Assessment of capacity development through public-private partnership: a case study of the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of the antibacterial properties of n-Hexane extract of Cocos Nucifera and its interactions with some conventional antibiotics
- Authors: Akinyele, Taiwo Adesola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/416 , Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Description: Cocos nucifera belong to the family Aracaceae (palm Family). The English name is coconut and it is used extensively as medicinal remedies against infections such as urinary tract infections, gastro intestinal infections, skin and wound infections. The in vitro antibacterial (including anti-listerial and anti-vibrio) properties as well as the evaluation of the combination potentials of the plant extract with six front-line antibiotics were evaluated in this study using standard procedures. The in vitro anti-listerial properties of the crude aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera were carried out against 37 Listeria isolates. Twenty-nine of the test organisms were susceptible to the aqueous extract while thirty were susceptible to the n-Hexane extract both at the screening concentration of 25 mg/ml. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.6 - 5.0 mg/ml. For the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count ranged between 0.32 Log10 and 4.8 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 2.4 Log10 and 6.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. The time-kill characteristics of the two extracts suggest that at higher concentration (2 × MIC) and longer duration of interaction (8 hr), more bacteria were killed. In vitro anti-vibrio and antibacterial properties experiment revealed that of all the 45 vibrio and 25 bacteria strains that was tested, 37 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 38 to the n-Hexane extract, while 17 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 21 to the n-Hexane extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.3 - 5.0 mg/ml. viii The time kill studies revealed that for the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count in time kill assay ranged between 0.12 Log10 and 4.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 0.56 Log10 and 6.4 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. In the test for the combination interactions, the checkerboard method revealed synergy of 67% and indifferent of 33%, while the time kill assay detected synergy in 72% and indifferent in 28% of the combinations tested. The synergy detected was not specific to any of the antibiotics or the Gram reaction of the bacteria, and no antagonism was detected. We conclude that the aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of C. nucifera contains potential broad spectrum antibiotics resistance modulating compounds that could be relevant in the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. In addition, the husk which is being discarded as agro waste will opens up a vista of opportunities for utilization for therapeutic purposes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Akinyele, Taiwo Adesola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/416 , Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Description: Cocos nucifera belong to the family Aracaceae (palm Family). The English name is coconut and it is used extensively as medicinal remedies against infections such as urinary tract infections, gastro intestinal infections, skin and wound infections. The in vitro antibacterial (including anti-listerial and anti-vibrio) properties as well as the evaluation of the combination potentials of the plant extract with six front-line antibiotics were evaluated in this study using standard procedures. The in vitro anti-listerial properties of the crude aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera were carried out against 37 Listeria isolates. Twenty-nine of the test organisms were susceptible to the aqueous extract while thirty were susceptible to the n-Hexane extract both at the screening concentration of 25 mg/ml. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.6 - 5.0 mg/ml. For the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count ranged between 0.32 Log10 and 4.8 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 2.4 Log10 and 6.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. The time-kill characteristics of the two extracts suggest that at higher concentration (2 × MIC) and longer duration of interaction (8 hr), more bacteria were killed. In vitro anti-vibrio and antibacterial properties experiment revealed that of all the 45 vibrio and 25 bacteria strains that was tested, 37 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 38 to the n-Hexane extract, while 17 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 21 to the n-Hexane extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.3 - 5.0 mg/ml. viii The time kill studies revealed that for the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count in time kill assay ranged between 0.12 Log10 and 4.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 0.56 Log10 and 6.4 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. In the test for the combination interactions, the checkerboard method revealed synergy of 67% and indifferent of 33%, while the time kill assay detected synergy in 72% and indifferent in 28% of the combinations tested. The synergy detected was not specific to any of the antibiotics or the Gram reaction of the bacteria, and no antagonism was detected. We conclude that the aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of C. nucifera contains potential broad spectrum antibiotics resistance modulating compounds that could be relevant in the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. In addition, the husk which is being discarded as agro waste will opens up a vista of opportunities for utilization for therapeutic purposes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Bioactivity and phytochemical analysis of Hydnora Africana on some selected bacterial pathogens
- Authors: Nethathe, Bono Bianca
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial sensitivity tests , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plants -- Analysis , Staphylococcus aureus , Aeromonas hydrophila , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Plant-pathogen relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001063 , Helicobacter pylori , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial sensitivity tests , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plants -- Analysis , Staphylococcus aureus , Aeromonas hydrophila , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Plant-pathogen relationships
- Description: Abstract Medicinal plants have been for long remedies for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by organisms demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. The present study was aimed at evaluating the bioactivity and phytochemical analysis of Hydnora africana on clinical and standard strains of Helicobacter pylori (PE 252C and ATCC 43526), Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 35654, and Staphylococcus aureus NCT 6571 in an effort to identify potential sources of cheap starting materials for the synthesis of new drugs against these strains. Ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water crude extracts of H. africana were screened for activity against the test organisms using the agar well diffusion assay. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the most potent extracts were determined by the microdilution method, followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis. Results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA one - way test. Different concentrations (200,100, 50mg/mL) of the methanol, acetone, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed activity against S. aureus and A. hydrophila while for H. pylori, only methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were active; water showed no activity for all studied bacterial pathogens. Mean zone diameter of inhibition which ranged from 0-22mm were observed for all test bacterial pathogens and 14-17mm for ciprofloxacin. The activity of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were statistically significant (P< 0.05) compared to all the other extracts. MIC50 and MBC ranged from 0.078 – 2.5mg/mL, 0.78-25mg/mL respectively for all tested bacterial pathogens. For ciprofloxacin, the MIC50 and MBC ranged from 0.00976 – 0.078mg/mL and 0.098– 0.78mg/mL respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between extracts (methanol, acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate) and the control antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) (P> 0.05). Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroids, tannins and flavonoids in the methanol, acetone,ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The results demonstrate that H. africana may contain compounds with therapeutic potentials which can be lead molecules for semi-synthesis of new drugs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nethathe, Bono Bianca
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial sensitivity tests , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plants -- Analysis , Staphylococcus aureus , Aeromonas hydrophila , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Plant-pathogen relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001063 , Helicobacter pylori , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial sensitivity tests , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plants -- Analysis , Staphylococcus aureus , Aeromonas hydrophila , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Plant-pathogen relationships
- Description: Abstract Medicinal plants have been for long remedies for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by organisms demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. The present study was aimed at evaluating the bioactivity and phytochemical analysis of Hydnora africana on clinical and standard strains of Helicobacter pylori (PE 252C and ATCC 43526), Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 35654, and Staphylococcus aureus NCT 6571 in an effort to identify potential sources of cheap starting materials for the synthesis of new drugs against these strains. Ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water crude extracts of H. africana were screened for activity against the test organisms using the agar well diffusion assay. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the most potent extracts were determined by the microdilution method, followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis. Results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA one - way test. Different concentrations (200,100, 50mg/mL) of the methanol, acetone, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed activity against S. aureus and A. hydrophila while for H. pylori, only methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were active; water showed no activity for all studied bacterial pathogens. Mean zone diameter of inhibition which ranged from 0-22mm were observed for all test bacterial pathogens and 14-17mm for ciprofloxacin. The activity of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were statistically significant (P< 0.05) compared to all the other extracts. MIC50 and MBC ranged from 0.078 – 2.5mg/mL, 0.78-25mg/mL respectively for all tested bacterial pathogens. For ciprofloxacin, the MIC50 and MBC ranged from 0.00976 – 0.078mg/mL and 0.098– 0.78mg/mL respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between extracts (methanol, acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate) and the control antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) (P> 0.05). Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroids, tannins and flavonoids in the methanol, acetone,ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The results demonstrate that H. africana may contain compounds with therapeutic potentials which can be lead molecules for semi-synthesis of new drugs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Business cycles and stock market performance in South Africa
