A critical analysis of the application of South African business rescue provisions on small to medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Peteni, Ushimin https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-6478-9862
- Authors: Peteni, Ushimin https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-6478-9862
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Small business , Business enterprises , Business failures--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20328 , vital:45655
- Description: Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an essential role and can be described as the crucial bread and butter of the South African economy. They have the potential to create employment and skills development opportunities pertinent for sustainable economic growth. The unfortunate part is that South African Small to Medium sized Enterprises have the lowest survival rates in the world, resulting in high rates of business failure and job losses. This is because the South African economy does not favour SMEs, which are often burdened with structural hurdles including access to funding, lack of access to markets, inadequate skills, uncompetitive regulatory frameworks and technological disruptions. A developing economy such as South Africa cannot grow if companies facing financial difficulty are constantly liquidated. This is because the liquidation system does not offer companies an opportunity to restructure and possibly function within the context of raised concerns. In order to facilitate sustainable SMEs growth, the legislature has come up with statutory mechanisms to support SMEs and save them from total liquidation. Most recently, the Companies Act 71 of 2008 Chapter 6 introduces a business rescue mechanism applicable to all business structures established under the Act. The purpose of business rescue is to provide companies in financial distress with opportunities to reorganise, strategize and come up with useful corporate reorganisation measures which are useful and efficient in saving the financially distressed company and possibly yielding a better return for the creditors than would have been the case if the company was liquidated. This new enactment is seen as both an improvement and necessary reform from its predecessor, judicial administration which has widely been condemned as a failure. However, despite this improvement, the application of the current business provisions to SMEs is questionable. Although Chapter 6 of the Act makes provision for SMEs, it also presents a number of stumbling blocks, including the fact that services of business rescue practitioners are out of reach for most SMEs in South Africa. The purpose of this study is to consider challenges faced by SMEs in the practical application of the current business rescue provisions. This study further emphasizes the importance of South African SMEs, whilst looking at their challenges and how the Companies Act 71 of 2008 provisions, regarding business rescue, assists SMEs. The study looks at the impediments of certain provisions of business rescue and proposes recommendations. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Peteni, Ushimin https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-6478-9862
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Small business , Business enterprises , Business failures--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20328 , vital:45655
- Description: Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an essential role and can be described as the crucial bread and butter of the South African economy. They have the potential to create employment and skills development opportunities pertinent for sustainable economic growth. The unfortunate part is that South African Small to Medium sized Enterprises have the lowest survival rates in the world, resulting in high rates of business failure and job losses. This is because the South African economy does not favour SMEs, which are often burdened with structural hurdles including access to funding, lack of access to markets, inadequate skills, uncompetitive regulatory frameworks and technological disruptions. A developing economy such as South Africa cannot grow if companies facing financial difficulty are constantly liquidated. This is because the liquidation system does not offer companies an opportunity to restructure and possibly function within the context of raised concerns. In order to facilitate sustainable SMEs growth, the legislature has come up with statutory mechanisms to support SMEs and save them from total liquidation. Most recently, the Companies Act 71 of 2008 Chapter 6 introduces a business rescue mechanism applicable to all business structures established under the Act. The purpose of business rescue is to provide companies in financial distress with opportunities to reorganise, strategize and come up with useful corporate reorganisation measures which are useful and efficient in saving the financially distressed company and possibly yielding a better return for the creditors than would have been the case if the company was liquidated. This new enactment is seen as both an improvement and necessary reform from its predecessor, judicial administration which has widely been condemned as a failure. However, despite this improvement, the application of the current business provisions to SMEs is questionable. Although Chapter 6 of the Act makes provision for SMEs, it also presents a number of stumbling blocks, including the fact that services of business rescue practitioners are out of reach for most SMEs in South Africa. The purpose of this study is to consider challenges faced by SMEs in the practical application of the current business rescue provisions. This study further emphasizes the importance of South African SMEs, whilst looking at their challenges and how the Companies Act 71 of 2008 provisions, regarding business rescue, assists SMEs. The study looks at the impediments of certain provisions of business rescue and proposes recommendations. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
A framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health using gamification: a case of discovery vitality in East London, South Africa.
- Authors: Ntshona, Linda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Autonomy (Psychology) , Medical telematics. , Patient self-monitoring.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22242 , vital:52005
- Description: The epidemic of overweight or obesity conditions has become a public health concern in South Africa, and signifies major challenges of chronic diseases affecting the healthcare sector. Recent years have noted the increasing prevalence of gamification and development across all age groups. The rapid adoption and use of gamification as a tool to improve adult motivation and engagement when monitoring their health and wellness is an essential form of health intervention. Gamification allows its users to keep track of their health in real time and encourages an active healthy lifestyle behaviour. Research has found that there are factors that may inhibit the behavioural intention of adults to use gamification for health monitoring in the long term. These factors include cost or membership fees associated with gamification that uses Discovery Vitality and privacy concerns. The main aim of this research study was to develop a framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health through gamification making use of Discovery Vitality as the case study. The self-determination theory was used as the theoretical framework to ensure continuance usage of gamification for sustained health monitoring. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. The purposive sampling technique was selected to identify 20 adults between the ages of 18-59 years that are members of Discovery Vitality in East London, South Africa. Interviews were conducted with the 20 participants to identify the factors that will influence their behavioural intention to make use of gamification to monitor their health. After data collection, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and the data provided by the participants was organised and summarised into relevant themes to answer the main research question. The study developed a framework which incorporated the four constructs of the self-determination theory, namely perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness and satisfaction of basic psychological needs for sustained health monitoring. The study also developed the five factors influencing the behavioural intention of adults to continue using gamification for sustained health monitoring. These factors are known as: broad appeal, applicability and accessibility through mobile technology and pervasive sensors, development and accomplishment, employment of creativity and feedback, and lastly social influence and relatedness. The recognition of weight loss, tracking and monitoring of physical activities and medication adherence was found to positively influence the behavioural intention of adults to continuosly use gamification to monitor their health. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Ntshona, Linda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Autonomy (Psychology) , Medical telematics. , Patient self-monitoring.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22242 , vital:52005
- Description: The epidemic of overweight or obesity conditions has become a public health concern in South Africa, and signifies major challenges of chronic diseases affecting the healthcare sector. Recent years have noted the increasing prevalence of gamification and development across all age groups. The rapid adoption and use of gamification as a tool to improve adult motivation and engagement when monitoring their health and wellness is an essential form of health intervention. Gamification allows its users to keep track of their health in real time and encourages an active healthy lifestyle behaviour. Research has found that there are factors that may inhibit the behavioural intention of adults to use gamification for health monitoring in the long term. These factors include cost or membership fees associated with gamification that uses Discovery Vitality and privacy concerns. The main aim of this research study was to develop a framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health through gamification making use of Discovery Vitality as the case study. The self-determination theory was used as the theoretical framework to ensure continuance usage of gamification for sustained health monitoring. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. The purposive sampling technique was selected to identify 20 adults between the ages of 18-59 years that are members of Discovery Vitality in East London, South Africa. Interviews were conducted with the 20 participants to identify the factors that will influence their behavioural intention to make use of gamification to monitor their health. After data collection, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and the data provided by the participants was organised and summarised into relevant themes to answer the main research question. The study developed a framework which incorporated the four constructs of the self-determination theory, namely perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness and satisfaction of basic psychological needs for sustained health monitoring. The study also developed the five factors influencing the behavioural intention of adults to continue using gamification for sustained health monitoring. These factors are known as: broad appeal, applicability and accessibility through mobile technology and pervasive sensors, development and accomplishment, employment of creativity and feedback, and lastly social influence and relatedness. The recognition of weight loss, tracking and monitoring of physical activities and medication adherence was found to positively influence the behavioural intention of adults to continuosly use gamification to monitor their health. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Access to justice for female victims of crime: a study of girls and women with disabilities in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Shumba, Nyaradzo Dorcas
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Criminal justice, Administration of -- Zimbabwe , Women -- Crimes against , Victims of crimes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22176 , vital:51994
- Description: This thesis utilized a thematic content analysis, looked at how significant barriers affect Mashonaland Central girls and women living with disabilities as victims of crime from accessing justice. Zimbabwe is an optimal case to apply this study, due to its contradictory legislation and evidence of high rate of human rights violations. Mashonaland Central Province is an ideal case study due to the extant records that indicate that it has the highest incidences of violence against women. This study is therefore based in a Victimological epoch with the aim to fill the research gap in acknowledging the process of accessing justice as an important step for protecting and promoting human right. By analyzing interviews conducted with 3 different women aged 18-65 and 3 girls living with disability who were under the age of 18, through the theoretical framework of basic human rights theory and victim dynamics, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge, with suggestions of how these barriers which are inclusive of societal and cultural structures tend to affect the respondents’ everyday lives and in a most pertinent manner towards their right to access justice. This thesis is also governed by the perspectives of key actors in the judicial process including but not limited to the Victim Friendly Unit. The theoretical framework is also operationalized into themes and criteria, which are then applied to analyze the conducted interviews. The emerging findings illuminate that there is a discrepancy between government policy surrounding girls and women living with disabilities and the practical experiences of the respondents. The respondents experienced a lack of accessibility to basic rights such as health care, the law, and to sex education – which are all rights ensured by government policy. Identified consequences included: discouragement in seeking justice due to fears of cultural and social stigma, discouragement in reporting crimes, and receiving adequate support, as well as information from secondhand sources. This study therefore concludes lack of access to justice is a violation of security of person, human dignity and rights to health and life to women and girls living with disability. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Shumba, Nyaradzo Dorcas
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Criminal justice, Administration of -- Zimbabwe , Women -- Crimes against , Victims of crimes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22176 , vital:51994
- Description: This thesis utilized a thematic content analysis, looked at how significant barriers affect Mashonaland Central girls and women living with disabilities as victims of crime from accessing justice. Zimbabwe is an optimal case to apply this study, due to its contradictory legislation and evidence of high rate of human rights violations. Mashonaland Central Province is an ideal case study due to the extant records that indicate that it has the highest incidences of violence against women. This study is therefore based in a Victimological epoch with the aim to fill the research gap in acknowledging the process of accessing justice as an important step for protecting and promoting human right. By analyzing interviews conducted with 3 different women aged 18-65 and 3 girls living with disability who were under the age of 18, through the theoretical framework of basic human rights theory and victim dynamics, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge, with suggestions of how these barriers which are inclusive of societal and cultural structures tend to affect the respondents’ everyday lives and in a most pertinent manner towards their right to access justice. This thesis is also governed by the perspectives of key actors in the judicial process including but not limited to the Victim Friendly Unit. The theoretical framework is also operationalized into themes and criteria, which are then applied to analyze the conducted interviews. The emerging findings illuminate that there is a discrepancy between government policy surrounding girls and women living with disabilities and the practical experiences of the respondents. The respondents experienced a lack of accessibility to basic rights such as health care, the law, and to sex education – which are all rights ensured by government policy. Identified consequences included: discouragement in seeking justice due to fears of cultural and social stigma, discouragement in reporting crimes, and receiving adequate support, as well as information from secondhand sources. This study therefore concludes lack of access to justice is a violation of security of person, human dignity and rights to health and life to women and girls living with disability. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
