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Students’ perspectives on the contribution of community education and training colleges to local communities
No full textDissertation(MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023Although the White Paper on Post-School Education and Training and scholars describe the role of Community Education and Training Colleges (CETC1s), a gap still exists regarding how CETC¹s carry out their duties in society. The aim of this study was to address this gap by exploring the participants’ perspectives on how CETC¹s value their contribution to addressing the challenges and needs of local communities. The Capability Approach (CA) was employed as the analytical framework in this study to examine the societal impact of CETC¹s in South Africa. Data were collected from research participants through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings of the study indicate that students perceive CETC¹s as economic agents that facilitate their employability or engagement in self-employment. The CA highlights the importance of considering the resources provided to students and how their conversion factors influence their functionings in successful efforts to enhance CETC¹ education. The findings suggest that the role of CETC¹s is to provide students with opportunities for intellectual advancement and the ability to evaluate what is relevant to them. However, it is crucial to be mindful of CETC¹ education, particularly in light of the participants’ expressed valued capabilities and functionings, encompassing societal and economic values. Although CETC¹s enhance students’ skills, their valued capabilities are constrained by classroom size, financial limitations, and curricular concerns. Based on the empirical findings, the study argues that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) should enhance the theoretical and practical understanding of CETC¹s’ role. This would require CETCs to introduce democratic educational concepts to strengthen student voices; expand CETC's curriculum to include sustainable livelihood strategies; work with technical and vocational colleges and universities to coordinate curricula and ensure quality; and rethink college policies to help students more effectively navigate the institutions systems. In addition, by resolving infrastructural issues, limited classrooms, low student funding, and a lack of alignment between CETC and local community requirements, these CETCs should be able to better recognise the societal function of CETC1s. Such initiatives might improve student welfare and societal welfare while promoting the economic advantages of CETC1s
Genetic diversity in yield traits and kernel composition of selected Ethiopian sorghum landraces
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Plant Breeding))--University of the Free State, 2023Climate-resilient and high-yielding sorghum cultivars must be developed for sustainable food systems and improved livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Low grain protein, Fe and Zn concentrations are a frequent problem in food crops and they affect the crop's nutritional value, particularly in cereals. In this study, a total of 361 Ethiopian sorghum landraces with four commercial checks were grown under well-watered, wet intermediate and natural drought conditions for two consecutive seasons. The purpose of this research was to assess the genetic diversity and drought tolerance of this Ethiopian sorghum landrace collection using agronomic and grain quality traits and to select promising lines for production and/or breeding. The specific objectives were to (i) assess the level and pattern of genetic variation and drought adaptation in a sorghum landrace collection using phenotypic traits, (ii) evaluate chemical composition, genotype by environment interaction, drought effects and environmental influence and determine performance and stability of sorghum landraces, (iii) identify genomic regions associated with grain quality to determine the genetic basis for starch, protein and mineral concentrations of Ethiopian sorghum landraces. In stress environments, yield and yield components as well as grain quality traits had low means, range, genetic variance (σ²g) and heritability values.
In terms of grain yield performance under different water regimes, Melkassa (irrigated) had a 54.5% higher mean grain yield than Miesso (drought stress) in 2020 and Melkassa (irrigated) had a 26.9% higher mean grain yield than Miesso (drought stress) in 2021. Therefor drought stress reduced mean grain yield by 44.6% and grain weight by 14%. In all environments, ten genotypes (G189, G210, G125, G324, G325, G353, G319, G219, G187 and G229) had the highest stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity (MP) and yield in non-stress conditions (Yp) and stress conditions (Ys). In stress environments, starch content decreased by 5%, while protein content increased by 21% when compared to wet intermediate conditions. The Zn content was 60% and 55% higher in wet intermediate environments than in irrigated and stress environments, respectively. The Fe content was 21% and 13% higher in wet intermediate environments than in irrigated and stress environments, respectively. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 365 diverse Ethiopian sorghum landraces identified 209,572 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (HB ≤ 0.05). Several candidate genes were identified that were significantly associated with grain Zn, Fe, starch, protein and ash concentrations, such as LEA, CHI, bZIP, ARF12 and WOX6.
The Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) and basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of proteins are involved in various stress responses in plants. The ABC transporter and sugar carrier proteins, Auxin Response Factors 12 (ARF12), Alpha-glucan phosphorylase and Zinc finger CCHC gene, are known for starch synthesis and storage in growing seeds. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox 6 (WOX6) and TatD family of hydrolases genes, acts as a transcription factor and is known to regulate stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Chitinase (CHI), flavonoid glycosides, architecture1 (tga1) and Class III peroxidase 70 and 69 precursors are all engaged in biological processes including plant defence against pathogens. The Zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) family is involved in Zn and Fe ion uptake and transport. These genes are involved in various biological processes such as stress response, starch synthesis, plant development and defence. The identification of loci associated with grain quality provides new insight into the genetic control of the traits, while sorghum landraces with nutritious grains can serve as sources of genes for breeding for good nutritional value.
___________________________________________________________________Abstract in other languages
,Klimaatbestande en hoë-opbrengs sorghumkultivars moet ontwikkel word vir volhoubare voedselstelsels en verbeterde lewensbestaan in Afrika suid van die Sahara. Lae graanproteïen-, Fe- en Zn-konsentrasies is ’n gereelde probleem in voedselgewasse en dit beïnvloed die gewas se voedingswaarde, veral in graan. In hierdie studie is ’n totaal van 361 Ethiopiese sorghum landrasse met vier kommersiële ondersoeke gekweek onder goed natgemaakte, nat intermediêre en natuurlike droogtetoestande vir twee opeenvolgende seisoene. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om die genetiese diversiteit en droogtetoleransie van hierdie Ethiopiese sorghum landrasversameling te bepaal deur gebruik te maak van agronomiese en graankwaliteit eienskappe en om belowende lyne vir produksie en/of plantteling te kies.
Die spesifieke doelstellings was om (i) die vlak en patroon van genetiese variasie en droogte-aanpassing in ’n sorghumlandrasversameling te evalueer deur fenotipiese eienskappe te gebruik, (ii) chemiese samestelling, genotipe volgens omgewingsinteraksie, droogte-effekte en omgewingsinvloed te evalueer en prestasie en stabiliteit van sorghumlandrasse te bepaal, (iii) en genomiese streke te identifiseer wat met graankwaliteit geassosieer word om die genetiese basis vir stysel-, proteïen- en mineraalkonsentrasies van Ethiopiese sorghumlandrasse te bepaal. In stresomgewings het opbrengs- en opbrengskomponente sowel as graankwaliteit-eienskappe lae gemiddeldes, omvang, genetiese variansie (σ²g) en oorerflikheidswaardes gehad. Wat graanopbrengsprestasie onder verskillende waterregimes betref, het Melkassa (besproei) ’n 54,5% hoër gemiddelde graanopbrengs as Miesso (droogtestres) in 2020 gehad en Melkassa (besproei) het ’n 26,9% hoër gemiddelde graanopbrengs as Miesso (droogtestres) in 2021 gehad. Daarom het droogtestres die gemiddelde graanopbrengs met 44,6% en graangewig met 14% verminder. In alle omgewings het tien genotipes (G189, G210, G125, G324, G325, G353, G319, G219, G187 en G229) die hoogste strestoleransie-indeks (STI), geometriese gemiddelde produktiwiteit (GMP), gemiddelde produktiwiteit (MP) en opbrengs in nie-strestoestande (Yp) en strestoestande (Ys) gehad. In stresomgewings het styselinhoud met 5% afgeneem, terwyl proteïeninhoud met 21% toegeneem het in vergelyking met nat intermediêre toestande. Die Zn-inhoud was onderskeidelik 60% en 55% hoër in nat intermediêre omgewings as in besproeiings- en stres-omgewings. Die Fe-inhoud was onderskeidelik 21% en 13% hoër in nat intermediêre omgewings as in besproeiings- en stres-omgewings.
