agriculturalists are poultry farmers living in the Eastern side of the city. A shortage of agricultural land, high population densities and high costs of inputs make poultry farming difficult. This thesis, therefore, presents a multifaceted view of peri-urban agriculture. While each set of farmers has to cope with its own particular circumstances, there is a common factor. This is the tension between preserving agricultural land on the urban fringe and the need to expand the city to accommodate its inhabitants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fessahaie, Tesfamichael
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Eritrea -- Asmara , Cities and towns -- Eritrea -- Asmara -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d109790
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to provide a differentiated view of peri-urban agriculture in the context of urban population growth in Asmara, Eritrea. Peri-urban agriculture is viewed as a distinct type of broader urban agriculture, and in this case is not as subsistence-orientated as other branches of it. Urban population growth is comprised of three elements, namely, natural population increase, rural-urban migration and outward movement of people to the urban periphery linked to urban expansion. Each receives extensive treatment. Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea and using Weeks (2004:473) phrase can be termed as a “primate city”. As such, it exerts a major influence on the political, economic and cultural life of the country, but has never been subjected to this type of research. The analytical framework that is adopted is that of urban population growth. In order to operationalize it, theoretical insights into each of its three branches were applied. For example, the informalisation of the economy in developing cities was used to explain the operation of peri-urban agriculture in the context of natural population growth. An adaption of the original Harris-Todaro Model by Fields (2004) was used for the migrants, and the Mosaic Model by Bryant and Johnson (1992) for those facing urban encroachment. Primary data were collected in the field by the author with the help of research assistants. This was supplemented by secondary data which involved reports commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works. Focus Group discussions were also held to supplement the data with information, views and insights that do not emerge in one-to-one interviews. This thesis demonstrates that those respondents operating within the context of natural population growth make a viable living from peri-urban agriculture, but that they also recognise that there are considerable challenges to be faced. Three sub-groups of farmers are identified. Of these, poultry farmers are the most vulnerable because of the high costs of the inputs, the uncertainty associated with avian „flu and an undeveloped distribution network. The vegetable producers, on the other hand, have a sophisticated marketing network, but low levels of education, high household numbers and an impending shortage of land and water. The agriculturalists that have migrated to Asmara seem to have created sustainable occupations for themselves over a number of years. However, 75 percent of them felt that migration to Asmara was not worthwhile. This negative view is explained in terms of the struggle it has taken to maintain such a living and the growing shortage of land. This set of farmers achieves lower production levels than its city-reared counterparts, carries considerable expenses and has to hire its land. The farmers who have had to cope with urban encroachment fall into two classes. The first has chosen to remain in peri-urban agriculture despite feeling the pressure to scale down activities and thus have a lower income. The majority of this group are dairy farmers who have to trade off increasing costs of cattle feed against shrinking grazing land. They are unwilling to take the initiative to solve their land problems, but look to the authorities to do so. The second class of respondents in this category have abandoned their agricultural holdings. The majority of these agriculturalists are poultry farmers living in the Eastern side of the city. A shortage of agricultural land, high population densities and high costs of inputs make poultry farming difficult. This thesis, therefore, presents a multifaceted view of peri-urban agriculture. While each set of farmers has to cope with its own particular circumstances, there is a common factor. This is the tension between preserving agricultural land on the urban fringe and the need to expand the city to accommodate its inhabitants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An evaluation of a poverty alleviation programme : a case study of Ndakana village, district of Nqamakwe
- Authors: Mavuso, Fezile Theophilus
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8287 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018560
- Description: The study sought to evaluate the extent to which poverty alleviation programmes of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) addressed the agricultural needs of the Ndakana community. The emphasis had been on the effectiveness with which these programmes were implemented. Ndakana Village is situated in the Nqamakwe District. The village consists of Hili-hili, Mathafeni, Ncora and Diphini locations which are approximately twenty kilometres from the rural town of Nqamakwe in Amathole District. In the Eastern Cape, several poverty alleviation programmes are implemented which should, inter alia, alleviate the phenomenon of poverty in the rural areas. Despite these programmes it, however, appears that there is very little, if any, improvement in the poverty situation. Against this background it is essential that the progress in the alleviation of poverty be evaluated and if necessary, steps be taken to ensure that the envisaged objectives be achieved. On the importance of evaluating the program, Monette et al. (2011:5) write that in the past few decades, many large, ambitious expensive programmes intended to cope with social problems and to provide services to individuals have been developed. Along with the growth of these programs has emerged an increasing concern over their results: Do they achieve their intended goals? These programs are costly, and some evaluation is needed to assess whether resources are, indeed, being used effectively. Equally important, a program that fails to achieve its goals leave a problem unresolved or a service undelivered. Monette et al. (2011:6) further regard evaluation as a use of scientific research techniques to assess the result of a program and evaluate whether the program, as currently designed, achieve its stated goals In accordance with the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) (1994:20), a national land reform programme is the central driving force of rural development. Such a programme aims to effectively address the injustices of the forced removals and the historical denial of access to land. The RDP aims to ensure security of tenure for rural dwellers in implementing the national land reform programme, and through the provision of support services, the South African government intends to build the economy by generating large-scale employment, increasing rural income and endeavours to eliminate overcrowding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mavuso, Fezile Theophilus
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8287 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018560
- Description: The study sought to evaluate the extent to which poverty alleviation programmes of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) addressed the agricultural needs of the Ndakana community. The emphasis had been on the effectiveness with which these programmes were implemented. Ndakana Village is situated in the Nqamakwe District. The village consists of Hili-hili, Mathafeni, Ncora and Diphini locations which are approximately twenty kilometres from the rural town of Nqamakwe in Amathole District. In the Eastern Cape, several poverty alleviation programmes are implemented which should, inter alia, alleviate the phenomenon of poverty in the rural areas. Despite these programmes it, however, appears that there is very little, if any, improvement in the poverty situation. Against this background it is essential that the progress in the alleviation of poverty be evaluated and if necessary, steps be taken to ensure that the envisaged objectives be achieved. On the importance of evaluating the program, Monette et al. (2011:5) write that in the past few decades, many large, ambitious expensive programmes intended to cope with social problems and to provide services to individuals have been developed. Along with the growth of these programs has emerged an increasing concern over their results: Do they achieve their intended goals? These programs are costly, and some evaluation is needed to assess whether resources are, indeed, being used effectively. Equally important, a program that fails to achieve its goals leave a problem unresolved or a service undelivered. Monette et al. (2011:6) further regard evaluation as a use of scientific research techniques to assess the result of a program and evaluate whether the program, as currently designed, achieve its stated goals In accordance with the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) (1994:20), a national land reform programme is the central driving force of rural development. Such a programme aims to effectively address the injustices of the forced removals and the historical denial of access to land. The RDP aims to ensure security of tenure for rural dwellers in implementing the national land reform programme, and through the provision of support services, the South African government intends to build the economy by generating large-scale employment, increasing rural income and endeavours to eliminate overcrowding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Perceptions of rural consumers and the quality of mutton at purchase points in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Rani, Zikhona Theodora