- Authors: Muchaonyerwa, Forward
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa , Business cycles -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/312 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa , Business cycles -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa
- Description: The study investigates the relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa for the period 2002-2009 using monthly data. This is done by constructing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study specifies a business cycle model with the business cycle coincident indicator (BC) regressed against, the All Share Price Index (ALSI), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), Money Supply (M1), Inflation (CPIX) and the Prime Overdraft Rate (POR). The ALSI represents stock market performance whilst the rest of the variables are to enhance model specification. The study found a positive relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa. The results also indicated that business cycles are positively related to the lagged variable of the coincident indicator and money supply. In addition, the findings also reveal that BC is negatively related to interest rates and the real effective exchange rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Muchaonyerwa, Forward
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa , Business cycles -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/312 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa , Business cycles -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa
- Description: The study investigates the relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa for the period 2002-2009 using monthly data. This is done by constructing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study specifies a business cycle model with the business cycle coincident indicator (BC) regressed against, the All Share Price Index (ALSI), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), Money Supply (M1), Inflation (CPIX) and the Prime Overdraft Rate (POR). The ALSI represents stock market performance whilst the rest of the variables are to enhance model specification. The study found a positive relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa. The results also indicated that business cycles are positively related to the lagged variable of the coincident indicator and money supply. In addition, the findings also reveal that BC is negatively related to interest rates and the real effective exchange rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cattle manure, scalping and soil wetness effects on some physical properties of a hardsetting soil and associated early maize growth
- Authors: Nciizah, Adornis Dakarai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soil formation , Crops and soils , Manures , Soil mechanics , Soil moisture , Soil stabilization , Soil penetration test
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/349 , Soil formation , Crops and soils , Manures , Soil mechanics , Soil moisture , Soil stabilization , Soil penetration test
- Description: Most soils in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa are shallow and are low in organic matter. Therefore these soils are structurally fragile and highly susceptible to inherent degradative processes like hardsetting. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cattle manure, scalping and soil wetness on aggregate stability, penetration resistance and early maize growth in hardsetting soils. Glasshouse and field studies were conducted to determine the effect of cattle manure on aggregate stability and penetration resistance of freshly exposed topsoils by scalping at 0, 10 and 20 cm depths. In the glasshouse cattle manure was applied at 0 and 20 Mg/ha and matric suction was kept at ~ 30 and ~ 400 kPa; contrasting high and low soil wetness. Three soils were put in pots and arranged in a randomized complete block 3 2 2 factorial design. The field study was done at the University of Fort Hare research farm and the treatments were arranged in a split-plot complete randomized design with three replications. Scalping treatment was the main plot whilst the quantity of the cattle manure applied was the sub plot. Cattle manure increased mean weight diameter (MWD) by between 48% and 71% under glasshouse and between 18% and 33% under field conditions, depending on the soil wetting rate. Cattle manure reduced MWD when the soil under field condition was subjected to mechanical shaking. Soil penetration resistance decreased linearly, with increasing soil wetness but it rapidly increased with increase in matric suction up to ~200 kPa and thereafter the rate of increase reduced. In the glasshouse, all treatments had no significant effects on shoot dry weight but low matric suction increased root dry weight by 133%. Interaction of cattle manure and low matric suction reduced shoot length by 6%, shoot fresh weight by 25%, root surface area by 36%, root length by 5% and root fresh weight by 29% compared to the control. In contrast, application of cattle manure and high matric suction increased shoot length by 37%, shoot fresh weight by 136%, root surface area by 159%, root length by 94% and root fresh weight by 119%. In the field, cattle manure application increased root length density and shoot dry matter by 26% and 30% respectively. Cattle manure improved the stability of aggregates of the hardsetting soil under rapid or slow water intake conditions experienced during rainfall or irrigation. However, under field conditions cattle manure acted as a deflocculant and decreased the stability of aggregates when mechanical stress was applied. The effectiveness of cattle manure in improving maize growth in hardsetting soils was determined by matric suction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nciizah, Adornis Dakarai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soil formation , Crops and soils , Manures , Soil mechanics , Soil moisture , Soil stabilization , Soil penetration test
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/349 , Soil formation , Crops and soils , Manures , Soil mechanics , Soil moisture , Soil stabilization , Soil penetration test
- Description: Most soils in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa are shallow and are low in organic matter. Therefore these soils are structurally fragile and highly susceptible to inherent degradative processes like hardsetting. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cattle manure, scalping and soil wetness on aggregate stability, penetration resistance and early maize growth in hardsetting soils. Glasshouse and field studies were conducted to determine the effect of cattle manure on aggregate stability and penetration resistance of freshly exposed topsoils by scalping at 0, 10 and 20 cm depths. In the glasshouse cattle manure was applied at 0 and 20 Mg/ha and matric suction was kept at ~ 30 and ~ 400 kPa; contrasting high and low soil wetness. Three soils were put in pots and arranged in a randomized complete block 3 2 2 factorial design. The field study was done at the University of Fort Hare research farm and the treatments were arranged in a split-plot complete randomized design with three replications. Scalping treatment was the main plot whilst the quantity of the cattle manure applied was the sub plot. Cattle manure increased mean weight diameter (MWD) by between 48% and 71% under glasshouse and between 18% and 33% under field conditions, depending on the soil wetting rate. Cattle manure reduced MWD when the soil under field condition was subjected to mechanical shaking. Soil penetration resistance decreased linearly, with increasing soil wetness but it rapidly increased with increase in matric suction up to ~200 kPa and thereafter the rate of increase reduced. In the glasshouse, all treatments had no significant effects on shoot dry weight but low matric suction increased root dry weight by 133%. Interaction of cattle manure and low matric suction reduced shoot length by 6%, shoot fresh weight by 25%, root surface area by 36%, root length by 5% and root fresh weight by 29% compared to the control. In contrast, application of cattle manure and high matric suction increased shoot length by 37%, shoot fresh weight by 136%, root surface area by 159%, root length by 94% and root fresh weight by 119%. In the field, cattle manure application increased root length density and shoot dry matter by 26% and 30% respectively. Cattle manure improved the stability of aggregates of the hardsetting soil under rapid or slow water intake conditions experienced during rainfall or irrigation. However, under field conditions cattle manure acted as a deflocculant and decreased the stability of aggregates when mechanical stress was applied. The effectiveness of cattle manure in improving maize growth in hardsetting soils was determined by matric suction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Challenges and prospects of quality primary education in Zimbabwe rural schools: a case study of Kadoma rural schools
- Authors: Mazise, Amos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Education, Primary -- Zimbabwe Case studies , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11428 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/569 , Rural schools -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Education, Primary -- Zimbabwe Case studies , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation
- Description: The study focused on investigating challenges and prospects of quality education in rural primary schools in developing countries particularly in Zimbabwe. Reviewed literature indicated that two theories; education as human capital and education as human right advanced increased access to education. Decline of quality of education in the expansion programme portrayed by the decrease of pass rates to below 50 percent, pupils’ low literacy and numeracy prompted investigation. A case study of Ngezi rural primary schools was explored using a sample of 50 respondents selected through stratified random technique. Data were gathered by a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods defined as triangulation. Self- administered questionnaires for heads and teachers, interview guide for grade 7 pupils and SDC and observation guide were the instruments employed for data collection. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics. Findings were that quality of universal education was affected by inadequate supporting inputs and facilities, inappropriate teaching methods and unmotivated teachers. However 80 percent of the schools were staffed with qualified teachers depicting government’s commitment to quality education. 40 % of the schools without qualified leadership were indicative of the effect of poor school conditions to staff turn up. In studies carried out in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and India quality also declined as access was increased due to similar causes. Recommendations were to create a strong collaboration among stakeholders through communication to ensure the four conditions for quality are met simultaneously as they are interdependent and reforming the curriculum to suit means and needs of the people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mazise, Amos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Education, Primary -- Zimbabwe Case studies , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11428 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/569 , Rural schools -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Education, Primary -- Zimbabwe Case studies , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation
- Description: The study focused on investigating challenges and prospects of quality education in rural primary schools in developing countries particularly in Zimbabwe. Reviewed literature indicated that two theories; education as human capital and education as human right advanced increased access to education. Decline of quality of education in the expansion programme portrayed by the decrease of pass rates to below 50 percent, pupils’ low literacy and numeracy prompted investigation. A case study of Ngezi rural primary schools was explored using a sample of 50 respondents selected through stratified random technique. Data were gathered by a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods defined as triangulation. Self- administered questionnaires for heads and teachers, interview guide for grade 7 pupils and SDC and observation guide were the instruments employed for data collection. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics. Findings were that quality of universal education was affected by inadequate supporting inputs and facilities, inappropriate teaching methods and unmotivated teachers. However 80 percent of the schools were staffed with qualified teachers depicting government’s commitment to quality education. 40 % of the schools without qualified leadership were indicative of the effect of poor school conditions to staff turn up. In studies carried out in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and India quality also declined as access was increased due to similar causes. Recommendations were to create a strong collaboration among stakeholders through communication to ensure the four conditions for quality are met simultaneously as they are interdependent and reforming the curriculum to suit means and needs of the people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Characterization of village chicken health and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Afrrica
- Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Authors: Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/561 , Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Characterization of village chicken phealth and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa By Njongenhle M. B. NYONI The majority of rural households in South Africa own village chickens which contribute significantly to their livelihoods. However, limited research has been conducted to characterize, understand and develop village chicken production in South Africa. This hinders the designing and implementation of village chicken-based developmental programmes that will benefit farmers in rural areas. Thus, it is imperative to initiate studies to describe village chicken production. This study was conducted to characterize village chicken production in Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Baseline information was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 81 identified from 7 out of 13 villages using snowball sampling technique. Consequently, 20 households were selected to participate in a monitoring study (from July 2010 to June 2011) through purposive sampling. Most (60%) chicken flocks were owned by women and mainly raised to meet household food requirements. Some (28.4%) farmers occasionally sold cocks and hens to neighbours, at an average price of R50 (USD7.55) per bird, as a way of culling their flocks and generating income. However, village chickens were mainly kept for food security rather than for their terminal benefit of cash. Although, all chicken flocks were produced under the scavenging feeding system, most (96%) flocks were provided with supplementary feed and drinking water. A majority (93.8%) of households also provided some form of shelter for their chickens. The mean cock to hen to chick ratio was 1:5:15. On average, iii each household owned 17 (±2 S.E.M.) chickens, and hens had 3.3 clutches per annum. Chicks hatched and chickens received as gifts represented the flock entries, while exits included mortality, consumption, sales and gifts or donations, in that order. Generally, both exits and entries were more pronounced in the summer season than in other seasons. Most (81.5%) farmers experienced chicken losses due to predation and health related problems. Parasitism ranked high amongst the village chicken health challenges. During monitoring, the endoprasites identified included nematodes, cestodes and protozoa. Coccidia were the most prevalent endoparasites. The chickens were also infested with a variety of ectoparasites namely: mites, lice, fleas and ticks. The sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacean was the most prevalent species. Although ectoparasite infestations were most pronounced in summer, almost all chickens harbored one or more of these parasites throughout the study period. The prevalence and intensity of parasite infestations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the summer season compared to the other seasons. This was followed by the autumn, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The majority (77.5%) of farmers resorted to alternative remedies, mostly medicinal plants, for treating diseases and controlling parasites. Medicinal plants were used because they were locally available, cheap and perceived to be effective. Therefore, village chicken production in the rural Eastern Cape Province is characterised by several challenges which counter the significant role chickens play in the livelihood of rural households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/561 , Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Characterization of village chicken phealth and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa By Njongenhle M. B. NYONI The majority of rural households in South Africa own village chickens which contribute significantly to their livelihoods. However, limited research has been conducted to characterize, understand and develop village chicken production in South Africa. This hinders the designing and implementation of village chicken-based developmental programmes that will benefit farmers in rural areas. Thus, it is imperative to initiate studies to describe village chicken production. This study was conducted to characterize village chicken production in Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Baseline information was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 81 identified from 7 out of 13 villages using snowball sampling technique. Consequently, 20 households were selected to participate in a monitoring study (from July 2010 to June 2011) through purposive sampling. Most (60%) chicken flocks were owned by women and mainly raised to meet household food requirements. Some (28.4%) farmers occasionally sold cocks and hens to neighbours, at an average price of R50 (USD7.55) per bird, as a way of culling their flocks and generating income. However, village chickens were mainly kept for food security rather than for their terminal benefit of cash. Although, all chicken flocks were produced under the scavenging feeding system, most (96%) flocks were provided with supplementary feed and drinking water. A majority (93.8%) of households also provided some form of shelter for their chickens. The mean cock to hen to chick ratio was 1:5:15. On average, iii each household owned 17 (±2 S.E.M.) chickens, and hens had 3.3 clutches per annum. Chicks hatched and chickens received as gifts represented the flock entries, while exits included mortality, consumption, sales and gifts or donations, in that order. Generally, both exits and entries were more pronounced in the summer season than in other seasons. Most (81.5%) farmers experienced chicken losses due to predation and health related problems. Parasitism ranked high amongst the village chicken health challenges. During monitoring, the endoprasites identified included nematodes, cestodes and protozoa. Coccidia were the most prevalent endoparasites. The chickens were also infested with a variety of ectoparasites namely: mites, lice, fleas and ticks. The sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacean was the most prevalent species. Although ectoparasite infestations were most pronounced in summer, almost all chickens harbored one or more of these parasites throughout the study period. The prevalence and intensity of parasite infestations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the summer season compared to the other seasons. This was followed by the autumn, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The majority (77.5%) of farmers resorted to alternative remedies, mostly medicinal plants, for treating diseases and controlling parasites. Medicinal plants were used because they were locally available, cheap and perceived to be effective. Therefore, village chicken production in the rural Eastern Cape Province is characterised by several challenges which counter the significant role chickens play in the livelihood of rural households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Community participation and food security in rural Zimbabwe: the case of Marange area in Mutare district
- Authors: Swikepi, Chiedzwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007303 , Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The chief purpose of this study was to determine the role of the rural communities in the food security initiatives of the government in alleviating food shortages in the Marange communal area of Mutare district in Zimbabwe. The focus was on local community empowerment; ownership of food security initiatives by the communities; communities‟ independent analysis of needs and priorities; their involvement in designing food security programmes and the role of the government in linking with the communities. The data was gathered using a case study research design with the qualitative method being the main research approach. The primary data was obtained from focus group discussions held in three wards of Marange area and some in-depth interviews conducted with selected key informants. The findings indicate that the government designs food security strategies without considering the input of communities. The communities are introduced and expected to adopt these pre-conceived food security plans at the implementation stage. The results also show that poor community participation in the food security initiatives of the government, specifically during the initial stages, is a significant contributing factor to the continual shortages of food in the communal lands of Marange. It is the view of this study that unless community input in decision making at the planning and designing phases is given preference in the food security interventions of the government in rural Zimbabwe, food security will seldom be achieved. While the government has a significant role to play in food security measures, such interventions can make an important contribution if the use and development of community participation is made central to food shortage alleviation strategies. The principal conclusion of this study is that if food security is an intended ultimate goal in rural Zimbabwe, the communities must participate fully in the conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the government-initiated food security programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Swikepi, Chiedzwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007303 , Community development , Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The chief purpose of this study was to determine the role of the rural communities in the food security initiatives of the government in alleviating food shortages in the Marange communal area of Mutare district in Zimbabwe. The focus was on local community empowerment; ownership of food security initiatives by the communities; communities‟ independent analysis of needs and priorities; their involvement in designing food security programmes and the role of the government in linking with the communities. The data was gathered using a case study research design with the qualitative method being the main research approach. The primary data was obtained from focus group discussions held in three wards of Marange area and some in-depth interviews conducted with selected key informants. The findings indicate that the government designs food security strategies without considering the input of communities. The communities are introduced and expected to adopt these pre-conceived food security plans at the implementation stage. The results also show that poor community participation in the food security initiatives of the government, specifically during the initial stages, is a significant contributing factor to the continual shortages of food in the communal lands of Marange. It is the view of this study that unless community input in decision making at the planning and designing phases is given preference in the food security interventions of the government in rural Zimbabwe, food security will seldom be achieved. While the government has a significant role to play in food security measures, such interventions can make an important contribution if the use and development of community participation is made central to food shortage alleviation strategies. The principal conclusion of this study is that if food security is an intended ultimate goal in rural Zimbabwe, the communities must participate fully in the conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the government-initiated food security programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Conflict within the church: a theological approach to conflict resolution with special reference to the boundary disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma synods in Malawi
