Experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a selected tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile Wilmot
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Patients , Oncology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23510 , vital:58074
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities. Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile Wilmot
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Patients , Oncology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23510 , vital:58074
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities. Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Experiences of Xhosa elderly persons in using public transport and how it effects their quality of life: a case study of Mdantsane township.
- Authors: Sinkintana, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Transportation--Social aspects , Older people--Transportation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21256 , vital:47437
- Description: This research study was motivated by the fact that little is known about the topic and that older persons living in Mdantsane Township are heavily reliant on public transport such as taxis, trains, mini-taxis and buses which are, arguably, not suitable for transporting older persons. Through this research project, the researcher hoped to provide information which may contribute to better understanding of this phenomena, identify barriers in the transport system and get a better understanding thereof. This study utilized a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 elderly persons living in Mdantsane Township, and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Three themes and sub-themes were generated and later linked to the research questions namely: What are the experiences faced by older persons in using public transport? How do these experiences and challenges affect the quality of life of older persons using public transport? What do older persons view as potential barriers in using public transport? The findings highlighted that elderly people living in Mdantsane Township rely on public transport for participation in social and economic activities of the community as well as access to essential services. Consequently, lack of sufficient income among older persons affect their quality of life in relation to using public transport in that they cannot access all the services they need. They also indicated that there are several barriers for older persons against using public transport which include, concerns about personal safety, safety of items, public transport running late, behaviour of younger passengers and taxi conductors and lack of cleanliness among some drivers, to name a few. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Sinkintana, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Transportation--Social aspects , Older people--Transportation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21256 , vital:47437
- Description: This research study was motivated by the fact that little is known about the topic and that older persons living in Mdantsane Township are heavily reliant on public transport such as taxis, trains, mini-taxis and buses which are, arguably, not suitable for transporting older persons. Through this research project, the researcher hoped to provide information which may contribute to better understanding of this phenomena, identify barriers in the transport system and get a better understanding thereof. This study utilized a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 elderly persons living in Mdantsane Township, and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Three themes and sub-themes were generated and later linked to the research questions namely: What are the experiences faced by older persons in using public transport? How do these experiences and challenges affect the quality of life of older persons using public transport? What do older persons view as potential barriers in using public transport? The findings highlighted that elderly people living in Mdantsane Township rely on public transport for participation in social and economic activities of the community as well as access to essential services. Consequently, lack of sufficient income among older persons affect their quality of life in relation to using public transport in that they cannot access all the services they need. They also indicated that there are several barriers for older persons against using public transport which include, concerns about personal safety, safety of items, public transport running late, behaviour of younger passengers and taxi conductors and lack of cleanliness among some drivers, to name a few. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
In vitro investigation of the anti-hyperglycemic and chemical composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaf extracts used in the management of diabetes mellitus
- Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Investigation of pharmaceutical residues and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in selected river estuaries and canal in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Marine pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
- Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Marine pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
- Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Participation of smallholder farmers in the production of high-value commodities: The case of smallholder tobacco farmers in
- Authors: Mugande, Unity
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
- Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Mugande, Unity
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
- Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Prevalence and geo-mapping of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Authors: Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Parasitology , Veterinary medicine , Veterinary tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20959 , vital:46865
- Description: Livestock disease poses a threat to the livestock production industry due to ban on the exportation of live animals and animal by-products. Information on disease surveillance and mapping of disease prevalence and distribution in the Eastern Cape is very scarce. Therefore, two objectives were set to determine the prevalence and distribution of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) through retrospective investigation. A retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013-2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform (DrDAR) database, decoded, analysed, and interpreted. The first objective was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of viral and bacterial diseases in ECP from 2013-2018. The second objective was to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of parasitic diseases of livestock in ECP from 2013-2018. Significant associations (P< 0.05) were found between local municipality, season, year, and livestock species. The highest prevalence of viral disease was found in the Lukhanji (29.4 percent) and Mbhashe (17.5 percent), while bacterial diseases were found in Nelson Mandela Bay (27.7 percent) and Raymond Mhlaba (34.9 percent) municipalities. Viral infections were more common in autumn (53.8 percent), while bacterial infections were more in spring (58. 5 percent). The highest proportions of bacterial and viral diseases were in caprine (97.2 percent) and bovine (41.4 percent) species. Odds of disease occurrence were highest in Intsika yethu local municipality (OR= 3.279; 95 percent CI= 0.043-263.6; P<0.05) in autumn (OR = 2.131; 95 percent CI= 0.815-5.569; P<0.05) and in bovine (OR= 58.825; 95 percent CI= 16.283-205.591; P<0.05). Internal parasites (75 percent) were the highest reported in the year 2015), whereas external parasites (38.1 percent), and fly parasites (30.4 percent) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and internal parasites was found in autumn (87 percent) and spring (75 percent), respectively. The Local municipality with the highest prevalence was Amahlathi (fly parasites, 91.3 percent), Dr Beyers Naude (external 3 parasite, 43.6 percent), Intsika yethu (internal parasite, 75 percent), Makana (protozoa, 5.8 percent), Mbhashe (haemoparasite, 40 percent percent), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (haemoparasite, 12.5 percent), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7 percent). Parasitic diseases with the highest prevalence in the province between 2013 to 2018 were babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis, Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, and sheep scab. Livestock diseases are prevalent and unevenly distributed in the Eastern Cape Province. The diseases were mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Production Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Parasitology , Veterinary medicine , Veterinary tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20959 , vital:46865
- Description: Livestock disease poses a threat to the livestock production industry due to ban on the exportation of live animals and animal by-products. Information on disease surveillance and mapping of disease prevalence and distribution in the Eastern Cape is very scarce. Therefore, two objectives were set to determine the prevalence and distribution of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) through retrospective investigation. A retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013-2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform (DrDAR) database, decoded, analysed, and interpreted. The first objective was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of viral and bacterial diseases in ECP from 2013-2018. The second objective was to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of parasitic diseases of livestock in ECP from 2013-2018. Significant associations (P< 0.05) were found between local municipality, season, year, and livestock species. The highest prevalence of viral disease was found in the Lukhanji (29.4 percent) and Mbhashe (17.5 percent), while bacterial diseases were found in Nelson Mandela Bay (27.7 percent) and Raymond Mhlaba (34.9 percent) municipalities. Viral infections were more common in autumn (53.8 percent), while bacterial infections were more in spring (58. 5 percent). The highest proportions of bacterial and viral diseases were in caprine (97.2 percent) and bovine (41.4 percent) species. Odds of disease occurrence were highest in Intsika yethu local municipality (OR= 3.279; 95 percent CI= 0.043-263.6; P<0.05) in autumn (OR = 2.131; 95 percent CI= 0.815-5.569; P<0.05) and in bovine (OR= 58.825; 95 percent CI= 16.283-205.591; P<0.05). Internal parasites (75 percent) were the highest reported in the year 2015), whereas external parasites (38.1 percent), and fly parasites (30.4 percent) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and internal parasites was found in autumn (87 percent) and spring (75 percent), respectively. The Local municipality with the highest prevalence was Amahlathi (fly parasites, 91.3 percent), Dr Beyers Naude (external 3 parasite, 43.6 percent), Intsika yethu (internal parasite, 75 percent), Makana (protozoa, 5.8 percent), Mbhashe (haemoparasite, 40 percent percent), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (haemoparasite, 12.5 percent), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7 percent). Parasitic diseases with the highest prevalence in the province between 2013 to 2018 were babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis, Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, and sheep scab. Livestock diseases are prevalent and unevenly distributed in the Eastern Cape Province. The diseases were mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Production Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The adoption of the twin peaks model in the regulation of South African financial markets : a comparative analysis.
- Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Authors: Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Financial services industry--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21278 , vital:48175
- Description: Over two decades ago, a number of countries have changed their financial regulatory models. The growing complexity of financial products, the increasing challenge of regulating large financial conglomerates, and the repercussions of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, amongst other factors, have made regulatory reform a key priority for many economies. A move towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation has been one of the trends in recent years. This model sees regulation split into two broad functions which are market conduct regulation and prudential regulation. South Africa adopted the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in 2017 as a way of strengthening its financial regulatory model. By adopting the Twin Peaks model, South Africa has become the eighth and the first developing country to adopt the financial regulatory model. The adoption of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in South Africa was mainly inspired by the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This study undertakes a comparison of the Twin Peaks model structure in South Africa with the structure of its counterparts, which are Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In doing so, the study identifies the strengths and possible weaknesses of the model in South Africa. The study discusses the extent to which the South African Twin Peaks model reflects international experience. The study traces the evolution of the financial markets and its regulation. It also delves into the main models of the regulation of financial services industry including the Twin Peaks model, which is the focus of the study. The rationale of South Africa’s adoption of the Twin Peaks model is also considered. The Twin Peaks model was introduced in South Africa through the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulatory Act. This legislation reveals that South Africa has drawn increasingly on international experience, particularly the structural design and the cooperation and collaboration of the regulators. It also reveals similarities, notable differences as well as characteristics that might be regarded as unique to South Africa. The similarities reveal that the South African Twin Peaks greatly aligns with that of its counterparts. This is exemplified through the cooperation and coordination between the regulators and the relationship between the regulators and the government amongst others. The study explores insights and lessons to South Africa which can be learnt from its counterparts like the need for effective coordination amongst the Twin Peak regulators. Thereafter, the study puts forward recommendations for reform, which can enable the effective implementation of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory architecture. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Financial services industry--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21278 , vital:48175
- Description: Over two decades ago, a number of countries have changed their financial regulatory models. The growing complexity of financial products, the increasing challenge of regulating large financial conglomerates, and the repercussions of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, amongst other factors, have made regulatory reform a key priority for many economies. A move towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation has been one of the trends in recent years. This model sees regulation split into two broad functions which are market conduct regulation and prudential regulation. South Africa adopted the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in 2017 as a way of strengthening its financial regulatory model. By adopting the Twin Peaks model, South Africa has become the eighth and the first developing country to adopt the financial regulatory model. The adoption of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in South Africa was mainly inspired by the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This study undertakes a comparison of the Twin Peaks model structure in South Africa with the structure of its counterparts, which are Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In doing so, the study identifies the strengths and possible weaknesses of the model in South Africa. The study discusses the extent to which the South African Twin Peaks model reflects international experience. The study traces the evolution of the financial markets and its regulation. It also delves into the main models of the regulation of financial services industry including the Twin Peaks model, which is the focus of the study. The rationale of South Africa’s adoption of the Twin Peaks model is also considered. The Twin Peaks model was introduced in South Africa through the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulatory Act. This legislation reveals that South Africa has drawn increasingly on international experience, particularly the structural design and the cooperation and collaboration of the regulators. It also reveals similarities, notable differences as well as characteristics that might be regarded as unique to South Africa. The similarities reveal that the South African Twin Peaks greatly aligns with that of its counterparts. This is exemplified through the cooperation and coordination between the regulators and the relationship between the regulators and the government amongst others. The study explores insights and lessons to South Africa which can be learnt from its counterparts like the need for effective coordination amongst the Twin Peak regulators. Thereafter, the study puts forward recommendations for reform, which can enable the effective implementation of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory architecture. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The effects of household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances and energy security among rural households in Mnquma Local Municipality
- Ntonjane, P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-9031
- Authors: Ntonjane, P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-9031
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Energy security , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22655 , vital:52617
- Description: Energy security is critical to global economic development and agricultural activities. Electricity is one of the most beneficial types of energy for rural household livelihoods and smallholder producers in South Africa. This study aims to examine the effects of household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances and energy security among agricultural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. The study employed primary data obtained from 224 households using simple random sampling technique across three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the household and the household agricultural income on the adoption of new electrical appliances and energy security across the three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics results indicated that non-electrified (67.1percent) and recently electrified (54.3percent) villages are dominated by female-headed households, while in electrified households there are more male head households (58.3percent). The results also show that among the households that have the highest total monthly income (greater than R15000), 34.5percent were electrified, 17.1 percent were recently electrified, and 4.3percent were non-electrified. The Binary logistic regression model's findings for the second objective revealed that household head factors such as age, monthly total household income, household size, and household agricultural income have significant effects on energy security. The study's findings revealed that household agricultural income has a significant impact at a 5 percent significant level on the adoption of electrical appliances. Binary logistic regression findings for the third objective revealed that on new electrical appliance adoption there was a significant effect of gender (at 5percent level), household size, energy security, and household agricultural income at a 1percent significance level. Binary logistic regression revealed that the coefficient of household size variable is positive and significant at a 1percent significant level on energy security and electrical appliance adoption. In this study, household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances has been found to be the most critical factor influencing the energy security status of households among the selected rural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. As a result, policies must be put in place to facilitate access to electrical appliances through electrification programs, invention of affordable electric appliances, encourage participation in agricultural production and agricultural market access, that will provide households with social benefits. To improve energy security, electrical appliances should be simple to use and aid in the transition from biomass to electricity. , Thesis (MAgric) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Ntonjane, P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9432-9031
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Energy security , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22655 , vital:52617
- Description: Energy security is critical to global economic development and agricultural activities. Electricity is one of the most beneficial types of energy for rural household livelihoods and smallholder producers in South Africa. This study aims to examine the effects of household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances and energy security among agricultural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. The study employed primary data obtained from 224 households using simple random sampling technique across three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the household and the household agricultural income on the adoption of new electrical appliances and energy security across the three electrification stages. Descriptive statistics results indicated that non-electrified (67.1percent) and recently electrified (54.3percent) villages are dominated by female-headed households, while in electrified households there are more male head households (58.3percent). The results also show that among the households that have the highest total monthly income (greater than R15000), 34.5percent were electrified, 17.1 percent were recently electrified, and 4.3percent were non-electrified. The Binary logistic regression model's findings for the second objective revealed that household head factors such as age, monthly total household income, household size, and household agricultural income have significant effects on energy security. The study's findings revealed that household agricultural income has a significant impact at a 5 percent significant level on the adoption of electrical appliances. Binary logistic regression findings for the third objective revealed that on new electrical appliance adoption there was a significant effect of gender (at 5percent level), household size, energy security, and household agricultural income at a 1percent significance level. Binary logistic regression revealed that the coefficient of household size variable is positive and significant at a 1percent significant level on energy security and electrical appliance adoption. In this study, household agricultural income on the adoption of electrical appliances has been found to be the most critical factor influencing the energy security status of households among the selected rural households in Mnquma Local Municipality. As a result, policies must be put in place to facilitate access to electrical appliances through electrification programs, invention of affordable electric appliances, encourage participation in agricultural production and agricultural market access, that will provide households with social benefits. To improve energy security, electrical appliances should be simple to use and aid in the transition from biomass to electricity. , Thesis (MAgric) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The enforcement of code conduct in local government: the case of O R Tambo District.
- Authors: Tyali, Gcobani Sonwabile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Public administration--Moral and ethical aspects , Civil service ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21300 , vital:48381
