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Portals between worlds: a place of accustomisation celebrating the Himba cultural identity through a critical regional dialogue between modernity and tradition in the Kunene region
No full textThis dissertation explores the beliefs, rituals, and vernacular morphology of the Himba culture to discover how architecture can create a place of meeting and accustomisation between the world of the Himba and tourists as a contribution to cultural sustainability. The Ovahimba is an indigenous group situated in the desert environment of Opuwo in North Namibia. Due to the aesthetic indigenous qualities of their culture, they are one of Namibia’s greatest attractions. Over many years of modernisation and a number of other external elements, the Himba people are increasingly exposed to modern/western customs, causing the culture to adopt a hybrid identity, entailing modern and traditional characteristics. In order to preserve the culture in its current state, cultural sustainability should be encouraged in the region through the economic, social and ecological development of the Himba culture. This essay will present a research proposal on how critical regional architecture can provide a gathering and meeting space for the Himba people and tourists, in which the Himba can benefit economically and socially, while also celebrating and preserving their culture. The research question of this study can therefore be formulated as follows: How can a critical regionalist approach be used to create architectural spaces of accustomisation, in which foreigners can be introduced to the Himba culture in a respectful yet revelatory way, in order to eventually establish a fruitful dialogue between globalist modernity and indigenous tradition in the Kunene Region? The theoretical theme of critical regionalism assisted with establishing different approaches that are sympathetic to the traditional Himba way of life while, simultaneously defamiliarising potent aspects of the local culture and environment in order to reveal new readings of this ancient way of life. These approaches were implemented to achieve the estrangement of contextual, cultural and regional structural elements to reach the design principles of tactility, defamiliarisation, participation, arrière-garde and the implementation of traditional and landscape practices. This thesis proposes the merged traditional/modern Himba culture with a scheme suitable to their “project identity”. The critical regional implementation of these elements also provides a lens through which tourists can understand and celebrate the Himba culture while contributing to cultural sustainability. Ultimately, the thesis investigates and suggests a ritual Himba Pavilion, intertwining all of the related thematic (community, tourism and cultural conservation) and theoretical (context, culture and vernacular architecture) aspects
The introduction of captive bred African lions (Panthera leo) to a private wildlife reserve in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textThe objective was to utilise an unique opportunity to monitor and explore the social
and feeding behaviour, and the reproductive ability of captive bred, and reared
African lions (Panthera leo) when reintroduced as a founder population on a large
private wildlife reserve (hereafter, the Reserve).
The study did not aim to justify the captive breeding of lions, but the potential value
of such lions was assessed, when recently introduced to a free-roaming scenario, to
augment the conservation status of this iconic African predator species.
It was hypothesised that the reintroduction of such African lions in a free-roaming
scenario would be deemed successful if the following five criteria were met: (i) The
ability to form social groups in an extensive wild habitat; (ii) The ability to become
self-sustaining with no interference or supplementation by management; (iii) The
ability to reproduce by raising offspring to maturity/female sexual maturity and/or
dispersal of males from natal prides; (iv) The ability to teach offspring to hunt
effectively, interact socially, reproduce, and secure a healthy and viable F2-
generation, characteristic of wild managed lions; and (v) Be regarded as suitable
potential founders for reintroduction programmes where wild populations have
disappeared or need to be augmented.The Reserve was established in the Limpopo Province, South Africa with a vision to
include the Big Five of Africa. Therefore, five African lions, bred and reared in captive
facilities, were introduced in 2017 to the Reserve. The five lions comprised an adult
male (10 years old and previously used for breeding at a captive facility in the Free
State Province, South Africa) and four large female cubs (two years old, sourced
from a captive facility in the Limpopo Province, South Africa). In preparation for the envisaged introduction of lions, the adult male was moved from
the Free State Province in November 2016 and joined with the four large female
cubs in a 1-ha camp at their natal captive facility in the Limpopo Province. Four
weeks after being joined, the five lions were relocated, and in December 2016 they
were released in a boma (4-ha holding facility) on the Reserve to acclimatise. While
the five lions were in the boma for a 6-week period, they were fed twice a week blue
wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) or zebra (Equus quagga) carcasses. Without
pre-release training, the five lions were released from the boma on 27 January 2017,
when the gates of the boma were simply opened. The spatial utilisation of the Reserve by the lions were monitored with satellite GPS
collars, fitted to a few selected individuals. The ultra-high frequency (UHF)
capabilities of the satellite GPS collars also allowed for real-time locating of the lions.