An evaluation of communication strategies for the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM): a case study of West Pokot, Kenya
- Authors: Onyango, Quinter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Female circumcision , Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21103 , vital:46986
- Description: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is still rampant in many Kenya communities, especially the Maa and the Pokot speaking people, despite communication strategies and programmes instituted to eradicate the cultural practice. Female Genital Mutilation is a procedure that intentionally alters or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The gains of eliminating FGM resulted from robust communication strategies introduced by the United Nations and the Kenyan government to educate and raise consciousness regarding the dangers of FGM practice. However, despite widespread communication efforts worldwide, at least thirty-one countries are still practising FGM. West Pokot County in Kenya has an 86% rate as a county that still practices FGM. The statistics are an indication that communication alone cannot achieve the desired goal as long as the communities feel that these organizations and their communication expects are looking down upon their culture, beliefs and practices. As far as FGM is concerned, attitude change is vital in communities to understand the dangers. Members of communities are often left behind or not consulted when developing strategies for eradicating FGM. Emphasis should be drawn on the involvement and ownership of such development programmes. Lack of participation from the communities seems to be the key reason for the failure of the campaigns to encourage people into deserting FGM practices. Therefore, this study evaluated communication strategies and explanations of why there is still a high level of FGM practice regardless of the prevalent consciousness of the consequences of its continued practice in West Pokot County, Kenya. This study adopts a mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) research approach. Convenience and purposive non-probability sampling techniques were subsequently used to select samples for this study. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with the different community members in West Pokot County. There were five focus groups with nine participants in each focus group, making 45 participants for the focus group discussions. The collected data were interpreted and analysed thematically. This research showed a remarkable disparity between the community members ranging from their opinion and perceptions on the best and effective modes of communication to eradicate female genital mutilation and an alternative rite of passage. Another critical finding of this study indicated that beads of bondage linked to the community sanctioned rite of passage are another traditional practice that is endangering the lives of the girl child in Lokornoi, West Pokot County. Hence, this study proposed using mass media (newspapers, radio, television) using their vernacular language, which they understand and other interpersonal communication strategies (elders, chiefs and religious leaders) to eradicate FGM. Also, communication groups can involve communities to encourage a sense of ownership, which was the biggest reason for the communities to resist leaving FGM practice. This research suggests a need to develop alternative ways of communicating the message and that interpersonal channels are necessary to eradicate FGM in Kenya. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Communication) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Onyango, Quinter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Female circumcision , Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21103 , vital:46986
- Description: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is still rampant in many Kenya communities, especially the Maa and the Pokot speaking people, despite communication strategies and programmes instituted to eradicate the cultural practice. Female Genital Mutilation is a procedure that intentionally alters or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The gains of eliminating FGM resulted from robust communication strategies introduced by the United Nations and the Kenyan government to educate and raise consciousness regarding the dangers of FGM practice. However, despite widespread communication efforts worldwide, at least thirty-one countries are still practising FGM. West Pokot County in Kenya has an 86% rate as a county that still practices FGM. The statistics are an indication that communication alone cannot achieve the desired goal as long as the communities feel that these organizations and their communication expects are looking down upon their culture, beliefs and practices. As far as FGM is concerned, attitude change is vital in communities to understand the dangers. Members of communities are often left behind or not consulted when developing strategies for eradicating FGM. Emphasis should be drawn on the involvement and ownership of such development programmes. Lack of participation from the communities seems to be the key reason for the failure of the campaigns to encourage people into deserting FGM practices. Therefore, this study evaluated communication strategies and explanations of why there is still a high level of FGM practice regardless of the prevalent consciousness of the consequences of its continued practice in West Pokot County, Kenya. This study adopts a mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) research approach. Convenience and purposive non-probability sampling techniques were subsequently used to select samples for this study. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with the different community members in West Pokot County. There were five focus groups with nine participants in each focus group, making 45 participants for the focus group discussions. The collected data were interpreted and analysed thematically. This research showed a remarkable disparity between the community members ranging from their opinion and perceptions on the best and effective modes of communication to eradicate female genital mutilation and an alternative rite of passage. Another critical finding of this study indicated that beads of bondage linked to the community sanctioned rite of passage are another traditional practice that is endangering the lives of the girl child in Lokornoi, West Pokot County. Hence, this study proposed using mass media (newspapers, radio, television) using their vernacular language, which they understand and other interpersonal communication strategies (elders, chiefs and religious leaders) to eradicate FGM. Also, communication groups can involve communities to encourage a sense of ownership, which was the biggest reason for the communities to resist leaving FGM practice. This research suggests a need to develop alternative ways of communicating the message and that interpersonal channels are necessary to eradicate FGM in Kenya. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Communication) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
An inquiry into how Inter Press Service Africa makes alternative news from the Global South
- Authors: Chiwota, Elijah
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Inter Press Service. Regional Centre for Africa , Workshop on the New World Information and Communication Order (1980 : Geneva, Switzerland) , Sustainable Development Goals Fund , Mass media Political aspects , Radicalism and the press , Mass media and globalization , Hegemony Political aspects , Counter hegemony
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192203 , vital:45205
- Description: An inquiry into how Inter Press Service (IPS) Africa makes alternative news from the Global South, is a study of a news agency that seeks to reverse the flows of information which predominantly comes from the Global North and by doing so carries the interests of the Global North (Boyd-Barrett, 2003). IPS was founded in 1964 by an international co-operative of journalists in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. At the same time, struggles for decolonization were at their peak in Africa and Asia. IPS promotes journalism for South-South co-operation and horizontal communication -- ideas that coincidentally found resonance in the debates for the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) that took place under the auspices of the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1980 (MacBride, 1980). As a regional centre of the IPS and a news agency of the Global South, IPS Africa is an alternative to international news agencies whose reports on Africa are characterised by representations of the other with a narrow focus on natural disasters, poverty, disease, and conflict. To counter this, IPS Africa developed alternative ways of news making from the Global South that focuses on highlighting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as one of the strategies to end poverty and promote sustainable development and to recognize the centrality of global partnerships for sustainable development. IPS African stories are written by local journalists who are familiar with the context under which they report. These stories can be described using the lenses of radical media content. IPS Africa is a not-for-profit news agency that makes news based on its organizational themes. Some of the stories emanate from reporters and editors who investigate development issues in their communities and link these to global events and developments. The study draws on Atton (2001) model of alternative and radical media to identify characteristics that include radical content and news values. A social realist approach is used in the study and the qualitative methods used are the analysis of documents, in-depth interviews, and textual analysis. The findings conclude that although a non-profit, IPS Africa can be described as a hybrid media organization in that it is a traditional news agency, with a management structure with board members, who contract freelance journalists to write copy. However, more meaning is found in the radical content of its stories. Despite being firmly rooted in its mission of “telling Africa’s untold stories,” the news agency has insufficient human and financial resources. Consequently, it faces sustainability and viability problems because of its over-reliance on external support through donor funds. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Chiwota, Elijah
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Inter Press Service. Regional Centre for Africa , Workshop on the New World Information and Communication Order (1980 : Geneva, Switzerland) , Sustainable Development Goals Fund , Mass media Political aspects , Radicalism and the press , Mass media and globalization , Hegemony Political aspects , Counter hegemony
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192203 , vital:45205
- Description: An inquiry into how Inter Press Service (IPS) Africa makes alternative news from the Global South, is a study of a news agency that seeks to reverse the flows of information which predominantly comes from the Global North and by doing so carries the interests of the Global North (Boyd-Barrett, 2003). IPS was founded in 1964 by an international co-operative of journalists in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. At the same time, struggles for decolonization were at their peak in Africa and Asia. IPS promotes journalism for South-South co-operation and horizontal communication -- ideas that coincidentally found resonance in the debates for the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) that took place under the auspices of the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1980 (MacBride, 1980). As a regional centre of the IPS and a news agency of the Global South, IPS Africa is an alternative to international news agencies whose reports on Africa are characterised by representations of the other with a narrow focus on natural disasters, poverty, disease, and conflict. To counter this, IPS Africa developed alternative ways of news making from the Global South that focuses on highlighting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as one of the strategies to end poverty and promote sustainable development and to recognize the centrality of global partnerships for sustainable development. IPS African stories are written by local journalists who are familiar with the context under which they report. These stories can be described using the lenses of radical media content. IPS Africa is a not-for-profit news agency that makes news based on its organizational themes. Some of the stories emanate from reporters and editors who investigate development issues in their communities and link these to global events and developments. The study draws on Atton (2001) model of alternative and radical media to identify characteristics that include radical content and news values. A social realist approach is used in the study and the qualitative methods used are the analysis of documents, in-depth interviews, and textual analysis. The findings conclude that although a non-profit, IPS Africa can be described as a hybrid media organization in that it is a traditional news agency, with a management structure with board members, who contract freelance journalists to write copy. However, more meaning is found in the radical content of its stories. Despite being firmly rooted in its mission of “telling Africa’s untold stories,” the news agency has insufficient human and financial resources. Consequently, it faces sustainability and viability problems because of its over-reliance on external support through donor funds. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An investigation into the extent to which grade 12 Mechanical Technology (MT) curriculum practices relate to the Green Economy: A case study of two Eastern Cape technical high schools
- Authors: Mkaza, Mcebisi W
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Technology Study and teaching South Africa Eastern Cape , Environmental education South Africa Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers In-service training South Africa Eastern Cape , Mechanical Technology , Green Economy , Practice Architecture Theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191997 , vital:45186
- Description: South Africa’s transition towards a green economy presents opportunities to create resourceful jobs that promote sustainable living in the long term. The country’s educational sector is mandated to integrate a green economy component in curricula from primary schools to tertiary levels. However, green jobs within such an economy require green skills which are not necessarily being developed effectively through the school curriculum. This interpretive study investigated how curriculum practices in the Grade 12 Mechanical Technology (MT) stream offered by technical high schools prepare learners to participate in green economy opportunities in the Eastern Cape. Guided by Practice Architecture theory, the study analysed curriculum documents relevant to the Grade 12 MT stream. Teachers and past learners were interviewed to investigate the Cultural-Discursive, Material-Economic and Socio-Political arrangements that enable or constrain teachers in their intentions to prepare learners to participate in the green economy. Teachers’ material-economic arrangements constrained teaching and learning within the school premises. Learners did not have exposure to real-life fieldwork or job shadowing. Inflexible and restrictive socio-political arrangements in most subjects of the MT stream also constrained green economy learning opportunities. This hindered diversified learning in some subjects. The research further revealed that there is a need for updated pedagogical practices that are aligned with current educational practices. The research found that teachers had very little understanding of the green economy and broader environmental content in their subjects. Consequently, successful implementation of environmental content could not be achieved. The research highlights the importance of advocating for the inclusion of green economy content in the curriculum practices of subjects in the Mechanical Technology stream. This could begin during teacher in-service training as this could enhance teachers’ limited knowledge of environmental content. For practising teachers, workshops, seminars and possibly conferences are necessary to augment knowledge they have, including their awareness of local green economy opportunities in the Eastern Cape. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mkaza, Mcebisi W
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Technology Study and teaching South Africa Eastern Cape , Environmental education South Africa Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers In-service training South Africa Eastern Cape , Mechanical Technology , Green Economy , Practice Architecture Theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191997 , vital:45186