- Description: The post-apartheid transformative agenda for local government in South Africa (SA) was built on a system of new key performance areas for public employees. The problems of accountability and transparency in local government finance management, as well as good governance and the capacity building of those public officials designated to support local development, were among them. Over the years, the conduct of public officials has received more scrutiny in the media as well as in academic research. Ethics management therefore, has garnered more attention as well especially in the fight against corruption. The premise is that, if ethics management can be institutionalised public officials can become more effective and discharge their duties with respect for public resources. The imperative for the implementation of an ethical framework was also based on the need to ensure inclusive development which can be enhanced by ensuring accountability by local government functionaries. In this regard, the conduct of municipal functionaries and its regulation based on the code of conduct takes centre stage. The study contextualises ethics management and its efficacy with specific reference to the code of conduct and its role in the prevalence of unethical conduct. The results reveal glaring inconsistencies in the implementation of the code of conduct and a myriad of challenges rendering ethics management ineffective. , Thesis (MA) (Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Tyali, Gcobani Sonwabile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Public administration--Moral and ethical aspects , Civil service ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21300 , vital:48381
- Description: The post-apartheid transformative agenda for local government in South Africa (SA) was built on a system of new key performance areas for public employees. The problems of accountability and transparency in local government finance management, as well as good governance and the capacity building of those public officials designated to support local development, were among them. Over the years, the conduct of public officials has received more scrutiny in the media as well as in academic research. Ethics management therefore, has garnered more attention as well especially in the fight against corruption. The premise is that, if ethics management can be institutionalised public officials can become more effective and discharge their duties with respect for public resources. The imperative for the implementation of an ethical framework was also based on the need to ensure inclusive development which can be enhanced by ensuring accountability by local government functionaries. In this regard, the conduct of municipal functionaries and its regulation based on the code of conduct takes centre stage. The study contextualises ethics management and its efficacy with specific reference to the code of conduct and its role in the prevalence of unethical conduct. The results reveal glaring inconsistencies in the implementation of the code of conduct and a myriad of challenges rendering ethics management ineffective. , Thesis (MA) (Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The escalation of gender war within post-colonial South African society: an interrogation of beauty’s gift by Sindiwe Magona, happiness is a four-letter word by Cynthia Jele and black widow society by Angela Makholwa
- Authors: Goremusandu, Tania
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Women and literature -- Africa , Women in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21927 , vital:51843
- Description: The critical analysis of gender war in the African context is not a new venture but it is rather a significant discussion to the development of gender and feminist theories. The primary focus of this study is to investigate the limitations to empowerment that African women face at the hands of a post-colonial patriarchal society like South Africa, exacerbated by the oppression and subjugation employed by patriarchal and cultural norms. Thus, the research provides a comparative analysis of three contemporary novels by award winning South African women writers in African literature: Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa. These three dedicated women writers examine the different ways in which African patriarchy and culture oppress professional, educated women. Their work portray gender and / or female oppression and the stereotypes experienced by African women in the context of post-colonial, heavily patriarchal South African society. Therefore, this study interrogates the experience of South African women, as explored in the texts, revealing the literary expressions of gender oppression as well as the possibilities of empowerment. In addition, the texts are analysed through the lens of the Feminist literary criticism theory, Gender studies and African feminism. Through the examination offered by these theories, the study focuses on the experiences of South African women, as expressed by the female characters in the selected texts, through a critical analysis of female oppression and resistance and on the idea that gender is constructed socially and culturally in the African context. As this project reveals, the problem arising within post-colonial South African society is that women are still oppressed and are seen as passive and submissive. As a result, patriarchal perspectives combined with women’s economic dependence on men, make reaching self-actualization a challenging and even terrifying experience, and is often impossible for most women to achieve. Thus, there is a need to understand the experiences of these women so that effective and culturally sensitive interventions can be implemented. The emergence of these renowned female South African writers together with the emancipation of African countries from colonial supremacy has opened a space for women to compensate for and correct the stereotyped female images in African literature and in post-colonial societies. Most contemporary African writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Neshani Andreas, Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa have shown that women are seeking empowerment and liberation. Therefore, this study seeks to highlight such experiences through its critical interrogation of the writings of selected South African women writers and the exploration of their gender-based themes in order to inform and or inspire women empowerment. It is intended to broaden and encourage further academic discussion in the fields of Feminism literary criticism, Gender studies and African feminism as well as women’s literature within the African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Goremusandu, Tania
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Women and literature -- Africa , Women in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21927 , vital:51843
- Description: The critical analysis of gender war in the African context is not a new venture but it is rather a significant discussion to the development of gender and feminist theories. The primary focus of this study is to investigate the limitations to empowerment that African women face at the hands of a post-colonial patriarchal society like South Africa, exacerbated by the oppression and subjugation employed by patriarchal and cultural norms. Thus, the research provides a comparative analysis of three contemporary novels by award winning South African women writers in African literature: Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa. These three dedicated women writers examine the different ways in which African patriarchy and culture oppress professional, educated women. Their work portray gender and / or female oppression and the stereotypes experienced by African women in the context of post-colonial, heavily patriarchal South African society. Therefore, this study interrogates the experience of South African women, as explored in the texts, revealing the literary expressions of gender oppression as well as the possibilities of empowerment. In addition, the texts are analysed through the lens of the Feminist literary criticism theory, Gender studies and African feminism. Through the examination offered by these theories, the study focuses on the experiences of South African women, as expressed by the female characters in the selected texts, through a critical analysis of female oppression and resistance and on the idea that gender is constructed socially and culturally in the African context. As this project reveals, the problem arising within post-colonial South African society is that women are still oppressed and are seen as passive and submissive. As a result, patriarchal perspectives combined with women’s economic dependence on men, make reaching self-actualization a challenging and even terrifying experience, and is often impossible for most women to achieve. Thus, there is a need to understand the experiences of these women so that effective and culturally sensitive interventions can be implemented. The emergence of these renowned female South African writers together with the emancipation of African countries from colonial supremacy has opened a space for women to compensate for and correct the stereotyped female images in African literature and in post-colonial societies. Most contemporary African writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Neshani Andreas, Sindiwe Magona, Cynthia Jele and Angela Makholwa have shown that women are seeking empowerment and liberation. Therefore, this study seeks to highlight such experiences through its critical interrogation of the writings of selected South African women writers and the exploration of their gender-based themes in order to inform and or inspire women empowerment. It is intended to broaden and encourage further academic discussion in the fields of Feminism literary criticism, Gender studies and African feminism as well as women’s literature within the African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The impact of financial inclusion on poverty: a case of selected SADC countries.
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkazimulo Glitter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Poverty--Africa , Poverty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21311 , vital:48393
- Description: Financial inclusion is widely regarded as another conduit through which poverty can be alleviated. However, both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial inclusion on poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial inclusion on poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which include (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia). The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Based on the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Social Justice Theory: Tunnel effect, 5 different models were estimated. Variables used to capture the different dimensions of financial inclusion include ATMs per 1000km and Bank Accounts per 1000 adults as well as Bank’s private Credit to GDP and Commercial Bank branches per 1000 adults’. The control variables used in the study are; GDP per Capita, Government Consumption, Inflation and Education. Empirical results revealed that financial inclusion reduces the level of poverty in the selected SADC states. The results also revealed that GDP per capita and government spending have a negative effect on poverty in the region. An interesting finding, even though not the major focus of the study was the effect of education. The results revealed that lower levels of education may exacerbate the level of poverty in the region. At the same time, tertiary education was found to have a negative and significant effect on poverty. The empirical results imply that policy makers should center their focus on reforms that will ensure that more people are financially included in the region. Also policies promoting high growth levels and acquisition of higher levels of education should be pursued. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkazimulo Glitter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Poverty--Africa , Poverty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21311 , vital:48393
- Description: Financial inclusion is widely regarded as another conduit through which poverty can be alleviated. However, both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial inclusion on poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial inclusion on poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which include (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia). The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Based on the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Social Justice Theory: Tunnel effect, 5 different models were estimated. Variables used to capture the different dimensions of financial inclusion include ATMs per 1000km and Bank Accounts per 1000 adults as well as Bank’s private Credit to GDP and Commercial Bank branches per 1000 adults’. The control variables used in the study are; GDP per Capita, Government Consumption, Inflation and Education. Empirical results revealed that financial inclusion reduces the level of poverty in the selected SADC states. The results also revealed that GDP per capita and government spending have a negative effect on poverty in the region. An interesting finding, even though not the major focus of the study was the effect of education. The results revealed that lower levels of education may exacerbate the level of poverty in the region. At the same time, tertiary education was found to have a negative and significant effect on poverty. The empirical results imply that policy makers should center their focus on reforms that will ensure that more people are financially included in the region. Also policies promoting high growth levels and acquisition of higher levels of education should be pursued. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The investigation of groundwater potential zones in the Neotectonic area of Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Nonkula, Zenande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3858-7703
