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A comparison of spinal curvatures and posture between active kayakers and physically active non-kayakers
No full textDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master of Health Sciences in Chiropractic and
Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Background: Kayaking is a sport that places repetitive demands on the spinal
column and upper body musculature to propel the body and kayak forward. There
is significant potential for curvature changes attributed to sustained periods of the
kayaking posture as well as the effect of ageing on spinal curvatures. The study
aimed to investigate the association between kayaking and spinal curvature
anomalies (cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis) in males
between the ages of 40 to 60 years.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-two male participants were included in this study, with
two groups – Kayaking (K) and Non-kayaking (NK) - comprising 26 participants
respectively. Full-body photographs were taken and analysed using PosturePro™.
Spinal curvatures were measured using a Flexicurve ruler and angles were then
calculated using BiomechFlex software.
Results: There was no significant difference in mean spinal angles between the
groups. T-Flex and T-Cobb angles showed trends toward differences between the
groups, with the K group having larger values than the NK group. There were
statistically significant positive correlations between activity years and T-angles (T
Flex: p=0.015 and T-Cobb: p=0.014) seen in the sample population. In the K group,
a moderate negative correlation between activity years and L-angles (L-Flex:
p=0.028 and L-Cobb: p=0.023) was noted.
Conclusion: Spinal alignment changes can be affected through exposure to
specific postural states. The activity of kayaking has a specific postural pattern and
although not all results were of statistically significant value, a clinically significant
value of altered spinal curvature associated with kayaking was found.
Impact of pollution sources of microplastics and associated microbial populations in surface water
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the academic requirement for the degree of Masters in Applied Sciences: Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants of global concern, presenting a
major threat to aquatic ecosystems. The study examined the effects of potential pollution
sources of MPs and associated microbial communities in riverine environments, including
wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), agricultural areas (AA), urban areas (UA), and
industrial discharge (IA). The study sites were selected along the uMsunduzi River in
KwaZulu-Natal, and the sampling was conducted in two seasons (summer and winter).
Morphological and chemical characterization of MPs was performed using microscopy, ATRFTIR, and Pyro-GC/MS analysis. Shotgun metagenomics was used to analyze the microbial
community. The potential health risks associated with selected pathogens in the biofilm were
also assessed using Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA).
Microplastics were detected in abundance from all four sites with concentrations in the IA
being the highest (69 particles/L), followed by the WWTP (51 particles/L), the UA (49
particles/L), and the AA (39 particles/L). Additionally, sediment samples showed higher MP
particles compared to the surface water. The most common types of MP detected were fibers,
followed by pellets and fragments for both surface water and sediment samples. Furthermore,
the key polymers detected via chemical characterization were polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
across all sites with varying dominance. The PS, PET, and PE were predominant at the UA,
while the WWTP and IA exhibited a variety of polymers, including PE, PP, PET, and PS. The
AA site showed the presence of PE, PP, PS, PET, and PVA.
Metagenomic data demonstrated a significant microbial diversity (p = 0.0012) and composition
(PERMANOVA F = 16.386; R2 = 0.15, p < 0.001) in different sites (UA, WWTP, AA, and
IA), and habitat (surface water and plastisphere). The plastisphere harbored a distinct microbial community compared to surface water. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes were significantly
higher in surface water, whereas α- and β-Proteobacteria dominated on the plastic surface (p
< 0.05). In regard to the different sites, WWTP had the most different taxa (5), followed by UA
(3), with AA and IA each having only 1 unique taxon. The distance decay model showed that
microbial communities in the plastisphere and surrounding environments are significantly
positively associated with the sources of pollution (UA: R² = 0.83, p = 0.015; WWTP: R² =
0.88, p = 0.0072; AA: R² = 0.85, p = 0.0075; IA: R² = 0.95, p = 0.0011).