- Authors: Zgambo, Humphreys F C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/497 , Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Description: The research study acknowledges that life is possibly full of conflict, be it psychological, spiritual or otherwise. Conflict is an inescapable reality that confronts Churches and societies regardless of how loving and caring the people are. Conflict brings both the negative and positive impact on the life of Church and society. Conflict presents us with challenges and choices that reflect and shape our personal identity. Technically the challenge is not to avoid conflict, but rather to deal with it constructively. Conflict could be dangerous and destructive. Conflict could also be an opportunity for self-examination, for growth, service to people and giving glory to God. Hence the serious need for developing a theological approach to conflict resolution within the Church and society. Generally, there are two methods to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine effort to conflict respectively. Using mere psychological and legal experience, the Law court models deal with immediate substantive offenses, injustices and inequity faced by people. The Law court methods are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable and short-lived, while the Atonement methods radically deal with deep rooted matters and sinful motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, lusts and cravings. The Atonement models are reliable, fruitful and long-lasting. The purpose of conflict resolution must be to uproot the negative elements and destructive results of conflict, while at the same time preserving it’s beneficial, life- giving qualities to achieve genuine reconciliation. Therefore this new theology of conflict resolution calls for radical change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict in order to accelerate transformation, growth, maturity and peace. Chapter one will provide a general background to the research study. Chapter two before looking at the case of disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, it will firstly, cite briefly some conflicts in the history of the Church to get an appreciation of the impact of conflict in the life of the Church. Secondly, the chapter will outline the historical background of the Church of Central Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods, Nkhoma Synod and the General Assembly and how the boundary disputes between the two rival Synods started in Malawi. Chapter three will discuss the question of sin and its effects. Humanity cherishes sin in the heart (Ps 51:3-10, 66:19). Milne (1982:107) asserts that sin causes racial prejudice and antagonisms. The problem of sin is the world’s biggest problem. The study will also define conflict and its root causes using Marxist’s conflict conception. The argument of the study will base on the fact that sin brings conflict and produces great divisions among human beings. Therefore, if sin brings conflict with God, His will and between humans, God has provided a divine means to deal with the problem. Chapter four will discuss the answer to question of sin and conflict. There are two dimensions to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine efforts respectively. Contemporary Christian conflict theories are deficient in the God ward dimensions of conflict and most theories and practices come from within the human legal or political professions. Deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, anger, revenge, lusts and cravings in opposition to God are better addressed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will review and critique contemporary models of conflict resolution including the atonement with a view to understand the antithesis of conflict. The study will lastly formulate a synthetic model from various aspects of atonement to bring about a better understanding of conflict resolution. Chapter five will discuss the general application of the full concept of atonement. The question for discussion will be: how can the life, sufferings and death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that occurred almost 2000 years ago affect us today? How can the atonement conception be applied to resolve human conflict? The atonement of Christ will be ineffective unless it is applied to the lives of human beings. The actualization of the atonement could be done through power of the Holy Spirit who unites a person with Jesus Christ and in their close relationship, the penalty for the person’s sin is paid both together, so by Christ (Stott 1986:256ff). As we relate to God in through confession, repentance of sin and sanctification, we relate to each other that removes the cause of conflict between persons. Chapter six will discuss the application of atonement and reconciliation aspects to specific disputes in Malawi. It will also suggest recommendations on how to deal with those disputes. Christianity is not just a creed, it involves action. What is needed in Christian salvation is the practical restoration of broken relationships between God and creation, the removal of rupture within human race in order to facilitate reconciliation. Reconciliation in Malawian context means restoration, amendment, making up, settling an argument of boundary and bringing back lost relationship between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods. Chapter seven will just deal with summary and conclusion. The theology of conflict resolution calls for change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict. All human efforts in conflict are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable, and short-lived while divine efforts radically deal with deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart. Divine efforts are fruitful and long-lasting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zgambo, Humphreys F C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/497 , Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Description: The research study acknowledges that life is possibly full of conflict, be it psychological, spiritual or otherwise. Conflict is an inescapable reality that confronts Churches and societies regardless of how loving and caring the people are. Conflict brings both the negative and positive impact on the life of Church and society. Conflict presents us with challenges and choices that reflect and shape our personal identity. Technically the challenge is not to avoid conflict, but rather to deal with it constructively. Conflict could be dangerous and destructive. Conflict could also be an opportunity for self-examination, for growth, service to people and giving glory to God. Hence the serious need for developing a theological approach to conflict resolution within the Church and society. Generally, there are two methods to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine effort to conflict respectively. Using mere psychological and legal experience, the Law court models deal with immediate substantive offenses, injustices and inequity faced by people. The Law court methods are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable and short-lived, while the Atonement methods radically deal with deep rooted matters and sinful motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, lusts and cravings. The Atonement models are reliable, fruitful and long-lasting. The purpose of conflict resolution must be to uproot the negative elements and destructive results of conflict, while at the same time preserving it’s beneficial, life- giving qualities to achieve genuine reconciliation. Therefore this new theology of conflict resolution calls for radical change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict in order to accelerate transformation, growth, maturity and peace. Chapter one will provide a general background to the research study. Chapter two before looking at the case of disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, it will firstly, cite briefly some conflicts in the history of the Church to get an appreciation of the impact of conflict in the life of the Church. Secondly, the chapter will outline the historical background of the Church of Central Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods, Nkhoma Synod and the General Assembly and how the boundary disputes between the two rival Synods started in Malawi. Chapter three will discuss the question of sin and its effects. Humanity cherishes sin in the heart (Ps 51:3-10, 66:19). Milne (1982:107) asserts that sin causes racial prejudice and antagonisms. The problem of sin is the world’s biggest problem. The study will also define conflict and its root causes using Marxist’s conflict conception. The argument of the study will base on the fact that sin brings conflict and produces great divisions among human beings. Therefore, if sin brings conflict with God, His will and between humans, God has provided a divine means to deal with the problem. Chapter four will discuss the answer to question of sin and conflict. There are two dimensions to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine efforts respectively. Contemporary Christian conflict theories are deficient in the God ward dimensions of conflict and most theories and practices come from within the human legal or political professions. Deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, anger, revenge, lusts and cravings in opposition to God are better addressed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will review and critique contemporary models of conflict resolution including the atonement with a view to understand the antithesis of conflict. The study will lastly formulate a synthetic model from various aspects of atonement to bring about a better understanding of conflict resolution. Chapter five will discuss the general application of the full concept of atonement. The question for discussion will be: how can the life, sufferings and death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that occurred almost 2000 years ago affect us today? How can the atonement conception be applied to resolve human conflict? The atonement of Christ will be ineffective unless it is applied to the lives of human beings. The actualization of the atonement could be done through power of the Holy Spirit who unites a person with Jesus Christ and in their close relationship, the penalty for the person’s sin is paid both together, so by Christ (Stott 1986:256ff). As we relate to God in through confession, repentance of sin and sanctification, we relate to each other that removes the cause of conflict between persons. Chapter six will discuss the application of atonement and reconciliation aspects to specific disputes in Malawi. It will also suggest recommendations on how to deal with those disputes. Christianity is not just a creed, it involves action. What is needed in Christian salvation is the practical restoration of broken relationships between God and creation, the removal of rupture within human race in order to facilitate reconciliation. Reconciliation in Malawian context means restoration, amendment, making up, settling an argument of boundary and bringing back lost relationship between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods. Chapter seven will just deal with summary and conclusion. The theology of conflict resolution calls for change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict. All human efforts in conflict are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable, and short-lived while divine efforts radically deal with deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart. Divine efforts are fruitful and long-lasting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Consensus and contentions around community engagement in a South African tertiary institution :University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8306 , vital:32257
