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Urban graft: restorative urban gardens and social justice hub in King's Park Bloemfontein
The concept of social justice is understood as a fair relationship between the individual and society, measured
by the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity and social privileges (Kitching 2001: 3-10).
The central precinct of Bloemfontein, King's Park, does not adhere to these general measurements and is
in a state of decay. The site has lost its significance as an integral part of the city over time. Historically the
interpretation of these aspects can be viewed as the public Zoo and Rose Garden. This has come to be an
outdated iteration, because the use of cages has become a socially questionable practice that is viewed as
inhumane and cruel to its inhabitants.
This dissertation aims to introduce a contemporary interpretation of nature within the city in a more
contemporary, updated and socially acceptable manner. Through the use of public gardens accompanied
by a programme of facilities that caters to the general public, the project offers a lost part of the city back
to the public. The park's derelict state is in dire need of conversion of a semi-exclusive space to an inclusive
public space.
This will be achieved by using the four social justice aspects in conjunction with a social hub to re-integrate
the contemporary re-interpretation into the site of King's Park. The result will be an effective and appropriate
ensemble that aims to reflect the justification of its social status. By transforming the site into a structure of
service to the community, it will relate to the public. This intervention should function as a graft where the
existing park is the original 'plant' and the design proposal is a shoot or twig acting as a graft for new urban
growth
Assessing the water footprint of cotton production in South Africa
Water remains an essential natural resource for life, and it is a vital component for economic activities in South Africa. The main objective of this study was to assess the water footprint of cotton in South Africa. The water footprint of cotton on farm level was calculated; both green and blue water footprints were considered. However, due to a lack of data, the grey water footprint was not considered. Water productivity on farm level was also determined. The study was conducted as a case study in Marble hall, under the Loskop irrigation scheme. This study employed the Global Water Footprint Standard (GWFS) approach in order to calculate the volumetric blue and green water footprint of cotton. The approach was employed in two different planting times/seasons, namely September and October. The results indicate that cotton planted in September under irrigation accounts to 1172.92m/ton with a yield level of 4.8/ha. A total of 58% of the 1172.92m/ton of water was the green water footprint and 42% was the blue water footprint. Cotton in the Loskop irrigation scheme is less dependent on irrigation water since the rainfall water contributes more compared to irrigation water. The results concluded that cotton planted in October under irrigation accounts for 1054m/ton of blue and green water footprint. Of the 1054m/ton of blue plus green water footprint, rainfall contributed 63% of the water required, which indicates that even in late planting time, the water that cotton require is mostly met by rainfall. The results further indicated improved water usage in both different planting seasons / time. The study also assessed the water productivity of cotton, where the value added to water was quantified on farm production. The economic water productivity (EWP) of the September planting season was R7.23 and obtained per cubic metre of the water used for cotton production. The EWP of the October planting season was R8.69 as obtained per cubic metre of the water used for cotton production. The EWP of cotton planted in October was found to be higher than the cotton planted in September. October proved to be the most sustainable month for cotton production. Hence, it is recommended that cotton production in the Loskop irrigation scheme should take place in October rather than September.National Research Foundation (NRF)Water Research Commission (WRC
Simulation in postgraduate plactic surgery education and training
Simulation can play an important role in building a safer health care system and may have
the potential to address a number of challenges facing postgraduate medical training.
Simulation-based learning is becoming widely established within medical education and
offers benefits to inexperienced residents learning procedural skills in a climate of
decreasing clinical exposure. Simulation in health care is increasingly being used for
teaching and training and the development of competencies related to patient safety and
teamwork. The ability to perform clinical procedures safely on patients is a key skill and
requires a combination of various skills and competencies – some of which may be obtained
by introducing simulation into registrars’ training.
