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Material memory: a Woodworking and Trade School in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023Woodworking holds universal interest, and each country possesses its distinct techniques and rituals associated with this craft however, architectural education might not consistently offer sufficient exposure to woodworking techniques and their applications. This may potentially result in a limited understanding or appreciation for woodworking and its potential in architectural projects. The oldest site in Plettenberg Bay houses an old timber shed, which, despite its current state of disuse and decay, aspires to embrace new possibilities and transformation into something of profound significance. The site's historical context and original function offer a unique opportunity to establish a woodworking and trade school, aiming to attract and educate individuals such as carpenters, artists, tradesmen, designers, and historians, introducing them to an appreciation for the profound significance of woodworking. How can the incorporation of joinery techniques and wabi-sabi principles inform a sensitive approach to heritage preservation, through the thoughtful integration of functional joinery, structural elements, and material narratives, to achieve a balance between the historical past and contemporary present in the design of a woodworking and trade school in Plettenberg Bay? The design is intended to serve as a space that provides its users with a contemporary perception of woodworking but simultaneously educate them about the historical significance of the site
Dynamism of rural mountain livelihoods under a changing climate: the case of the Eastern Free State region of South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Environmental Geography))--University of the Free State, 2023The research was conducted in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District of the Eastern Free State Region of South Africa. This region's complicated climate and topography have an impact on the environment and socioeconomic aspects of the local population. Consequently, climate change poses a significant threat to local mountain communities, directly affecting their livelihoods. As a result, local communities have developed adaptation strategies to safeguard their livelihoods. However, the success of these adaptation strategies has not been adequately analyzed in relation to climate change impacts in this region. For this reason, the study aimed at determining the most preferred adaptation strategies implemented by the local communities in Thabo Mofutsanyane District, and the extent to which these strategies could be considered effective in building resilient mountain communities. Gridded monthly maximum and minimum temperature, and average rainfall data from 1960 to 2019 were extracted from Climate Explorer. The Mann Kendall Test and Sen’s slope estimate were employed to identify the nature and magnitude of the trends and their significance. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was calculated for the January to March (JFM) and October to December (OND) subseasons and for the ONDJFM in R-Studio 1.1.1717 software. A questionnaire survey was carried out to determine the perceptions of local communities about climate trends and the impacts of climate change on rural livelihoods in the region. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel 2016 were used to analyse the data. The results indicate a significant rise in the long-term yearly mean minimum and maximum temperatures by 0.0340C/annum and 0.0110C/annum, respectively. SPI data show severe droughts occurred during the JFM sub-season in 1973 (-1.21), 1983 (-1.755), 1992 (-1.55), and 2016 (-1.10). Extreme droughts occurred in 1990 (SPI= -1.91) during the JFM sub-season. The most severe droughts (SPI <-1.645) in the OND seasons were recorded in 1994, 1990 and 2019. The respondents reported that their lives and livelihoods have shifted due to changes in climate, leading to implications for the agricultural and socio-economic systems. The adverse environmental impacts induced by climate change reported by the communities include declining water quality and quantity (67 %), crop loss (48 %), reduced crop yields (33 %), animal diseases (38 %), and livestock mortality (68 %). Households also cited climate-related socio-economic impacts, such as higher prices, loss of farm and non-farm income, and increased labour as adverse effects of climate change. Local households adopted different livelihood strategies, including new water and soil management tactics, purchasing of livestock feeds, adoption of drought resistant livestock species, and socio-economic measures. Respondents determined the effectiveness of adaptation measures based on observations of improved crop production and yields because of implementing soil management tactics and use of drought/frost resistant seed varieties; improved livestock health as a result of providing livestock with water and purchasing supplementary feeds; and improved health as a result of proper water management strategies. The research concludes that determining the contextspecific adaptation techniques that these communities can apply will depend on the mountain communities’ perceptions of climate change impacts on their livelihoods. Therefore, combining scientific knowledge with data on community perceptions and local knowledge about climate change could enhance effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies. The study recommends evaluating the adaption strategies local communities have implemented over time and suggesting alternative coping mechanisms that could be implemented in the region
Exploring the governance benefits and pitfalls of collaboration between Non-Governmental Organisations in South-Africa
No full textDissertation(M.A.(Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2023This study presents an overview of the state of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector in South Africa based on a review of collaboration with governance in available literature. The traces the robust growth of South Africa’s NGO sector from the apartheid period through the post-apartheid era and up to the country’s current status. Understanding why NGOs choose to work with the government is a crucial but frequently ignored issue. Collaboration with NGOs has been associated with an increase in failing states and their inherent inability to address the pitfalls, hence NGOs are left to close the gap. Edwards and Hulme (2013) argue on the differences in organisational structures, culture, forms, work style, and actor incentives are to blame for the mistrust and suspicion. The document highlights the legal framework under which the sector operates; explores philanthropic giving and volunteering patterns; identifies some broad issues the sector is facing including the regulatory framework, governance, transparency and accountability, resource mobilisation and strategic growth; and highlights opportunities for growth. Some similarities in the growth patterns, barriers, and prospects of collaboration between the NGO sectors and the governance of South Africa will also be explored. Collaborations must cross power views, values, resources, norms, and cultural boundaries to be successful, (Abdul-Hade, 2012). Despite the potential and advantages of NGO and government cooperation in developing nations, the factors that influence NGO-government collaboration have received very little attention. This study aims to respond to the question: What are the pitfalls and the benefits of NGOs and governance collaborating
Investigating groundwater abstraction impacts on surface water levels and surface water – groundwater interaction with analytical and numerical models
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Geohydrology))--University of the Free State, 2023Groundwater is an important source of water for many human needs, including agriculture, water supply and industry. However, the use of groundwater may have adverse consequences. Various studies have been conducted to analyse the effect of groundwater pumping on nearby streams, and many analytical models and numerical models have been developed for various aquifer and stream conditions. Numerical models are time-consuming and require a significant amount of data input but can simulate complex systems. On the other hand, analytical models are suitable to use since they are ease to use, and have minimum data requirements and exact solutions, but they are limited to less complex problems. Streamflow impacts from groundwater pumping continue to be one of the main issues with groundwater resource development. The primary objective of this dissertation is to investigate GW-SW interaction and the impact of groundwater abstraction on surface water bodies. A secondary objective is to then develop a conceptual model that highlights the natural system behaviour of groundwater abstraction in nearby streams to evaluate alternative approaches for managing and understanding streamflow depletion.
The developed hypothetical model of an abstraction borehole near the stream is incorporated by realistic available data from the previous UFS/WRC test site along the Modder River, Free State, South Africa. Four analytical solutions, namely Jenkins (1968), Hantush (1965), Hunt (1999) and Hunt (2003) have been simulated using the developed hypothetical models (simple stream-aquifer conceptualisation to improved stream-aquifer conceptualisation) which aid in the quantification of streamflow depletion rates. To identify parameters that greatly influence streamflow depletion, parameters are varied to understand their sensitivity and effect on the rate of streamflow depletion. Furthermore, statistical analysis is used to visualise parameters that greatly influence streamflow depletion using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Groundwater abstraction is found to be the most sensitive parameter that greatly affects the streamflow depletion; therefore, groundwater abstraction rates should be monitored, and data collection should be accurately acquired to give out the best recommendation as this can greatly impact the surface water. Distance separation is also considered sensitive and greatly influences streamflow depletion. The period of pumping is less sensitive due to the fact that only time simulation is being extended with no variation of any parameter. The sensitivity analyses improve the understanding of how the analytical models simulate streamflow depletion rates and provide information to water managers on which parameters are most sensitive and require focused data collection.
Numerical models are applied and designed to represent the analytical solutions to assess how the solution would be implemented in a numerical model. Two approaches have been used within this dissertation namely, 1) analytical model condition which aims at creating a numerical model to simulate analytical condition as closely as possible to understand the implication of the analytical model assumptions and 2) complex numerical model conditions considering a real-world complex numerical model and assess how analytical solutions are able to represent streamflow depletion. The approximation in the numerical model, limited aquifer extent of the numerical model domain, and differences in parameter and boundary condition applied are the most significant factors that cause differences between the analytical and numerical model results. Analytical solutions overestimate and underestimate streamflow depletion when addressing a complex setting, although they fail to address complex hydrogeological settings, these analytical solutions can act as conservative tools which aid water managers in decision-making on the quantification of streamflow depletion and its mitigation.
This study's thorough investigation using different models highlights the complexities of groundwater pumping's impact on streamflow. By examining factors like borehole distance, aquifer hydraulic parameters, and model conceptualisations, it exposes limitations in simplistic analytical models while emphasising the complex nature of aquifer-stream dynamics. Understanding time delays, geological variations, and model assumptions provides crucial insights for water resource management. These findings offer valuable guidance for balancing groundwater use and preserving streamflow, urging a holistic approach integrating the strengths of numerical simulations. This research advocates sustainable strategies to address streamflow depletion, promoting responsible groundwater utilisation for the future
Reversal of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and pancreas degeneration by chloroform fraction of Ocimum gratissimum (L.) leaf extract in type 2 diabetic rat model
No full text: Unmanaged Diabetes Mellitus (DM) usually results to tissue wastage because of mitochondrial dysfunction. Adverse effects of some drugs used in the management of DM necessitates the search for alternative therapy from plant origin with less or no side effects. Ocimum gratissimum (L.) (OG) has been folklorically used in the management of DM. However, the mechanism used by this plant is not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the effects of chloroform fraction of OG leaf (CFOG) in the reversal of tissue wastage in DM via inhibition of mitochondrial-mediated cell death in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.