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8306 , vital:32257
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Consensus and contentions around community engagement in a South African tertiary institution: University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/311 , Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/311 , Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Constitutional damages for the infringement of a social assistance right in South Africa are monetary damages in the form of interest a just and equitable remedy for breach of a social assistance right
- Authors: Batchelor, Bronwyn Le Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/388 , South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Description: This dissertation will explore the revolutionary progression in the provision of monetary damages and the availability thereof due to the change in South Africa’s legal system from Parliamentary sovereignty to Constitutional supremacy after the enactment of the final Constitution in 19961. The Constitution of South Africa brought with it the concepts of justification and accountability as the Bill of Rights enshrines fundamental rights and the remedies for the infringement of same. The available remedies for the infringement of a fundamental right flow from two sources, being either from the development of the common law remedies in line with the Bill of Rights or alternatively from Section 38 of the Constitution, which provides for a remedy which provides ‘appropriate’ relief. The question that will be raised in this dissertation is, ‘does appropriate relief include an award of delictual damages?’ or a question related thereto ‘is an award of monetary damages an appropriate remedy?’ The motivation for this dissertation arises from the plethora of case law, especially in the Eastern Cape, that has come to the fore in the last sixteen years, highlighting the injustice of cancellations of social assistance grants and the non-payment of such in South Africa’s social security system, as well as the precedent that was set by our Constitutional Court and Supreme Court in remedying that injustice. The central case to this dissertation is that of Kate v Member of Executive Council for Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape 2005 1 SA 141 SECLD; Member of Executive Council, Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape v Kate 2006 (4) SA 478 (SCA), which is generally regarded as having paved the way for the granting of monetary damages for the infringement of an individual’s constitutional right as same require legal protection. Firstly the past approach to damages will be explored in relation to South Africa’s common law, being the Roman-Dutch law. The common law Aquilian action is the focal point of this dissertation in relation to the common law in that the granting of damages for the infringement of an individual’s social assistance right (being a specific constitutional right framed within the 1996 Constitution) results in pure patrimonial loss which in our common law system was remedied by the actio legis Aquilae. In delict, an award of damages is the primary remedy, aimed at affording compensation in respect of the legal right or interest infringed. After the common law system of damages has been explored, this dissertation will then examine the changes that have developed therefrom, and largely shaped by the current state of disorganization in the National Department of Welfare coupled with the all encompassing power of the final Constitution. The final Constitution provides the power, in section 38 of the 1996 Constitution, for the court to award a monetary remedy for the breach of a constitutional right. The question, however, is “does the award of monetary damages not merely throw money at the problem, whereas the purpose of a constitutional remedy is to vindicate guaranteed rights and prevent or deter future violations?” The battle for domination between the common law approach and the constitutional approach to damages is witnessed as the two systems eventually amalgamate to form an essentially new remedy, unique to South Africa. South Africa’s new system is aligned with the Constitution as the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and underpins the awarding of all damages and, especially, the awarding of constitutional damages. For the sake of completeness, alternatives to monetary damages will also be canvassed in this dissertation. It is hoped that the reader will, in the end, realize that the final Constitution is the supreme law of the land and as such dictates the manner and form in which damages are provided. If such provision is not in alignment with the Constitution, it will be declared invalid. The flexibility of our common law is put to the test, yet it is found to be adaptable to the ever-developing boni mores of society exemplified in the embracing constitutional principles and the production of this new remedy. The courts develop the common law under section 39(2) of the Constitution in order to keep the common law in step with the evolution of our society and the ever changing nature of bonos mores. , National Research Foundation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Batchelor, Bronwyn Le Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/388 , South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Description: This dissertation will explore the revolutionary progression in the provision of monetary damages and the availability thereof due to the change in South Africa’s legal system from Parliamentary sovereignty to Constitutional supremacy after the enactment of the final Constitution in 19961. The Constitution of South Africa brought with it the concepts of justification and accountability as the Bill of Rights enshrines fundamental rights and the remedies for the infringement of same. The available remedies for the infringement of a fundamental right flow from two sources, being either from the development of the common law remedies in line with the Bill of Rights or alternatively from Section 38 of the Constitution, which provides for a remedy which provides ‘appropriate’ relief. The question that will be raised in this dissertation is, ‘does appropriate relief include an award of delictual damages?’ or a question related thereto ‘is an award of monetary damages an appropriate remedy?’ The motivation for this dissertation arises from the plethora of case law, especially in the Eastern Cape, that has come to the fore in the last sixteen years, highlighting the injustice of cancellations of social assistance grants and the non-payment of such in South Africa’s social security system, as well as the precedent that was set by our Constitutional Court and Supreme Court in remedying that injustice. The central case to this dissertation is that of Kate v Member of Executive Council for Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape 2005 1 SA 141 SECLD; Member of Executive Council, Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape v Kate 2006 (4) SA 478 (SCA), which is generally regarded as having paved the way for the granting of monetary damages for the infringement of an individual’s constitutional right as same require legal protection. Firstly the past approach to damages will be explored in relation to South Africa’s common law, being the Roman-Dutch law. The common law Aquilian action is the focal point of this dissertation in relation to the common law in that the granting of damages for the infringement of an individual’s social assistance right (being a specific constitutional right framed within the 1996 Constitution) results in pure patrimonial loss which in our common law system was remedied by the actio legis Aquilae. In delict, an award of damages is the primary remedy, aimed at affording compensation in respect of the legal right or interest infringed. After the common law system of damages has been explored, this dissertation will then examine the changes that have developed therefrom, and largely shaped by the current state of disorganization in the National Department of Welfare coupled with the all encompassing power of the final Constitution. The final Constitution provides the power, in section 38 of the 1996 Constitution, for the court to award a monetary remedy for the breach of a constitutional right. The question, however, is “does the award of monetary damages not merely throw money at the problem, whereas the purpose of a constitutional remedy is to vindicate guaranteed rights and prevent or deter future violations?” The battle for domination between the common law approach and the constitutional approach to damages is witnessed as the two systems eventually amalgamate to form an essentially new remedy, unique to South Africa. South Africa’s new system is aligned with the Constitution as the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and underpins the awarding of all damages and, especially, the awarding of constitutional damages. For the sake of completeness, alternatives to monetary damages will also be canvassed in this dissertation. It is hoped that the reader will, in the end, realize that the final Constitution is the supreme law of the land and as such dictates the manner and form in which damages are provided. If such provision is not in alignment with the Constitution, it will be declared invalid. The flexibility of our common law is put to the test, yet it is found to be adaptable to the ever-developing boni mores of society exemplified in the embracing constitutional principles and the production of this new remedy. The courts develop the common law under section 39(2) of the Constitution in order to keep the common law in step with the evolution of our society and the ever changing nature of bonos mores. , National Research Foundation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cover crop biomass production and effects on weeds and soil fertility in a maize-based conservation agriculture system
- Authors: Muzangwa, Lindah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/484 , Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Low cover crop biomass production is a major obstacle to the success of conservation agriculture currently promoted as panacea to the inherent problem of soil erosion and loss of soil productivity in the Eastern Cape (EC). Therefore, this study evaluated cover crop management strategies for optimizing biomass production for better soil cover, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertility, weed control and maize yields. The strategies tested are cover crop bicultures, selection of an adapted lupin cultivar and seeding rate, and the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping. The cover crop experiments were carried in rotation with summer maize between the winter of 2009 and summer of 2010/2011. Biculture trial was carried out by seeding oat (Avena sativa) and vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) at three mixture ratios and as sole crops under irrigation. On a separate irrigated trial, two lupin cultivars (Lupinus angustifolius var Mandelup & Qualinock) were seeded to a range of seeding rate, 40 to 220 kg ha-1. To study the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping, oat, vetch, rye (Lolium multiflorum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativa) and triticale (Triticale secale) were relayed into a maize crop in February, March and April of 2010. The irrigated trials were followed with SC701 maize cultivar, whilst the rain fed trial was followed with DKC61-25 maize cultivar. Bicultures gave higher cover crop biomass than sole vetch, increasing with an increase in the oat component of the mixture. Increased N and P uptake was observed with bicultures compared to sole oat, however, the levels were comparable to sole vetch. Sole vetch increased soil inorganic N and P at maize planting, whilst the slow decomposition by sole oat residue resulted in mineral lock