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A qualitative exploration of the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in the design and formulation of sexuality and HIV curriculum
Get PDFThis research study investigated the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in designing and formulating a sexuality and HIV curriculum. The Life Orientation subject aims to equip learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes to live a successful and healthy life in society. Some of LO's prescribed programmes, such as the sexuality and HIV curriculum, have operated for many years in the South African school curriculum. These programmes still do not address the social illnesses that destroy the lives of young people in our communities. There is a need for the transformation of these programmes. The research was conducted in the Blue Crane region in Somerset East and the Dr Beyers Naude region in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Qualitative data generation methods were employed, which consisted of field notes and individual interviews with six (6) LO teachers at three (3) of the identified secondary schools and two (2) LO subject advisors from the district office. The main research question for this study was: What is the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in the design and formulation of sexuality and HIV curriculum in the life orientation subject? What are the pedagogical contributions of LO teachers and LO subject advisors on the content of the sexuality and HIV curriculum in their schools? What do LO teachers and LO subject advisors perceive as relevant in the teaching methodology of the sexuality and HIV curriculum in the schools? What do LO teachers and LO subject advisors perceive as the relevant content for a sexuality and HIV curriculum? The data generated from the individual interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysed data was further broken down into seven (7) themes and subthemes. The interpretation of the themes and subthemes are discussed in detail. To ensure whether the analysed data was accurate and correct, the researcher utilised quality criteria to measure the trustworthiness of the study as well as the credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability.Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate education, 202
Community violence and mental health symptoms among adolescents in South Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFThere is a global prevalence of youth exposure to community violence. This is notably pronounced in South Africa, where children and adolescents face elevated levels of violence. Existing systematic reviews have predominately focused on international contexts, leaving a gap that requires comprehensive analysis within the South African context to understand the situation in comparison to global trends. The objective of this study was to synthesise the available literature on adolescent exposure to community violence and its impact on mental health outcomes in South Africa. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of such exposure among South African adolescents, explore associated internalising and externalising mental health symptoms, and assess the extent of this relationship. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, encompassing studies published between 2010 and 2022. Eighteen studies focusing on adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, investigating exposure to community violence and mental health outcomes were included. Meta-analytical procedures revealed that South African adolescents face elevated levels of both witnessing and direct victimisation of community violence, accompanied by heightened mental health symptoms, particularly in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Although a moderate positive correlation between community violence exposure and depression was identified, statistical significance was not achieved. Subgroup analyses, to explore gender as a potential moderating factor was conducted. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address the impact of community violence on adolescent mental wellbeing in South Africa. These findings contribute to the existing literature by providing an understanding of the situation in the South African context compared to global estimates, offering recommendations for future research to inform more effective public health strategies.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
The Algoa Bay region groundwater cycle – linking source to coast
Get PDFGroundwater is a crucial component of freshwater supply globally, especially in water-scarce regions such as semi-arid climatic areas where surface water resources are climatically limited and further constrained during droughts. Groundwater resources are also important from an ecological perspective as they support numerous surface ecosystems including wetlands and rivers. Coastal groundwater discharge along the South African coast sustains supratidal spring-fed living microbialite ecosystems (SSLiME). These systems act as potential analogues for Earth’s earliest ecosystems and are therefore useful from a palaeoscientific and evolutionary perspective. The Southern Cape coast of South Africa is characterised by both fractured and intergranular aquifers and hosts the most extensive network of SSLiME reported globally. However, the region is frequently affected by water scarcity crises and consequently groundwater development and usage has increased. Yet, it is unclear to what extent coastal discharge is linked to inland aquifers and whether anthropogenic activities influence the quantity and quality of groundwater that flows into SSLiME. This thesis aims to assess the groundwater cycle of the Algoa Bay region along the Southern Cape coast by means of a multi-tracer study. Specifically, it endeavours to develop a better understanding of the hydrogeochemical connectivity between inland groundwater resources and