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The development of a competency model for commercial grain farmers
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Industrial Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2021The National Planning Commission-Vision 2030 (2012) purported that agriculture can create close to 1 million new jobs by 2030, a significant contribution to the overall employment target. This is the primary economic activity in rural areas. Therefore, to achieve this, South Africa needs to pick and support commercial agriculture sectors and regions with the highest potential for growth and employment. McElwee (2008, p. 466) stated that “Farmers are a rich resource for study in the area of entrepreneurial capability”. Since crop farming is one of the vehicles in the agriculture sector, particularly using grain farming to achieve the abovementioned number of jobs, a study exploring the competencies that potential grain farmers should possess was necessary. This study aimed to develop a competency model for commercial grain farmers in South Africa using a classic grounded theory method. In future, this would be used as a starting point to construct instruments to enable stakeholders to identify, train, develop and mentor future prospective grain farmers to fulfil the role of creating several jobs. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 15 participants: 13 were involved in a mixed type of agriculture, one was involved in livestock farming, and one was a professional advisor. Triangulation was also used to validate competencies raised in the first phase of data gathering and confirmed in the second phase by three experts who never took part in the first phase of the study. The constant comparison method was used to analyse available data and helped generate a competency model for commercial grain farmers.
The model generated by the empirical data established the following five themes:
1) definition of commercial grain farming, which involves scale of operation, independence, own or rented land and turnover;
2) methods to acquire grain farming competencies such as educational institutions, on-the-job-training, early childhood exposure to farming, openness to guidance and refresher workshops;
3) the role of grain farming in agriculture includes food security, job creation, economic growth and wealth or income generation;
4) indicators of success in grain farming, which includes financial stability, having farming implements, being able to help others and having proper output per unit area; and several other competencies (skills, knowledge and personality attributes) expected from a commercial grain farmer. These competencies serve as practical application of the findings. They provide the basis for what trainers, mentors, agriculture advisors and all other stakeholders would be looking for to equip those interested in grain farming. The competencies will further provide the basis for farmers to draft job descriptions and specifications for the workforce. Implications and recommendations for this study are also made, including a brief discussion of the limitations of the study.
___________________________________________________________________Die Nasionale Beplanningskommissie se Visie 2030 (2012) het beweer dat landbou teen 2030 byna ’n miljoen nuwe werkgeleenthede kan skep, ’n beduidende bydrae tot die algehele indiensnemingsteiken. Dit is die primêre ekonomiese aktiwiteit in landelike gebiede. Daarom, om dit te bereik, moet Suid-Afrika kommersiële landbousektore en -streke kies en ondersteun met die hoogste potensiaal vir groei en indiensneming. McElwee (2008, p. 466) stel dit dat "Boere 'n ryk hulpbron is vir studie op die gebied van entrepreneuriese vermoë". Aangesien saaiboerdery een van die voertuie in die landbousektor is, veral die gebruik van graanboerdery om bogenoemde aantal werksgeleenthede te bereik, was 'n studie nodig om die bevoegdhede te ondersoek waaroor potensiële graanboere behoort te beskik. Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om 'n bevoegdheidsmodel vir kommersiële graanboere in Suid-Afrika te ontwikkel deur gebruik te maak van 'n klassieke grondteorie-metode. Dit sal in die toekoms as 'n beginpunt gebruik word om instrumente te konstrueer om belanghebbendes in staat te stel om toekomstige voornemende graanboere te identifiseer, op te lei, te ontwikkel en te mentor om die rol te vervul om verskeie werksgeleenthede te skep. Semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude is gebruik om data van 15 deelnemers in te samel: 13 was betrokke by 'n gemengde tipe landbou, een was betrokke by veeboerdery en een was 'n professionele adviseur. Triangulasie is ook gebruik om bevoegdhede te valideer wat in die eerste fase van data-insameling geopper is en in die tweede fase bevestig is deur drie kundiges wat nooit aan die eerste fase van die studie deelgeneem het nie. Die konstante vergelykingsmetode is gebruik om beskikbare data te ontleed en het gehelp om 'n bevoegdheidsmodel vir kommersiële graanboere te genereer.