up. Bicultured cover crop residues had intermediate decomposition rates and resulted in optimum levels of inorganic N and P for prolonged periods compared to sole crops. Weed suppression by the bicultures was comparable to sole cover crops. Biculturing technology significantly (P<0.05) increased maize grain yield compared to sole oat and the yields were comparable to those from sole vetch. For lupins, 206 kg ha-1 seeding rate gave the optimum biomass yield. Weed dry weights in both cover crop and maize crop decreased with an increase in lupin biomass. Comparable soil total N and inorganic P values at maize planting, were observed from plots planted to 120, 180 and 220 kg ha-1. Maize grain yield increased with an increase in lupin seeding rate. The study on rain fed winter cover cropping had most cover crop species’ biomass decreasing with each delay in planting except for radish, which increased. Vetch produced the highest amounts of biomass from February and March planting whilst radish had the highest biomass in April planting. The two species resulted in the greatest N improvement compared to the other species. Regardless of the grazing, the grass specie residues managed to persist to the next cropping season and the residue remaining were comparable to that of radish and vetch. Late-planted cover crops had the greatest residue remaining than early-planted, as a result, April planted cover crops provided better weed suppression than March and April planted. Vetch provided the highest maize grain yield (4005 kg ha-1) whilst all other species tested had comparable grain yields. The results suggested that bicultures could be grown to give sufficient biomass for both weed suppression and soil fertility improvement. Furthermore, increasing lupin plant densities improve its function as a cover crop with respect to weed suppression, soil fertility improvement and maize yields. The study also showed that for dry land systems, February and March planted vetch and April planted radish can provide the greatest biomass and maize yield improvement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Muzangwa, Lindah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/484 , Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Low cover crop biomass production is a major obstacle to the success of conservation agriculture currently promoted as panacea to the inherent problem of soil erosion and loss of soil productivity in the Eastern Cape (EC). Therefore, this study evaluated cover crop management strategies for optimizing biomass production for better soil cover, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertility, weed control and maize yields. The strategies tested are cover crop bicultures, selection of an adapted lupin cultivar and seeding rate, and the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping. The cover crop experiments were carried in rotation with summer maize between the winter of 2009 and summer of 2010/2011. Biculture trial was carried out by seeding oat (Avena sativa) and vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) at three mixture ratios and as sole crops under irrigation. On a separate irrigated trial, two lupin cultivars (Lupinus angustifolius var Mandelup & Qualinock) were seeded to a range of seeding rate, 40 to 220 kg ha-1. To study the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping, oat, vetch, rye (Lolium multiflorum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativa) and triticale (Triticale secale) were relayed into a maize crop in February, March and April of 2010. The irrigated trials were followed with SC701 maize cultivar, whilst the rain fed trial was followed with DKC61-25 maize cultivar. Bicultures gave higher cover crop biomass than sole vetch, increasing with an increase in the oat component of the mixture. Increased N and P uptake was observed with bicultures compared to sole oat, however, the levels were comparable to sole vetch. Sole vetch increased soil inorganic N and P at maize planting, whilst the slow decomposition by sole oat residue resulted in mineral lock up. Bicultured cover crop residues had intermediate decomposition rates and resulted in optimum levels of inorganic N and P for prolonged periods compared to sole crops. Weed suppression by the bicultures was comparable to sole cover crops. Biculturing technology significantly (P<0.05) increased maize grain yield compared to sole oat and the yields were comparable to those from sole vetch. For lupins, 206 kg ha-1 seeding rate gave the optimum biomass yield. Weed dry weights in both cover crop and maize crop decreased with an increase in lupin biomass. Comparable soil total N and inorganic P values at maize planting, were observed from plots planted to 120, 180 and 220 kg ha-1. Maize grain yield increased with an increase in lupin seeding rate. The study on rain fed winter cover cropping had most cover crop species’ biomass decreasing with each delay in planting except for radish, which increased. Vetch produced the highest amounts of biomass from February and March planting whilst radish had the highest biomass in April planting. The two species resulted in the greatest N improvement compared to the other species. Regardless of the grazing, the grass specie residues managed to persist to the next cropping season and the residue remaining were comparable to that of radish and vetch. Late-planted cover crops had the greatest residue remaining than early-planted, as a result, April planted cover crops provided better weed suppression than March and April planted. Vetch provided the highest maize grain yield (4005 kg ha-1) whilst all other species tested had comparable grain yields. The results suggested that bicultures could be grown to give sufficient biomass for both weed suppression and soil fertility improvement. Furthermore, increasing lupin plant densities improve its function as a cover crop with respect to weed suppression, soil fertility improvement and maize yields. The study also showed that for dry land systems, February and March planted vetch and April planted radish can provide the greatest biomass and maize yield improvement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Determinants of foreign direct investments in the motor industry in South Africa
- Authors: Onceya, Siyabulela
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/545 , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Description: The recent surge in foreign capital inflows into developing countries has generated interest among researchers wanting to analyse the major determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the motor industry (FDIsm). This dissertation investigates the determinants of FDI in the motor industry in South Africa. The underpinning theoretical literature in this study is the Micro-level theory of FDI and the Eclectic theory as well as empirical literature from several authors. The study used quarterly time series data, which covers the period 1994q1- 2008q4. FDIs are modeled as the function of economic growth, interest rates, exchange rate, education and the openness of the country. The variables in the model are tested for stationarity. Cointegration analysis was also used to test for long run relationships between the variables. The trace and the maximum eigenvalue tests suggest that there are at least two cointegration relationships, an error correction modelling technique is used to establish the determinants of foreign direct investment. The error correction model was estimated which provided both long run and short run parameter estimates. The results show that economic growth, education and the openness of the country are positively related to foreign direct investment in the motor industry. Interest rates and exchange rates negatively affect foreign direct investment in the motor industry in South Africa. The results of this study are also supported by the impulse response and variance decomposition tests. The policy recommendation that emanate from this study is that efforts should be made to boost the level of economic growth in order to enhance and attract more foreign investors. It is therefore important for the government to purse policies that will encourage economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Onceya, Siyabulela
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/545 , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Description: The recent surge in foreign capital inflows into developing countries has generated interest among researchers wanting to analyse the major determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the motor industry (FDIsm). This dissertation investigates the determinants of FDI in the motor industry in South Africa. The underpinning theoretical literature in this study is the Micro-level theory of FDI and the Eclectic theory as well as empirical literature from several authors. The study used quarterly time series data, which covers the period 1994q1- 2008q4. FDIs are modeled as the function of economic growth, interest rates, exchange rate, education and the openness of the country. The variables in the model are tested for stationarity. Cointegration analysis was also used to test for long run relationships between the variables. The trace and the maximum eigenvalue tests suggest that there are at least two cointegration relationships, an error correction modelling technique is used to establish the determinants of foreign direct investment. The error correction model was estimated which provided both long run and short run parameter estimates. The results show that economic growth, education and the openness of the country are positively related to foreign direct investment in the motor industry. Interest rates and exchange rates negatively affect foreign direct investment in the motor industry in South Africa. The results of this study are also supported by the impulse response and variance decomposition tests. The policy recommendation that emanate from this study is that efforts should be made to boost the level of economic growth in order to enhance and attract more foreign investors. It is therefore important for the government to purse policies that will encourage economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing a help-desk system for a multi-purpose ICT platform in a marginalised setting
- Authors: Makombe, Farai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/315 , Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Description: Attempts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) users have led to the deployment of ICT platforms in remote rural areas. This puts an increased demand for skilled support in rural ICT platforms to assist users in resolving technical problems that they face on a daily basis. A web based help desk system is developed and implemented to allow knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst users and experts as a way of ensuring the technical sustainability of the Siyakhula Living Lab, a remote rural based Information and Communications Technology (ICT4D) intervention. The research describes the use of Transactional and Innovation & Creative knowledge management strategies and their associated applications such as case-based reasoning (CBR) methods and collaborative knowledge approaches to develop a help desk support system for a geographically distributed multipurpose ICT centre in Dwesa, a rural remote area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The system implemented in this study has been validated for functional adequacy and usability within the Siyakhula Living Lab. The results of the evaluation are presented in this thesis to provide the initial validation of the effectiveness of the help desk system. Keywords: ICT4D, ICT, Case-Based Reasoning; Collaborative Knowledge, Technical Sustainability, Help Desk Systems, Siyakhula Living Lab Forums, Issue Tracking, Rural Users, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makombe, Farai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/315 , Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Description: Attempts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) users have led to the deployment of ICT platforms in remote rural areas. This puts an increased demand for skilled support in rural ICT platforms to assist users in resolving technical problems that they face on a daily basis. A web based help desk system is developed and implemented to allow knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst users and experts as a way of ensuring the technical sustainability of the Siyakhula Living Lab, a remote rural based Information and Communications Technology (ICT4D) intervention. The research describes the use of Transactional and Innovation & Creative knowledge management strategies and their associated applications such as case-based reasoning (CBR) methods and collaborative knowledge approaches to develop a help desk support system for a geographically distributed multipurpose ICT centre in Dwesa, a rural remote area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The system implemented in this study has been validated for functional adequacy and usability within the Siyakhula Living Lab. The results of the evaluation are presented in this thesis to provide the initial validation of the effectiveness of the help desk system. Keywords: ICT4D, ICT, Case-Based Reasoning; Collaborative Knowledge, Technical Sustainability, Help Desk Systems, Siyakhula Living Lab Forums, Issue Tracking, Rural Users, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of an M-Payment system prototype for a marginalized region (Dwesa case study)