- Description: South Africa’s transition towards a green economy presents opportunities to create resourceful jobs that promote sustainable living in the long term. The country’s educational sector is mandated to integrate a green economy component in curricula from primary schools to tertiary levels. However, green jobs within such an economy require green skills which are not necessarily being developed effectively through the school curriculum. This interpretive study investigated how curriculum practices in the Grade 12 Mechanical Technology (MT) stream offered by technical high schools prepare learners to participate in green economy opportunities in the Eastern Cape. Guided by Practice Architecture theory, the study analysed curriculum documents relevant to the Grade 12 MT stream. Teachers and past learners were interviewed to investigate the Cultural-Discursive, Material-Economic and Socio-Political arrangements that enable or constrain teachers in their intentions to prepare learners to participate in the green economy. Teachers’ material-economic arrangements constrained teaching and learning within the school premises. Learners did not have exposure to real-life fieldwork or job shadowing. Inflexible and restrictive socio-political arrangements in most subjects of the MT stream also constrained green economy learning opportunities. This hindered diversified learning in some subjects. The research further revealed that there is a need for updated pedagogical practices that are aligned with current educational practices. The research found that teachers had very little understanding of the green economy and broader environmental content in their subjects. Consequently, successful implementation of environmental content could not be achieved. The research highlights the importance of advocating for the inclusion of green economy content in the curriculum practices of subjects in the Mechanical Technology stream. This could begin during teacher in-service training as this could enhance teachers’ limited knowledge of environmental content. For practising teachers, workshops, seminars and possibly conferences are necessary to augment knowledge they have, including their awareness of local green economy opportunities in the Eastern Cape. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An investigation on records management of student allocation for accommodation in selected universities of South Africa
- Authors: Mboya, Ncumisa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Records--Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23710 , vital:58584
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the management of students’ residential records at University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Rhodes University (RU). The objectives of the study were to: Investigate the residential policies and records management policies of the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University; Assess the records management practices at the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University; Determine how records management affects the process of allocating accommodation to students at the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University; Identify areas of possible improvement of records management and student satisfaction concerning accommodation and allocation in both institutions. To achieve these objectives, the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was used to select the participants of the study. Out of the targeted sample size of 39, the researcher administered questionnaires to 29 respondents and only 28 questionnaires were returned while 10 participants were interviewed. Therefore, a total of 38 staff members were included in the study. The qualitative data collected was analysed using thematic analysis while quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed that UFH and Rhodes University mostly make use of capturing process as one of the essential processes of records keeping used to allocate accommodation to students in their institutions. More importantly, the findings also revealed that there are different challenges faced by both universities. One of the challenges hindering student residence records at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) includes a lack of records xv management knowledge and incompetence. This might be because there are no records management personnel to take responsibility for student records. On the other hand, Rhodes University is faced with the unavailability of information sources, which might be attributed to a lack of information technology. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Mboya, Ncumisa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Records--Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23710 , vital:58584
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the management of students’ residential records at University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Rhodes University (RU). The objectives of the study were to: Investigate the residential policies and records management policies of the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University; Assess the records management practices at the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University; Determine how records management affects the process of allocating accommodation to students at the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University; Identify areas of possible improvement of records management and student satisfaction concerning accommodation and allocation in both institutions. To achieve these objectives, the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was used to select the participants of the study. Out of the targeted sample size of 39, the researcher administered questionnaires to 29 respondents and only 28 questionnaires were returned while 10 participants were interviewed. Therefore, a total of 38 staff members were included in the study. The qualitative data collected was analysed using thematic analysis while quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed that UFH and Rhodes University mostly make use of capturing process as one of the essential processes of records keeping used to allocate accommodation to students in their institutions. More importantly, the findings also revealed that there are different challenges faced by both universities. One of the challenges hindering student residence records at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) includes a lack of records xv management knowledge and incompetence. This might be because there are no records management personnel to take responsibility for student records. On the other hand, Rhodes University is faced with the unavailability of information sources, which might be attributed to a lack of information technology. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
An Investigation on the Clinical Experiences of Newly Qualified Professional Nurses in Hospital Facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hloba, Siyathemba Prince
- Date: 2021-00
- Subjects: Nurse practitioners
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7942 , vital:55856
- Description: The study aimed to explore and describe the clinical experiences of newly qualified professional nurses in hospital facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The newly qualified professional nurses may face difficulties in the hospital facilities when it comes to the execution of duties. The newly qualified professional nurses are expected to display knowledge, skills and to have a positive effect on patients, the relatives of patients and their colleagues to alleviate diseases. This challenge may create emotional distress if newly qualified professional nurses receive inadequate guidance from the senior staff members of the hospital facility. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the clinical experiences of newly qualified professional nurses, to explore how the newly qualified professional nurses were affected emotionally by clinical experiences and to explore the support system to enhance the performance of the newly qualified professional nurses. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used to explore and describe the experiences of the newly qualified professional nurses in hospital facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling of newly qualified professional nurses, with less than two years of experience after completing the community service in the clinical practice, was used. The data were collected through face-to-face and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted until the data were saturated. A pilot study was done before the main study to prove the adequacy and suitability of the methods to conduct the main study. The participants‟ interviews and results of the pilot study were incorporated into the interviews and results of the main study. Tesch‟s method of thematic analysis and an independent coder were used to analyse the data and to draw meaning from the content. The study used Guba and Lincoln‟s criteria of measures to ensure trustworthiness, which included credibility, confirmability, dependability and transferability. Ethical standards were maintained throughout the study as the researcher complied with ethical principles, namely, respect for persons, beneficence, justice and autonomy. The key considerations to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as stipulated by the World Health Organisation, were followed during the data collection. On data interpretation, three themes were developed with eight subthemes on the first theme, two subthemes on the second theme and three subthemes on the third theme. The research findings revealed that the participants experienced negative attitudes from colleagues and multidisciplinary team members. The shortage of staff and resources made participants feel ineffective in their work environment. Clinical exposure to different units and procedures in various units added value to the development of the participants. The recommendations were made with regards to three divisions. They were the hospital facilities‟ personnel, future nursing research personnel and nursing schools personnel. In hospital facilities, the recommendations included that all novice professional nurses should be made aware of the emotional impact at work. An annual plan for workshops and in-service training should be implemented. Professional counselling is required for the novice professionals who were exposed to Covid-19 isolation units. A need to increase staff coverage in the clinical units was identified as the workload is too big. Management is encouraged to be more sensitive about the newly employed nurses‟ challenges in their facilities and the most experienced nurses are encouraged to mentor and coach the novice nurses. In the future nursing research, recommendations included that more studies need to be conducted in South Africa and the Eastern Cape province to verify the findings of this research. A specific research study that will focus on the supportive needs of nurses in clinical facilities should be done institutionally to provide evidence-based practice. The research culture on the nurses‟ experiences in clinical facilities needs to become a norm. In nursing schools, the recommendations motivated that the nursing students should be exposed to all clinical units before completing the training xiv course. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the balance between theory and clinical learning on duly performance. The nursing education institutions should use quality improvement suggestion boxes for students to consider their experiences and opinions about their learning. Key words : clinical experiences, newly qualified professional nurses, Alfred Nzo district municipalities , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-00
- Authors: Hloba, Siyathemba Prince
- Date: 2021-00
- Subjects: Nurse practitioners
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7942 , vital:55856
- Description: The study aimed to explore and describe the clinical experiences of newly qualified professional nurses in hospital facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The newly qualified professional nurses may face difficulties in the hospital facilities when it comes to the execution of duties. The newly qualified professional nurses are expected to display knowledge, skills and to have a positive effect on patients, the relatives of patients and their colleagues to alleviate diseases. This challenge may create emotional distress if newly qualified professional nurses receive inadequate guidance from the senior staff members of the hospital facility. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the clinical experiences of newly qualified professional nurses, to explore how the newly qualified professional nurses were affected emotionally by clinical experiences and to explore the support system to enhance the performance of the newly qualified professional nurses. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used to explore and describe the experiences of the newly qualified professional nurses in hospital facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling of newly qualified professional nurses, with less than two years of experience after completing the community service in the clinical practice, was used. The data were collected through face-to-face and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted until the data were saturated. A pilot study was done before the main study to prove the adequacy and suitability of the methods to conduct the main study. The participants‟ interviews and results of the pilot study were incorporated into the interviews and results of the main study. Tesch‟s method of thematic analysis and an independent coder were used to analyse the data and to draw meaning from the content. The study used Guba and Lincoln‟s criteria of measures to ensure trustworthiness, which included credibility, confirmability, dependability and transferability. Ethical standards were maintained throughout the study as the researcher complied with ethical principles, namely, respect for persons, beneficence, justice and autonomy. The key considerations to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as stipulated by the World Health Organisation, were followed during the data collection. On data interpretation, three themes were developed with eight subthemes on the first theme, two subthemes on the second theme and three subthemes on the third theme. The research findings revealed that the participants experienced negative attitudes from colleagues and multidisciplinary team members. The shortage of staff and resources made participants feel ineffective in their work environment. Clinical exposure to different units and procedures in various units added value to the development of the participants. The recommendations were made with regards to three divisions. They were the hospital facilities‟ personnel, future nursing research personnel and nursing schools personnel. In hospital facilities, the recommendations included that all novice professional nurses should be made aware of the emotional impact at work. An annual plan for workshops and in-service training should be implemented. Professional counselling is required for the novice professionals who were exposed to Covid-19 isolation units. A need to increase staff coverage in the clinical units was identified as the workload is too big. Management is encouraged to be more sensitive about the newly employed nurses‟ challenges in their facilities and the most experienced nurses are encouraged to mentor and coach the novice nurses. In the future nursing research, recommendations included that more studies need to be conducted in South Africa and the Eastern Cape province to verify the findings of this research. A specific research study that will focus on the supportive needs of nurses in clinical facilities should be done institutionally to provide evidence-based practice. The research culture on the nurses‟ experiences in clinical facilities needs to become a norm. In nursing schools, the recommendations motivated that the nursing students should be exposed to all clinical units before completing the training xiv course. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the balance between theory and clinical learning on duly performance. The nursing education institutions should use quality improvement suggestion boxes for students to consider their experiences and opinions about their learning. Key words : clinical experiences, newly qualified professional nurses, Alfred Nzo district municipalities , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-00
Analysis of factors affecting technical efficiency of a1 smallholder maize farmers under command agriculture scheme in Zimbabwe: the case of Chegutu and Zvimba districts.
