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Bipolar disorder: genetic analysis of the circadian rhythm associated genes and metabolic syndrome
No full textBipolar disorder (BD) is a serious, lifelong psychiatric disorder characterised
by mood dysregulation. It has been rated as the sixth most debilitating disorder in
the world. Comorbidity is often observed, with metabolic syndrome (MetS) as the
most prevalent medical comorbidity. The pathophysiology observed between BD
and MetS is suggested to be the result of common underlying genetic,
environmental and lifestyle risk factors. The circadian rhythm and neurotrophins
pathway disruptions play a role in BD and MetS aetiology.
The aim of the study was to investigate genetic associations between
selected gene variants in these pathways and metabolic risk factors in patients with
BD. A case-control design was implemented with 53 BD cases and matched
controls. The questionnaire and genotype data were analysed using quantitative
and molecular techniques to ensure a thorough comparison of the genetic and
environmental components between the two groups investigated. Selected candidate gene polymorphisms have previously been associated
with BD, MetS and the circadian rhythm clock. Genotyping of CLOCK (rs1801260),
PER3 VNTR (rs57875989), GSK-3β (rs3755557 and rs334558) and BDNF (rs6265)
was performed with restriction enzyme digestion and bi-directional sequencing.
Statistical analysis was done with the Statistical Analysis System Software.
The genotype association with BD and MetS did not deliver statistically
significant results. Analysis of multi-locus genotypes, a significant association
between CLOCK and GSK-3β rs334558 (p = 0.012) as well as between BDNF and
PER3 (p = 0.022) was observed. When comparing the cases with the controls in
terms of smoking cigarettes, exercise habits, following a balanced diet, prevalence
of hypercholesterolaemia, cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, no differences
were observed. A significant difference was observed in the ‘drinking alcohol on a
regular basis’ (p = 0.012), where more controls were regular alcohol consumers as
compared to the BD cases. With regards to the ‘body mass index’ variable, the majority of BD cases were obese
(p = 0.005)
Minimizing limitations associated with the spoken word in theatre through physicality: a theoretical exploration of physicality and theatre semiotics in selected theatre performances
No full textThis thesis aimed to create a semiotic framework of stagecraft technologies and a semiotic framework of physical theatre technologies to assist in overcoming the limitations of spoken language in theatre. The framework was used to evaluate four case studies. The proposed goal was to test whether and in what way the framework could be used in other theatre productions and art forms that use physical theatre for multilingual audiences. The study was conducted within the qualitative paradigm. By using the qualitative approach, the study aimed to postulate the impact that language barriers and limitations have on theatregoers/audience members during the viewing of a theatre production and how they make meaning of what is happening on stage in physical theatre productions. The study consisted of a combination of literary studies and case studies. Chapter 1 was an introduction and orientation to the topic. In Chapter 2 literature studies of physical theatre and theatre semiotics were done. From the literature studies, a combined framework was drawn in Chapter 3, and in Chapter 4 the four case studies were done, to test the framework. Chapter 5 concluded and reflected on the findings of the study. The proposed goal, to test whether and in what way the framework could be used in other theatre productions and art forms that use physical theatre for multilingual audiences, was reached by the evaluations made in the case studies. Through the study, the conclusion was reached that physical theatre techniques can be used as a purposeful means of communication which creates an equal and open platform for understanding one another in society, even though different backgrounds, cultures, and languages create barriers. Physicality and body language can meaningfully be used as communication without having any verbal communication.
Through the study, one can thus conclude, through observation and evaluation through case studies, that the framework showed the little need for any spoken language to create meaning or messages. By finding this conclusion, the limitations of spoken language in theatre can be addressed accordingly and successfully, by using other methods of Primary communication to carry meanings and messages across to an audience. The study can be used as a template for testing other theatre productions, and the study can also be explored further and more in-depth in any aspects thereof
Application of geophysical techniques in the delineation of aquifer systems in the Beaufort West area, Western Karoo, South Africa
No full textA geoscientific research project of which the current study forms part is underway in the Karoo Basin, near Beaufort West in the Western Cape, South Africa. The aim of the research is to better understand the potential impact of the geo-resource exploration activities on the Western Karoo Basin. The current study strongly emphasis the use of airborne and deep-probing magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical techniques to better understand geological structures and deep aquifer systems. The need to understand the deeper aquifer systems arose from the possibility of shale gas exploration in the Main Karoo Basin.
