Beyond the development impasse : the role of local economic development and community self-reliance in rural South Africa
- Authors: Binns, Tony , Nel, Etienne L
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006647
- Description: The failure of successive generations of imported, Western development strategies and projects to deliver meaningful reductions in poverty and achieve basic needs in Africa, has provoked a deep questioning of Western concepts and methodologies of development. Non-governmental organisations and development practitioners are increasingly focusing their attention on strategies which build upon local knowledge, skills and resources. The concepts of ‘self- reliance’ and local economic development are examined in the context of development challenges which face Africa. This is followed by a detailed case study of local economic development in the rural Mpofu District of the former Ciskei Homeland, which was incorporated into the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with the demise of apartheid in 1994.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Binns, Tony , Nel, Etienne L
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006647
- Description: The failure of successive generations of imported, Western development strategies and projects to deliver meaningful reductions in poverty and achieve basic needs in Africa, has provoked a deep questioning of Western concepts and methodologies of development. Non-governmental organisations and development practitioners are increasingly focusing their attention on strategies which build upon local knowledge, skills and resources. The concepts of ‘self- reliance’ and local economic development are examined in the context of development challenges which face Africa. This is followed by a detailed case study of local economic development in the rural Mpofu District of the former Ciskei Homeland, which was incorporated into the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with the demise of apartheid in 1994.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Black South African English : where to from here?
- Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011587
- Description: Black South African English is generally regarded as the variety of English commonly used by mother-tongue speakers of South Africa's indigenous African languages in areas where English is not the language of the majority. This paper explores some of the problems involved in defining this variety, problems such as whether it is a `new' variety of English or a dialect, and problems relating to whose English it is: the English of those learners who have encountered only a smattering of English in informal contexts or the variety of English acquired during formal schooling. The second half of the paper focuses on the possible future of Black South African English (BSAE) against the backdrop of South Africa's new multilingual policy. Reasons for the continued appeal of English are examined, alongside the range of factors influencing the possible future growth of BSAE as a distinct variety. It is argued that South Africans are unlikely ever to be free not to learn English, owing to the huge economic, political and ideological constraints which make the `choice' of English inevitable. The success of current efforts to resist value judgements and recognise the worth of BSAE will depend not only on the goodwill of South Africans, and on the cooperation of all speakers of English, world-wide, but on the rate at which the variety drifts away from recognised standard forms of English.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011587
- Description: Black South African English is generally regarded as the variety of English commonly used by mother-tongue speakers of South Africa's indigenous African languages in areas where English is not the language of the majority. This paper explores some of the problems involved in defining this variety, problems such as whether it is a `new' variety of English or a dialect, and problems relating to whose English it is: the English of those learners who have encountered only a smattering of English in informal contexts or the variety of English acquired during formal schooling. The second half of the paper focuses on the possible future of Black South African English (BSAE) against the backdrop of South Africa's new multilingual policy. Reasons for the continued appeal of English are examined, alongside the range of factors influencing the possible future growth of BSAE as a distinct variety. It is argued that South Africans are unlikely ever to be free not to learn English, owing to the huge economic, political and ideological constraints which make the `choice' of English inevitable. The success of current efforts to resist value judgements and recognise the worth of BSAE will depend not only on the goodwill of South Africans, and on the cooperation of all speakers of English, world-wide, but on the rate at which the variety drifts away from recognised standard forms of English.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Temporal variability in the effects of grazing by the territorial limpet Patella longicosta on the productivity of the crustose alga Ralfsia verrucosa
- Kaehler, Sven, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Kaehler, Sven , Froneman, P William
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011956
- Description: This study reports the effects of grazing by the territorial limpet Patella longicosta on the productivity of the encrusting alga Ralfsia verrucosa. Grazing significantly increased algal growth during the first month of the study (August). Simulated grazing by brushing also enhanced productivity. However, the productivity of grazed and ungrazed algae did not differ significantly during the ensuing three months. As the growth of ungrazed plants remained the same throughout the study, the elevated productivity of grazed plants during August was attributed to increased limpet activity. The variation in grazer-induced algal growth was possibly associated with increased feeding when the limpets embark on energetically costly periods of reproduction.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Kaehler, Sven , Froneman, P William
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011956
