The spatial extent, practices, and impacts of illegal solid waste dumping across an income gradient in Makhanda and Knysna, South Africa
- Authors: Tombe, Yumunu Chenjerai
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464875 , vital:76553
- Description: The disposal of household solid waste (HSW) through illegal dumping has become a widespread issue globally, especially in developing countries. The problem has been exacerbated by several factors such as rapid population growth, urbanization, poor infrastructure, poor enforcement of bylaws, mismanagement, poor municipal service delivery, and lack of funding, resulting in most urban residents resorting to illegal solid waste dumping (ISWD). Illegal solid waste dumping by urban residents in most developing countries is becoming a standard occurrence particularly along roadsides, vacant plots, riverbanks, forests edges, and in commonages near and within human settlements. In most South African towns and cities, the practice of ISWD is an immense social, economic, and environmental problem. The practice has led to nationwide environmental pollution and has posed significant socio-economic and health risks to urban residents particularly the urban poor, who reside in areas where ISWD is more pronounced. Studies on ISWD in South Africa are mostly within metropolitans and cities neglecting medium-sized towns like Makhanda and Knysna where such information is needed to improve municipal household solid waste (HSW) management plans and policies. Using street surveys, illegal dumpsite mapping, waste categorization templates, and household survey interviews the study examined the spatial extent, composition, dumpsite sizes, as well as residents’ practices and perceived causes and impacts of ISWD across different income groups in two medium-sized towns of Makhanda and Knysna, South Africa. The results showed that more dumpsites were enumerated in Makhanda (155) than in Knysna (60), however, the occurrence, size and prevalence of illegal dumpsites were unevenly distributed, with most dumpsites being in low-income compared to high-income neighbourhoods. In both towns, most of the dumpsites were within open access areas such as roadsides, vacant plots, and commonages. The composition of waste within dumpsites consisted mostly of household waste (Makhanda = 42% and Knysna = 49%), garden waste (Makhanda = 37% and Knysna = 30%), and construction waste (Makhanda = 21% and Knysna = 21%). More residents in low-income than in high-income neighbourhoods reported dumping, attributing it primarily to poor municipal services (Makhanda= 59% and Knysna= 54%). Within both towns, environmental impacts of ISWD were experienced by residents from both income groups, with over 50% of the respondents citing visual pollution as the most serious impact. The health impacts of ISWD were exclusively reported by low-income residents with over 30% reporting TB and Rashes as the key health impacts. Overall, the research concluded that ISWD distribution, prevalence, dumpsite sizes and impacts were unevenly distributed across low-income and high-income neighbourhoods with the former disproportionately facing v an overall higher occurrence of illegal dumpsites and subsequent health risks. The occurrence of more dumpsites in low-income areas seem to suggest that factors like socio-economic inequalities, historical legacies, lack of education and awareness, and poor municipal services in these areas are at play and need to be addressed to mitigate ISWD. To tackle the problem of ISWD a collaborative approach is recommended, one that incorporates stakeholders, households and municipal efforts and improvements. Such solutions could include improved municipal funding to develop an efficient service delivery system, solid waste awareness campaigns in communities, and provisioning of bins along open access areas. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Tombe, Yumunu Chenjerai
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464875 , vital:76553
- Description: The disposal of household solid waste (HSW) through illegal dumping has become a widespread issue globally, especially in developing countries. The problem has been exacerbated by several factors such as rapid population growth, urbanization, poor infrastructure, poor enforcement of bylaws, mismanagement, poor municipal service delivery, and lack of funding, resulting in most urban residents resorting to illegal solid waste dumping (ISWD). Illegal solid waste dumping by urban residents in most developing countries is becoming a standard occurrence particularly along roadsides, vacant plots, riverbanks, forests edges, and in commonages near and within human settlements. In most South African towns and cities, the practice of ISWD is an immense social, economic, and environmental problem. The practice has led to nationwide environmental pollution and has posed significant socio-economic and health risks to urban residents particularly the urban poor, who reside in areas where ISWD is more pronounced. Studies on ISWD in South Africa are mostly within metropolitans and cities neglecting medium-sized towns like Makhanda and Knysna where such information is needed to improve municipal household solid waste (HSW) management plans and policies. Using street surveys, illegal dumpsite mapping, waste categorization templates, and household survey interviews the study examined the spatial extent, composition, dumpsite sizes, as well as residents’ practices and perceived causes and impacts of ISWD across different income groups in two medium-sized towns of Makhanda and Knysna, South Africa. The results showed that more dumpsites were enumerated in Makhanda (155) than in Knysna (60), however, the occurrence, size and prevalence of illegal dumpsites were unevenly distributed, with most dumpsites being in low-income compared to high-income neighbourhoods. In both towns, most of the dumpsites were within open access areas such as roadsides, vacant plots, and commonages. The composition of waste within dumpsites consisted mostly of household waste (Makhanda = 42% and Knysna = 49%), garden waste (Makhanda = 37% and Knysna = 30%), and construction waste (Makhanda = 21% and Knysna = 21%). More residents in low-income than in high-income neighbourhoods reported dumping, attributing it primarily to poor municipal services (Makhanda= 59% and Knysna= 54%). Within both towns, environmental impacts of ISWD were experienced by residents from both income groups, with over 50% of the respondents citing visual pollution as the most serious impact. The health impacts of ISWD were exclusively reported by low-income residents with over 30% reporting TB and Rashes as the key health impacts. Overall, the research concluded that ISWD distribution, prevalence, dumpsite sizes and impacts were unevenly distributed across low-income and high-income neighbourhoods with the former disproportionately facing v an overall higher occurrence of illegal dumpsites and subsequent health risks. The occurrence of more dumpsites in low-income areas seem to suggest that factors like socio-economic inequalities, historical legacies, lack of education and awareness, and poor municipal services in these areas are at play and need to be addressed to mitigate ISWD. To tackle the problem of ISWD a collaborative approach is recommended, one that incorporates stakeholders, households and municipal efforts and improvements. Such solutions could include improved municipal funding to develop an efficient service delivery system, solid waste awareness campaigns in communities, and provisioning of bins along open access areas. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
A multidisciplinary study to assess the ecology of the Cape sea urchin, Parechinus angulosus, and its emerging use as a bioindicator to monitor coastal resiliency
- Authors: Redelinghuys, Suzanne
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435691 , vital:73179 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435692
- Description: The resilience of marine species in the face of unpredictable climate change stands as a paramount concern for the maintenance of ecological stability. Under such fluctuating conditions, it is critical to understand how organisms mitigate these effects in physiological, genetic, and morphological terms. To that end, this thesis focused on the Cape sea urchin, Parechinus angulosus, employing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing morphology, genomics, and gut microbial diversity to assess its potential as a bioindicator species and elucidate its adaptive strategies in response to varying environmental conditions along the South African coastline. This was achieved through studying their anatomy in order to link observed variation to prevailing local environmental conditions, aided by the species’ wide distribution range which allows insight into adaptations across broad geographic regions and ecological settings. The first empirical chapter, Chapter 3, focusing on eight key morphometric traits of test, Aristotle’s lantern and spines, revealed distinct variation in the Cape sea urchin's morphology between the east and west coasts of South Africa, suggesting the presence of some level of local adaptation to the prevailing environmental factors found on the east and west coasts of South Africa. This points to potential bioindicator capabilities of the species, reflecting adaptive divergence amidst contrasting environmental conditions. Further analysis is however necessary in order to isolate specific physiological trends that may be associated with these morphometric differences, thereby enhancing and tightening their ecological implications. The second experimental chapter, Chapter 4, delved into the genetic structure of the Cape urchin by investigating genome-wide diversity, the presence of cryptic population structure, and spatial patterns of genomic diversity. Moderate genomic differentiation was detected among populations along the eastern and western coasts of South Africa by outlier loci that may undergo natural selection, which could indicate local adaptation to environmental conditions. This pattern hints at adaptive differentiation and cryptic genetic structures within the Cape sea urchin populations and emphasises the species' potential adaptive responses to localised (in this case regional) environmental pressures. Assigning functional significance to these genetic variations will require a comprehensive annotated reference genome, a limitation acknowledged in the current study. Chapter 5 explored the gut microbial diversity and revealed significant compositional variations between the east and west coast populations of South Africa, confirming regional and inter-regional variation. This chapter also highlighted the essential biochemical pathways critical to the survival of the host which is crucial for assessing the health of the urchin host. Together, the functional content of the gut bacteria and microbial diversity showcases its potential as a bioindicator for coastal ecosystem health. Logistical challenges and confounding factors like host physiology will need to be fully considered for its effective application. Overall, the findings of this doctoral research suggest that the Cape sea urchin displays promising characteristics as a bioindicator species due to its morphological, genetic, and gut microbial variations in response to environmental differences, providing a diverse array of means in which urchins could be used as bioindicators, from their uses to assess water quality and detect pollution, to ecosystem health monitoring and biodiversity studies in which sea urchin abundance, distribution, and presence are monitored. Further research, integrating these multidisciplinary approaches is recommended to validate and refine its bioindicator potential. Additionally, the development of a comprehensive annotated reference genome is imperative to harness the species' genetic information effectively. This study underscores the significance of integrating multiple disciplines in understanding how species respond to environmental change and their potentials contributions to monitor ecological resilience. The original multidisciplinary approach, combined with high computational outputs presents a promising framework for a comprehensive ecological monitoring in marine ecosystems. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
- Authors: Redelinghuys, Suzanne
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435691 , vital:73179 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435692
- Description: The resilience of marine species in the face of unpredictable climate change stands as a paramount concern for the maintenance of ecological stability. Under such fluctuating conditions, it is critical to understand how organisms mitigate these effects in physiological, genetic, and morphological terms. To that end, this thesis focused on the Cape sea urchin, Parechinus angulosus, employing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing morphology, genomics, and gut microbial diversity to assess its potential as a bioindicator species and elucidate its adaptive strategies in response to varying environmental conditions along the South African coastline. This was achieved through studying their anatomy in order to link observed variation to prevailing local environmental conditions, aided by the species’ wide distribution range which allows insight into adaptations across broad geographic regions and ecological settings. The first empirical chapter, Chapter 3, focusing on eight key morphometric traits of test, Aristotle’s lantern and spines, revealed distinct variation in the Cape sea urchin's morphology between the east and west coasts of South Africa, suggesting the presence of some level of local adaptation to the prevailing environmental factors found on the east and west coasts of South Africa. This points to potential bioindicator capabilities of the species, reflecting adaptive divergence amidst contrasting environmental conditions. Further analysis is however necessary in order to isolate specific physiological trends that may be associated with these morphometric differences, thereby enhancing and tightening their ecological implications. The second experimental chapter, Chapter 4, delved into the genetic structure of the Cape urchin by investigating genome-wide diversity, the presence of cryptic population structure, and spatial patterns of genomic diversity. Moderate genomic differentiation was detected among populations along the eastern and western coasts of South Africa by outlier loci that may undergo natural selection, which could indicate local adaptation to environmental conditions. This pattern hints at adaptive differentiation and cryptic genetic structures within the Cape sea urchin populations and emphasises the species' potential adaptive responses to localised (in this case regional) environmental pressures. Assigning functional significance to these genetic variations will require a comprehensive annotated reference genome, a limitation acknowledged in the current study. Chapter 5 explored the gut microbial diversity and revealed significant compositional variations between the east and west coast populations of South Africa, confirming regional and inter-regional variation. This chapter also highlighted the essential biochemical pathways critical to the survival of the host which is crucial for assessing the health of the urchin host. Together, the functional content of the gut bacteria and microbial diversity showcases its potential as a bioindicator for coastal ecosystem health. Logistical challenges and confounding factors like host physiology will need to be fully considered for its effective application. Overall, the findings of this doctoral research suggest that the Cape sea urchin displays promising characteristics as a bioindicator species due to its morphological, genetic, and gut microbial variations in response to environmental differences, providing a diverse array of means in which urchins could be used as bioindicators, from their uses to assess water quality and detect pollution, to ecosystem health monitoring and biodiversity studies in which sea urchin abundance, distribution, and presence are monitored. Further research, integrating these multidisciplinary approaches is recommended to validate and refine its bioindicator potential. Additionally, the development of a comprehensive annotated reference genome is imperative to harness the species' genetic information effectively. This study underscores the significance of integrating multiple disciplines in understanding how species respond to environmental change and their potentials contributions to monitor ecological resilience. The original multidisciplinary approach, combined with high computational outputs presents a promising framework for a comprehensive ecological monitoring in marine ecosystems. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