An in-depth study was done on simulation in postgraduate plastic surgery education and
training. The problem that was addressed in this study was the lack of clarity about whether,
and, if so, to what extent simulation can contribute by playing a role, and will be of value
in postgraduate plastic surgery education and training, and whether it would enhance the
effectiveness of learning at various cognitive levels. The research was therefore aimed at
identifying the contribution that simulation can make to plastic surgery education and
training. The methods used to achieve this aim included a literature study, Delphi survey and semistructured
interviews. The conceptualisation and contextualisation of simulation-based
education and training in plastic surgery were accomplished through the literature study
that focussed on the role and value of simulation, the features and uses of simulation that
lead to effective learning and theory underlying a process to developing and formulating
guidelines. Through the Delphi questionnaire, the Delphi experts had to indicate the
importance of simulation as one of the methods to train a plastic surgeon. They, if they
wished to do so, had to complete a questionnaire regarding what type of simulation
modality is/can be applicable as far as simulation is concerned and had to indicate the
cognitive level of training that is/can be addressed by simulation. The identification of a
number of outcomes that may be reached by applying simulation as a possible method, including suggestions on the type of simulation modality to be used, as well as the possible
cognitive level, was established by this method. In this study, the purpose of the individual
semi-structured interviews with role-players in clinical simulation was to investigate and
establish clarification on simulation in postgraduate plastic surgery education and training.
It informed decisions on the development of the proposed guidelines by the in-depth
overview of the contribution that simulation can make and recommendations as far as the
challenges to the implementation of simulation into plastic surgery education and training. The results and findings of the research (prepared in manuscript/article format), contributed
to achieving the aim of the research, and were used for the creation of a framework
structure that can be applied to propose/suggest guidelines with recommendations for the
implementation of simulation in postgraduate plastic surgery education and training. For
simulation to be introduced as a teaching method and a learning opportunity for residents
with a view to impact on plastic surgery education and training, it should include (i) a clear
set of recommendations on how simulation can enhance the effectiveness of learning; (ii)
a description of the contribution, including the role and value of simulation, based on a
scientific research process; (iii) the development of an argument to enhance plastic surgery
training by including simulation in education and training programmes; and (iv) the
development of a framework structure that can be applied to propose guidelines for
teaching through simulation as part of training programmes for evidence-based plastic
surgery education and practice. The outcome of the study will serve as a directive for postgraduate plastic surgery education
and training by means of suggested guidelines including recommendations on how
simulation may be utilised to improve students’ knowledge, skills and professional conduct.
In conclusion, the researcher recommends that further research may be undertaken, by an
interdisciplinary group within the discipline of plastic surgery, based on a systematic review
of evidence and within the parameters of sufficient resources, finances, expertise and
knowledge, skills and competencies, to compile valid and usable guidelines on simulation
by the profession for the profession. This research is seen as the first step taken in this
process or direction.Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA
Assessment of barriers preventing recycling practices among bars and eateries in central South Africa
English: Recycling is an important aspect of a sustainable society and depends largely on the willingness of consumers to participate in this practice. Some regions in South Africa (SA) recycle actively, but nothing yet in the central part of the country. The area selected for this study included Bloemfontein, Welkom, Bethlehem, Clarens, Kroonstad, and Kimberley, which are all located in the central part of SA. Eateries and bars are businesses that generate a large amount of recyclable solid waste in terms of glass, plastic, paper, polystyrene, metal, and compostable items.
By identifying the barriers preventing these businesses from recycling, the local municipalities and recycling services could create a solution. Owners or employees of eateries and bars completed a self-administered questionnaire. Empirical data was obtained on knowledge of recycling, participation in recycling. Likert scale type questions were used to identify barriers that prevent recycling practices, also to determine motives that could encourage the implementation of recycling programs.