’n Genoomwye assosiasiestudie (GWAS) op 365 diverse Ethiopiese sorghum landrasse het 209 572 enkelnukleotied polimorfismes (SNPs) (HB ≤ 0,05) geïdentifiseer. Verskeie kandidaatgene is geïdentifiseer wat betekenisvol geassosieer is met graan Zn, Fe, stysel, proteïen en as konsentrasies, soos LEA, CHI, bZIP, ARF12 en WOX6. Die Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) en basiese leucine zipper (bZIP) families van proteïene is betrokke by verskeie stresreaksies in plante. Die ABC-vervoerder en suikerdraerproteïene, Auxin Response Factors 12 (ARF12), Alfa-glukaanfosforilase en Sinkvinger CCHC-geen, is bekend vir styselsintese en berging in groeiende sade. Die WUSCHEL-verwante homeobox 6 (WOX6) en TatD familie van hidrolase gene, dien as ’n transkripsie faktor en is bekend om stamsel-instandhouding en -differensiasie te reguleer. Chitinase (CHI), flavonoïedglikosiede, argitektuur1 (tga1) en Klas III peroksidase 70 en 69 voorlopers is almal betrokke by biologiese prosesse, insluitend plantverdediging teen patogene. Die sinkvingerproteïene-familie (ZNF) is betrokke by Zn- en Fe-ioonopname en -vervoer. Hierdie gene is betrokke by verskeie biologiese prosesse soos stresreaksie, styselsintese, plantontwikkeling en verdediging. Die identifisering van lokusse wat met graankwaliteit geassosieer word, verskaf nuwe insig in die genetiese beheer van die eienskappe, terwyl sorghumlandrasse met voedsame grane as bronne van gene vir plantteling vir goeie voedingswaarde kan dien.
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An investigation into the inflammatory properties of tenofovir in HepG₂ human liver cells
No full textDissertation (MMed.Sc.((Physiology))--University of the Free State, 2023: Since the introduction of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in 1996, the life expectancy of HIV-infected individuals has been nearly comparable to that of HIV-uninfected individuals. However, increasing evidence shows that antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with increased metabolic disorders, systemic inflammation, and hepatotoxicity. Tenofovir induces oxidative stress via mitochondrial DNA polymerase inhibition in HepG2 cells at chronic exposure. Although in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to determine the effect of tenofovir on the inflammatory response, the inflammatory effect of this antiretroviral drug in liver cells still needs elucidation.
: This study aimed to investigate tenofovir's potential pro- and anti-inflammatory properties in HepG₂ human liver cells at different time frames.
: HepG₂ cells were treated with tenofovir (1.2 μM) over 24h and 120h; pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels were assessed using a SimpleStep human ELISA kit specific to each analyte (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10). Protein expression of p-NF-ĸBp65, NF-ĸBp65, p-IĸBα, and IĸBα was determined with Western blotting. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assessed the mRNA expression of -κ65 and α.
: Tenofovir significantly increased IL-6 and 10 levels, -κ65 mRNA expression and NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65 and p-IκBα protein expression. Additionally, a significant decrease in IL-1β levels and κα mRNA expression at 24h were observed. After 120h, tenofovir-treated cells showed increased p-NF-κBp65 and IκBα protein expression. Furthermore, a significant decrease in IL-6 and IL-10 levels, -κ65 and IκBα mRNA expression and NF-κBp65 and p-IκBα protein expression were observed.
: The study demonstrated that tenofovir elevated the anti-inflammatory cytokines at acute exposure. Tenofovir increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and downregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines at chronic exposure of tenofovir in HepG₂ human liver cells. The knowledge obtained from tenofovir-induced inflammatory changes can provide valuable information regarding tenofovir’s clinical use
Preparing Grade R learners for formal schooling in the multi-grade classroom in Lesotho
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Early Childhood Development))--University of the Free State, 2023The transition from pre-school to formal schooling is a critical juncture in a child's educational journey. This study examined the challenges and strategies involved in preparing Grade R learners for formal schooling, particularly within the context of multi-grade classrooms in Lesotho. Most Early Childhood Education pre-schools in Lesotho practise multi-grade teaching, where one teacher teaches different ages and multiple grade levels in one classroom. Pre-school teachers in Lesotho are not equipped to teach in a multi-grade classroom, though it is a common practice in Lesotho pre-schools. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences and challenges faced by pre-school teachers in preparing Grade R learners for school readiness in a multi-grade classroom. The study considered different teaching strategies such as planning, grouping, classroom organisation, classroom management and assessment, adopted by pre-school teachers. It also identified challenges including the lack of training and curriculum guidance. Four pre-school teachers from different schools within Maseru Urban participated in the study. The qualitative research approach located within the contours of the interpretivist paradigm were chosen for this study. Themes were developed through thematic analysis. They explore strategies and challenges of pre-school teachers in preparing Grade R learners for formal school readiness. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory formed the theoretical framework underpinning this study. The findings revealed that pre-school teachers lacked sufficient training and curriculum advice in teaching multi-grade classrooms as they still used mono-grade curricula. The study also found that pre-school teachers adopted different teaching strategies they found essential and effective in preparing Grade R learners for formal school readiness. Training for multi-grade teaching needs to be prioritised as it is the popular teaching arrangement in Lesotho
An analysis of intergovernmental relations with specific emphasis on the Northern Cape Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum?