Ecological impacts of photoautotrophic Euendoliths on South African mussel beds
- Dievart, Alexia Madeleine Angèle
- Authors: Dievart, Alexia Madeleine Angèle
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Mexilhao mussel , Polychaeta , Epibiosis , Infauna , Infrared thermography , Thermography , Common garden experiment
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435650 , vital:73176 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435650
- Description: Aphytis lingnanensis was reared and tested in South Africa in the early 2000s for augmentation against red scale on citrus and was found to be ineffective. Aphytis melinus is now commercially available and it is important that the efficacy of augmentation thereof on red scale is determined locally. Field trials, fitness assessments and molecular identification on A. melinus from two insectaries were done. Field trials was done in seven, five and six pairs of comparable release and control orchards across the Eastern and Western Cape during the seasons of 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 respectively. Red scale infestation was monitored and a sample of 20 infested fruit from each orchard was randomly collected every four weeks. Aphytis spp. responsible for parasitism were identified and the percentage parasitism recorded. Results of this study of field trials suggest that the augmentation of A. melinus did not significantly increase the level of parasitism above that of the untreated control. Five repetitions with six replicates of flight and longevity tests were performed with wasps from each insectary. Wasps in the longevity test from two insectaries were kept at 23 °C and 65% RH with honey. Flight tests were performed in tubes of 16 by 30 cm, with a light above a clear, sticky ceiling at 23 °C and 65% RH. On average in five replicates, 65%, 33% and 17% A. melinus wasps were alive on day one, five and 10 respectively. The overall sex ratio was 1.58 for females to males, but 1.05, 2.19 and 2.66 for non-flyers, non-crawlers, crawlers, and flyers respectively. In flight tests for both insectaries combined, only 36.97% of wasps could initiate flight in 24 h while 56.96% remained on the tube floor, and 6.05% attempted to crawl upwards. No significant differences in flight performance were recorded between the two insectaries. Wasps from the local insectary lived significantly longer during the longevity tests but were shorter in transit than wasps from the overseas insectary. COI genes were sequenced and compared against Genbank sequences using BLAST. Molecular identifications did not confirm morphological identifications for all species, indicating unexpected genetic complexity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
- Authors: Dievart, Alexia Madeleine Angèle
- Date: 2024-04-05
- Subjects: Mexilhao mussel , Polychaeta , Epibiosis , Infauna , Infrared thermography , Thermography , Common garden experiment
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435650 , vital:73176 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435650
- Description: Aphytis lingnanensis was reared and tested in South Africa in the early 2000s for augmentation against red scale on citrus and was found to be ineffective. Aphytis melinus is now commercially available and it is important that the efficacy of augmentation thereof on red scale is determined locally. Field trials, fitness assessments and molecular identification on A. melinus from two insectaries were done. Field trials was done in seven, five and six pairs of comparable release and control orchards across the Eastern and Western Cape during the seasons of 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 respectively. Red scale infestation was monitored and a sample of 20 infested fruit from each orchard was randomly collected every four weeks. Aphytis spp. responsible for parasitism were identified and the percentage parasitism recorded. Results of this study of field trials suggest that the augmentation of A. melinus did not significantly increase the level of parasitism above that of the untreated control. Five repetitions with six replicates of flight and longevity tests were performed with wasps from each insectary. Wasps in the longevity test from two insectaries were kept at 23 °C and 65% RH with honey. Flight tests were performed in tubes of 16 by 30 cm, with a light above a clear, sticky ceiling at 23 °C and 65% RH. On average in five replicates, 65%, 33% and 17% A. melinus wasps were alive on day one, five and 10 respectively. The overall sex ratio was 1.58 for females to males, but 1.05, 2.19 and 2.66 for non-flyers, non-crawlers, crawlers, and flyers respectively. In flight tests for both insectaries combined, only 36.97% of wasps could initiate flight in 24 h while 56.96% remained on the tube floor, and 6.05% attempted to crawl upwards. No significant differences in flight performance were recorded between the two insectaries. Wasps from the local insectary lived significantly longer during the longevity tests but were shorter in transit than wasps from the overseas insectary. COI genes were sequenced and compared against Genbank sequences using BLAST. Molecular identifications did not confirm morphological identifications for all species, indicating unexpected genetic complexity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-05
Home is in the wandering
- Authors: Purdon, Bradley Michael
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435547 , vital:73167
- Description: Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Creative Writing , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Purdon, Bradley Michael
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435547 , vital:73167
- Description: Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Creative Writing , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
It's all in your head
- Namukuta, Sonia Charity Sajjabi
- Authors: Namukuta, Sonia Charity Sajjabi
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435536 , vital:73166
- Description: My thesis is a collection of short stories that delve into the multifaceted nature of death, with a specific emphasis on murder, violence, death and their profound aftermath, including themes of loss, grief, and trauma. These stories offer diverse perspectives, narrated by perpetrators, voiceless victims, and those left to pick up the shattered pieces. Additionally, some stories are seen through the eyes of those tasked with handling the bodies. Often set in unnamed locations, they delve into imaginary and fantastical worlds, while remaining grounded in recognisable situations and spaces. I draw inspiration from popular and genre fiction such as horror, crime fiction and true crime stories, but approach my writing from a psychological lens, employing stylistic experimentation to challenge readers' expectations. The power of silence is a recurring motif. Rather than focusing on unearthing facts or revealing the "truth" like crime fiction often does, my narratives delve into what isn't or at times cannot be told — the unsayable. Some of my stories explore silence inherent in violence, grief, and the inability to articulate one's experience in the face of a violent act or a life prematurely ended. Others delve into the silence of untold stories and the dark secrets of the perpetrators. By exploring these contrasting perspectives, I aim to offer a nuanced exploration of death and its aftermath. The writing styles of Stephen Graham Jones, Lydia Davis, and Kuzhali Manickavel influence my work. Lydia Davis, known for her mastery of very short, flash fiction, ranging from single sentences to a paragraph or two, inspires me with her precise observations of the human condition. Her minimalist prose, carefully selecting and arranging words and sentences, encapsulates the power of less-is-more storytelling. Manickavel creates surreal yet tangible worlds, combining idiosyncratic, intense and eerie elements with unfiltered expression. Drawing from her ability to blur the lines between the surreal and the real, I infuse my stories with a sense of disquieting authenticity. Stephen Graham Jones stands out for his ability to explore morbid themes in a compelling and unconventional manner. His experimentation with horror fiction tropes, the visceral realism of his prose, and his complex characters inspire me to capture the unsettling feeling that something dreadful has occurred without explicitly detailing the facts and intricacies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Namukuta, Sonia Charity Sajjabi
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435536 , vital:73166
- Description: My thesis is a collection of short stories that delve into the multifaceted nature of death, with a specific emphasis on murder, violence, death and their profound aftermath, including themes of loss, grief, and trauma. These stories offer diverse perspectives, narrated by perpetrators, voiceless victims, and those left to pick up the shattered pieces. Additionally, some stories are seen through the eyes of those tasked with handling the bodies. Often set in unnamed locations, they delve into imaginary and fantastical worlds, while remaining grounded in recognisable situations and spaces. I draw inspiration from popular and genre fiction such as horror, crime fiction and true crime stories, but approach my writing from a psychological lens, employing stylistic experimentation to challenge readers' expectations. The power of silence is a recurring motif. Rather than focusing on unearthing facts or revealing the "truth" like crime fiction often does, my narratives delve into what isn't or at times cannot be told — the unsayable. Some of my stories explore silence inherent in violence, grief, and the inability to articulate one's experience in the face of a violent act or a life prematurely ended. Others delve into the silence of untold stories and the dark secrets of the perpetrators. By exploring these contrasting perspectives, I aim to offer a nuanced exploration of death and its aftermath. The writing styles of Stephen Graham Jones, Lydia Davis, and Kuzhali Manickavel influence my work. Lydia Davis, known for her mastery of very short, flash fiction, ranging from single sentences to a paragraph or two, inspires me with her precise observations of the human condition. Her minimalist prose, carefully selecting and arranging words and sentences, encapsulates the power of less-is-more storytelling. Manickavel creates surreal yet tangible worlds, combining idiosyncratic, intense and eerie elements with unfiltered expression. Drawing from her ability to blur the lines between the surreal and the real, I infuse my stories with a sense of disquieting authenticity. Stephen Graham Jones stands out for his ability to explore morbid themes in a compelling and unconventional manner. His experimentation with horror fiction tropes, the visceral realism of his prose, and his complex characters inspire me to capture the unsettling feeling that something dreadful has occurred without explicitly detailing the facts and intricacies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Paul and the soul: an analysis of the Apostle’s anthropology
- Authors: Pluke, Dylan Hay
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435506 , vital:73164
- Description: It may be no exaggeration to say that every aspect of the Apostle Paul’s thought is debated. This is certainly the case for his anthropology, which is to say his beliefs regarding the nature of the human person. There is intense debate concerning what Paul believed about the human person. This is especially so when arguing about whether or not Paul believed in a human soul. In the thesis that follows, I use a linguistic analysis of Paul’s writings as well as those of two of his putative backgrounds, to determine what he believed regarding the nature of the human soul. The results of this analysis are that, of the potential backgrounds that may have influenced the Apostle, the Jewish background into which he was born is the most pertinent, and that neither of the two words that Paul uses mean soul, in the sense of something which is immaterial and survives death. Rather, the psyche refers to one’s life, and the pneuma to the part of the person that connects one with God and which will replace the psyche and animate the person in the new age to come. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Pluke, Dylan Hay
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435506 , vital:73164
- Description: It may be no exaggeration to say that every aspect of the Apostle Paul’s thought is debated. This is certainly the case for his anthropology, which is to say his beliefs regarding the nature of the human person. There is intense debate concerning what Paul believed about the human person. This is especially so when arguing about whether or not Paul believed in a human soul. In the thesis that follows, I use a linguistic analysis of Paul’s writings as well as those of two of his putative backgrounds, to determine what he believed regarding the nature of the human soul. The results of this analysis are that, of the potential backgrounds that may have influenced the Apostle, the Jewish background into which he was born is the most pertinent, and that neither of the two words that Paul uses mean soul, in the sense of something which is immaterial and survives death. Rather, the psyche refers to one’s life, and the pneuma to the part of the person that connects one with God and which will replace the psyche and animate the person in the new age to come. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The effect of Gracilaria gracilis (Rhodophyta) on growth and behaviour of farmed abalone Haliotis midae when included in the abalone diet
- Madlala, Njabulo Praiseworth
- Authors: Madlala, Njabulo Praiseworth
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435332 , vital:73148
- Description: Abalone feed naturally on algae, but commercial abalone farms rely on formulated feed. The inclusion of algae with the formulated feed in the diet improves growth, health and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the kelp that is currently included in the feed is wild harvested and this resource is limited and under increasing pressure. Thus, there is a need to develop an alternative sustainable source of algae. The aim was to use Gracilaria gracilis algae (that was produced with mussel in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system; IMTA) which was then included into abalone feeds and its influence on abalone growth, FCR and behaviour was evaluated. Sea-based G. gracilis was harvested off an existing IMTA system, manufactured into Abfeed® and fed to abalone to determine growth efficiency. Abalone (30 - 40 g abalone-1) originated from the same cohort at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd., Hermanus. Abalone were fed either: Abfeed® S34 only with no algae (G0, the control); Abfeed® with sea-based IMTA G. gracilis included in the formulated feed at 0.75 % (G0.75); 1.50 % (G1.50); 3.00 % (G3.00); 6.00 % (G6.00); and 12.00 % (G12.00) inclusion; and Abfeed® S34 with fresh-live G. gracilis (cultured at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd.; Gfresh + S34s). Abalone shell length, whole body mass and FCR were measured at a four-months interval over eight months (two growth cycles). Differences in behaviour (i.e., level of activity and feeding activity) were also monitored and comparing between treatments. There was significant difference in mean whole-body mass between treatments (RMANOVA, F(6, 29) = 3.71, p = 0.007). Abalone fed the diet with the highest inclusion of dry G. gracilis (G12.00) had a lower mean whole-body mass value (74.13 ± 2.94 g abalone-1) than abalone from all the other diets after eight months. There was a negative relationship between the condition factor and dry G. gracilis inclusion rate for the first growth cycle (y = - 0.0044x + 1.222, R2 = 0.24, p=0.009) and second-growth cycle (y = - 0.0096x + 1.2233, R2 = 0.51, p = 0.00002). Abalone receiving fresh G. gracilis were less quiescent and more alert on the first hours after food distribution (p < 0.05). The same proportion of abalone with G0, G0.75, and G6.00 G. gracilis inclusion were feeding all along the 9 hours post-feeding. This study will potentially reduce the dependence of abalone farms on wild-harvested kelp in formulated feed. This will improve their contribution to a more environmentally sustainable global production of sea food products, making them more competitive on international markets. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Madlala, Njabulo Praiseworth
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435332 , vital:73148