The high resolution airborne magnetic survey was undertaken in order to upgrade the geology map and reveal the presence of hidden geological features such as dolerite (dykes or sills), faults or other magnetic lineaments. The results showed that magnetic method can play a significant role in generating groundwater targets. The total magnetic field showed positive anomalies that exceed the local magnetic field of the area as recognised by a steep gradient, while negative anomalies are below the local magnetic fields. The high-resolution data clearly mapped dykes, sills, faults, geological contacts and intrusive bodies. These lineaments could be an indication of foliation in the area in response to shearing. The development of the foliation within the Beaufort Group sediments is restricted to the finer grained sandstone, mudrock and siltstone.
Magnetotelluric results suggested that the very high resistive layers that appear to have been intruded within the slightly conductive zone might be associated with dolerites. The displacement of a conductive zone around distance 2200 m and 5000 m might be an indication of faulting. The resistive substratum reaching a depth of around 2000 m to the east and the inclined resistive layer might be an indication of dolerite sill and dyke respectively. Based on this results it may be fair to note that magnetotelluric method is a non-intrusive tool that played a major role in obtaining information of the subsurface at great depth.
The 2D magnetic modelling confirms the resistive layer observed in MT inversion model might be related to dolerite. The results shows the magmatic feature with susceptibility value of around 0.012981 SI might represent a slight vertically inclined dolerite to the center at distance ranging between 2 km and 4 km, while to the west and east of the profile appears to be horizontal. These structures may have been connected during their previous formations, as can be seen that it might have been disrupted due to present day erosion. The Poortjie Member might have been heavily intruded, whereas the Ecca and Dwyka Groups appear to be suppressed. These intrusive bodies have been covered by younger alluvial. These results enhance the knowledge that aquifers within the Karoo may be occurring beneath the well-studied depth. Two monitoring boreholes (R01-BW and R02-BW) were drilled to a depth 1402 m and 516 m respectively. The boreholes were drilled at a larger distance (± 20 km) from the magnetotelluric traverse, due to the electromagnetic highly influenced by DC powered railway which is near the boreholes site. Magnetotelluric results may not be constrained with confidence with the borehole information due to the larger distance separation. Drilling of the boreholes was aimed on determining the lithology and stratigraphy of the Beaufort Group and underlying Ecca Group, and the properties of shallow groundwater. Borehole R01-BW drilled to a depth of 1402 m intersected from surface downwards shale and sandstone, 57 m thick, of the Poortjie Member (Middleton Formation), siltstone, shale and sandstone, 677 m thick, of the Abrahamskraal Formation, sandstone, siltstone and shale, 169 m thick of the Waterford Formation, and siltstone and shale, 483 m thick, of the Tierberg Formation. Dolerites 16 m and 2 m thick, intrude the Abrahamskraal Formation. Borehole R02-BW drilled to a depth of 516 m intersected from surface downwards sandstone, siltstone and subordinate shale, 64 m thick, of the Poortjie Member (Middleton Formation), and sandstone, siltstone and shale, 434 m thick, of the Abrahamskraal Formation. A dolerite 17 m thick, intrudes the Abrahamskraal Formation. Due to the challenge of interpreting rock chips during geological logging as may be mixed during drilling, the downhole geophysical was conducted on the two monitoring boreholes in order to obtain in-situ geotechnical and structural information. Borehole R01-BW gave a good correlation with the identification of dolerite at depth between 489 and 508 m. a great assistance can be observed at depth between 690 and 692, where the geophysical identified dolerite which was missed by geological logging. Borehole R02-BW, the identification of dolerite at depth between 159.5 and 176.5 m gave a good correlation with the geological log. Geophysical log may have identified sandstone below depth 186 m, but without good correlation from the geological.
