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A long walk to freedom: charting a way for doing comparative translation studies in Africa
No full textn recognition of the work that Ilse Feinauer has done for the development of translation studies in Africa, this paper considers the position of translation studies on the continent. It proposes a comparative approach to translation studies on the continent to counter the two extremes of universalism and provincialism in the field of study. After considering some of the epistemological problems that translation studies faces in Africa, the paper suggests that a complex adaptive systems approach linked to a semiotic conceptualisation of translation allows for this kind of comparative approach. The paper concludes with some suggestions about the nature of comparative work in translation studies.Publisher's versio
Die voorkoms en funksie van dwelms in die Afrikaanse letterkunde
No full textEnglish: Since the earliest recordings, drugs have been described as an influential part of social, psychological, technological and economic aspects of society. Herodotus is one example of an author who wrote about drug use as early as 440 B.C. All over the world, statistics show that drug use is increasing and expanding, and many changes to drug legislation are being considered. The primary goal of this study is to determine the incidence and literary function of drugs in the Afrikaans literature. Literature sociology holds that literature is a social occurrence and that literature and society reflects, as well as influence, each other. This approach enables the literature analyst to view literature as a mirror or as a reflection of reality. One of the benefits of this approach is that aspects of reality and literature, a portrayal of reality, can be compared against each other. By comparing these things, the success of certain literature devices, such as credibility, can be tested. For this study, literature sociology will be used to focus on one aspect of reality, namely drugs. A twofold analytical approach, using two main literature sociology thought streams, will be used to determine the literary function of drugs. Firstly, relevant drugs will be examined using a Marxist standpoint, meaning that the role, perspective and status of these drugs will be researched. Secondly, a critical reading approach, as suggested by Humanitarian literature sociologists, will be used to analyse texts. The focus of this analysis will be on drugs and its literary function. By comparing both viewpoints on drugs, the credibility of texts can be considered. Representative Afrikaans texts with drugs as the main or subtheme were selected to determine the incidence of drugs in Afrikaans literature. A few examples of these works include, among others, Vreemder as fiksie en ander konterfeitsels (1996) and Tweede natuur (2000) by Johann de Lange, Op soek na generaal Mannetjies Mentz (1998) by Christoffel Coetzee, Seks & drugs & boeremusiek (2000) by Koos Kombuis, In stede van die liefde (2005) by Etienne van Heerden, Donker liefde: my verhouding met heroïen (2007) by Anoux Venter, Noudat slapende honde (2008) and grond/Santekraam (2011)by Ronelda Kamfer and Tussen middernag en dagbreek (2012) by J.W. Bogaards. Firstly, a historic overview of drugs will be discussed. An archive of all relevant Afrikaans literature related to the topic will be listed and thereafter, an in-depth textual analysis will be made of four selected texts. Lastly, a conclusion will be drawn and possible suggestions for other research will be made. This reseach provides a new tool for examining literature from a certain perspective. This enables the researcher to link certain themes together, test the credibility of a text and examine literary elements from a new perspective.Afrikaans: Antieke tekste, soos Herodotus se The Histories, getuig van ’n eeueoue wisselwerking tussen dwelms, die literatuur en die samelewing. Alhoewel daar reeds navorsing bestaan oor dwelms as ʼn literêre tema, is die literêre funksie daarvan nog nie na wense in die Afrikaanse letterkunde bepaal nie. Die primêre doel van hierdie ondersoek is om vas te stel wat die voorkoms en funksie van dwelms in die Afrikaanse letterkunde is. Die literatuursosiologie verwys na die oortuiging dat die letterkunde ʼn sosiale verskynsel is en dat die letterkunde en die samelewing mekaar sistematies weerkaats, sowel as wedersyds beïnvloed. Die teorie stel literatuurwetenskaplikes in staat om die letterkunde as ʼn spieël van die werklikheid te beskou. Iets wat veral relevant is vir hierdie studie, is die feit dat literatuursosiologie gebruik kan word om ʼn teks se geloofwaardigheid, sowel as ander literêre funksies, ten opsigte van een aspek van die samelewing, naamlik dwelms, te toets. ʼn Tweeledige analise word gebruik om uiteindelik dwelms se funksie in die letterkunde te bepaal: eerstens word relevante dwelms in ʼn sosiale konteks nagevors en bespreek. Tweedens word tekste geanaliseer volgens die literêre bydrae wat