The respondents indicated a willingness to recycle if there is a financial benefit, as well as support offered by the municipality or government. Respondent’s knowledge regarding recycling seem to be positive although their attitude and willingness tend to be more negative. Barriers that prevent recycling practices included implementation effort and cost, as well as lack of knowledge thereof. Only a small number of respondents were aware of buy-back centres (BBC) or collection services. These results indicate that these businesses do not grasp the impact that they can have with their recycling contributions and that the giveback would be worth the effort. They are also unaware of the services available to assist with implementation and practices of a recycling plan. The municipality and government would have to get involved by enforcing businesses to comply with recycling laws that should be implemented. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with BBC in Bloemfontein. Results showed that the BBC are willing to reach an agreement with the eateries and bars, should they start to recycle more effectively.Afrikaans: Herwinning is 'n belangrike aspek van 'n volhoubare samelewing en hang grootliks af van die bereidwilligheid van verbruikers om deel te neem aan herwinnings aksies en projekte. Sommige streke in Suid-Afrika (SA) is aktief besig met herwinnings projekte en dit is ook deel van hul lewenswyse. Tans is daar egter geen van hierdie aksies of projekte in sentraal SA nie. Die areas wat vir hierdie studie gekies is sluit Bloemfontein, Welkom, Bethlehem, Clarens, Kroonstad en Kimberley in, wat almal in sentraal SA geleë is.
Eetplekke en kroeë is besighede wat groot hoeveelhede herwinbare afval genereer in terme van glas, plastiek, papier, polistireen, metale en organiese afval wat in kompos gemaak kan word. Deur die moontlike struikelblokke te identifiseer wat hierdie besighede verhinder om te herwin, kan die plaaslike munisipaliteite en herwinningsdienste 'n oplossing vind. Eienaars of werknemers van betrokke eetplekke en kroeë het 'n self-geadministreerde vraelys voltooi. Empiriese data is verkry rakende hul kennis van herwinning en deelname aan herwinning.
Likert-skaal tipe vrae is gebruik om hindernisse te identifiseer wat in herwinningspraktyke voorkom, asook om faktore te bepaal wat die implementering van herwinningsprogramme sal aanmoedig. Die resultate het aangedui dat respondente bereid is om te herwin indien daar finansiële voordeel is, asook ondersteuning van die plaaslike munisipaliteite of regering af. In die algemeen vertoon respondente se kennis rakende herwinning positief, alhoewel hulle aksies, houding en gewilligheid geneig is om negatief te wees.
Hindernisse wat in herwinningspraktyke voorkom, sluit die implementering van ‘n herwinningsprogram in, kostes verbonde, asook die gebrek aan kennis daarvan. Slegs 'n klein aantal van die respondente was bewus van sentrums of besighede in hulle areas wat herwinbare afval terugkoop. Hierdie resultate dui daarop dat besighede nie begryp hoe groot die impak kan wees van hul herwinningsbydraes nie. Hulle besef ook nie dat herwinning tot baie voordele lei nie. Nie net vir die omgewing nie, maar ook vir hulself.
Hulle is ook onbewus van die beskikbare dienste wat help met die implementering en uitvoer van 'n herwinningsplan. Munisipaliteite en die regering sal betrokke moet raak deur besighede wetlik te forseer om te voldoen aan herwinningswette en maatreëls wat geïmplementeer moet word. In verdere navorsing is onderhoude gevoer met besighede en sentrums in Bloemfontein wat herwinbare afval terugkoop. Resultate het getoon dat die besighede en terugkoop-sentrums bereid is om 'n ooreenkoms met die eetplekke en kroeë te bereik, indien hulle meer effektief begin herwin.Central Research Fun
A critical analysis of the human rights violations of detainees in South African police custody with specific reference to police brutality
Dissertation (LL.M.(Human Rights))--University of the Free State, 2019This study analyses the human rights violations of detainees in South African police custody. In so doing, the study focuses on police brutality. In explaining police brutality in custody, different scholars gave a common definition, namely that police brutality is the use of excessive force to cause physical, emotional, mental and deadly harm to a suspect held in custody. Police brutality is the legacy of apartheid from its formation as the Union of South Africa in 1910. The South African Police (SAP) then already adopted the features of a colonial military force, and members were socialized to use excessive force during arrest and to suspects held in custody.