The positions of the two monitoring boreholes were removed by a large distance from the positions of the magnetotelluric survey. Although the combined use of airborne and ground geophysical surveys was of a great assistance in understanding the subsurface geological and geohydrological conditions, the information obtained from the boreholes cannot be used with confidence to constrain the geophysical interpretation. Considering this and also the ambiguity and none uniqueness in geophysical interpretation, it is therefore highly recommended that geophysical results be constrained through drilling.Department of Mineral Resourc
Physician career satisfaction across thirty medical specialties: a South African national survey study
No full textDissertation (M.Med.(Dermatology))--University of the Free State, 2019Background. Specialty satisfaction likely influences quality of work, physician burnout rates and occupation-specific depression and suicide risk. Satisfaction with relative compensation, work-life balance and perception of met expectations within specialty, all likely influences career satisfaction within specialty as well as overall satisfaction with specialty choice. Specialty-specific physician career satisfaction data are collected and published annually in the United States of America (U.S.) and parts of Europe. These data and survey results are freely available to medical professionals, medical students, companies and the public. They are also widely publicised in journals, magazines and interest articles. No such relatable comparative data exists for practising South African medical specialists. Objective. To determine and compare the specialty-specific career satisfaction amongst practising South African medical specialists across 30 distinct medical specialties, via an electronic (email) questionnaire-based, respondent survey in 2018. Methods. This was an electronic, email-administered, questionnaire-based, respondent survey study conducted via SurveyMonkey. Response data representing practising South African medical specialists across 30 distinct medical specialties (incl. general practice) were obtained and analysed for the period 1 May to 31 July 2018. A specialty-specific global career satisfaction score (GSS) was formulated, calculated and compared with the use of five separate parameters, measuring scale-weighted responses within each individual questionnaire. Results. A total of 1610 practicing medical specialists were invited via email survey invitation. A total of 420 complete and qualifying response data sets were included). The response rate was 26%. A total of 17 specialties met the minimum respondent number of 10 respondents. Respondents represented specialists practicing in all nine Provinces. 60.95% of respondents indicated solo private, 15.71% combined (State/academic and private), 15.24% partnership private and 5.24% State/academic only, as their respective practice settings. 125 (29.76%) respondents were female. The most satisfied practising specialists according to the survey data are Dermatologists (75%), Ophthalmologists (74%), Oncologists (72%) and Radiologists (72%). The most dissatisfied specialists are General Internists (52%), Obstetrician and Gynaecologists (52%), General Practitioners (52%) and Nephrologists (54%). The mean GSS response is 12.34 and the median is 13 (standard deviation =4.01) Conclusion. This survey study demonstrated a significant inter-speciality variability in career satisfaction parameters amongst practising South African specialists. Specialty-specific satisfaction score trends were comparable to similar survey studies done in the U.S. and parts of Europe. The international trend towards job dissatisfaction within certain medical specialties, is concerning and warrants further investigation, possible interventional analysis and the development of turn-around strategies
A skills training framework for staff of nonprofit organisations: an adult learning perspective
No full textThe study focuses on skills training needs of Nonprofit Organisations (NPOs) staff in the North West Province. The information gathered was used to formulate a skills training framework to address the identified gaps within the identified area. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in the training and skills development arena. It was from this background that input was sought from the HEIs. The HEIs expressed keen interest to collaborate with NPOs in the skills development and training arena. The theoretical framework used was constructivism. The study used the premise that the NPO staff should contribute to knowledge on how best they can be assisted in acquiring skills to perform their obligations and duties effectively and efficiently. A mixed methods methodology was applied in the study. This method was chosen because it brings benefits of both qualitative and quantitative approaches by providing a complete understanding of a research problem than either approach alone. The literature review highlights the International, African and South African perspectives regarding the origins, formation and current status of NPOs. This was linked with the NPO staff as adult learners in the context of their learning on the job. NPO staff members were engaged through questionnaires and interviews to gather information on their skills training needs. HEIs were also engaged through questionnaires and interviews to find out where they can assist in addressing the identified skills training needs and gaps. Having gathered information from the key role players in the study: HEIs and NPOs, the study proposes a skills training framework. This framework can be used to address the identified NPO staff skills training needs
The exploration of lanthanum based complexes oxides: preparation, characterization and gas sensing properties