coastal microbialite ecosystems. To achieve this, four groups of hydrochemical tracers were used: H- and O-isotope ratios, major cations and anions, organic micropollutants and macronutrients. Sampling strategies included monthly precipitation collection over twelve months (stable water isotopes), once-off groundwater collection from boreholes, inland springs and coastal discharge (all tracers). In addition, coastal groundwater discharge was sampled during a once-off repeat campaign (all tracers) and seasonally at selected sites (macronutrients). A local meteoric water line (LMWL) for the region was established and compared to the isotopic signature of groundwater. The results indicate that groundwater is likely recharged directly and with little evaporation. Furthermore, similarities in isotopic signatures between inland and coastal aquifer systems suggest some level of hydrogeological connectivity or similar environmental drivers of recharge, such as precipitation amount and moisture source. This is also supported by the physico-chemistry and major ionic composition of the groundwater samples. However, the major ion composition of groundwater is variable and, although it predominantly reflects the sodium-chloride nature of precipitation, lithological and spatial trends are apparent. For example, coastward trends such as increasing conductivity, calcium, total alkalinity, and nitrogen is evident. While isotopes and major ions inform on the environmental drivers and geogenic influence on groundwater recharge, the organic micropollutants and macronutrients provide insight into the nature of anthropogenic impacts on groundwater quality. Micropollutants quantified in the groundwater samples included artificial sweeteners, pharmaceuticals, a biocide, and an illicit drug. These compounds are mostly classed as wastewater indicators and indicate aquifer contamination from leaking reticulation systems and septic tanks. The highest concentrations are associated with the urban and coastal peri-urban areas, while groundwater from rural areas is often devoid of any micropollutants except sulfamic acid, which may be introduced during recharge from precipitation. Furthermore, the presence of selected compounds in groundwater discharge signifies that at least a component of the groundwater is derived from recent infiltration. Similarly, the macronutrient content of groundwater reflects the proximal land use. As such, coastal groundwater discharge sites adjacent to coastal villages reflect higher concentrations compared to rural sites. In addition, the nutrient load supplied to and discharged from SSLiME systems is quantified and the nutrient attenuation is estimated. This thesis contributes recent hydrogeochemical information for a structurally complex semi-arid area under both natural (drought conditions) and human (increased water use, degradation of aquifers) pressures. Collectively, the results indicate that coastal groundwater discharge is likely a mixture of both the intergranular and fractured aquifers and that anthropogenic activities in the hinterland is contaminating the groundwater. This study is an important addition to the baseline hydrological information available for the region and may be useful in terms of sustainable groundwater management strategies and development toward a socio-ecological optimum, especially as related to coastal microbialite system.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Youth participation in sports: Reconsidering the lost culture of Indigenous games in Libode, Eastern Cape
Get PDFThis research focused on the Youth Participation in Sports: Reconsidering the Lost Culture of Indigenous Games in Libode, Eastern Cape. The study aimed to investigate the challenges facing indigenous games in Libode; to contribute within the anthropology of sport with specific reference to Libode in the Eastern Cape Province and to come up with recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges facing indigenous games in Libode. The study employed a qualitative approach and used interviews, questionnaires, observations, and participant observations as data collection methods. Data analysis was done through thematic data analysis. Cultural preservation was used as a conceptual framework for this study to understand the view of the participants in Libode. Furthermore, the literature that was reviewed in this research was based particularly on indigenous games to provide in-depth understanding the issues of indigenous games extinction as well to critique other authors who have written about indigenous games and their challenges.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
The role of visual storytelling in enhancing online learning experience design at Nelson Mandela University
Get PDFAs the landscape of higher education undergoes a shift toward a combination of online instructional methods and traditional in-person engagement, a creative approach becomes essential in ensuring student success. The research aims to explore how visual storytelling can enhance the online learning experience at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), thereby improving the effectiveness of teaching and knowledge acquisition. This study delves into the Learning Experience Design (LXD), a blend of instructional design, design thinking, and user experience design, within the teaching community of Nelson Mandela University and the broader South African context. Employing a mixed-method approach, qualitative data from interviews identified themes such as the improvement of LXD, challenges in the design process, and the utilization of visual storytelling. Quantitative analysis revealed that students primarily used the university learning management system (Moodle) for accessing resources, grades, and reviewing tests, with limited engagement in online learning activities. Lecturers expressed concern about Moodle’s functionality, a need for enhanced design support, and the necessity for training in the transition to digital