The information was used to determine their temporal and spatial utilisation, home
range selection, possible group formations, birthing incidences, and successful
hunting sites. The ArcGIS Desktop (V. 10.8.1) was used to analyse the data.
In addition, visual observations of lions and detected kill sites were done from
vehicles and electronically submitted via a WhatsApp group, whereafter it was
chronologically logged for analysis. Social behaviour, prey killed, attempted hunts,
and body condition of the lions were recorded via the WhatsApp group. Photographs
and videos of the events were used to confirm activities. Timelines of temporal activities and incidences were created for the lions, showing
important occurrences such as social interaction, mating, births of known litters and
hunting. When appropriate, the timelines of different individuals were linked to
provide better insight of the social interaction of the lions on the Reserve.
When deemed necessary, excess lions were removed from the Reserve to comply
with Provincial and National legislation and ensure ecological sustainability of the
Reserve. Inbreeding of the lion population was prevented by vasectomising some
males and by introducing an unrelated adult male to the Reserve in 2020. The lions showed varying degrees of social bonding and possible reasons for the
grouping behaviour are provided. During the study, only two stable groups of more
than two adult lions were recorded. The hunting success of the lions could not be accurately determined, because of
large areas of dense vegetation and the few access roads, limiting the recovery of
the remains of kills before being scattered by scavengers. Furthermore, the dense
vegetation of some areas on the Reserve prevented the visual sighting of hunting
attempts. Therefore, the hunting success of the lions was determined indirectly by
the continuous evaluation of body conditions and the changes in the density of
suitable prey species on the Reserve. Since the lions were released from the boma,
they were self-sustaining.
The cub survival rate was high and comparable to that on small wildlife reserves
(<1 000 km2). Population growth was high, as was expected for a wild managed
population. In the study, most cubs brought from hiding by their mothers, comprising
2, 3 or 4 cubs when first sighted, survived. Subsequently, some young lions
dispersed from their natal prides, and became self-sustaining. Two of the lionesses born on the Reserve, namely F1-generation lions, later gave
birth to their own litters, namely F2-generation lions. In conclusion, when introduced in a free-roaming scenario on the Reserve, the
captive bred, and reared African lions, as well as their offspring (i) formed social
groups, albeit it often a single lactating female with cubs; (ii) became self-sustaining
by hunting successfully, with no interference or supplementation by management;
(iii) reproduced and raised offspring to reach female sexual maturity and dispersal of
sub-adult males from natal prides; (iv) taught their offspring to hunt effectively and
interact socially, enabling reproduction of the species, thereby securing a healthy
and viable F2-generation, characteristic of wild managed lions; and (v) suggested
that similar lions may be considered as founders for reintroduction programmes,
where wild populations have disappeared or need to be augmented in specific
circumstances
Accountability: state cover provided to public officials liable for civil claims against the state
No full textThis study explores the meaning and different features of accountability as a constitutional value and obligation within the context of administrative action and how it relates to state cover provided to public officials liable for civil claims against the state. As accountability contributes to the realisation of just administrative action, the requirements for reasonableness and rationality are investigated and applied to decide whether such officials are entitled to state cover. A critical analysis of the criteria applicable to state cover is conducted. The analysis is preceded by a historical overview of how the criteria for state cover were developed before and since the adoption of current legislation and regulations concerned. Once a liability determination is made that an official is liable in law for compensation payments made and forfeits state cover, steps to recover expenditure involved must be initiated. Should an official enjoy state cover, the state as a bearer of its risks will accept all expenditures involved, and a claim against the official must be waived. Based on an investigation conducted to determine current trends with the waiver of claims against officials, it is evident that most claims for compensation payments against officials who are liable in law for such claims and who enjoyed state cover are waived. These trends may compromise accountability as a constitutional obligation. They may indicate due diligence that is lacking when decisions concerning the forfeiture or not of state cover are being made. The study is concluded with an investigation to determine the sufficiency or not of the criteria for state cover to secure accountability as intended by national legislation. Although the current criteria may be sufficient to pass constitutional muster to promote accountability as a constitutional value and obligation, it may not be sufficient to secure it. Recommendations are made to improve the current criteria to secure accountability and to continue with further research