A desk review was adopted to gather information from primary sources such as legal documents and secondary sources such as books, academic journals and newspaper articles on police brutality in holding cells. This process was guided by three research objectives: a) to explore the nature and causes of police brutality in South African holding cells; b) to examine the effects of police brutality in South African holding cells; c) to recommend remedial measures to mitigate police brutality in South African holding cells.
The findings of this study discovered that police brutality in custody is mostly caused by leadership failure and the non-reporting of cases of police brutality by the police administrators who are responsible for reporting these. In many cases, investigations favour the accused police officer. Police brutality is caused by ineffectual civil remedies. This means that if police officers are not held responsible for their brutality in holding cells they are more likely to persist with this behaviour. Passivity with regards to criminal prosecutions is another issue, as prosecutors often do not want to prosecute officers who usually help them with criminal cases.
In explaining victimisation in police custody, three learning theories are relevant. They are the social learning theory, the differential association theory, and the group socialisation theory. These state that police brutality in custody is learned through socialisation and integrating with other violent police officers. The study also makes use of the conflict theory and the routine activity theory to explain what motivates the violation of detainees’ rights in custody.
The study further examines the role of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. In so doing, it analyses the IPID Act (1 of 2011) and its mandate and powers. Since its establishment, the number of cases of police brutality has decreased and more police officers have been held responsible for their misconduct. The study provides recommendations to help mitigate police brutality towards detainees in South Africa
Characterization and evaluation of reproductive performance in Bapedi sheep breed
Reproduction is an important field of animal production, as it ensures continuation and maintenance of different animal species and their production. Bapedi sheep are indigenous to South Africa and predominantly found in the Limpopo province. They are reared for lean meat production and as a source of income to resource limited farmers. However, there is limited documented information on the morphometric characteristics and reproductive performance of the breed. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the relationship between Bapedi rams morphometric characteristics with semen parameters, (ii) evaluate the effect of age and body condition on oestrous synchronization response of Bapedi ewes, (iii) assess the conception, and lambing rate following synchronization and natural mating and (iv) validate the genetic structure of Bapedi sheep using microsatellite markers to relate to each farm’s reproductive performance. Body measurements and semen data were collected from 31 rams conserved in situ (Mara Research Station, Madzivhandila and Tompi Seleka Agricultural Colleges) and ex situ in vivo (Agricultural Research Council). Rams aged 1-5 years, grazing on natural pastures with free access to water and shade were used for semen collection by means of an electro-ejaculator. Parameters measured were body condition scores (BCS), frame size (FS), body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), semen volume, semen pH, spermatozoa concentration (X109), motility (%), viability and morphology. Live weight was measured with an animal weighing scale, SC was measured with a flexible measuring tape, semen volume was measured using a graduated tubes (mL), semen pH was measured using a microprocessor pH/mV/°C, and spermatozoa concentration was measured with spectrophotomer (X109). Computer aided sperm analysis (CASA®) was used for analysis of spermatozoa motility rate. Spermatozoa morphology was determined using an eosin-nigrosin stain. Experiment 2; Ninety-one Bapedi ewes (aged 0.05). Moreover, there was uniformity in all body measurements of Bapedi sheep regardless of conservation method. There were no significant differences in body temperature during semen collection, SC, semen volume, pH, and concentration, sperm total motility and sperm kinematics in Bapedi rams in both methods of conservation (P>0.05). Pearson correlations revealed significant positive relationships between BW, BCS and SC (r = 0.315; r = 0.638; r = 0.381 respectively) with semen volume in Bapedi rams. Rump length was also found to positively influence sperm normality. There were no significant differences observed in oestrus response of ewes regardless of age (P>0.05) and method of conservation. Oestrus response was higher when ewes with BCS≥3 (91%) compared to lower BCS group (71%) (P< 0.05). Old and lower BCS ewes showed estrus signs earlier (23 ± 2.8; 21 ± 4.1); (22 ± 4.1; 20 ±5.3) and with a shorter duration (23 ± 8.2; 20 ±6.2); (22 ± 4.0; 23 ± 3.2) compared to young and ewes with higher BCS groups (onset of estrus: 34 ± 2.0; 32 ± 2.4); (36 ± 1.3; 35± 2.3) duration (30 ± 1.3; 29 ±1.5);(33 ± 5.0; 32 ± 6.0) (P<0.05). Conception rate was 65, 67, 53, and 70% for ARC, Towoomba, Tompi Seleka and Mara farms respectively. Toowoomba had a significantly lower litter size recorded compared to all the other farms. There were no significant difference (P<0.05) between the two conservation methods on the gestation length of Bapedi sheep. Prolificacy of Bapedi sheep was 1.30±0.6 1.28±1.3; 1.29±0.8 and 1.31±0.5 for ARC, Towoomba, Tompi Seleka and Mara farms respectively. To assess the genetic variation between and within populations the results obtained showed a mean number of alleles (MNA) to be 9, indicating that the panel of used markers were highly informative, however, no private alleles were obtained. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) values were ranged between (0,555±0.03 to 0,827± 0,027) and (0,754±0.02 to 0,883±0.004) respectively. These heterozygosities are indicative of a considerable genetic diversity among the Bapedi sheep populations. Within population inbreeding estimates (FIS =0,173±0,029) did not the influence heterozygosities obtained as it was high supported low rate of inbreeding, most likely as a result of the mating structure of Bapedi sheep. Both the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) tree and Principal component analysis (PCA) results were in agreement and revealed that Bapedi sheep from Mopani commercial farm, Sekhukhune communal farm, ARC and Mara research station clustered together and share common genetic material. Towoomba population of Bapedi sheep did not cluster with the Bapedi sheep or any other reference population. Based on the findings it was concluded that Bapedi sheep are still a uniform breed, regardless of decreasing numbers. Higher oestrus was observed on ewes with BCS≥3. Young ewes with high BCS showed a delayed onset of estrus that lasted longer compared to old ewes with lower BCS. Conservation methods did not affect the reproductive performance of Bapedi sheep. It is recommended that BW, BCS and SC should be included in the selection of criteria to improve reproductive performance of breeding rams. Bapedi ewes can be synchronized successfully with an acceptable conception rate without supplementary feeding. Based on the currents results it was identified that there is a need for sustainable breeding and conservation programs to control inbreeding and gene flow of Bapedi sheep, in order to stop possible genetic dilution of Bapedi sheep. It is recommended that flush feeding should be considered to improve the fecundity and prolificacy of this breed. More research is required to assess correlation of body measurements, testicular morphometry and semen parameters in this breed.Agricultural Research CouncilNational Research Foundation (NRF)University of the Free State (UFS)CSIR-SASSCA
Developing a management information system for coordinated predation management in South Africa
Predation on livestock and wildlife is the most prominent facet of human-wildlife conflict worldwide. Yet, it is the least understood, in part due to the disparity in methods used to collect data and report results relating to predation and predation management. Predation management is a highly controversial issue, and the lack of scientific information is a major concern and impediment for initiatives to devise effective and acceptable management strategies. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to conduct a detailed farm-level investigation into predation vs predation management in areas where high levels of predation had previously been reported, and (b) to develop a tool to provide livestock farmers and wildlife ranchers with a means of reporting predation and practices employed to curb the impact of predation. Building on the groundwork laid by previous studies in South Africa, this study aimed to provide a basis for improving our understanding of the dynamics of human-predator conflict on farm level as well as on a larger scale in an attempt to address some of the current research gaps. This study explored a succession of methods to collect information on predation and predation management on farm-level and develop a tool to collect such data. Initially, questionnaires were used to collect data, concurrent with the process of developing a digital data collection tool. The data collected by means of the questionnaires were used to test this tool (two mobile device applications). The challenges presented during the study and those associated with other methods of data collection played a central role in the data collection methodology developed in the study. At the onset of the study, questionnaires were used to collect information on predation experienced, predator control methods practised, as well as other factors known to influence predation, such as demographic information, physical and managerial characteristics of a farm, and husbandry practices. Though showing potential to provide invaluable information, the questionnaire methodology used in the early phases of this study highlighted fundamental issues regarding the use of conventional data collection methods and the lack of coordinated predation management systems that thwarted the objectives initially set for this study. Consequently, the focus also shifted toward developing a Management