learning. While lecturers recognized the potential of visual storytelling in enhancing engagement and knowledge retention, they emphasized the importance of support for the seamless integration into teaching. Students acknowledged the positive role of visual storytelling in improving their learning experience but highlighted areas of improvement, such as regular updates, increased visual interaction options, and the inclusion of information graphics to explain concepts. A design thinking process informed the development of instructional design interventions, leading to the creation of a prototype Moodle course shell and resources. This initiative aims to empower lecturers to enhance the learning experiences independently with the support of professional LXD services. The research findings suggest that visual storytelling indeed improves LXD, emphasizing the need for established support systems and resources at the university to equip lecturers for successful integration.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 202
Assessing the management of water services in Fairview, Harry Gwala district municipality
Get PDFThis study sought to assess the management of water services in the Fairview community within the Ixopo town under the Harry Gwala District Municipality (HGDM). The study was further motivated by the need to ascertain stakeholders’ perceptions on the response to water shortage challenges in the Fairview community, assess Fairview community members’ knowledge, and identify opportunities brought about by water shortages in this community. The study was anchored on the service quality model (SERVQUAL) as the theoretical framework. The research design of the study was exploratory and used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population of the study consisted of ordinary members of the Fairview community and managerial staff at the HGDM. The qualitative part of the study involved eight (n = 8) managerial employees at the municipality. In total, 120 questionnaires were despatched, and 110 were returned, which gave a 92% response rate for the quantitative part of the study. The questionnaire respondents were chosen by random sampling, while the interview respondents were chosen by purposive sampling. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using applied thematic analysis. The study revealed that there is generally a negative perception of the municipal responses to addressing water supply challenges and that the municipality does not always act promptly to water supply challenges. Perceptions of poor-quality service provision regarding responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy were found. The findings also revealed that the Fairview community members are generally knowledgeable about water conservation. The study unveiled opportunities for addressing water supply challenges, such as mobilising funds from stakeholders to build additional water reticulation, harvesting capacity, and modernisation of water management, and recommends that the municipality immediately conduct public participation meetings and citizen satisfaction surveys to ascertain community service delivery expectations, followed by developing service quality standards and performance agreements with municipal staff to improve residents’ perceptions of the municipality’s ability to respond to water supply challenges.Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
Out of place: an analysis of place as a contributor to the complexities of my “coloured” identity in Malabar, Gqeberha
Get PDFColoured identity has been a historical point of contestation in South Africa because Colouredness is assumed as “an inbred quality that arises automatically from miscegenation while instrumentalists share the essentialist premise that coloured identity is something negative and undesirable but blame it on the racism and the exploitative practices of the ruling white minority” (Adhikari, 2009: 15). This archaic belief attributed to racial mixture has now become redundant, due to the emergence of new hybridised Coloured identities that factor other ethnic and cultural groups as well as internal and external elements into their conception. The role of Place in the formation of Coloured identities is at the core of this fine arts based enquiry. This study is located in Malabar, Gqeberha which was established after the forced removals onset by the Group Areas Act of 1950 and the displacement of residents from South End. Additionally, it considers specific locations significant in their linkages to hybridised peoples, and how the place and individuals have been influenced by historical legacies of colonisation and apartheid. These are examined to consider their function in contextualising contemporary lived experiences of Coloured identity within the community of Malabar and its effect on artistic practice through autoethnographic research. Through this autoethnographic and reflexive study and the accompanying empirical research process, I critically examine and explore my Coloured identity as part of being-in-the-world (Heidegger, 1962). This ‘being’ is multifaceted as a result of the significance of Place in South Africa and how it has shaped my perception of how and where I have a sense of being and belonging.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School Visual and Performing Arts, 202
An analysis of the credit scoring tool implemented by South African banks for vehicle asset financing