- Description: Abalone feed naturally on algae, but commercial abalone farms rely on formulated feed. The inclusion of algae with the formulated feed in the diet improves growth, health and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the kelp that is currently included in the feed is wild harvested and this resource is limited and under increasing pressure. Thus, there is a need to develop an alternative sustainable source of algae. The aim was to use Gracilaria gracilis algae (that was produced with mussel in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system; IMTA) which was then included into abalone feeds and its influence on abalone growth, FCR and behaviour was evaluated. Sea-based G. gracilis was harvested off an existing IMTA system, manufactured into Abfeed® and fed to abalone to determine growth efficiency. Abalone (30 - 40 g abalone-1) originated from the same cohort at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd., Hermanus. Abalone were fed either: Abfeed® S34 only with no algae (G0, the control); Abfeed® with sea-based IMTA G. gracilis included in the formulated feed at 0.75 % (G0.75); 1.50 % (G1.50); 3.00 % (G3.00); 6.00 % (G6.00); and 12.00 % (G12.00) inclusion; and Abfeed® S34 with fresh-live G. gracilis (cultured at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd.; Gfresh + S34s). Abalone shell length, whole body mass and FCR were measured at a four-months interval over eight months (two growth cycles). Differences in behaviour (i.e., level of activity and feeding activity) were also monitored and comparing between treatments. There was significant difference in mean whole-body mass between treatments (RMANOVA, F(6, 29) = 3.71, p = 0.007). Abalone fed the diet with the highest inclusion of dry G. gracilis (G12.00) had a lower mean whole-body mass value (74.13 ± 2.94 g abalone-1) than abalone from all the other diets after eight months. There was a negative relationship between the condition factor and dry G. gracilis inclusion rate for the first growth cycle (y = - 0.0044x + 1.222, R2 = 0.24, p=0.009) and second-growth cycle (y = - 0.0096x + 1.2233, R2 = 0.51, p = 0.00002). Abalone receiving fresh G. gracilis were less quiescent and more alert on the first hours after food distribution (p < 0.05). The same proportion of abalone with G0, G0.75, and G6.00 G. gracilis inclusion were feeding all along the 9 hours post-feeding. This study will potentially reduce the dependence of abalone farms on wild-harvested kelp in formulated feed. This will improve their contribution to a more environmentally sustainable global production of sea food products, making them more competitive on international markets. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The influence of strategic leadership on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises as mediated by strategy implementation
- Authors: January, Nceba
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: January, Nceba
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Diaspora in Dialogue: An Ontology of Diasporic Subjectivity in the Work of Three Artists Living In-Between South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Nyoni, Vulindlela Philani Elliott
- Authors: Nyoni, Vulindlela Philani Elliott
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Foreign workers -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions , South Africa -- Emigration and immigration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctorate , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62366 , vital:72615
- Description: As a Zimbabwean artist and educator, living and working in South Africa, my daily experience is that of an “in-between” diasporic subjectivity, which is compounded by the discourses around the uneasy reintegration of post-apartheid South Africa into Africa. This context gives rise to the core philosophical aim of this thesis, which is to explore the notion of “diasporic subjectivities” as a philosophical approach to understanding what it means to be in a complex contemporary reality. The notion of diasporic subjectivities works in the same way as that of “queer subjectivities”, which has been used to understand not just gay people but all people. “Diaspora” names people who have moved, migrated, or been scattered away from an established or ancestral homeland, but retain some sense of belonging to this homeland. From an African perspective, I problematise the concept of an established homeland and the settled subjectivities that belong to it, in contrast to which only the diaspora remains in an uncomfortable state of in-betweenness. Instead, I explore a contention among both European and African existentialist philosophers that the condition of not being at home is the fundamental human condition out of which a home must be created. This would mean that the groundlessness, liminality or in-betweenness of being is experienced not just by the diaspora but by all humans. However, importantly, I find that sociocultural differences due to the history of colonialism gives rise to different experiences of homelessness and the groundlessness of being. This makes a distinction necessary, but to avoid the pitfalls of tying this distinction to geographical locations such as Western versus Non-Western or Global North and Global South, I will refer instead to spaces, practices and even individuals, in which there are “mindsets of entitlement” versus “mindsets of disentitlement”. The former refers to the mindset of ownership characteristic of the settled and developed. The latter refers to the mindset of many who feel a sense of unbelonging, due to disenfranchisement and forced disembodiment and dislocation. I have aimed to support the thesis that the groundlessness, liminality or in-betweenness of being is experienced not just by the diaspora but by all humans, in two ways. Firstly, I consider in detail through various means (narratives, personal reflection, investigation of philosophical texts, dialogues), the philosophical concepts of “belonging”, “home” and “nostalgia” as component aspects of an ontology of diasporic subjectivity. In the second part of this study, I engage in an interpretative process, as outlined by Hans-Georg Gadamer, whereby I use this ontology to help me dialogue with artworks produced by three Zimbabwean artists, Ronald Muchatuta, Gerald Machona, and myself (Vulindlela Nyoni), who share the diasporic condition of being Zimbabweans living in-between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ontology of diasporic subjectivity developed in the first part offers a language with which to dialogue with the artworks or question the way in which the complexities of belonging, home and nostalgia are expressed in the works, while the works in turn help deepen an understanding of diasporic subjectivity. Both philosophies and artworks may function as transformative, practical tools for seeking wisdom, cultivating self-awareness, developing moral character, and living a reflective and examined life. The combination of personal narratives and self-reflexive, philosophical dialogues regarding artworks and art making and its exigencies holds the potential to produce deeper philosophical insights into the fundamentally diasporic human condition. This kind of hybrid research at the interface between philosophy and artistic praxis is accessible to a broad-based audience. It is therefore better able to undo malicious stereotypical associations between émigrés and malignant tropes of societal decay on the African continent and to validate the contributions made by African diaspora to the decolonial project, than neatly distanced academic reflections, which reduce the philosophical impact of transnational migration to measurable motivations and statistics. , Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Social Scinces, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Nyoni, Vulindlela Philani Elliott
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Foreign workers -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions , South Africa -- Emigration and immigration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctorate , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62366 , vital:72615
- Description: As a Zimbabwean artist and educator, living and working in South Africa, my daily experience is that of an “in-between” diasporic subjectivity, which is compounded by the discourses around the uneasy reintegration of post-apartheid South Africa into Africa. This context gives rise to the core philosophical aim of this thesis, which is to explore the notion of “diasporic subjectivities” as a philosophical approach to understanding what it means to be in a complex contemporary reality. The notion of diasporic subjectivities works in the same way as that of “queer subjectivities”, which has been used to understand not just gay people but all people. “Diaspora” names people who have moved, migrated, or been scattered away from an established or ancestral homeland, but retain some sense of belonging to this homeland. From an African perspective, I problematise the concept of an established homeland and the settled subjectivities that belong to it, in contrast to which only the diaspora remains in an uncomfortable state of in-betweenness. Instead, I explore a contention among both European and African existentialist philosophers that the condition of not being at home is the fundamental human condition out of which a home must be created. This would mean that the groundlessness, liminality or in-betweenness of being is experienced not just by the diaspora but by all humans. However, importantly, I find that sociocultural differences due to the history of colonialism gives rise to different experiences of homelessness and the groundlessness of being. This makes a distinction necessary, but to avoid the pitfalls of tying this distinction to geographical locations such as Western versus Non-Western or Global North and Global South, I will refer instead to spaces, practices and even individuals, in which there are “mindsets of entitlement” versus “mindsets of disentitlement”. The former refers to the mindset of ownership characteristic of the settled and developed. The latter refers to the mindset of many who feel a sense of unbelonging, due to disenfranchisement and forced disembodiment and dislocation. I have aimed to support the thesis that the groundlessness, liminality or in-betweenness of being is experienced not just by the diaspora but by all humans, in two ways. Firstly, I consider in detail through various means (narratives, personal reflection, investigation of philosophical texts, dialogues), the philosophical concepts of “belonging”, “home” and “nostalgia” as component aspects of an ontology of diasporic subjectivity. In the second part of this study, I engage in an interpretative process, as outlined by Hans-Georg Gadamer, whereby I use this ontology to help me dialogue with artworks produced by three Zimbabwean artists, Ronald Muchatuta, Gerald Machona, and myself (Vulindlela Nyoni), who share the diasporic condition of being Zimbabweans living in-between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ontology of diasporic subjectivity developed in the first part offers a language with which to dialogue with the artworks or question the way in which the complexities of belonging, home and nostalgia are expressed in the works, while the works in turn help deepen an understanding of diasporic subjectivity. Both philosophies and artworks may function as transformative, practical tools for seeking wisdom, cultivating self-awareness, developing moral character, and living a reflective and examined life. The combination of personal narratives and self-reflexive, philosophical dialogues regarding artworks and art making and its exigencies holds the potential to produce deeper philosophical insights into the fundamentally diasporic human condition. This kind of hybrid research at the interface between philosophy and artistic praxis is accessible to a broad-based audience. It is therefore better able to undo malicious stereotypical associations between émigrés and malignant tropes of societal decay on the African continent and to validate the contributions made by African diaspora to the decolonial project, than neatly distanced academic reflections, which reduce the philosophical impact of transnational migration to measurable motivations and statistics. , Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Social Scinces, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
From Clown Prince to critical phenomenon: Fashioning the Joker as a nomadic war machine
- Authors: Goldmann, Talya
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Joker -- (Fictitious character) , Comic books, strips, etc. -- United States -- History and criticism , Literature and society -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62769 , vital:72941
- Description: Based on the original clown prince of crime in the DC comic books, the Joker is one of the most notorious villains in cinematic history. He originated in the comic book Batman #1 (Finger, 1940) over eighty years ago, and he remains a prominent character across a myriad of media platforms. In film and television, the Joker has appeared in major and minor roles in approximately nine animated series, eighteen animated films, six live-action series, and five live-action films. Indeed, multiple roles, actors, and decades after the character’s first debut in the Batman television series (1966), the Joker continues to be well-received and sought-after, insofar as every time a new Joker is announced, the character garners more intensive publicity and the film as a whole becomes highly anticipated. Thus, what started as a simple clownish character in the role of a minor villain in Batman (1966), has evolved into a multi-faceted villain so captivating that he has recently earned his own stand-alone films, namely Todd Phillips’ Joker (2019), and the sequel, Joker Folie à Deux (2024) – where he is no longer the antagonist, but now the protagonist. In this research, firstly, key features of the Deleuzoguattarian schema relevant to this study will be presented, before capitalism – as the context of Batman’s Gotham – is considered through a Deleuzoguattarian lens. This study will delve into what makes the beloved Joker so extraordinary along with the aesthetic features associated with his meteoric rise to fame. In this regard, what will be theorized is that the Joker constitutes an example of a Deleuzean nomadic war machine: that is, a critical character who borrows aspects of the State Apparatus and then twists and shapes them into weapons through which he questions and mocks society for its authoritarian and ideological flaws, and with which he exposes its conceptual and ethical blind spots. In this way, he acts like a mirror, reflecting what is wrong with society, and by implication, with the human ‘nature’ – not only in the fictional world of Gotham, but also in the contemporary era created therein. More specifically, discourse analysis and film analysis will be used here, to engage critically with the Joker’s persona in relation to the changing contexts in which the various films were made, in order to trace the development of the character through a Deleuzoguattarian lens. As will be discussed, Phillips’ Joker (2019) signals the deterritorialization of the Joker from the ambit of Batman’s influence, and opens up the possibility for his further deterritorialization as an increasingly mobile and nomadic catalyst of critical thinking beyond even Gotham itself. Then, thirdly, an in-depth analysis on the five key cinematic Jokers will be completed in terms of the characters’ historical contexts, character backgrounds, and aesthetics. And thereafter, the deterritorializing ‘line of flight’ already underway – as by Phillips’ Joker (2019) – will be continued through the creative media production component of this study, which will entail the conceptualization, design and illustration of three new Joker manifestations, each of which will reflect critically upon failing systems in South African society across select time periods, and how these failing systems have contributed to the collective trauma of marginalized groups of people. The first South African Joker manifestation, set in the 1980s, will reflect upon the faltering political infrastructure during the Apartheid era. The second Joker manifestation, set in the early 2000s, will encapsulate the repercussions of the post-Apartheid neoliberal economic landscape. And the third Joker manifestation, set in the 2010s, will draw attention to sociocultural collapse particularly in the space of gender-based violence and sexual assault. Thus, the creation of these Jokers will act as an exploration of trauma, insofar as the tragedy and pain caused by the above-mentioned failing systems will manifest physically through their character designs. In terms of this, and in keeping with the dynamics of appropriation and inflection that are definitive of nomadic war machines, here focus will fall on how their character aesthetics pose critical questions about relevant issues in the South Africa. On account of this, although this research is by definition situated within the spectacle/performance paradigm, it also runs counter to the largely apolitical orientation of creative media production that occurs therein, through its emphasis, instead, on how such creative media production can also entail critical thought that is aimed at thematizing socio-cultural and politico-economic issues and the trauma that they create; thus, this creative media component aims to encourage a more trauma-aware society through art. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Goldmann, Talya