Augusto Boal’s Simultaneous Dramaturgy theory and techniques to highlight themes of human trafficking: a performance-based research study
No full textHuman trafficking is seen as an international crime that exploits vulnerable individuals worldwide through multiple coerced activities. Deemed as one of the world's leading criminal activities trafficking in persons is a profit-driven business that illegally trades human beings. South Africa is especially susceptible to human trafficking as it is ranked as a country of origin, transit, and destination. Against this background, more extensive efforts are needed to make people aware of the dangers of trafficking in persons. Awareness-raising campaigns are regarded as crucial in the fight against this crime. They should be designed in such a way as to educate individuals about the true nature of these crimes and the consequences associated with them. Theatre practices are considered a useful tool to address a social problem by engaging with critical social issues productively and creatively. Traditional theatre productions could explain an idea, but through participatory theatre practices, audience members can become actively involved in exploring ways to empower social change and transformation in society. Noteworthy participatory theatre practitioner, Augusto Boal, is a contemporary theatre practitioner whose theatre techniques can aid in active learning to enable social and personal change. Simultaneous Dramaturgy is a participatory theatre technique and forms part of Boal's hybrid system known as Theatre of the Oppressed. Simultaneous Dramaturgy was developed by Boal and aims to encourage audience members to become active agents of change. By actively participating in finding solutions to a problem being presented, Simultaneous Dramaturgy promotes pursuing change, among audience members, without it being necessary for them to be on stage physically. This study investigates how a dramatic, theatre-based activity that incorporates Boal's theatre technique of Simultaneous Dramaturgy can raise awareness against human beings' exploitation. The study also examines the researchers' practice and how it contributes to social justice and human rights issues through performance-based projects. The research study appropriated two methodologies: a literature study (within the qualitative research paradigm) and a performance-based research study (within the performative research paradigm). In the literature-based chapters, a detailed analysis of human trafficking, factors that facilitate human trafficking, and the current state of prevention against human trafficking in South Africa is provided. Also included is a short biography of Augusto Boal, a review of his practice and participatory theatre as a tool for awareness-raising. By utilising Richard Blythe's six-step framework for practice-based research, the researcher reviewed her practice and community of practice as entities that can contribute to social change through productions and examine the process of creating a new socially conscience themed artefact. Through this performance-based research study, the researcher was able to produce an original theatre production informed by the research conducted in the literary chapters that can be used to raise awareness about the critical issue of human trafficking. The creative artefact, embedded in this study, explicitly focussed on portraying socially constructed conditions that create vulnerability to exploitation, especially in South Africa. Furthermore, by employing the participatory theatre technique of Simultaneous Dramaturgy within the creative artefact, the researcher encouraged audience members to critically think about possible solutions to prevent falling victim to human trafficking. Through this study, one can conclude that creating awareness towards trafficking in persons is an effective way to make a difference in the struggle against human trafficking. Furthermore, the research also determined theatre's value as a tool for research, social change, and awareness-raising activities. On this basis, the researcher concludes that utilising theatre techniques, such as participatory theatre, social issues like human trafficking can be effectively addressed by institutions such as university performing arts departments to create, inspire and promote social consciences
The relationship between identity status and career maturity in male and female adolescents in the South African context
No full textAdolescence is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood and is characterised by numerous and multidimensional developments. Identity development is one of the major developments that takes place during this developmental phase. Identity develops through a process of exploration and commitment, influenced by a range of proximal and distal contextual factors. Furthermore, this psychosocial task is linked to other key domains of development such as career development. The development of a career is a long-term process and it is in adolescence where the first formal steps of crafting a career are noted. Associated with a successful career development process is the psychosocial factor of career maturity. Against this background, adolescents are required to be concerned about vocational goals while simultaneously shaping their identities. Accordingly, this research study aimed to explore a relationship between identity status and career maturity in male and female adolescents in the South African context. This research study is anchored by numerous theoretical frameworks