dwelms tot die teks lewer. Op hierdie manier word ʼn dwelmblik op die letterkunde en die samelewing gewerp, om sodoende die twee teenpole direk teenoor mekaar te stel. Verteenwoordigende Afrikaanse tekste met dwelms as hoof- of subtema sal geselekteer en kortliks ontleed word om die voorkoms van dwelms te bepaal. Die literêre funksie van dwelms word aan die hand van vier tekste getoets. Die geselekteerde tekste sluit in Vreemder as fiksie en ander konterfeitsels (1996) en Tweede natuur (2000), deur Johann de Lange, Op soek na generaal Mannetjies Mentz (1998), deur Christoffel Coetzee, Seks & drugs & boeremusiek (2000), deur Koos Kombuis, In stede van die liefde (2005), deur Etienne van Heerden, Donker liefde: my verhouding met heroïen (2007), deur Anoux Venter, Noudat slapende honde (2008) en grond/Santekraam (2011), deur Ronelda Kamfer en Tussen middernag en dagbreek (2012), deur J.W. Bogaards. Hierdie navorsing bied ʼn argief van geselekteerde tekste met dwelms as hoof- of subtema in die Afrikaanse letterkunde. Die argief kan gebruik word om maatskaplike probleme, sowel as diskoers rakende dwelms te bestudeer. Verder kan die “dwelmlens” as invalshoek tot die letterkunde gebruik word in ander gevalle om die sukses van ʼn teks te toets
Perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation and its association with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children from the West Rand
No full textVernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a recurrent inflammatory disorder which affects the anterior ocular structures of pre-pubertal children resulting in preventable vision loss. Certain risk factors such as gender, warm and dry climates as well as systemic allergies, have been identified to increase the onset of VKC. Recently, perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation has been found to be a consistent and early indication of the development of VKC.
Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the presence of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation and its association with VKC in children from the West Rand, South Africa. Not only is there limited information regarding VKC in South Africa, but a gap has been identified in the literature concerning perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation in VKC and its association with ocular allergic responses and racial factors such as varying skin tones. This study was designed to provide a better understanding of these features and highlight the clinical relevance of the presenting pigmentation. With this knowledge, the appropriate ocular treatment of VKC can be provided, which may promote childhood eye care, especially in the West Rand.
Methods: This study consisted of an observational quantitative study design employing cross sectional sampling. The sampling method consisted of non-probability convenience sampling. The data was collected through structured interviews and clinical examinations, which were performed to measure selected variables during a given period. The presence of VKC and perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation was determined through the symptoms reported by the participants during structured interviews. Furthermore, anterior and posterior ocular health examinations were performed with a slit lamp to identify VKC and perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation, based on a diagnostic criterion. The findings of the participants were divided into groups for the purpose of analytical non-parametric comparison to determine significant associations.
Results: This study consisted of 125 participants between the age group of 6 and 12 years. The sample predominantly consisted of 68 female participants. The larger part of the sample population, being 75 participants, were of Black African race. Furthermore, most of the sample, 80 participants, resided in Krugersdorp. The findings of this study determined a VKC prevalence of 28% as well as a perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation prevalence of 28% in the sample population. Ocular pigmentation in the absence of VKC was found in 6.40% of the sample. More female participants displayed VKC (62.50%) while more male participants displayed both VKC and the perilimbal pigmentation (55.56%). Both VKC and perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation was identified more frequently in participants of 8 to 11 years of
age. Furthermore, it was recognised that all the participants who displayed VKC and perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation were of the Black African ethnicity. The data also indicated that 62.96% of these affected participants resided in Kagiso, a local township settlement in the West Rand. Moreover, most of the participants displaying both VKC and the perilimbal pigmentation experienced ocular allergic responses in the form of symptoms such as ocular itching (96.30%) and clinical signs such as conjunctival hyperaemia (88.89%) and tarsal conjunctival papillae (88.89%).