- Authors: Muzeza, Norman Tatenda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Farms, Small , Agricultural extension work
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20826 , vital:46607
- Description: Maize is the most essential cereal crop grown in Zimbabwe. This crop is produced across the country under different conditions and environments. The study focused on analyzing technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Understanding technical efficiency is essential under developing agriculture, especially where resources are limited, and high population growth is quite common. In such a setting, increased output depends on efficiency improvements. The specific objectives of the study focused on estimating the level of technical efficiency, determinants of technical efficiency and the level of productivity among a randomly selected sample of 240 A1 smallholder maize farmers under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Purposive, cluster and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from the selected sample. The study applied the single-stage modelling stochastic frontier approach to assess technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers. The stochastic frontier results revealed that A1 smallholder farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts are technically efficient at 85 percent and 94 percent, respectively. The major determinants of technical efficiency varied across each district. In Chegutu district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, labour and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 10 percent and 1 percent (0.012, 0.000 and 0.000) respectively. In Zvimba district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, topdressing and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 5 percent, 10 percent and 1 percent (0.002, 0.021, 0.000) respectively. The study further estimated determinants of technical inefficiency. Main determinants of technical inefficiency in Chegutu district were age, maize farming experience and level of education. In Zvimba district, main determinants were maize farming experience, level of education, marital status, occupation status and other sources of income. The return to scale that measures the productivity level of farmers varied among the two districts in which farmers from Chegutu district had increasing returns to scale (1.43), whilst famers from Zvimba district had decreasing returns to scale (0.54). The study, therefore, argues that despite observed high technical efficiencies, Chegutu farmers could bridge their 15 percent gap between their observed output and the frontier output by focusing more on input usage with increasing returns to scale (1.43 percent). On the other hand, Zvimba farmers could bridge their 6 percent gap between their observed output and frontier output by focusing more on socio-economic drivers of technical inefficiency, given the decreasing returns to scale of their inputs (0.54 percent). , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Muzeza, Norman Tatenda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Farms, Small , Agricultural extension work
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20826 , vital:46607
- Description: Maize is the most essential cereal crop grown in Zimbabwe. This crop is produced across the country under different conditions and environments. The study focused on analyzing technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Understanding technical efficiency is essential under developing agriculture, especially where resources are limited, and high population growth is quite common. In such a setting, increased output depends on efficiency improvements. The specific objectives of the study focused on estimating the level of technical efficiency, determinants of technical efficiency and the level of productivity among a randomly selected sample of 240 A1 smallholder maize farmers under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Purposive, cluster and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from the selected sample. The study applied the single-stage modelling stochastic frontier approach to assess technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers. The stochastic frontier results revealed that A1 smallholder farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts are technically efficient at 85 percent and 94 percent, respectively. The major determinants of technical efficiency varied across each district. In Chegutu district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, labour and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 10 percent and 1 percent (0.012, 0.000 and 0.000) respectively. In Zvimba district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, topdressing and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 5 percent, 10 percent and 1 percent (0.002, 0.021, 0.000) respectively. The study further estimated determinants of technical inefficiency. Main determinants of technical inefficiency in Chegutu district were age, maize farming experience and level of education. In Zvimba district, main determinants were maize farming experience, level of education, marital status, occupation status and other sources of income. The return to scale that measures the productivity level of farmers varied among the two districts in which farmers from Chegutu district had increasing returns to scale (1.43), whilst famers from Zvimba district had decreasing returns to scale (0.54). The study, therefore, argues that despite observed high technical efficiencies, Chegutu farmers could bridge their 15 percent gap between their observed output and the frontier output by focusing more on input usage with increasing returns to scale (1.43 percent). On the other hand, Zvimba farmers could bridge their 6 percent gap between their observed output and frontier output by focusing more on socio-economic drivers of technical inefficiency, given the decreasing returns to scale of their inputs (0.54 percent). , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Assessing the effects of the South African schools rationalisation policy on educator morale-case study of Buffalo City District Education in King Williams Town – Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mgedezi, Nomahlubi Pamela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Teacher morale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20439 , vital:45666
- Description: The purpose of the study was to scrutinise and assess the effects of South African school’s rationalization framework on educator morale in the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education amidst the research objectives. The researcher wanted to establish if the Department of Education had succeeded in the implementation of the policy. In terms of the accomplishment of the objectives the researcher wanted to determine whether the exercise of the policy had affected the morale of educators. The study reviewed the literature, theoretical and empirical assessment of rationalisation process on the morale of educators in the King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a case study design of qualitative approach. The target population of the study included seventeen educators of the five schools in King William’s Town. A purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. A semi – structured interviews and questionnaires was used, and data was analysed using thematic approach according to the themes from the research questions. The questionnaire method succeeded by interviews was used for the collection of data. The tables and bar graphs were used to represent the number of respondents that participated in the study. The findings denoted that some of the educators believed the Department of Education had not planned the process of rationalisation sufficiently as it brought about anxiety and stress, though some of the affected educators mentioned that it brought relief as there are additional educators to teach other learning areas. The study recommended that the Department of basic Education in Eastern Cape should as a matter of priority provide maximum support to the affected educators. The study concluded that it became evident that the interaction with the respondents showed that the rationalisation process affects redeployed educators negatively. The outcome of the study could be helpful to the Department of Education to come up with strategies of implementing the policy and serve as a centre of reference towards other organisations and unions. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Mgedezi, Nomahlubi Pamela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Teacher morale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20439 , vital:45666
- Description: The purpose of the study was to scrutinise and assess the effects of South African school’s rationalization framework on educator morale in the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education amidst the research objectives. The researcher wanted to establish if the Department of Education had succeeded in the implementation of the policy. In terms of the accomplishment of the objectives the researcher wanted to determine whether the exercise of the policy had affected the morale of educators. The study reviewed the literature, theoretical and empirical assessment of rationalisation process on the morale of educators in the King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a case study design of qualitative approach. The target population of the study included seventeen educators of the five schools in King William’s Town. A purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. A semi – structured interviews and questionnaires was used, and data was analysed using thematic approach according to the themes from the research questions. The questionnaire method succeeded by interviews was used for the collection of data. The tables and bar graphs were used to represent the number of respondents that participated in the study. The findings denoted that some of the educators believed the Department of Education had not planned the process of rationalisation sufficiently as it brought about anxiety and stress, though some of the affected educators mentioned that it brought relief as there are additional educators to teach other learning areas. The study recommended that the Department of basic Education in Eastern Cape should as a matter of priority provide maximum support to the affected educators. The study concluded that it became evident that the interaction with the respondents showed that the rationalisation process affects redeployed educators negatively. The outcome of the study could be helpful to the Department of Education to come up with strategies of implementing the policy and serve as a centre of reference towards other organisations and unions. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Capital flows and real exchange rate movement in South Africa
- Authors: Lindani, Sandiswa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates , Exchange rate pass-through , Capital movements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20417 , vital:45664
- Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flow of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. Based on this background, this study empirically examines the extent to which the different forms of capital flows amongst other variables influence the real exchange rate in South Africa for the period 1980 to 2019, using annual data. Estimation techniques employed include the Johansen Co-integration Approach and the Vector error correction model (VECM). The variables were found to be co-integrated, with six co-integrating vectors existing. The long-run results revealed that FPI has an appreciating effect on the exchange rate in South Africa. Based on the results, policy recommendations are suggested. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Lindani, Sandiswa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates , Exchange rate pass-through , Capital movements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20417 , vital:45664
- Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flow of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. Based on this background, this study empirically examines the extent to which the different forms of capital flows amongst other variables influence the real exchange rate in South Africa for the period 1980 to 2019, using annual data. Estimation techniques employed include the Johansen Co-integration Approach and the Vector error correction model (VECM). The variables were found to be co-integrated, with six co-integrating vectors existing. The long-run results revealed that FPI has an appreciating effect on the exchange rate in South Africa. Based on the results, policy recommendations are suggested. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Characterisation of the ultramafic and carbonatite components of the Schiel Alkaline Complex in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mahomed, Uzayr
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Ultrabasic rocks South Africa Limpopo , Carbonatites South Africa Limpopo , Geology South Africa Limpopo , Mica South Africa Limpopo , Biotite South Africa Limpopo , Magmatism , Schiel Alkaline Complex , Phoscorite , Glimmerite
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294768 , vital:57253
- Description: Owing to the poor documentation of the phoscorite-carbonatite association present in the Schiel Complex and the associated economic potential of other known phoscorite-bearing complexes, the Schiel Complex is widely thought to have similar economic potential. This complex is often compared to the lucrative Phalaborwa Complex, as it is thought to have crystallised from a common parental melt, with a similar age of emplacement. This study aims to provide clarity on the physical and chemical characterisation of the various rock types present in the Schiel Complex, with this study being the first petrological investigation based on fresh in-situ samples gathered from 3 borehole cores which were drilled by FOSKOR in the 1960s. The sampled sections of the ultramafics from the Schiel Complex are comprised of end-member rock compositions of either magmatic phoscorites or pyroxenites or metasomatic glimmerites, where gradational contacts between these various end-members produce rock varieties that contain characteristics of one or more end-member types. Carbonatite rocks are present as medium-grained, coarse-grained and banded calcio-carbonatite varieties where the carbonatite rocks are proposed as being the metasomatic medium for glimmerite production. Contrary to previous research, the structure of the ultramafic and carbonatite bodies are present as vein and veinlet structures which seem to originate from a single pipe-like body, from which these rock types intruded into the surrounding syenitic country-rock. Metasomatic alteration of the ultramafic sections of the Schiel Complex also show that the carbonatite rocks must have intruded after some ultramafic magmatism. The presence of the same minerals, with similar chemistries, in both the ultramafic and carbonatite rocks as well as similar REE chondrite-normalised plots show that the various rock types may have originated from a common parental magma, where the accumulation and crystallisation of minerals is the most likely factor in producing the various Schiel Complex rock varieties, causing silicate minerals to be present in the carbonate fraction of the magma, and carbonate minerals in the silicate fraction of the magma. Apatite is the expected rare earth element (REE) mineralising mineral in phoscorites, but is shown to be depleted in REE content in the Schiel Complex due to metasomatic fluid infiltration causing the scavenging and dissipation of REEs. These rocks have also crystallised containing no significant copper-bearing mineralisation, contrary to that which is seen in the Phalaborwa Complex. A comparison of mica minerals between the Schiel Complex rocks and the Phalaborwa Complex rocks show that the two complexes have undergone unique emplacement processes and should not be considered as sister complexes. Efforts to date the glimmerite and carbonatite rocks based on zircon grain U/Pb geochronology proved unsuccessful in constraining the current ages of emplacement provided by previous researchers, but rock relationships show that the current accepted sequence of events cannot be correct, providing scope for further research. This study provides an update on the chemical and physical characteristics, based on the only available sample suite of the ultramafic and carbonatite components, of the Schiel Complex, increasing the depth of documentation of these rare rock types and aiding in refuting some conclusions on the genesis, emplacement and evolution of the Schiel Complex proposed by previous research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mahomed, Uzayr