The study also revealed the presence of various antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs) in both
surrounding surface water and plastisphere, with MP surfaces showing higher ARGs than
surrounding surface water. For instance, the plastisphere harbored 19 ARGs compared to 9 in
surface water. The WWTP showed diverse ARGs, including the widely reported ARGs
conferring resistance to tetracycline, fluoroquinolone, and aminoglycoside. The study also
identified 17 pathogenic microbial species across different sites, with Acinetobacter
baumannii being the most dominant. Furthermore, common pathogens such as Escherichia
coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were
detected across all sites, seasons, and habitats. The microbial risk assessment based on two
dominant pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica) revealed that the
risk of infection varied across different pollution sources and seasons. Notably, the highest
infection risk associated with selected pathogens was found in IA and WWTP-impacted sites
which is in accordance with the total number of MPs detected indicating and increase in MPs
will have a significant impact on the associated health risks. Results of this study indicate that
different pollution sources significantly influence MP abundance and types, as well as the
structure of microbial communities, which may ultimately pose a threat to human health.
Taxation implications of Bitcoin : a South African perspective
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Accounting at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Bitcoin, created by Satoshi Nakamoto, came into existence in 2008. Bitcoin is a virtual
currency that has gained popularity worldwide, including in South Africa. It can be used
as money or a means of payment or can be kept as an asset. For many years, virtual
currencies operated free from legal regulations. Its decentralised network offers its users
confidentiality because no-one can link any Bitcoin transaction to any user.
This research study investigated the South African Taxation treatment of Bitcoin
transactions. It also investigated the taxation legislation for Bitcoin transactions of the
three countries selected for this study which are Canada, the United States of America
and Australia, in order to establish best-practices that can be applied in South Africa.
Bitcoin transactions can come into existence from the process of mining; obtained from
barter transactions; and when purchased from Bitcoin vendors through the exchange of
countries’ fiat money for Bitcoin, thus attracting taxation implications. The first research
question was: What are the tax consequences of Bitcoin transactions in South Africa?
This study found the following: the South African Revenue Service, cryptocurrencies are
considered assets. The amount received or accumulated as per classification of gross
income can be calculated using the value of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency
transactions can generate revenue that is subject to gross income taxation. The recipient
taxpayer must include as gross income the value in South African Rands of a
cryptocurrency, paid or accrued to him or her as contemplated in the definition of
"revenue asset". It may be considered trading stock to receive Bitcoin with the intention
of trading it for goods and services.
Research Question Two was: What are the regulations governing, and tax treatment of,
Bitcoin in selected countries? The findings can be summarised as follows: The United
States of America (USA), Australia and Canada are clear that virtual currencies are not a
legal currency and therefore cannot be classified as currency. Canada classifies virtual
currencies as a commodity for taxation purposes. The USA and Canada have classified
Bitcoin as property and intangible property respectively, which is similar to the approach
in South Africa. The definition of a currency for all four countries is similar in the sense that there needs to be physical cash for the amount to be included as gross income for
taxation purposes. Moreover, if Bitcoins are acquired with the aim of reselling or
investment, Capital Gains Tax comes into play. None of the three nations' definitions of
currency apply to virtual currencies.
Research Question Three was: What is the difference or similarities between South
African income tax consequences of Bitcoin and that of the three jurisdictions chosen for
this study? The below is a summary of the results: South Africa, USA, Australia, Canada
(specific that virtual currencies are not a legal tender and hence cannot be recognized as
currency) Canada Taxes Crypto as a Commodity Bitcoin is labelled property by the USA
and intangible property by Canada. This classification attracts Capital gains taxation,
which is a similar approach to South Africa. All four nations have comparable definitions
of currency, meaning that for an amount to be considered gross income for taxes reasons,
actual cash must be present. Consequently, none of the four nations' definitions of
currency apply to virtual currencies. Last but not least, virtual currencies are categorised
as crypto assets since South Africa's asset definition encompasses assets of any kind,
whether tangible or intangible. Virtual currencies were also categorised as commodities
or property in Canada.