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Joker -- (Fictitious character) , Comic books, strips, etc. -- United States -- History and criticism , Literature and society -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62769 , vital:72941
- Description: Based on the original clown prince of crime in the DC comic books, the Joker is one of the most notorious villains in cinematic history. He originated in the comic book Batman #1 (Finger, 1940) over eighty years ago, and he remains a prominent character across a myriad of media platforms. In film and television, the Joker has appeared in major and minor roles in approximately nine animated series, eighteen animated films, six live-action series, and five live-action films. Indeed, multiple roles, actors, and decades after the character’s first debut in the Batman television series (1966), the Joker continues to be well-received and sought-after, insofar as every time a new Joker is announced, the character garners more intensive publicity and the film as a whole becomes highly anticipated. Thus, what started as a simple clownish character in the role of a minor villain in Batman (1966), has evolved into a multi-faceted villain so captivating that he has recently earned his own stand-alone films, namely Todd Phillips’ Joker (2019), and the sequel, Joker Folie à Deux (2024) – where he is no longer the antagonist, but now the protagonist. In this research, firstly, key features of the Deleuzoguattarian schema relevant to this study will be presented, before capitalism – as the context of Batman’s Gotham – is considered through a Deleuzoguattarian lens. This study will delve into what makes the beloved Joker so extraordinary along with the aesthetic features associated with his meteoric rise to fame. In this regard, what will be theorized is that the Joker constitutes an example of a Deleuzean nomadic war machine: that is, a critical character who borrows aspects of the State Apparatus and then twists and shapes them into weapons through which he questions and mocks society for its authoritarian and ideological flaws, and with which he exposes its conceptual and ethical blind spots. In this way, he acts like a mirror, reflecting what is wrong with society, and by implication, with the human ‘nature’ – not only in the fictional world of Gotham, but also in the contemporary era created therein. More specifically, discourse analysis and film analysis will be used here, to engage critically with the Joker’s persona in relation to the changing contexts in which the various films were made, in order to trace the development of the character through a Deleuzoguattarian lens. As will be discussed, Phillips’ Joker (2019) signals the deterritorialization of the Joker from the ambit of Batman’s influence, and opens up the possibility for his further deterritorialization as an increasingly mobile and nomadic catalyst of critical thinking beyond even Gotham itself. Then, thirdly, an in-depth analysis on the five key cinematic Jokers will be completed in terms of the characters’ historical contexts, character backgrounds, and aesthetics. And thereafter, the deterritorializing ‘line of flight’ already underway – as by Phillips’ Joker (2019) – will be continued through the creative media production component of this study, which will entail the conceptualization, design and illustration of three new Joker manifestations, each of which will reflect critically upon failing systems in South African society across select time periods, and how these failing systems have contributed to the collective trauma of marginalized groups of people. The first South African Joker manifestation, set in the 1980s, will reflect upon the faltering political infrastructure during the Apartheid era. The second Joker manifestation, set in the early 2000s, will encapsulate the repercussions of the post-Apartheid neoliberal economic landscape. And the third Joker manifestation, set in the 2010s, will draw attention to sociocultural collapse particularly in the space of gender-based violence and sexual assault. Thus, the creation of these Jokers will act as an exploration of trauma, insofar as the tragedy and pain caused by the above-mentioned failing systems will manifest physically through their character designs. In terms of this, and in keeping with the dynamics of appropriation and inflection that are definitive of nomadic war machines, here focus will fall on how their character aesthetics pose critical questions about relevant issues in the South Africa. On account of this, although this research is by definition situated within the spectacle/performance paradigm, it also runs counter to the largely apolitical orientation of creative media production that occurs therein, through its emphasis, instead, on how such creative media production can also entail critical thought that is aimed at thematizing socio-cultural and politico-economic issues and the trauma that they create; thus, this creative media component aims to encourage a more trauma-aware society through art. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Risk Management as a nexus to Ameliorate Citizen Centricity in the Western Cape Provincial Government
- Authors: Micketts, David
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Case studies , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63345 , vital:73259
- Description: This study aims to explore how risk management can be applied by the Western Cape Provincial Government to enhance citizen centricity in the Province. The Provincial Departments and Public Entities in this province are applauded for achieving satisfactory audit results in recent financial years from the Auditor-General South Africa. Despite the aforementioned, service delivery protests remain ongoing, which is indicative of citizen dissatisfaction and distress. Ensuring an effective, efficient, and transparent risk management system is mandatory, as prescribed by relevant legislation in South Africa and citizens are entitled to specific rights articulated in the Bill of Rights chapter of the Constitution. Therefore, it is essential that risk management – which forms part of good governance – be embedded by leadership and in processes to ultimately constrain risks which may hinder citizen centricity. Six chapters are included in this research paper. A qualitative approach was adopted, which considered a comprehensive review of literature, and a desktop analysis was performed. Secondary data and information sources were consulted and applied, without the participation of human subjects, for the purposes of primary data collection. Research findings were presented utilising thematic content analysis. It was found during the study that the Western Cape Government risk management framework is flexible to constrain various categories of risk and embraces local and global best practices in the risk management and citizen-focused governments arenas. Furthermore, the framework advocates and drives collaboration between a myriad of role-players, both internal and external to the organisation, to collectively manage risks posed to the achievement of the defined goals, objectives and priorities. To this end, the study was pursued through the lenses of a New Public Management (NPM) paradigm as well as deliberative democracy theory and public governance theories and administrative practices. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Micketts, David
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Case studies , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63345 , vital:73259
- Description: This study aims to explore how risk management can be applied by the Western Cape Provincial Government to enhance citizen centricity in the Province. The Provincial Departments and Public Entities in this province are applauded for achieving satisfactory audit results in recent financial years from the Auditor-General South Africa. Despite the aforementioned, service delivery protests remain ongoing, which is indicative of citizen dissatisfaction and distress. Ensuring an effective, efficient, and transparent risk management system is mandatory, as prescribed by relevant legislation in South Africa and citizens are entitled to specific rights articulated in the Bill of Rights chapter of the Constitution. Therefore, it is essential that risk management – which forms part of good governance – be embedded by leadership and in processes to ultimately constrain risks which may hinder citizen centricity. Six chapters are included in this research paper. A qualitative approach was adopted, which considered a comprehensive review of literature, and a desktop analysis was performed. Secondary data and information sources were consulted and applied, without the participation of human subjects, for the purposes of primary data collection. Research findings were presented utilising thematic content analysis. It was found during the study that the Western Cape Government risk management framework is flexible to constrain various categories of risk and embraces local and global best practices in the risk management and citizen-focused governments arenas. Furthermore, the framework advocates and drives collaboration between a myriad of role-players, both internal and external to the organisation, to collectively manage risks posed to the achievement of the defined goals, objectives and priorities. To this end, the study was pursued through the lenses of a New Public Management (NPM) paradigm as well as deliberative democracy theory and public governance theories and administrative practices. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The effectiveness of implementing mediation resolutions in Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) in Kariega 1994-2021
- Authors: Makasi, Lwando
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Volkswagen (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63207 , vital:73233
- Description: This study aimed to generate an in-depth understanding of how the resolutions are being implemented post-mediation process and the labour union, which in this study is the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the mediator in the process of managing collective disputes between the employer and employee utilising mediation. The study was limited to the Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) Kariega plant, therefore, the findings are contextually limited to the VWSA Kariega plant. The theoretical frameworks for this study were relative deprivation theory, frustration-aggression theory, Marxism, and dysfunctional and functional social conflict. These were utilised to explore and describe the phenomenon under investigation. This study employed a qualitative method to answer the research questions and address its problem statement. The data were collected through focus group discussions and elite interviews. The study used a purposive sampling technique, and the sample included 33 participants. The primary research question was: Were the agreements mediated at the VWSA Kariega plant effectively implemented between 1994 and 2021? The study’s findings imply that for the effective implementation of mediation resolutions, the following should be considered: implementing resolutions within the given timeframe, parties at mediation adapting and accommodating new technological changes and disasters at the National Bargaining Forum (NBF) level, prioritising the education and training of shop stewards and VWSA management representatives on NBF agreements, including the implementation thereof. Managing pertinent issues concerning NUMSA and the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (AMEO), interpreting NBF agreements, and ensuring that parties differentiate between the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995 (LRA) and NBF processes. At the policy level, the findings imply that parties need to understand the LRA’s role and the process of resolving conflict utilising the formal processes stipulated in the LRA and why the LRA cannot override the NBF agreement as an informal process of managing conflict. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Makasi, Lwando
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Volkswagen (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63207 , vital:73233
- Description: This study aimed to generate an in-depth understanding of how the resolutions are being implemented post-mediation process and the labour union, which in this study is the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the mediator in the process of managing collective disputes between the employer and employee utilising mediation. The study was limited to the Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) Kariega plant, therefore, the findings are contextually limited to the VWSA Kariega plant. The theoretical frameworks for this study were relative deprivation theory, frustration-aggression theory, Marxism, and dysfunctional and functional social conflict. These were utilised to explore and describe the phenomenon under investigation. This study employed a qualitative method to answer the research questions and address its problem statement. The data were collected through focus group discussions and elite interviews. The study used a purposive sampling technique, and the sample included 33 participants. The primary research question was: Were the agreements mediated at the VWSA Kariega plant effectively implemented between 1994 and 2021? The study’s findings imply that for the effective implementation of mediation resolutions, the following should be considered: implementing resolutions within the given timeframe, parties at mediation adapting and accommodating new technological changes and disasters at the National Bargaining Forum (NBF) level, prioritising the education and training of shop stewards and VWSA management representatives on NBF agreements, including the implementation thereof. Managing pertinent issues concerning NUMSA and the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (AMEO), interpreting NBF agreements, and ensuring that parties differentiate between the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995 (LRA) and NBF processes. At the policy level, the findings imply that parties need to understand the LRA’s role and the process of resolving conflict utilising the formal processes stipulated in the LRA and why the LRA cannot override the NBF agreement as an informal process of managing conflict. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The horizontal application of the environmental right to Juristic persons at sea
- Authors: Maseka, Ntemesha Mwila
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Environmental law--South Africa , Marine Living Resources Act , Marine environment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctorial theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66098 , vital:74350
