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Institutional responses to mine closure in the West Rand
No full textThesis(Ph.D.(Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023This study investigated the social consequences of mine closures in the West Rand. The West Rand was once a rapidly growing area but has been severely affected by mine decline and closure, with its economy shrinking by 27% between 1996 and 2018. By using the concepts of new institutional economics (NIE), shrinking cities and mine closure, the study analysed the institutional environment (formal and informal rules) and institutional change in the West Rand. The study analysed decisions taken by key role players (communities, mining companies, government) in response to mine closures. Mining operations are well known for creating dependencies and complex networks, which disintegrate at the time of mine closure. Although mining has been a significant economic driver for over 100 years in South Africa, government only introduced the first firm mine closure regulations in 1991. Currently, South Africa has 6 100 abandoned mines, which are associated with numerous environmental and social problems; about 600 abandoned mines are in Gauteng province. While most studies focus on understanding and developing regulations to address the environmental impacts of mining globally, social aspects receive less attention. Consequently, mining companies and governments lack understanding of the real cost of mine closures and a holistic and sustainable way of closure. The study found that the West Rand is grappling with the complex phenomenon of mine closure and related power dynamics, which is exacerbated by high levels of poverty and unemployment. Critical drivers of effective collaboration between key role players, and crucial aspects of effective mine closure processes are weak or missing. Weak institutions prevail due to gaps in the regulations, a lack of capacity in government to enforce rules, and corrupt practices that have infiltrated societal behaviour. As noted by NIE, formal rules may change quickly, but informal rules change slowly. A culture of mistrust lingers postapartheid, and communities continue to bear the brunt of weak institutions. Social and labour plans are not the ideal mechanism for poor and declining environments such as the West Rand, necessitating a reconsideration of a model that is appropriate for the local context. The study emphasises the importance of participatory planning to address the negative consequences of urban shrinkage. The study recommends that the government should reinforce institutions to collaborate to achieve effective mine closures and strengthen its capacity to enforce mine closure rules and eliminate corruption. It is also essential to empower communities to participate in mine closure processes, articulate their interests, pick up the broken pieces, restore what has been damaged, hold duty bearers accountable and drive their development processes
The evaluation of supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles as novel anti-biofilm compounds
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Microbiology))--University of the Free State, 2023The ability of naturally occurring substances to inhibit bacterial growth has proven to be one of mankind's cornerstone discoveries (Fleming 1929; Whitehead 1933). The potential of these substances
was highlighted when Alexander Fleming noticed the inhibition and lysis of Staphylococcus colonies
when cultured in the presence of ascomycetous fungus of the genus Penicillium (Fleming 1929). The
ability of Penicillium to inhibit bacterial growth was attributed to the production of a substance termed
penicillin (Fleming 1929). A characteristic property of antibacterial substances is their selective action;
some substances are effective against either Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria and in some
instances, both (Waksman 1944). When considering that these substances differ in chemical composition, it is evident that the selective
action of antibacterial substances directly relates to their mechanism of action. Additionally, the
qualitative characteristic of varying concentrations directly influences the substance's efficacy. It is
established that higher concentrations of antibacterial substances result in exaggerated inhibition
(Waksman 1944). From these findings, the use and application of antibiotic substances have enabled
the treatment of various bacterial infections and revolutionised the healthcare industry (Espinel-Ingroff
2003; Tomson and Vlad 2014). The discovery and application of antibacterial substances promoted the search for antifungal
substances (Espinel-Ingroff 1997). The efforts of Elizabeth Hazen and Rachel Brown lead to the
discovery of an antifungal substance produced by soil actinomycetes. The substance termed fungicidin
or nystatin indicated fungistatic and fungicidal activity (Hazen and Brown 1951). From these findings,
other cultures were screened for antifungal substances and inhibitory potential. In 1953, Steinberg and
co-workers identified and isolated the antifungal substances amphotericin A and B from a
Streptomycete culture (Steinberg et al. 1953, Dutcher 1968). A report by Milton Sloane supported the efficacy of antifungal substances when used in the treatment of candidiasis; proving the use of nystatin