The study recommends on how South Africa might enhance its current tax laws pertaining
to Bitcoin transactions. The study also suggests future research that can serve as an
extension of this study
The impact of job security on employee motivation during the covid-19 : a case study at Tronox KZN Sands
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters in Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.This study focuses job security on employee motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic
at Tronox, a company operating within South Africa's mining industry. The COVID-19
pandemic posed several challenges to the mining industry, including increased employee
turnover, health concerns, workforce restructuring, salary adjustments, reduced working
hours, and operational disruptions. Limited recognition of these issues within Tronox
during this period contributed to employee job insecurity, which in turn impacted overall
productivity and employee motivation.
This study aims to examine the influence of job security on employee motivation during
the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the primary research question, the study is
structured into three sections, which also serve as the study’s objectives. The first
objective is to assess the current practices related to job security at Tronox KZN Sands
amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The second objective is to analyse the relationship
between job security and employee motivation. The final objective is to identify the key
factors that contribute to employee motivation at Tronox.
This study utilized a quantitative research approach, as this design focuses on objective
data analysis through statistical and numerical methods, excluding subjective opinions
and feelings. Data collection was conducted using a closed-ended questionnaire. The
collected data were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) (Version 30.0) for Windows. The researcher employed a census sampling
method, including the entire population as the sample. This approach is appropriate when
the population size is relatively small.
The study revealed notable job security concerns among employees at Tronox KZN
Sands, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The practices observed included
employee restructuring, which involved large-scale reorganisations that adversely
affected job security. Furthermore, practices such as salary adjustments and reduced working hours further contributed to the challenges related to job security. The practices
implemented during this period had a demotivating effect on employees, as indicated in
Chapter five. The study identified several key factors that impact employee motivation, as
evidenced by survey responses and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis.
Recognition and reward on employee motivation showed a positive correlation with
recognition and reward systems.
In summary the findings of the study highlight the importance of providing internal training
opportunities for all staff members, regardless of their employment status. Effective
development programs may include classroom instruction, online courses, college
degree initiatives, and mentorship programs, all aimed at supporting employees in
performing their current responsibilities and fostering engagement. The study also
recommends that management regularly administer employee surveys to gather valuable
feedback on workplace satisfaction, engagement levels, and areas for potential
improvement.
The nexus between campaigning NGOs and sustainable livelihoods in Zimbabwe
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.In Zimbabwe’s contested socio-political space, campaigning NGOs play a crucial role in
promoting sustainable livelihoods but often face challenges in translating advocacy into
tangible, lasting community benefits. This issue affects vulnerable communities, making it
essential to find more effective and sustainable approaches.
The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between campaigning NGOs and
sustainable livelihoods in Zimbabwe, exploring the factors that contribute to the “advocacyimpact gap”. To achieve this, the study used a qualitative approach, utilising a multiple-case
study design, gathering data from three NGOs (AAZ, ZELA and ZIMCODD). Information was
collected through document analysis, key informant interviews with NGO staff and
campaigners, and focus group discussions with community members across six diverse
districts, chosen purposively to ensure a representative sample of experiences.
The results revealed a disconnect between NGO advocacy efforts and sustained livelihood
improvements at the community level. While NGOs were effective in raising awareness and
building capacity, communities expressed concerns about the short-term nature of
interventions, the difficulty in attributing improvements to advocacy, and the gap between
policy “wins” and on-the-ground realities.
This study contributes a new, context-specific Campaigning NGOs Sustainable Livelihoods
Framework (CNGO-SLF), which incorporates “Relational Power” as a key asset and centres
the “politics of power, influence, and access” to provide a more robust analytical tool for
strengthening the work of campaigning NGOs in contested spaces. In summary, this research
tackles the challenge of bridging the advocacy-impact gap by offering a new framework for
understanding and strengthening the role of campaigning NGOs.