including the Psychosocial Development Theory by Erik Erikson and Identity Status Theory by James Marcia, which were utilised to inform on identity and the development thereof. For the variable of career maturity the Career Development Theory by Donald Super, the Career Maturity Model by John Crites and the Career Construction Theory by Mark Savickas are referenced. A non-experimental-type, quantitative research study and correlational and criterion group designs were employed in this research study. The final sample of participants totalled 362. The sample of participants was obtained from the Mangaung area using a non-probability, convenience sampling approach. The participants had to be in the adolescent developmental phase and up to the maximum age of 21. Data was collected through a questionnaire battery. A biographic questionnaire was used to obtain biographic information. To measure ego identity status, the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OMEIS) by Adams et al. (1979) was used and to assess career maturity, the adapted Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) by Crites and Savickas (as cited in Savickas & Porfeli, 2011) was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, namely the multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) and the standard multiple regression analysis, which revealed a significant and positive relationship between achievement identity status and career maturity. Additionally, the results by gender were found to be non-significant. Based on the results, it is concluded that a coherent sense of identity is a positive predictor of career maturity, while gender in the South African context is not an associated factor
The use of a learning management system to enhance the performance and engagement of students in South Africa
No full textThis study focused on a higher education environment that has changed rapidly over the last 20 years. These days, during the fourth industrial revolution, almost all higher education institutions use some sort of learning management system to keep track of the digital environment. Online assessment tools, which help students to stay engaged and to improve their performance, are important in the current digital age. In this study, the researcher created a platform for teaching and learning by using online technology, to enhance student engagement and performance. This study followed the article option route and, thus, resulted in two publishable articles. The first article examines a blended learning environment by using an online assessment tool to achieve improved performance and engagement in a first-year statistics class. The second article focuses on a second-year biostatistics course during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and which, consequently, used emergency remote teaching. This article discusses how a learning management system, in this case, Blackboard, was incorporated to create a learning and teaching environment that engaged students and promoted satisfactory academic performance. The empirical investigation reported on in the first article focused on an online assessment tool in a blended teaching environment. A pragmatic parallel mixed method design was applied. Qualitative and quantitative results were drawn from two groups, the experimental group (37 students) and the control group (64 students). Tutorials, assignments and semester tests were used to collect quantitative data, including from the Classroom Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE).1 Open-ended questions incorporated in the survey, as well as interviews with students, provided the qualitative data. Data analysis involved two samplet-tests and regression analysis. The researcher developed an online assessment tool (the intervention) with the help of the online learning assessment platform Questionmark. The online assessment tool was created in such a way that it provided immediate feedback after each question. After the students received the feedback, they could answer the same question again, until they were successful. Only when a question had been answered correctly did the program allow the students to continue with the next question, until the assessment had been completed. Once students had completed the assessment, the program allowed them to do the tutorial assessment without any intervention; the tutorial contributed to students’ final marks. The empirical investigation reported on by the second article used the learning management system Blackboard to enhance student engagement and performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting lockdown, the researcher was forced to use emergency remote teaching as a teaching and the learning platform. A quasi-experimental design without a control group was used with a group of biostatistics students (n=24). A prepost-test, tutorials, practicals and semester tests, together with a post-course questionnaire, provided quantitative data for analysis. Pre-post-test marks were compared by using paired t-tests. Time spent on tasks and student activity (number of hits) were also recorded. Regression analysis analysed the correlation between student activity, time spent on tasks via Blackboard, and students’ resulting grades. Qualitative data were collected by means of the CLASSE survey of student engagement. This questionnaire had seven open-ended questions, and the qualitative data it yielded was only used to enrich the quantitative data. The performance and engagement of students at higher education institutions are constantly under a magnifying glass, and continuous research in this area is relevant across the world. This research is even more relevant when emergency remote teaching is expected of educators during a pandemic. The significance of the study relates to improving a teaching and learning platform for online learning. The innovations proposed by this study could create positive conditions for student learning