- Authors: Nonkula, Zenande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3858-7703
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Groundwater , Water-supply , Neotectonics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22875 , vital:53068
- Description: Ntabankulu extends from latitude 30° 51' 09"S to 31° 09' 10" S and from longitude 29° 06' 51"E to 29° 23' 49"E in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Ntabankulu Local Municipality has 141 villages with 125 976 population size. About 36% of villages do not have water sources, 38% have partial functional water sources, 6% have non-functional water sources, and 20 % have reliable water sources, primarily rivers (Mnceba, Caba and Mzimvubu). Water is scarce in this area, especially in the dry season when perennial rivers and springs become dry. This research investigates groundwater potential zones and identifies suitable aquifers that can be developed to augment the water resources. The study involved: literature review, remote sensing, borehole and springs data, geological, petrographic and geophysical (gravity, magnetic and electrical resistivity) analyses. Each method has its purpose in finding the potential groundwater zones. Ntabankulu Local Municipality is located on the Karoo Supergroup in Ecca and Beaufort Group, Adelaide Subgroup and Balfour Formation. During field analysis, it was observed that this area consists of sandstone, shale and dolerite sills, dykes and complex rings. Fining up sequences, massive bedding, concretions, and spheroidal weathering were observed in sandstone, shale, and dolerite, respectively. Groundwater seepages are found within these structures. Sandstones are yellow due to the presence of limonite because of the continuous seepage. Red coloured laminated shale reflects that the rock has an iron oxidation state with hematite (Fe2O3) on the sediments. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) method was used to extract lineaments. Lineaments dominate Ntabankulu with an NW-SE direction. Some of the lineaments are due to Karoo igneous intrusions, and others are due to neotectonic activities. Ntabankulu is located on the eastern and northern neotectonic belts. Geological maps and lineament maps were compared; it was observed that sandstones and shales are found on high liinament density areas. High yielding boreholes and springs coincide with lineaments, and some lineaments are faults. Hence areas that have high lineaments density could be groundwater potential zones. There are geological structures (faults, joints, and fractures) that are present. Systematic and non-systematic joints are found on sandstones which are due to extensional stress. These joints have been reactivated and acted as strike-slip faults. All these geological structures increase the porosity and permeability of the rocks. It was observed that the area of Ntabankulu consists of coarse-grained and medium-grained sandstone with quartz and orthoclase minerals. Dolerite consists of labradorite, clinopyroxene, olivine, oxide minerals with twinning formed during cooling and magma crystallisation. The gravity and magnetic methods were used to study the subsurface rock density contrasts and susceptibilities, respectively. The gravity and magnetic maps were generated in Geosoft Oasis 8.3 software. High gravity zones coincide with some of the mapped Karoo intrusions. Unmapped dolerite intrusions, lineaments and faults were inferred. The magnetic method delineated the subsurface structures (lineaments and faults), which are known to control groundwater accumulation. These structures and inferred dolerite intrusions helped in identifying groundwater potential zones. Groundwater potential zones were inferred in sedimentary rocks between dolerite intrusions and areas where sills and dykes intersect. A total of six vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted at Mzalwaneni and Tabankulu town areas using the Schlumberger configuration array with a maximum penetration depth of about 25- 33 m. The VES data were modelled in Winresist and Surfer 9 software to obtain 1D models and geoelectric sections, respectively. These 1D models have three layers with response curves of H-type. The top layer is about 0.4 - 0.7 m thick, with resistivity values from 12.3 – 1885.9 Ωm and is topsoil (sand and clay). The second layer of thickness 5.2 – 13.3 m has low resistivity values from 23.1- 44.9 Ωm. This layer is interpreted to be fractured shales and sandstones possibly containing water. The third layer of high resistivity values of 145.9 – 727.4 Ωm is inferred to be sandstone. The simultaneous interpretation of resistivity and normalised chargeability revealed that groundwater potential zones are characterised by low resistivity values and low normalised chargeability values for layers from 0.7 - 13.3 m depth. The groundwatwer in the area of Ntabankulu can be found on unconfined aquifers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Nonkula, Zenande https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3858-7703
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Groundwater , Water-supply , Neotectonics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22875 , vital:53068
- Description: Ntabankulu extends from latitude 30° 51' 09"S to 31° 09' 10" S and from longitude 29° 06' 51"E to 29° 23' 49"E in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Ntabankulu Local Municipality has 141 villages with 125 976 population size. About 36% of villages do not have water sources, 38% have partial functional water sources, 6% have non-functional water sources, and 20 % have reliable water sources, primarily rivers (Mnceba, Caba and Mzimvubu). Water is scarce in this area, especially in the dry season when perennial rivers and springs become dry. This research investigates groundwater potential zones and identifies suitable aquifers that can be developed to augment the water resources. The study involved: literature review, remote sensing, borehole and springs data, geological, petrographic and geophysical (gravity, magnetic and electrical resistivity) analyses. Each method has its purpose in finding the potential groundwater zones. Ntabankulu Local Municipality is located on the Karoo Supergroup in Ecca and Beaufort Group, Adelaide Subgroup and Balfour Formation. During field analysis, it was observed that this area consists of sandstone, shale and dolerite sills, dykes and complex rings. Fining up sequences, massive bedding, concretions, and spheroidal weathering were observed in sandstone, shale, and dolerite, respectively. Groundwater seepages are found within these structures. Sandstones are yellow due to the presence of limonite because of the continuous seepage. Red coloured laminated shale reflects that the rock has an iron oxidation state with hematite (Fe2O3) on the sediments. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) method was used to extract lineaments. Lineaments dominate Ntabankulu with an NW-SE direction. Some of the lineaments are due to Karoo igneous intrusions, and others are due to neotectonic activities. Ntabankulu is located on the eastern and northern neotectonic belts. Geological maps and lineament maps were compared; it was observed that sandstones and shales are found on high liinament density areas. High yielding boreholes and springs coincide with lineaments, and some lineaments are faults. Hence areas that have high lineaments density could be groundwater potential zones. There are geological structures (faults, joints, and fractures) that are present. Systematic and non-systematic joints are found on sandstones which are due to extensional stress. These joints have been reactivated and acted as strike-slip faults. All these geological structures increase the porosity and permeability of the rocks. It was observed that the area of Ntabankulu consists of coarse-grained and medium-grained sandstone with quartz and orthoclase minerals. Dolerite consists of labradorite, clinopyroxene, olivine, oxide minerals with twinning formed during cooling and magma crystallisation. The gravity and magnetic methods were used to study the subsurface rock density contrasts and susceptibilities, respectively. The gravity and magnetic maps were generated in Geosoft Oasis 8.3 software. High gravity zones coincide with some of the mapped Karoo intrusions. Unmapped dolerite intrusions, lineaments and faults were inferred. The magnetic method delineated the subsurface structures (lineaments and faults), which are known to control groundwater accumulation. These structures and inferred dolerite intrusions helped in identifying groundwater potential zones. Groundwater potential zones were inferred in sedimentary rocks between dolerite intrusions and areas where sills and dykes intersect. A total of six vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted at Mzalwaneni and Tabankulu town areas using the Schlumberger configuration array with a maximum penetration depth of about 25- 33 m. The VES data were modelled in Winresist and Surfer 9 software to obtain 1D models and geoelectric sections, respectively. These 1D models have three layers with response curves of H-type. The top layer is about 0.4 - 0.7 m thick, with resistivity values from 12.3 – 1885.9 Ωm and is topsoil (sand and clay). The second layer of thickness 5.2 – 13.3 m has low resistivity values from 23.1- 44.9 Ωm. This layer is interpreted to be fractured shales and sandstones possibly containing water. The third layer of high resistivity values of 145.9 – 727.4 Ωm is inferred to be sandstone. The simultaneous interpretation of resistivity and normalised chargeability revealed that groundwater potential zones are characterised by low resistivity values and low normalised chargeability values for layers from 0.7 - 13.3 m depth. The groundwatwer in the area of Ntabankulu can be found on unconfined aquifers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Vulnerability assessment of wetland ecosystems to water demand, climate variability and land-use/cover change: The case of Die Vlei wetland, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1032-8937
- Authors: Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1032-8937
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Water-supply , Climate change mitigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22688 , vital:52656
- Description: Water scarcity is a major challenge in many different countries, particularly arid and or semi-arid like South Africa. Wetlands are one of the freshwater ecosystems that may assist in alleviating water scarcity because they are valuable not only as a water source for humans but also as an ecosystem of animals and plant species. However, wetlands have been experiencing rapid rates of vulnerability/risk due to alterations by population growth leading to enhanced water demand, climate variability, and human activities leading to land cover/land-use changes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are less financially taxing methods useful in studying water scarcity, as shown in this study. The study begins with a literature review presentation based on a desk study from predominantly academic publications and additional municipal and consultancy reports on the wetland ecosystem’s vulnerability/risk and focuses on applying GIS & RS in related studies. After that, the study conducts a vulnerability assessment using the Ramsar Convention’s wetland vulnerability assessment using the theoretical framework stages using GIS and RS technologies. The study hypothesizes that water demand, climate variability, and land-use/cover changes (LULC) are the tri-factor responsible for wetland vulnerability. It begins the assessment by first quantifying wetland water demand using the wetland water budget, ecosystem services and the Penman-Montheith-FAO (ETo) evapotranspiration index. Secondly, objectively representing climate variability on wetland vulnerability using trend analysis to measure rainfall and temperature variability. Thirdly, reconstructing LULC changes from multi-date remotely sensed SPOT imagery over ten years from 2007 to 2017 to identify and monitor impacts of trends. The vulnerability was assessed through a Principle Component Analysis (PCA) that identified relevant variables and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) to evaluate the wetland’s exposure. The study concludes that there is evidence of a possible increase in water demand whilst climate variability, which is estimated to have a 39% contribution to the wetland dynamics, is characterised by a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures. Lastly, LULC trends showed a marked increase in domestic and commercial farming, and farming has been identified as a wetland stressor of note. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1032-8937
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Water-supply , Climate change mitigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22688 , vital:52656