- Description: This study reports the effects of grazing by the territorial limpet Patella longicosta on the productivity of the encrusting alga Ralfsia verrucosa. Grazing significantly increased algal growth during the first month of the study (August). Simulated grazing by brushing also enhanced productivity. However, the productivity of grazed and ungrazed algae did not differ significantly during the ensuing three months. As the growth of ungrazed plants remained the same throughout the study, the elevated productivity of grazed plants during August was attributed to increased limpet activity. The variation in grazer-induced algal growth was possibly associated with increased feeding when the limpets embark on energetically costly periods of reproduction.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
New bells, new founder - Hillandale, South Africa
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012350
- Description: On the afternoon of Sunday 2nd May 1999, the first ring of bells cast in Africa, the bells at Hillandale, were rung for the first time. This is the second ring of bells to be installed in an institution established by the Order of the Holy Cross, and the seventh ring in South Africa and the tenth ring in Africa. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012350
- Description: On the afternoon of Sunday 2nd May 1999, the first ring of bells cast in Africa, the bells at Hillandale, were rung for the first time. This is the second ring of bells to be installed in an institution established by the Order of the Holy Cross, and the seventh ring in South Africa and the tenth ring in Africa. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
South Africa's "Rainbow People", national pride and happiness
- Moller, Valerie, Dickow, H, Harris, M
- Authors: Moller, Valerie , Dickow, H , Harris, M
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010751
- Description: Since the first free elections were held in April 1994, South Africans are popularly known as the ''rainbow people''. The paper inquires whether South Africans who experienced pride in their nation in the first years of democracy also perceived a greater sense of subjective well-being. It is proposed that national pride in post-apartheid South Africa might be fused with or work through self-esteem to lift levels of happiness. The paper traces the history of the new integrating civil religion of the rainbow people and the acceptance of the rainbow as a political symbol of unity among the diverse people of South Africa immediately after the 1994 elections and two years later. The proposed link between national pride and happiness was explored with data from two independent national surveys, the 1995 South African World Values Survey conducted by Markinor and a June 1996 MarkData syndicated omnibus survey. The study found that the appeal of the rainbow as political symbol was inclusive of all groups in society and that feelings of national pride and support for the rainbow ideal were positively associated with subjective well-being. As indicated by intensity and frequency measures, the majority of South Africans were proud of their country and could name a national achievement that inspired pride. Better-off South Africans tended to be happier and more satisfied with life but less proud, while the poor were less happy but fiercely proud of their country. Results suggest that belief in South Africa’s ''rainbow nation'' ideal may have assisted in boosting happiness during the transition to a stable democracy, thereby preventing alienation among the losers under the new political dispensation. Supporters of the ideal of the rainbow nation were more optimistic than others about the future of their country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Moller, Valerie , Dickow, H , Harris, M
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010751
- Description: Since the first free elections were held in April 1994, South Africans are popularly known as the ''rainbow people''. The paper inquires whether South Africans who experienced pride in their nation in the first years of democracy also perceived a greater sense of subjective well-being. It is proposed that national pride in post-apartheid South Africa might be fused with or work through self-esteem to lift levels of happiness. The paper traces the history of the new integrating civil religion of the rainbow people and the acceptance of the rainbow as a political symbol of unity among the diverse people of South Africa immediately after the 1994 elections and two years later. The proposed link between national pride and happiness was explored with data from two independent national surveys, the 1995 South African World Values Survey conducted by Markinor and a June 1996 MarkData syndicated omnibus survey. The study found that the appeal of the rainbow as political symbol was inclusive of all groups in society and that feelings of national pride and support for the rainbow ideal were positively associated with subjective well-being. As indicated by intensity and frequency measures, the majority of South Africans were proud of their country and could name a national achievement that inspired pride. Better-off South Africans tended to be happier and more satisfied with life but less proud, while the poor were less happy but fiercely proud of their country. Results suggest that belief in South Africa’s ''rainbow nation'' ideal may have assisted in boosting happiness during the transition to a stable democracy, thereby preventing alienation among the losers under the new political dispensation. Supporters of the ideal of the rainbow nation were more optimistic than others about the future of their country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Farming against the odds : an examination of the challenges facing farming and rural development in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Nel, Etienne L , Davies, J
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006788