: Air-dried OG leaves were extracted with methanol and partitioned successively between n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol to obtain their fractions while CFOG was further used because of its activity. Diabetes was induced in fifteen male Wistar rats, previously fed with high fat diet (28 days), via a single intraperitoneal administration of STZ (35 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed after 72 h. Another five fed rats were used as the normal control, treated with corn oil (group 1). The diabetic animals were grouped (n = 5) and treated for 28 days as follows: group 2 (diabetic control: DC) received corn oil (10 mL/kg), groups 3 and 4 were administered 400 mg/kg CFOG and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, respectively. Body weight and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) were determined while Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell (HOMA-β), and pancreatic tissue regenerating potential by CFOG were assessed. Activity-guided purification and characterization of the most active principle in CFOG was done using chromatographic and NMR techniques. The animals were sacrificed after 28 days, blood samples were collected and serum was obtained. Liver mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) was investigated by spectrophotometry.
: CFOG reversed diabetic-induced mPT pore opening, inhibited ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation. CFOG reduced HOMA-IR but enhanced HOMA-β and caused regeneration of pancreatic cells relative to DC. Lupanol was a major metabolite of CFOG.
: Normoglycemic effect of CFOG, coupled with reversal of mPT, reduced HOMA-IR and improved HOMA-β showed the probable antidiabetic mechanism and tissue regenerating potentials of OG.Publisher's versio
Exploring the teaching and learning of accounting: a case of a South African university
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023The aim of this paper was to determine the accounting lecturers’ teaching practices at a South African higher education institution. Teaching practices are a complex set of ways which lecturers use for instruction. When compromisingly crafted and implemented, the impact is on students’ success. Hence the application of lecturers’ minds is needed in the process. In accounting education, teaching practices were found cognitively driven to determine success. Hence cognitivism learning theory guided this study. Cognitivists, and accounting educationists believe in related key elements; mental processes, thinking, remembering, solving complex problems, focussing on tasks requiring an increased level of information processing, classification, and procedural rules. Related key elements enhance the crafting of accounting teaching practices. This paper used a qualitative exploratory research methodology which enabled the researcher engaging to engage with participants in their natural settings. Three first first-year accounting lecturers were purposefully selected for this study. Data was generated through Microsoft teams Teams interviews determining different practices used in teaching accounting. Furthermore, responses from participants were used to corroborate the data generated. Issues such as participants’ teaching practices, knowledge of feedback teaching practices, and challenges experienced by accounting lecturers were explored. Data was analysed through thematic analysis. The Finally, the paper responded to one question: what are the teaching practices used by accounting lecturers? Findings suggest that some of the current accounting teaching practices are a detriment to the undesirable performance, which cannot be ignored. Additionally, there is no consistency in the application of accounting teaching practices, yet more research specifically in accounting education is needed to enhance performance. Hence this paper further suggests that university accounting teaching practices require intervention to encourage effectiveness
Moringa oleifera and autophagy: evidence from in vitro studies on chaperone-mediated autophagy in HepG₂ Cancer cells
No full textHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer in Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa (SA). Given the limitations in current HCC therapeutics, there is an increasing need for alternative adjuvant therapeutic options. As such, several cell survival mechanisms, such as autophagy, have been identified as potential adjuvant therapeutic targets in HCC treatment. Of the three most established autophagic pathways, the upregulation of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has been extensively described in various cancer cells, including HCC cells. CMA promotes tumor growth and chemotherapeutic drug resistance, thus contributing to HCC tumorigenesis. Therefore, the modulation of CMA serves as a promising adjuvant target for current HCC therapeutic strategies. Phytochemical extracts found in the medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera (MO), have been shown to induce apoptosis in numerous cancer cells, including HCC. MO leaves have the greatest abundance of phytochemicals displaying anticancer potential. However, the potential interaction between the pro-apoptotic effects of MO aqueous leaf extract and the survival-promoting role of CMA in an in vitro model of HCC remains unclear. This review aims to summarize the latest findings on the role of CMA, and MO in the progression of HCC.Publisher's versio
Emotional regulation and living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: interpretative phenomenological analyses of adolescent and parental experiences