- Description: Water scarcity is a major challenge in many different countries, particularly arid and or semi-arid like South Africa. Wetlands are one of the freshwater ecosystems that may assist in alleviating water scarcity because they are valuable not only as a water source for humans but also as an ecosystem of animals and plant species. However, wetlands have been experiencing rapid rates of vulnerability/risk due to alterations by population growth leading to enhanced water demand, climate variability, and human activities leading to land cover/land-use changes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are less financially taxing methods useful in studying water scarcity, as shown in this study. The study begins with a literature review presentation based on a desk study from predominantly academic publications and additional municipal and consultancy reports on the wetland ecosystem’s vulnerability/risk and focuses on applying GIS & RS in related studies. After that, the study conducts a vulnerability assessment using the Ramsar Convention’s wetland vulnerability assessment using the theoretical framework stages using GIS and RS technologies. The study hypothesizes that water demand, climate variability, and land-use/cover changes (LULC) are the tri-factor responsible for wetland vulnerability. It begins the assessment by first quantifying wetland water demand using the wetland water budget, ecosystem services and the Penman-Montheith-FAO (ETo) evapotranspiration index. Secondly, objectively representing climate variability on wetland vulnerability using trend analysis to measure rainfall and temperature variability. Thirdly, reconstructing LULC changes from multi-date remotely sensed SPOT imagery over ten years from 2007 to 2017 to identify and monitor impacts of trends. The vulnerability was assessed through a Principle Component Analysis (PCA) that identified relevant variables and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) to evaluate the wetland’s exposure. The study concludes that there is evidence of a possible increase in water demand whilst climate variability, which is estimated to have a 39% contribution to the wetland dynamics, is characterised by a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures. Lastly, LULC trends showed a marked increase in domestic and commercial farming, and farming has been identified as a wetland stressor of note. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Agro-morphological characterisation, nitrogen use efficiency and combining ability of quality protein maize (zea mays l.) genotypes for low nitrogen tolerance
- AdeOluwa, Olusola Oluyinka https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-2145-7141
- Authors: AdeOluwa, Olusola Oluyinka https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-2145-7141
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Corn -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21501 , vital:48855 , http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85032715
- Description: Low nitrogen stress tolerant Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes will be of great benefit to farmers for increasing productivity in nitrogen depleted soils in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province, South Africa (SA). The current study evaluated: (i) QPM inbred lines for tolerance to low soil nitrogen, (ii) the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of different QPM inbred lines, (iii) the combining ability of QPM genotypes for tolerance to low nitrogen, grain yield, and other agro-morphological traits, and (iv) the agro-morphological characteristics and adaptation of QPM hybrids to environments of different production potential in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Thirty-two white-seeded QPM inbred lines obtained from CIMMYT-Zimbabwe and Quality Seeds (PTY) LTD were evaluated for tolerance to low soil nitrogen stress using two nitrogen (N) treatment levels: 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 under both glasshouse and field conditions at the Crop Research farm, University of Fort Hare, in two planting seasons. The study aimed at assessing the response of QPM inbred lines to low N, with a view to identifying low N tolerant types under both glasshouse and field conditions. Shoot length stress tolerance index (SHL STI) indicated lines L23, L29, L27, L13, L16, L17, L31, L14, L18 and L22 to be low soil N tolerant from the glasshouse study. From the field study, low N Stress Tolerance Index (STI) identified inbred lines L23, L31, L26, L28, L25, L29, L32, L4, L6, L3 and L2 as low soil N tolerant. These inbred lines also had high grain yields (GY) in the field under 0 kg N ha-1 (all ranked within the top ten except L2). They also had the potential for stable yields across environments considering their high Yield Stability Index (YSI), Mean Productivity (MP), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) and Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI) values. Both the glasshouse and field studies revealed inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 were common to both the glasshouse and field studies as being low soil N tolerant. These thirty-two parental QPM inbred lines were evaluated in the field for their nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under five different nitrogen levels: 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1. The inbred lines studied under 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 indicated that N level expressed highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) for total nitrogen in biomass (Bio Total N), total nitrogen in grain (G Total N), grain yield (GY), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and almost all the indices estimated. The top six nutrient use efficient genotypes were L9, L14, L23, L25, L29 and L32 across N levels. However, the best and highest NUE was obtained from the lowest fertilizer dose, 30 kg N ha-1. Highly significant and positive correlation coefficients were found between Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and yield (+0.9), NUE and NUtE (+0.9), NUE and HI (Harvest Index) (+0.5), NUtE and yield (+0.99), HI and yield (+0.5) and NUtE and HI (+0.5). Thus, NUE, HI and NUtE could be good predictors of yield potential under low N soil conditions. Sixty-four testcross hybrids were generated from crossing these 32 QPM inbred lines with two QPM open pollinated varieties (OPVs) as testers in a line x tester design and were evaluated under 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 in the field. The objectives of the experiment were to: (i) identify high yielding hybrids with tolerance to low soil N in the EC; (ii) determine the combining abilities and mode of gene action for various traits under low and high nitrogen conditions; and (iii) group the inbred lines into heterotic groups for future use in the breeding program. Results revealed that under 30 kg N ha-1 (30N) condition, both additive and non-additive gene effects were observed with less importance of non-additive gene action for grain yield. Based on specific combining ability (SCA) effects, hybrids LNC22, LNC31, LOB22, LNC30, LNC29, LOB11, LNC18, LOB30, LOB19 and LNC24 showed outstanding performance under 0 kg N ha-1 (0N) condition with relatively acceptable SCA under 30N for yield. Inbred lines L6 (1.63), L22 (1.74), L29 (1.83) and L30 (1.24) showed positive and significant GCAs for grain yield under 0N. They were identified as the best combiners for grain yield as they were among the top ten performers for GCA under 0N. They can be very useful sources of low N tolerance genes. Two heterotic groups were formed under 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 conditions, and they will be useful for future hybrid development in the breeding program. Furthermore, these thirty-two QPM inbred lines were utilised as parental lines to generate seventy-six single cross hybrids. These single cross hybrids were evaluated across three environments of varying production potential in the Eastern Cape (EC), during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 summer seasons. Non-QPM hybrids namely PAN5Q649R and Phb31MO7BR, as well as QPM OPVs OBATANPA and Nelson's Choice were included in these preliminary variety trials (PVTs) as checks. Twenty-five hybrids expressing high values for the Smith – Hazel selection index were identified across sites over years. Among those hybrids were two checks, namely Q16 (PAN5Q649R) and Q33 (Phb31MO7BR). The top five high – yielding hybrids selected based on the selection index were considered to be the most productive, stable and adaptable based on the GGE biplot and AMMI stability values. None of these single cross hybrids over yielded the best hybrid check (Q16) in the current study. A high potential environment, Centane, was the ideal environments for evaluating genotypes in the present study. The studies showed inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 to be low N stress tolerant at 0 kg N ha-1 based on the low N stress tolerance indices under glasshouse and the field conditions; they were also among the top ten grain-yielders under field conditions at 0 kg N ha-1. Also, in the NUE study, they were found to be among the top ten most N-efficient inbred lines under low N soils, under 30 kg N ha-1, and were among the top twenty-four inbred lines with high NUE values across the N levels in the study. Inbred lines L29 and L22 also produced testcross hybrids that were among the top twenty based on GY under 0 kg N ha-1. The testcross hybrids produced from these inbred lines were also among the top twenty-five with outstanding SCA effects for GY. These inbred lines were also parental lines of some of the top twenty- five best hybrids selected based on the Smith – Hazel selection index in the PVT study. Inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 can therefore further be evaluated and used as sources of N-tolerance genes in QPM breeding programs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
- Authors: AdeOluwa, Olusola Oluyinka https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-2145-7141
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Corn -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21501 , vital:48855 , http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85032715
- Description: Low nitrogen stress tolerant Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes will be of great benefit to farmers for increasing productivity in nitrogen depleted soils in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province, South Africa (SA). The current study evaluated: (i) QPM inbred lines for tolerance to low soil nitrogen, (ii) the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of different QPM inbred lines, (iii) the combining ability of QPM genotypes for tolerance to low nitrogen, grain yield, and other agro-morphological traits, and (iv) the agro-morphological characteristics and adaptation of QPM hybrids to environments of different production potential in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Thirty-two white-seeded QPM inbred lines obtained from CIMMYT-Zimbabwe and Quality Seeds (PTY) LTD were evaluated for tolerance to low soil nitrogen stress using two nitrogen (N) treatment levels: 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 under both glasshouse and field conditions at the Crop Research farm, University of Fort Hare, in two planting seasons. The study aimed at assessing the response of QPM inbred lines to low N, with a view to identifying low N tolerant types under both glasshouse and field conditions. Shoot length stress tolerance index (SHL STI) indicated lines L23, L29, L27, L13, L16, L17, L31, L14, L18 and L22 to be low soil N tolerant from the glasshouse study. From the field study, low N Stress Tolerance Index (STI) identified inbred lines L23, L31, L26, L28, L25, L29, L32, L4, L6, L3 and L2 as low soil N tolerant. These inbred lines also had high grain yields (GY) in the field under 0 kg N ha-1 (all ranked within the top ten except L2). They also had the potential for stable yields across environments considering their high Yield Stability Index (YSI), Mean Productivity (MP), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) and Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI) values. Both the glasshouse and field studies revealed inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 were common to both the glasshouse and field studies as being low soil N tolerant. These thirty-two parental QPM inbred lines were evaluated in the field for their nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under five different nitrogen levels: 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1. The inbred lines studied under 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 indicated that N level expressed highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) for total nitrogen in biomass (Bio Total N), total nitrogen in grain (G Total N), grain yield (GY), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and almost all the indices estimated. The top six nutrient use efficient genotypes were L9, L14, L23, L25, L29 and L32 across N levels. However, the best and highest NUE was obtained from the lowest fertilizer dose, 30 kg N ha-1. Highly significant and positive correlation coefficients were found between Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and yield (+0.9), NUE and NUtE (+0.9), NUE and HI (Harvest Index) (+0.5), NUtE and yield (+0.99), HI and yield (+0.5) and NUtE and HI (+0.5). Thus, NUE, HI and NUtE could be good predictors of yield potential under low N soil