Die model wat deur die empiriese data gegenereer is, het die volgende vyf temas daargestel:
1) definisie van kommersiële graanboerdery, wat bedryfskaal, onafhanklikheid, eie of gehuurde grond en omset behels;
2) metodes om graanboerderybevoegdhede te bekom soos opvoedkundige instellings, indiensopleiding, blootstelling aan boerdery tydens vroeë kinderjare , ontvanklikheid vir leiding en opknappingswerksessies;
3) die rol van graanboerdery in die landbou sluit voedselsekerheid, werkskepping, ekonomiese groei en welvaart of inkomste generering in;
4) aanwysers van sukses in graanboerdery, wat finansiële stabiliteit insluit, behels boerdery-implemente, om ander te kan help en behoorlike uitset per eenheidsoppervlakte te hê; en verskeie ander bevoegdhede (vaardighede, kennis en persoonlikheidseienskappe) wat van 'n kommersiële graanboer verwag word. Hierdie bevoegdhede dien as praktiese toepassing van die bevindinge. Dit verskaf die basis waarna opleiers, mentors, landbou-adviseurs en alle ander belanghebbendes sou soek om diegene wat in graanboerdery belangstel, toe te rus. Die bevoegdhede sal verder die basis bied vir boere om posbeskrywings en spesifikasies vir die arbeidsmag op te stel. Implikasies en aanbevelings vir hierdie studie word ook gemaak, insluitend 'n kort bespreking van die beperkings van die studie. Hulle verskaf die basis waarna opleiers, vii-mentors, landbou-adviseurs en alle ander belanghebbendes sou soek om diegene wat in graanboerdery belangstel, toe te rus. Die bevoegdhede sal verder die basis bied vir boere om posbeskrywings en spesifikasies vir die arbeidsmag op te stel. Implikasies en aanbevelings vir hierdie studie word ook gemaak, insluitend 'n kort bespreking van die beperkings van die studie. Hulle verskaf die basis waarna opleiers, vii-mentors, landbou-adviseurs en alle ander belanghebbendes sou soek om diegene wat in graanboerdery belangstel, toe te rus. Die bevoegdhede sal verder die basis bied vir boere om posbeskrywings en spesifikasies vir die arbeidsmag op te stel. Implikasies en aanbevelings vir hierdie studie word ook gemaak, insluitend 'n kort bespreking van die beperkings van die studie.
___________________________________________________________________Ponelopele ya Khomishene ya Moralo wa Naha wa 2030 (2012) o bontshitse ka nnete hore temo e ka hlahisa mesebetsi e metjha e melione e le nngwe ka selemo sa 2030, e lekaneng ho kenya letsoho kakaretsong ya tlhahiso ya mesebetsi e labalabelwang. Ke mosebetsi wa pele o nyollang moruo dibakeng tse ka ntle ho diteropo (moo setjhaba le meaho e fokolang), ka hoo ho fihlela sepheo sena, Afrika Borwa e hloka ho nkela hloohong le ho tshehetsa bohlahisi ba kgwebo ya temo mafapheng le dibakeng ka mokgwa o hodimodimo ho hodisa le ho hlahisa mesebetsi. McElwee (2008, leqephe 466) o re “Dihwai ke tshiya ya bohlokwa sebakeng sa boithuto ba kgwebo e matla.” Erekaha temo ya dijo e le yona tshiya lefapheng la temo, haholoholo ho hlahisa dijothollo, ho fihlela tlhahiso ya mesebetsi e boletsweng kahodimo, boithuto bona bo sibollang makgabane a lokelang ho bokellwa ke dihwai bo bohlokwa. Sepheo sa diphuputso tsena ke ho hlahisa lewa la pokello ya makgabane a lokelang ho bokella ao dihwai tsa dijothollo Afrika Borwa ka tshebediso ya mokgwa wa teori ya “grounded”. Kamoso, sena se ka sebediswa ho qala ho etsa disebediswa tse tla thusa ba nang le kobo ya bohadi ho utlwisisa, ho kwetlisa, ho hlahisa le ho hlokomela bokamoso ba dihwai tsa dijothollo ho fihlela sepheo sa tsona sa ho hlahisa mesebetsi ka bongata. Dipotso tse sekgeqe tsa diphuputso di sebedisitswe ho bokella ditaba ho bafuputsuwa ba leshome le metso e mehlano. Hara bona ba leshome le metso e meraro ba sebetsana le mefuta e fapaneng ya bohwai, a le mong o shebane le leruo la diphoofolo, ha a le mong e le mosupisi wa setsebihadi. Kgutlotharo e sebedisitswe le hona ho nnetefatsa makgabane a lokelang ho bokellwa a hlahisitsweng mokgahlelong wa pele wa ho bokella ditaba le ho nnetefatsa hore mokgahlelong wa bobedi ka disebediswa tse tharo ho ba neng ba sa nka karolo mokgahlelong wa pele wa boithuto bona. Mokgwa o tsitsitseng wa ho bapisa o sebedisitswe ho qhaqholla ditaba tse bokelletsweng mme wa thusa ho etsa lewa la makgabane a lokelang ho bokellwa bakeng sa bahwebi dihwai tsa dijothollo.