to be effective (Sloane 1955)
From the ‘History of Western Philosophy’ to entangled histories of philosophy: the Contribution of Ben Kies
No full textThe idea of ‘Western Philosophy’ is the product of a legitimation project for European colonialism, through to post-second world war Pan-European identity formation and white supremacist projects. Thus argues Ben Kies (1917-1979), a South African public intellectual, schoolteacher, trade unionist, and activist-theorist. In his 1953 address to the Teachers’ League of South Africa, - , Kies became one of the first people to argue explicitly that there is no such thing as ‘Western philosophy’. In this paper, I introduce Kies as a new figure in the historiography of philosophy with important insights, relevant today. I outline his three key arguments: that ‘Western Philosophy’ is the product of political mythmaking, that it is a recent, largely mid-twentieth century fabrication, and that there is an alternative to ‘Histories of Western Philosophy’, namely ‘mixed’ or entangled histories. I show that Kies’ claims are supported both by contemporary scholarship and bibliometric analysis. I thus argue that Kies is right to claim that the idea of a distinctive, hermetically sealed ‘Western Philosophy’ is a recent, political fabrication and should be abandoned. We should instead develop global, entangled historiography to make sense of philosophy and its history today.Publisher's versio
The roles of school management teams in the implementation and monitoring of school-based pandemic policies
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Education Management))--University of the Free State, 2023The recent global health crises, particularly HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, have significantly affected educational systems worldwide, compelling the evaluation of policy implementation and monitoring by School Management Teams (SMTs). This study was undertaken to examine the dynamic challenges SMTs face. It aimed to analyse the obstacles and difficulties SMTs encounter, comprehend their roles and duties, and evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies in managing pandemic situations, with the ultimate goal of developing a results-based framework or model to harness and navigate these challenges effectively. The study used qualitative research methodology to focus on SMTs' challenges during pandemics. This approach was instrumental in gaining rich insights into the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of SMTs in crisis scenarios. The key findings from this research revealed that SMTs grappled with significant challenges such as stigma and discrimination, notably around health conditions like HIV/AIDS. There was a marked inadequacy in training for policy implementation, which led to inconsistencies in handling pandemic-related educational disruptions.
Moreover, SMTs faced considerable resource constraints, which hindered their ability to implement effective strategies, particularly in adapting to new norms like remote learning. One fundamental discovery of this study was the crucial role of distributed leadership in enhancing policy execution. This approach proved vital in creating a more inclusive, participatory environment within schools, significantly impacting policy effectiveness.
The study concluded that managing pandemic policies in the educational system needs a holistic approach. This approach must consider the health implications of a pandemic and its broader social and educational impacts. It showed the necessity of ongoing training for SMT members, proper allocation of resources, and infrastructural improvements to effectively meet the challenges of pandemic management. From these findings, the study recommends developing targeted training programs for SMTs, embracing distributed leadership models, crafting context-specific policies, and strategically investing in digital technologies to bolster educational resilience. Looking ahead, it advocates for extensive longitudinal research to gauge the long-term impacts of these policies and strategies. Such research should also explore the potential and effectiveness of technological integration in managing educational institutions during pandemics, ensuring a more robust and responsive educational system for future challenges
Quality of governance and economic growth: a case study for Lesotho
No full textDissertation(M.A.(Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2023Lesotho has been struggling with the challenges related to poor status of governance and economic growth for the past few decades. A consensus among scholars is that good governance sustains economic growth. Therefore, countries that practice good governance have the potential for stronger economic growth.
This research intends to find the relationship between the quality of governance and economic growth in Lesotho in order to recommend good governance practices that could improve the economy of Lesotho in order to better the lives of its citizens. Through a literature review, desktop research and quantitative research methods, the information of the sub-Saharan countries that are applying good governance and have achieved improved economic growth was utilised to develop these recommendations and analyse the official Lesotho government documents.