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality , Mutton -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Quality of products , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007562 , Meat -- Quality , Mutton -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Quality of products , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine perceptions of rural consumers on mutton quality, and the quality of mutton at purchase points in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study was conducted in five different municipalities (Buffalo City, Nkonkobe, Ngqushwa, Lukhanje and Amahlathi). A survey was conducted where a sample of 215 consumers were randomly selected and interviewed, either at point of purchase or as they left the shops. The survey was not limited to the shoppers only but also extended to households from the villages. Questions on some of the most important meat quality cues were compiled. The physico-chemical quality of mutton purchased from different shops was also determined. Forty different shops and butcheries selling mutton from all the selected municipalities were visited. Different parts of mutton samples were bought. Physico-chemical qualities of mutton such as colour (L* - lightness, b* - redness and a* - yellowness) and meat pH measurements were taken at points of purchase. Cooking loss and tenderness evaluations were later done at the Meat Science laboratory at the University of Fort Hare. The results indicated that price was one of the major factors affecting the purchasing decisions of consumers. Thirty four percent of the consumers preferred mutton as compared to other protein sources, even though they were not buying this type of meat because it was not affordable to them. Both male and female consumers suggested that more sheep farmers need to be established in order to reduce the levels of imported mutton into South Africa. They also highlighted that selection programmes that will result in efficient sheep production and reduced mutton prices need to be implemented. Meat at points of purchase was affected by season resulting in lower lightness (L*24.7±0.49) values in winter and higher (L* 32.2±0.49) in Spring. The class of shop did not have an effect on meat quality attributes. Trotter had high values of lightness (L*30.4±2.78a), redness (a*30.4±2.78a), yellowness (13.1±1.08a), pH (6.3±0.12a), tenderness (24.9±3.69b) and cooking loss (39.5±4.38ab). The number of days from when the meat was put on the shelves to the time when it was purchased for consumption (days to purchase) had a significant (P<0.05) negative correlation with the Warner Braztler Shear Force (WBSF)values and lightness of the meat. Significant negative (P < 0.05) correlations between pH and colour of the meat (L*, a* and b*) were also observed. It was concluded that rural consumers perceive the quality of mutton as the best and that the physico-chemical quality of meat purchased from different shops was different, largely based on the part of meat, meat storage conditions and not necessarily on the class of the shop.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rani, Zikhona Theodora
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality , Mutton -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Quality of products , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007562 , Meat -- Quality , Mutton -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Quality of products , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine perceptions of rural consumers on mutton quality, and the quality of mutton at purchase points in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study was conducted in five different municipalities (Buffalo City, Nkonkobe, Ngqushwa, Lukhanje and Amahlathi). A survey was conducted where a sample of 215 consumers were randomly selected and interviewed, either at point of purchase or as they left the shops. The survey was not limited to the shoppers only but also extended to households from the villages. Questions on some of the most important meat quality cues were compiled. The physico-chemical quality of mutton purchased from different shops was also determined. Forty different shops and butcheries selling mutton from all the selected municipalities were visited. Different parts of mutton samples were bought. Physico-chemical qualities of mutton such as colour (L* - lightness, b* - redness and a* - yellowness) and meat pH measurements were taken at points of purchase. Cooking loss and tenderness evaluations were later done at the Meat Science laboratory at the University of Fort Hare. The results indicated that price was one of the major factors affecting the purchasing decisions of consumers. Thirty four percent of the consumers preferred mutton as compared to other protein sources, even though they were not buying this type of meat because it was not affordable to them. Both male and female consumers suggested that more sheep farmers need to be established in order to reduce the levels of imported mutton into South Africa. They also highlighted that selection programmes that will result in efficient sheep production and reduced mutton prices need to be implemented. Meat at points of purchase was affected by season resulting in lower lightness (L*24.7±0.49) values in winter and higher (L* 32.2±0.49) in Spring. The class of shop did not have an effect on meat quality attributes. Trotter had high values of lightness (L*30.4±2.78a), redness (a*30.4±2.78a), yellowness (13.1±1.08a), pH (6.3±0.12a), tenderness (24.9±3.69b) and cooking loss (39.5±4.38ab). The number of days from when the meat was put on the shelves to the time when it was purchased for consumption (days to purchase) had a significant (P<0.05) negative correlation with the Warner Braztler Shear Force (WBSF)values and lightness of the meat. Significant negative (P < 0.05) correlations between pH and colour of the meat (L*, a* and b*) were also observed. It was concluded that rural consumers perceive the quality of mutton as the best and that the physico-chemical quality of meat purchased from different shops was different, largely based on the part of meat, meat storage conditions and not necessarily on the class of the shop.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Examining the knowledge and practices of selected Namibian accounting teachers about learner-centred methods of teaching
- Kavari, Jackson-Hain Jakavaza Katjiuanjo
- Authors: Kavari, Jackson-Hain Jakavaza Katjiuanjo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Student-centered learning -- Namibia , Accounting -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Accounting students -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009428 , Student-centered learning -- Namibia , Accounting -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Accounting students -- Namibia
- Description: Learner-centred education has been in force in all schools in the Republic of Namibia since 1996. Progress towards adoption of learner-centred methods of teaching by teachers has been slow. The main purpose of this study is to examine how teachers understand the principles of learner-centred education in selected Secondary Schools in Omaheke Education Region. The secondary purpose of this study is to determine how teachers could be helped to improve the implementation of learner-centred education (LCE). The study used a qualitative approach. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample of Grade 10 accounting teachers in a specific region in Namibia by means of interviews, classroom observations and a qualitative questionnaire. Data were analysed thematically. The results indicated that, although the teachers had a positive attitude towards learner-centred education, they did not have the skills to adapt their teaching in an appropriate way to cope with the learner‟s lack of English literacy. The teachers possessed basic knowledge of learner-centred education practices, but found it very difficult to implement them in resource-poor environments. In addition, factors that hindered the effective implementation of learner-centred education in the classroom were identified. The study suggests ways to improve the knowledge and practices of teachers with regard to learner-centred teaching practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kavari, Jackson-Hain Jakavaza Katjiuanjo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Student-centered learning -- Namibia , Accounting -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Accounting students -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009428 , Student-centered learning -- Namibia , Accounting -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Accounting students -- Namibia
- Description: Learner-centred education has been in force in all schools in the Republic of Namibia since 1996. Progress towards adoption of learner-centred methods of teaching by teachers has been slow. The main purpose of this study is to examine how teachers understand the principles of learner-centred education in selected Secondary Schools in Omaheke Education Region. The secondary purpose of this study is to determine how teachers could be helped to improve the implementation of learner-centred education (LCE). The study used a qualitative approach. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample of Grade 10 accounting teachers in a specific region in Namibia by means of interviews, classroom observations and a qualitative questionnaire. Data were analysed thematically. The results indicated that, although the teachers had a positive attitude towards learner-centred education, they did not have the skills to adapt their teaching in an appropriate way to cope with the learner‟s lack of English literacy. The teachers possessed basic knowledge of learner-centred education practices, but found it very difficult to implement them in resource-poor environments. In addition, factors that hindered the effective implementation of learner-centred education in the classroom were identified. The study suggests ways to improve the knowledge and practices of teachers with regard to learner-centred teaching practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Ruth First in Mozambique: portrait of a scholar
- Authors: Tebello, Letsekha
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: First, Ruth, 1925-1982 Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Women political activists -- South Africa Journalists -- South Africa Anti-apartheid movements -- South Africa Government, Resistance to -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003108