No full textDissertation(MGT (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2023The study explores and analyses the effectiveness and efficiency of the Northern Cape Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum (NC PIGF). An overview is provided on the configuration and the statutory framework which regulates the system of intergovernmental relations in South Africa. Chapter Three of the South African Constitution Act 108 of 1996, makes provision for cooperative governance amongst the three spheres of government; mandating these spheres to work together to enhance service delivery and development planning. The study further examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the NC PIGF with a focus on how the Forum is currently measured, and how it should be measured. The analysis of the NC PIGF brought to the fore that the Forum partially complies with Section 33 of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005 (IGRFA). Section 33 of the IGRFA stipulates that forums should adopt rules that govern their operations. Thus, the research findings suggest that the NC PIGF partially comply with Section 33 of the IGRFA. The study, therefore, provides solutions on how to coordinate and strengthen the Forum. This study follows a qualitative approach in order to achieve the objectives. The study concluded that to legitimize the NC PIGF, the forum should fully comply with statutes and other relevant legislative frameworks and prescripts. The study’s findings could make a significant contribution to enhancing service delivery and promoting a culture of resource sharing, preventing duplication of efforts, and managing conflict through integrated planning and coordination amongst the three spheres of government
Knowledge, skills, and training of community health workers to contribute to interprofessional education: a scoping review
No full textA scoping review of 32 publications was conducted with the aim of mapping literature to determine what is known about the knowledge, skills, and training of community health workers that could contribute to interprofessional education. Interprofessional education, as a pedagogical approach, prepares health professions students to serve patients in collaboration with other health professionals to improve patient outcomes. All over the world, the role of community health workers is vital for its support of community service and community health outcomes. However, no evidence could be found on the knowledge, skills, and training of community health workers that contribute to interprofessional education. The knowledge that community health workers need to contribute to interprofessional education, as reported by the literature, relates to case management, communication, health education, recordkeeping and referrals. Skills, such as critical thinking, interprofessional collaboration, and various clinical procedures, were noted. Training approaches reported included the use of technology such as mobile phones and web-based learning. The scoping review improved our understanding of the knowledge, skills, and training of community health workers that could contribute to interprofessional education. Applying a fit-for-purpose approach, and building on existing knowledge, skills, and training, could fast-track the contribution of community health workers to interprofessional education.Publisher's versio
A legal analysis of the classification of on-demand workers in South Africa
No full textDissertation(LL.M.(Private Law))--University of the Free State, 2023“Non-standard forms of employment” have become a contemporary feature of labour markets worldwide.¹ however, this form of employment has resulted in a classification conundrum, with the result that many platforms seek to avoid the obligations pertaining to a traditional employment relationship by classifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees.² It is specifically the mentioned classification difficulties that make these workers vulnerable to
poor remuneration, reduced bargaining power and rights, poor working conditions, social security deficiencies, unregulated working hours, and poor occupational health and safety practices.
Therefore, this study will explore legislative responses to regulating on-demand work and matters associated with the correct classification of on-demand workers within a South African context. This is done with reference to the UK courts' position in regulating and/or classifying on-demand workers. Therefore, the research aims to contribute to the current and ongoing debate regarding on-demand work to ensure that on-demand workers are properly classified. It is also intended to ensure legal certainty and adequate legal protection of persons operating as on-demand workers in South Africa
The adherence to credit control and the effectiveness of debt collection tools in an energy municipal entity
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, promulgated in 1996, describes three government levels, namely national, provincial and local government. The accounting officer of a municipality (at the local level) is accountable for the management of municipal revenues and the enforcement of revenue collection procedures, including the reconciliation and recognition of allowed revenues of the municipal entity.
Over the years, revenue collection – especially by local government – has faced serious financial management challenges, in particular in relation to prudent revenue and debt collection management and has resulted in the pressing predicament of unsatisfying service delivery due to inadequate revenue management by municipalities and municipal entities in their provision of services to their communities. For effective service delivery, a sound revenue system is essential for a municipal energy entity to render services to its customers; to maintain and sustain sufficient income to adhere to service delivery commitments; and/or to render any goods or services as legislatively mandated.
