11613 research outputs found
Sort by
Using a critical analysis of the Lesotho Inclusive Education Policy (2018) to explore teachers‘ inclusive practices
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Policy Studies in Education))--University of the Free State, 2023Inclusive education has formed an important part of the agenda on the global educational development discourse. There are now greater exclusionary issues associated with migration, language and ethnicity, socio-economic status, infrastructure and resource mobility. The concept of inclusion has been introduced to bridge the gap that is visible in education and has widened to incorporate these broader issues of social diversity. Given the multifaceted nature of diversity of classrooms, we have a segregated education system of inequalities which the Lesotho Inclusive Education Policy (2018) has undertaken to address towards achieving self-reliance and equal opportunities for all. The study explored how teachers in inclusive settings demonstrate their understanding of the LIEP 2018 policy. Using purposive sampling, data collection was done through collage group portrait discussions and focus group discussions with nine teachers and a semi-structured interview with one special education manager to explore how teachers‘ understanding of the LIEP 2018 policy and the Ministry of Education and Training support for the teachers in implementing the policy. The study used Florian and Black-Hawkins‘s Inclusive Pedagogy to inform teachers‘ inclusive practices within the framework of the interpretivist paradigm and the qualitative case study design targeting one regular secondary school in Lesotho. To analyse data, the study used thematic analysis informed by research questions to derive themes and trends that emerged from the data collected from the teachers‘ inclusive practices in the classroom and related implementation problems at school. The findings reveal the teachers‘ practices as being inconsistent with the expectations of the policy. The classroom practices have been found to be inclined towards teacher-centred approaches, typified by the rigid curriculum and assessment based on paper and pen examinations excluding visual teaching aids which could help learners to better understand the concepts in the classrooms. While the study acknowledges teachers‘ attempts at ensuring inclusive classrooms by dramatising and role-playing some of the activities, the Inclusive Pedagogy highlights lack of teachers‘ positive attitudes towards and beliefs in the policy, lack of sign language interpreters and resources to achieve the objectives of the policy. The paper concludes that successful implementation of inclusive education depends on teachers‘ competencies in and attitudes towards inclusive teaching methods and human and material resources. The study thus proposes an inclusive teachers‘ practices model informed by the findings and the literature to help with the proper implementation of the LIEP 2018 policy
Distribution and acaricide resistance status of the theileriosis vector, Neumann (Acarina:Ixodidae) in response to changing climate in Zimbabwe
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Zoology))--University of the Free State, 2023Tick control is a key aspect of managing Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) with chemical control being the widely applied method. However, continued application of chemicals can lead to the development of resistance. A recent increase in theileriosis in Zimbabwe coupled with indications of shifts in outbreaks from seasonal to spontaneous, raised possibilities of acaricide resistance by the vector, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Factors behind changes in the spatio-temporal distribution of the tick and the disease it transmits are poorly understood. This study evaluated the distribution of the theileriosis vector, R. appendiculatus, its response to frequently applied acaricides and the implications of current management practices on acaricide resistance development in Zimbabwe. Initially, the thermal tolerance of larvae, nymphs and adult R. appendiculatus ticks were assessed followed by modeling the current and future distribution of suitable habitats using MaxEnt. Bioassays were then conducted to determine the tick’s resistance status to frequently applied acaricides namely amitraz and deltamethrin. Furthermore, a survey was undertaken to understand the relation between tick management strategies and acaricide resistance development in ticks of economic importance.Results indicated that suitable habitats for R. appendiculatus may expand into previously non-endemic areas between 2040 and 2060 if temperatures rise by 2 °C. This expansion may be aided by the ability of the species to tolerate higher temperatures during assays than those recorded in the environment. Results further showed that R. appendiculatus populations are still highly susceptible to amitraz and deltamethrin (Resistance ratios<4). In contrast, the indicator species R. decoloratus which was used for comparison had 50% of populations moderately resistant to amitraz and two dip tanks resistant to deltamethrin (4<RR<10). Farmers noted a high prevalence of TBDs which they attributed to a breakdown in the national tick management program. However, there were indications of practices by farmers which might lead to the development of resistance even in the three-host ticks in future. These include, indiscriminate use of acaricides and poor rotation of acaricide molecules. Overall, this study suggests that current theileriosis outbreaks may be driven by the spread of R. appendiculatus into non-endemic areas rather than acaricide resistance development. Therefore, there is a need for national programs to expand surveillance and control measures into areas previously non-endemic, but predicted to be suitable for the theileriosis vector
The adoption of Fintech applications in wealth banking