Mokgwa ona o entswe ka ditaba tse sebetsang tse hlahisitseng meokotaba e mehlano e latelang:
1) ditlhaloso tsa bahwebi, dihwai tsa dijothollo, tse kenyeletsang le sekala sa bohlahisi, boikemelo, lefatshe la motho kapa leo a le hirileng le bohlahisi ka nako e itseng;
2) mekgwa ya ho fumanela dihwai tsa dijothollo makgabane a hlokehang jwaloka ditsi tsa thuto, kwetliso mosebetsing, tlhahisoleseding ya bana ho dihwai, ho dumella ho tataisa le dikwetliso tsa nako e kgutshwanyane;
3) karolo ya dihwai tsa dijothollo temong tse kenyeletsang paballo, tlhahiso ya mesebetsi, kgodiso ya moruo le borui kapa ho kenya tjhelete;
4) matshwao a katleho ho dihwai tsa dijothollo, a kenyeletsang botsitso ba ditjhelete, ho sebedisa bohwai, ho tseba ho thusa ba bang le ho ba le tlhahiso e nepahetseng sebakeng ka seng le makgabane a mang a hlokang ho bokellwa (bokgoni, tsebo le ho ba le botho) tse lebeletsweng ho bopa bohwebi bohwai ba dijothollo. Makgabane ana a lokelang ho bokellwa a sebetsa e le sesebediswa se tshwarehang sa ditshibollo. A fana ka motheo o ba kwetlisang, wa ba tataisang, baeletsi ba temo le bohle ba nang le kobo ya bohadi ba ba sheba ho thusa ho hlahlella ba nang le thahasello bohwaing ba dijothollo. Makgabane a lokelang ho bokellwa a tla tswela pele ho thusa ka motheo sebakeng sa dihwai ho qala ho hlalosa ka botebo tse hlokehang mosebetsing. Tshebediso le dikgothaletso tsa diphuputso tsena le tsona di entswe, ho kenyeletswa le ditlhaloso tse kgutshwanyane tsa bofokodi ba diphuputso tsena.
___________________________________________________________________IKhomishana Kazwelonke Yokuhlela-Umbono wezi-2030 (2012) yathi ezolimo zingadala amathuba emisebenzi emisha eyela esigidini ngonyaka wezi-2030, okunegalelo elikhulu ezingeni lokuqashwa kwabantu elihlosiwe. Lona umsebenzi wokuqala wezomnotho ezindaweni zasemakhaya. Ngakho-ke, ukuze kuzuzwe lokhu, iNingizimu Afrikha idinga ukukhetha futhi yeseke imikhakha yezolimo ethengisayo kanye nezifunda ezinamathuba amakhulu okukhula nokuqashwa. UMcElwee (2008: 466) wathi “Abalimi bayinsiza ecebile yokufunda endaweni yamakhono ebhizinisi”. Njengoba ukulima kwezitshalo kungenye yezindlela emkhakheni wezolimo, ikakhulukazi ukusebenzisa ukulima okusanhlamvu ukuze kuzuzwe inani lemisebenzi eshiwo ngenhla, ucwaningo oluhlola amakhono okufanele abalimi abangatshala bahwebe okusanhlamvu babe nawo beludingeka. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukwakha imodeli yokuhlola ikhono kubalimi abathengisa okusanhlamvu eNingizimu Afrikha kusetshenziswa injulalwazi eyivuso. Ngokuzayo, lokhu kuzosetshenziswa njengesiqalo sokwakha amathuluzi okwenza ababambiqhaza bakwazi ukuhlonza, ukuqeqesha, ukuthuthukisa kanye nokweluleka abazoba abalimi bokusanhlamvu besikhathi esizayo ukuze bafeze indima yokudala imisebenzi eminingana. Kusetshenziswe izingxoxo ezivulelekile ukuze kuqoqwe ulwazi kubahlanganyeli abayi-15: abangu-13 babezibandakanye ohlotsheni oluxubile lwezolimo, oyedwa efuyile, omunye engumeluleki oqeqeshiwe. Kusetshenziswe imithombo eminingi ukuze kuqinisekiswe amakhono aphakanyiswe esigabeni sokuqala sokuqoqwa kolwazi futhi kwaqinisekiswa esigabeni sesibili ngochwepheshe abathathu abangazange babambe iqhaza esigabeni sokuqala socwaningo. Indlela yokuqhathanisa eqhubekayo yasetshenziswa ukuze kuhlaziywe ulwazi olutholakalayo futhi yasiza ekukhiqizeni indlela yamakhono kubalimi bokusanhlamvu okuthengisayo.