The study findings revealed that the recommendations from the sub-Saharan countries and analysis of Lesotho government official documents, if adopted, can improve the quality of governance and economic growth in Lesotho to improve citizens' lives
Development of a toolkit for sustainable revitalization of smallholder irrigation schemes: Free State Province
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Sustainable Agriculture))--University of the Free State, 2023The “complex of activities” involved in smallholder irrigation schemes has led to the collapse of three such schemes in the Free State Province. This has happened over the past two decades, although best management practise guidelines for the sustainable revitalization of smallholder irrigation schemes were available to farmers, researchers, and policymakers. The problem is that farmers are not in control of the revitalization process, meaning they are not in control of their own destiny.
The objective of this study was to find out why best management practice is not followed and then to provide a toolkit to allow smallholders to take charge of their destiny. Thereby ensuring an equal base between developers and the “to be developed”. Applied research tools found that smallholder irrigation farmers in the Free State Province possess a crop farming culture.
The study was conducted in three smallholder irrigation schemes (Sediba, Woodbride, and Feloana) in the Thaba Nchu area of the Free State province. The research methodology was a mixed-methods design. The primary research methodology applied is evaluation research. Three different types of evaluation research are described as implementation (process) evaluation, experimental and quasi-experimental and qualitative (naturalistic) research methods. Qualitative methods include empowerment evaluation methods. This study opted for the latter. Qualitative evaluation research methods were used to describe and evaluate the performance of programmes in their natural setting and focus on the process rather than the outcome. This study assessed the current process of revitalising smallholder irrigation schemes. Empowerment Evaluation (EE) uses evaluation concepts and techniques to foster improvement and self-determination. Stuart Theobold wrote that decolonising science is not that far reached. He believes shifting to decolonising science is a paradigm. This aligns with this study's paradigm; indigenous knowledge needs to be valued. This study listened to the African farmer himself. Both the qualitative and empowerment evaluation approaches are used.
The best attributes of these two approaches were explored to compile a system whereby best practice in the revitalization of smallholder irrigation is enhanced. Government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) are believed to overshadow the smallholder farmer as an individual, but more so as an organised commodity group. Four data collection instruments were used; these included open-ended questionnaires with industry leaders (tribal authorities, academics, government officials, policymakers, sponsors, and NGOs) and farmers, observations (walk crop fields and satellite images) and reviewing of the knowledge base (programmes, policies and guidelines).
Statistical results of this study indicate a strong correlation between knowledge and productivity as perceived by participants. This perceived view of farmers was strengthened by previous experiences through fifteen years of research on In-field Rainwater Harvesting (IRWH) amongst the same communities. The literature review also indicated that a standardised best management practice is currently unavailable. This research study demonstrated that related professions could standardise best management practice guidelines through voluntary consensus processes.
Together with a strong mandate provided by the government to establish smallholder farmers, the proposed toolkit will create a better chance for smallholder irrigation schemes to be sustainable. A standardised best management practice toolkit will assist researchers, practitioners, policy makers, farmers, and communities in increasing productivity on smallholder irrigation schemes in the Free State Province.
The following recommendations are proposed through this research study:
• The knowledge base of smallholder irrigation farmers needs to be strengthened. This can be achieved through a combination of provision of a complete toolkit and training on the value and use of such a toolkit. It will result in a marked improvement in productivity on the smallholder irrigation schemes.
• Smallholder irrigation farmers in the Free State Province must organise themselves into a commodity group. This initiative must be spontaneous but can be supported by government. It will result in farmers owning the process of revitalization.
• RESIS should be considered a once-off event. It will align all available resources towards a focused intervention within an agreed time frame. It will increase urgency amongst all role players in the revitalization process.
• Revitalization of smallholder irrigation schemes needs to be removed from infrastructure-based professionals to developmental-orientated professions and agencies. Identified gaps in the body of knowledge (BOK) directed much attention towards soft issues. In most cases infrastructure was delivered within industry norms, meaning that infrastructure -based professionals will augment the developmental effort lead by professionals in the developmental-orientated professions.