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Ultrabasic rocks South Africa Limpopo , Carbonatites South Africa Limpopo , Geology South Africa Limpopo , Mica South Africa Limpopo , Biotite South Africa Limpopo , Magmatism , Schiel Alkaline Complex , Phoscorite , Glimmerite
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294768 , vital:57253
- Description: Owing to the poor documentation of the phoscorite-carbonatite association present in the Schiel Complex and the associated economic potential of other known phoscorite-bearing complexes, the Schiel Complex is widely thought to have similar economic potential. This complex is often compared to the lucrative Phalaborwa Complex, as it is thought to have crystallised from a common parental melt, with a similar age of emplacement. This study aims to provide clarity on the physical and chemical characterisation of the various rock types present in the Schiel Complex, with this study being the first petrological investigation based on fresh in-situ samples gathered from 3 borehole cores which were drilled by FOSKOR in the 1960s. The sampled sections of the ultramafics from the Schiel Complex are comprised of end-member rock compositions of either magmatic phoscorites or pyroxenites or metasomatic glimmerites, where gradational contacts between these various end-members produce rock varieties that contain characteristics of one or more end-member types. Carbonatite rocks are present as medium-grained, coarse-grained and banded calcio-carbonatite varieties where the carbonatite rocks are proposed as being the metasomatic medium for glimmerite production. Contrary to previous research, the structure of the ultramafic and carbonatite bodies are present as vein and veinlet structures which seem to originate from a single pipe-like body, from which these rock types intruded into the surrounding syenitic country-rock. Metasomatic alteration of the ultramafic sections of the Schiel Complex also show that the carbonatite rocks must have intruded after some ultramafic magmatism. The presence of the same minerals, with similar chemistries, in both the ultramafic and carbonatite rocks as well as similar REE chondrite-normalised plots show that the various rock types may have originated from a common parental magma, where the accumulation and crystallisation of minerals is the most likely factor in producing the various Schiel Complex rock varieties, causing silicate minerals to be present in the carbonate fraction of the magma, and carbonate minerals in the silicate fraction of the magma. Apatite is the expected rare earth element (REE) mineralising mineral in phoscorites, but is shown to be depleted in REE content in the Schiel Complex due to metasomatic fluid infiltration causing the scavenging and dissipation of REEs. These rocks have also crystallised containing no significant copper-bearing mineralisation, contrary to that which is seen in the Phalaborwa Complex. A comparison of mica minerals between the Schiel Complex rocks and the Phalaborwa Complex rocks show that the two complexes have undergone unique emplacement processes and should not be considered as sister complexes. Efforts to date the glimmerite and carbonatite rocks based on zircon grain U/Pb geochronology proved unsuccessful in constraining the current ages of emplacement provided by previous researchers, but rock relationships show that the current accepted sequence of events cannot be correct, providing scope for further research. This study provides an update on the chemical and physical characteristics, based on the only available sample suite of the ultramafic and carbonatite components, of the Schiel Complex, increasing the depth of documentation of these rare rock types and aiding in refuting some conclusions on the genesis, emplacement and evolution of the Schiel Complex proposed by previous research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradation of diets containing Vachellia karro leaf meal and their effect on physiological responses of indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats
- Authors: Mfisi, Khanyisa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Ruminants--Feeding and feeds , Animal nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20719 , vital:46460
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradation (DMD) of Vachellia karro leaf meal-containing diets and their effect on feed intake and physiological responses of indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats. Experimental diets containing 0 percent (Treatment 1), 15 percent (Treatment 2) and 30 percent (Treatment 3) Vachellia karroo leaf meal were mixed with grass hay and crushed maize. Samples of each diet were analysed for chemical composition and in vitro ruminal DM degradability. A total of 18 eight-month-old indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats, initially weighing 20.81 ± 1.83 kg were randomly assigned to each diet in a Completely Randomized Design. The goats were confined in individual well-ventilated roofed pens and each dietary treatment had a total of 6 goats. The feed was offered at a rate of 3 percent of live weight twice a day, at 08:00 in the morning and at 16:00 in the afternoon. The experimental feeding trial lasted for 80 days, where 10 days was allowed for adaptation. Goat live weight, Average daily feed intake (ADFI), and Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded weekly FAMACHA scores and fecal eggs counts were also determined weekly. Blood samples were collected via vein puncture on the last day of the feeding trial for determination of glucose, total cholesterol, albumin and blood urea. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) and condensed tannins (CT) levels were observed in Vachellia karroo containing diets., while acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control diet. During early hours of incubation, DMD was similar (P > 0.05) across all dietary treatments. At 12 to 72 hours, the DMD was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo containing diets except at 48 hours. Correlation between DMD and NDF, ADF and fat was only visible at 24 hours. Fibre (ADF and NDF) were negatively related to DMD, while fat was positively related. A positive correlation was observed between DMD and DM, CP and ADFI. The body weight and BCS of goats was similar (P > 0.05) in all dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The ADFI was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo supplemented goats. Faecal egg count and FAMACHA scores were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the control group compared to the Vachellia karroo supplemented treatments; while glucose levels were significantly higher in goats supplemented with Vachellia karroo compared to non-supplemented goats. Cholesterol levels were similar (P > 0.05) across all experimental groups. Goats consuming 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal had higher (P < 0.05) creatinine levels than the non-supplemented treatment. Urea levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal than other treatments. It was concluded that the inclusion of Vachellia karroo leaves improves diet quality, diet degradability, average daily feed intake and physiological responses. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Mfisi, Khanyisa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Ruminants--Feeding and feeds , Animal nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20719 , vital:46460
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradation (DMD) of Vachellia karro leaf meal-containing diets and their effect on feed intake and physiological responses of indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats. Experimental diets containing 0 percent (Treatment 1), 15 percent (Treatment 2) and 30 percent (Treatment 3) Vachellia karroo leaf meal were mixed with grass hay and crushed maize. Samples of each diet were analysed for chemical composition and in vitro ruminal DM degradability. A total of 18 eight-month-old indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats, initially weighing 20.81 ± 1.83 kg were randomly assigned to each diet in a Completely Randomized Design. The goats were confined in individual well-ventilated roofed pens and each dietary treatment had a total of 6 goats. The feed was offered at a rate of 3 percent of live weight twice a day, at 08:00 in the morning and at 16:00 in the afternoon. The experimental feeding trial lasted for 80 days, where 10 days was allowed for adaptation. Goat live weight, Average daily feed intake (ADFI), and Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded weekly FAMACHA scores and fecal eggs counts were also determined weekly. Blood samples were collected via vein puncture on the last day of the feeding trial for determination of glucose, total cholesterol, albumin and blood urea. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) and condensed tannins (CT) levels were observed in Vachellia karroo containing diets., while acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control diet. During early hours of incubation, DMD was similar (P > 0.05) across all dietary treatments. At 12 to 72 hours, the DMD was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo containing diets except at 48 hours. Correlation between DMD and NDF, ADF and fat was only visible at 24 hours. Fibre (ADF and NDF) were negatively related to DMD, while fat was positively related. A positive correlation was observed between DMD and DM, CP and ADFI. The body weight and BCS of goats was similar (P > 0.05) in all dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The ADFI was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo supplemented goats. Faecal egg count and FAMACHA scores were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the control group compared to the Vachellia karroo supplemented treatments; while glucose levels were significantly higher in goats supplemented with Vachellia karroo compared to non-supplemented goats. Cholesterol levels were similar (P > 0.05) across all experimental groups. Goats consuming 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal had higher (P < 0.05) creatinine levels than the non-supplemented treatment. Urea levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal than other treatments. It was concluded that the inclusion of Vachellia karroo leaves improves diet quality, diet degradability, average daily feed intake and physiological responses. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Compartmentalization of mineral elements, nutritional factors, biological potentials and phytochemical profiles in the fruits of Musa sinensis L.(Banana) and Musa paradisiaca L.(Plantain): A comparison among soft flesh, peel and boiled peel extract
- Oyeyinka, Barnabas Oluwatomide https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-9365
- Authors: Oyeyinka, Barnabas Oluwatomide https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-9365
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bananas , Plantain banana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23655 , vital:58274
- Description: Fruits are key contributors to human nutrition and health. However, banana and plantain are typical examples of fruits that have nutritionally under-utilized peel by-products. This study was thus carried out to investigate the compartmental distribution (soft flesh, peel, and boiled peel extract) of mineral elements, nutritional factors, biological potentials, and phytochemical profiles in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruits (ripening stage 4-5), with focus on the peels. Proximal and and antinutritive analyses were done with standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while mineral element composition in the fruit components was analyzed with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The pharmacological potential of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruit components was investigated spectrophotometrically by evaluating the polyphenolic constituents (total phenol, proanthocyanidin, flavonoid) and in vitro radical scavenging activities of the aqueous, acetone and ethanol extracts, using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay models. The correlational evaluation of the polyphenolics and antioxidant activity in the components of both fruits using Pearson’s correlational coefficient (r). The proximal assays revealed that moisture content, fiber content, and carbohydratecontent were substantially present in the flesh and peel of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while lipid content was low. The antinutritive results revealed safe levels of alkaloid, oxalate, phytate, and saponin factors in the flesh and peel by-products. Mineral analysis results indicated substantial levels of the macroelements K, Mg, Ca, and P in the peels. Other results revealed that acetone extracts had the highest phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid constituents respectively, across the soft flesh components ofM. sinensis (119.05 ± 5.80 mgGAE/g; 337.48 ± 13.16 mgCE/g; 602.64 ± 3.65 mgQE/g), M. paradisiaca (114.80 ± 1.49 mgGAE/g; 436.09 ± 36.44 mgCE/g; 777.35 ± 150.95mgQE/g) and the peel component of M. paradisiaca (136.87 ± 5.69 mgGAE/g; 530.06 ± 53.51 mgCE/g; 750.87 ± 55.61 mgQE/g), with an exception of the phenolic content of M. sinensis peel, where it was highest in the ethanol extract (157.19 ± 4.76 mgGAE/g). The ABTS (0.03 mg/mL) and DPPH (0.03 mg/mL) activities were at their highest in the boiled peel extracts of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while ferric reducing power was highest in ethanol extracts across M. sinensis soft flesh, peel, and M. paradisiaca flesh. Acetone extract of M. paradisiaca peel had the highest ferric reducing capacity at peak concentration (0.1 mg/mL). Correlational analysis revealed a negative correlation between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoid content and the IC50DPPH antioxidant capacity in M. sinensis flesh, M. sinensis peel and M. paradisiaca flesh. Conversely, there was positive correlation between IC50 DPPH with proanthocyanidin and flavonoid in M. paradisiaca peel. Negative correlation was detected between the phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50ABTS in M. sinensis flesh. Positive correlation was observed between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contentwith IC50 ABTS in M. sinensis peel, M. paradisiaca flesh and M. paradisiaca peel. There was negative correlation between the respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50 FRAP in the flesh of M. sinensis, while positive correlation was observed in M. sinensis peel. M. paradisiaca flesh on the other hand, showed positive correlation between the IC50 FRAP and the respective phytochemical contents. However, the peel, there was negative correlation. The correlational evaluation in this study revealed general positive and negative correlational patterns, which implies that no polyphenolic constituent contributed exclusively to antioxidant activity, but rather in combination. Ultrastructure and elemental spectra of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps were analysed with electron microscopy (SEM)and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Microstructures such as interlocked, polyhedral epidermal cells, ellipsoid-shaped stomata, guard cells, intercellular space, anticlinal-patterned walls, and subsidiary cells were observed. The elemental spectra revealed the presence of elements such as potassium, iron, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and gold, with consistently high to relatively high carbon and oxygen peaks in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps. The relative similarity observed in the constituents of a number of the elemental spectra in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca peels, reflects some degree of relatedness. These outcomes indicate that banana and plantain peel and boiled peel extracts are nutritive, medicinal and potential nutraceuticals, with food preservative, shelf-life and quality enhancement potentials. The instrumentation in this study also have potential relevance in industrial food product analysis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Oyeyinka, Barnabas Oluwatomide https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-9365
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bananas , Plantain banana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23655 , vital:58274
- Description: Fruits are key contributors to human nutrition and health. However, banana and plantain are typical examples of fruits that have nutritionally under-utilized peel by-products. This study was thus carried out to investigate the compartmental distribution (soft flesh, peel, and boiled peel extract) of mineral elements, nutritional factors, biological potentials, and phytochemical profiles in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruits (ripening stage 4-5), with focus on the peels. Proximal and and antinutritive analyses were done with standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while mineral element composition in the fruit components was analyzed with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The pharmacological potential of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruit components was investigated spectrophotometrically by evaluating the polyphenolic constituents (total phenol, proanthocyanidin, flavonoid) and in vitro radical scavenging activities of the aqueous, acetone and ethanol extracts, using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay models. The correlational evaluation of the polyphenolics and antioxidant activity in the components of both fruits using Pearson’s correlational coefficient (r). The proximal assays revealed that moisture content, fiber content, and carbohydratecontent were substantially present in the flesh and peel of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while lipid content was low. The antinutritive results revealed safe levels of alkaloid, oxalate, phytate, and saponin factors in the flesh and peel by-products. Mineral analysis results indicated substantial levels of the macroelements K, Mg, Ca, and P in the peels. Other results revealed that acetone extracts had the highest phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid constituents respectively, across the soft flesh components ofM. sinensis (119.05 ± 5.80 mgGAE/g; 337.48 ± 13.16 mgCE/g; 602.64 ± 3.65 mgQE/g), M. paradisiaca (114.80 ± 1.49 mgGAE/g; 436.09 ± 36.44 mgCE/g; 777.35 ± 150.95mgQE/g) and the peel component of M. paradisiaca (136.87 ± 5.69 mgGAE/g; 530.06 ± 53.51 mgCE/g; 750.87 ± 55.61 mgQE/g), with an exception of the phenolic content of M. sinensis peel, where it was highest in the ethanol extract (157.19 ± 4.76 mgGAE/g). The ABTS (0.03 mg/mL) and DPPH (0.03 mg/mL) activities were at their highest in the boiled peel extracts of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while ferric reducing power was highest in ethanol extracts across M. sinensis soft flesh, peel, and M. paradisiaca flesh. Acetone extract of M. paradisiaca peel had the highest ferric reducing capacity at peak concentration (0.1 mg/mL). Correlational analysis revealed a negative correlation between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoid content and the IC50DPPH antioxidant capacity in M. sinensis flesh, M. sinensis peel and M. paradisiaca flesh. Conversely, there was positive correlation between IC50 DPPH with proanthocyanidin and flavonoid in M. paradisiaca peel. Negative correlation was detected between the phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50ABTS in M. sinensis flesh. Positive correlation was observed between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contentwith IC50 ABTS in M. sinensis peel, M. paradisiaca flesh and M. paradisiaca peel. There was negative correlation between the respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50 FRAP in the flesh of M. sinensis, while positive correlation was observed in M. sinensis peel. M. paradisiaca flesh on the other hand, showed positive correlation between the IC50 FRAP and the respective phytochemical contents. However, the peel, there was negative correlation. The correlational evaluation in this study revealed general positive and negative correlational patterns, which implies that no polyphenolic constituent contributed exclusively to antioxidant activity, but rather in combination. Ultrastructure and elemental spectra of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps were analysed with electron microscopy (SEM)and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Microstructures such as interlocked, polyhedral epidermal cells, ellipsoid-shaped stomata, guard cells, intercellular space, anticlinal-patterned walls, and subsidiary cells were observed. The elemental spectra revealed the presence of elements such as potassium, iron, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and gold, with consistently high to relatively high carbon and oxygen peaks in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps. The relative similarity observed in the constituents of a number of the elemental spectra in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca peels, reflects some degree of relatedness. These outcomes indicate that banana and plantain peel and boiled peel extracts are nutritive, medicinal and potential nutraceuticals, with food preservative, shelf-life and quality enhancement potentials. The instrumentation in this study also have potential relevance in industrial food product analysis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Competing policy imperatives in Post-Apartheid South Africa: An analysis of the effects and larger significance of ESKOM restructuring on the South African automotive industry, 2005-2014
- Authors: Sibuyi, Lucas Nkosana
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , South Africa Colonial influence , Electric power Conservation South Africa , Electric utilities Government ownership South Africa , Electric utilities Privatization South Africa , Import substitution South Africa , Government business enterprises South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192911 , vital:45278 , 10.21504/10962/192911
- Description: The state has played an indispensable, major role in the industrialisation of South Africa, and its transformation from an economy of agriculture and mining to one based on manufacturing and services by the 1970s. Large state-owned corporations in communications and transportation, finance, industry and power have been key to this process, which also involved an extensive (and racist form of) import substitution industrialisation (ISI) from the 1920s. The 1970s saw a shift towards neoliberal policies, first under the National-Party-led apartheid government and then under the African-National-Congress-led democratic government formed in 1994. Since the 1980s, this restructuring has profoundly affected state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including the monopoly electricity utility ESKOM, and manufacturing industries, such as the automotive sector. This thesis examines the evolution of and interaction between different areas of neoliberal policy, and their evolution over time through a consideration of the relationship between the restructuring of SOEs and manufacturing, with a focus on ESKOM and autotomotives respectively. Relying on interviews with senior officials, policymakers, union leaders and industrialists, as well as primary documents, the study examines the responses of OEMs in South Africa (BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes Benz/Daimler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen) to ESKOM’s actions, and analyses the root of these actions. It argues that while restructuring has been framed by a common framework, policy development and implementation is not coordinated or cohesive. ESKOM, for example, gutted investment in electricity and maintenance generation capacity to become profitable and create space for Independent Power Providers (IPPs) – neoliberal measures for which it was rewarded and lauded. This took place at a time when national policy emphasised the need to grow manufacturing and attract direct investment by creating an investor-friendly climate resting on infrastructure. It also took place when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rolled out highly successful plans – also praised and rewarded – to help adjust automotives to open markets; the sector grew much larger than under ISI, while other sectors like textiles collapsed. ESKOM’s measures, however, led to a rapid decline in the capacity and stability of the power system, and directly contradicted the drive to expand and globalise manufacturing, in which automotives was now the leading edge. Corruption in the utility worsened, much of it through subcontracting measures rooted in neoliberal reforms, but this did not cause the basic problems. It is argued that this situation of competing policy imperatives reflects deeper, long-term problems in the South African state, including contradictory policies, uneven capacity and a lack of coordination. For example, there was no coordination between the DTI and stakeholder departments that regulate ESKOM, being the shareholder ministry, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and its policy ministry, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). These types of problems did not start postapartheid, and post-1994 reforms have not adequately addressed them. What exists is not a “developmental” state, as policymakers hope, but a fractured state of an intermediate type that combines “developmental” and “predatory” features in a oneparty dominant system in which lines between ruling party and state blur, and state resources are leveraged for elite class formation. Such was the case under apartheid skippered by the NP, with Afrikanerisation, and it continues today post-apartheid under the ANC with BEE. Major reforms are needed, but not just in SOE governance or budgets, as many have suggested. If we are to take the nation forward, the basic design of the state must be reformed. The state needs professionalised, coherent policy-making and implementation, proper coordination of state entities and hard decisions. It should manage high levels of public infrastructure, guarantee political stability and credit ratings, and provide policy certainty and predictability. Without big reforms it will remain a chronic underperformer. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Sibuyi, Lucas Nkosana
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , South Africa Colonial influence , Electric power Conservation South Africa , Electric utilities Government ownership South Africa , Electric utilities Privatization South Africa , Import substitution South Africa , Government business enterprises South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192911 , vital:45278 , 10.21504/10962/192911
- Description: The state has played an indispensable, major role in the industrialisation of South Africa, and its transformation from an economy of agriculture and mining to one based on manufacturing and services by the 1970s. Large state-owned corporations in communications and transportation, finance, industry and power have been key to this process, which also involved an extensive (and racist form of) import substitution industrialisation (ISI) from the 1920s. The 1970s saw a shift towards neoliberal policies, first under the National-Party-led apartheid government and then under the African-National-Congress-led democratic government formed in 1994. Since the 1980s, this restructuring has profoundly affected state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including the monopoly electricity utility ESKOM, and manufacturing industries, such as the automotive sector. This thesis examines the evolution of and interaction between different areas of neoliberal policy, and their evolution over time through a consideration of the relationship between the restructuring of SOEs and manufacturing, with a focus on ESKOM and autotomotives respectively. Relying on interviews with senior officials, policymakers, union leaders and industrialists, as well as primary documents, the study examines the responses of OEMs in South Africa (BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes Benz/Daimler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen) to ESKOM’s actions, and analyses the root of these actions. It argues that while restructuring has been framed by a common framework, policy development and implementation is not coordinated or cohesive. ESKOM, for example, gutted investment in electricity and maintenance generation capacity to become profitable and create space for Independent Power Providers (IPPs) – neoliberal measures for which it was rewarded and lauded. This took place at a time when national policy emphasised the need to grow manufacturing and attract direct investment by creating an investor-friendly climate resting on infrastructure. It also took place when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rolled out highly successful plans – also praised and rewarded – to help adjust automotives to open markets; the sector grew much larger than under ISI, while other sectors like textiles collapsed. ESKOM’s measures, however, led to a rapid decline in the capacity and stability of the power system, and directly contradicted the drive to expand and globalise manufacturing, in which automotives was now the leading edge. Corruption in the utility worsened, much of it through subcontracting measures rooted in neoliberal reforms, but this did not cause the basic problems. It is argued that this situation of competing policy imperatives reflects deeper, long-term problems in the South African state, including contradictory policies, uneven capacity and a lack of coordination. For example, there was no coordination between the DTI and stakeholder departments that regulate ESKOM, being the shareholder ministry, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and its policy ministry, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). These types of problems did not start postapartheid, and post-1994 reforms have not adequately addressed them. What exists is not a “developmental” state, as policymakers hope, but a fractured state of an intermediate type that combines “developmental” and “predatory” features in a oneparty dominant system in which lines between ruling party and state blur, and state resources are leveraged for elite class formation. Such was the case under apartheid skippered by the NP, with Afrikanerisation, and it continues today post-apartheid under the ANC with BEE. Major reforms are needed, but not just in SOE governance or budgets, as many have suggested. If we are to take the nation forward, the basic design of the state must be reformed. The state needs professionalised, coherent policy-making and implementation, proper coordination of state entities and hard decisions. It should manage high levels of public infrastructure, guarantee political stability and credit ratings, and provide policy certainty and predictability. Without big reforms it will remain a chronic underperformer. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Conflict-induced displacement: a study of risk and support for the older refugees in South Africa
- Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Authors: Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Migration, Internal , Displacement (Psychology) , Refugees -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22231 , vital:52001