Information System (MIS) through which predation management data may be used to develop sound mitigation strategies and, ultimately, inform Best Management Practices. This thesis discusses the development and value of digital data collection methods, specifically mobile device applications, for use in predation management. It also highlights the importance of coordinated action and institutional memory to ensure a structured and focused approach to inform improved predation management strategies in South Africa. To achieve this goal, a system of coordinated predation management must have an MIS at its core. Practical methodologies were developed to manage predation, focusing on more effective technology and procedures to collate relevant information for incorporation into a national database as part of an MIS. Data collected with such methodology presents the opportunity to assist authorities, landowners and other role players with a notable range of coordinated predation management options. The effective and sustainable management of mesopredators poses a range of complicated and varying challenges for responsible authorities and landowners, in South Africa but also worldwide. The outcome of this study is an important and valuable contribution to the knowledge base and insights available to manage damage-causing predators more sustainably. It laid a firm foundation for a comprehensive MIS to inform predation management in South Africa.African Large Predator Research Unit, University of the Free State, Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science
Investigating the psycho-social consequences of teenage pregnancy: an exploratory study
The aim of this study was to investigate the psycho-social consequences of teenage pregnancy of secondary school teenagers in the Amajuba district, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study sought to establish whether teenage pregnancy has an impact on the psychological and social wellbeing of pregnant teenagers and teen mothers. Eleven teenagers from the Amajuba district were sampled for the study. Data were collected using semi-structured focus-group and individual interviews to allow a platform to ask open response questions, to probe and explore the participants’ perspectives on the consequences of teenage pregnancy. The data were analysed thematically by carefully identifying and expanding significant themes that emerged from the participants’ perceptions surrounding the consequences of teenage pregnancy. The findings reveal that teenage pregnancy has detrimental effects on the psychological and social wellbeing of teenagers. These include psychological challenges such as low self-esteem, poor self-image, depression, and emotional problems; social challenges such as poverty, bad friendships and poor family relationships; and academic challenges. The negative effects of teenage pregnancy are not limited to these and can also include school challenges such as quitting school early and health- or risk-related challenges, among other effects. Recommendations include that schools must have supporting programmes to prevent teenage pregnancy and to support those teenagers who are pregnant. In addition, provision of support must continue after birth. Schools cannot win this fight alone but need to rope in health professionals, parents and other stakeholders who may come up with preventative and protective measures to educate teenagers to postpone engaging in sexual relationships
Die bydrae van nie-artistieke praktyke tot die literêre sukses van eksemplariese Afrikaanse tekste. 'n Ondersoek na beeldvorming
English: As one of the symbolic aspects of human existence, art is inextricably linked to the material aspects of this existence. The result is that art has, for quite some time now, no longer been flourishing in isolation; rather, it has become part of a larger system in which economic principles also have an important part to play. The literary field is thus structured around two opposing poles: the economic and the artistic. Whereas the economic pole is engaged in a struggle to obtain economic capital ‒ the struggle in which particularly the media play an important part ‒ the artistic pole, for its part, strives to gain symbolic capital, which is the capital of legitimation. In this pole the prestige, fame, esteem, literary prizes and translations of the author’s work are decisive factors.
Based on the premise that critics’ literary views differ, there are two main kinds of adjudication, namely intrinsic evaluations and extrinsic evaluations. Intrinsic evaluations are conducted in terms of specific artistic considerations that have a bearing on those formal characteristics that qualify a text to be classified as literature. The extrinsic evaluation, on the other hand, focuses on considerations, such as the standing of the text within a tradition and how the work is received. In this thesis the focus has been on extrinsic adjudication, that is, on the elements and role players that were involved in the process of literary canonisation. Because the image that is created of a book or an author must, as it were, take precedence over either the texts or the authors themselves, the creation of a credible image is of cardinal importance in the adjudication process.