- Description: Due to its vast resources, the ocean has been designated the new “economic frontier”. States are focusing on unlocking this potential to boost economic growth, employment and innovation. Because of their substantial resources, corporations are key actors in driving the development of the ocean economy. Although corporations undeniably contribute significantly to realising the ocean economy’s potential, their main activities—including offshore oil and gas exploration and production and fishing—pose great threats to marine ecosystems. This harm to the marine environment may also threaten and adversely impact many people’s lives, health, well-being, livelihood, culture and traditions. In the South African context, this reality is notably seen through Operation Phakisa. This government initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of the ocean economy to expedite the implementation of solutions to poverty, unemployment and inequality. This race to utilise the oceans and its resources brings to the fore the interaction between the right to have the environment protected and socio-economic development anticipated in section 24 of the South African Constitution. The South African Constitution through section 8(2) acknowledges that non-State actors such as corporations can abuse human rights in horizontal relationships. However, unlike the State, non-State actors are only bound in certain circumstances. Therefore, this thesis examines whether and, if so, to what extent section 24 of the Constitution binds juristic persons at sea. This thesis examines the direct application of international norms to non-State actors to determine how international human rights law addresses non-State actors' conduct that impairs an individual’s guaranteed rights. It was determined that international human rights law has an indirect horizontal effect. This means that in cases where a non-State actor impairs an individual’s human rights, international law permits the victim to hold the State responsible for the violation rather than the non-State actor who was the perpetrator. For a non-State actor to incur direct obligations to uphold certain human rights, the State must create these obligations in its domestic law. The thesis explored how the South African Bill of Rights imposes direct human rights obligations on non-State actors in a horizontal dispute. It was found that whether an entrenched right binds a non-State actor depends on a multi-factor enquiry confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Based on that enquiry, it concluded that the environmental right is capable of and suitable for horizontal application. Furthermore, non-State actors can bear positive and negative constitutional human rights obligations arising from the environmental right. A failure to comply with these obligations would violate this constitutional right. The most significant findings of this thesis pertain to the applicability of South Africa’s human rights law framework at sea. This is because the legal regime applicable at sea differs from that on land. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea assigns jurisdiction to States in the different maritime zones for different purposes. To elucidate South Africa's rights and obligations as delineated in the LOSC, the thesis focused on two examples: the exploitation of marine living resources and the prospection, exploration, and exploitation of marine non-living resources. Subsequently, the extent to which South Africa has taken measures in its domestic law to implement those rights and duties was assessed. In addition, this approach was appropriate because questions concerning the horizontal application of the South African Bill of Rights necessitate contextual analysis and cannot be answered a priori and in the abstract. Using the multi-factor enquiry, the study showed that, in principle, section 24 of the Constitution might bind juristic persons within South Africa’s territorial jurisdiction, exclusive economic zone jurisdiction, continental shelf jurisdiction and under South Africa’s personal jurisdiction. Furthermore, juristic persons who control vessels registered in South Africa or control a vessel entitled to be registered in South Africa but has departed to a place outside South Africa without being registered might also be constitutionally bound based on flag State jurisdiction. The sole means of preventing South Africa from exercising its authority this way requires severing the jurisdictional connection between South Africa and the juristic person. It was recommended that in ocean-related matters, the connecting factor between South Africa and the juristic person must be considered as an additional factor in the enquiry to determine whether a particular right binds that juristic person. Additionally, since the scope of corresponding rights-holders are “everyone”, even people outside South Africa present in places where the juristic person who is the corresponding duty- bearer operates or where their conduct is felt can hold these actors accountable for their constitutional human rights obligations. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Maseka, Ntemesha Mwila
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Environmental law--South Africa , Marine Living Resources Act , Marine environment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctorial theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66098 , vital:74350
- Description: Due to its vast resources, the ocean has been designated the new “economic frontier”. States are focusing on unlocking this potential to boost economic growth, employment and innovation. Because of their substantial resources, corporations are key actors in driving the development of the ocean economy. Although corporations undeniably contribute significantly to realising the ocean economy’s potential, their main activities—including offshore oil and gas exploration and production and fishing—pose great threats to marine ecosystems. This harm to the marine environment may also threaten and adversely impact many people’s lives, health, well-being, livelihood, culture and traditions. In the South African context, this reality is notably seen through Operation Phakisa. This government initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of the ocean economy to expedite the implementation of solutions to poverty, unemployment and inequality. This race to utilise the oceans and its resources brings to the fore the interaction between the right to have the environment protected and socio-economic development anticipated in section 24 of the South African Constitution. The South African Constitution through section 8(2) acknowledges that non-State actors such as corporations can abuse human rights in horizontal relationships. However, unlike the State, non-State actors are only bound in certain circumstances. Therefore, this thesis examines whether and, if so, to what extent section 24 of the Constitution binds juristic persons at sea. This thesis examines the direct application of international norms to non-State actors to determine how international human rights law addresses non-State actors' conduct that impairs an individual’s guaranteed rights. It was determined that international human rights law has an indirect horizontal effect. This means that in cases where a non-State actor impairs an individual’s human rights, international law permits the victim to hold the State responsible for the violation rather than the non-State actor who was the perpetrator. For a non-State actor to incur direct obligations to uphold certain human rights, the State must create these obligations in its domestic law. The thesis explored how the South African Bill of Rights imposes direct human rights obligations on non-State actors in a horizontal dispute. It was found that whether an entrenched right binds a non-State actor depends on a multi-factor enquiry confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Based on that enquiry, it concluded that the environmental right is capable of and suitable for horizontal application. Furthermore, non-State actors can bear positive and negative constitutional human rights obligations arising from the environmental right. A failure to comply with these obligations would violate this constitutional right. The most significant findings of this thesis pertain to the applicability of South Africa’s human rights law framework at sea. This is because the legal regime applicable at sea differs from that on land. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea assigns jurisdiction to States in the different maritime zones for different purposes. To elucidate South Africa's rights and obligations as delineated in the LOSC, the thesis focused on two examples: the exploitation of marine living resources and the prospection, exploration, and exploitation of marine non-living resources. Subsequently, the extent to which South Africa has taken measures in its domestic law to implement those rights and duties was assessed. In addition, this approach was appropriate because questions concerning the horizontal application of the South African Bill of Rights necessitate contextual analysis and cannot be answered a priori and in the abstract. Using the multi-factor enquiry, the study showed that, in principle, section 24 of the Constitution might bind juristic persons within South Africa’s territorial jurisdiction, exclusive economic zone jurisdiction, continental shelf jurisdiction and under South Africa’s personal jurisdiction. Furthermore, juristic persons who control vessels registered in South Africa or control a vessel entitled to be registered in South Africa but has departed to a place outside South Africa without being registered might also be constitutionally bound based on flag State jurisdiction. The sole means of preventing South Africa from exercising its authority this way requires severing the jurisdictional connection between South Africa and the juristic person. It was recommended that in ocean-related matters, the connecting factor between South Africa and the juristic person must be considered as an additional factor in the enquiry to determine whether a particular right binds that juristic person. Additionally, since the scope of corresponding rights-holders are “everyone”, even people outside South Africa present in places where the juristic person who is the corresponding duty- bearer operates or where their conduct is felt can hold these actors accountable for their constitutional human rights obligations. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The horizontal application of the environmental right to juristic persons at sea
- Authors: Maseka, Ntemesha Mliwa
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Economic zones (Law of the sea) , Law of the sea , Criminal liability of juristic persons -- South Africa , Environmental Law , Territorial waters
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65739 , vital:74233
- Description: Due to its vast resources, the ocean has been designated the new “economic frontier”. States are focusing on unlocking this potential to boost economic growth, employment and innovation. Because of their substantial resources, corporations are key actors in driving the development of the ocean economy. Although corporations undeniably contribute significantly to realising the ocean economy’s potential, their main activities—including offshore oil and gas exploration and production and fishing—pose great threats to marine ecosystems. This harm to the marine environment may also threaten and adversely impact many people’s lives, health, well-being, livelihood, culture and traditions. In the South African context, this reality is notably seen through Operation Phakisa. This government initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of the ocean economy to expedite the implementation of solutions to poverty, unemployment and inequality. This race to utilise the oceans and its resources brings to the fore the interaction between the right to have the environment protected and socio-economic development anticipated in section 24 of the South African Constitution. The South African Constitution through section 8(2) acknowledges that non-State actors such as corporations can abuse human rights in horizontal relationships. However, unlike the State, non-State actors are only bound in certain circumstances. Therefore, this thesis examines whether and, if so, to what extent section 24 of the Constitution binds juristic persons at sea. This thesis examines the direct application of international norms to non-State actors to determine how international human rights law addresses non-State actors' conduct that impairs an individual’s guaranteed rights. It was determined that international human rights law has an indirect horizontal effect. This means that in cases where a non-State actor impairs an individual’s human rights, international law permits the victim to hold the State responsible for the violation rather than the non-State actor who was the perpetrator. For a non-State actor to incur direct obligations to uphold certain human rights, the State must create these obligations in its domestic law. The thesis explored how the South African Bill of Rights imposes direct human rights obligations on non-State actors in a horizontal dispute. It was found that whether an entrenched right binds a non-State actor depends on a multi-factor enquiry confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Based on that enquiry, it concluded that the environmental right is capable of and suitable for horizontal application. Furthermore, non-State actors can bear positive and negative constitutional human rights obligations arising from the environmental right. A failure to comply with these obligations would violate this constitutional right. The most significant findings of this thesis pertain to the applicability of South Africa’s human rights law framework at sea. This is because the legal regime applicable at sea differs from that on land. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea assigns jurisdiction to States in the different maritime zones for different purposes. To elucidate South Africa's rights and obligations as delineated in the LOSC, the thesis focused on two examples: the exploitation of marine living resources and the prospection, exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources. Subsequently, the extent to which South Africa has taken measures in its domestic law to implement those rights and duties was assessed. In addition, this approach was appropriate because questions concerning the horizontal application of the South African Bill of Rights necessitate contextual analysis and cannot be answered a priori and in the abstract. Using the multi-factor enquiry, the study showed that, in principle, section 24 of the Constitution might bind juristic persons within South Africa’s territorial jurisdiction, exclusive economic zone jurisdiction, continental shelf jurisdiction and under South Africa’s personal jurisdiction. Furthermore, juristic persons who control vessels registered in South Africa or control a vessel entitled to be registered in South Africa but has departed to a place outside South Africa without being registered might also be constitutionally bound based on flag State jurisdiction. The sole means of preventing South Africa from exercising its authority this way requires severing the jurisdictional connection between South Africa and the juristic person. It was recommended that in ocean-related matters, the connecting factor between South Africa and the juristic person must be considered as an additional factor in the enquiry to determine whether a particular right binds that juristic person. Additionally, since the scope of corresponding rights-holders are “everyone”, even people outside South Africa present in places where the juristic person who is the corresponding duty-bearer operates or where their conduct is felt can hold these actors accountable for their constitutional human rights obligations. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Public Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Maseka, Ntemesha Mliwa
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Economic zones (Law of the sea) , Law of the sea , Criminal liability of juristic persons -- South Africa , Environmental Law , Territorial waters
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65739 , vital:74233