- Description: Ruth First was an activist, journalist and sociologist trained by experience and credentialed by her numerous publications. Having lived most of her adult life as an intellectual and activist, First died in August 1982 at the hands of a regime and its supporters who intensely detested all these pursuits. This research project sketches the intellectual contributions made by the South African sociologist during her time at the Centre of African Studies at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Her life like the newspaper she edited in the early 1970s was a Fighting Talk and this research project is about celebrating that life and valorising some of the life’s work that she left behind. Making use of qualitative research methods such as archiving, semi-structured interviews and contents analysis, this thesis sought to document Ruth First’s intellectual interventions while at the Centre of African Studies. Engaging with her work while she was in Mozambique and inserting her intellectual contributions, which like those of many African scholars have given way to debates from the global North, into our curriculum would perhaps be the real refutation of the assassin's bomb. This engagement is also crucial as it extends much further than the striking accolades which take the form of buildings and lectures established in her honour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tebello, Letsekha
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: First, Ruth, 1925-1982 Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Women political activists -- South Africa Journalists -- South Africa Anti-apartheid movements -- South Africa Government, Resistance to -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003108
- Description: Ruth First was an activist, journalist and sociologist trained by experience and credentialed by her numerous publications. Having lived most of her adult life as an intellectual and activist, First died in August 1982 at the hands of a regime and its supporters who intensely detested all these pursuits. This research project sketches the intellectual contributions made by the South African sociologist during her time at the Centre of African Studies at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Her life like the newspaper she edited in the early 1970s was a Fighting Talk and this research project is about celebrating that life and valorising some of the life’s work that she left behind. Making use of qualitative research methods such as archiving, semi-structured interviews and contents analysis, this thesis sought to document Ruth First’s intellectual interventions while at the Centre of African Studies. Engaging with her work while she was in Mozambique and inserting her intellectual contributions, which like those of many African scholars have given way to debates from the global North, into our curriculum would perhaps be the real refutation of the assassin's bomb. This engagement is also crucial as it extends much further than the striking accolades which take the form of buildings and lectures established in her honour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the management implications of double-shift schooling in the Khomas Region in Namibia
- Authors: Katjaita, Maria Uendjiundja
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Double shifts (Public schools) School management and organization -- Namibia Education, Elementary -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003491
- Description: This study seeks to help fill the gap that exists in our knowledge of double‐shift schooling. The goal of this study is to critically investigate the experiences and perceptions of headmasters who are managing and leading double‐shift schools. The focus is on how double‐shift schooling is perceived as a management phenomenon by the principals of two schools in Namibia. This research is a case study of two schools, working in the interpretive paradigm. I used semistructured interviews and focus groups to explore participants’ perceptions of the management of double‐shift schooling. Findings suggest that managing double‐shift schools is more complex than managing single shift schools. For example, decision‐making in the double‐shift system is more complex due to the delay in decision‐making that is caused by the two separate sessions. The division of the school day into two sessions also results in less teaching time for the implementation of the official curriculum. This furthermore impacts negatively on the teacherlearner interaction time. These challenges are also experienced in all the other management tasks such as facilities, communication, planning, control and monitoring, human resource management as well as resource management and allocation. The findings of the study will hopefully inform policy‐makers in general but more specifically in Namibia so that they are in a better position when considering the educational and social factors when choosing double‐shift schools as an alternative intervention. The study may assist leaders in double‐shift schools to work against the negativity that surrounds double‐shift schooling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Katjaita, Maria Uendjiundja
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Double shifts (Public schools) School management and organization -- Namibia Education, Elementary -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003491
- Description: This study seeks to help fill the gap that exists in our knowledge of double‐shift schooling. The goal of this study is to critically investigate the experiences and perceptions of headmasters who are managing and leading double‐shift schools. The focus is on how double‐shift schooling is perceived as a management phenomenon by the principals of two schools in Namibia. This research is a case study of two schools, working in the interpretive paradigm. I used semistructured interviews and focus groups to explore participants’ perceptions of the management of double‐shift schooling. Findings suggest that managing double‐shift schools is more complex than managing single shift schools. For example, decision‐making in the double‐shift system is more complex due to the delay in decision‐making that is caused by the two separate sessions. The division of the school day into two sessions also results in less teaching time for the implementation of the official curriculum. This furthermore impacts negatively on the teacherlearner interaction time. These challenges are also experienced in all the other management tasks such as facilities, communication, planning, control and monitoring, human resource management as well as resource management and allocation. The findings of the study will hopefully inform policy‐makers in general but more specifically in Namibia so that they are in a better position when considering the educational and social factors when choosing double‐shift schools as an alternative intervention. The study may assist leaders in double‐shift schools to work against the negativity that surrounds double‐shift schooling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Conveniencing the family in agri-based processing enterprise : a grounded theory study of strategic leaders' cultural assumptions and strategising activities
- Authors: Kanyangale, Macdonald Isaac
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- Malawi -- Management Agriculture -- Malawi -- Business management Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Malawi Grounded theory -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002798
- Description: As leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strategic leaders are responsible for strategising, the approach to which is influenced by their cultural paradigm. The effects of this strategising are manifested in the day-to-day activities of these leaders. This study aims to build an understanding of the shared cultural assumptions of strategic leaders in agri-based processing SMEs and how these assumptions affect the strategising activities that are adopted when addressing critical incidents related to the internal integration and external adaptation of the SME. Using Strauss and Corbin‟s (1990) grounded theory method, this study develops a theory titled Conveniencing the Family in Business, which is induced from critical incidents. A sample of critical incidents was gathered from 44 qualitative interviews conducted with strategic leaders of various agri-based processing SMEs operating in Malawi. This study found that strategic leaders display persistent and stable pragmatic business survival mind sets, but dynamic cultural assumptions about relationships with organisation members. The cultural influence of these assumptions is manifested in two distinctive and alternative processes making up the theory of conveniencing the family in business. These are the humanising and commodifying of relationships with organisation members, and they are evident in hostile and friendly business environments, respectively. Humanising of relationships with all members of the organisation builds and capitalises on inclusive, organisation-wide social capital that secures the future of the business. On the other hand, commodifying of relationships with non-family organisation members weakens collective support, which becomes mainly dependent on family and friendship ties. Thus, commodifying of relationships serves to perpetuate the close integration of business activity and family requirements to ultimately convenience the family in business, and represents the desired modus operandi of strategic leaders. As strategic leaders of SMEs have not yet conceptualised this, providing them with the conceptual theory developed here may be helpful towards a consistent re-orientation of the internal organisational support in a way that does not exclude but rather harnesses the wider solidarity of organisation members. The process explained by this theory is iterative, dynamic and distinguishes patterns of relationships amongst organisation members, which either enhances or compromises their collective support for the leaders and the enterprise. This by implication affects the performance of the enterprise. The results of this study are discussed from the perspective of social exchange and social capital theory, thereby contributing to the understanding of the strategising activities of strategic leaders, as well as the processes of building or destroying social capital in this type of enterprise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kanyangale, Macdonald Isaac
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- Malawi -- Management Agriculture -- Malawi -- Business management Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Malawi Grounded theory -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002798