As a result of increasing mediatisation, the iconic value of information that is both sensational and serves to construct a particular image of an author, is just as important as the message itself. Therefore, the issue as to precisely what it is that determines the value of a literary work leads to a rejection of the allegation that so-called non-artistic considerations have no role to play in theorists and critics’ statements about literature. To illustrate this trend, the researcher identified four authors whose work enjoyed unparalleled popularity almost directly after publication: Dalene Matthee (Kringe in ʼn Bos, 1984), Marita van der Vyver (Griet skryf ʼn sprokie, 1992), Francois Smith (Kamphoer, 2014) and Bibi Slippers (Fotostaatmasjien, 2016). These texts represent different decades in Afrikaans literature – decades during which different artistic (and critical) paradigms and poetics were current. Comparison of the different texts, the image construction process involved, their marketing and their reception thus provided a broader empirical base from which to generalise inferences.
This study is a descriptive study that has endeavoured, by means of both quantitative and qualitative methods, to investigate the strengthening influence of image construction as a form of symbolic capital in enhancing the success of the chosen texts.
The thesis was premised on an empirical-institutional approach, one that was preceded by a theoretical orientation and a study of the relevant published research data and available digital material. One of the aims of the study was to investigate the production of symbolic value. In that conceptions of literature as ideological, socially bound viewpoints were deemed to be desirable in a study of this nature, a reconstructive approach was coupled with the institutional approach. The aim of the reconstructive approach is to reconstruct and systematise authors’ or a particular society’s conceptions of literature at a particular juncture.
The study of mediation in the process of image construction ‒ with specific reference to the role of various agents (the editor, the publishing organisation, literary critics, the media), literary prizes/awards, translations and other cultural strategies ‒ can potentially throw light not only on the extent to which the various role players in the system have contributed to the success of the chosen texts but also on the particular ways in which these role players have done so.Afrikaans: Kuns, as een van die simboliese aspekte van menslike bestaan, is onlosmaaklik verbonde aan die materiële aspekte van hierdie bestaan. Daarom gedy kuns lank nie meer in isolasie nie, maar vorm dit deel van ʼn groter sisteem waarin ook ekonomiese beginsels ʼn belangrike rol speel. Die literêre veld is dus gestruktureer rondom twee opponerende pole: die ekonomiese pool, waarin dit gaan oor die verkryging van ekonomiese kapitaal en waarin veral die media ʼn belangrike rol speel, en die artistieke pool, waarin gestreef word na simboliese kapitaal as die kapitaal van legitimasie. Hierin speel die skrywer se prestige, roem, verering, literêre pryse en vertalings ʼn belangrike rol.
Op grond van verskillende literatuuropvattings word daar tussen twee vorme van beoordeling onderskei. Intrinsieke beoordeling vind plaas aan die hand van sekere artistieke oorwegings wat betrekking het op die onderskeiding van formele eienskappe ingevolge waarvan ’n teks as letterkunde geklassifiseer word. Ekstrinsieke beoordeling behels dat daar op ander oorwegings gefokus word, soos die teks se plek binne ʼn tradisie en die ontvangs van die werk. In hierdie proefskrif val die klem op ekstrinsieke beoordeling, dit wil sê, op daardie elemente en rolspelers wat by die kanoniseringsproses betrokke is. Aangesien die beeld wat van ʼn boek of ʼn skrywer geskep word as’t ware vóór die teks en die skrywer gaan staan, is die vorming van ʼn geloofwaardige beeld van groot belang in die evalueringsproses.