Genetic analysis of human papillomavirus type 11 isolates from patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated at Universitas Academic Hospital
No full textHuman papillomavirus type 11 (HPV11) is a causative agent of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a common benign laryngeal neoplasm that presents mainly in children. The genome comprises three regions: the early region (E1, E2, E4, E5a/b, E6 and E7), the late region (L1 and L2), and the upper regulatory region (URR). A sequence-based classification system is primarily used to genotype HPV. The L1 is used for HPV type discrimination, and in combination with the URR, can be used to differentiate between various lineages. However, optimal sub-lineage classification requires whole genome sequencing (WGS). A recent study investigating the genomic diversity of globally circulating HPV11 isolates identified a novel lineage and two novel sub-lineages. It has been proposed that phylogenetic tree topologies using the sequences of concatenated E5a/b- L1-URR genes, a 208bp segment of the E2 gene, and the complete genome generates similar tree topologies. Also, there is currently no published data on the HPV11 intratypic variants circulating in the Free State region. Hence, this study investigated HPV11 intratypic variants circulating in patients with RRP at the Universitas Academic Hospital, and aimed to identify novel (sub)lineages through phylogenetic investigations. The study population included patients diagnosed with RRP caused by HPV11, and sequence data for geographically distinct HPV11 (sub)lineage representatives. The genetic variation of HPV11 isolated from patients with RRP was determined by sequencing the E5a/b, L1, URR and a segment of E2 genes. Four isolates of interest were selected for whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetically analysed to determine the presence of potentially novel isolates. Many nucleic heterogeneities and non-synonymous substitutions were identified in isolates characterised in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated L1-URR and E5a/b-L1-URR resolved into lineages A and B; however, sub-lineage classification was unclear. Analysis of the complete genome determined the presence of a lineage B isolate and two isolates of interest. Comparative analysis of genetic variability determined that the concatenated E5a/b-L1-URR could not reliably classify isolates. A segment of the E2 gene could reliably distinguish between all lineages and sub-lineages, suggesting that this gene segment contains stable sub-lineage specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and may serve in sub-lineage identification. In conclusion this study provides the most comprehensive data on the genomic diversity of HPV11 in the Free State to date. Results obtained in the current study support WGS for HPV11 classification below lineage level as a standard, as it generates more information regarding genetic variants.Poliomyelitis Research Foundatio
A feasible diabetes management guideline for primary health care practitioners in the Free State for workplace learning
No full textThere is overwhelming proof that the management that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) receive in the primary health care (PHC) settings is not adequate, causing poor control of DM and resultant complications. This poor PHC setting management of DM occurs in spite of the existence of multiple guidelines produced both nationally and internationally, and which is specifically aimed at DM management. The aim of this study was to develop a feasible, primary care DM management guideline for the Free State in order to bridge the knowledge gap of PHC practitioners and consequently improve DM management. The four objectives of this study were thus defined as doing a comparative study of current national and international DM management guidelines and trends; analysing the Adult Primary Care 2016/2017 (APC 2016/2017) its quality; studying the elements of what equates to a feasible PHC setting management guideline; and finally developing a feasible, new DM guideline by synthesizing all of the collected and analysed data. The study was designed as a desktop study with four distinct phases, each linked to a study objective. Phase I encompassed the comparative analysis of the major, referenced national and international DM management guidelines with the APC 2016/2017. Phase II entailed the evaluation of the quality of the APC 2016/2017 two tools as applied by four independent assessors. Phase III consisted of a literature review to contextualise the qualities and characteristics inherent in feasible PHC setting guidelines. In Phase IV of the study, the new management guideline was developed by synthesizing all of the data gathered in the first phases. The newly developed DM management guideline improved on the content of the APC 2016/2017 international and national DM guidelines. A concerted effort was made to enhance the feasibility of the new guideline by incorporating the features inherent in feasible guidelines, especially in terms of ease of use, incorporation of multi-morbid conditions, and clarity of presentation. The end-product of this study is a new DM management guideline, aimed at patients in the PHC setting in the Free State, which contains the features that should enhance its feasibility in this setting. Due to the known application of guidelines as tools for workplace learning, this new guideline was designed to be used as an educational tool during workplace learning and training sessions. Uptake of the new guideline in the PHC setting by means of a pilot study and implementation will improve the knowledge and confidence of PHC practitioners in the Free State. This improvement in DM knowledge will, in turn, have a positive impact on the management and general health of patients with DM in the Free State PHC setting.University of the Free State, Division Health Sciences Educatio