No full textA series of 1D metal oxide nanostructures based on Lanthanum (La) were synthesized through electrospinning followed by calcination. Firstly, the effect of La doping on ZnO was studied by introducing different concentrations (0, 0.06, 0.3, 1 and 2 wt%) of La and subjecting the obtained products to different annealing temperatures of 500, 700 and 900 °C. All La-doped ZnO sensors displayed enhanced sensor responses toward H2S as well as fast response/recovery times as compared to that of the pure ZnO based. Additionally, apart from the fact that these sensors displayed the highest responses, they also revealed relatively high selective responses to H2S. The sensor based on 2 wt% doping annealed at 900 °C displayed the highest H2S response as well as good repeatability, and stability. The H2S sensing performance of the ZnO nanofibres (NFs)was attributed to synergetic effects of a higher surface area, large number of intrinsic defects and the catalytic activity of La.Another study regarding LaCoO3and LaFeO3perovskites to investigate the influence of alternating the B-site cation on gas sensing revealed good acetone sensing at a low operating temperature of 120 °C with the LaFeO3NFs based sensor exhibiting high stable and selective response towards acetone with fast response and recovery time of 14 and 49 s.This high response was attributed to the high surface area and high density of oxygen related defects. A further, investigation on the annealing effect on LaCoO3NFs based sensors obtained after annealing at different temperatures of 550, 650, and 700 °Cwas
iiconducted. Findings from field emission scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscopedemonstrated that the synthesized LaCoO3 NFs consisted of a number of interconnected particles with average sizes of ~ 47, 58 and 77 nm, for 550, 650, and 700 °C annealing temperatures, respectively. Systematic gas sensing analysis revealed that the sensors based on LaCoO3NFs have substantial sensitivity to ethanol gas with the sensor obtained after annealing at 650 °Crevealing an outstanding response of 32.4 toward 40 ppm at a lower optimum operating temperature of 120 °C. While it exhibitedgood selectivity to ethanol gas as well as fast response and recovery speeds of 26 and 66 s, respectively. The enhanced sensing capability of the LaCoO3NFsbased sensor after annealing at650 °C stems from combined effects of the interparticle NFs structure, which provided high surfaceareaand porous channels. These allowed access to active sites as well as ease of gas diffusion and overlapping of the hole accumulation layers along the fiber direction producing continuous hole transfer channels. For the study of the effect of loading different concentration of Au on LaFeO3nanobelts (NBs),the gas sensing findings revealed that Au/LaFeO3NBsbased sensor with the Au concentration of 0.3 wt% displayed improved response of 125 to 40 ppm of acetone and rapid response and recovery times of 26 and 20s, respectively, at an optimal working temperature of 100 °C. Furthermore, all sensors demonstratedexcellent response and remarkable selectivity towards acetone. The gas sensing mechanism of the Au/LaFeO3sensors was explained in consideration of the catalytic activity of the Au nanoparticles, which served as direct adsorption sites for oxygen and acetone
iiiLastly, a series of nanostructured La1−xCexCoO3perovskite oxides (x= 0-0.2), with NF morphology were prepared through the electrospinning method followed by annealing at 650 °C. The NF crystallite and particle size became smaller with an increasing Ce level, while the specific surface area increased linearly up to 25 m2/g. X-ray diffraction revealed that Ce segregated as CeO2 when the Ce addition level was x≥0.1. The NFs showed selectivity to ethanol with the pure LaCoO3showing its highest response of 32.4 at operating temperature of 120 °C,while La1−xCexCoO3(x= 0.2) revealed a high response of 83.4 at 100 °C. The La1−xCexCoO3 (x= 0.2) also displayed quick response and recovery times of 10 and 19s compared to the 240 and 286 s displayed by the pure LaCoO3. The improved sensing performance can be attributed to the increased surface area brought upon by the reduced crystallite and particle size, which ensured exposure of more active sites. Also, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed an increased amount of the surface oxygen, which played a role in facilitating the adsorption and oxidation processes of the ethanol. The sensing mechanisms involved between the nanostructures and the target gases are discussed in detailScience and Innovation of South AfricaCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research (DSI/CSIR
Roots, rhizomes and radicles: critical reflections on memories and the voyage of becoming
No full textA critical reflection on childhood memories and time unfolds into a labyrinthine journey involving fluctuating emotions, but also a voyage of creativity and new beginnings. In this M.A. Fine Arts project, comprising a dissertation, an exhibition of painting, embroidery and installation, and an exhibition catalogue, I endeavour to share my lived experiences on such a life journey. The objective is to raise awareness of the dynamics of inner life and the existence of the past in the present, which influence behaviour and future endeavours. Childhood memories of railroads and trains, motivated an exploration of the experience of the flow of time. In our planetary existence, we are consciously responding to a sensorium charged with impressions, the continuous passing of time and the irrevocability of the past. Not only a pressing awareness of the potential creative impact of one’s past experiences on current perceptions of life is raised, but also how humans impact each other and the environment.