- Description: As leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strategic leaders are responsible for strategising, the approach to which is influenced by their cultural paradigm. The effects of this strategising are manifested in the day-to-day activities of these leaders. This study aims to build an understanding of the shared cultural assumptions of strategic leaders in agri-based processing SMEs and how these assumptions affect the strategising activities that are adopted when addressing critical incidents related to the internal integration and external adaptation of the SME. Using Strauss and Corbin‟s (1990) grounded theory method, this study develops a theory titled Conveniencing the Family in Business, which is induced from critical incidents. A sample of critical incidents was gathered from 44 qualitative interviews conducted with strategic leaders of various agri-based processing SMEs operating in Malawi. This study found that strategic leaders display persistent and stable pragmatic business survival mind sets, but dynamic cultural assumptions about relationships with organisation members. The cultural influence of these assumptions is manifested in two distinctive and alternative processes making up the theory of conveniencing the family in business. These are the humanising and commodifying of relationships with organisation members, and they are evident in hostile and friendly business environments, respectively. Humanising of relationships with all members of the organisation builds and capitalises on inclusive, organisation-wide social capital that secures the future of the business. On the other hand, commodifying of relationships with non-family organisation members weakens collective support, which becomes mainly dependent on family and friendship ties. Thus, commodifying of relationships serves to perpetuate the close integration of business activity and family requirements to ultimately convenience the family in business, and represents the desired modus operandi of strategic leaders. As strategic leaders of SMEs have not yet conceptualised this, providing them with the conceptual theory developed here may be helpful towards a consistent re-orientation of the internal organisational support in a way that does not exclude but rather harnesses the wider solidarity of organisation members. The process explained by this theory is iterative, dynamic and distinguishes patterns of relationships amongst organisation members, which either enhances or compromises their collective support for the leaders and the enterprise. This by implication affects the performance of the enterprise. The results of this study are discussed from the perspective of social exchange and social capital theory, thereby contributing to the understanding of the strategising activities of strategic leaders, as well as the processes of building or destroying social capital in this type of enterprise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The influence of project management service provision on role-players within the South African construction industry
- Authors: Hefer, Andre le Roux
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008295 , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Description: The legitimate existence of the Project Management Profession in the South African construction industry needs to relate to positive project influence on the industry roleplayers. This study assessed the perceived lack of recognition and acceptance of Project Management as a stand-alone profession relating to: · Appointments of Project Managers being questioned due to a perceived lack of influence and impact on project success. · Project Managers not being recognised as an integral part of the industry. · Project Management not being perceived as having a unique and defined function. Interviews were held with 23 industry role-players made up of clients, contractors and consultants. The interviews solicited input on the role-players’ perception and experience related to the influence of Project Management over the past 10 years, not only on a list of success criteria relative to their own role in the industry, but also their perception of the influence on the other defined role-player groups. Included in the interview questionnaire was also a range of general questions to refine the feedback and further test the hypotheses. The data were interpreted and analysed by comparing the feedback of the respondents as a combination and separately as groups. The results of the study indicate that: · Project Management could be seen as a legitimate part of the industry; · The industry role-players perceive Project Management as making an impact and having a growing influence on the industry; A specific but broad set of skills are required by Project Managers; · The Project Management function cannot be fulfilled by other consultants, but there are project related criteria which should be considered before making a final judgment. These criteria relate to project size and complexity; and · Project Management is currently perceived to be more related to a specific person’s skill than to a specific profession. The study’s aim was to influence and inform the views of industry role-players on the appointment of a Project Manager in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Hefer, Andre le Roux
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008295 , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa
- Description: The legitimate existence of the Project Management Profession in the South African construction industry needs to relate to positive project influence on the industry roleplayers. This study assessed the perceived lack of recognition and acceptance of Project Management as a stand-alone profession relating to: · Appointments of Project Managers being questioned due to a perceived lack of influence and impact on project success. · Project Managers not being recognised as an integral part of the industry. · Project Management not being perceived as having a unique and defined function. Interviews were held with 23 industry role-players made up of clients, contractors and consultants. The interviews solicited input on the role-players’ perception and experience related to the influence of Project Management over the past 10 years, not only on a list of success criteria relative to their own role in the industry, but also their perception of the influence on the other defined role-player groups. Included in the interview questionnaire was also a range of general questions to refine the feedback and further test the hypotheses. The data were interpreted and analysed by comparing the feedback of the respondents as a combination and separately as groups. The results of the study indicate that: · Project Management could be seen as a legitimate part of the industry; · The industry role-players perceive Project Management as making an impact and having a growing influence on the industry; A specific but broad set of skills are required by Project Managers; · The Project Management function cannot be fulfilled by other consultants, but there are project related criteria which should be considered before making a final judgment. These criteria relate to project size and complexity; and · Project Management is currently perceived to be more related to a specific person’s skill than to a specific profession. The study’s aim was to influence and inform the views of industry role-players on the appointment of a Project Manager in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating a positioning strategy for a car wash business in Port Elizabeth : a case study
- Authors: Naidoo-Kurup, Malanie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Car wash industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020148
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate positioning strategy for a car wash business in Port Elizabeth to promote its competitive advantage in the market place. To meet this aim the customers' perceptions of the business were examined. It has been widely acknowledged by researchers and development agencies that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the economic development of a nation. This is particularly significant for a developing nation such as South Africa to address its critical challenges of unemployment and poverty which impact on social stability. Research reveals that the failure rate of SMMEs in South Africa is an alarming 75 percent. In this context, the need to explore innovative strategies to support and sustain the SMME sector has become increasingly important. A detailed survey of relevant literature revealed that the attributes of a firm that relate to the quality of service, pricing, attitudes of staff, image of the firm etc. can be considered as important variables which customers use to differentiate a business from its competitors. It is suggested that the success of a firm largely depends on its ability to position itself in a competitive environment by focusing on attributes which customers value the most in relation to similar businesses. This case study was approached from a positivist paradigm and data from 61 customers of the car wash were collected. The quantitative data were statistically analysed to examine the attributes of the business which the respondents of the survey perceived as offering the most value to them when compared to other car washes in the area. These attributes were then used to develop a positioning map for the business. The results showed that the attribute of the business which was most valued by the respondents was the manual washing of vehicles. A positioning strategy for the car wash based on this finding is suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Naidoo-Kurup, Malanie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Car wash industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020148
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate positioning strategy for a car wash business in Port Elizabeth to promote its competitive advantage in the market place. To meet this aim the customers' perceptions of the business were examined. It has been widely acknowledged by researchers and development agencies that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the economic development of a nation. This is particularly significant for a developing nation such as South Africa to address its critical challenges of unemployment and poverty which impact on social stability. Research reveals that the failure rate of SMMEs in South Africa is an alarming 75 percent. In this context, the need to explore innovative strategies to support and sustain the SMME sector has become increasingly important. A detailed survey of relevant literature revealed that the attributes of a firm that relate to the quality of service, pricing, attitudes of staff, image of the firm etc. can be considered as important variables which customers use to differentiate a business from its competitors. It is suggested that the success of a firm largely depends on its ability to position itself in a competitive environment by focusing on attributes which customers value the most in relation to similar businesses. This case study was approached from a positivist paradigm and data from 61 customers of the car wash were collected. The quantitative data were statistically analysed to examine the attributes of the business which the respondents of the survey perceived as offering the most value to them when compared to other car washes in the area. These attributes were then used to develop a positioning map for the business. The results showed that the attribute of the business which was most valued by the respondents was the manual washing of vehicles. A positioning strategy for the car wash based on this finding is suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Productions of high quality wastewater final effluents remain a challenge in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Gusha, Siyabulela Stability