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023Financial technology, or FinTech, offers substitutes for some products used in traditional banking and non-banking finance services. In the financial sector, FinTech is a new idea. This field study’s main goal is to gain insight into wealth clients' perspectives of FinTech adoption within a wealth banking paradigm. It explains the factors that affect how clients perceive using FinTech services in the wealth management industry. The wealth management services industry's traditions and behaviour will alter as well as how AI will be adopted, different generations and population to name a few. This study explored further into the factors that influence wealth clients’ perceptions when adopting FinTech services as part of a large South African bank's wealth management client base. Due to technological advancements, the financial world has been changing quickly, and practically every facet of it now has a new look and feel. FinTech is the term used to describe this technological transformation in the financial sector. Even if the ‘FinTech influence’ has been felt throughout all financial services, the wealth management business is just beginning to experience it in comparison to other financial services industries. The clientele of wealth management is ageing, and younger people and women are significantly underrepresented. Despite the younger populations' interest in FinTech solutions, the wealth services sector currently provides only a few possibilities for them. The distribution of female clients in wealth management is lagging behind overall growth trends. Wealthy customers use a variety of wealth service providers, combine different wealth service options, and maintain a strong personal connection with either their wealth banker, investment manager, or both. FinTech services help wealth management clients operate more effectively while also increasing their usefulness and meeting their needs for services. Financial management clients employ FinTech service offerings from only well-known wealth service providers with confidence. South Africa's wealth management industry lags the US and UK's by several years. Currently, FinTech is seldom present in the core wealth management industry. In the South African wealth market, there aren't many entry-level Robo-advisors, but those that do exist don't pose much of a threat to the market leaders. Wealth management should acknowledge the impact of technology advancements on client behaviour. Ensuring a trusted relationship for wealth management is high priority in evaluating the bank/client relationship when incorporating or planning FinTech services in wealth banking. Also, to understand what drives client perception in relationship quality and how these perceptions need to be combined to find the right balance of quality. It is important for the wealth management business to understand the risk of an aging book and to implement proper wealth transfer strategies to include the next generation. With a diversified and growing investment market with increasing options, wealth management need to look at how they can deliver alternative asset classes to add value to a growing and more diversified client base. Managing complexity such as volatility, and the risk of various different asset classes, might be in the form of robo-advisors. Wealth management need to find the FinTech ‘disruptor’ of the status quo. Overall, FinTech has improved the services offered by the traditional wealth management sector. Wealth management need to accept the future lies in a fully digital FinTech platform that serves as a one-stop shop for all wealth management needs. Digital and online engagement is the future of the wealth management industry and wealth technology. The current nature of advice professionals will evolve, becoming a more individualised one-stop solution thanks to the more sophisticated client interaction digital platforms. South Africa's banking system is in a state of flux and change. On one hand, traditional banking models have seen a decrease in market share as fintech innovations have gained traction within the country. On the other hand, fintech has had its own struggles, with many South Africans still not having access to digital banking services. Fintech refers to the use of technology to offer financial services, including mobile banking, online banking, and digital wallets
Exploring the experiences of teachers teaching mathematics to hearing-impaired learners in an inclusive learning environment
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum studies))--University of the Free State, 2023Mathematics teaching is among teachers' most challenging yet rewarding tasks worldwide. However, teaching mathematics to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners has received less attention. Hence, this study explored teachers' experiences teaching mathematics to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners in an inclusive learning environment. The study involved two qualified mathematics teachers and was carried out in a special school in the Motheo District, Free State. Data was collected through lesson observations of two consecutive lessons per teacher, followed by a semi-structured interview with the teachers. Piaget’s constructivism and Vygotsky’s sociocultural learning theories guided the study. The reflexive thematic analysis used for data analysis revealed that language is at the heart of the difficulty for the teacher teaching mathematics to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners and that sign language should be at the interface for pedagogy. It was also discovered that there were no didactic approaches for teachers to teach mathematics to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. However, in the study's data collection, teachers used spiral approaches, demonstration, and peer tutoring to enhance mathematics teaching for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. It was then concluded that repetition and demonstration are vital in teaching mathematics to HI learners. Based on the study's findings, the recommendations were that teachers teaching mathematics must undergo in-service training to be equipped with the strategies and skills to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. It is also recommended that teachers familiarize themselves with technological tools that enhance mathematics teaching to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. The study may contribute to different stakeholders in the education system in several ways. This study may help other special education teachers learn and understand the situation around teaching mathematics to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. Mathematics teachers are likely to develop strategies to improve mathematics teaching in special schools for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners after the findings in this study. The study has great potential for policymakers to use the findings to develop policies to address challenges experienced by mathematics teachers
Cross-sector partnerships and social innovation: a strategy for public sector programme delivery in the department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
No full textDissertation (M.P.A.(Public Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023: Cross-sector partnerships (CSPs) are increasingly seen as a solution to the most pressing societal problems facing contemporary societies. As such, CSPs have become inherent to socio-economic service delivery by the public sector. CSPs are defined as partnerships between public, private, and civil society organisations and between government departments or business units within the public and private sectors working in new ways to address complex social and economic challenges.