Henri Bergson’s philosophy of life, embodying the revitalising of past lived experience in the present through the process of duration (Fr. durée réelle), underpins the research. The past's actualising in the present as something new implies inner movement and change alongside invention, which is realised as a spiritual becoming – an outcome of the evolution of time, as conceived in Bergson's concept, vital impetus (Fr. élan vital). Hence, Bergsonian envitalised life as perpetual becoming serves as the determining conceptual frame in the discursive ordering of the dissertation, mainly because he emphasises the emergence of something new from the reconfiguration of past experiences through the method of intuition or inner perceiving. Bergson's evolutionary time, relative to contemporary thought, is explicated through the relationship between the plant-based metaphorical concepts of roots, rhizomes and radicles, to explore memory, time and the life journey. Throughout the project, the rhizome, due to its peculiar mode of growth, becomes a metaphor to express the relationship of memories, thoughts, feelings and lived experience. Temporality and life as a journey through time, is explored by analysing a selected group of artworks. Prevalent figures of time, exemplified by life as being predestined, the progressive life stages, the transience of life, and the decay of matter were revealed in the process. The impact of changing environments related to catastrophic events (wars and industrialisation), culminated in the epoch of the Anthropocene. With the élan vital concept at hand, the Anthropocene is reflected upon to compel human beings to confront and counteract the trajectory of earthly destruction.
Conceptual metaphors of memory in the folds of time and place are analysed by means of historical and contemporary artworks, including some of my own, in order to grasp the nature and impact of memory and place in the flow of time. These metaphors are the engram, which is investigated as the imprint of experience, the palimpsest revealing fragments of layered memory and the rhizome by which the flow and connection of memories are interpreted, and how this relates to the actual physical brain. My reflection on memories is informed by Boym’s (2001: 41) rendering of reflective nostalgia as a way to characterise one’s relationship with the past and one’s own self-perception. My position is that of a reflective nostalgic who cherishes memories of the past, especially those of childhood, as a rich source of information that could serve as encouragement, better understanding of the self and of perceiving the present and the future within my own cultural existence. Therefore the act of looking back as conducive to the spectator's spiritual becoming is discussed, as well as the way in which intense emotions, thoughts and conceptualisations are expressed. Thus the complex reality of the labyrinthine life journey unrolls towards maturation, encompassing movement, change, creativity and invention. In the dissertation's coda, time's persistence in the present and future is reviewed by means of T. S. Elliot’s “The Dry Salvages” (1941). Elliot conceptualises the transference of tradition with Bergson’s evolutionary time conceived in durée réelle, as time unfolds in memory and place. What is eventually revealed is that the reconfiguration of past lived experiences potentially impact my present perceptions and behaviour, as well as views on the future. My belief in the significant impact of music and colours on emotional expression subconsciously conditioned my studio practice and selected artworks in this research
Disrupting the static: a set design and manufacturing facility for the film industry Hilton, Bloemfontein
No full textThis dissertation stems from an interest in the small community of Hilton, Bloemfontein. Hidden between Naval Hill and the railway lines, Hilton has become somewhat of a forgotten space within the city. Conceived as the child of the railway, the community has since then lost all connection with the railway. Hilton has become a static, marginalised community trapped within the legacy of what should be its gateway to freedom. The dissertation proposes a set design and manufacturing facility in an existing railway warehouse located on the edge between the community and the railway. The project is theoretically explored around the concept of disrupting stable and static objects in an attempt to generate motion. The aim of the dissertation is to re-establish the connection between the railway and the community
A framework for enhancing the research culture within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State
No full textThe focus on becoming a research-intensive institution requires an awareness of the
existent research culture in order to support and stimulate research and become researchintensive.
There is an open declaration of the prominence of research at the University of
the Free State (UFS), to fulfil the goal of becoming a research-intensive university. Part of
the strategy to achieve this status is the required presence of a culture of research, enabled
by the research environment. Thus, the evaluation of the existing research culture is of
significance.
This study was aimed at determining the existing research culture at the Faculty of Health
Sciences (FoHS) UFS as perceived by the staff of the Faculty, identify factors perceived to
influence this existing research culture and compile a framework for the enhancement of
the research culture at the FoHS, UFS.
The studied population comprised of all academic (permanent staff, joint-appointment,
contract staff in either a full-time or a part-time capacity) staff of the FOHs UFs employed
within the three schools: School for Allied Professions, School of Medicine and School of
Nursing. In addition, academic staff within the support domain (i.e. staff employed in a
support capacity, yet have a research/teaching component as part of their role) were also
included in the study. Furthermore, members of Executive Committee of each of the
Schools, and the Dean of the Faculty were also invited and formed the target population
for the validation meetings (VMs).