- Description: Due to its vast resources, the ocean has been designated the new “economic frontier”. States are focusing on unlocking this potential to boost economic growth, employment and innovation. Because of their substantial resources, corporations are key actors in driving the development of the ocean economy. Although corporations undeniably contribute significantly to realising the ocean economy’s potential, their main activities—including offshore oil and gas exploration and production and fishing—pose great threats to marine ecosystems. This harm to the marine environment may also threaten and adversely impact many people’s lives, health, well-being, livelihood, culture and traditions. In the South African context, this reality is notably seen through Operation Phakisa. This government initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of the ocean economy to expedite the implementation of solutions to poverty, unemployment and inequality. This race to utilise the oceans and its resources brings to the fore the interaction between the right to have the environment protected and socio-economic development anticipated in section 24 of the South African Constitution. The South African Constitution through section 8(2) acknowledges that non-State actors such as corporations can abuse human rights in horizontal relationships. However, unlike the State, non-State actors are only bound in certain circumstances. Therefore, this thesis examines whether and, if so, to what extent section 24 of the Constitution binds juristic persons at sea. This thesis examines the direct application of international norms to non-State actors to determine how international human rights law addresses non-State actors' conduct that impairs an individual’s guaranteed rights. It was determined that international human rights law has an indirect horizontal effect. This means that in cases where a non-State actor impairs an individual’s human rights, international law permits the victim to hold the State responsible for the violation rather than the non-State actor who was the perpetrator. For a non-State actor to incur direct obligations to uphold certain human rights, the State must create these obligations in its domestic law. The thesis explored how the South African Bill of Rights imposes direct human rights obligations on non-State actors in a horizontal dispute. It was found that whether an entrenched right binds a non-State actor depends on a multi-factor enquiry confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Based on that enquiry, it concluded that the environmental right is capable of and suitable for horizontal application. Furthermore, non-State actors can bear positive and negative constitutional human rights obligations arising from the environmental right. A failure to comply with these obligations would violate this constitutional right. The most significant findings of this thesis pertain to the applicability of South Africa’s human rights law framework at sea. This is because the legal regime applicable at sea differs from that on land. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea assigns jurisdiction to States in the different maritime zones for different purposes. To elucidate South Africa's rights and obligations as delineated in the LOSC, the thesis focused on two examples: the exploitation of marine living resources and the prospection, exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources. Subsequently, the extent to which South Africa has taken measures in its domestic law to implement those rights and duties was assessed. In addition, this approach was appropriate because questions concerning the horizontal application of the South African Bill of Rights necessitate contextual analysis and cannot be answered a priori and in the abstract. Using the multi-factor enquiry, the study showed that, in principle, section 24 of the Constitution might bind juristic persons within South Africa’s territorial jurisdiction, exclusive economic zone jurisdiction, continental shelf jurisdiction and under South Africa’s personal jurisdiction. Furthermore, juristic persons who control vessels registered in South Africa or control a vessel entitled to be registered in South Africa but has departed to a place outside South Africa without being registered might also be constitutionally bound based on flag State jurisdiction. The sole means of preventing South Africa from exercising its authority this way requires severing the jurisdictional connection between South Africa and the juristic person. It was recommended that in ocean-related matters, the connecting factor between South Africa and the juristic person must be considered as an additional factor in the enquiry to determine whether a particular right binds that juristic person. Additionally, since the scope of corresponding rights-holders are “everyone”, even people outside South Africa present in places where the juristic person who is the corresponding duty-bearer operates or where their conduct is felt can hold these actors accountable for their constitutional human rights obligations. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Public Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The impact of South Africa's sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia : the case of Yemen
- Authors: Mekuto, Phumelela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Conflict management , Military weapons , International relations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63334 , vital:73258
- Description: Since the start of the Yemeni conflict in 2014, both the Saudi-led military and the Iranian-backed Houthi Rebel group have launched missile airstrikes across the nation (Sharp & Brudnick, 2015). These attacks are carried out using high-tech military tools, such as drones, aircraft, bombs, and other weapons. According to Hokayem (2016), nearly 24 million Yemenis require aid as Yemen experiences the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Open Secretes released a report in 2020 outlining that weapons used in the war in Yemen could be traced back to Denel, alluding to its role and complicity in the conflict. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Denel in the conflict in Yemen and its socio-economic effects. In doing so, South Africa’s trade relations with the Saudi-Arabia will be explored. In addition, unpacking the socio-economic conditions that exists domestically and internationally that influence global arms trade. A qualitative research approach is employed. Secondary research analysis is conducted using government publications, international policy reports, books, journals, and newspaper articles. In addressing the social aspect of the arms trade effects, the humanitarian component uses a psycho-social theoretical framework which encompasses Burtons’ human needs theory. In addition to this main theory, the frustration-aggression theory as well as the relative deprivation theory were applied to support the theory central to the study. Fundamental to this study is understanding Denel’s’ complicity in the conflict in Yemen and the effects thereof. This stems from the company’s trade agreements between itself and Saudi Arabia, which has been at the forefront of multiple proxy wars within the region. Denel’s implied complicity stems from the correlation between the heightened period of conflict in the Yemen and the parastatal’s record-breaking order book during the same period. The research study focuses on the period between 2013 – 2016. Further research has been conducted in order to provide a comprehensive historical account and context of the conflict and the role of Denel as a parastatal organisation. Furthermore, this study delves into ongoing crises and the volatile nature of global arms trade regulations. It is for the reasons alluded to above that the study insists on not limiting period of the study to 2013 – 2016. The study findings suggest that although weapons used in the conflict in Yemen could be traced back to Denel, these were insignificant to the overall contribution to the conflict in Yemen, despite South Africa’s and Saudi Arabia’s breach of the End-User agreement. As a result of Saudi Arabia’s continued infringement of human rights, the state was not to be sold weapons as they are proven to have further ramifications against the protection of human rights. Moreover, the arms trade industry partially functions independently from government intervention and regulation, making it increasingly difficult to implement international policy. What is of paramount importance is the direct effect of conflict on innocent civilians who continue to suffer and the human cost of profit and the struggle for power and resources. Recommendations highlighted in the treatise include striking a balance between profitability and the humanitarian perspective by taking into consideration both private sector profit motives and the public sector's responsibility to prioritise human rights and the well-being of people. This approach ensures efficient management of Denel and reduces the possibility of privatization, as Denel remains the lifeline of the South African Defense Force (SADF). To ensure compliance with domestic and international arms treaty regulations, it is necessary to enforce a stricter process for arms sales justification. The agreement should incorporate legal measures that enable the prosecution of the state in cases where irregularities in weapons sales approval, including corruption or personal/political motives, are identified. The study recommends that Denel should initiate a strategic restructuring plan to revitalise its business model and leadership development. This restructuring should prioritise ethical business practices, legality, and vetting of customer information while ensuring profitability for self-sustainability. Addressing irregular sale agreements is crucial before investing in technology advancement and research. Growth assessment should be based on profit margins and order book prospects to ensure business optimisation and resource adequacy. Denel's success is vital for South Africa's GDP growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mekuto, Phumelela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Conflict management , Military weapons , International relations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63334 , vital:73258
- Description: Since the start of the Yemeni conflict in 2014, both the Saudi-led military and the Iranian-backed Houthi Rebel group have launched missile airstrikes across the nation (Sharp & Brudnick, 2015). These attacks are carried out using high-tech military tools, such as drones, aircraft, bombs, and other weapons. According to Hokayem (2016), nearly 24 million Yemenis require aid as Yemen experiences the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Open Secretes released a report in 2020 outlining that weapons used in the war in Yemen could be traced back to Denel, alluding to its role and complicity in the conflict. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Denel in the conflict in Yemen and its socio-economic effects. In doing so, South Africa’s trade relations with the Saudi-Arabia will be explored. In addition, unpacking the socio-economic conditions that exists domestically and internationally that influence global arms trade. A qualitative research approach is employed. Secondary research analysis is conducted using government publications, international policy reports, books, journals, and newspaper articles. In addressing the social aspect of the arms trade effects, the humanitarian component uses a psycho-social theoretical framework which encompasses Burtons’ human needs theory. In addition to this main theory, the frustration-aggression theory as well as the relative deprivation theory were applied to support the theory central to the study. Fundamental to this study is understanding Denel’s’ complicity in the conflict in Yemen and the effects thereof. This stems from the company’s trade agreements between itself and Saudi Arabia, which has been at the forefront of multiple proxy wars within the region. Denel’s implied complicity stems from the correlation between the heightened period of conflict in the Yemen and the parastatal’s record-breaking order book during the same period. The research study focuses on the period between 2013 – 2016. Further research has been conducted in order to provide a comprehensive historical account and context of the conflict and the role of Denel as a parastatal organisation. Furthermore, this study delves into ongoing crises and the volatile nature of global arms trade regulations. It is for the reasons alluded to above that the study insists on not limiting period of the study to 2013 – 2016. The study findings suggest that although weapons used in the conflict in Yemen could be traced back to Denel, these were insignificant to the overall contribution to the conflict in Yemen, despite South Africa’s and Saudi Arabia’s breach of the End-User agreement. As a result of Saudi Arabia’s continued infringement of human rights, the state was not to be sold weapons as they are proven to have further ramifications against the protection of human rights. Moreover, the arms trade industry partially functions independently from government intervention and regulation, making it increasingly difficult to implement international policy. What is of paramount importance is the direct effect of conflict on innocent civilians who continue to suffer and the human cost of profit and the struggle for power and resources. Recommendations highlighted in the treatise include striking a balance between profitability and the humanitarian perspective by taking into consideration both private sector profit motives and the public sector's responsibility to prioritise human rights and the well-being of people. This approach ensures efficient management of Denel and reduces the possibility of privatization, as Denel remains the lifeline of the South African Defense Force (SADF). To ensure compliance with domestic and international arms treaty regulations, it is necessary to enforce a stricter process for arms sales justification. The agreement should incorporate legal measures that enable the prosecution of the state in cases where irregularities in weapons sales approval, including corruption or personal/political motives, are identified. The study recommends that Denel should initiate a strategic restructuring plan to revitalise its business model and leadership development. This restructuring should prioritise ethical business practices, legality, and vetting of customer information while ensuring profitability for self-sustainability. Addressing irregular sale agreements is crucial before investing in technology advancement and research. Growth assessment should be based on profit margins and order book prospects to ensure business optimisation and resource adequacy. Denel's success is vital for South Africa's GDP growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Youth participation in sports: Reconsidering the lost culture of Indigenous games in Libode, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zide, Lumka
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Sports , Indigenous peoples -- Social life and customs , Minorities in sports
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63595 , vital:73506
- Description: This research focused on the Youth Participation in Sports: Reconsidering the Lost Culture of Indigenous Games in Libode, Eastern Cape. The study aimed to investigate the challenges facing indigenous games in Libode; to contribute within the anthropology of sport with specific reference to Libode in the Eastern Cape Province and to come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges facing indigenous games in Libode. The study employed a qualitative approach and used interviews, questionnaires, observations, and participant observations as data collection methods. Data analysis was done through thematic data analysis. Cultural preservation was used as a conceptual framework for this study to understand the view of the participants in Libode. Furthermore, the literature that was reviewed in this research was based particularly on indigenous games to provide in-depth understanding the issues of indigenous games extinction as well to critique other authors who have written about indigenous games and their challenges. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Zide, Lumka
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Sports , Indigenous peoples -- Social life and customs , Minorities in sports
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63595 , vital:73506
- Description: This research focused on the Youth Participation in Sports: Reconsidering the Lost Culture of Indigenous Games in Libode, Eastern Cape. The study aimed to investigate the challenges facing indigenous games in Libode; to contribute within the anthropology of sport with specific reference to Libode in the Eastern Cape Province and to come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges facing indigenous games in Libode. The study employed a qualitative approach and used interviews, questionnaires, observations, and participant observations as data collection methods. Data analysis was done through thematic data analysis. Cultural preservation was used as a conceptual framework for this study to understand the view of the participants in Libode. Furthermore, the literature that was reviewed in this research was based particularly on indigenous games to provide in-depth understanding the issues of indigenous games extinction as well to critique other authors who have written about indigenous games and their challenges. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Household food security status and its determinantsin Mthata Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Nodo, Asive
- Date: 2024-00
- Subjects: Food Security
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10156 , vital:74945