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water-supply, Rural -- Health aspects -- South Africa , Pathogenic microorganisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/489 , Water-supply, Rural -- Health aspects -- South Africa , Pathogenic microorganisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli
- Description: Water is an indispensible and yet a difficult resource to be renewed, thus water scarcity has become one of the major challenges faced worldwide, with the Southern regions of Africa being the most impacted and affected, especially the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa where rural communities depend on receiving waterbodies that are often negatively impacted by wastewater final effluents. This present study was conducted between August and December 2010 to assess the physicochemical and microbial qualities of the final effluents of peri-urban and rural communities based wastewater treatment plants in the Eastern Cape Province. The physicochemical parameters were determined on site and in the laboratory, while bacteriological qualities were determined using culture based techniques. The virological qualities were determined by molecular methods using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the target RNA virus and the conventional polymerase chain reaction for the target DNA virus. For both wastewater treatment plants, the physicochemical parameters ranged as follows: chemical oxygen demand (5.95-45 mg/L); total dissolved solids (114.5-187.0 mg/L); salinity (0.12-0.20 psu); temperature (14.2-25.7oC); pH (6.0-7.6); nitrate and nitrites (1.55-6.7 mg/L and 0.023-1.15 mg/L respectively); biological oxygen demand (3.5-7.8 mg/L); turbidity (1.49-6.98 NTU); and chlorine residual (0-2.97 mg/L). Feacal indicator bacteria counts ranged as follows: feacal coliforms (0-1.25×104 cfu/100 ml); total coliforms (0-3.95×104 cfu/100 ml); and enterococci (0-5.0×103 cfu/100 ml). xviii Seventy five percent of the rural community based plant and 80 percent of the peri-urban community based plant were positive for coxsackie A virus, while hepatitis A virus was detected in all the rural community based plant 80 percent of the peri-urban community based plant. This study suggests the need for intervention by appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure regular monitoring of the qualities of final effluents of wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape Province and ensure compliance to established guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gusha, Siyabulela Stability
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water-supply, Rural -- Health aspects -- South Africa , Pathogenic microorganisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/489 , Water-supply, Rural -- Health aspects -- South Africa , Pathogenic microorganisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli
- Description: Water is an indispensible and yet a difficult resource to be renewed, thus water scarcity has become one of the major challenges faced worldwide, with the Southern regions of Africa being the most impacted and affected, especially the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa where rural communities depend on receiving waterbodies that are often negatively impacted by wastewater final effluents. This present study was conducted between August and December 2010 to assess the physicochemical and microbial qualities of the final effluents of peri-urban and rural communities based wastewater treatment plants in the Eastern Cape Province. The physicochemical parameters were determined on site and in the laboratory, while bacteriological qualities were determined using culture based techniques. The virological qualities were determined by molecular methods using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the target RNA virus and the conventional polymerase chain reaction for the target DNA virus. For both wastewater treatment plants, the physicochemical parameters ranged as follows: chemical oxygen demand (5.95-45 mg/L); total dissolved solids (114.5-187.0 mg/L); salinity (0.12-0.20 psu); temperature (14.2-25.7oC); pH (6.0-7.6); nitrate and nitrites (1.55-6.7 mg/L and 0.023-1.15 mg/L respectively); biological oxygen demand (3.5-7.8 mg/L); turbidity (1.49-6.98 NTU); and chlorine residual (0-2.97 mg/L). Feacal indicator bacteria counts ranged as follows: feacal coliforms (0-1.25×104 cfu/100 ml); total coliforms (0-3.95×104 cfu/100 ml); and enterococci (0-5.0×103 cfu/100 ml). xviii Seventy five percent of the rural community based plant and 80 percent of the peri-urban community based plant were positive for coxsackie A virus, while hepatitis A virus was detected in all the rural community based plant 80 percent of the peri-urban community based plant. This study suggests the need for intervention by appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure regular monitoring of the qualities of final effluents of wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape Province and ensure compliance to established guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The narrative of vulnerability and deprivation in protection regimes for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa: an appraisal of the Kampala Convention
- Authors: Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/128448 , vital:36110 , https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/laacydev16amp;div=14amp;g_sent=1amp;casa_token=amp;collection=journals
- Description: Prior to the 1990s, the phenomenon of internal displacement did not attract much attention from the international community. Most states, suspicious of the external interests in what they considered to be a purely internal matter were not keen to expose difficulties or suffering of their displaced citizens. And insistence on protection of the internally displaced by international organisations was seen as an affront to sovereignty.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/128448 , vital:36110 , https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/laacydev16amp;div=14amp;g_sent=1amp;casa_token=amp;collection=journals
- Description: Prior to the 1990s, the phenomenon of internal displacement did not attract much attention from the international community. Most states, suspicious of the external interests in what they considered to be a purely internal matter were not keen to expose difficulties or suffering of their displaced citizens. And insistence on protection of the internally displaced by international organisations was seen as an affront to sovereignty.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012
Green business and environmental issues: family versus non-family business
- Grobler, Marthinus Petrus Johannes
- Authors: Grobler, Marthinus Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008058 , Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand whether family businesses and non-family business differ from one another regarding green business and environmental issues. Green business issues are of global importance for the continued existence of business within the world. Businesses do not exist in isolation but within the context of the environment within which they function. Business has an impact on the environment and the environment has an impact on business. Furthermore, family businesses constitute a large part of the world economy and estimates range from 60-90 percent of GDP contributed by family businesses. In the South African context family businesses also form a significant part of the business environment. A literature study was conducted. The study identified five factors and considered each of these factors in the study. The five factors are: Green Business; Values; Stewardship; Succession; and, Stakeholders. In addition to a literature, primary research was conducted and data were collected by means of a questionnaire that collected data on the factors identified as well as some biographical information, including race, age and the sectors in which the respondents operated. The study’s findings correspond with the literature study, although no clear difference was found between family business and non-family business relating to green business and environmental issues. Family businesses do however believe that they are stewards of the environment and need to care for the environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Grobler, Marthinus Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008058 , Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand whether family businesses and non-family business differ from one another regarding green business and environmental issues. Green business issues are of global importance for the continued existence of business within the world. Businesses do not exist in isolation but within the context of the environment within which they function. Business has an impact on the environment and the environment has an impact on business. Furthermore, family businesses constitute a large part of the world economy and estimates range from 60-90 percent of GDP contributed by family businesses. In the South African context family businesses also form a significant part of the business environment. A literature study was conducted. The study identified five factors and considered each of these factors in the study. The five factors are: Green Business; Values; Stewardship; Succession; and, Stakeholders. In addition to a literature, primary research was conducted and data were collected by means of a questionnaire that collected data on the factors identified as well as some biographical information, including race, age and the sectors in which the respondents operated. The study’s findings correspond with the literature study, although no clear difference was found between family business and non-family business relating to green business and environmental issues. Family businesses do however believe that they are stewards of the environment and need to care for the environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating the parallels between disciplinary/bio-power and cyber-corporate empire
- Authors: Taljaard, Darren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Discourse analysis , Disciplinary power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021023
- Description: Strong parallels exist between the formation of subjectivity through the disciplinary/bio-power technologies of the 18th/19th centuries – which Michel Foucault identified in his books Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, and The History of Sexuality Volume 1: The Will to Knowledge – and the 20th/21st century formation of subjectivity effected through Apple. Inc and Google. Inc operating systems and products. These systems and products similarly serve to canalize and ‗discipline‘ the pursuit and exchange of information, in a way that is constitutive of a new cyber-variant of disciplinary/bio-power subjectivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Taljaard, Darren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 , Discourse analysis , Disciplinary power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021023
- Description: Strong parallels exist between the formation of subjectivity through the disciplinary/bio-power technologies of the 18th/19th centuries – which Michel Foucault identified in his books Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, and The History of Sexuality Volume 1: The Will to Knowledge – and the 20th/21st century formation of subjectivity effected through Apple. Inc and Google. Inc operating systems and products. These systems and products similarly serve to canalize and ‗discipline‘ the pursuit and exchange of information, in a way that is constitutive of a new cyber-variant of disciplinary/bio-power subjectivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Treatment of post traumatic stress disorder following an armed robbery : a case study testing the transportability of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy to urban Africans
- Authors: Drake, B , Edwards, D J A
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007775
- Description: John, an urban African male who developed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an armed robbery at the petrol station where he worked, was treated with 12 sessions of Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy. Intervention involved a combination of psycho-education, prolonged imaginal exposure, cognitive restructuring and behavioural assignments. This article is a systematic case study of his treatment which included a comprehensive narrative and tracking of progress by means of the Post traumatic Diagnostic Scale. John responded well to the treatment, finding it acceptable and credible and remained free of PTSD symptoms at 15 months follow up. It is argued, based on the principles of Elliott’s Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design, that there is evidence from within the narrative that it was the treatment that led to remission of symptoms. This case study demonstrates the cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes underlying John’s PTSD, which fits with those extensively described in the research literature, and that this evidence-based treatment developed in a westernised context is transportable to work with urban Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Drake, B , Edwards, D J A
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007775
- Description: John, an urban African male who developed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an armed robbery at the petrol station where he worked, was treated with 12 sessions of Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy. Intervention involved a combination of psycho-education, prolonged imaginal exposure, cognitive restructuring and behavioural assignments. This article is a systematic case study of his treatment which included a comprehensive narrative and tracking of progress by means of the Post traumatic Diagnostic Scale. John responded well to the treatment, finding it acceptable and credible and remained free of PTSD symptoms at 15 months follow up. It is argued, based on the principles of Elliott’s Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design, that there is evidence from within the narrative that it was the treatment that led to remission of symptoms. This case study demonstrates the cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes underlying John’s PTSD, which fits with those extensively described in the research literature, and that this evidence-based treatment developed in a westernised context is transportable to work with urban Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An evaluation of changes in capital investment by automotive companies in preparation for the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP)
- Authors: Bacela, Bandile Sakhekile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Capital investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016075
- Description: To thrive, developing countries depend on high levels of protection being given to key industries such as manufacturing; specifically the automotive and textile industries. South Africa, as a developing country and especially under the emergence of globalisation, has followed suit in terms of developing policies and structures to protect certain critical industries. During an era (1980 to 1989) of high political instability, South Africa experienced isolation from the rest of the world, which resulted in declines in industrial revenues as well as the country’s automotive industry undergoing a stage of perilous stagnation. It was through a protection regime that the automotive industry realised growth, a regime which started slowly in 1989 and accelerated in 1995 with the introduction of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) (Black, 2001). Through this regime the South African government sought to integrate the South African automotive industry into the global market by improving the competitiveness of this industry (The DTI, 2010). This led to the automotive industry becoming one of the most successful export sectors in South African manufacturing and a large net consumer of foreign currency, totalling R20 billion and R10 billion in imports and exports respectively by 1998 (Damoense and Simon, 2004). Reviews of the government legislation called the MIDP were held in year 1999 and 2002 and in 2008, a successor to the MIDP was named, the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP) and is set to commence in year 2013 until 2020. Unlike its predecessor, the APDP policy promises to bring greater and more inclusive benefits to the automotive industry as a whole, provided organisations have prepared well to receive it. This study investigated whether organisations have prepared for the upcoming 2013 - 2020 APDP, with specific reference to capital investment in equipment. It determined whether automotive organisations have spent and are going to spend resources in securing equipment and technology in preparation for the introduction of the APDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bacela, Bandile Sakhekile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Capital investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016075
- Description: To thrive, developing countries depend on high levels of protection being given to key industries such as manufacturing; specifically the automotive and textile industries. South Africa, as a developing country and especially under the emergence of globalisation, has followed suit in terms of developing policies and structures to protect certain critical industries. During an era (1980 to 1989) of high political instability, South Africa experienced isolation from the rest of the world, which resulted in declines in industrial revenues as well as the country’s automotive industry undergoing a stage of perilous stagnation. It was through a protection regime that the automotive industry realised growth, a regime which started slowly in 1989 and accelerated in 1995 with the introduction of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) (Black, 2001). Through this regime the South African government sought to integrate the South African automotive industry into the global market by improving the competitiveness of this industry (The DTI, 2010). This led to the automotive industry becoming one of the most successful export sectors in South African manufacturing and a large net consumer of foreign currency, totalling R20 billion and R10 billion in imports and exports respectively by 1998 (Damoense and Simon, 2004). Reviews of the government legislation called the MIDP were held in year 1999 and 2002 and in 2008, a successor to the MIDP was named, the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP) and is set to commence in year 2013 until 2020. Unlike its predecessor, the APDP policy promises to bring greater and more inclusive benefits to the automotive industry as a whole, provided organisations have prepared well to receive it. This study investigated whether organisations have prepared for the upcoming 2013 - 2020 APDP, with specific reference to capital investment in equipment. It determined whether automotive organisations have spent and are going to spend resources in securing equipment and technology in preparation for the introduction of the APDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A critical realist exploration of the implementation of a new curriculum in Swaziland
- Authors: Pereira, Liphie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Critical realism Education -- Philosophy Critical pedagogy -- Swaziland Curriculum change -- Swaziland Education -- Swaziland Education and state -- Swaziland Education -- Aims and objectives -- Swaziland Critical discourse analysis International General Certificate of Secondary Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1484 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003365
- Description: This study offers an in-depth exploration of the conditions from which the implementation of a curriculum called the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), later localised into Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE), emerged and the constraining and enabling conditions for the implementation of the new I/SGCSE curriculum. It derives its theoretical foundation from Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism and Margaret Archer’s concept of analytical separability. The study therefore offers explanations about the curriculum change and its implementation that are based on how structural, cultural, and agential mechanisms operating at a deeper level of reality (the intransitive layer of reality or the domain of the real) and existing independently of what we see, know or believe of them (the transitive layer of reality or domains of the actual and empirical) interacted to condition the emergence of I/SGCSE and the way it is implemented. I conduct a critical discourse analysis of relevant literature, I/SGCSE documents and interview data in order to identify those mechanisms that were cultural and also those that were structural and agential. Bernstein’s concepts of classification and framing are used to analyse observation data in order to explore the influence of these mechanisms on the teaching practices of the teachers who took part in the study. Analysis of the data suggests that the change from General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-level) to I/SGCSE was conditioned by inconsistencies between the cultural and structural mechanisms of the Swazi context. Many of the cultural elements of the Swazi context such as the discourses of good citizens, of competitive advantage, and of quality education draw from global discourses which view relations between people from a postmodernist position and therefore support weakly classified and framed pedagogic practices. In contrast, the discourse of morality and many of the structural elements of the Swazi context, such as the pre2006 education system and the Tinkhundla government system, all view reality from a modernist position, therefore supporting strong relations of power and control. The cultural system therefore exerted more influence in conditioning the change from the strongly classified and framed GCE O-level curriculum to the weakly classified and framed I/SGCSE curriculum. Furthermore, the analysis of interview and observation data suggests that inconsistencies between the global discourses and the discourses and structures that teachers confront in their day-to-day lives, together with the decisions teachers made in response to structural constraints, created constraining conditions for the change from GCE O-level to I/SGCSE. The study adds to knowledge on curriculum change and implementation through insights into the enabling and constraining effects of mechanisms operating at a deeper level of reality on curriculum-change decisions and on the ability of teachers to implement curriculum changes. The focus on the deeper level of reality may therefore contribute towards emancipatory knowledge which could be used not only by the Ministry of Education and Training and teachers in Swaziland but also elsewhere to inform future planning, decision making, and practice in relation to curriculum change and implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Pereira, Liphie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Critical realism Education -- Philosophy Critical pedagogy -- Swaziland Curriculum change -- Swaziland Education -- Swaziland Education and state -- Swaziland Education -- Aims and objectives -- Swaziland Critical discourse analysis International General Certificate of Secondary Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1484 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003365
- Description: This study offers an in-depth exploration of the conditions from which the implementation of a curriculum called the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), later localised into Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE), emerged and the constraining and enabling conditions for the implementation of the new I/SGCSE curriculum. It derives its theoretical foundation from Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism and Margaret Archer’s concept of analytical separability. The study therefore offers explanations about the curriculum change and its implementation that are based on how structural, cultural, and agential mechanisms operating at a deeper level of reality (the intransitive layer of reality or the domain of the real) and existing independently of what we see, know or believe of them (the transitive layer of reality or domains of the actual and empirical) interacted to condition the emergence of I/SGCSE and the way it is implemented. I conduct a critical discourse analysis of relevant literature, I/SGCSE documents and interview data in order to identify those mechanisms that were cultural and also those that were structural and agential. Bernstein’s concepts of classification and framing are used to analyse observation data in order to explore the influence of these mechanisms on the teaching practices of the teachers who took part in the study. Analysis of the data suggests that the change from General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-level) to I/SGCSE was conditioned by inconsistencies between the cultural and structural mechanisms of the Swazi context. Many of the cultural elements of the Swazi context such as the discourses of good citizens, of competitive advantage, and of quality education draw from global discourses which view relations between people from a postmodernist position and therefore support weakly classified and framed pedagogic practices. In contrast, the discourse of morality and many of the structural elements of the Swazi context, such as the pre2006 education system and the Tinkhundla government system, all view reality from a modernist position, therefore supporting strong relations of power and control. The cultural system therefore exerted more influence in conditioning the change from the strongly classified and framed GCE O-level curriculum to the weakly classified and framed I/SGCSE curriculum. Furthermore, the analysis of interview and observation data suggests that inconsistencies between the global discourses and the discourses and structures that teachers confront in their day-to-day lives, together with the decisions teachers made in response to structural constraints, created constraining conditions for the change from GCE O-level to I/SGCSE. The study adds to knowledge on curriculum change and implementation through insights into the enabling and constraining effects of mechanisms operating at a deeper level of reality on curriculum-change decisions and on the ability of teachers to implement curriculum changes. The focus on the deeper level of reality may therefore contribute towards emancipatory knowledge which could be used not only by the Ministry of Education and Training and teachers in Swaziland but also elsewhere to inform future planning, decision making, and practice in relation to curriculum change and implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating tools and techniques for improving software performance on multiprocessor computer systems
- Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Evaluating the sustainable management of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Identifying expansive learning opportunities to foster a more sustainable food economy: a case study of Rhodes University dining halls
- Authors: Agbedahin, Adesuwa Vanessa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Food supply -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Case studies Food industry and trade -- Education (Higher) -- Standards -- South Africa -- Case studies Food service employees -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003442
- Description: This is a one year half thesis. This research was conducted within the context of the food services sector of Higher Education Institution dining halls and in the midst of the rising global call for food resource management and food waste reduction. The main aim of this research therefore was to identify opportunities for learning and change for a more sustainable food economy, contributing to Education for Sustainable Production and Consumption, and by further implication, Education for Sustainable Development. To achieve this aim, I used Cultural Historical Activity Theory as theoretical and methodological framework; drawing on the second and the third generations of this theory. Implicated in the above research approach is the identification of expansive learning opportunities from the surfacing of ‘tensions’ and ‘contradictions’. In this case study of the Rhodes University Campus Food Services, such tensions and contradictions inhibiting a more sustainable food economy, involving food waste production were identified. To narrow the scope of the study, one dining hall formed the focus of the case, with a two phased research approach whereby one research question and three goals were developed for each phase. The former being the exploration phase and the latter being the initial stages of the expansive phase. Methods used in line with the methodological framework included ten individual interviews with food producers (staff members), nine focus group discussions with food consumers (students), observations of the dining hall activities which lasted for over a month and two ‘Change Laboratory Workshops’. Some of the findings of this research are that food wastage cannot be addressed and appropriately curtailed without an intensive consideration of all the stages of food economy. Multiple contradictions and sources of tensions embedded in the Food Services Sector constituted major causes of food waste. Additionally, the lack of substantial food waste related teaching and learning activities, the presence of disputed rules, institutional structure and traditional practices within the Food Services all exacerbated the tensions and contradictions. More so, prioritizing some of this identified contradictions and tensions hindering a more sustainable food economy and relegating some as unimportant or nonurgent is unproductive. Finally, the non-existence of facilitated deliberation, consultation, dialogue, collaboration between food producers and food consumers has been identified as an obstacle to learning and institutional change. Recommendations abound in re-orienting, re-educating, and re-informing the constituents of the food economy. Re-visiting and revising of rules and regulations guiding conduct of students and kitchen staff members in the RU dining halls, as well as revision of existing learning support materials and mediating tools in use is needed. Recognition and consideration of the concerns and interests of students and kitchen staff members are also needed. Finally, there is a need to continue to address the tensions and contradictions identified in this case study, to further the Expansive Learning Process if a more sustainable food economy at Rhodes University is to be established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Agbedahin, Adesuwa Vanessa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Food supply -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Case studies Food industry and trade -- Education (Higher) -- Standards -- South Africa -- Case studies Food service employees -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003442