This research was designed as an evaluative study with elements of case study evaluation
(CSE) and Improvement-oriented evaluation (IOE). Methods utilized includes a
comprehensive literature review; questionnaire survey; nominal group discussion technique
(NGD) and VMs to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were
analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24 (SPSS v24) and the
results presented in frequencies and tables. Data obtained from the open ended questions,
NDG and VMs were content analysed. Thematic analysis formed the cornerstone of the
analysis, and specific attention was givento patterns and emerging themes.
Qualitative data obtained from the literature review process contexualised the study in the
body of existing literature and gave an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the
study. The departure point of the study was the academic culture model compiled by
Smerek, et al. (2010). Research culture was defined and factors established in literature
were identified. The contextual incorporation of health and higher education of this study
to research culture culminated in the derivation of the theoretical framework of research
culture.
The perceived existing research culture in the FoHS UFs as opined by the participants of
this study (result obtained from the thematic analysis of the open-ended questions)
revealed 14 themes namely; Accepted norms; Context; Individual; Inter- and intra-personal
interactions; New knowledge; Others; Perceptions and emotions; Philosophy; Policies;
Research process; Staffing; Stakeholders; Support; and Time. These findings represent the
perceived existing culture, through the lived experience of the participants in their work
environment as a faculty academic.
Similarly, thematic analysis of the participants' comments on factors that affect research culture in the FOHs UFS revealed seven themes namely; Context; Support; Policies;
Individual; Inter- and intra-personal interactions; Research process and Philosophy.
Furthermore, secondary analysis of themes using methods as described by Van Breda
(2005) and McMillan, et al. (2014) revealed that the three most important ranked themes
were Context, Support and Policies.
Data obtained from the VMs provided additional perspectives from management on the
existing research culture and the factors that affect research culture in the faculty. The
final framework to enhance the research culture at the FoHS at the UFS was collated,
utilising the data collected from these three methods. This framework gives insight into the
hierarchy and relationships of the factors required (currently perceived as present, partially
present or absent) to be able to inculcate a research culture that is driven by successful
knowledge creation and dissemination.
This study represents the first investigation into the research culture of the FoHS at the
UFS. In this way, this study also provides new data in the field of research culture in the
context of a health and higher education (HE) Faculty in South Africa.Health and Welfare SETANational research funding (NRF
The effect of transformational leadership and personality on employees’ work engagement in a consumer goods company
No full textConsumer goods companies experiences various challenges due to poor labour markets, inflexible recruitments, employment termination practices, and tensions in employee-employer relationships. Further, challenges arise owing to competition from other service providers and unexpected threats, dealing with the competing demands and increased customer demands. These challenges impact consumer goods companies and can result in reduced productivity, reduced employee engagement, low employee commitment, low performance, lack of job satisfaction and higher intention to quit work. Consequently, failure to address these leads to a persistent lack of engagement within the consumer goods companies. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect that transformational leadership and personality have on work engagement. The secondary aim of the study was to determine whether there are gender differences concerning work engagement. The study’s data was collected from five stores of a large retail organisation in Bloemfontein. The individuals, who participated, from the study’s set sample of 200 participants, were 150 and their participation adhered to ethical standards such as informed consent, anonymity, and voluntary participation. The data gathering instruments used in this study were the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the Leadership Behaviour Scale (LBS), the Psychological Capital (PsyCap) Questionnaire (PCQ) and the Self-liking and Competence Scale-revised (SLCS-R). The results of the current study revealed that the variables (transformational leadership and personality) had a significant relationship with work engagement. Specifically, the results indicated a significant relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement. The results also indicated a significant relationship between psychological capital, as a measure of personality, and work engagement. Furthermore, the results showed a significant relationship between self-esteem and work engagement. The results from a multiple regression analysis also carried in the study showed that only three variables, hope, articulating a vision and self-efficacy, were significant predictors of work engagement. Moreover, personality (as measured by PsyCap) seems to have a greater influence (31%) on employees’ levels of work engagement than leadership (9%). Finally, females scored higher than males and yet, the present results indicated that there were no significant difference between male and females concerning work engagement. The study had a small but significant sample that reflected the willingness of the individuals to participate, the nature of study results and in suggesting possible future studies on work engagement. Self-competence and self-liking, which forms part of self-esteem had low reliability estimates. The Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale has been identified as an alternative measure of self-esteem that could be applied by future researchers. In addition, future research should focus on the type of work (masculine versus feminine) that might be of interest. Future research can also consider developing interventions of work engagement that will focus on both individuals and the organisation at large