• The industry needs to develop a complete Best Management Practice Guideline in the form of a Toolkit. The industry includes government, NGOs, sponsors, researchers, practitioners, farmers, and a proposed commodity group representing RESIS farmers in the Free State Province and even farmers in all nine provinces in South Africa. The approach used by the international project management profession is proposed as a framework for a complete toolkit for revitalization.
• Compiling such a Best Management Practice guideline, or toolkit, requires a purposefully planned and “voluntary consensus” process. Existing organisations such as ICID, SAII, WRC, ARC or a relevant government department can facilitate and administer such an industry-based process.
• An existing BOK is proposed as an example for compiling a framework for best management practices or toolkits.
• The knowledge base and crop production methods of IRWH and RESIS be shared and integrated.
• Further research be conducted to investigate the impact of leadership quality on the decision-making powers of smallholder irrigation schemes
The default matrimonial property system that applies to civil marriages concluded between black persons in South Africa: a consideration of the Sithole judgment, its consequences and its overall constitutional soundness
No full textDissertation(LL.M.(Private Law))--University of the Free State, 2023This study concerns the consequences arising from the default matrimonial property regime that applies to “Black persons” who entered into a civil marriage in South Africa before the 2ⁿᵈ of December 1988, and recent radical changes in this regard as brought about by the Constitutional Court’s judgment in ¹ ( “”), that involved confirmation proceedings² in respect of the judgment of the court a quo (reported as AS v GS).³
As a point of departure, it is trite that the , 1996 ( “ ”) provides that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal treatment and protection of the law, and not to be unfairly discriminated against.⁴ In relation to the impact of the on private law, Nkosi quotes Professor Visser’s opinion – expressed as far back as in 1995 – as follows:
“Private law should brace itself for a type of ‘total onslaught’ on many of its rules and principles. This invasion will mainly be undertaken by judges who are well armed with (a) a vague constitution and (b) endless methods of interpreting it in order to achieve the desired results”.⁵
However, despite the advent of our constitutional democracy almost 30 years ago, Black persons in (civil) marriages at times still suffer from the racial classifications perpetuated by means of pre-democracy legislation. This study will take a closer look at the judgment, as well as its forerunner in the court a , and the (unintended) consequences of the Constitutional Court’s judgment (in particular) to the extent that it altered this state of affairs. As such, the main research question is to assess the impact of this case regarding the fundamental change that it brought about to the default matrimonial property regime that governs civil marriages entered into between Black persons before 2ⁿᵈ of December 1988, and to determine whether its overall outcome is constitutionally sound. The study also aims to identify certain valuable lessons that can be learned from the judgment because of its far-reaching nature
Gender trouble in the church: promoting associational autonomy through ontological difference
No full textDissertation(LL.M.(Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law))--University of the Free State, 2023This dissertation investigates the complex interplay between a pluralistic, liberal, and democratic state's duty to maintain diversity and protect the identities of individuals and groups with irreconcilable worldviews, focusing on the intersection of transgender identity and religious associations.
The study grapples with the challenges of defining key concepts in the discourse of religious rights and diversity within a liberal democracy, avoiding simplistic definitions. The examination reveals the limitations of the prevailing discourse, which often assumes a secular neutrality that overlooks religion's role in shaping communal identity.
It also explores the nuances of transgender rights, recognizing the importance of gender identity while respecting the traditional perspectives within religious associations. International legal developments highlight the tension between advocating transgender rights and upholding the principles of liberal democracy, revealing potential biases within the Yogyakarta Principles. The study underscores that claims based on transgender identity are ontological rather than empirical scientific facts.
In the context of religious employment exemptions, the doctrinal core approach is critiqued in favour of the organic or permeated ethos approach, which respects the communal perspective and substantive autonomy of religious associations. Hypothetical scenarios further emphasise the doctrinal core approach's inadequacy in addressing issues related to religious exemptions and discrimination involving transgender individuals.
Overall, the dissertation calls for an inclusive and nuanced approach that upholds the ideals of freedom, democracy, and diversity, while emphasising the need to safeguard the rights and identities of both transgender individuals and religious groups within a pluralistic society
Enhancing implementation of strategies to employ English as LoLT in intermediate phase Buffalo City classrooms
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education in Languages))--University of the Free State, 2023Language plays a pivotal role in teacher education programs and the educational development of children. In the South African context, English is often used as a First Additional Language (FAL) and becomes the primary Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) from Grade 4 onwards, as outlined in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) by the Department of Basic Education (DBE, 2011). This transition poses significant challenges for both learners and educators.
The foundation of language acquisition in a learner's first language (L1) plays a crucial role in their ability to learn a second language (L2), such as English. According to Cummins' Interdependence Hypothesis (Cummins, 2000), skills developed in the first language can transfer to the second language, thereby aiding in the acquisition of L2. This hypothesis underscores the importance of a strong L1 foundation, as the cognitive and academic skills developed in L1 are instrumental in mastering L2.
Research by Lightbown and Spada (2013) highlights that successful L2 acquisition is significantly influenced by the learner's proficiency in their L1. Learners with a robust foundation in their native language tend to acquire the second language more efficiently because they can leverage their existing linguistic knowledge and cognitive skills. This perspective is supported by Pretorius and Spaull (2016), who emphasize that learners' reading skills in their home language (HL) serve as a critical basis for developing similar skills in their second language, English.
The adoption of English as the LoLT in Intermediate Phase (IP) classrooms, especially from Grade 4, introduces several multifaceted challenges. One of the primary hurdles is learners' difficulties in acquiring proficiency in English, which affects their overall academic performance (Nel & Muller, 2010). This challenge is compounded by the fact that English is used as the LoLT across various subjects, not just in language classes, adding to the complexity (Smith, 2019).
The South African educational landscape is unique due to its diverse socio-economic and linguistic context. Many learners come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken. In urban areas, languages such as IsiXhosa are predominantly used, while rural areas may feature a variety of regional languages (Spaull, 2022; Setati, 2020). This limited exposure to English outside the classroom restricts learners' opportunities to practice and improve their language skills (Heugh, 2020).
Mathematical modelling of pressure build-in due to geological carbon dioxide storage in deep Saline Aquifers, using non-local operators: the context of groundwater protection in the climate change mitigation era
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Institute for Groundwater Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023Man-caused Green House Gas (GHG) emissions have perturbed the earth’s energy balance, and the need to achieve deep emission reduction is a pressing challenge, faced by humankind. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in deep geological saline aquifers is a viable option for Green House Gas (GHG) mitigation. Industrial-scale scenarios may induce large-scale reservoir pressurization and displacement of native fluids. Especially in closed systems, the pressure buildup can quickly elevate beyond the reservoir fracture threshold and potentially fracture and or reactivate existing faults in the cap rock. This can create conduits for focused leakage and mobilization of heavy metals and harmful trace elements, into capture zones of freshwater wells. Risk assessment in CCS requires that careful safety and environmental impact evaluations be considered. Through sustainable pressure management, the reservoir's hydraulic integrity is maintained. This is theoretically achievable with the help of a numerical simulation, using robust mathematical models that provide consistent and effective ways to understand and predict pressure buildup in such complex systems. This thesis focuses on modelling two aspects: () the pressure buildup and () CO₂ saturation evolution in the two-phase flow zone, by extending the classical pressure diffusivity and the Buckley-Leverette fractional flow models to the framework of non-local differential and integral operators. The extended models describe the pressure behavior during CO₂ injection through a vertical well, open in a saline aquifer. To include in the mathematical models the effect long-range, fading memory and weak crossover from stretched exponential to power-law, several differential operators were considered. For each extended model, different numerical schemes were adapted to derive numerical solutions. The presented numerical results provide an overview of subsurface transient pressure response and are useful tools for accurate risk assessment and sustainable reservoir management and operational safety during geo-sequestration in basins with shallow freshwater capture zones