Conclusion: The results of this study has identified that age, gender, ethnicity and residential distribution affects the prevalence of VKC and perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation. Considering that all the affected participants were of the Black African race, a conclusion was made that a darker skin tone may increase the presence of perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation found in VKC. Most of the participants displaying both VKC and perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation experienced ocular inflammatory reactions in the form of ocular symptoms and signs. This identification signifies that the presence of allergic responses may
intensify perilimbal conjunctival pigmentation. The study has determined that the presence of perilimbal pigmentation, which is found in VKC, is not only produced by the darker skin tones of an individual. The pigmentation is also induced by ocular allergic responses linked to this ocular disorder. Therefore, eye care practitioners may use this clinical sign to identify the early development of VKC to provide prompt treatment and encourage the promotion of ocular health amongst childre
Effect of a natural bio-stimulant on the photosynthetic capacity and yield of spinach under drought stress
No full textSpinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a green leafy vegetable that is cultivated worldwide due to its high nutritional value, containing many vitamins and minerals. Spinach is susceptible to drought stress and its cultivation and production is limited by low water availability in arid and semi-arid areas. The potential of a natural bio-stimulant (Xcell Boost) to improve the physiological and biochemical responses as well as vegetative growth in spinach grown under different water stress regimes was evaluated under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. The trial design was a split-plot, where the main plot was the water treatments and subplot were Xcell Boost treatments. Three water levels were maintained in the soil: 100% (full irrigation), 50% (mild drought stress) and 30% (severe drought stress) water holding capacity (WHC). Three levels of Xcell Boost treatments were used: namely the control (no bio-stimulant, BX0), single (BX1) and double (BX2) concentration of bio-stimulant. Non-invasive and invasive techniques were used to assess the photosynthetic, biochemical, and vegetative growth parameters. Drought stress showed insignificant effect on the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) under optimal water treatments. Under drought stress, NDVI values were maintained above 0.68 units, indicating that plants were green and healthy. Even so, the application of BX1 further increased the NDVI values under water deficiency. Because NDVI is a measure of vegetation “greenness”, it can be associated with potentially high chlorophyll content. This was supported by an increase in Chlorophyll a content under drought conditions. Application of BX2 increased the levels of Chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids under drought stress. Drought stress slightly reduced the stomatal conductance under severe water stress. Application of Xcell Boost improved the stomatal conductance across all water regimes with BX1 showing the highest increase in stomatal conductance, particularly under severe water deficiency stress, which could have resulted in a high carbon dioxide fixation and increased photosynthetic rates. The application of BX1 enhanced the accumulation of osmoprotectants (proline and total soluble sugars (TSS) and reduced electrolyte leakage under mild stress (50% WHC) but failed to boost the levels of TSS under severe drought stress (30% WHC). Positive correlations between proline and performance index absorbance (PIABS) shows that high proline level is linked to better photosynthetic capacity of spinach. Xcell Boost (BX2) induced substantial increases in the activities of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), under severe drought stress. BX1 was only effective at inducing these enzymes under mild drought stress. Xcell Boost applications at both concentrations reversed the negative effects of drought stress by inducing remarkable increases in plant height, leaf area, stem dry weight, root length and root moisture. This indicates that Xcell Boost application enhanced spinach resilience under drought stress. Stem dry weight also had a positive correlation with APX and stomatal conductance. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between total performance index (PITotal) and root moisture content, this relationship could ensure that enough water is available for transport from the roots to the leaves to participate in the photosynthesis process. Based on the results, applying Xcell Boost enhances several physiological, biochemical, and vegetative parameters in spinach during drought stress. This makes Xcell Boost a highly beneficial bio-stimulant for improving yield in spinach, and most probably for other crops, cultivated in semi-arid and arid regions.Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS
The Sr-isotopic stratigraphy of the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex
No full textData on the modal mineralogy, whole-rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry and Sr-isotopic compositions of plagioclase from the broadly pyroxenitic Lower Critical Zone to the gabbroic Upper Zone in the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex are presented in this study, covering a stratigraphic interval of approximately 5000 m. The data were determined using transmitted light microscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer (EPMA) and Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) to produce a continuous and relatively high-resolution profile of variations in mineral chemistry, whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr-isotopic composition of plagioclase. The results show Sr-isotopic trends that are similar to those observed in the Western Limb, with the first isotopically heterogeneous stage named the ―Integration Stage‖, characterised by fluctuating initial 87Sr/86Sr compositions from the Lower Critical Zone (~0.7051) to the Lower Main Zone (~0.7084). These variations are attributed to repeated influxes of compositionally distinct magmas. The Lower / Upper Critical Zone boundary is characterized by a sharp increase in initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.7054 to 0.7062 while the Critical Zone / Main Zone boundary is characterized by a sharp increase from 0.7065 to 0.7080. The isotopically homogeneous ―Differentiation Stage‖ includes the Upper Main and Upper zones. This interval is characterized by relatively uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr composition of ~0.7073. Limited variation in Sr-isotopic compositions suggests that this stratigraphic interval was formed through fractional crystallization with limited or no injections of new magma. The last major addition of magma into the Bushveld magma chamber is recorded by fluctuations in plagioclase An% and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios at the level of the Pyroxenite Marker, which occurs at the boundary between the Lower and Upper Main zones. There is a decrease in initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios at the level of the Pyroxenite Marker, from 0.7079 to 0.7075. Within the ―Integration Stage‖ where significant variations in initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plagioclase are recorded, there is limited variation in plagioclase An% compared to the ―Differentiation Stage‖, which is characterized by a dominantly normal differentiation trend shown by decreasing plagioclase An% with increasing stratigraphic height and limited variation in initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plagioclase. This trend between plagioclase An% and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plagioclase is also observed in the Western and Northern Limbs of the Bushveld Complex. Inter and intra-crystal initial 87Sr/86Sr disequilibrium is locally observed in the Lower Main and Upper Critical zones and is limited in the Upper Main and Upper Zones. This disequilibrium supports a model of petrogenesis which suggests that the Critical and Lower Main Zones formed through intrusion of variably contaminated crystal mushes derived from a sub compartmentalized, sub-Bushveld staging chamber that underwent different degrees of contamination with crustal rocks of the Kaapvaal craton. The Upper Main and Upper Zones revealed uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr compositions with a decreasing plagioclase An% trend, suggesting normal fractionation as the main petrogenetic process.Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)National Research Foundation (NRF)Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA
Determining the need for teaching on pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies in the emergency medical care curriculum in South Africa
No full textIn this research project, an in-depth study was conducted by the researcher to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pre-hospital emergency care providers (i.e. Advance life support, Intermediate life support and Basic life support providers), regarding pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies. This was done with a view to reveal any possible gaps in knowledge in the pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies by these pre-hospital emergency care providers, and to provide evidence for making informed recommendations for the need to strengthen the education and training of prehospital emergency care providers on pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies. In this research project, the researcher utilised a quantitative, non-experimental design. A literature review on the principles and practice of managing psychiatric emergencies in the pre-hospital environment was conducted. A questionnaire survey was used to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the pre-hospital emergency care providers on the management of psychiatric emergencies. The questionnaire included a mixture of closedended and open-ended questions. However, closed-ended questions made up the bulk of the questionnaire. Hard copies of the questionnaires were circulated to the participants, and information collected was analysed by the statistician and the researcher and interpreted to reveal meaningful data. This study found that some pre-hospital emergency care providers are not knowledgeable about the principles and practice of pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies and are not conversant with the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act 2002 (Act no. 17 of 2002) of SA. In conclusion, the problem that was addressed by this study is the probable inadequate knowledge of some certain cadres of emergency care providers regarding pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies that result from the gap in EMC education and training. Based on the findings by this study, the researcher therefore made recommendations and motivations for the expansion of the teaching on the principles and practice of pre-hospital management of psychiatric emergencies in the current EMC higher certificate, diploma and degree curricula
Evaluation of groundwater recharge and flow in crystalline terrain in the Matlala Batholith, Limpopo, South Africa
No full textCommunities residing near the Matlala Batholith are dependent on the groundwater resource for their water supply. The Matlala wellfield occurs near the south-eastern perimeter of the batholith outcrop and may in future supply local residents with water for drinking and domestic purposes. However, the groundwater level response to rainfall and the groundwater flow patterns within the study area are not well understood, and the risk of aquifer depletion exists if over-abstraction from the aquifer takes place. It is therefore important to understand the underlying aquifer system in terms of recharge and groundwater flow to allow determination of a sustainable abstraction rate. As a first step towards determining a sustainable yield for the wellfield, information on the recharge of the aquifer system is required. In this study the groundwater recharge to the Matlala Batholith and surrounding gneissic host rock is estimated by evaluating historical groundwater level and chemistry data. However, the available historical data is sparse and contain large temporal and spatial gaps. This lack of complete, comprehensive, and recent data was a severe limitation to the recharge investigation. Despite the limitations associated with data scarcity, three methods were used to estimate the groundwater recharge in the study area from the available data, namely the chloride mass balance (CMB), water level fluctuation (WTF) and cumulative rainfall departure (CRD) methods. For all three methods, the estimated recharge values varied significantly for the boreholes drilled around the Matlala Batholith. The large variations in the estimated recharge rates for the different boreholes indicate that different recharge conditions occur at these boreholes. The recharge rates