Indlela ekhiqizwe ulwazi lobufakazi isungule lezi zihloko ezinhlanu ezilandelayo:
1) incazelo yokulima okusanhlamvu okudayiswayo, okubandakanya isilinganiso sokusebenza, ukuzimela, umhlaba ongowakho noma oqashiwe kanye nenzuzo;
2) izindlela zokuthola amakhono okulima okusanhlamvu njengezikhungo zemfundo, ukuqeqeshwa emsebenzini, ukuchayeka ekulimeni ezingeni lokufufusa, ukuvuleleka ekuqondisweni kanye nezinkundla zokucobelelana ngolwazi zokuvuselela;
3) indima yokulima okusanhlamvu kwezolimo ihlanganisa ukuba khona kokudla okwanele, ukwakhiwa kwamathuba emisebenzi, ukukhula komnotho kanye nengcebo noma ukungenisa imali;
4) izinkomba zempumelelo ekulimeni okusanhlamvu, okuhlanganisa ukuba khona kwemali ngokwanele, ukuba nezinsiza zokulima, ukwazi ukusiza abanye nokuba nomkhiqizo ofanele endaweni ngayinye; kanye namanye amakhono ambalwa (amakhono, ulwazi kanye nezici zobuntu) alindeleke kumlimi othengisa okusanhlamvu. Lawa makhono asebenza njengendlela ephathekayo yokutholakele. Anikeza isisekelo salokho abaqeqeshi, abeluleki, abaluleki bezolimo kanye nabo bonke abanye ababambiqhaza abangayifuna ukuze bahlomise labo abathanda ukulima okusanhlamvu. Lamakhono azophinde anikeze isisekelo sokuthi abalimi babhale izincazelo zemisebenzi kanye nemininingwane yemisebenzi. Imithelela nezincomo zalolu cwaningo nazo zenziwe, okuhlanganisa nengxoxo emfushane yemikhawulo yocwaningo.
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Psychosocial effects of child sexual abuse on the holistic development of the girl child in Zimbabwe
No full textThis study examined the psychosocial effects of child sexual abuse on the holistic development of the girl child, with the aim of suggesting sound preventive and protective measures that can be taken to mitigate the problems of child sexual abuse among Form Two learners in Gokwe District, Zimbabwe. Child sexual abuse has devastating, lifelong effects on girl victims, generating great anguish and causing disruption to their lives. This research was informed by Ellis Rational Behavioural therapy, Erikson’s psychosocial theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. In this study, a qualitative phenomenological design was used, with in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions as data collection instruments from ten Form Two learners, two teachers, two headmasters and one police officer. The participants were purposively sampled. An inductive approach to analysing the responses to interviews and focus groups was undertaken to allow patterns, themes, and categories to emerge. Cultural and religious practices, poverty and HIV/AIDS were noted as the main factors which exacerbated the problem of child sexual abuse among learners. Generally, the learners who participated in this study pointed out that their perpetrators were not strangers but close family members, teachers, neighbours, care givers and respected people in the community. Findings of this study also revealed that child sexual abuse affects the moral, physical, cognitive/intellectual, emotional, social and behavioural development of form two girl learners, impacting on their academic performance, health and their survival. This study recommended that there is need for the government to introduce strict laws on offenders of child sexual abuse. There is need for all stakeholders, including the government, to address the root causes of child sexual abuse (such as poverty, cultural and religious factors, neglect, traditional myths and divorce). In addition, communities should be educated and conscientised on the dangers of child sexual abuse.University of the Free State Doctoral Student Fundin
South African midwives’ knowledge of placental triage
No full textThe placenta is an underexplored and underappreciated organ. Examining the placenta is routine after birth. It is given a glance-over, but never a second thought. Placental histology provides a valuable in-depth investigation into placental pathology. Abnormalities can be identified by a macroscopic examination of the placenta. This investigation can be considered as a triage of the placenta to determine if histological investigation is required. One of the biggest contributors to litigation in obstetrics comprises to children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Factors contributing to the development of CP can be shown to be present in utero, rather than during labour, by sending the placenta for histology. Litigation costs in South Africa in the field of maternal and child health is increasing exponentially. This increased risk for litigation and the high number of unexplained stillbirths are the drivers behind the value of macroscopic placental examination and histology. This research focussed on answering the research question: What is the existing knowledge of midwives educated in South Africa regarding placental triage? To answer this research question, a quantitative research approach was chosen, and a survey method used. A questionnaire was developed to determine and describe the knowledge of South African midwives. The total number of participants were 157. Of all participants, 64% stated that they always examine placentas. The Department of Health South Africa (DoHSA) require a basic examination of the placenta to always be performed. The regulation relating to the conditions under which registered midwives may carry their profession, R2488, also stipulates that a placenta must be inspected for completeness of the disc and membranes. This finding confirms non-conformity to the guidelines for submission of placentas for histology. The overall median for the questionnaire was 61.9%. The lowest obtained score was 14.3% and the highest score was 81%. This indicated that the participants had 60% knowledge of the macroscopic placental examination. Little literature is