No full textDissertation(M.Soc.Sc.(Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2023The first section of the dissertation presents an integrated background and overview of the research. This section comprises existing literature and theoretical concepts that apply to the second and third sections of the study. The aim and methodology sections will be presented that outline the methodological procedures utilised in both articles, which will be presented in the third and second sections of the study, respectively.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an example of a neurodevelopmental disorder which is typically diagnosed at a school-going age (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022; D’Souza & Karminiloff-Smith, 2016). Other examples of neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), communication disorders, and intellectual disability. The aetiology of ADHD is an intersection between polygenetic and environmental factors (APA, 2022; Jendreizik et al., 2023). Three presentations of ADHD have been acknowledged (APA, 2022), including a primarily inattentive presentation (associated with distractibility, difficulty sustaining tasks and difficulty concentrating), a primarily hyperactive and impulsive presentation (associated with increased movement, fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting, and finding it difficult to wait turns), as well as a combined presentation in which both hyperactive and inattentive features are present (APA, 2022; Felt et al., 2014). All the presentation types have underlying deficits in executive functioning tasks such as planning, organising and time management (APA, 2022; Sudre et al., 2021). In neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and ASD, difficulties with executive functioning can limit psychological flexibility and effective emotional regulation (Cai et al., 2018; Shaffer et al., 2023).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the associated symptoms must impair general functioning in multiple domains, such as occupational, academic, social, and familial domains and must be considered developmentally inappropriate (APA, 2022; Faraone et al., 2019). ADHD has also specifically been associated with emotional difficulties, such as deficits in regulating emotions, emotional impulsivity, and inadequate social cognition (APA, 2022; Faraone et al., 2019; Tarle et al., 2021). The severity of an adolescent’s ADHD can influence the extent to which certain symptoms or impairments present (Woods et al., 2021).
Emotional regulation is the ability to alter or sustain the type, trajectory, intensity, and appropriateness of one’s emotions (Ford & Gross, 2019). This may require specific executive functioning tasks related to emotional evaluation, which can be impaired in individuals with ADHD (Christiansen et al., 2019). Young adolescents diagnosed with ADHD might have specific difficulties with impulsivity and sensitivity to criticism (Christiansen et al., 2019) and are at risk of experiencing social impairment and high-risk behaviours resulting from emotional dysregulation (Bunford et al., 2015). Despite emotional regulation difficulties being evident in both comorbid and non-comorbid cases and findings in support of an emotional subtype of ADHD in adults, emotional regulation difficulty is not included as a formal diagnostic criterion of ADHD (Faraone et al., 2019). Further research is still required to understand the adolescent’s experience of emotional impulsivity and emotional dysregulation in the specific context of ADHD. Their direct accounts in the form of a narrative description of their lived experiences of the impact of ADHD on their emotional regulation could deepen such an understanding.
Additionally, ADHD diagnosis impacts the entire familial social microsystem (Bhide et al., 2019). Parental behaviours and parental involvement may be influenced by the child’s emotional difficulties (Martin et al., 2019). Therefore, a direct account of the adolescent’s parental caregivers (either biological and/or legal) could be important in understanding the emotional regulation challenges experienced by adolescents with the diagnosis. Moreover, South African data on the lived experiences of those with ADHD, and all the more those of their caregivers, is sorely lacking in the current body of ADHD research
Creating a model to develop self-sustainable aquaculture agribusiness enterprises in South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Sustainable Agriculture))--University of the Free State, 2023South Africa’s policies emphasize the importance of small enterprise and aquaculture sector development in meeting development goals. Public and private investments do not have the expected impacts on enterprise development and job creation, and enterprise sustainability remains low. Many start-ups receiving support, including public funding, fail to become self-sustainable after the financial support ends.
This study hypothesized that the development of self-sustainable aquaculture enterprises is not adequately supported by the enabling environment for the sector. The research objectives were to (1) determine the impacts of key stakeholders on enterprise development; (2) identify critical success factors for enterprises; (3) understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector; (4) understand the challenges that compromise development of self-sustainable enterprises; and (5) develop and validate an enterprise development model to create self-sustainable aquaculture enterprises.
The study was conducted in Saldanha Bay, in the Western Cape Province on South Africa’s west coast. A multiple-case study approach was followed, focusing on the marine bivalve shellfish farming industry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the owners or managers of ten aquaculture enterprises in Saldanha Bay, and with nine representatives of key role players in the sector. Consultations with enterprise development experts and stakeholder focus groups were also conducted.