- Description: Recent political transformation in South Africa has laid the basis for significant socioeconomic change. One area in which the greatest socioeconomic disparities are discernable is the agricultural sector and rural development in general. Through the medium of a case study of the Eastern Cape province, the obstacles and opportunities facing the two predominant farming groups —emerging black small-scale farmers and white commercial farmers — are examined. The paper concludes with an examination of the economic potential of the former ‘white' areas to sustain the resettlement of people previously excluded from that land market on racial grounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Nel, Etienne L , Davies, J
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006788
- Description: Recent political transformation in South Africa has laid the basis for significant socioeconomic change. One area in which the greatest socioeconomic disparities are discernable is the agricultural sector and rural development in general. Through the medium of a case study of the Eastern Cape province, the obstacles and opportunities facing the two predominant farming groups —emerging black small-scale farmers and white commercial farmers — are examined. The paper concludes with an examination of the economic potential of the former ‘white' areas to sustain the resettlement of people previously excluded from that land market on racial grounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Palaeoclimatic and archaeological implications of organic-rich sediments at Tiffindell Ski Resort, near Rhodes, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Rosen, Deborah Z, Lewis, Colin A, Illgner, Peter M
- Authors: Rosen, Deborah Z , Lewis, Colin A , Illgner, Peter M
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006797
- Description: Analyses of organic-rich deposits from Tiffindell Ski Resort indicates that organic accumulation began somewhat before 4720 BP. This correlates well with the moister conditions known to have existed in the north eastern uplands of Eastern Cape Province (and in upland eastern Lesotho) in the later as compared with the earlier part of the Holocene. Palynological analyses of sediments dating from somewhat before 2790 BP to the present suggests that only limited environmental changes occurred in the pollen spectra. The wettest conditions apparently existed around 2700 BP, probably correlating with an increase in human occupation in the Eastern Cape (Southern) Drakensberg following the possible abandonment of that area during the dry phase(s) of preceding millennia.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Rosen, Deborah Z , Lewis, Colin A , Illgner, Peter M
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006797
- Description: Analyses of organic-rich deposits from Tiffindell Ski Resort indicates that organic accumulation began somewhat before 4720 BP. This correlates well with the moister conditions known to have existed in the north eastern uplands of Eastern Cape Province (and in upland eastern Lesotho) in the later as compared with the earlier part of the Holocene. Palynological analyses of sediments dating from somewhat before 2790 BP to the present suggests that only limited environmental changes occurred in the pollen spectra. The wettest conditions apparently existed around 2700 BP, probably correlating with an increase in human occupation in the Eastern Cape (Southern) Drakensberg following the possible abandonment of that area during the dry phase(s) of preceding millennia.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
Vegetation controls on channel stability in the Bell River, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Rowntree, Kate M, Dollar, Evan S J
- Authors: Rowntree, Kate M , Dollar, Evan S J
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006796
- Description: Channel instability has occurred in the Bell River in the form of meander cutoffs, a number of which have occurred since 1952. Increased sediment loading from widespread gully erosion in the catchment has been proposed as the trigger for this instability. Willow species of the Salix family, in particular S. caprea, have been planted along the banks in an effort to prevent further channel shifting. This study reports the results of an investigation into the effect of vegetation on channel form and stability over a 17 km stretch of channel. Results indicate that riparian vegetation has significant effects on channel form which have implications for channel stability. Riparian vegetation increases bank stability and reduces channel cross-sectional area, thereby inducing stability at flows less than bankfull. Evidence indicates that narrow stable stretches are associated with relatively high levels of riparian vegetation. Wider, unstable channels are associated with relatively less riparian vegetation. The effectiveness of riparian vegetation relative to bank sediments was investigated. A dense growth of willows was found to have an equivalent effect to banks with a silt-clay ratio of about 70 per cent. The channel narrowing induced by vegetation may contribute to channel shifting at high flows. The reduced channel capacity is thought to result in more frequent overbank flooding which may ultimately lead to channel avulsion. Thus where increased sediment loading is pushing the channel towards instability, vegetation may be effective in imparting local stability, but it is unable to prevent long-term channel shifts, and may rather help to push the system towards more frequent avulsions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Rowntree, Kate M , Dollar, Evan S J
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006796