available regarding investigated placental examination or knowledge within South Africa. The DoHSA admits to constraints in the education system leading to poor competency and limited clinical exposure. As most participants were employed in the public sector, it was expected that they complied with the procedures described in the in the documentation prescribed by the DoHSA. Yet, through the study findings it became clear that some midwives were not compliant. Only 61% of participants answered that there were placental histology services available in the units they worked in. That left a gap of 40% of institutions that did not have these services available and raises the question of what was being done in these facilities when an abnormal placenta was identified. In conclusion, forty per cent (40%) of participants did not know what the histology report of the placenta could be used for. This proved that more awareness should be shared on this subject and the benefits it provides, for midwives. A staggering 97% of participants stated that the institution they worked at could benefit from further education regarding placentas and placental histology. It is reassuring that 88% stated that they could benefit from advanced training regarding examination of placentas. It is evident that examination of the placenta is paramount in the prevention of litigation cases and for future treatment of the mother and baby
Whole genome analysis of rare and/or novel rotavirus strains post-Rotarix® introduction in Zambia
No full textBackground: Group A rotaviruses (RVA) cause acute diarrhoea in children under the age of five years. In sub-Saharan Africa, limited studies have been conducted on RVA at whole genome level, particularly post-vaccine implementation. Even though strain oscillation has been documented in Zambia since the countrywide rollout of Rotarix® vaccine in 2013, the approach primarily utilised conventional methods to characterise the outer capsid proteins (VP7 and VP4) of RVA strains. However, analysing the remaining genome-encoded proteins contributes to a better understanding of mechanisms driving genetic diversity in rotaviruses. This study undertook whole genome analysis of the rare and/or novel reassortant strains from Zambia during the post-vaccine era. Methods: Archived samples selected from a WHO-Regional Office for Africa surveillance project (n=133) were sent to the Next Generation Sequencing unit, University of the Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa). The surveillance project aimed to characterise RVA at a whole genome level in Zambia. These samples had been conventionally genotyped at the WHO-Regional Reference Laboratory located in the Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit at the Sefako Makgatho University (Pretoria, South Africa). The transfer was facilitated by a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA:NGS Unit, UFS(1)). Viral RNA was extracted from the samples, followed by cDNA synthesis and DNA library preparation. Whole genome sequencing was done on the Illumina® MiSeq to generate 300 bp x 2 paired end reads. FASTQ reads were obtained from the MiSeq, de novo assembled on Geneious® Prime and subjected to a quality trim before the genotype constellations were determined using the Virus Pathogen Database and Analysis Resource (ViPR). Strains from the post vaccine-period (2013-2016) that exhibited any form of atypical characteristics were selected for further investigation. The genotypes of the strains (n=5) were confirmed using BLAST, followed by pairwise alignments and bioinformatic analysis on various tools and software. Results: A rare reassortant porcine-like human strain (RVA/Human-wt/ZMB/UFS-NGS-MRC DPRU4724/2014/G5P[6]) with the constellation G5-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-E1-H1 typically found in porcine strains was identified in a sample collected from a child with gastroenteritis who resided in Kasama, Zambia. All the genes of this strain were seen to cluster only among porcine and putative porcine- like human strains on a phylogenetic level. The sequence identities (95.7%-98.0%) were consistent with the phylogenetic relationships observed. Moreover, reassortment analysis demonstrated the genetic similarity between the Zambian G5P[6] strain and other porcine-like human strains, thus acknowledged that the strain may have arisen due to animal-human interactions. Furthermore, four reassortant strains were identified in samples taken from four children who resided in different areas of Ndola and Lusaka, Zambia. The children experienced moderate to severe gastroenteritis. Two strains had the constellation G1-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N2-T1-E1-H1, while the other two strains had the constellations G2-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 and G2-P[4]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N1-T2-E2-H2. One of the strains (RVA/Human-wt/ZMB/UFS-NGS-MRC-DPRU4749/2014/G2P[8]) was divergent from other global reference strains in the VP4 and VP1 encoding genes on both nucleotide and amino acid level. Moreover, several amino acid changes were observed in the antigenic sites of the VP4 of the divergent Zambian strain in relation to Rotarix® and global reference strains. Conclusion: Our findings add to the growing global evidence of strains generated through reassortment and/or zoonotic transmission. Further, current rotavirus vaccines do not contain genotypes such as the G5 and P[6], and such animal-like strains may have an impact on vaccines. These findings emphasise the need for continuous active surveillance and analysis of circulating RVA in Zambia at whole genome level.World Health Organization (WHO)Poliomyelitis Research FoundationUniversity of the Free State Postgraduate Schoo