- Description: With the exponential rise in conflict scenarios globally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in foreign countries continues to grow. Although there has been several international efforts and conventions aimed at alleviating the global refugee crisis, the international community has not found a sustainable answer to this knotty problem. In Africa, with some of the worst conflict situations, the scourge of social displacement resulting in migrations have caused different levels of risks and vulnerability for the refugees, as well as capacity constraints for the host communities, governments of host countries and non-governmental bodies working with refugees. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, especially those coming from African countries, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the older refugees, the level of risk exposure and hardship have generated interests for both scholars and officials. This thesis explores the risks and support systems for older refugees in South Africa, with specific focus on the Eastern Cape province. Various stakeholders (such as government, NGOs, host communities and the older refugees) in refugee management in South Africa have argued differently on ‘how best’ to manage older refugees in the country. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape province and documentary analysis, the study found that the experiences of older refugees in the Eastern Cape province are nuanced. The dominant narrative on the experiences of older refugees indicate peaceful coexistence and resilient organic community support systems, with minor conflicts – often associated with contestations for scarce economic opportunities. Although the study focuses on one province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-overgeneralised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and networks of relationships that bind local populations and the refugees, especially the older ones. In the search for national, regional and global answers on the best way to manage refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Migration, Internal , Displacement (Psychology) , Refugees -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22231 , vital:52001
- Description: With the exponential rise in conflict scenarios globally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in foreign countries continues to grow. Although there has been several international efforts and conventions aimed at alleviating the global refugee crisis, the international community has not found a sustainable answer to this knotty problem. In Africa, with some of the worst conflict situations, the scourge of social displacement resulting in migrations have caused different levels of risks and vulnerability for the refugees, as well as capacity constraints for the host communities, governments of host countries and non-governmental bodies working with refugees. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, especially those coming from African countries, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the older refugees, the level of risk exposure and hardship have generated interests for both scholars and officials. This thesis explores the risks and support systems for older refugees in South Africa, with specific focus on the Eastern Cape province. Various stakeholders (such as government, NGOs, host communities and the older refugees) in refugee management in South Africa have argued differently on ‘how best’ to manage older refugees in the country. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape province and documentary analysis, the study found that the experiences of older refugees in the Eastern Cape province are nuanced. The dominant narrative on the experiences of older refugees indicate peaceful coexistence and resilient organic community support systems, with minor conflicts – often associated with contestations for scarce economic opportunities. Although the study focuses on one province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-overgeneralised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and networks of relationships that bind local populations and the refugees, especially the older ones. In the search for national, regional and global answers on the best way to manage refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Determination of acaricide resistance profiles, and geographic range of boophilid Rhipicephalus tick spp. (Acari: Ixodidae), and sero-status of tick-borne pathogens on communal cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Effect of environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on secondary school learners in environmental education knowledge, attitudes and practices in Nigeria
- Authors: Olagbaju, Oluwaseun Olaitan
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Environmental education , Education, Secondary
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20284 , vital:45647
- Description: The depletion of the environment compelled researchers to investigate Environmental Education issues, the methods of imparting knowledge and the creation of awareness about environmental problems. However, youths have knowledge of environmental concepts but lack the skills, intentions, and action competence to exhibit positive environmentally responsible behaviour. There is, therefore, a need for a change in human behaviour to overcome current environmental problems. This study determines the effect of an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners in environmental education. It also explores the moderating effects of gender and school location. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group and quasi-experimental design. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Eight (8) coeducational secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, were selected based on environmental challenges in their immediate environment. There were four (4) schools from Ibadan city (urban area of Ibadan) and four (4) from Ibadan less city (rural area of Ibadan). Seven hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Five research instruments were used for this study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the seven formulated hypotheses. Estimated Marginal mean analysis was used to determine the source of significant effect of treatment. A significant interaction effect was described using a graphical representation. All hypotheses were tested at P< .05 level of significance. The result reveals that there was a significant main effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners’ environmental knowledge (F(1,715) = 40.62, p < 0.05, Partial , 2 .054). There was also significant main effect of treatment (environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on junior secondary school students’ environmental attitude. (F(1,715) = 32.36, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.043). The effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme) on students’ environmental practices was statistically significant, F(1,715) = 17.02, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.023). The findings shows that there was a significant main effect of school location (Urban and Rural) on Junior Secondary School students’ environmental knowledge (F(1,716) = 71.62 p< 0.05. partial 2 =0.091). There was no significant main effect of gender (male / female) F(1,715) =0.27, p> 0.05, partial 2 = 0.000. The findings further shows that there was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental attitude, (F(1,175) =39.21, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.052) Shows that there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental attitude F(1,715) =2.1, p> 0.05. partial 2 =0.003 There was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental practices, F(1,715) = 17.02, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.019 but there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental practices, (F(1,715) = 1.17, p> 0.05. partial 2 = 0.002). Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers should use an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme in teaching environmental concepts in the classroom. To support this, group/teamwork should be encouraged amongst students. Students should be allowed to construct knowledge in order to bring about their active participation with a view to making learning realistic and effective and to enable the exhibition of environmentally friendly behaviour. , Thesis (PhD)(Education)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Olagbaju, Oluwaseun Olaitan
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Environmental education , Education, Secondary
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20284 , vital:45647
- Description: The depletion of the environment compelled researchers to investigate Environmental Education issues, the methods of imparting knowledge and the creation of awareness about environmental problems. However, youths have knowledge of environmental concepts but lack the skills, intentions, and action competence to exhibit positive environmentally responsible behaviour. There is, therefore, a need for a change in human behaviour to overcome current environmental problems. This study determines the effect of an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners in environmental education. It also explores the moderating effects of gender and school location. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group and quasi-experimental design. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Eight (8) coeducational secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, were selected based on environmental challenges in their immediate environment. There were four (4) schools from Ibadan city (urban area of Ibadan) and four (4) from Ibadan less city (rural area of Ibadan). Seven hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Five research instruments were used for this study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the seven formulated hypotheses. Estimated Marginal mean analysis was used to determine the source of significant effect of treatment. A significant interaction effect was described using a graphical representation. All hypotheses were tested at P< .05 level of significance. The result reveals that there was a significant main effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners’ environmental knowledge (F(1,715) = 40.62, p < 0.05, Partial , 2 .054). There was also significant main effect of treatment (environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on junior secondary school students’ environmental attitude. (F(1,715) = 32.36, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.043). The effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme) on students’ environmental practices was statistically significant, F(1,715) = 17.02, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.023). The findings shows that there was a significant main effect of school location (Urban and Rural) on Junior Secondary School students’ environmental knowledge (F(1,716) = 71.62 p< 0.05. partial 2 =0.091). There was no significant main effect of gender (male / female) F(1,715) =0.27, p> 0.05, partial 2 = 0.000. The findings further shows that there was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental attitude, (F(1,175) =39.21, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.052) Shows that there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental attitude F(1,715) =2.1, p> 0.05. partial 2 =0.003 There was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental practices, F(1,715) = 17.02, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.019 but there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental practices, (F(1,715) = 1.17, p> 0.05. partial 2 = 0.002). Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers should use an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme in teaching environmental concepts in the classroom. To support this, group/teamwork should be encouraged amongst students. Students should be allowed to construct knowledge in order to bring about their active participation with a view to making learning realistic and effective and to enable the exhibition of environmentally friendly behaviour. , Thesis (PhD)(Education)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Effect of grazing systems and age on enteric methane production and performance plus grazing system effect on ruminal fermentation parameters of Nguni and Bonsmara beef cows
- Authors: Kayima, Denis
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Grazing , Pastures--Management , Ruminants--Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20583 , vital:46153
- Description: Beef breeds of cattle are predominantly raised through extensive grazing and produce the highest levels of enteric methane (CH4) through ruminal fermentation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, grazing, and age on enteric methane production and performance of beef cows as well as effect of breed and grazing system on ruminal fermentation parameters. Two separate studies were conducted; the first study evaluated the effect of grazing system, breed, and age on ruminal enteric methane production and performance of selected beef breeds. The second study evaluated the effect of the grazing system and breed on ruminal fermentation. In the first study, two breeds (Nguni and Bonsmara) raised under two grazing systems (communal and commercial) in a random complete block design were grouped into 3 age categories. Eighty-four cows aged between 24-120 months were randomly selected and grouped by age: group A (young adult cow, n = 7, 24-48 months old), group B (adult, n = 7, 60-80 months old), and group C (old adult, n = 7, 90-120 months) in either grazing system. Data were collected on methane production per day, body condition, and weight used to estimate dry matter intake (DMI), methane per DMI, and methane per body weight. In the second study, 40 cows of the same age group, parity, and physiological status were used. Ten cows per breed (Bonsmara and Nguni) in either grazing system (communal and commercial) were used in a random complete block design. Rumen fluid collection was done by the stomach tube method. Data were collected on ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, Temperature, volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Older animals produced higher methane per head in the order of C > B > A; (P<0.0001). Performance parameters like Body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and daily methane were higher (P<0.05) in Bonsmara. However, Methane per BW was higher in Nguni (P<0.05), and methane per DMI did not differ among breeds (P>0.05). Body condition, BW, and DMI were higher (P<0.05) in commercial grazing system. Contrary, daily methane production, methane production per DMI, and methane produced per BW were higher in communal grazing. In the second study, Ruminal NH3-N concentration ranged between 69.05 - 96.78 mg/L and was higher (P<0.05) in Nguni. It was also higher (P<0.05) in the commercial grazing system. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and certain individual VFAs (iso-butyrate, valeric and iso-valeric) did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds and grazing systems. However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/L) than commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/L). Acetate, propionate, butyrate proportions, and acetate to propionate ratio did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds but differed (P<0.05) between grazing systems. Acetate (P<0.05) and acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.05) were higher in the communal grazing system, while the reverse was true for propionate (P<0.05) and butyrate (P<0.05). Bonsmara produced more methane than Nguni under similar conditions, with Nguni uniquely producing more methane per BW, indicating host genetics influence. Communal animals and older animals produced more CH4 than commercial and younger cows regardless of the breed, indicating ruminal inefficiencies in very old cows. These results emphasize the idea that host genetics or breed, grazing system, and age influence methane output and performance. Hence, breeding strategies for hard-to-measure traits like methane production need to put all these factors into consideration. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Kayima, Denis