The study discusses a municipal energy entity’s credit control measures and debt collection tools, that can assist the South African government in strengthening municipal revenue and maintaining a favourable cash flow, to render good service to its communities. The enhancement of income is conditioned on the effectiveness of two intrinsic elements, namely, billing-rendered services and meter-calibrated service delivery
Employing the Ubuntu approach as a lens to enhance risk management skills at a municipality
No full textIn South African cities, the approach to risk management skills training has relied heavily on positivist research approaches. However, such professional research models tend to restrict employees’ input on risk mitigation. Consequently, despite the existence of rich African philosophical approaches, such as Ubuntu, the methods of teaching and learning risk management in municipalities are ineffective. Some ineffectiveness is the result of ignorance of utilising the Ubuntu philosophy for the identification, assessment and mitigation of risks with a view to enhancing the internal operations of an organisation. The practice of Ubuntu in teaching and learning, with specific reference to risk management, encourages a culture of group solidarity in the research environment that embraces brotherhood and sisterhood for survival. The question this article seeks to answer is: How can the use of the Ubuntu philosophy as a lens enhance the risk management skills of municipal officials? A single case study was conducted at Xhariep District Municipality in the Free State. Data was collected from municipal officials through participatory action research. The article recommends a culture of integrated teamwork driven by Ubuntu principles. Such a culture will contribute to human resource development, which will improve employees’ competency and self-esteem for the provision of better and higher-quality services to the Xhariep communities.Publisher's versio
Strategies to enhance the approach to prostate cancer screening of African men in the Free State
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Family Medicine))--University of the Free State, 2023: Prostate cancer is a significant public health concern in South Africa, with rising incidence and mortality rates, particularly among African men. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is a practical method for early detection and improved outcomes. However, it carries the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Recent studies have shown a more significant net benefit of PSA screening for Black men than the general population. However, there are knowledge, attitude and practice gaps among primary healthcare providers and users, especially Black men, regarding prostate cancer screening. Practical strategies to address these gaps are lacking. This study focuses on vulnerable African men in the Free State Province, South Africa.
: This thesis presents the results of five complementary studies aiming to identify gaps in prostate cancer screening and determine strategies to enhance prostate cancer screening among African men in the Free State Province from the perspectives of primary healthcare providers and users. The first study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design, using case record information and self-administered questionnaires to profile Black South African men with prostate cancer attending a tertiary hospital’s oncology and urology clinics in the Free State Province. The second study used a cross-sectional analytical survey design, administering self-administered questionnaires to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of primary healthcare providers in the study setting. The third study also employed a cross-sectional analytical survey design, utilising self-administered questionnaires to investigate African men’s knowledge, cultural beliefs and screening intentions regarding prostate cancer screening. Factors associated with their intention to screen for prostate cancer were examined. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and associations were tested using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. The fourth and fifth studies comprised a scoping review and a modified Delphi survey to identify and propose strategies to enhance prostate cancer screening among African men in the study setting, addressing the identified gaps.
: The findings revealed that aggressive prostate cancer is prevalent among African men in the study setting. Poor knowledge and awareness of the disease and low screening uptake were observed. Factors such as dietary habits, lifestyle and presentation time were associated with aggressive disease at diagnosis. Cultural beliefs influenced screening uptake among men. Factors associated with a higher intention to screen included reduced fear, perceived benefits, situational barriers, and perceived risk of developing prostate cancer. Regarding primary healthcare providers, the majority demonstrated poor knowledge (64.8%), neutral attitudes (58.6%) and poor practice (40.0%) related to prostate cancer screening. Female providers, lower cadre nurses and community health workers had lower knowledge scores. Lack of prostate cancer-related continuing education was significantly associated with poor knowledge, negative attitudes and poor practice among healthcare providers. The study proposed strategies to address the identified gaps among African men and primary healthcare providers. Community-oriented approaches involving the active participation of both providers and community members were emphasised. These strategies focused on relevant prostate cancer health education topics in public spaces, employing diverse, comprehensive, user-friendly and culturally sensitive methods.
: This thesis highlights the gaps in prostate cancer screening among African men and primary healthcare providers in the Free State Province, South Africa. Targeted strategies are needed to enhance prostate cancer screening uptake and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population. Implementing the proposed strategies can improve awareness and knowledge of the disease and ultimately enhance screening practices among African men in the study setting