Youths’ aspirations and perceptions towards agricultural participation: a case of two Free State regions
No full textYouth unemployment, food insecurity, and poverty are some of the major problems facing countries around the world, and South Africa is no exception. The aforementioned challenges can be reduced through improved agricultural participation by the youth. The main aim of this study is to explore the influence of the youths’ aspirations and perceptions towards participation in agriculture. This was achieved through two sub objectives; the first objective was to measure the youths’ aspirations and perceptions towards participation in agriculture and the second sub objective was to determine the influence of livelihood assets, aspirations and perceptions towards agricultural participation. This study employed a stratified random sampling method, and 178 youth respondents between the ages of 18 and 36 were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Out of the total sample size, 49 % of the youth participated in agriculture and 51 % did not participate in agriculture. To achieve the first sub objective, a Principal component analysis was used to generate two indexes (aspiration index and perception index) in SPSS to measure the youths’ perceptions and aspirations towards agriculture and related activities. The results show low scores regarding perceptions for economic motivation, agricultural value chain and the attractiveness of agriculture and rainfed farming as a livelihood strategy, while the perceptions on interest and inclusiveness showed higher scores, signifying better perception with regard to the inclusiveness and interest in agriculture. To achieve the second objective, a binary logistic model was used to determine the influence of the Sustainable Livelihood Assets (SLA) and perceptions and aspirations on agricultural participation. A total of 31 variables were included in the binary logistic model, which consisted of: total number of household, age, gender, marital status, number of years of experience in farming or agriculture-related activities, access to agricultural training, land access, livestock ownership, grant use for agricultural inputs, access to savings, access to savings, co-operative membership, youth club/group membership, social media group membership, extension contact, full-time farmer, employed, self-employed, student, matric, grade 11 or less, degree/diploma and higher, market access, household income, and aspIndex and percptIndex (interest in agriculture and attractiveness of agriculture). Eleven (11) out of 31 predictor variables came out as significant, and five were positive (number of years of experience in farming or agriculture-related activities, employed, self-employed, interest in agriculture, and attractiveness of agriculture) which indicate a positive association with the likelihood of agricultural participation. The other six variables (age, land access, grant use for agricultural inputs, access to savings, extension contact, and market access) were negative, which indicates the decrease in the likelihood of agricultural participation. The study found that the youth do take part in smallholder farming and other agriculture-related activities. However, the youth still have generally low aspirations and poor perceptions towards agriculture and therefore, efforts needs to be made to invest in improving the youth perceptions and aspirations. Access to resources is fundamental for agricultural participation, as better access to productive resources has the potential to enhance youth participation in agriculture. It is therefore important that the government pays more attention to resource allocation and better strategies in terms of resource provision. Market access, training, extension support, and government support are lacking in QwaQwa and Thaba ‘Nchu. It is important that the government improves youth access to these important resources
Translanguaging as a pedagogical strategy to implement multilingual language policy at a South African university
No full textSouth African institutions of higher learning continue to grapple with the practical implementation of language policies. Universities have amended their policies to adhere to the language policy for higher education and others have shown progress in their implementation strategies. However, a recent report from the minister of DHET has shown that universities have not implemented their language policies as guided by the constitution and other promulgated policies in higher education terrain. In tandem, in recent times, translanguaging as a pedagogical strategy has been gaining momentum in the higher education space. Various studies have reported its benefits and limitations in the education sector. Against the foregoing policy and pedagogy backdrop, this study explored the use of translanguaging as an alternative pedagogical strategy to implement multilingual language policy in undergraduate tutorials. Tutors and students were invited to participate in this study. The theoretical approaches which guided the study were Orientations in Language Planning and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis was done through thematic analysis. Findings indicate that translanguaging as pedagogical strategy has the potential to leverage implementation of multilingual language policy, when deployed strategically, this implies the necessity to assess the on current challenges and future of multilingual practices. Findings further show that translanguaging assists both tutors and students to make sense of their learning and understanding of the content, promotion of indigenous languages, decolonization and student engagement within tutorials. The study concluded that translanguaging as a pedagogical strategy create a space for both tutors and tutees to use their linguistic repertoires in a multilingual classroom. In addition, translanguaging as a pedagogical strategy is helpful in responding to the contemporary multilingual language policy conundrums in higher education. In conclusion, the study recommends ways in which translanguaging could be employed to implement multilingual language policy in the tutorials within the higher education space in South Africa, and possibly elsewhere