- Description: Food security remains a critical issue worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. This national challenge is especially acute in the Eastern Cape Province, known as one of the poorest regions in the country. The highest rates of poverty are observed in the Eastern Cape Province, with the population largely dependent on social grants to secure their food needs. The primary objective of the study was to examine the household food security status and its determinants in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was conducted in Tabase and Ncise in Mthatha. The purposive sampling technique was employed in the study and 336 data points were achieved. The study used the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), developed by the USAID-funded Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance II (FANTA), and leveraged Tobit regression analysis, particularly advantageous for handling censored dependent variables, to examine the determinants of food household food security. The results revealed that gender, age, crops and social grants have no statistical significant relationship with food insecurity. Education, employment status, income, livestock and dietary diversity have a statistical significant relationship with food insecurity. Results further revealed that 40.36% of households were food insecure while 4.22% were food secure, 7.83% were mildly food insecure and 40.36% were severely food insecure. The study recommends the formation of agricultural cooperatives with government support, prioritising education incentives, and strengthening existing food support initiatives. It emphasizes promoting savings clubs and subsidising nutrient-rich foods to enhance accessibility. These multifaceted recommendations aim to address household food security in Mthatha, providing a comprehensive framework for intervention and policy considerations. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Finacial Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-00
- Authors: Nodo, Asive
- Date: 2024-00
- Subjects: Food Security
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10156 , vital:74945
- Description: Food security remains a critical issue worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. This national challenge is especially acute in the Eastern Cape Province, known as one of the poorest regions in the country. The highest rates of poverty are observed in the Eastern Cape Province, with the population largely dependent on social grants to secure their food needs. The primary objective of the study was to examine the household food security status and its determinants in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was conducted in Tabase and Ncise in Mthatha. The purposive sampling technique was employed in the study and 336 data points were achieved. The study used the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), developed by the USAID-funded Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance II (FANTA), and leveraged Tobit regression analysis, particularly advantageous for handling censored dependent variables, to examine the determinants of food household food security. The results revealed that gender, age, crops and social grants have no statistical significant relationship with food insecurity. Education, employment status, income, livestock and dietary diversity have a statistical significant relationship with food insecurity. Results further revealed that 40.36% of households were food insecure while 4.22% were food secure, 7.83% were mildly food insecure and 40.36% were severely food insecure. The study recommends the formation of agricultural cooperatives with government support, prioritising education incentives, and strengthening existing food support initiatives. It emphasizes promoting savings clubs and subsidising nutrient-rich foods to enhance accessibility. These multifaceted recommendations aim to address household food security in Mthatha, providing a comprehensive framework for intervention and policy considerations. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Finacial Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-00
A feminist critical discourse analysis of male dominance and violence in Zakes Mda’s the Madonna of excelsior and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s purple hibiscus
- Authors: Ibitoye, Antonia Folasade
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Feminism and education , Feminism and literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63320 , vital:73249
- Description: This study critically explored male dominance and violence in Africa, through the lens of South African author, Zakes Mda, and Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in their novels, The Madonna of Excelsior (2004) and Purple Hibiscus (2003), respectively. Women globally often continue to live with male dominance, and this unequal gender structure has propelled feminists to commence movements to counter all forms of discrimination against women. For the study, excerpts from the two novels were used as data, to investigate male dominance and violence in Africa. To achieve the goals of this research, the study used socialist feminist theory, post-colonial feminist theory, and black feminist theory as the theoretical framework. This combined framework explicates that there is not just one system of oppression at the core of unequal treatment of women by men. Rather, it is a combination of structures related to social class, gender, race, sexuality, culture and society. Feminist critical discourse analysis (FCDA) was employed to analyse the data with the aid of ATLAS.ti software. FCDA was selected as an analytical framework because of its concern for the emancipation of women and social justice with transformation.What prompted the area of concern and the research problem of this study was an awareness of the extensive gender inequality in Nigeria and South Africa, which tends to be rooted in male dominance and violence. As a result, this study contributes to creating awareness of gender inequality, suggesting ways of combating violence against women and female suppression as well as promoting new conceptualisations of masculinity, femininity, and inequality. This research study explored how language use constructed identity, gender, and power relations and how these have reflected male dominance, and violence in Africa in the novels chosen for this study. This study is significant because it did not only analysed the marginalisation and suppression of the female gender but further exposed the strategies that were adopted by women to confront patriarchal oppression and domination as well as the resultant effect on the perpetrators as depicted in the novels for this study. The distinctiveness of this study can be viewed from three different perspectives. Firstly, it is one of the first research works to use FCDA to address the social problems of male dominance and violence. Secondly, it is the first research work which recognises the use of the novel as an essential source of data for FCDA on male dominance and violence. Using the novel as a data source supports the fact that novels are relevant data sources because 5 they often reflect the happenings in society, such as the incidence of gender inequality. Lastly, this project is distinctive because of its ability to combine socialist feminist theory, black feminist theory, post-colonial feminist theory as the theoretical framework and FCDA as the methodological approach. The study is limited to two novels from two African writers because the novels are reflections of the challenges faced by women in Africa and because of the novelists’ unique use of language and the representation of male dominance, violence and female suppression in Africa. The choice to restrict the scope of the study to Africa, selecting Nigeria and South Africa was because, both novels are set in African context and also as a result of the gravity of the identified social and equity issues in Africa. For further research, the study could be extended beyond the African continent to other continents. By so doing, other feminist theories could be used while FCDA could still be used as an analytical framework. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of male dominance and violence between South Africa and Nigeria could also be explored or between Africa and the western world. This study, therefore, explored how language use constructed gender identity and how this reflected male dominance and violence in Africa through the novels, which provided the data for analysis. Following the principles of FCDA, the study sought to create social awareness and to build an understanding of the need not only to resist male dominance and violence but to extend understandings of gender differences with the intention of generating a collective change and transformation in society for gender equality. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Ibitoye, Antonia Folasade
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Feminism and education , Feminism and literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63320 , vital:73249
- Description: This study critically explored male dominance and violence in Africa, through the lens of South African author, Zakes Mda, and Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in their novels, The Madonna of Excelsior (2004) and Purple Hibiscus (2003), respectively. Women globally often continue to live with male dominance, and this unequal gender structure has propelled feminists to commence movements to counter all forms of discrimination against women. For the study, excerpts from the two novels were used as data, to investigate male dominance and violence in Africa. To achieve the goals of this research, the study used socialist feminist theory, post-colonial feminist theory, and black feminist theory as the theoretical framework. This combined framework explicates that there is not just one system of oppression at the core of unequal treatment of women by men. Rather, it is a combination of structures related to social class, gender, race, sexuality, culture and society. Feminist critical discourse analysis (FCDA) was employed to analyse the data with the aid of ATLAS.ti software. FCDA was selected as an analytical framework because of its concern for the emancipation of women and social justice with transformation.What prompted the area of concern and the research problem of this study was an awareness of the extensive gender inequality in Nigeria and South Africa, which tends to be rooted in male dominance and violence. As a result, this study contributes to creating awareness of gender inequality, suggesting ways of combating violence against women and female suppression as well as promoting new conceptualisations of masculinity, femininity, and inequality. This research study explored how language use constructed identity, gender, and power relations and how these have reflected male dominance, and violence in Africa in the novels chosen for this study. This study is significant because it did not only analysed the marginalisation and suppression of the female gender but further exposed the strategies that were adopted by women to confront patriarchal oppression and domination as well as the resultant effect on the perpetrators as depicted in the novels for this study. The distinctiveness of this study can be viewed from three different perspectives. Firstly, it is one of the first research works to use FCDA to address the social problems of male dominance and violence. Secondly, it is the first research work which recognises the use of the novel as an essential source of data for FCDA on male dominance and violence. Using the novel as a data source supports the fact that novels are relevant data sources because 5 they often reflect the happenings in society, such as the incidence of gender inequality. Lastly, this project is distinctive because of its ability to combine socialist feminist theory, black feminist theory, post-colonial feminist theory as the theoretical framework and FCDA as the methodological approach. The study is limited to two novels from two African writers because the novels are reflections of the challenges faced by women in Africa and because of the novelists’ unique use of language and the representation of male dominance, violence and female suppression in Africa. The choice to restrict the scope of the study to Africa, selecting Nigeria and South Africa was because, both novels are set in African context and also as a result of the gravity of the identified social and equity issues in Africa. For further research, the study could be extended beyond the African continent to other continents. By so doing, other feminist theories could be used while FCDA could still be used as an analytical framework. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of male dominance and violence between South Africa and Nigeria could also be explored or between Africa and the western world. This study, therefore, explored how language use constructed gender identity and how this reflected male dominance and violence in Africa through the novels, which provided the data for analysis. Following the principles of FCDA, the study sought to create social awareness and to build an understanding of the need not only to resist male dominance and violence but to extend understandings of gender differences with the intention of generating a collective change and transformation in society for gender equality. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
An alternative model for the financial sustainability of social services sector NGOs in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kagande, Albert Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa , Accounting -- Social aspects , Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65644 , vital:74217
- Description: The work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is traditionally deemed “unprofitable”, yet they provide valuable services to communities. With an exponentially growing NGO sector of more than 270 000 NGOs, of which 40% are social service sector NGOs, and an increased demand for NGO services, a decrease in government and donor funding has heightened the debate on the need for financial sustainability of NGOs in South Africa. NGOs are important development actors, and their financial sustainability is crucial as it ensures that the sector continues to be relevant and effective in ensuring that social needs are met. Using a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design, the study focused on the social services sector NGOs in the Eastern Cape with the aim of understanding their financial challenges and strategies being employed to address such and, in the process, develop an alternative model for the financial sustainability of these NGOs. A conceptual framework was developed from six theories which were used to explore the concept of financial sustainability drawing insights from the internal and external environment of the participating NGOs. These theories were used together to emphasise that no one theory could single-handedly and holistically explain the concept of the financial sustainability of social service sector NGOs. The use of multiple theories also came from the realisation that NGOs in South Africa, in general, are struggling to survive owing to a myriad of factors which include increased competition for resources and reduced funding from their traditional source. Furthermore, donor dependency, staff and organisational capacity, management practices and values, and the interplay of an NGO with its stakeholders and environment all have a bearing on financial sustainability. Being the poorest province in South Africa heightens the need for social services in the Eastern Cape. From the study, it was established that 48% of social services sector NGOs depended on government funding while only 16% had the capacity to generate their own income. However, depending on government funding was not sustainable and this was crippling the social services sector. The study also established that “young” NGOs struggled to secure funding when compared to their “mature” counterparts. In addition, staff capacity and the values of an organisation affected income generation and how funds were sourced. Lack of capacity to fundraise and/or implement commercial activities had affected the financial sustainability of the social sector NGOs. The interplay of an NGO and its stakeholders and environment also had a bearing on the financial sustainability of the sector. The study provides a multipronged approach and perspective to financial sustainability. The proposed financial sustainability model challenges social services sector NGOs to consciously reflect on their internal and external environments as well a come up with strategies that positively affect their financial sustainability. From the study, the strategies that were being implemented to realise financially sustainability included, retaining current donors, reaching out to new donors, innovative fundraising approaches, redesigning programme activities to include cost-recovery components, collaborating with other NGOs as well as commercial ventures. This study concludes that social services sector NGOs need all these approaches in addition to improving staff capacity and adopting a culture that enhances organisational performance. There is need to build a system where NGOs are adequately supported to do their work without worrying about income and where well-designed financial sustainability components help NGOs, funders, government and communities identify where change is needed. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Kagande, Albert Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa , Accounting -- Social aspects , Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65644 , vital:74217