The mussel farming sector has a well-developed commercial value chain. Vertical integration is prominent, and 32% of farms have access to 51% of the farming area. Self-sustainable enterprises had minimum farm sizes of 15 ha, produced for at least 5 years, had a commercial focus and strong leadership. In-depth analysis of four case studies indicated success factors as having commercial focus, good management and leadership, access to finance, economies of scale, and perseverance.
Key aquaculture stakeholders had positive and negative impacts on aquaculture sector development. Role players listed the main impacts as the approach to enterprise development (56%), community-based/co-operative ventures (67%) and impacts of different mandates (44%). Enterprise respondents listed community-based/co-operative ventures (50%), impacts of different mandates (40%) and the enabling environment (60%). Recommendations include resourcing of aquaculture industry associations, developing a focused aquaculture enterprise and supplier development (ESD) strategy and programme, streamlining application processes, and finalising the Oceans Economy Master Plan, to include aquaculture specific legislation. Both enterprise and role player respondent groups described critical success factors as environmentally sustainable farming (80% and 78%), addressing economic challenges/opportunities (90% and 89%) and good business leadership and management (100% each). Recommendations include a focused aquaculture development programme such as an incubator, a market development mechanism and an integrated research and development programme.
Enterprise respondents listed the main areas of COVID-19 impacts on operations and production (100%), requirements to survive and rebuild (89%), factors promoting resilience (78%) and initiatives to prepare and rebuild (67%). Role player respondents listed impacts on the sector (100%), requirements to survive (89%), factors promoting resilience (78%) and support measures (67%). Recommendations include interventions to rebuild a more resilient sector, follow-up assessments, prioritising interventions for surviving enterprises, and developing an industry-based Business Continuity Strategy.
The key factors affecting mussel production were a supportive regulatory framework, favourable environmental and economic conditions, appropriate species and technologies, and efficient farm and enterprise management. Challenges affecting these factors were identified and used to develop an aquaculture enterprise development model (AEDM) that could develop self-sustainable enterprises. The AEDM includes a vision for the sector, a mechanism for implementation, an aquaculture incubator, an integrated research and development programme, and a market development mechanism. The study recommends the implementation of a pilot AEDM in the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ). This will allow for testing of assumptions and refining of the model before rolling it out to other ADZs or industries
Challenges faced by TVET entrepreneurship graduates in establishing their own businesses
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023It is challenging not to include the direct impact on the economy and the dependence on government assistance when assessing youth unemployment in any country. In a developing country like South Africa, it is necessary to acknowledge some of the interventions set in the nation's development plan that aims at supporting youth economic empowerment. Acknowledging that most businesses face challenges when starting up, the main purpose of this research was to analyse the inherent challenges that TVET entrepreneurship graduates face when attempting to establish their businesses.
A qualitative design was sought for this study. The study was conducted with the participation of 20 entrepreneurship graduates and utilised a non-probability sampling method to determine the sample size. Data was collected by means of a focus group where the participants were interviewed by means of answering 7 open-ended questions.
This research revealed that factors such as high youth unemployment rates and a lack of economic opportunities for young people have gradually begun to turn to entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to looking for a job after graduation. government's attempts to address economic problems have not been the only thing to support this; passion and intent have also been demonstrated to have an impact. Limited resources, a lack of mentorship, lack of transparency, lack of financial literacy, a traditional theoretical teaching approach, a lack of specially designed workspaces with sufficient resources, lack of dependable support, and a lack of readiness to deal with business challenges were among leading causes of failure in starting a business for entrepreneurship graduates. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that partnerships between entrepreneurially focused businesses and TVETs were deemed contributing factors to limited entrepreneurial world exposure. Despite government efforts, some issues will persist, which will keep causing youth-owned enterprises to fail because remedies are not properly put into place, followed up on, and reviewed over time.
As the research is of the idea that to promote entrepreneurship as a career rather than a module, the DHET needs to take a thorough look at the research-related theories and their recommendations for viable ways to support entrepreneurship, particularly at TVET colleges. The study thus concluded by recommending that both the government and private sector be encouraged to enhance the nation's entrepreneurial activity proactively. An approach that would ensure that college graduates are only trained in skills related to the needs of the South African market before redesigning the current curricula that will align with the desired kind of entrepreneurial education. Furthermore, the research recommends that each TVET college build its own incubator as a joint effort to help new enterprises succeed when they first launch as this approach will improve the entrepreneurial climate at higher education institutions, particularly TVETs