Enhancing South African maternal care within the public health system : a case of stillbirths in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Maternal and perinatal health remain urgent public health concerns in South Africa, particularly in rural
and underserved regions like the Lejweleputswa District of the Free State Province. Despite the
presence of established maternal health policies, persistently high stillbirth rates expose deep-seated
disparities in antenatal care quality and systemic inefficiencies within the public healthcare system. This
study investigates the multifactorial causes of stillbirths in Lejweleputswa and proposes actionable
strategies to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and reduce preventable perinatal deaths.
The study pursued six key objectives: (a) to investigate the underlying causes and determinants of
stillbirths in the district; (b) to examine the effect of socio-economic factors on antenatal care quality
and stillbirth outcomes; (c) to assess awareness and utilization of antenatal and obstetric services; (d)
to analyze healthcare providers’ knowledge and practices regarding stillbirth prevention; (e) to evaluate
maternal healthcare services, including infrastructure, staffing, and quality; and (f) to develop a model
that addresses stillbirth risk factors.
A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative data from 263 healthcare workers
with qualitative interviews from midwives, nurses, and medical officers. The study validated a behavioral
stillbirth prevention model anchored in the Andersen model of healthcare utilization using confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Quantitative findings highlighted
significant links between stillbirth risk and maternal conditions such as hypertension, HIV, diabetes, and
advanced maternal age. Socio-economic status and healthcare access were shown to shape ANC
utilization. SEM analysis revealed that maternal healthcare attitudes significantly predicted ANC
practices (β = 0.551, p < 0.001), which in turn influenced perceived service quality (β = 0.587, p < 0.001)
and infant outcomes (β = 0.240, p = 0.001). Service quality itself strongly predicted infant outcomes (β
= 0.386, p < 0.001). However, attitudes alone did not directly predict service quality, emphasizing the
gap between knowledge and action. The qualitative insights revealed that health system inefficiencies,
negative provider attitudes, cultural stigma, and financial barriers discourage early and consistent ANC
attendance, despite relatively high levels of service awareness. The study concludes that stillbirth
prevention requires integrated, multi-level strategies combining clinical, infrastructural, socio-economic,
and culturally sensitive interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the district.
Determinants of water service delivery challenges at the Harry Gwala District Municipality
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters in Public Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Water service provision in South Africa is under the jurisdiction of the municipalities.
However, most South African municipalities battle various water supply challenges.
These challenges have far-reaching consequences on both society and the economy.
This study examines the determinants of water service delivery challenges in the Harry
Gwala District Municipality. The study adopts a mixed-method approach using
quantitative data collected from 412 households and qualitative data collected from 15
employees at the municipality’s Water Services Department. The principal component
factor technique is used to analyse the quantitative data, while a thematic approach is
adopted to analyse the qualitative data. Results from the quantitative and qualitative
components of the study are subsequently triangulated. In doing this, the study
establishes the key determinants of water service delivery challenges in the
municipalities. The main implication of this study is that its results provide a basis for
the development of an evidence-based water policymaking in the selected
municipality
Effectiveness of cervical, thoracic and cervico-thoracic spinal manipulation on pain and spinal kinematics in non-specific neck pain : a randomised controlled trial
Get PDFDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Background: Neck pain is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects many people at
some point in their lives. It has been demonstrated that up to 50% of adults in the
general population may experience neck pain at some point during the year, with
many going on to develop persistent chronic neck pain. Neck pain is associated with
disability and activity impairment especially of the upper limb when performing
functional movements. Spinal manipulation has been shown to help decrease pain
intensity and disability and improve range of motion and the quality of life in
individuals with non-specific neck pain. Few studies have examined range of motion
beyond that of peak displacement and, thus, little is known if spinal manipulation
therapy of the cervical and thoracic spine improves the quality of motion in those
with neck pain.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cervical and
thoracic spinal manipulation applied alone and in a combination. The groups were
compared to a control group in terms of their effect on pain intensity, disability,
cervical and thoracic kinematic outcomes during cervical range of motion and two
upper extremity functional limb tasks in individuals with non-specific neck pain.