- Description: This is a one year half thesis. This research was conducted within the context of the food services sector of Higher Education Institution dining halls and in the midst of the rising global call for food resource management and food waste reduction. The main aim of this research therefore was to identify opportunities for learning and change for a more sustainable food economy, contributing to Education for Sustainable Production and Consumption, and by further implication, Education for Sustainable Development. To achieve this aim, I used Cultural Historical Activity Theory as theoretical and methodological framework; drawing on the second and the third generations of this theory. Implicated in the above research approach is the identification of expansive learning opportunities from the surfacing of ‘tensions’ and ‘contradictions’. In this case study of the Rhodes University Campus Food Services, such tensions and contradictions inhibiting a more sustainable food economy, involving food waste production were identified. To narrow the scope of the study, one dining hall formed the focus of the case, with a two phased research approach whereby one research question and three goals were developed for each phase. The former being the exploration phase and the latter being the initial stages of the expansive phase. Methods used in line with the methodological framework included ten individual interviews with food producers (staff members), nine focus group discussions with food consumers (students), observations of the dining hall activities which lasted for over a month and two ‘Change Laboratory Workshops’. Some of the findings of this research are that food wastage cannot be addressed and appropriately curtailed without an intensive consideration of all the stages of food economy. Multiple contradictions and sources of tensions embedded in the Food Services Sector constituted major causes of food waste. Additionally, the lack of substantial food waste related teaching and learning activities, the presence of disputed rules, institutional structure and traditional practices within the Food Services all exacerbated the tensions and contradictions. More so, prioritizing some of this identified contradictions and tensions hindering a more sustainable food economy and relegating some as unimportant or nonurgent is unproductive. Finally, the non-existence of facilitated deliberation, consultation, dialogue, collaboration between food producers and food consumers has been identified as an obstacle to learning and institutional change. Recommendations abound in re-orienting, re-educating, and re-informing the constituents of the food economy. Re-visiting and revising of rules and regulations guiding conduct of students and kitchen staff members in the RU dining halls, as well as revision of existing learning support materials and mediating tools in use is needed. Recognition and consideration of the concerns and interests of students and kitchen staff members are also needed. Finally, there is a need to continue to address the tensions and contradictions identified in this case study, to further the Expansive Learning Process if a more sustainable food economy at Rhodes University is to be established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Recolonisation of the Robberg Peninsula by the Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus and its prey preferences
- Authors: Huisamen, Johan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fur seal -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , South African fur seal -- Food -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006438 , South African fur seal -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , South African fur seal -- Food -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Description: The Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus colony at the Robberg Peninsula, Plettenberg Bay, on the south-east coast of South Africa, was driven to extirpation by indiscriminate harvesting by the late 1800s and seals only began to recolonise this site in the 1990s. This study describes the recolonisation process from 2000 to 2009, exploring within- and between-year variation in the number of seals using the site. Numbers increased over the study period from less than 300 animals to over 3 100. Year and month were important in explaining variability in seal counts, whereas sea condition, time of day and lunar phase had minimal explanatory power. Within-year variation in seal counts decreased during the study period, which may indicate an increasing proportion of resident (as opposed to transient) seals in the colony. However, the colony is currently still in a transition phase with a low ratio of breeding to non-breeding animals and low numbers of pups born on the colony (currently still < 100 per year). The influx of seals to the Robberg area may be associated with an increase in prey availability in the area. The relative protection afforded by the Nature Reserve status of the Robberg Peninsula and the existence of a Marine Protected Area adjacent to it are likely to contribute to the growth of this colony. However, human interference associated with fishing and/or ecotourism on the Peninsula may prevent the colony from developing into a breeding colony. Faecal (scat) sampling was employed to study the diet of this increasing seal population at Robberg. Species composition and size of prey were determined, temporal variation in the diet was explored, and the potential for competition between seals and the fisheries around Plettenberg Bay was investigated. Of the 445 scats collected, 90 % contained hard prey remains. These comprised of 3 127 identified otoliths representing 15 teleost prey species, 25 cephalopod beaks representing three 6 species and three feathers representing two bird species. The seals' most important prey species in terms of numerical abundance and frequency of occurrence in the diet were anchovy, sardine, horse mackerel, sand tongue-fish and shallow-water hake (in decreasing order of importance). The proportion of anchovy in the diet increased during the study period, while sardine decreased. Sardine was the only species that increased significantly in the diet during the upwelling season. Little evidence was found of direct competition between seals and linefisheries in Plettenberg Bay, both in terms of prey species composition and quantities consumed. Scat sampling in seals holds promise as a method to track long-term changes in prey species availability. The conservation and management of this colony are discussed in light of the research findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Huisamen, Johan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fur seal -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , South African fur seal -- Food -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006438 , South African fur seal -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , South African fur seal -- Food -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Description: The Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus colony at the Robberg Peninsula, Plettenberg Bay, on the south-east coast of South Africa, was driven to extirpation by indiscriminate harvesting by the late 1800s and seals only began to recolonise this site in the 1990s. This study describes the recolonisation process from 2000 to 2009, exploring within- and between-year variation in the number of seals using the site. Numbers increased over the study period from less than 300 animals to over 3 100. Year and month were important in explaining variability in seal counts, whereas sea condition, time of day and lunar phase had minimal explanatory power. Within-year variation in seal counts decreased during the study period, which may indicate an increasing proportion of resident (as opposed to transient) seals in the colony. However, the colony is currently still in a transition phase with a low ratio of breeding to non-breeding animals and low numbers of pups born on the colony (currently still < 100 per year). The influx of seals to the Robberg area may be associated with an increase in prey availability in the area. The relative protection afforded by the Nature Reserve status of the Robberg Peninsula and the existence of a Marine Protected Area adjacent to it are likely to contribute to the growth of this colony. However, human interference associated with fishing and/or ecotourism on the Peninsula may prevent the colony from developing into a breeding colony. Faecal (scat) sampling was employed to study the diet of this increasing seal population at Robberg. Species composition and size of prey were determined, temporal variation in the diet was explored, and the potential for competition between seals and the fisheries around Plettenberg Bay was investigated. Of the 445 scats collected, 90 % contained hard prey remains. These comprised of 3 127 identified otoliths representing 15 teleost prey species, 25 cephalopod beaks representing three 6 species and three feathers representing two bird species. The seals' most important prey species in terms of numerical abundance and frequency of occurrence in the diet were anchovy, sardine, horse mackerel, sand tongue-fish and shallow-water hake (in decreasing order of importance). The proportion of anchovy in the diet increased during the study period, while sardine decreased. Sardine was the only species that increased significantly in the diet during the upwelling season. Little evidence was found of direct competition between seals and linefisheries in Plettenberg Bay, both in terms of prey species composition and quantities consumed. Scat sampling in seals holds promise as a method to track long-term changes in prey species availability. The conservation and management of this colony are discussed in light of the research findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012