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Grazing , Pastures--Management , Ruminants--Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20583 , vital:46153
- Description: Beef breeds of cattle are predominantly raised through extensive grazing and produce the highest levels of enteric methane (CH4) through ruminal fermentation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, grazing, and age on enteric methane production and performance of beef cows as well as effect of breed and grazing system on ruminal fermentation parameters. Two separate studies were conducted; the first study evaluated the effect of grazing system, breed, and age on ruminal enteric methane production and performance of selected beef breeds. The second study evaluated the effect of the grazing system and breed on ruminal fermentation. In the first study, two breeds (Nguni and Bonsmara) raised under two grazing systems (communal and commercial) in a random complete block design were grouped into 3 age categories. Eighty-four cows aged between 24-120 months were randomly selected and grouped by age: group A (young adult cow, n = 7, 24-48 months old), group B (adult, n = 7, 60-80 months old), and group C (old adult, n = 7, 90-120 months) in either grazing system. Data were collected on methane production per day, body condition, and weight used to estimate dry matter intake (DMI), methane per DMI, and methane per body weight. In the second study, 40 cows of the same age group, parity, and physiological status were used. Ten cows per breed (Bonsmara and Nguni) in either grazing system (communal and commercial) were used in a random complete block design. Rumen fluid collection was done by the stomach tube method. Data were collected on ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, Temperature, volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Older animals produced higher methane per head in the order of C > B > A; (P<0.0001). Performance parameters like Body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and daily methane were higher (P<0.05) in Bonsmara. However, Methane per BW was higher in Nguni (P<0.05), and methane per DMI did not differ among breeds (P>0.05). Body condition, BW, and DMI were higher (P<0.05) in commercial grazing system. Contrary, daily methane production, methane production per DMI, and methane produced per BW were higher in communal grazing. In the second study, Ruminal NH3-N concentration ranged between 69.05 - 96.78 mg/L and was higher (P<0.05) in Nguni. It was also higher (P<0.05) in the commercial grazing system. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and certain individual VFAs (iso-butyrate, valeric and iso-valeric) did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds and grazing systems. However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/L) than commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/L). Acetate, propionate, butyrate proportions, and acetate to propionate ratio did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds but differed (P<0.05) between grazing systems. Acetate (P<0.05) and acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.05) were higher in the communal grazing system, while the reverse was true for propionate (P<0.05) and butyrate (P<0.05). Bonsmara produced more methane than Nguni under similar conditions, with Nguni uniquely producing more methane per BW, indicating host genetics influence. Communal animals and older animals produced more CH4 than commercial and younger cows regardless of the breed, indicating ruminal inefficiencies in very old cows. These results emphasize the idea that host genetics or breed, grazing system, and age influence methane output and performance. Hence, breeding strategies for hard-to-measure traits like methane production need to put all these factors into consideration. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Evaluation of bacteria laccase hybrid biosensor and application in the detection of phenolic contaminants in water
- Edoamodu, Chiedu Epiphany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-3955
- Authors: Edoamodu, Chiedu Epiphany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-3955
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Laccase , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22820 , vital:52802
- Description: The continuous outpour of aromatic pollutants in diverse groups, emanating from the industrial and domestic system due to population density, industrialisation and technological advancement is alarming. The increasing strength in wastewater discharge constitutes the main cause of the natural water pollution load, causing scarcity of potable water for consumption with an increasing health challenge. The physiochemical treatment approach has faced a series of limitations with little or no success. Hindrance to wastewater management can cause a point source contamination problem that might increase treatment cost and release a broad range of chemical contaminants in the environment. Hence, green, eco-friendly and cost-effective tools are imperative. The application of laccase has received much attention in bioremediation and bioprocessing matters owing to the oxidising capacity of a wide range of substrates. The process requires available molecular oxygen for its activation, releasing water as a by-product thus, establishing this research. This study was devised to examine the bioprocessing potentials of hybrid and amalgamated laccases extracted from the diverse environmental milieu of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Bacteria producing laccase were isolated from marine sediment, cow dung, and wastewater samples via selective enrichment with some aromatic compounds. The axenic cultures were screened for laccase activity on various phenolic and non-phenolic substrates. The isolates were identified via molecular techniques and they belonged to the gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli classes under the following genera, Enterobacter and Bacillus. They were deposited in the NCBI database as Enterobacter asburiae ES1, Enterobacter sp. Kamsi, Enterobacter sp. AI1, and Bacillus sp. NU2 with the assigned accession number MN686602, MN686603, MN686605, MN686607, respectively. Optimisation of the laccase production via one factor at a time technique (OFAT) from the four bacteria species showed more enzyme yield in all lignocellulosic agro-waste media. However, wheat bran and mandarin peel maximally enhanced laccase production. In addition, xylose, galactose, fructose, and sorbitol were the best carbon sources utilised while (NH₄)₂SO8, KNO3 and NaNO3 were noted as the best nitrogen sources employed. Laccase yields were increased at pH 4 and 5, at temperatures 45 and 55 o C, and at 50 and 100 rpm, and precisely, at day eight of the incubation period. Further purification of the crude laccase yielded a purification fold of 4.18, 4.39, 2.78, 8.11, and the SDS-PAGE analysis showed a molecular size of 90, 55, 75 and 50 kDa for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The characterised purified laccase demonstrated polyextremotolerant potentials. The laccases were active through a wide temperature regime (30-90 o C) with maximum activity at 50 o C (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) 60 o C (AI1), 70 o C (ES1, Kamsi, NU2); and were stable at 60 o C (ES1, AI1, NU2), 70 o C (ES1/AI1), 80 o C (Kamsi and Kamsi/NU2). Also, the laccases remained active through pH 3 - 8 and optimal at pH 4 (AI1, NU2), pH 5 (Kamsi, ES1/AI1), pH 7 (ES1), pH 8 (Kamsi/NU2), and the individual stability was measured at pH 4 (Kamsi, NU2), pH 5 (AI1), pH 6 (ES1), pH 7 (Kamsi/NU2), pH 10 (ES1/AI1). The purified laccases were either enhanced or left unchanged by a variable concentration of metallic salts, inhibitors, chelating agents and organic solvents. Clearly, the activities of the laccase were enhanced when pre-incubated with 1, 3, and 6 mm of CuCl2, FeCl3, MgCl2, ZnCl2 and AgCl, and 1, 2, 3 mm of Triton x-100, PMSF, EDTA, Tween 20, and NaCl. Additionally, 20, 30, and 10 percent v/v of acetone and DMSO were prominent organic solvents that also stimulated both the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. The gene of the purified laccases targeted showed a clear band size of 690 bp for the Enterobacter species laccases and 775 bp for the laccase from Bacillus sp. The protein sequence was deposited in NCBI database with the assigned accession numbers, MW251989, MW25990, MW251992, and MW251994 for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The optimised pH and temperature parameter examined on the decolourising potential of the bacteria laccases showed an effective dye removal on the five synthetic dyes (Congo Red (CR), Methyl Orange (MO), Malachite Green (MG), Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), Ramazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)) applied. The purified laccases were successfully immobilised in Na-alginate with cca. 88.49, 70.91, 76.04, 76.13, 90.07, and 91.99 laccase yield for the hybrid (ES1, ES1, Kamsi, AI1, NU2) and amalgamated (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) laccases. The immobilised laccases were able to retain an average activity of 32 – 52 percent after eight dye decolourising cycles, exhibiting strong catalytic activity than the free laccases. Nonetheless, no significant difference was examined between the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. Also, the immobilised laccases were shown to be more efficient in biotechnological application than the free laccases. The result suggests that immobilising an enzyme in a carrier matrix served effectively as the remediation approach than the hybrid and the amalgamation of the free enzymes. Also, the application of lignocellulosic waste served as a cheaper substrate for commercial production of laccase and could help s in promoting es the biotechnology application and the bioeconomy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Edoamodu, Chiedu Epiphany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-3955
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Laccase , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22820 , vital:52802
- Description: The continuous outpour of aromatic pollutants in diverse groups, emanating from the industrial and domestic system due to population density, industrialisation and technological advancement is alarming. The increasing strength in wastewater discharge constitutes the main cause of the natural water pollution load, causing scarcity of potable water for consumption with an increasing health challenge. The physiochemical treatment approach has faced a series of limitations with little or no success. Hindrance to wastewater management can cause a point source contamination problem that might increase treatment cost and release a broad range of chemical contaminants in the environment. Hence, green, eco-friendly and cost-effective tools are imperative. The application of laccase has received much attention in bioremediation and bioprocessing matters owing to the oxidising capacity of a wide range of substrates. The process requires available molecular oxygen for its activation, releasing water as a by-product thus, establishing this research. This study was devised to examine the bioprocessing potentials of hybrid and amalgamated laccases extracted from the diverse environmental milieu of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Bacteria producing laccase were isolated from marine sediment, cow dung, and wastewater samples via selective enrichment with some aromatic compounds. The axenic cultures were screened for laccase activity on various phenolic and non-phenolic substrates. The isolates were identified via molecular techniques and they belonged to the gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli classes under the following genera, Enterobacter and Bacillus. They were deposited in the NCBI database as Enterobacter asburiae ES1, Enterobacter sp. Kamsi, Enterobacter sp. AI1, and Bacillus sp. NU2 with the assigned accession number MN686602, MN686603, MN686605, MN686607, respectively. Optimisation of the laccase production via one factor at a time technique (OFAT) from the four bacteria species showed more enzyme yield in all lignocellulosic agro-waste media. However, wheat bran and mandarin peel maximally enhanced laccase production. In addition, xylose, galactose, fructose, and sorbitol were the best carbon sources utilised while (NH₄)₂SO8, KNO3 and NaNO3 were noted as the best nitrogen sources employed. Laccase yields were increased at pH 4 and 5, at temperatures 45 and 55 o C, and at 50 and 100 rpm, and precisely, at day eight of the incubation period. Further purification of the crude laccase yielded a purification fold of 4.18, 4.39, 2.78, 8.11, and the SDS-PAGE analysis showed a molecular size of 90, 55, 75 and 50 kDa for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The characterised purified laccase demonstrated polyextremotolerant potentials. The laccases were active through a wide temperature regime (30-90 o C) with maximum activity at 50 o C (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) 60 o C (AI1), 70 o C (ES1, Kamsi, NU2); and were stable at 60 o C (ES1, AI1, NU2), 70 o C (ES1/AI1), 80 o C (Kamsi and Kamsi/NU2). Also, the laccases remained active through pH 3 - 8 and optimal at pH 4 (AI1, NU2), pH 5 (Kamsi, ES1/AI1), pH 7 (ES1), pH 8 (Kamsi/NU2), and the individual stability was measured at pH 4 (Kamsi, NU2), pH 5 (AI1), pH 6 (ES1), pH 7 (Kamsi/NU2), pH 10 (ES1/AI1). The purified laccases were either enhanced or left unchanged by a variable concentration of metallic salts, inhibitors, chelating agents and organic solvents. Clearly, the activities of the laccase were enhanced when pre-incubated with 1, 3, and 6 mm of CuCl2, FeCl3, MgCl2, ZnCl2 and AgCl, and 1, 2, 3 mm of Triton x-100, PMSF, EDTA, Tween 20, and NaCl. Additionally, 20, 30, and 10 percent v/v of acetone and DMSO were prominent organic solvents that also stimulated both the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. The gene of the purified laccases targeted showed a clear band size of 690 bp for the Enterobacter species laccases and 775 bp for the laccase from Bacillus sp. The protein sequence was deposited in NCBI database with the assigned accession numbers, MW251989, MW25990, MW251992, and MW251994 for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The optimised pH and temperature parameter examined on the decolourising potential of the bacteria laccases showed an effective dye removal on the five synthetic dyes (Congo Red (CR), Methyl Orange (MO), Malachite Green (MG), Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), Ramazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)) applied. The purified laccases were successfully immobilised in Na-alginate with cca. 88.49, 70.91, 76.04, 76.13, 90.07, and 91.99 laccase yield for the hybrid (ES1, ES1, Kamsi, AI1, NU2) and amalgamated (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) laccases. The immobilised laccases were able to retain an average activity of 32 – 52 percent after eight dye decolourising cycles, exhibiting strong catalytic activity than the free laccases. Nonetheless, no significant difference was examined between the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. Also, the immobilised laccases were shown to be more efficient in biotechnological application than the free laccases. The result suggests that immobilising an enzyme in a carrier matrix served effectively as the remediation approach than the hybrid and the amalgamation of the free enzymes. Also, the application of lignocellulosic waste served as a cheaper substrate for commercial production of laccase and could help s in promoting es the biotechnology application and the bioeconomy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09