Methods: The study is a quantitative, randomised, controlled, single-blinded study.
Individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain between the ages of 18–50 were
recruited and randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, cervical, thoracic
spinal manipulation, or a combination of the two. The participants performed cervical
range of motion and two upper limb tasks while motion capture technology collected
cervical and thoracic spinal kinematics. A pain rating and spinal kinematics were
obtained pre and post the intervention. The data were analysed using software
SPSS and a p-value of 0.05 indicated significance.
Results: A total of 47 participants were randomised. No significant difference was
recorded for pain intensity across all four of the groups (F(3,42) = 0.41, p = 0.750).
Spinal kinematics improved within the groups, with no differences between the
groups during the cervical range of motion task. Between the groups, in the
unilateral arm task, differences were found in the lower thoracic spine during the
flexion-extension cycle for jerk, with the cervical and thoracic combination group
being significantly greater than cervical manipulation group alone (F(3, 40) = 2.892,
p = 0.047). In the cervical and thoracic combination group, for the bilateral arm task
in the upper thoracic spine flexion extension range, it was found to be significantly
greater than the control group (F(3, 40) = 3.127, p = 0.036). In the cervical and
thoracic combination group, in the lower thoracic spine during the flexion-extension
cycle for the jerk measure, it was found to be significantly higher than the control
group (F(3, 40) = 2.902, p = 0.047).
Conclusion: This study could not prove that spinal manipulation can result in a
change in the spinal kinematics during cervical range of motion and two arm tasks
in patients with non-specific neck pain following spinal manipulation of the cervical
and thoracic spines.
Diaspora vote : relationship and power of the legislature in political leadership in Nigeria
No full textThis study examined the factors hindering the inadequate legislative
framework for legitimate diaspora voting in Nigeria. Given the large
number of Nigerians living abroad and the recent adoption of elec
tronic voting in Nigeria, it is plausible that diaspora voting could
become a part of Nigeria’s electoral process. The paper aimed to
identify the necessary instruments for incorporating the diaspora
vote law into Nigeria. Using institutionalism as a framework of ana
lysis, the patron-client relationship between the executive and legis
lative branches was examined, suggesting that the chief executive
may influence the legislature. The study employed a qualitative
approach to elucidate why Nigeria’s diaspora voting law remains
elusive and offers potential solutions. It was found that, despite its
crucial role in a democratic system, the legislature has not fully met
expectations for enacting diaspora voting in Nigeria. The lack of
synergy between the 1999 constitution (as amended) and the elec
toral law constitutes a major barrier to enacting the diaspora voting
law. The study also revealed the need for constitutional amendment
and electoral reform to guarantee the right of Nigerians living abroad
to participate in any election in Nigeria. We then recommend
a constitutional amendment to facilitate diaspora voting in Nigeria
South Africa’s adult educators in the community college sector : who they are and how they view their training, their work and their position
No full textThis article examines the work context of South Africa’s state-employed adult educators. It is based largely on a recent cross-sectional study of adult educators commissioned by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which draws on the DHET’s database of adult educators and qualitative information gained from visits to adult education and training centres in all nine provinces. The study enquired into adult educators’ working lives, their qualifications, their sense of whether their training was adequate, the issue of further training, their understanding of their work, their conditions of service and the support they believe they need. The study showed that the number of adult educators employed by the DHET is declining steadily and that the working conditions of adult educators are uneven: a few work in fairly well-resourced urban centres, but many work in poor conditions, with little support. Nevertheless, the study indicated that almost all the adult educators view their role in a positive light. Confident of support from one another, they have a definite shared identity as a social group and express a strong commitment to their learners and the communities in which they work. Overall, they constitute a group with strong, yet poorly tapped, potential to contribute to positive community development.</jats:p