As gevolg van toenemende medialisering, is die ikoniese waarde van inligting ‒ waarin dit gaan om sensasie en beeldvorming ‒ net so belangrik as die boodskap. Daarom lei die vraag na dit wat die waarde van ʼn literêre werk bepaal, tot ʼn afwysing van die bewering dat sogenaamde nie-artistieke oorwegings geen rol speel in die uitsprake wat teoretici en kritici oor literatuur maak nie. Om hierdie tendens te illustreer, is vier skrywers wie se werke feitlik onmiddellik na publikasie ongekende gewildheid geniet het, geïdentifiseer, naamlik Dalene Matthee (Kringe in ʼn Bos, 1984), Marita van der Vyver (Griet skryf ʼn sprokie, 1992), Francois Smith (Kamphoer, 2014) en Bibi Slippers (Fotostaatmasjien, 2016). Hierdie tekste verteenwoordig verskillende dekades in die Afrikaanse letterkunde ‒ dekades waarin verskillende artistieke (én kritiese) paradigmas en poëtikas heers. ʼn Vergelyking van die verskillende tekste, beeldvorming, bemarking én ontvangs bied dus ʼn groter empiriese basis vir veralgemenende afleidings.
Die onderhawige studie is ʼn beskrywende studie wat deur middel van sowel kwantitatiewe as kwalitatiewe metodes ondersoek ingestel het na die versterkende invloed van beeldvorming ‒ as ʼn vorm van simboliese kapitaal ‒ op die sukses van die gekose tekste.
In hierdie proefskrif is ʼn empiries-institusionele benadering as uitgangspunt geneem wat deur ʼn teoretiese oriëntering en die bestudering van tersaaklike gepubliseerde navorsings-data en beskikbare digitale materiaal voorafgegaan is. Een van die doelstellings van die studie is ʼn ondersoek na die produksie van simboliese waarde. Aangesien literatuur-opvattings as ideologiese, maatskaplikgebonde standpunte gewens blyk te wees in sodanige ondersoek, is daar, in aansluiting by die institusionele benadering, ook van ʼn rekonstruktiewe benadering gebruik gemaak. Die rekonstruktiewe benadering is gerig op die rekonstruksie en sistematisering van denkbeelde oor literatuur wat deur skrywers of ʼn bepaalde samelewing op ʼn bepaalde moment gehuldig word.
Die bestudering van bemiddeling in die beeldvormingsproses, met spesifieke verwysing na die rol van verskillende agente (die redakteur, die uitgewery, literêre kritici, die media), literêre prystoekennings, vertalings en ander kulturele strategieë, kan dus lig werp op die mate waartoe, asook die wyse waarop, verskillende rolspelers in die stelsel tot die sukses van die gekose tekste meegewerk het
Skill Development Centre in Strand Road, Bellville: catalyst of urban growth and community gathering
This design is a proposed urban catalyst project located in between the residential and commercial Bellville. The site is not within the city centre, but close enough to provide a direct link towards, not only Bellville's CBD, but al so to Cape Town, Somerset West and the greater Tygerberg areas. The focus of this thesis stems from the local vibrancy and exploration of "dead" spaces wit hi n the urban framework. These spaces connect to busy parts of the street or city, but lack vibrancy and interest. Therefore the inspiration for this project grew to empower these "dead" spaces so that they can connect to these vibrant areas, and also become part of the social gathering. Gathering spaces plays a bi g role within this investigation, as people learn from other where they gather, knowledge exchange occur and a vibrant space then spurts life into the surrounding areas. The research conducted in this document investigates how people gather within the urban context - and how this forms a typology of an educational institute on a social level. Services such as cook in g, learn in g and entertainment, along with a prototype for urban growth on an economical and social platform, guides the interest for this proposal. Connecting with the surrounding area and its people, but transforming these typologies and morphologies to have a more porous adaptation. The solid transforming into an open tectonic learning space - close to the urban grain allows the proposal to become an architectural investigation, encompassing many urban catalyst and social gathering principles. Challenges and perimeters associated with the project will be laid out along with a research question and aims. Concepts of adaptation, growth and transformation will be explored throughout the design stages from: the interpretation of the context to the form-giving and materiality possibilities - to create a design that can be applied as a prototype catalyst project within the Bellville area. Lastly, a reflection upon the design investigation decisions will end this document, and evaluate the final design as being successful based on the research question provided at the start