Unraveling synergism between various GH family xylanases and deb ranching enzymes during hetero-xylan degradation
No full textEnzymes classified with the same Enzyme Commission (EC) that are allotted in different glycoside hydrolase (GH) families can display different mechanisms of action and substrate specificities. Therefore, the combination of different enzyme classes may not yield synergism during biomass hydrolysis, as the GH family allocation of the enzymes influences their behavior. As a result, it is important to understand which GH family combinations are compatible to gain knowledge on how to efficiently depolymerize biomass into fermentable sugars. We evaluated GH10 (Xyn10D and XT6) and GH11 (XynA and Xyn2A) β-xylanase performance alone and in combination with various GH family α-l-arabinofuranosidases (GH43 AXH-d and GH51 Abf51A) and α-d-glucuronidases (GH4 Agu4B and GH67 AguA) during xylan depolymerization. No synergistic enhancement in reducing sugar, xylose and glucuronic acid released from beechwood xylan was observed when xylanases were supplemented with either one of the glucuronidases, except between Xyn2A and AguA (1.1-fold reducing sugar increase). However, overall sugar release was significantly improved (≥1.1-fold reducing sugar increase) when xylanases were supplemented with either one of the arabinofuranosidases during wheat arabinoxylan degradation. Synergism appeared to result from the xylanases liberating xylo-oligomers, which are the preferred substrates of the terminal arabinofuranosyl-substituent debranching enzyme, Abf51A, allowing the exolytic β-xylosidase, SXA, to have access to the generated unbranched xylo-oligomers. Here, it was shown that arabinofuranosidases are key enzymes in the efficient saccharification of hetero-xylan into xylose. This study demonstrated that consideration of GH family affiliations of the carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) used to formulate synergistic enzyme cocktails is crucial for achieving efficient biomass saccharification.Publisher's versio
Recycling Rex Trueform: adaptive reuse of an unutilised heritage site in Salt River Cape Town by giving it a new function as a textile hybrid
No full textThe garment industry is one of the largest industries in the world. Due to rapid technological advancements, the production process of textiles has changed. These changes have resulted in the production of more affordable fabrics and an increase in consumer consumption. This, in turn, has led to mass pollution generated by the production process and mass consumption that ends up in landfills at uncontrollable rates. This happens because the industry functions on a linear process where garments are produced and rapidly replaced with new garments to satisfy the fast pace of consumer demand. The South African textile industry has faced a massive decline due to the surge of international imports, particularly from China. These imports are part of the global crisis surrounding the pollution caused by the textile industry. The decline in the textile industry is reflected in the built environment in the Salt River area where numerous abandoned garment factories can be found. The Salt River area primarily functioned as Cape Town’s industrial area in the early and mid-19th century. Amongst these abandoned sites, is one that played a large role in the garment industry during the 1960s: the Rex Trueform building. Located on the corner of Queens Park Avenue and fronting Victoria Road (commonly known as Main Road) the site has been abandoned since the company’s closure in 2005. The building has been declared a provincial heritage site due to its significant contribution to not only the textile industry but also the South African modernist movement. Above all, the building is a monumental artifact that embodies the social conditions of apartheid as imposed on the built environment. In order to understand the significance of the artifact, the study investigated the history of the site and its urban, social and economic development. This included reading the book Unstitching Rex Trueform by architect and activist Ilze Wolff, which covers the depth of the history of the Rex Trueform company and the buildings involved. Leaving industrial heritage sites abandoned risks the degeneration of the social and cultural history of communities and cities. This intervention hopes to give new life to the existing building, whilst celebrating it as a significant artefact. This new life acknowledges the value that resides within the building’s rich history and creates awareness of the textile recycling industry, while activating the forgotten site. In essence, the building will be “recycled” and, within the building, recycling will be “built”