- Authors: Mpofu, Handsome C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/458 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Wireless technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), are making it easier to provide the much needed telecommunications infrastructure in marginalized areas worldwide. These technologies enable the rapid deployment of network services as well as their redistribution throughout these marginalized areas. The ability to bring Internet connectivity to previously underserviced and marginalized areas has the potential to leap-frog socio-economic development and improve participation in the global knowledge economy. This study investigated how wireless access technologies, such as WiMAX and WiFi, can be integrated and used to deliver ubiquitous distributed Internet connectivity with increased capillarity in rural areas. The research was undertaken within an ICT for Development (ICT4D) intervention called Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is based in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research further eliminated the accessibility constraints associated with long distances and remoteness from the Digital Access Nodes (DANs) and provided increased penetration in the network in contrast to the traditional Telecentre model which has been used extensively in ICT4D interventions. This was achieved by deploying WiFi hotspots around the DANs and extending the existing SLL WiMAX backbone to increase the network footprint to neighboring communities. The technical result of the research has been the provision of increased capillarity on the network and service redistribution throughout the entire Dwesa community. Consequently, this has given local community members an opportunity to access network services easily and ubiquitously. Finally, the research investigated and presented the benefits of such wireless network deployment configurations on ICT4D activities in marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mpofu, Handsome C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/458 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Wireless technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), are making it easier to provide the much needed telecommunications infrastructure in marginalized areas worldwide. These technologies enable the rapid deployment of network services as well as their redistribution throughout these marginalized areas. The ability to bring Internet connectivity to previously underserviced and marginalized areas has the potential to leap-frog socio-economic development and improve participation in the global knowledge economy. This study investigated how wireless access technologies, such as WiMAX and WiFi, can be integrated and used to deliver ubiquitous distributed Internet connectivity with increased capillarity in rural areas. The research was undertaken within an ICT for Development (ICT4D) intervention called Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is based in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research further eliminated the accessibility constraints associated with long distances and remoteness from the Digital Access Nodes (DANs) and provided increased penetration in the network in contrast to the traditional Telecentre model which has been used extensively in ICT4D interventions. This was achieved by deploying WiFi hotspots around the DANs and extending the existing SLL WiMAX backbone to increase the network footprint to neighboring communities. The technical result of the research has been the provision of increased capillarity on the network and service redistribution throughout the entire Dwesa community. Consequently, this has given local community members an opportunity to access network services easily and ubiquitously. Finally, the research investigated and presented the benefits of such wireless network deployment configurations on ICT4D activities in marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of isiXhosa text-to-speech modules to support e-Services in marginalized rural areas
- Authors: Mhlana, Siphe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/495 , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects are being initiated and deployed in marginalized areas to help improve the standard of living for community members. This has lead to a new field, which is responsible for information processing and knowledge development in rural areas, called Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). An ICT4D projects has been implemented in a marginalized area called Dwesa; this is a rural area situated in the wild coast of the former homelandof Transkei, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this rural community there are e-Service projects which have been developed and deployed to support the already existent ICT infrastructure. Some of these projects include the e-Commerce platform, e-Judiciary service, e-Health and e-Government portal. Although these projects are deployed in this area, community members face a language and literacy barrier because these services are typically accessed through English textual interfaces. This becomes a challenge because their language of communication is isiXhosa and some of the community members are illiterate. Most of the rural areas consist of illiterate people who cannot read and write isiXhosa but can only speak the language. This problem of illiteracy in rural areas affects both the youth and the elderly. This research seeks to design, develop and implement software modules that can be used to convert isiXhosa text into natural sounding isiXhosa speech. Such an application is called a Text-to-Speech (TTS) system. The main objective of this research is to improve ICT4D eServices’ usability through the development of an isiXhosa Text-to-Speech system. This research is undertaken within the context of Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an ICT4D intervention towards improving the lives of rural communities of South Africa in an attempt to bridge the digital divide. Thedeveloped TTS modules were subsequently tested to determine their applicability to improve eServices usability. The results show acceptable levels of usability as having produced audio utterances for the isiXhosa Text-To-Speech system for marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mhlana, Siphe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/495 , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects are being initiated and deployed in marginalized areas to help improve the standard of living for community members. This has lead to a new field, which is responsible for information processing and knowledge development in rural areas, called Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). An ICT4D projects has been implemented in a marginalized area called Dwesa; this is a rural area situated in the wild coast of the former homelandof Transkei, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this rural community there are e-Service projects which have been developed and deployed to support the already existent ICT infrastructure. Some of these projects include the e-Commerce platform, e-Judiciary service, e-Health and e-Government portal. Although these projects are deployed in this area, community members face a language and literacy barrier because these services are typically accessed through English textual interfaces. This becomes a challenge because their language of communication is isiXhosa and some of the community members are illiterate. Most of the rural areas consist of illiterate people who cannot read and write isiXhosa but can only speak the language. This problem of illiteracy in rural areas affects both the youth and the elderly. This research seeks to design, develop and implement software modules that can be used to convert isiXhosa text into natural sounding isiXhosa speech. Such an application is called a Text-to-Speech (TTS) system. The main objective of this research is to improve ICT4D eServices’ usability through the development of an isiXhosa Text-to-Speech system. This research is undertaken within the context of Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an ICT4D intervention towards improving the lives of rural communities of South Africa in an attempt to bridge the digital divide. Thedeveloped TTS modules were subsequently tested to determine their applicability to improve eServices usability. The results show acceptable levels of usability as having produced audio utterances for the isiXhosa Text-To-Speech system for marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Digital forensic model for computer networks
- Authors: Sanyamahwe, Tendai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000968 , Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Description: The Internet has become important since information is now stored in digital form and is transported both within and between organisations in large amounts through computer networks. Nevertheless, there are those individuals or groups of people who utilise the Internet to harm other businesses because they can remain relatively anonymous. To prosecute such criminals, forensic practitioners have to follow a well-defined procedure to convict responsible cyber-criminals in a court of law. Log files provide significant digital evidence in computer networks when tracing cyber-criminals. Network log mining is an evolution of typical digital forensics utilising evidence from network devices such as firewalls, switches and routers. Network log mining is a process supported by presiding South African laws such as the Computer Evidence Act, 57 of 1983; the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act, 25 of 2002; and the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. Nevertheless, international laws and regulations supporting network log mining include the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Bribery Act of the USA. A digital forensic model for computer networks focusing on network log mining has been developed based on the literature reviewed and critical thought. The development of the model followed the Design Science methodology. However, this research project argues that there are some important aspects which are not fully addressed by South African presiding legislation supporting digital forensic investigations. With that in mind, this research project proposes some Forensic Investigation Precautions. These precautions were developed as part of the proposed model. The Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory is the framework underpinning the development of the model and how it can be assimilated into the community. The model was sent to IT experts for validation and this provided the qualitative element and the primary data of this research project. From these experts, this study found out that the proposed model is very unique, very comprehensive and has added new knowledge into the field of Information Technology. Also, a paper was written out of this research project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sanyamahwe, Tendai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000968 , Computer crimes -- Investigation , Evidence, Criminal , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic evidence , Forensic sciences , Internet -- Security measures