: The South African National Development Plan accentuates the collective responsibility of collaborative and strategic partnerships among different sectors. In this regard exploring CSPs enable the public sector to target ''wicked issues'' more effectively by unlocking the benefits of comparative advantage while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of public agencies' efforts to address socio-economic service delivery issues (Andrews & Entwistle, 2010:680). Research shows that social innovation could be fundamental to CSPs that are used to addressed socio-economic public sector service delivery challenges. Moreover, CSPs are considered to be a source of social innovation, often working together to fill gaps and discover new opportunities to advance societal good (Cukier & Gagnon, 2017:2). However, the use of social innovation in CSPs to address socio-economic service delivery challenges is latent and not optimally explored in the programmes delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Given the successful use of social innovation in socio-economic service delivery globally, it is deemed beneficial to enhance CSPs in rendering socio-economic service delivery programmes of the DALRRD. Against this background, this study investigates the use of social innovation in DALRRDs’ cross-sector partnerships in improving public sector programme delivery.
: Using an interpretivism paradigm, this study applies a qualitative research approach and exploratory research design. Through content analysis of documents, the study’s aim, research objectives and research questions were addressed.
: The significance of this study lies in four domains, namely the
(i) Public Administration discipline,
(ii) the South African policy agenda,
(iii) using social innovation in public sector programme delivery and
(iv) DALRRD use of CSPs. Concerning the Public Administration discipline, this study contributes to the discourse about the relevance of using social innovation in CSPs during public sector programme delivery. About the South African policy agenda, this study undertook research that contributes to the policy agenda regarding the use of social innovation for public sector programme delivery by DALRRD. Regarding using social innovation in public sector programme delivery this study contributed to the debate about the role and nature of CSPs towards stimulating the use of social innovation in public sector programme delivery and the discourse on the significance of using social innovation in public sector programme delivery. Pertaining to DALRRD’s use of CSPs this study presented a conceptual framework for CSPs use of social innovation in public sector programme delivery
Geohydrological modelling to determine cumulative impact on groundwater at the Letšeng Diamond Mine, Lesotho
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Geohydrology))--University of the Free State, 2023Letšeng diamond mine (LDM) uses the split-shell open-pit mining method. The method includes excavation from the surface to access the ore at depth. Material from excavation and that separated during diamond extraction form primary mine waste. Approximately 20 million tonnes of waste is produced as fine-grained waste deposited into Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF) and coarse-grained waste deposited onto Waste Rock Dumps (WRDs). The waste can contain toxic chemical substances that can seep into groundwater or flow into surface water, contaminating it. For this reason, the study aims to determine the cumulative impacts of mining on groundwater quality. To achieve this, groundwater modelling techniques were employed to simulate groundwater flow and groundwater travel times and travel paths for contaminant transport.
Geological, hydrological, hydrogeological and hydrochemical data were collected, analysed, and integrated to conceptualise the hydrogeology of LDM to provide a better understanding of the hydrogeological system. The conceptual model also indicated possible sources of contamination and their possible receptors incorporating the Source Pathway Receptor concept. This was achieved by collecting and analysing the water quality data. Mine water sampling results show that most constituents are within the acceptable limits, while nitrates and sulphates were elevated above limits at locations down gradient from the Old Slimes Dam, WRDs and Patiseng TSF suggesting these areas are potential on-site sources of contamination.
The conceptual model formed the basis of the groundwater model. Based on the prevailing hydrogeological conditions in the mining area, a groundwater flow model was developed using MODFLOW 6. Due to data limitations, instead of simulating the contaminant from the source to the receptor using transport modelling, particle tracking with MODPATH was used to simulate the pathway and travel time of contaminants in groundwater. Particle tracking results show that the simulated extent of contaminant movement is generally in line with the water quality sampling results, where sampling points beyond the mine lease areas show acceptable water quality as opposed to samples closer to potential sources which show elevated levels of contamination, suggesting contamination is mostly contained within the mine lease area. Similarly, MODPATH results indicate that most particles do not exceed the lease area, also indicating that contamination from potential sources is mostly limited within the mine lease area.