- Description: Channel instability has occurred in the Bell River in the form of meander cutoffs, a number of which have occurred since 1952. Increased sediment loading from widespread gully erosion in the catchment has been proposed as the trigger for this instability. Willow species of the Salix family, in particular S. caprea, have been planted along the banks in an effort to prevent further channel shifting. This study reports the results of an investigation into the effect of vegetation on channel form and stability over a 17 km stretch of channel. Results indicate that riparian vegetation has significant effects on channel form which have implications for channel stability. Riparian vegetation increases bank stability and reduces channel cross-sectional area, thereby inducing stability at flows less than bankfull. Evidence indicates that narrow stable stretches are associated with relatively high levels of riparian vegetation. Wider, unstable channels are associated with relatively less riparian vegetation. The effectiveness of riparian vegetation relative to bank sediments was investigated. A dense growth of willows was found to have an equivalent effect to banks with a silt-clay ratio of about 70 per cent. The channel narrowing induced by vegetation may contribute to channel shifting at high flows. The reduced channel capacity is thought to result in more frequent overbank flooding which may ultimately lead to channel avulsion. Thus where increased sediment loading is pushing the channel towards instability, vegetation may be effective in imparting local stability, but it is unable to prevent long-term channel shifts, and may rather help to push the system towards more frequent avulsions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Effect of concentration and degree of saturation of topical fluocinonide formulations on in vitro membrane transport and in vivo availability on human skin
- Schwarb, Fabian P, Imanidis, Georgios, Smith, Eric W, Haigh, John M, Surber, Christian
- Authors: Schwarb, Fabian P , Imanidis, Georgios , Smith, Eric W , Haigh, John M , Surber, Christian
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006560
- Description: Purpose. The thermodynamic acitvity of drugs in topical vehicles is considered to significantly influence topical delivery. In vitro diffusion across a synthetic membrane was shown to be correlated to the degree of saturation of the drug in the applied vehicle and therefore offers a potential for increased topical drug delivery. Fluocinonide a topical corticosteroid, was chosen as a model compound to investigate in vitro and in vivo availability from formulations with different degrees of saturation. Methods. Sub-, as well as, supersaturated drug solutions were prepared using PVP as an antinucleant agent. In vitro membrane diffusion experiments across silicone membrane and in vivo pharmacodynamic activity assessments, using the human skin blanching assay, were carried out. Results. Over the concentration range studied, the in vitro membrane transport of fluocinonide was proportional to the degree of saturation of the respective formulations. The in vivo pharmacodynamic response in the human skin blanching assay was related to the concentration of the drug in the vehicle irrespective of the degree of saturation. Conclusions. From the membrane permeation experiment it can be concluded, that the drug flux might be increased supra-proportionally with increasing donor concentration, drug (super-)saturation (proportional), beyond what would be anticipated based on ideal donor concentration and partition coefficient considerations only. These findings could not be confirmed in the in vivo investigation, probably due to additional vehicle effects (e.g., enhancement, irritation, drug binding) which have to be expected and could have altered the integrity of the stratum corneum and therewith topical bioavailability of the drug.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Schwarb, Fabian P , Imanidis, Georgios , Smith, Eric W , Haigh, John M , Surber, Christian
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006560
- Description: Purpose. The thermodynamic acitvity of drugs in topical vehicles is considered to significantly influence topical delivery. In vitro diffusion across a synthetic membrane was shown to be correlated to the degree of saturation of the drug in the applied vehicle and therefore offers a potential for increased topical drug delivery. Fluocinonide a topical corticosteroid, was chosen as a model compound to investigate in vitro and in vivo availability from formulations with different degrees of saturation. Methods. Sub-, as well as, supersaturated drug solutions were prepared using PVP as an antinucleant agent. In vitro membrane diffusion experiments across silicone membrane and in vivo pharmacodynamic activity assessments, using the human skin blanching assay, were carried out. Results. Over the concentration range studied, the in vitro membrane transport of fluocinonide was proportional to the degree of saturation of the respective formulations. The in vivo pharmacodynamic response in the human skin blanching assay was related to the concentration of the drug in the vehicle irrespective of the degree of saturation. Conclusions. From the membrane permeation experiment it can be concluded, that the drug flux might be increased supra-proportionally with increasing donor concentration, drug (super-)saturation (proportional), beyond what would be anticipated based on ideal donor concentration and partition coefficient considerations only. These findings could not be confirmed in the in vivo investigation, probably due to additional vehicle effects (e.g., enhancement, irritation, drug binding) which have to be expected and could have altered the integrity of the stratum corneum and therewith topical bioavailability of the drug.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
Analysis of chromameter results obtained from corticosteroid-induced skin blanching assay: comparison of visual and chromameter data
- Schwarb, Fabian P, Smith, Eric W, Haigh, John M, Surber, Christian
- Authors: Schwarb, Fabian P , Smith, Eric W , Haigh, John M , Surber, Christian
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6426 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006562
- Description: In a Guidance document, the American FDA recommends the use of a Minolta chromameter rather than the human eye for the quantitative assessment of the pharmacodynamic blanching response produced by topical application of corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to compare the appropriateness of the human eye and two models of chromameter for the estimation of skin blanching, in terms of the quality of the data generated by each method. The corticosteroid-induced skin blanching from four different betamethasone 17-valerate cream formulations was compared in a typical human skin blanching trial. The optimized assay methodology routinely practised in our laboratories was utilized. The blanching responses were assessed visually by three trained, independent observers and recorded by two chromameters (Minolta model CR-200 and model CR-300). The topical availability of the four creams was determined using visual scoring and chromameter measurements. All data were manipulated in such a manner as to produce a blanching response versus time profile from which AUBC analysis could be performed. Good correlation was observed between the visual assessments made by three independent observers. In contrast, moderate correlation was determined between visual, CR-200 and CR-300 measurements. Surprisingly, no direct linear relationship between the AUBCs produced by the two chromameters was observed indicating that the quality of the data obtained from the two instruments may not be equal. This investigation also indicated that the use of the chromameter is not completely objective. Visual scoring and chromameter measurement produce data sets that differ in quality. Each procedure needs to be validated and investigators have to be trained for both visual assessment and the operation of the chromameter, particularly with regard to the manipulation of the measuring head of the instrument.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Schwarb, Fabian P , Smith, Eric W , Haigh, John M , Surber, Christian
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6426 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006562
- Description: In a Guidance document, the American FDA recommends the use of a Minolta chromameter rather than the human eye for the quantitative assessment of the pharmacodynamic blanching response produced by topical application of corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to compare the appropriateness of the human eye and two models of chromameter for the estimation of skin blanching, in terms of the quality of the data generated by each method. The corticosteroid-induced skin blanching from four different betamethasone 17-valerate cream formulations was compared in a typical human skin blanching trial. The optimized assay methodology routinely practised in our laboratories was utilized. The blanching responses were assessed visually by three trained, independent observers and recorded by two chromameters (Minolta model CR-200 and model CR-300). The topical availability of the four creams was determined using visual scoring and chromameter measurements. All data were manipulated in such a manner as to produce a blanching response versus time profile from which AUBC analysis could be performed. Good correlation was observed between the visual assessments made by three independent observers. In contrast, moderate correlation was determined between visual, CR-200 and CR-300 measurements. Surprisingly, no direct linear relationship between the AUBCs produced by the two chromameters was observed indicating that the quality of the data obtained from the two instruments may not be equal. This investigation also indicated that the use of the chromameter is not completely objective. Visual scoring and chromameter measurement produce data sets that differ in quality. Each procedure needs to be validated and investigators have to be trained for both visual assessment and the operation of the chromameter, particularly with regard to the manipulation of the measuring head of the instrument.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Lesotho's general election of 1998 : rigged or de rigeur?
- Southall, Roger J, Fox, Roddy C
- Authors: Southall, Roger J , Fox, Roddy C
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006808
- Description: The official result of Lesotho's general election of 1998, which saw a 79 out of 80 seat victory for the ruling Lesotho Congress of Democrats (LCD), was repudiated by the opposition, notably the former ruling Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP). These latter parties were historic enemies but forged an alliance of convenience to contest the outcome of the election. By mobilising their supporters to occupy Maseru they successfully paralysed the capacity of the LCD to govern. After diplomatic preliminaries, this led to military intervention by South Africa and Botswana in September 1998 and their brokering of an agreement which restored the LCD to power, on the condition that a new election would be held within eighteen months, with the rules for that contest being discussed between the parties in the interim. That election has now been scheduled for April 2000. The article reviews the conduct and result of the general election of 1998. It concludes that the opposition's objections were largely spurious, but notes that the unbalanced nature of the LCD's victory – a product of the first-past-the-post electoral system – was a major cause of the wider crisis. It therefore proposes that any lasting settlement of political differences in Lesotho is going to require a new electoral system which will allow for a more inclusive outcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Southall, Roger J , Fox, Roddy C
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006808
- Description: The official result of Lesotho's general election of 1998, which saw a 79 out of 80 seat victory for the ruling Lesotho Congress of Democrats (LCD), was repudiated by the opposition, notably the former ruling Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP). These latter parties were historic enemies but forged an alliance of convenience to contest the outcome of the election. By mobilising their supporters to occupy Maseru they successfully paralysed the capacity of the LCD to govern. After diplomatic preliminaries, this led to military intervention by South Africa and Botswana in September 1998 and their brokering of an agreement which restored the LCD to power, on the condition that a new election would be held within eighteen months, with the rules for that contest being discussed between the parties in the interim. That election has now been scheduled for April 2000. The article reviews the conduct and result of the general election of 1998. It concludes that the opposition's objections were largely spurious, but notes that the unbalanced nature of the LCD's victory – a product of the first-past-the-post electoral system – was a major cause of the wider crisis. It therefore proposes that any lasting settlement of political differences in Lesotho is going to require a new electoral system which will allow for a more inclusive outcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Testing chemical markers on granivorous birds
- Steele, G R, Whittington-Jones, Craig A, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Steele, G R , Whittington-Jones, Craig A , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011957
- Description: We tested two substances (oxytetracycline and rhodamine B) that can be added to food or water of free-living birds, and serve as markers in their plumage for later identification. Oxytetracycline produced no detectable changes in the plumage of red bishops or redbilled queleas. Rhodamine B fed to captive birds produced fluorescence in the wing feathers when viewed under ultraviolet light. This fluorescence lasted for at least 14 weeks, and was retained until feathers were moulted. Rhodamine B may thus be useful in identifying birds using a specific feeding site, and for studies of moult and feather growth.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Steele, G R , Whittington-Jones, Craig A , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011957
- Description: We tested two substances (oxytetracycline and rhodamine B) that can be added to food or water of free-living birds, and serve as markers in their plumage for later identification. Oxytetracycline produced no detectable changes in the plumage of red bishops or redbilled queleas. Rhodamine B fed to captive birds produced fluorescence in the wing feathers when viewed under ultraviolet light. This fluorescence lasted for at least 14 weeks, and was retained until feathers were moulted. Rhodamine B may thus be useful in identifying birds using a specific feeding site, and for studies of moult and feather growth.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
Where has all the Geography gone? : a social constructivist perspective of Curriculum 2005
- Authors: van Harmelen, Ursula
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008614
- Description: The apparently tenuous position of geography in Curriculum 2005 suggests the need to reassess the nature and role of geographical education for the South African learner. The new curriculum is designed to provide a general education experience and this paper therefore considers geography's role within this framework. In so doing it raises questions that impact on the view we take of geography within Curriculum 2005 and explores the implications for teaching and learning within this educational band. For many learners in South Africa geography is seen as little more than 'book knowledge'. Not only has the content been de-contextualised from the learner's reality, but also the method of learning is largely dependent on the rote learning of a frightening array of facts from a single textbook or teacher designed notes. However, the learner-centred approach adopted by Curriculum 2005 creates considerable possibilities for the development of geographical understanding in the sense of making meaning, problem solving and the development of creative and critical thinking. The situation of geographical education in the GET band of Curriculum 2005 presents geography educators and teacher educators with considerable challenges and demands a radical shift in perspective in terms of what constitutes geographical knowledge in this band as well as its acquisition. The paper argues that a social constructivist approach within the 'new' systems theory, creates possibilities for learners to acquire the conceptual understanding, skills, values and attitudes needed as a foundation for further learning in geography and to enable them to function effectively and responsibly in space-place and time.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: van Harmelen, Ursula
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008614
- Description: The apparently tenuous position of geography in Curriculum 2005 suggests the need to reassess the nature and role of geographical education for the South African learner. The new curriculum is designed to provide a general education experience and this paper therefore considers geography's role within this framework. In so doing it raises questions that impact on the view we take of geography within Curriculum 2005 and explores the implications for teaching and learning within this educational band. For many learners in South Africa geography is seen as little more than 'book knowledge'. Not only has the content been de-contextualised from the learner's reality, but also the method of learning is largely dependent on the rote learning of a frightening array of facts from a single textbook or teacher designed notes. However, the learner-centred approach adopted by Curriculum 2005 creates considerable possibilities for the development of geographical understanding in the sense of making meaning, problem solving and the development of creative and critical thinking. The situation of geographical education in the GET band of Curriculum 2005 presents geography educators and teacher educators with considerable challenges and demands a radical shift in perspective in terms of what constitutes geographical knowledge in this band as well as its acquisition. The paper argues that a social constructivist approach within the 'new' systems theory, creates possibilities for learners to acquire the conceptual understanding, skills, values and attitudes needed as a foundation for further learning in geography and to enable them to function effectively and responsibly in space-place and time.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
A continuous process for the biological treatment of heavy metal contaminated acid mine water
- Van Hille, Robert P, Boshoff, G A, Rose, Peter D, Duncan, John R
- Authors: Van Hille, Robert P , Boshoff, G A , Rose, Peter D , Duncan, John R
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005793 , dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(99)00010-5
- Description: Alkaline precipitation of heavy metals from acidic water streams is a popular and long standing treatment process. While this process is efficient it requires the continuous addition of an alkaline material, such as lime. In the long term or when treating large volumes of effluent this process becomes expensive, with costs in the mining sector routinely exceeding millions of rands annually. The process described below utilises alkalinity generated by the alga Spirulina sp., in a continuous system to precipitate heavy metals. The design of the system separates the algal component from the metal containing stream to overcome metal toxicity. The primary treatment process consistently removed over 99% of the iron (98.9 mg/l) and between 80 and 95% of the zinc (7.16 mg/l) and lead (2.35 mg/l) over a 14-day period (20 l effluent treated). In addition the pH of the raw effluent was increased from 1.8 to over 7 in the post-treatment stream. Secondary treatment and polishing steps depend on the nature of the effluent treated. In the case of the high sulphate effluent the treated stream was passed into an anaerobic digester at a rate of 4 l/day. The combination of the primary and secondary treatments effected a removal of over 95% of all metals tested for as well as a 90% reduction in the sulphate load. The running cost of such a process would be low as the salinity and nutrient requirements for the algal culture could be provided by using tannery effluent or a combination of saline water and sewage. This would have the additional benefit of treating either a tannery or sewage effluent as part of an integrated process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Van Hille, Robert P , Boshoff, G A , Rose, Peter D , Duncan, John R
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005793 , dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(99)00010-5
- Description: Alkaline precipitation of heavy metals from acidic water streams is a popular and long standing treatment process. While this process is efficient it requires the continuous addition of an alkaline material, such as lime. In the long term or when treating large volumes of effluent this process becomes expensive, with costs in the mining sector routinely exceeding millions of rands annually. The process described below utilises alkalinity generated by the alga Spirulina sp., in a continuous system to precipitate heavy metals. The design of the system separates the algal component from the metal containing stream to overcome metal toxicity. The primary treatment process consistently removed over 99% of the iron (98.9 mg/l) and between 80 and 95% of the zinc (7.16 mg/l) and lead (2.35 mg/l) over a 14-day period (20 l effluent treated). In addition the pH of the raw effluent was increased from 1.8 to over 7 in the post-treatment stream. Secondary treatment and polishing steps depend on the nature of the effluent treated. In the case of the high sulphate effluent the treated stream was passed into an anaerobic digester at a rate of 4 l/day. The combination of the primary and secondary treatments effected a removal of over 95% of all metals tested for as well as a 90% reduction in the sulphate load. The running cost of such a process would be low as the salinity and nutrient requirements for the algal culture could be provided by using tannery effluent or a combination of saline water and sewage. This would have the additional benefit of treating either a tannery or sewage effluent as part of an integrated process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
On two species of Paectira Karsch (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Kenya
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011131
- Description: During an ongoing revision of the genera of southern African Cicadidae (Hemiptera), examination of the holotype of Xosopsaltria fuliginosa Distant, 1905, showed that this species is not a member of Xosopsaltria Karsch, 1890, but that it belongs in the genus Paectira Karsch, 1890 (= Inyamana Distant, 1905). It is redescribed and illustrated here. As Heller's (1980) revision of this genus highlighted the paucity of records of species in this endemic East African taxon, details of material of Paectira jeanuaudi Boulard, 1977, from the Rhodes University Entomological Collection are recorded here. The specimens are in the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH), and the Albany Museum, Grahamstown (AMGS). All drawings were made using a Wild M5 stereomicroscope and camera lucida, and morphometric details of specimens were measured with vernier callipers. Anatomical terminology follows Boulard (1972) and Villet (1987,1997).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011131
- Description: During an ongoing revision of the genera of southern African Cicadidae (Hemiptera), examination of the holotype of Xosopsaltria fuliginosa Distant, 1905, showed that this species is not a member of Xosopsaltria Karsch, 1890, but that it belongs in the genus Paectira Karsch, 1890 (= Inyamana Distant, 1905). It is redescribed and illustrated here. As Heller's (1980) revision of this genus highlighted the paucity of records of species in this endemic East African taxon, details of material of Paectira jeanuaudi Boulard, 1977, from the Rhodes University Entomological Collection are recorded here. The specimens are in the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH), and the Albany Museum, Grahamstown (AMGS). All drawings were made using a Wild M5 stereomicroscope and camera lucida, and morphometric details of specimens were measured with vernier callipers. Anatomical terminology follows Boulard (1972) and Villet (1987,1997).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Reproductive behaviour of Plectroctena mandibularis F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a ponerine ant with ergatoid queens
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011650
- Description: [From the text]: The present study reports on new observations on the reproductive biology of P. mandibularis, particularly the phenology of males, mating behaviour and colony founding, that may help in deciding between alternative explanations for the occurrence of ergatoid queens in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011650
- Description: [From the text]: The present study reports on new observations on the reproductive biology of P. mandibularis, particularly the phenology of males, mating behaviour and colony founding, that may help in deciding between alternative explanations for the occurrence of ergatoid queens in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Systematic status of Plectroctena mandibularis Smith and P. conjugata Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerini)
- Villet, Martin H, McKitterick, L, Robertson, Hamish G
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , McKitterick, L , Robertson, Hamish G