- Description: The work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is traditionally deemed “unprofitable”, yet they provide valuable services to communities. With an exponentially growing NGO sector of more than 270 000 NGOs, of which 40% are social service sector NGOs, and an increased demand for NGO services, a decrease in government and donor funding has heightened the debate on the need for financial sustainability of NGOs in South Africa. NGOs are important development actors, and their financial sustainability is crucial as it ensures that the sector continues to be relevant and effective in ensuring that social needs are met. Using a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design, the study focused on the social services sector NGOs in the Eastern Cape with the aim of understanding their financial challenges and strategies being employed to address such and, in the process, develop an alternative model for the financial sustainability of these NGOs. A conceptual framework was developed from six theories which were used to explore the concept of financial sustainability drawing insights from the internal and external environment of the participating NGOs. These theories were used together to emphasise that no one theory could single-handedly and holistically explain the concept of the financial sustainability of social service sector NGOs. The use of multiple theories also came from the realisation that NGOs in South Africa, in general, are struggling to survive owing to a myriad of factors which include increased competition for resources and reduced funding from their traditional source. Furthermore, donor dependency, staff and organisational capacity, management practices and values, and the interplay of an NGO with its stakeholders and environment all have a bearing on financial sustainability. Being the poorest province in South Africa heightens the need for social services in the Eastern Cape. From the study, it was established that 48% of social services sector NGOs depended on government funding while only 16% had the capacity to generate their own income. However, depending on government funding was not sustainable and this was crippling the social services sector. The study also established that “young” NGOs struggled to secure funding when compared to their “mature” counterparts. In addition, staff capacity and the values of an organisation affected income generation and how funds were sourced. Lack of capacity to fundraise and/or implement commercial activities had affected the financial sustainability of the social sector NGOs. The interplay of an NGO and its stakeholders and environment also had a bearing on the financial sustainability of the sector. The study provides a multipronged approach and perspective to financial sustainability. The proposed financial sustainability model challenges social services sector NGOs to consciously reflect on their internal and external environments as well a come up with strategies that positively affect their financial sustainability. From the study, the strategies that were being implemented to realise financially sustainability included, retaining current donors, reaching out to new donors, innovative fundraising approaches, redesigning programme activities to include cost-recovery components, collaborating with other NGOs as well as commercial ventures. This study concludes that social services sector NGOs need all these approaches in addition to improving staff capacity and adopting a culture that enhances organisational performance. There is need to build a system where NGOs are adequately supported to do their work without worrying about income and where well-designed financial sustainability components help NGOs, funders, government and communities identify where change is needed. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Chemical analysis and biological activities of crude extracts and essential oil of selected medicinal plants from the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and Volta Region of Ghana
- Authors: Agbo, Irene Adzo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Lantana camara , Peptic ulcer -- Treatment , Traditional medicine - South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62431 , vital:72728
- Description: Lantana camara and Khaya grandifoliola extracts are among many plants found traditionally effective for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. This study assessed the phytochemical content, isolation and identification of single compounds from methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Lantana camara and Khaya grandifoliola. Further, the bioactivity testing including antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytoxicity of the extracts was done to confirm the wound healing potential discovered by the traditional healers. Materials and methods: Extraction was done successively using maceration method with 100 % ethyl acetate and 100 % methanol with a biomass-to-solvent ratio of 1:3 (w/v) to obtain L. camara ethyl acetate extracts of berry (ELB), flower (ELF) and leaf (ELL) and methanol extracts of MLB, MLF, MLL and K. grandifoliola ethyl acetate extracts of leaf (EKL), root (EKR) and stem bark (EKSB) and methanol extracts of MKL, MKR, MKSB respectively. L. camara leaf essential oil (EO) was extracted using the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger apparatus. Total phytochemical content was assessed for each extract using spectrophotometric methods and a calibration curve of standards: bromocresol green method with atropine; Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method with gallic acid, aluminium chloride colorimetric method with quercetin and concentrated sulphuric acid chloroform with linalool for total alkaloid, phenolic, flavonoid and terpenoid contents respectively. Single compound isolation and purification was conducted using chromatographic techniques. Elucidation of single compounds was done using spectrometric method, high resolution- mass spectrometry, and one and two-dimensional (1D and 2D)-NMR. Stereochemistry of each compound was confirmed using electronic circular dichroism spectra. A Crystalline compound was identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction using CuKα-radiation. In vitro bioactivities were assessed with methods such as 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and 96-well plate micro dilution for cytotoxicity, ant-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity testing. Results: Methanol extracts of both plants retained high phytochemical concentrations of all the phytoconstituents investigated compared with the ethyl acetate extracts which retained lower concentrations. The results of the L. camara methanol extracts include; total alkaloid content (TAC) (2.05±0.18, 1.87±1.54 and 2.60±1.10 mg AEQ/100 mg); total phenolic content (TPC) (14.05±4.04, 34.59±3.01 and 18.58±1.87 mg GAEQ/100 mg); the total flavonoid content(TFC) of flower (12.45±1.87, 20.41±2.69 and mg QEQ/100 mg); total terpenoids (TTC) (20.74±2.34, 20.74±2.34 and 15.97±1.19 mg LIN EQ/100mg) of MLB, MLF and MLL respectively. Whereas that of the K. grandifoliola methanol extracts include; TAC (7.32±0.14,8.49±0.34, 10.67±0.22 mg AEQ/100 mg); TPC (37.49±1.40, 44.41±0.69, 53.57±1.50 mgGAEQ/100 mg); TFC (6.54±0.55, 9.58±0.89 and 10.26±0.92 mg QEQ/100 mg); TTC(10.16±1.41, 35.78±2.14 and 23.45±1.76 mg LIN EQ/100mg) of MKL, MKR and MKSB respectively. The major components of essential oil, out of the 71 constituents identified include Davanone D (32.91 %), Caryophyllene (5.07 %), Nerolidol 2 (3.56 %) and GermacreneD (3.13 %). Compounds 3.47 was isolated from the methanol extract of L. camara flowers. This compound is reported for the first time from the L. camara flower extract. Two compounds, compounds 4.23, and 4.26, were isolated from the methanol extract of K. grandifoliola roots, compound 4.22 was isolated from the ethyl acetate root extract while compounds 4.24 and 4.25 were isolated from the ethyl acetate stem bark extract as isomers in a mixture. Compounds 4.22 and 4.23 are reported from K. grandifoliola root for the first time. The isolated compounds (compounds 3.47 and 4.23) were nontoxic to the Vero cell line and this may contribute to possible stimulation of cell proliferation, promoting wound healing. Cytotoxicity describes extract virulence to Vero cell line. MLF and ELB were found nontoxic even at the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL. The MKSB and MKR, as well as the EKSB were nontoxic. Antioxidant activity results, described by the percentage inhibition in the DPPH assay, showed that MLF and MKSB had the highest antioxidant activities compared with the ascorbic acid standard, with IC50 of 38.68±5.09 and 37.03±11.95 μg/mL for L. camara and K. grandifoliola respectively. ELB exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting NO• radical generation in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages at concentration ranging from 50 and 100 μg/mL. EKSB and MKR showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100 and 200 μg/ml respectively. ELL and ELF demonstrated potent growth inhibition against S. pyogenes with an MIC value ≤ 0.125 mg/mL, while the MICs of the ELB and MLL were 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. MKSB and MKR and EKSB extract exhibited an effective growth inhibition against S. aureus with MIC of 1 mg/mL. The growth of S. pyogenes was supressed by both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of all plant parts tested with MIC ranging from 0.25–2 mg/mL. Conclusion: The potent bioactivity shown in the results of the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity testing, and the nontoxic singlecompounds of L. camara and K. grandifoliola extracts led to the conclusion that the two plants had wound healing potential. The study therefore confirmed their traditional uses for treatment of wounds. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Agbo, Irene Adzo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Lantana camara , Peptic ulcer -- Treatment , Traditional medicine - South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62431 , vital:72728
- Description: Lantana camara and Khaya grandifoliola extracts are among many plants found traditionally effective for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. This study assessed the phytochemical content, isolation and identification of single compounds from methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Lantana camara and Khaya grandifoliola. Further, the bioactivity testing including antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytoxicity of the extracts was done to confirm the wound healing potential discovered by the traditional healers. Materials and methods: Extraction was done successively using maceration method with 100 % ethyl acetate and 100 % methanol with a biomass-to-solvent ratio of 1:3 (w/v) to obtain L. camara ethyl acetate extracts of berry (ELB), flower (ELF) and leaf (ELL) and methanol extracts of MLB, MLF, MLL and K. grandifoliola ethyl acetate extracts of leaf (EKL), root (EKR) and stem bark (EKSB) and methanol extracts of MKL, MKR, MKSB respectively. L. camara leaf essential oil (EO) was extracted using the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger apparatus. Total phytochemical content was assessed for each extract using spectrophotometric methods and a calibration curve of standards: bromocresol green method with atropine; Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method with gallic acid, aluminium chloride colorimetric method with quercetin and concentrated sulphuric acid chloroform with linalool for total alkaloid, phenolic, flavonoid and terpenoid contents respectively. Single compound isolation and purification was conducted using chromatographic techniques. Elucidation of single compounds was done using spectrometric method, high resolution- mass spectrometry, and one and two-dimensional (1D and 2D)-NMR. Stereochemistry of each compound was confirmed using electronic circular dichroism spectra. A Crystalline compound was identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction using CuKα-radiation. In vitro bioactivities were assessed with methods such as 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and 96-well plate micro dilution for cytotoxicity, ant-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity testing. Results: Methanol extracts of both plants retained high phytochemical concentrations of all the phytoconstituents investigated compared with the ethyl acetate extracts which retained lower concentrations. The results of the L. camara methanol extracts include; total alkaloid content (TAC) (2.05±0.18, 1.87±1.54 and 2.60±1.10 mg AEQ/100 mg); total phenolic content (TPC) (14.05±4.04, 34.59±3.01 and 18.58±1.87 mg GAEQ/100 mg); the total flavonoid content(TFC) of flower (12.45±1.87, 20.41±2.69 and mg QEQ/100 mg); total terpenoids (TTC) (20.74±2.34, 20.74±2.34 and 15.97±1.19 mg LIN EQ/100mg) of MLB, MLF and MLL respectively. Whereas that of the K. grandifoliola methanol extracts include; TAC (7.32±0.14,8.49±0.34, 10.67±0.22 mg AEQ/100 mg); TPC (37.49±1.40, 44.41±0.69, 53.57±1.50 mgGAEQ/100 mg); TFC (6.54±0.55, 9.58±0.89 and 10.26±0.92 mg QEQ/100 mg); TTC(10.16±1.41, 35.78±2.14 and 23.45±1.76 mg LIN EQ/100mg) of MKL, MKR and MKSB respectively. The major components of essential oil, out of the 71 constituents identified include Davanone D (32.91 %), Caryophyllene (5.07 %), Nerolidol 2 (3.56 %) and GermacreneD (3.13 %). Compounds 3.47 was isolated from the methanol extract of L. camara flowers. This compound is reported for the first time from the L. camara flower extract. Two compounds, compounds 4.23, and 4.26, were isolated from the methanol extract of K. grandifoliola roots, compound 4.22 was isolated from the ethyl acetate root extract while compounds 4.24 and 4.25 were isolated from the ethyl acetate stem bark extract as isomers in a mixture. Compounds 4.22 and 4.23 are reported from K. grandifoliola root for the first time. The isolated compounds (compounds 3.47 and 4.23) were nontoxic to the Vero cell line and this may contribute to possible stimulation of cell proliferation, promoting wound healing. Cytotoxicity describes extract virulence to Vero cell line. MLF and ELB were found nontoxic even at the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL. The MKSB and MKR, as well as the EKSB were nontoxic. Antioxidant activity results, described by the percentage inhibition in the DPPH assay, showed that MLF and MKSB had the highest antioxidant activities compared with the ascorbic acid standard, with IC50 of 38.68±5.09 and 37.03±11.95 μg/mL for L. camara and K. grandifoliola respectively. ELB exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting NO• radical generation in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages at concentration ranging from 50 and 100 μg/mL. EKSB and MKR showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100 and 200 μg/ml respectively. ELL and ELF demonstrated potent growth inhibition against S. pyogenes with an MIC value ≤ 0.125 mg/mL, while the MICs of the ELB and MLL were 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. MKSB and MKR and EKSB extract exhibited an effective growth inhibition against S. aureus with MIC of 1 mg/mL. The growth of S. pyogenes was supressed by both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of all plant parts tested with MIC ranging from 0.25–2 mg/mL. Conclusion: The potent bioactivity shown in the results of the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity testing, and the nontoxic singlecompounds of L. camara and K. grandifoliola extracts led to the conclusion that the two plants had wound healing potential. The study therefore confirmed their traditional uses for treatment of wounds. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12