Over a five-year simulation period, there is very limited movement of contaminants, although some particles from the Old Slimes Dam are released into the Mothusi Dam, thus posing a risk on its quality. Based on these findings, the Dam was identified as the most sensitive receptor. Over a 10-year period, there is further movement of particles, and some start to move beyond the lease area as some boreholes start showing increased nitrate concentrations such as borehole L_WE_010 down-gradient from the WRD east, suggesting groundwater contamination from the WRD. Over 20 years, a maximum travel distance of 5 km from the eastern WRD is observed, however no sensitive receptor was reached. While the calculated extent of the cumulative migration from the Old Slimes Dam is contained on- site over the 20 years, there is potential impact on the quality of groundwater as some particles intercept the boreholes downstream of the Mothusi Dam, borehole L_WE_015 and borehole L_WE_016. More boreholes are also intercepted over the 20 years.
Over time, contaminants will migrate off-site into the weathered shallow layer through the streams therefore reaching some of the receptors in the surrounding environment, either by percolation or conveyed as surface contaminants into the weathered layer. Due to low hydraulic conductivity in the types of rocks in the area, the migration of contaminates is very slow and is mostly limited within the first layer. The results show that there is some seepage of contaminants from potential sources, mostly affecting surface water compared to groundwater. However, the groundwater modelling results also indicate that over long-term evaluations, mining activities at LDM have significant impacts on the groundwater quality, where contaminant particles from different sources are observed at monitoring boreholes suggesting groundwater contamination.
This study clarifies the slow but significant effects of mining operations on groundwater and surface water resources over time at Letšeng diamond mine. The results highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures to reduce cumulative effects on vulnerable receptors including the Khubelu, Qaqa Rivers and Mothusi Dam. The conclusion of this assessment emphasizes the critical need for ongoing environmental management within mining practices to protect the quality of nearby water resources. This is achieved by addressing the sources and pathways of contamination that have been identified, putting in place rigorous monitoring, and strengthening mitigation measures
Physical science teachers’ perspectives on information and communication technology professional development in Lesotho secondary schools
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum studies))--University of the Free State, 2023Recent studies show that integrating ICTs in the teaching and learning of Physical Science may contribute towards the improvement of learners’ academic achievement. However, education systems in developing countries need help to afford educational opportunities for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Professional development programmes are essential in equipping teachers with ICT knowledge and skills for improving teaching and learning. Education reforms in Lesotho have the expectation that ICT be used to expand access to education as well as improve the quality of education. As a result, this research aims to investigate Physical Science teachers’ perspectives of ICT professional development. This case study also aims to fill a gap in the research on ICT integration by giving insights into the effectiveness of the professional development of Physical Science teachers in Lesotho. Data were collected using interviews with four (4) purposely selected Physical Science teachers who had at least five (5) years of teaching experience and have been involved in at least one (1) professional development activity. The qualitative research approach located within the contours of the interpretive paradigm was employed to facilitate a more focused exploration of the research questions. The study’s theoretical frameworks are Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and the Concern-Based Adoption Model. Data were coded and thematically analysed. The findings show that more professional development towards ICT integration is needed to ensure the provision of ICT practices in teaching activities. Teachers regard inadequate professional development toward ICT integration as the cause of unpreparedness to integrate ICT in instruction. The findings also revealed that teachers use ICTs to gather and disseminate information and rather insignificantly for effective teaching practice. The study recommends providing hands-on activities-training for in-service teachers. The study considers a well-developed professional development for in-service teachers’ to be included in Lesotho Physical Science syllabus guidelines
Overcoming barriers for people with disabilities participating in income-generating activities: a proposed development framework
No full textBackground: People with disabilities in sheltered workshops are disempowered and face many barriers, adversely affecting their income-generating activities and weakening their competitiveness in the labour market. There is limited evidence on how to overcome these barriers.
Objectives: This paper seeks to propose a framework to overcome the barriers experienced by people with disabilities participating in income-generating activities in a sheltered workshop.
Method: The qualitative exploratory single case study was done with observations and semi-structured interviews as data collection methods. Purposive sampling was used to select 24 participants between ages 22 and 52 years, and content analysis was done of transcribed interviews. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) guidelines were used to develop the framework.
Results: A proposed framework was developed that outlined intervention strategies to address the barriers experienced by sheltered workshop participants to promote increased participation of people with disabilities in income-generation activities, thereby improving their quality of life.
Conclusion: The participation of people with disabilities in income-generating activities is hindered by several barriers. However, the proposed framework overcomes the barriers to effective participation in income-generating activities.
Contribution: People with disabilities will benefit from this framework as it will address their challenges and needs for empowerment. It would also inform stakeholders involved about these challenges and strategies.Publisher's versio
Biological clocks as age estimation markers in animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textVarious biological attributes associated with individual fitness in animals change predictably over the lifespan of an organism. Therefore, the study of animal ecology and the work of conservationists frequently relies upon the ability to assign animals to functionally relevant age classes to model population fitness. Several approaches have been applied to determining individual age and, while these methods have proved useful, they are not without limitations and often lack standardisation or are only applicable to specific species. For these reasons, scientists have explored the potential use of biological clocks towards creating a universal age-determination method. Two biological clocks, tooth layer annulation and otolith layering have found universal appeal. Both methods are highly invasive and most appropriate for post-mortem age-at-death estimation. More recently, attributes of cellular ageing previously explored in humans have been adapted to studying ageing in animals for the use of less-invasive molecular methods for determining age. Here, we review two such methods, assessment of methylation and telomere length, describing (i) what they are, (ii) how they change with age, and providing (iii) a summary and meta-analysis of studies that have explored their utility in animal age determination. We found that both attributes have been studied across multiple vertebrate classes, however, telomere studies were used before methylation studies and telomere length has been modelled in nearly twice as many studies. Telomere length studies included in the review often related changes to stress responses and illustrated that telomere length is sensitive to environmental and social stressors and, in the absence of repair mechanisms such as telomerase or alternative lengthening modes, lacks the ability to recover. Methylation studies, however, while also detecting sensitivity to stressors and toxins, illustrated the ability to recover from such stresses after a period of accelerated ageing, likely due to constitutive expression or reactivation of repair enzymes such as DNA methyl transferases. We also found that both studied attributes have parentally heritable features, but the mode of inheritance differs among taxa and may relate to heterogamy. Our meta-analysis included more than 40 species in common for methylation and telomere length, although both analyses included at least 60 age-estimation models. We found that methylation outperforms telomere length in terms of predictive power evidenced from effect sizes (more than double that observed for telomeres) and smaller prediction intervals. Both methods produced age correlation models using similar sample sizes and were able to classify individuals into young, middle, or old age classes with high accuracy. Our review and meta-analysis illustrate that both methods are well suited to studying age in animals and do not suffer significantly from variation due to differences in the lifespan of the species, genome size, karyotype, or tissue type but rather that quantitative method, patterns of inheritance, and environmental factors should be the main considerations. Thus, provided that complex factors affecting the measured trait can be accounted for, both methylation and telomere length are promising targets to develop as biomarkers for age determination in animals.Publisher's versio
Violent student protests in higher education institutions: exploring the formations of violence and the socio-economic costs of violent protests
No full textDissertation(M.Soc.Sc.(Sociology))--University of the Free State, 2023This study investigated the academic and financial impacts of violent student protests on students and the University. Within this background, this study adopted an interpretive paradigm to understand the lived experiences of students who have participated in violent student protests. In addition, the study looks at how staff members are affected by violent protests in the discharge of their duties. The study comes against the background of an upsurge in violent student protests with adverse consequences for both students and institutions of higher education in South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative design, and the sample included students from various political parties, student organisations, and staff personnel from different departments at the University of Free State (UFS). The sample of the study was made up of 15 participants. These included nine students and six staff. Of the total participants, two were females while fourteen were males. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling strategies. Data for this study were collected through online and face-to-face interviews using an interview schedule. In analysing data for this study, inductive thematic analysis was used. The theoretical framework used in this study included the theory of interpersonal violence, the Fanonian perspective on violence, and the emergent norm theory. The study found that lack of response, leadership, diverse agendas, individual selection, retaliation, as well as the presence of police and private security emerged as essential factors contributing to violence or violent acts during protests. Moreover, the study found that restricted access to campus resources, loss of study time, and suspensions of some student activists were notable consequences encountered after protests. In addition, the study found that transport and legal fees were among some of the financial costs incurred by students due to violent protests. Furthermore, the study found that services offered by the University, such as administration and academic services, come to a stop when protests occur on campus. This impedes staff members’ duties as protests become a priority where substantial money is spent on acquiring extra security and replacing or fixing any damaged property due to student protests