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011653
- Description: Plectroctena mandibularis Smith is the type species of Plectroctena F. Smith. Because there has been some doubt about its distinctness from P. conjugata, several techniques were used to assess the systematic status of the two species. Most crucially, several colony series contained workers of both phenotypes, and where these series included queens or males, the distinguishing feature of these specimens was not consistently related to those of the workers. Queens, males and workers did not manifest qualitative differences between the taxa, and morphological variation was continuous between the two. The putative morphological basis (funicular index) for distinguishing workers of the taxa arose from allometric variation. Putatively diagnostic colour variation in males was related to latitude, but no simple pattern of morphological variation could be correlated with geographical distribution. Plectroctena conjugata is therefore considered a junior synonym of P. mandibularis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , McKitterick, L , Robertson, Hamish G
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011653
- Description: Plectroctena mandibularis Smith is the type species of Plectroctena F. Smith. Because there has been some doubt about its distinctness from P. conjugata, several techniques were used to assess the systematic status of the two species. Most crucially, several colony series contained workers of both phenotypes, and where these series included queens or males, the distinguishing feature of these specimens was not consistently related to those of the workers. Queens, males and workers did not manifest qualitative differences between the taxa, and morphological variation was continuous between the two. The putative morphological basis (funicular index) for distinguishing workers of the taxa arose from allometric variation. Putatively diagnostic colour variation in males was related to latitude, but no simple pattern of morphological variation could be correlated with geographical distribution. Plectroctena conjugata is therefore considered a junior synonym of P. mandibularis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Graphicacy as a form of communication
- Authors: Wilmot, P Dianne
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6091 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008613
- Description: Children of today inhabit a multi-dimensional world and in order to communicate effectively in it they need the ability to utilise four forms of communication namely, oracy, literacy, numeracy and graphicacy. Communicating in graphic form requires an ability to both encode and decode spatial information using symbols which requires the utilisation and application of spatial perceptual skills and concepts. The draft Curriculum Framework for General and Further Education and Training identifies graphic literacy as one of the critical outcomes of the new South African curriculum. Spatial information about the environment is most frequently communicated in the graphic mode. Yet if graphicacy is to be recognised as an essential mode of communication and, as such, a vital element in education, then we need to seek ways of developing and introducing an explicit and critical pedagogy in our schools to foster the development of graphic and critical graphic literacy. But first, the skills and concepts integral to graphicacy need to be identified and understood. This article provides a framework for thinking about graphicacy as a form of communication in the General Education and Training (GET) band, the compulsory component of South African education (Grades 1-9).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Wilmot, P Dianne
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6091 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008613
- Description: Children of today inhabit a multi-dimensional world and in order to communicate effectively in it they need the ability to utilise four forms of communication namely, oracy, literacy, numeracy and graphicacy. Communicating in graphic form requires an ability to both encode and decode spatial information using symbols which requires the utilisation and application of spatial perceptual skills and concepts. The draft Curriculum Framework for General and Further Education and Training identifies graphic literacy as one of the critical outcomes of the new South African curriculum. Spatial information about the environment is most frequently communicated in the graphic mode. Yet if graphicacy is to be recognised as an essential mode of communication and, as such, a vital element in education, then we need to seek ways of developing and introducing an explicit and critical pedagogy in our schools to foster the development of graphic and critical graphic literacy. But first, the skills and concepts integral to graphicacy need to be identified and understood. This article provides a framework for thinking about graphicacy as a form of communication in the General Education and Training (GET) band, the compulsory component of South African education (Grades 1-9).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1999
Guy Butler (obituary)
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7052 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007411
- Description: An obituary focusing on Guy Butler's Shakespearean preoccupations. The 1999/2000 volume of Shakespeare in Southern Africa only appeared in 2001. The Butler obituary was included as a 'stop-press' item as the volume went to print, which accounts for the apparent anomaly between the date of publication and the date of Guy Butler's death.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7052 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007411
- Description: An obituary focusing on Guy Butler's Shakespearean preoccupations. The 1999/2000 volume of Shakespeare in Southern Africa only appeared in 2001. The Butler obituary was included as a 'stop-press' item as the volume went to print, which accounts for the apparent anomaly between the date of publication and the date of Guy Butler's death.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
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