conditions. Sixty-four testcross hybrids were generated from crossing these 32 QPM inbred lines with two QPM open pollinated varieties (OPVs) as testers in a line x tester design and were evaluated under 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 in the field. The objectives of the experiment were to: (i) identify high yielding hybrids with tolerance to low soil N in the EC; (ii) determine the combining abilities and mode of gene action for various traits under low and high nitrogen conditions; and (iii) group the inbred lines into heterotic groups for future use in the breeding program. Results revealed that under 30 kg N ha-1 (30N) condition, both additive and non-additive gene effects were observed with less importance of non-additive gene action for grain yield. Based on specific combining ability (SCA) effects, hybrids LNC22, LNC31, LOB22, LNC30, LNC29, LOB11, LNC18, LOB30, LOB19 and LNC24 showed outstanding performance under 0 kg N ha-1 (0N) condition with relatively acceptable SCA under 30N for yield. Inbred lines L6 (1.63), L22 (1.74), L29 (1.83) and L30 (1.24) showed positive and significant GCAs for grain yield under 0N. They were identified as the best combiners for grain yield as they were among the top ten performers for GCA under 0N. They can be very useful sources of low N tolerance genes. Two heterotic groups were formed under 0 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 conditions, and they will be useful for future hybrid development in the breeding program. Furthermore, these thirty-two QPM inbred lines were utilised as parental lines to generate seventy-six single cross hybrids. These single cross hybrids were evaluated across three environments of varying production potential in the Eastern Cape (EC), during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 summer seasons. Non-QPM hybrids namely PAN5Q649R and Phb31MO7BR, as well as QPM OPVs OBATANPA and Nelson's Choice were included in these preliminary variety trials (PVTs) as checks. Twenty-five hybrids expressing high values for the Smith – Hazel selection index were identified across sites over years. Among those hybrids were two checks, namely Q16 (PAN5Q649R) and Q33 (Phb31MO7BR). The top five high – yielding hybrids selected based on the selection index were considered to be the most productive, stable and adaptable based on the GGE biplot and AMMI stability values. None of these single cross hybrids over yielded the best hybrid check (Q16) in the current study. A high potential environment, Centane, was the ideal environments for evaluating genotypes in the present study. The studies showed inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 to be low N stress tolerant at 0 kg N ha-1 based on the low N stress tolerance indices under glasshouse and the field conditions; they were also among the top ten grain-yielders under field conditions at 0 kg N ha-1. Also, in the NUE study, they were found to be among the top ten most N-efficient inbred lines under low N soils, under 30 kg N ha-1, and were among the top twenty-four inbred lines with high NUE values across the N levels in the study. Inbred lines L29 and L22 also produced testcross hybrids that were among the top twenty based on GY under 0 kg N ha-1. The testcross hybrids produced from these inbred lines were also among the top twenty-five with outstanding SCA effects for GY. These inbred lines were also parental lines of some of the top twenty- five best hybrids selected based on the Smith – Hazel selection index in the PVT study. Inbred lines L22, L23, L26, L28, L25, L29 and L31 can therefore further be evaluated and used as sources of N-tolerance genes in QPM breeding programs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Comparative performance of 3-kWp ranges Solar Photovoltaic Systems under varying meteorological conditions in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Apeh, Oliver Okechukwu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4076-0613
- Authors: Apeh, Oliver Okechukwu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4076-0613
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems , Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21567 , vital:48888
- Description: PVsystem has recently emerged in South Africa as a way to curb the country’s persistent shortage of electricity. A wide effort for the past few decades have targeted at study, testing and demonstration of PV power systems which was established all over the country as an appropriate measure to tackle transportation, agriculture, industry, commercial as well as domestic activities. In view of these drives, both off-grid and grid-connected PV systems are being applied. However, operating a building with an off-grid system is one of the means to providing the possibility of energy access to places far away from the national grid. As an off-grid choice, 50 W SHS is being distributed to customers in distant rustic parts of the country where grid option is difficult to access. But the SHS of the stated capacity can barely generate 0.3 to 0.4 kWh of electric energy per day, even at the optimal solar radiations. In view of this, more efforts are directed at expanding the off-grid systems to accommodate large rural households in South Africa. This thesis is dedicated to a study on the various configurations and components of PV power plant as a way to enhance electricity generations in South Africa. To this effect, different power plants were considered at SolarWatt park, University of Fort Hare with the aim to conduct a comparative analysis of the charge controllers with respect to the charge and discharge rates of their respective batteries. The grid-connected PV power generation was classified into hybrid PV and grid-assisted PV, while off-grid is a BIPV. These power plants generations were installed for the purpose of research level with a total capacity of 11.4 kW. The off-grid system is made up of HIT modules, FlexMax80 charge controller, Victron energy inverter and M-Molar battery bank. The hybrid and grid-assisted systems each consist of 15 polycrystalline modules and Microcare charge controllers. In addition, hybrid comprises SMA Sunny Island inverter and Trojan battery bank whereas grid-assisted consist of Microcare inverter and Hoppercke battery bank. The first part of the experimental work was monitored, and the meteorological parameters which are ambient temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity and wind speed, were measured and evaluated while electrical parameters includes PV current and voltage, MPPT current and voltage, battery current and voltage and inverter current and voltage were also measured and evaluated in the second part of the experiment. This lasted for a period of four years, starting from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2020. Similarly, the second aspect was to monitor the electrical performance of the three systems and was performed for a period of six months, starting from January to June 2019. During the second experiment, hybrid and grid-assisted systems were reconfigured to function as off-grid systems. Moreover, a detailed data acquisition system designed to measure and record both meteorological and electrical parameters affecting the performance of the systems. The electrical parameters include PV current and voltage, MPPT current, battery current and voltage and inverter current and voltage. Other parameters in the measurements are; inverter efficiency, active and apparent power, while meteorological parameters include; solar irradiance, ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction. The meteorological results show that the maximum and minimum mean amount of global solar radiation was 7.34 kWh/m2/day in December and 3.03 kWh/m2/day in June, respectively, while the average radiation and temperature for the typical year were 4.98 kWh/m2/day and 16.88 oC respectively. The solar radiations obtained are within the range in major places in South Africa. Similarly, an average wind speed of 2.5 m/s is experienced in Alice in a year and average solar radiation of 606.06 W/m2 in summer and 346.17 W/m2 in winter. The three lead-acid battery systems monitored under the electrical aspect are M-Molar, Trojan and Hoppecke battery systems. It was established that the charging current decreases gradually from 27.7 to 18.5 A for the M-Molar while Hoppecke and Trojan deceased respectively from 15 to 10 A and 23 to 13 A at the end of each phase by charging it at the maximum power point of the PV array. It was equally found that the M-Molar battery current has the highest rate of charging and quickest rate of discharging in comparison to the other two batteries. Finally, from the results gotten from this research, we may propose that the solar PV system contributes significantly to the satisfaction of the needed electricity in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
- Authors: Apeh, Oliver Okechukwu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4076-0613
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems , Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21567 , vital:48888
- Description: PVsystem has recently emerged in South Africa as a way to curb the country’s persistent shortage of electricity. A wide effort for the past few decades have targeted at study, testing and demonstration of PV power systems which was established all over the country as an appropriate measure to tackle transportation, agriculture, industry, commercial as well as domestic activities. In view of these drives, both off-grid and grid-connected PV systems are being applied. However, operating a building with an off-grid system is one of the means to providing the possibility of energy access to places far away from the national grid. As an off-grid choice, 50 W SHS is being distributed to customers in distant rustic parts of the country where grid option is difficult to access. But the SHS of the stated capacity can barely generate 0.3 to 0.4 kWh of electric energy per day, even at the optimal solar radiations. In view of this, more efforts are directed at expanding the off-grid systems to accommodate large rural households in South Africa. This thesis is dedicated to a study on the various configurations and components of PV power plant as a way to enhance electricity generations in South Africa. To this effect, different power plants were considered at SolarWatt park, University of Fort Hare with the aim to conduct a comparative analysis of the charge controllers with respect to the charge and discharge rates of their respective batteries. The grid-connected PV power generation was classified into hybrid PV and grid-assisted PV, while off-grid is a BIPV. These power plants generations were installed for the purpose of research level with a total capacity of 11.4 kW. The off-grid system is made up of HIT modules, FlexMax80 charge controller, Victron energy inverter and M-Molar battery bank. The hybrid and grid-assisted systems each consist of 15 polycrystalline modules and Microcare charge controllers. In addition, hybrid comprises SMA Sunny Island inverter and Trojan battery bank whereas grid-assisted consist of Microcare inverter and Hoppercke battery bank. The first part of the experimental work was monitored, and the meteorological parameters which are ambient temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity and wind speed, were measured and evaluated while electrical parameters includes PV current and voltage, MPPT current and voltage, battery current and voltage and inverter current and voltage were also measured and evaluated in the second part of the experiment. This lasted for a period of four years, starting from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2020. Similarly, the second aspect was to monitor the electrical performance of the three systems and was performed for a period of six months, starting from January to June 2019. During the second experiment, hybrid and grid-assisted systems were reconfigured to function as off-grid systems. Moreover, a detailed data acquisition system designed to measure and record both meteorological and electrical parameters affecting the performance of the systems. The electrical parameters include PV current and voltage, MPPT current, battery current and voltage and inverter current and voltage. Other parameters in the measurements are; inverter efficiency, active and apparent power, while meteorological parameters include; solar irradiance, ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction. The meteorological results show that the maximum and minimum mean amount of global solar radiation was 7.34 kWh/m2/day in December and 3.03 kWh/m2/day in June, respectively, while the average radiation and temperature for the typical year were 4.98 kWh/m2/day and 16.88 oC respectively. The solar radiations obtained are within the range in major places in South Africa. Similarly, an average wind speed of 2.5 m/s is experienced in Alice in a year and average solar radiation of 606.06 W/m2 in summer and 346.17 W/m2 in winter. The three lead-acid battery systems monitored under the electrical aspect are M-Molar, Trojan and Hoppecke battery systems. It was established that the charging current decreases gradually from 27.7 to 18.5 A for the M-Molar while Hoppecke and Trojan deceased respectively from 15 to 10 A and 23 to 13 A at the end of each phase by charging it at the maximum power point of the PV array. It was equally found that the M-Molar battery current has the highest rate of charging and quickest rate of discharging in comparison to the other two batteries. Finally, from the results gotten from this research, we may propose that the solar PV system contributes significantly to the satisfaction of the needed electricity in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Experiences of patients on short term drug resistant tuberculosis regimen at Nelson Mandela District TB Specialist Hospital
- Authors: Sempe, Thabo Benedict
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22940 , vital:53224
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of patients on short-term drug resistant TB treatment in a TB specialist hospital situated in Nelson Mandela District. Patients on XDR-TB treatment face many challenges which include side effects which they find hard to tolerate and they end up stopping the treatment. Socio-economic difficulties of concern include delayed social assistance from the government to support their families, particularly when they are breadwinners. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative contextual design was used in this research study. A non-probability convenience sampling method was employed. The target population for this study consisted of those DR-TB patients who were on short-term regimen and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. There were twelve participants who voluntary participated in the research study although the first interview was a pilot study. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. A total of seven themes and twenty-seven sub-themes arose during the data analysis and were fully discussed. Confidentiality and anonymity was ensured throughout this research. The research findings showed that the participants shared positive experiences in as far as being able to easily access the health care service. Most participants were moved through a range of emotions which included shock. They felt heartbroken about the devastation and the disruptive nature of this illness to themselves and their family lives and, more seriously, were fearful of the morbidity and mortality thoughts which pervaded their thoughts but their health improved when drug resistant TB treatment was initiated. Many of the participants found it easy to disclose to their friends as they knew they could count on their support at the best and worst of times in their treatment journey. In conclusion the participants provided suggestions regarding their support needs on the journey to recovery from DR-TB. The researcher provided certain recommendations as far as the challenges expressed by the participants and these will contribute to strengthening the DR-TB adherence strategies. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
- Authors: Sempe, Thabo Benedict
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22940 , vital:53224
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of patients on short-term drug resistant TB treatment in a TB specialist hospital situated in Nelson Mandela District. Patients on XDR-TB treatment face many challenges which include side effects which they find hard to tolerate and they end up stopping the treatment. Socio-economic difficulties of concern include delayed social assistance from the government to support their families, particularly when they are breadwinners. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative contextual design was used in this research study. A non-probability convenience sampling method was employed. The target population for this study consisted of those DR-TB patients who were on short-term regimen and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. There were twelve participants who voluntary participated in the research study although the first interview was a pilot study. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. A total of seven themes and twenty-seven sub-themes arose during the data analysis and were fully discussed. Confidentiality and anonymity was ensured throughout this research. The research findings showed that the participants shared positive experiences in as far as being able to easily access the health care service. Most participants were moved through a range of emotions which included shock. They felt heartbroken about the devastation and the disruptive nature of this illness to themselves and their family lives and, more seriously, were fearful of the morbidity and mortality thoughts which pervaded their thoughts but their health improved when drug resistant TB treatment was initiated. Many of the participants found it easy to disclose to their friends as they knew they could count on their support at the best and worst of times in their treatment journey. In conclusion the participants provided suggestions regarding their support needs on the journey to recovery from DR-TB. The researcher provided certain recommendations as far as the challenges expressed by the participants and these will contribute to strengthening the DR-TB adherence strategies. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Knowledge and attitudes of women regarding cervical cancer and papanicolau smear screening in Caleb Motshabi, Bloemfontein
- Authors: Gwavu, Zintle
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- South Africa , Pap test
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21816 , vital:51795
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of women in Caleb Motshabi location regarding cervical cancer and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening in order for district management to develop a health education programme on cervical cancer and the benefits of screening. Cervical cancer amongst women worldwide has been identified as the fourth most common cancer. A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used. Women between the ages of 18-60 years’ old who reside in Caleb Motshabi location were the target population. Four focus group interviews were conducted. The groups consisted of four to six participants grouped together to discuss the matter. Ethical principles were maintained as well as the concept of trustworthiness throughout this study. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. A total of seven themes and eight sub-themes arose during the analysis of the data and were completely discussed. The findings suggest that the majority of the participants were aware of cervical cancer and Pap smear, but they lacked knowledge of what cervical cancer is or its causes. Although some of the participants had done a Pap smear in their lifetime, knowledge about how and the reasons the procedure is done still lacked. The majority of participants had received information about Pap smear procedure from peers rather than from health care workers. A significant finding was the fact that the participants who had done the procedure were open to attending regular screenings since they had experience on how it is performed. In conclusion It was recommended that educational programmes relating to cervical cancer and Pap smear screening be intensified in the area. This can be done through increasing awareness programmes in the communities and during clinic visits. To try and increase the uptake of the Pap smear screening it was also recommended that mobile clinics should be introduced to encourage women in the communities. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
- Authors: Gwavu, Zintle
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- South Africa , Pap test
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21816 , vital:51795
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of women in Caleb Motshabi location regarding cervical cancer and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening in order for district management to develop a health education programme on cervical cancer and the benefits of screening. Cervical cancer amongst women worldwide has been identified as the fourth most common cancer. A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used. Women between the ages of 18-60 years’ old who reside in Caleb Motshabi location were the target population. Four focus group interviews were conducted. The groups consisted of four to six participants grouped together to discuss the matter. Ethical principles were maintained as well as the concept of trustworthiness throughout this study. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. A total of seven themes and eight sub-themes arose during the analysis of the data and were completely discussed. The findings suggest that the majority of the participants were aware of cervical cancer and Pap smear, but they lacked knowledge of what cervical cancer is or its causes. Although some of the participants had done a Pap smear in their lifetime, knowledge about how and the reasons the procedure is done still lacked. The majority of participants had received information about Pap smear procedure from peers rather than from health care workers. A significant finding was the fact that the participants who had done the procedure were open to attending regular screenings since they had experience on how it is performed. In conclusion It was recommended that educational programmes relating to cervical cancer and Pap smear screening be intensified in the area. This can be done through increasing awareness programmes in the communities and during clinic visits. To try and increase the uptake of the Pap smear screening it was also recommended that mobile clinics should be introduced to encourage women in the communities. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Psychosocial experiences of caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mmangaliso, Azola
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Caregivers , Children with disabilities--Psychology , Children with mental disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21025 , vital:46904
- Description: There is dearth of information in South Africa about the psychosocial challenges experienced by caregivers of mentally challenged children. This study addresses psychosocial experiences of caregivers, such as, scorning, isolation and anxiety, which affect their well-being in adverse ways, and that continues to be overlooked by professionals dealing with mental health. This study sought to explore psychosocial experiences of caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The study intended to uncover the psychosocial wellbeing of caregivers of mentally challenged children. Secondly, it set out to highlight the coping mechanisms employed by caregivers of mentally challenged children to deal with their psychosocial experiences. Lastly, the study sought to examine policies, legislation and support services in place for psychosocial care of caregivers of mentally challenged children. The researcher adopted qualitative research methods. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit 15 caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice. The age of the caregivers ranged between the ages of 20 and 65. In addition, purposive sampling was adopted to recruit six professionals working with mental health in Alice. All the participants were black Africans. The gender comprised of thirteen females and two males. Data was collected through the use of face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews, one interview per research participant, with the caregivers of mentally challenged children, and through the use of one focus group discussion with professionals dealing with mental health. The researcher analysed data through thematic content analysis. The study findings indicate that caregivers of mentally challenged children experience the caregiving process negatively, with a lot of burden. It also appears that they do not cope positively with such experiences despite professionally-trained personnel that are obliged by the Social Assistance Act and other government policies to ensure that caregivers receive sufficient psychosocial services. Findings also indicate that there is very little that is done by the relevant professionals in ensuring that they render sufficient professional support services to caregivers, such as needs assessment and therapeutic services. In light of the findings, the study concludes that there is a need for continuous rendering of comprehensive psychosocial support services to the caregivers of mentally challenged children. It is also recommended that social workers empower caregivers for mentally challenged children so that they can function effectively in their communities. Further, the government needs to reinforce existing policies that afford these psychosocial services, such as Integrated National Strategy on Support Services to Children with Disabilities. Meaning, the government should take an oversite role of these policies and monitor whether they get implemented or not, especially at grassroots level. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
- Authors: Mmangaliso, Azola
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Caregivers , Children with disabilities--Psychology , Children with mental disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21025 , vital:46904