are most likely affected by the depth of weathering and fracturing of the regolith in the vicinity of the different boreholes. The average recharge rates estimated with the physical methods (WTF and CRD) were very similar (3.39% and 3.76% of the rainfall received) but differed from the estimate obtained with the CMB method (1.20% of the MAP). However, all three methods indicate low average recharge rates of well below 5%, in line with the results obtained during previous studies. These low recharge estimates should be used when calculating the sustainable abstraction rate from the aquifer system. A way forward for future investigations at the Matlala wellfield includes: performing pumping tests on the high-yielding boreholes in the wellfield to investigate the flow regimes in the aquifers and to determine the aquifer hydraulic parameters, calculating sustainable abstraction rates using the results of the pumping tests, and developing a numerical model for the Matlala wellfield to investigate different pumping scenarios for future water supply purposes.Department of Water and Sanitatio
Youth in conflict with the law: a criminological exploration of the social factors perpetuating misconduct
No full textIn recent years, there has been an upsurge in the quantity of transgressions perpetrated by adolescents, signifying that a considerable proportion of the youth populace experiences a great degree of marginalisation within their social milieu. Moreover, many youths have succumbed to challenges related to academic failure, socio-economic adversity, family turmoil, substance abuse and deviant peer affiliation. Consequently, this impedes their transition into adulthood and dissuades them from evolving into meaningful social actors. Based on this premise, the current study was conducted to explore the socio-criminogenic risk factors which manifest in the family, community, school and peer group domain, through gauging the lived experiences of youth regarding the factors which they most closely associate with their offending behaviour. Data were obtained using a sample of 20 males incarcerated at the Kimberley Youth Development Centre in the Northern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa, and analysed using thematic analysis. Several key factors perpetuating youth misconduct were identified, including antisocial peer-affiliation, gang membership, community disorganisation and illicit substance use. It is thus envisaged that these findings will stimulate further research, contribute to the existing body of knowledge and aid in policy development, with the reduction of conflict as the ultimate aim.Publisher's versio
Urban matriarch-itecture : an urban intervention for the marginalized informal trader women in the Bloemfontein CBD
No full textThe proposed project takes the form of a Women’s Empowerment Centre in the Bloemfontein CBD, situated in Harvey Road. The aim of this project is to establish a space with a sense of belonging for women in the masculine inner city. A space in which women’s (informal traders and urban dwellers) basic needs are catered for, while they conduct their trade and day-to-day activities. My interest in this typology arose from observing the marginalised groups within the urban framework of the Bloemfontein CBD and contemplating the reason behind this marginalisation. Cities are places for opportunity, a receptacle for new social, cultural as well as economic strata. Women journey daily from the rural to the urban area for better socio-economic opportunities, in terms of their trade, and in order to provide for their families. However, women are more challenged in negotiating their place in the urban workplace purely because of their gender. This can be associated with the social identity of being male and female and the implications of superiority and inferiority relationships that exist between males and females in the South African urban context. Consequently, the research in this document focuses on gender and the city as well as thresholds in the city. Addressing these social and spatial theories will inform the proposed contribution to better urban place making. The delimitation of the study is linked to the topology. To avoid being “another safe space” or women’s shelter but instead a space that celebrates the strength of these women, the proposal is aimed at improving the existing spaces where the women conduct their trade, providing a space of safety for their children while they work and a space in which the essence of being a woman is uplifted and encouraged
A critical analysis of the inefficacy of court - Annexed Mediation (CAM) in South Africa – Lessons from Nigeria
No full textAs a result of defects in the South African civil justice system, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development introduced voluntary court-annexed mediation (CAM) in the magistrates’ courts in 2014. CAM was chosen under the broader need for greater access to justice because it has the potential to make dispute resolution efficient, amicable, and affordable. It can, therefore, contribute to access to justice for all members of society. Since the amendment of the Magistrates’ Court Rules to provide for CAM, the uptake of mediation in terms of the CAM system has unfortunately been inadequate. The aim of this article is to identify reasons for the inefficacy of CAM since its implementation. We use normative research to critically analyse existing court rules and authority. We conclude that there are several reasons for CAM’s inefficacy which are elucidated in the main text. It is important to understand these reasons, as the legislature presents CAM as a mechanism to improve access to justice. From this platform, we evaluate the mechanisms for court-connected alternative dispute resolutions provided by the Nigerian Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) system. This reveals policies and practices that could potentially improve the efficacy of CAM in South Africa, as these relate to the factors identified as impediments to the optimal functioning of CAM in our civil justice system. As such, we identify valuable lessons that can be learned from this comparison. Building hereon, and on the conclusions reached elsewhere in the article, we postulate that the mediation scheme, as contemplated by Rule 41A of the Uniform Rules of Court (as applied in the superior courts), should also be implemented in the magistrates’ courts. The article concludes that improving CAM in South Africa is of critical importance to advancing access to justice and departing from a culture of conventional adversarial dispute resolution.Publisher's versio