- Description: The Internet has become important since information is now stored in digital form and is transported both within and between organisations in large amounts through computer networks. Nevertheless, there are those individuals or groups of people who utilise the Internet to harm other businesses because they can remain relatively anonymous. To prosecute such criminals, forensic practitioners have to follow a well-defined procedure to convict responsible cyber-criminals in a court of law. Log files provide significant digital evidence in computer networks when tracing cyber-criminals. Network log mining is an evolution of typical digital forensics utilising evidence from network devices such as firewalls, switches and routers. Network log mining is a process supported by presiding South African laws such as the Computer Evidence Act, 57 of 1983; the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act, 25 of 2002; and the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. Nevertheless, international laws and regulations supporting network log mining include the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Bribery Act of the USA. A digital forensic model for computer networks focusing on network log mining has been developed based on the literature reviewed and critical thought. The development of the model followed the Design Science methodology. However, this research project argues that there are some important aspects which are not fully addressed by South African presiding legislation supporting digital forensic investigations. With that in mind, this research project proposes some Forensic Investigation Precautions. These precautions were developed as part of the proposed model. The Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory is the framework underpinning the development of the model and how it can be assimilated into the community. The model was sent to IT experts for validation and this provided the qualitative element and the primary data of this research project. From these experts, this study found out that the proposed model is very unique, very comprehensive and has added new knowledge into the field of Information Technology. Also, a paper was written out of this research project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Ecotherapy in post-conflict healing: a study of the experiences of ex-combatants in the Eastern Cape township of Mdantsane
- Authors: Mbona, Sifingo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Veterans -- Services for , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/331 , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Veterans -- Services for , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental psychology
- Description: During this research project, an attempt was made to understand the role of ecotherapy as a therapeutic model in post conflict healing. The aim was to evaluate the application and significance of ecotherapy as an intervention strategy for post conflict healing for individuals who were exposed to violent encounters during the liberation struggle. Eight respondents (involved in the arms struggle) from Mdanstane Township in the Eastern Cape, were taken through a series of workshops as part of an ecotherapy healing process. The research concluded that all the participants had suffered from some form of traumatic stress because of their exposure to violence and violent experiences. Moreover, on closer examination the situation of ex-combatants proved to be more complex and often volatile, due to the absence of social support, loss of social status, absence of economic, employment opportunities, and the dislocation from their families and communities. Subsequent to the ecotherapy intervention, a positive outlook amongst the participants was recorded. Furthermore, there was an indication of a significant increase in their sense of self-worth and personal development, which influenced the manner in which the participants viewed the world, related to their families or communities and responded to life in general. Essentially, the research findings, conclusions, and recommendations contributed towards a better understanding of ex-combatants and the value that could be derived from ecotherapy as a post conflict healing method for individuals and groups exposed to violence and trauma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mbona, Sifingo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Veterans -- Services for , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/331 , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Veterans -- Services for , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental psychology
- Description: During this research project, an attempt was made to understand the role of ecotherapy as a therapeutic model in post conflict healing. The aim was to evaluate the application and significance of ecotherapy as an intervention strategy for post conflict healing for individuals who were exposed to violent encounters during the liberation struggle. Eight respondents (involved in the arms struggle) from Mdanstane Township in the Eastern Cape, were taken through a series of workshops as part of an ecotherapy healing process. The research concluded that all the participants had suffered from some form of traumatic stress because of their exposure to violence and violent experiences. Moreover, on closer examination the situation of ex-combatants proved to be more complex and often volatile, due to the absence of social support, loss of social status, absence of economic, employment opportunities, and the dislocation from their families and communities. Subsequent to the ecotherapy intervention, a positive outlook amongst the participants was recorded. Furthermore, there was an indication of a significant increase in their sense of self-worth and personal development, which influenced the manner in which the participants viewed the world, related to their families or communities and responded to life in general. Essentially, the research findings, conclusions, and recommendations contributed towards a better understanding of ex-combatants and the value that could be derived from ecotherapy as a post conflict healing method for individuals and groups exposed to violence and trauma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effect of BT maize on earthworm activity, silage quality and residue decomposition in the central Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kamota, Agathar
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/413 , Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Description: There are concerns that genetic modification of maize with Bacillus thuringiensis may influence its structural and chemical composition which, together with the Cry1Ab proteins, may affect agro-ecosystem processes and feed quality. This study was aimed at investigating the expression of Cry1Ab protein in leaves, stems and roots of Bt maize and the effect of genetic modification (MON810) on activity of earthworms, silage quality and decomposition of residues in the field. In 2009/10 four maize cultivars; DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777 were planted. Expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots was analyzed at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Earthworms were also sampled from the same treatments at 6, 9 and 18 WAP. Two silage experiments were conducted using maize cultivars, DKC80-12B and DKC80-10 produced in the 2008/09 season and DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777, produced in 2009/10. The silage was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 8, 15 and 42 days in 2008/09 and 0, 8 and 42 days in 2009/10 and analyzed for Ash Free Dry Matter, Crude Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients. Two litter-bag decomposition studies were also carried out (i) in 2008 (surface applied) using maize cultivars DKC80-12B, DKC80-10 and DKC6-125 residues and (ii) in 2009 (soil incorporated) using DKC75-15B, CRN3505, PAN6Q-321B v and PAN6Q-121. Ash-free dry matter and Cry1Ab protein were measured throughout the incubation time. There were no differences between DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B in terms of expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots over time. The Cry1Ab expression levels were in decreasing order: leaves > stems > roots. No effects of Bt maize on earthworm numbers and biomass were observed. There were no differences in all silages parameters except NDF and ADF, which were higher in the Bt maize silage than that of the non-Bt maize from the 2008/09 season. The Cry1Ab levels were essentially not reduced during ensiling. The maize residues (both Bt and non-Bt maize) degraded to similar levels, either when surface-applied or incorporated into soil but soil-incorporated residues decomposed faster than surface-applied ones. Cry1Ab degraded as the plant matrix decomposed. The findings suggested that maize genetically modified with the Bt MON810 event can be grown in the Central Eastern Cape without affecting earthworm numbers and biomass, silage quality and decomposition of maize residues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kamota, Agathar
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/413 , Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Description: There are concerns that genetic modification of maize with Bacillus thuringiensis may influence its structural and chemical composition which, together with the Cry1Ab proteins, may affect agro-ecosystem processes and feed quality. This study was aimed at investigating the expression of Cry1Ab protein in leaves, stems and roots of Bt maize and the effect of genetic modification (MON810) on activity of earthworms, silage quality and decomposition of residues in the field. In 2009/10 four maize cultivars; DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777 were planted. Expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots was analyzed at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Earthworms were also sampled from the same treatments at 6, 9 and 18 WAP. Two silage experiments were conducted using maize cultivars, DKC80-12B and DKC80-10 produced in the 2008/09 season and DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777, produced in 2009/10. The silage was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 8, 15 and 42 days in 2008/09 and 0, 8 and 42 days in 2009/10 and analyzed for Ash Free Dry Matter, Crude Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients. Two litter-bag decomposition studies were also carried out (i) in 2008 (surface applied) using maize cultivars DKC80-12B, DKC80-10 and DKC6-125 residues and (ii) in 2009 (soil incorporated) using DKC75-15B, CRN3505, PAN6Q-321B v and PAN6Q-121. Ash-free dry matter and Cry1Ab protein were measured throughout the incubation time. There were no differences between DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B in terms of expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots over time. The Cry1Ab expression levels were in decreasing order: leaves > stems > roots. No effects of Bt maize on earthworm numbers and biomass were observed. There were no differences in all silages parameters except NDF and ADF, which were higher in the Bt maize silage than that of the non-Bt maize from the 2008/09 season. The Cry1Ab levels were essentially not reduced during ensiling. The maize residues (both Bt and non-Bt maize) degraded to similar levels, either when surface-applied or incorporated into soil but soil-incorporated residues decomposed faster than surface-applied ones. Cry1Ab degraded as the plant matrix decomposed. The findings suggested that maize genetically modified with the Bt MON810 event can be grown in the Central Eastern Cape without affecting earthworm numbers and biomass, silage quality and decomposition of maize residues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011