An investigation to determine if the theatre time allocated to the obstetric theatre at Pelonomi Hospital is being utilised appropriately
No full textBackground. Operating theatre efficiency is a priority from both a financial and patient care perspective. Optimal theatre efficiency is required to prevent prolonged waiting time for surgery, which can lead to deterioration of a patient's health, prolonged hospitalisation, anxiety, inconvenience, staff frustration and increased costs. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine if theatre time was being used efficiently in the obstetric theatre at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, Bloemfontein, by investigating the amount of time the theatre was not in use during working hours and after hours, and to determine whether when an elective case was done after hours, if there was time available during working hours when it could have been done. Methods. The study design involved a retrospective investigation. The obstetric theatre register was used to collect the data. The data collected from this register included the type of surgery, start and end times of the operation, and whether it was an emergency or elective procedure. Results. The study period was 01/07/2019 and 31/12/2019. In total, 1 048 caesarean sections were performed; 1 020 (97.3%) were emergency cases. Of the 28 elective cases, nine (32.1%) were done after hours. The amount of time the theatre was not in use during working hours ranged from a minimum of 1 hour and 35 minutes (1h 35m) to a maximum of 8h 40m, with a median of 5h 20m. The median theatre utilisation during working hours was 44%. The amount of time the theatre was not in use after hours on a week day ranged from a minimum of 45 minutes to a maximum of 12h 15m, with a median of 7h 40m, which was equal to median theatre utilisation of 47%. The median amount of time the theatre was not in use on public holidays and weekends combined was 10h 25m per 24-hour day (range 1h 15m to 17h 40m), which was equal to median theatre utilisation of 57%. First case start times (FCSTs) on normal work days, after 7h30, were a median of 2 hours, ranging from 5 minutes to 8h 40m. Conclusions. This study showed inefficient use of obstetric theatre time, at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, as some elective C-sections were done after hours when enough time were available during working hours. Remarkably few cases were classified as elective cases and needs further investigation. The possibility exists of calling most cases an emergency to justify doing it after hours
Narratives of capability formation for students with learning disabilities at a South African university
No full textStudents with learning disabilities who undertake academic tasks without support have a high risk of failing and dropping out of university. Universities, internationally and in South Africa aim to create equal opportunities for students with disabilities by offerring disability support. The common disability support available to students with learning disabilities is adjusted assessment conditions which are generally recognised to be instrumental in promoting academic performance since learning disabilities can affect the ability of a student to successfully complete his or her studies. These adjusted assessment conditions have proved to have a positive effect on students’ academic trajectories as students progress well in their studies because the adjusted environment enables them to demonstrate their abilities fully. The Social Model of Disability that emphasises the removal of barriers to students’ university engagements informs university responses to disabilities. This study argues that even though these adjustments to assessments enable students to articulate assessments well or expand students’ capabilities, they pathologise students with learning disabilities. They sustain students’ condition of disability where students’ academic success can depend on special arrangements. Besides, understanding disability services as support for students to perform well academically can perpetuate inflexible university systems and forces students with disabilities to conform and contend with normalised learning and assessment systems and conditions that disadvantage them. The study further argues that framing disability response actions within the Social Model of Disability constitutes an overly narrow approach if these actions only serve the purpose of enabling students with learning disabilities to succeed academically through good grades. Adjusted assessment conditions that the Social Model recognises, also do not prepare students to function well in a system with no adjustments. The Capability Approach that I use to complement the Social Model of Disability regards each student as a subject of justice and encourages practical opportunities (capabilities) that contribute to students’ wellbeing (that is not limited to academic performance). Learning arrangements from a Capability Approach perspective would encourage the transformation of the education system to be inclusive for all and discourage separate adjusted conditions for students with learning disabilities. The Capability Approach encourages a university to expand students’ capability sets or to avail a range of opportunities to function well towards the achievement of what they have reason to value in and