Get PDFSouth Africa has been experiencing an increase in the number of people buying motor vehicles for primary reason of travelling from home to work and vice versa over the past years. However, there has been also an increase in the number of bad debts written off (bank repossessions) for vehicle asset financed through by the financial institutions. The risk that borrowers are not fulfilling their obligations present a huge risk to the bank as borrowing has become the leading function of the bank. This is proven by the volumes of different loans granted by banks to individuals (Kihuro and Iraya, 2018). Hartungi (2007:397) alludes that low-income earners tend to buy expensive motor vehicle which they cannot afford. It has been noted that the increased level of consumer’s indebtedness is due to unstable economy, frequent increase of petrol prices and interest rates increases. Vehicle financing face a higher probability of customers defaulting. The trend in the increase of the household credit granting became a concern for the South African government which led to the execution of the National credit act (NCA) on 1 June 2007 in a move to regulate the act particularly to protect the household in acquiring unnecessary credit. Companies are required to explore different ways of assisting their customers by reducing the high number of debts written off for motor vehicles. This study used the quantitative approach using the survey method to collect data from respondents who are credit managers in a bank based in Gauteng province. Data collection took place in a bank using a questionpro survey distributed by email to junior credit managers, credit managers and senior credit managers to administer an open-ended questionnaire. Responses received were codified and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical tools and packages including Statistica. This research aims to assist the financial institution(s) by performing better assessment in granting of credit for asset finance and by reducing several bad debts. It is the main aim of this academic exercise to bring to the fore the scholastic analysis to further enlighten the reader about the burden of reckless lending not only to individuals who are granted credit but also the approved financial institutions themselves. The study found variable respondents’ opinion of the analysis of the credit scoring tool used. In conclusion, is perceived that the use of correct credit scoring tool will reduce the number of bad debts written off. It can be recommended that a National Credit Act intervention could be applied to mitigate the risk of defaulting in credit assessment for loans granted to consumers. Therefore, the study seeks to first look at the credit scoring tool as a viable and relevant tool used for Vehicle Asset Financing (VAF) in the banking sector, and secondly attempt to provide novel ways to improve and enhance the current system with the sole aim to align with National Credit Regulator (NCR).Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Factors affecting the selection of customs brokerage service providers in the automotive manufacturing industry of South Africa
Get PDFAny firm participating in the import and export of goods needs to be aware of the customs and tax implications of these activities. Few firms have internal staff who are qualified in this area; thus, they tend to outsource this function to external Customs Brokerage Service providers who can submit customs declarations on behalf of traders to Customs for their imported or exported goods. The main aim of this study was to identify how firms choose their preferred Customs Brokerage Service since these external service providers play a critical role in the efficient and effective functioning of firms relying on imports and exports as part of their logistics value chain. The study sought to identify which key factors influenced the selection of a customs broker. The main research question was: What are the factors that should be considered when selecting a customs brokerage service provider in the South African automotive manufacturing industry? Forty-one respondents participated in this study. This research study undertook positivistic research using quantitative methods of analysis based on the statistical examination of quantitative research data. The quantitative processes of this research study are comprehensively explored in Chapter 3. The main results of this study statistically identified the following independent factors influencing Customs Broker selection: Cost of Service, Relationship Orientation, Technological System, Key Performance Indicators, and Size, as each factor exhibits a significantly positive effect on Customs Broker selection. This study has surveyed, identified, and established these factors that the South African automotive manufacturers should consider when selecting a customs broker service provider. The number of customs experts, consultants, and specialists was firmly confirmed as an important aspect to consider under the factor Size of a Customs Broker.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Song lyrics and protest discourse in communally composed music in South Africa
Get PDFThe study examines the function of communally composed protest song lyrics in South Africa. To explore the aims of the study, the songs composed by community members in South Africa are used as data for the content analysis. This is because the data(songs) will be analysed using content analysis. This serves as a tool to understand the messages in the song lyrics by identifying themes that emerge in the songs and their relevance to human and social injustices faced by marginalised people in the past and present. From this point, the study is approached from a decolonial perspective. The study argues that communally composed protest songs by Black people in South Africa are a historical reference for the people. Furthermore, they (communally composed protest songs) serve as a vital mode that has preserved Black languages under the colonial system of apartheid and maintained the Black oral archival system. This is an integral part of Black culture and tradition. Communally composed protest songs in South Africa are valuable in the fight against social injustice and they authenticate the oral traditions of the Black population. Moreover, context in understanding the lyrics of communally composed protest lyrics is crucial because it adds value to the interpretation of the songs.Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 202