- Description: There is dearth of information in South Africa about the psychosocial challenges experienced by caregivers of mentally challenged children. This study addresses psychosocial experiences of caregivers, such as, scorning, isolation and anxiety, which affect their well-being in adverse ways, and that continues to be overlooked by professionals dealing with mental health. This study sought to explore psychosocial experiences of caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The study intended to uncover the psychosocial wellbeing of caregivers of mentally challenged children. Secondly, it set out to highlight the coping mechanisms employed by caregivers of mentally challenged children to deal with their psychosocial experiences. Lastly, the study sought to examine policies, legislation and support services in place for psychosocial care of caregivers of mentally challenged children. The researcher adopted qualitative research methods. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit 15 caregivers of mentally challenged children in Alice. The age of the caregivers ranged between the ages of 20 and 65. In addition, purposive sampling was adopted to recruit six professionals working with mental health in Alice. All the participants were black Africans. The gender comprised of thirteen females and two males. Data was collected through the use of face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews, one interview per research participant, with the caregivers of mentally challenged children, and through the use of one focus group discussion with professionals dealing with mental health. The researcher analysed data through thematic content analysis. The study findings indicate that caregivers of mentally challenged children experience the caregiving process negatively, with a lot of burden. It also appears that they do not cope positively with such experiences despite professionally-trained personnel that are obliged by the Social Assistance Act and other government policies to ensure that caregivers receive sufficient psychosocial services. Findings also indicate that there is very little that is done by the relevant professionals in ensuring that they render sufficient professional support services to caregivers, such as needs assessment and therapeutic services. In light of the findings, the study concludes that there is a need for continuous rendering of comprehensive psychosocial support services to the caregivers of mentally challenged children. It is also recommended that social workers empower caregivers for mentally challenged children so that they can function effectively in their communities. Further, the government needs to reinforce existing policies that afford these psychosocial services, such as Integrated National Strategy on Support Services to Children with Disabilities. Meaning, the government should take an oversite role of these policies and monitor whether they get implemented or not, especially at grassroots level. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Psychosocial impact of mental illness on family caregivers of mental healthcare users in Mangaung District
- Authors: Leburu, Maria
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Home care services -- South Africa -- Mangaung -- Psychological aspects , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Mangaung
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21770 , vital:51750
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to describe the psychosocial impact of mental illness on family caregivers of mental health care users in Mangaung district in order to explore strategies to empower mental health care users and their families to understand and to cope with mental illness problem. A qualitative, descriptive explorative and contextu al design was employed. A nonprobability, purposive sampling method was used to select participants. The target population was family caregivers from Mangaung district, whose ages were 18 years and above who were caring for mentally ill patients in their homes or admitted to a psychiatric institution. . Five focus group interviews were conducted but the first one was a pilot study. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study as well as the concepts of trustworthiness were applied. Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research was applied during data analysis. A total of six themes and twentynine sub-themes arose during data analysis and were fully discussed. Confidentiality and anonymity was ensured throughout the study. The findings suggested that most of the participants suffered psychosocial problems like stress, depression, stigma and financial constraints, although one participant indicated that she has accepted her situation of caregiving. In conclusion participants suggested that support groups should be established and awareness programmes should be put in place for community members to avoid stigmatising and laughing at caregivers, care users and family members. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
- Authors: Leburu, Maria
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Home care services -- South Africa -- Mangaung -- Psychological aspects , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Mangaung
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21770 , vital:51750
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to describe the psychosocial impact of mental illness on family caregivers of mental health care users in Mangaung district in order to explore strategies to empower mental health care users and their families to understand and to cope with mental illness problem. A qualitative, descriptive explorative and contextu al design was employed. A nonprobability, purposive sampling method was used to select participants. The target population was family caregivers from Mangaung district, whose ages were 18 years and above who were caring for mentally ill patients in their homes or admitted to a psychiatric institution. . Five focus group interviews were conducted but the first one was a pilot study. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study as well as the concepts of trustworthiness were applied. Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research was applied during data analysis. A total of six themes and twentynine sub-themes arose during data analysis and were fully discussed. Confidentiality and anonymity was ensured throughout the study. The findings suggested that most of the participants suffered psychosocial problems like stress, depression, stigma and financial constraints, although one participant indicated that she has accepted her situation of caregiving. In conclusion participants suggested that support groups should be established and awareness programmes should be put in place for community members to avoid stigmatising and laughing at caregivers, care users and family members. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Analysis of challenges facing police retirees in the Eastern Cape of South Africa: development of adjustment programme for police retirees to the community
- Authors: Kwayiba, Nthabiseng Justina
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Police -- Retirement , Police -- Pensions , Retirement income
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21977 , vital:51865
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by police retirees of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and to contribute towards the establishment of a post-retirement programme that would assist retirees to experience satisfaction in retirement. Upon retirement, police officers leave a job of personified authority and responsibility and become civilians. Throughout their career, police officers work under strenuous shifts, exposure to violence and witness gruesome incidents. In some cases, they facilitate the arrest of their neighbours and even family members in conflict with the law. How they adjust in the communities when they retire has never been investigated in the Eastern Cape, a research gap this study intended to address. A qualitative research methodology and a case study design was adopted. The data were collected from 21 participants. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used as methods of data collection. The interpretivism paradigm informed data analysis process. The life course theory was used as a theoretical framework for this study. The findings of this study revealed that police retirees experience challenges that are different from other public servants and the South African Police Service (SAPS) does not have programmes to prepare employees for retirement. The study established that most of the retirees had not yet adjusted to retirement because of the challenges they faced. Among the unique challenges that they experience are psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emanating from their daily exposure to gruesome incidents, violence and working under strenuous shifts. The study also revealed that the retirees experienced broken social support system (family), social rejection by their previous employer (SAPS), and the communities they are retiring in. Therefore, as a result of rejection they relocate and start a new life somewhere else, where they suffer loneliness. Neglect by the employer (SAPS) made them feel useless and unappreciated. It was also established that the handing back of police equipment and uniforms makes them feel a sense of loss of power and authority, which makes them feel unsafe. The feeling of insecurity become more intense when the people they arrested threaten revenge on them when they are on retirement. The study recommends commitment from different stakeholders to assist employees in SAPS to experience a smooth and rewarding transition towards retirement. These include a pre-retirement planning programme that will engage employees ten years before retirement and require the employer’s commitment, a transition programme, that will engage retirees during retirement and require commitment from the police medical aid (POLMED) and community policing forum involvement. Finally, the establishment of social support system in the post-retirement programme is required for the extension of employee health and wellness (EHW) services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Kwayiba, Nthabiseng Justina
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Police -- Retirement , Police -- Pensions , Retirement income
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21977 , vital:51865
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by police retirees of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and to contribute towards the establishment of a post-retirement programme that would assist retirees to experience satisfaction in retirement. Upon retirement, police officers leave a job of personified authority and responsibility and become civilians. Throughout their career, police officers work under strenuous shifts, exposure to violence and witness gruesome incidents. In some cases, they facilitate the arrest of their neighbours and even family members in conflict with the law. How they adjust in the communities when they retire has never been investigated in the Eastern Cape, a research gap this study intended to address. A qualitative research methodology and a case study design was adopted. The data were collected from 21 participants. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used as methods of data collection. The interpretivism paradigm informed data analysis process. The life course theory was used as a theoretical framework for this study. The findings of this study revealed that police retirees experience challenges that are different from other public servants and the South African Police Service (SAPS) does not have programmes to prepare employees for retirement. The study established that most of the retirees had not yet adjusted to retirement because of the challenges they faced. Among the unique challenges that they experience are psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emanating from their daily exposure to gruesome incidents, violence and working under strenuous shifts. The study also revealed that the retirees experienced broken social support system (family), social rejection by their previous employer (SAPS), and the communities they are retiring in. Therefore, as a result of rejection they relocate and start a new life somewhere else, where they suffer loneliness. Neglect by the employer (SAPS) made them feel useless and unappreciated. It was also established that the handing back of police equipment and uniforms makes them feel a sense of loss of power and authority, which makes them feel unsafe. The feeling of insecurity become more intense when the people they arrested threaten revenge on them when they are on retirement. The study recommends commitment from different stakeholders to assist employees in SAPS to experience a smooth and rewarding transition towards retirement. These include a pre-retirement planning programme that will engage employees ten years before retirement and require the employer’s commitment, a transition programme, that will engage retirees during retirement and require commitment from the police medical aid (POLMED) and community policing forum involvement. Finally, the establishment of social support system in the post-retirement programme is required for the extension of employee health and wellness (EHW) services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-07