through university education. This study therefore explores ways in which a university can contribute to the formation of students’ capabilities, drawing from the narratives of fifteen students with learning disabilities at the University of the Free State. Students’ narratives are complemented by semi-structured interviews conducted with five support staff, eight lecturers, and the review of ten university policy documents aligned to disabilities and teaching and learning. Nine capabilities were deductively identified from students’ narratives. Five of these (capability to display full potential, capability for confidence, capability to aspire, capability for care, imagination and empathy, and capability for emotional integrity) are associated with disability services and four (capability for professional and self-knowledge, capability for economic opportunities, capability for resilience and capability for affiliation) with experiencing university in general. The capabilities illustrate how university arrangements affect the academic engagements of students with learning disabilities. The study concludes that even though the adjusted assessment conditions pathologise students with learning disabilities, they simultaneously enhance students’ capabilities.National Research Foundation (NRF
Agricultural production as a youth livelihood approach in a rural context: a case study of Namahadi, Qwaqwa
No full textDissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2021Most young people in the developing countries still prefer working in cities and towns to sustain their lives. They do not believe in working in their rural areas, and participating in agricultural production to earn a living. In South Africa, this is despite government interventions such as the one held in the eastern Free State, at Thabo Mofutsanyana District named the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP). This initiative was facilitated by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform meant to train youth from Namahadi, QwaQwa in agricultural production. The objective of this programme was to empower them with skills in agriculture, and assist in minimising food insecurity at household level. The current study was investigating why young people are not participating in the agricultural sector. The specific objectives were to explore the livelihood portfolios of rural youths, to determine perceptions, experiences and challenges of the CRDP trained youths regarding agricultural production, to identify potential agricultural value chains for CRDP youths and to develop recommendations to strengthen youth based rural agriculture projects. Qualitative research methods were used, where a total of twenty-four participants were interviewed (19 focus groups, 3 key informants and the community leader). Results of the study revealed that some youth members were producing from their home gardens, just to feed their families and not participating at a larger scale because they did not have production resources, like land, seeds and tools, water, electricity, fertilizers and pest control agents. They also did not receive support from the municipality and were not able to increase the scale of production. If the youth receive the required support, they will be able to work with others for the development of their area. The interventions which are provided to the youth will assist them in investing in agricultural production as a livelihood, and contribute to food security. Support from local authorities will enable continuation of these programmes
The dual porosity model
No full textIn the past years, various researchers have devoted their attention to modelling
groundwater flow in dual-porosity of aquifers. A system of partial differential equations
has been suggested and applied in many scenarios with some limitations. In the past,
researchers used fractional and classical derivatives as differential operators to model
the problems. However, these models cannot depict the crossover effect and the
randomness of the geological formations with great precision. In recent years,
researchers suggested piecewise differential and integral operators which these
operators are defined in a given interval. The passage of a process from one to another
is called crossover. The concept of stochastic differential equations was then
presented to include the effect of randomness into mathematical formulation. Partial
equations depicting groundwater flow within a dual-porosity aquifer were modified. To
achieve this, we considered fractional differential and integral operators with different
kernels including power law, exponential decay and the generalized Mittag-Leffler
functions. Furthermore, randomness was incorporated in the modified model to obtain
a piecewise fractional stochastic system of partial differential equations. The numerical
method based on the Newton polynomial interpolation was applied to solve the
obtained systems of partial differential equations numerically. Matlab was then used
towards the generation of simulations. For a fractional order starting from 0.95 to 0.7,
the results displayed high flow velocity within fracture, this behaviour is known as long
range dependency, also within the matrix soil, we also observed high flow meaning in
this case the fractional derivative is expressing the flow within a matrix rock with high
transmissivity. For fractional order ranging from 0.7 to 0.5, the results normal flow
behaviours; water flows with average velocity within the matrix rock and moderate-
high velocity within the fractures. And, from 0.5 to 0.2, we observed slow flow
behaviour, the mathematical equations are exhibiting flow with low velocities,
expressing the flow within a shale with limited or no transmissivity.Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS