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Development of a numerical geohydrological model for a fractured rock aquifer in the Karoo, near Sutherland, South Africa
Get PDFThe regional scale method in groundwater storage observation introduces uncertainties that hinder the evaluation of the remaining lifespan of depleted aquifers. The scarcity of precipitation data presents significant global challenge, especially in semi-arid regions. This study constructs a regional numerical hydrogeological model that identifies the potential impacts of climate change on the water balance for the South African Gravimetric Observation Station in Sutherland. The purpose of this study is to understand mechanisms controlling groundwater in the fractured rock aquifer. The climate data from the Weather forecast data over the last ten years was collected from the South African Weather Service. and groundwater levels data assessed the potential impacts of climate change on water balance components, especially precipitation and evapotranspiration. Precipitation is the primary recharge parameter in this study and had the highest level recorded in winter, with May having the highest precipitation rates of 24,62mm. The instrument conducted two profile investigations in a single day to detect geological abnormalities at various depths, achieving an impressive accuracy of up to 0.001 mV. The fact that groundwater flows from regions of higher hydraulic heads to areas of lower hydraulic charges, confirms that riverbeds in Sutherland act as preferential conduits for subsurface recharge. The profile and processed geophysical maps show low chances of getting groundwater in this observed area due to extensively great depth, approximately 150 – 210 m. The river package from MODFLOW model shows little inflow to the study nearby well locations. These model results showed a negative difference between water flowing in and out of the system of about -7m3 between 2002 and 2020. Groundwater flows faster at borehole five, where the hydraulic conductivity is large. The resulting regional hydrogeological model offered valuable insights into how climate change might influence the distribution and accessibility of groundwater resources. In the context of Sutherland, a negative groundwater budget value signaled that groundwater extraction or consumption surpassed the natural replenishment or recharge of the aquifer.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Preparation and Investigation of coumarin-based chemosensors towards sensing of ions using UV studies in aqueous systems
Get PDFHumanity's unrelenting expansion has shown little regard for the environment, and this has resulted in tons of toxic heavy metal cations and anions being released into the environment through industrial, agricultural, electronic, and mining dumping. The release of these toxic heavy metals can cause diseases and sometimes lead to death, especially in third-world countries with low-income that reside in informal settlements, who suffer the most. Furthermore, the release of these toxins eventually finds their way back into the environment through bioaccumulation in fish, plants and animals. Although there is an ever need for the growth of these industries; low-cost, sensitive, selective, and organic-based sensors is a positive step forward in highlighting the need for environmental restoration and remediation, whilst striving to avoid unnecessary disease and death through this development. In this project, coumarin-based chemosensors for the detection of cationic and anionic species in aqueous and organic media are described. This project involves the synthesis of six different coumarin-based ether derivatives (E2-E5) and coumarin-based ester derivatives (H1-H2). FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR were used to confirm the structures of all sensors. The abilities of these novel compounds as chemosensors for detection of cations and anions were investigated using UV-vis analysis. These compounds displayed a favourable interaction with Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with an increase in absorbance. Ether derivatives E2-E5 did not display any degree of selectivity or sensitivity towards the chosen anions. It was found that in the presence of FeCl2, sensors H1 and H2 displayed a degree of selectivities and further investigations were therefore carried out. From the titration experiments, the limit of detection, limit of quantification and association constants were determined. Job’s plot analyses were performed to determine the binding ratios, which was supported by Benesi-Hildebrand studies. The binding ratio between the sensors and metal cations during complexation was found to be 1:1. Reversibility studies were carried out using EDTA to determine whether the sensors could be reused. Molecular Modelling studies were used to determine the most preferred binding sites. Lastly, real-life application screenings were also run to determine if the sensors will be able to be used in real-life scenarios.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
Facilitating language communication in English using “VFL” in English second language (ESL) primary school science classrooms
Get PDFMany classrooms across South Africa have teachers and learners who are English Second Language (ESL) speakers. As a result, teaching and learning becomes a challenge, especially in science education. Science has its own language, which has concepts, terminology, definitions and more that teachers and learners are expected to engage with. The language issues seem to weigh heavier on the learners’ scale as they are learning the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT), while they are learning science. Likewise, science teachers face their own challenges in that they are trying to teach the language of science while their learners are still in the process of learning the English language. Therefore, this research study addresses the issue of using language as a resource rather than seeing it as a challenge so that it can enhance the learners’ ability to engage with science concepts. In doing so, this study introduces a group of teachers to using VFL to teach science education through a Community of Practice. Through the use of qualitative methods such as questionnaires, video-recorded lessons and a focus group interview discussion, this study explores how VFL enhance the communication of ESL primary school science classrooms. The vehicles that were used in this study are drama, poetry, visual art, stories, and music. This study adds to the conversation around using the arts to teach science as well as the benefits thereof. One of the findings was that the learners were able to recall scientific content. Multilingual classrooms are the order of the day; therefore, language issues will be present. The teachers shared the same domain in this study within the COP. This space enhanced the opportunity for the teachers to create a community, where they were able to learn, share and grow from one another. Thus, this study encouraged teachers to step out of their comfort zone and to restructure how they teach science by including VFL. Therefore, VFL are a platform for teachers to see themselves as change agents.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate education, 202
Risk Management as a nexus to Ameliorate Citizen Centricity in the Western Cape Provincial Government
Get PDFThis study aims to explore how risk management can be applied by the Western Cape Provincial Government to enhance citizen centricity in the Province. The Provincial Departments and Public Entities in this province are applauded for achieving satisfactory audit results in recent financial years from the Auditor-General South Africa. Despite the aforementioned, service delivery protests remain ongoing, which is indicative of citizen dissatisfaction and distress. Ensuring an effective, efficient, and transparent risk management system is mandatory, as prescribed by relevant legislation in South Africa and citizens are entitled to specific rights articulated in the Bill of Rights chapter of the Constitution. Therefore, it is essential that risk management – which forms part of good governance – be embedded by leadership and in processes to ultimately constrain risks which may hinder citizen centricity. Six chapters are included in this research paper. A qualitative approach was adopted, which considered a comprehensive review of literature, and a desktop analysis was performed. Secondary data and information sources were consulted and applied, without the participation of human subjects, for the purposes of primary data collection. Research findings were presented utilising thematic content analysis. It was found during the study that the Western Cape Government risk management framework is flexible to constrain various categories of risk and embraces local and global best practices in the risk management and citizen-focused governments arenas. Furthermore, the framework advocates and drives collaboration between a myriad of role-players, both internal and external to the organisation, to collectively manage risks posed to the achievement of the defined goals, objectives and priorities. To this end, the study was pursued through the lenses of a New Public Management (NPM) paradigm as well as deliberative democracy theory and public governance theories and administrative practices.Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
The effectiveness of the findings of the auditor-general in the control of public funds: a case of Bojanala platinum District Municipality
Get PDFThe study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Auditor-General’s findings in controlling public funds, with specific reference to the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. The research is comprised of six chapters. The research adopted the qualitative research methodology approach. The study provides academic input into public administration, specifically for improving service delivery performance, control and financial performance management in municipalities. The study could contribute to the establishment of effective methods for monitoring municipalities’ control of public funds. The research also identified several strengths and weaknesses of the BPDM, which are vital for effective and efficient service delivery to the community. It is envisaged that other municipalities in South Africa will learn something from it. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting the best control of public funds within the BPDM and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery to ensure communities’ well-being and dignity. Based on the findings primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, various recommendations are presented on how the existing status quo of the BPDM can be changed to enhance the better control of public funds, which can assist in service delivery and are aligned with the Batho Pele principles. If these recommendations are adopted, the BPDM will be able to deal with the developmental obstacles it currently faces more effectively and efficiently.Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
The role of monitoring and evaluation in promoting good governance, a case of the black industrialists scheme
Get PDFThe study explored the role of monitoring and evaluation in promoting good governance for the Black Industrialists Scheme in South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative approach to gathering data, and proffered recommendations for improving the implementation of monitoring and evaluation in the Black Industrialists Scheme. One of the objectives of the study was to identify factors that impact upon the effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation for the Black Industrialists Scheme. This objective was achieved as the research findings revealed a number of factors that affect monitoring and evaluation. Another objective was to explore how good governance is achieved, through the monitoring and evaluation of the Black Industrialists Scheme. This objective was also achieved as the study findings demonstrated the role of monitoring and evaluation in achieving good governance. The study provided recommendations for improving monitoring and evaluation in the Black Industrialists Scheme, thus fulfilling the objective of offering policy recommendations to enhance implementation. The study's contribution to existing literature lies in its identification of factors impacting monitoring and evaluation. The study also has implications for management and policy. It showed that monitoring and evaluation supports evidence-based decision making and enhances accountability, thus offering a tool for achieving good governance. This insight can be leveraged by managers and policymakers in their efforts to promote good governance within organisations.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences,Business School, 202
ISO 9001 certification as a catalyst for enhancing product quality at a manufacturing plant in Gqeberha
Get PDFThis research explores the role of ISO 9001 certification as a catalyst for enhancing product quality at a manufacturing plant in Gqeberha. ISO 9001, an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems, provides a framework for consistent product quality and continuous improvement. While prior studies have shown that ISO 9001 certification creates a signalling effect, attracting customers by projecting an image of high product quality, the impact of this certification on actual product quality remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by investigating the variables necessary to enhance product quality through ISO 9001 implementation in a manufacturing context. The research seeks to answer the question: What variables should be incorporated in the implementation of ISO 9001 certification to improve product quality in a manufacturing company in Gqeberha? Specifically, the study focuses on the influence of four ISO 9001 principles, namely customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, and improvement, on product quality. A pragmatic research philosophy was adopted, utilising a quantitative approach to better understand the relationship between these principles and product quality. Both literature review and empirical results confirm that all four principles significantly impact product quality with a unit change in any of these principles or variables resulting in a 0,550-to-0,721-unit changes in product quality. Based on these results, the study recommends that companies accredited to ISO 9001 standard should integrate these principles into their daily operations. If the ISO 9001 standard is implemented with emphasis on following these guiding principles, a company will not only achieve and sustain improvements in product quality, but this can be a valuable strategic tool for competitiveness in the global marketplace.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Exploring the nature of the parent-child relationship and well- being of adolescents in families with a current history of maternal mental illness in a semi-urban area in East London, Eastern Cape
Get PDFParent mental illness can detrimentally impact family functioning, thereby leading to increased conflicts, reduced adaptability, limited cohesion, and disorganised everyday planning (Smith, 2018). However, the specific effects of maternal mental illness on the relationship between mothers and adolescents, as well as on adolescent social and psychological development, remain unclear (Jones & Brown, 2020). This study aimed to explore and describe the nature of the parent-child relationship and the well-being of adolescents in families with a current history of maternal mental illness. Drawing from Bowlby's Ethological Theory of Attachment (1969) and from Ainsworth’s Attachment Theory (1970), qualitative research methods were employed to delve into these dynamics. The participants encompassed mothers aged between 30 to 60 with a current history of mental illness and adolescents aged between 15 to 18 residing with a mother with a current history of mental illness, and who is in remission. The study was conducted in a semi-urban area in East London, which is characterised by high unemployment rates, low education levels, and social stressors impacting mental health and family dynamics (Clark et al., 2019). Data collection involved face-to-face interviews, as well as utilising non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework was utilised for data interpretation, thus ensuring the adherence to the research ethics and to the trustworthiness standards as outlined by Lincoln and Guba (1985). The findings revealed both challenges and strengths in these families. The adolescents expressed concerns about the lack of parental support, coerced autonomy, and communication barriers. However, they also reported positive experiences of companionship and nurturing from their mothers. Emotional regulation difficulties and socio-economic challenges were prevalent, thus highlighting the need for tailored targeted support interventions to address the complex issues that are faced by the adolescents in the families which are affected by maternal mental illness. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the nuancedThesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Extending psychological praxis within South Africa: exploring healers’ perceptions of treatment plurality
Get PDFThe prevailing psychological praxis in South Africa predominantly follows western paradigms for defining, classifying, and diagnosing health and illness; falling short in encompassing the diverse mental healthcare reality. Scarce resources, inadequate infrastructure, and the interplay of religio-cultural beliefs intersect, shaping how psychological disturbances are perceived and how treatment is sought- especially for patients who do not ascribe to one treatment modality, or one paradigm. Therefore, this study explored ideas and notions surrounding treatment plurality held by healers (that being psychologists, psychiatrists, and traditional healers), within the South African context. The research utilised a qualitative exploratory-descriptive research methodology with a phenomenological research design. The researcher then employed purposive and snowball sampling to recruit participants. Thereafter, the researcher conducted online semi-structured interviews, and applied Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis to analyse the data. The following themes were then unpacked: 1) Healers’ perceptions of treatment plurality; 2) The need for collaboration between various disciplines; 3) Education as a key factor in pluralism; 4) Healer ethics and malpractice; 5) The lack of governmental funding and resources. The results suggest the need for a pluralistic mental healthcare approach in South Africa, bridging western and traditional practices. Yet, challenges stemming from inadequate governmental funding, resources, policies, and ethical guidelines hinder its development and implementation. Therefore, it would take more than one set of guidelines to implement pluralistic treatment within South African mental healthcare. For this purpose, the researcher decided to create a blueprint for various developments that is needed to make a pluralistic approach a reality in South Africa. These findings encouraged the researcher to develop: 1) Guidelines for the Provision of Collaborative Care in Mental Healthcare Services; 2) Guidelines for South African governmental policy that foster pluralism and collaborative care in the mental healthcare system; 3) A pluralistic medical aid scheme; 4) A module blueprint that could potentially be included in a professional master’s programme, as well as the inclusion of a theory the researcher has developed, named the Pluralism-oriented Mental Healthcare Theory.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Investigating the purported medicinal properties of cannabinoid containing products available for human consumption in South Africa
Get PDFCannabis has until recently, in some countries, been classified as an illicit, illegal drug. In South Africa, the sale of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is still illegal, but there has been an amendment of legislation in the governing of the use of marijuana in that the private use of marijuana was decriminalised in September 2018. This has led to questions about whether the recreational use of Cannabis should be legalised and what is the potential social implications of this legislation moving forward (Mokwena, 2019). This study aimed to assess whether the indications and consequently the concentrations associated with the declared purported use of cannabinoid containing products correspond with the information declared on the label and conform to the regulatory limits set out for these products. The objectives of this study were to explore: the range of products available in South Africa, the prescribed use and dosage of the product and to test the accuracy of the reported information on the product labelling regarding the cannabinoid content. This investigation pursued a quantitative approach that is empirical and comprised of laboratory-based experiments. A minimum of seven samples of different liquid preparations of products, reported to contain cannabinoids and being sold without the need for a prescription or licence were tested with the aid of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), to separate individual compounds from the many that could be found in these Cannabis products. The results of this testing of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and, where applicable, their concentrations were determined. Using the data collected and review of available literature, assessments were made as to whether the products tested conform to the regulatory standards and contained the cannabinoids as stated on the labelling. From the data obtained findings were that not all products currently available on the South African market correspond to the information reported on the label or conform to the regulatory standards.Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 202