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Organisation and national policy implications
Get PDFLeadership; organisational commitment; organisational justice and organisational
citizenship behaviour (OCB) are some of the most rigorously researched topics in
organisational behaviour. Most studies aptly focus on the effects of these variables on
several organisationally desirable variables, including all forms of task performance
and extra-role performance. Traditionally, studies have focused on task behaviours,
and only recently have researchers focused their attention on extra-role behaviours
such as OCB and innovative work behaviours (IWB) as mechanisms that can be used
to leverage organisational competitive advantage. While most studies find consistent
relationships among leadership, organisational commitment, organisational justice
and OCB, the results on leadership and attitude drivers of innovative work behaviours
have remained elusive and equivocal. There is also a notable paucity of research on
the relationships among extra-role behaviours, as most researchers focus more on
antecedents of these behaviours than outcomes. Moreover, several streams of
research on extra-role behaviours have developed independently, resulting in
fragmented research that militates against knowledge consolidation, and useful
application in real work environments. The aim of my professorial lecture is to provide
the results and lessons I learned from the consolidated model I developed and tested
on these concepts over my academic career. The results suggest that transformational
leadership and OCB were the potent predictors of IWBs; and while organisational
justice and organisational commitment failed to consistently predict IWBs, they proved
useful as either mediating or moderating variables in several studies I conducted. I
show how the results of my studies can be used to inform policy towards creativity and
innovation in organisations and the Lesotho economyNational University of Lesoth
The applicability of the Western social contract theory to the Sub-Saharan African political context
Get PDFWhile much of the world is constantly progressing towards economic, political and social
development, Sub-Saharan Africa is generally characterized by persistent political instability
that has culminated into an incessant vicious cycle of poverty, conflict and a development
deficiency. Colonialism and its attendant legacy in Africa are frequently cited as the main
reason why these states have failed to achieve any noticeable accumulative growth. This thesis
engages this idea from a social contract perspective. From this standpoint, the thesis is premised
upon two observable facts; that state formation is artificial and that no state in the world has
ever progressed significantly on a foundation that is politically, socially, culturally and
ideologically borrowed. On the first assumption, the thesis argues that state formation is a
function of the social contract theory, wherein individuals come together to agree on the type
of state they would want to live under, specifying the concomitant obligations on all parties to
the contract. The thesis argues that the advent of colonialism led to the formation of a colonial
state through a social contract that was deliberately designed to recognize the humanity of the
colonizer as superior, and the native Africans as inferior, thereby deserving subjugation andoppression. From this dimension, the social contract that led to the formation of the colonial
state was Western-based, catering only to Western interests, and not designed for the native
African. On the second assumption, the thesis argues that upon attaining independence, the
new African states did not take time to formulate a new social contract based on African
experiences, but simply adopted the colonial social contract with minor changes. The thesis
demonstrates how this has immensely contributed to the problems that currently bedevil sub-
Saharan Africa. It argues for the bold claim that there is need to have a complete overhaul ofthe colonial Western-based social contract, and for the formulation of a new social contract
that is founded on authentic African principles. The widely recognized African principle of
Botho, is identified as a source of inspiration for the African based social contract theory.
Botho’s recognition of the humanness of others is isolated as the most important foundational
principle that an African based social contract theory is to be founded. The recognition of the
humanness of others is argued for as inculcating principles of governance that are based on
accountability and the adoption of social, political and economic principles that promote human
well-being for the citizens. In particular, the thesis argues that this kind of social contract theory
would be instrumental in ending the cycle of poverty and instability that currently characterizes
Africa. Finally, the thesis argues for a Bothocracy, ‘a government of and for the humane’ as
the best form of government that should arise from an authentic African social contract theory.National University of Lesoth
A legal analysis of discrimination and women's right to to inheritance to chieftainship in Lesotho
Get PDFIn recent times, the right of women to succession to the chieftainship has become a center of discussions in various platforms in Lesotho. There is evidence that it was not completely ignored. Lesotho had gone through three (3) phases in which rights of women in general, not only the right to succession to the chieftainship was under scrutiny. The history is traced as far as the pre-colonial era, during the colonial era and the post-colonial era as reflected below.National Manpower Development Secretaria
Challenges of Open Distance Learning: Insights from Nursing Students at the National University of Lesotho
Get PDFBackground: The implementation of an E-learning pedagogical model of education for Bachelor of Nursing Science students
presents obstacles, including delayed assignment completion, insufficient class participation, low competency, and job loss.
Objective: To explore nursing students’ challenges associated with open distance learning at the National University of Lesotho.
Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect
data and was distributed to Participants online through google forms. The study was conducted for the period of three weeks in
the month of May 2024. The data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package of Social Sciences. Results: A total of 58
students responded, out of which 93% experienced challenges during open distance learning while 7% did not. About 81% of
Participants struggled with technology, while 71% complained about unreliable internet and personal issues that affected their
study during open distance learning. Furthermore, environmental factors interrupted communications among learners and
instructors. Issues of unreliable internet, impaired interaction, insufficient built-in support, institutional organization and
personal factors that affected open distance learning were revealed. Conclusion: The research findings provide insight on the
need to efficiently implement open distance learning for nursing students. Challenges experienced by nursing students that
affected their learning include struggling with technology, requiring built-in support systems, and the need to secure an internet
connection during open distance learning. Furthermore, prior planning for open distance learning is necessary for proper
organization and management of personal issues affecting open distance learningSel
A case of three Secondary Schools in Maseru
Get PDFThis study aims to explore the behavioural attitudes of Grade 10 learners in three secondary schools in Maseru. The participants were identified using purposive sampling based on a strategy in which specific people are deliberately chosen to give necessary information that cannot be obtained from other choices. The study’s targeted population were twelve Grade10 learners from three different secondary schools of whom five were males and seven females. The study employed qualitative research approach, case study design, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to generate data. Data was generated using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions which were both recorded and transcribed manually. The results from both semi-structured and focus group discussions revealed the most significant factors which influence the learners’ behavioural attitudes towards History. These included the improper teaching strategies that are used by History teachers, lack of instructional materials, unqualified History teachers and peer pressure influence, among others. Therefore, the study recommends that attempts should be made by the Lesotho curriculum designers and planners in order to ensure accessibility of resources in secondary schools so that learners do not struggle with scarce learning materials like textbooks, computers and libraries. Furthermore, the study recommends that schools should be supplied with a large number of qualified teachers and sufficient instructional materials in order to make History more interesting. Future researches should be done in many secondary schools to explore the similar issue to the current study and to do action researches aiming at bringing solutions in the classrooms in order to make History subject more interesting to all History learners.National Manpower Development Secretaria
The liability of a bank for robbery of a customer in its premises in South Africa
Get PDFBanks play a significant role in the economy by providing essential financial services
to individuals and businesses. Because of the nature of their banking business, which
entails the handling of money, banks have had to put up some security measures in
their premises. These security measures are not only meant to safekeep the money
held or stored in the bank, but also to protect the employees of the bank and the
customers from criminal attacks. The protection of customers in the bank premises is
very important because customers are usually not allowed to bring or carry weapons
into the bank. It is primarily for this reason that banks are usually perceived by
members of the public as some of the safest place for customers, such that it is
believed that customers cannot be robbed while in the bank premises.
The foregoing notwithstanding, however, customers do often get robbed in the bank
premises in South Africa and many other parts of the world, including the United
States of America. Whenever this happens, the customers who have been robbed of
their monies believe that the bank should be held liable or responsible to compensate
them for their loss; wherefore legal scholars, lawyers and courts of law have
frequently had to examine the potential liability of the bank for robbery of the
customer’s money in the bank premises. This is by no means an easy questionNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Deternimants of climate-smart agricultural technologies adoption by smallholder crop farmers in Quthing District, Lesotho
Get PDFThe agricultural sector in Quthing district is vital for local employment and food security, particularly through smallholder vegetable farming. However, climate change poses challenges such as prolonged droughts, altered rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures, which threaten farmers' livelihoods. These conditions not only reduce crop yields but also exacerbate weed growth, pests, and diseases. In response, Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSAT) have been introduced to improve agricultural productivity. Despite their potential benefits, the adoption of CSAT remains low influenced by various factors shaping farmers' decisions. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing CSAT adoption among vegetable farmers in rural areas of Quthing district. The specific objectives included evaluating farmers’ understanding and awareness of CSAT, identifying adoption patterns, evaluating interventions and support systems towards CSAT adoption, and determining factors influencing CSAT adoption.
A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 farmers, from whom data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis utilised descriptive statistics and probit regression model using statistical software (Stata 13). The descriptive statistics revealed that majority of farmers were aware of CSAT benefits: sustaining soil fertility (81%), increasing productivity (92%), reducing pollution (61%) and resource management (90%). Furthermore, the findings revealed varying levels of adoption among farmers: hybrid seed (90%), adjusting planting dates (75%), rainwater harvesting (53%) while agrochemicals is 46%, organic fertilizer (30%), protected farming (28%), irrigation technology (10%) and underground water harvesting (5%). The probit regression model highlights significant factors influencing CSAT adoption among farmers. These factors include farming income (ß= -0.915, P = 0.024), household size (ß=-0.0876, P=0.04), education level (ß= 0.472, P=0.032) farming experience (ß=0.501, P=0.014), access to extension (ß=0.752, P=0.038), membership to associations (ß=0.936, P=0.001) and climate information service (ß=0.936, P=0.064).
Based on these findings, the study concluded that while farmers exhibit awareness and understand of CSAT, adoption rate is hindered significantly by socio-economic, demographic, and institutional factors. To address these constraints, it is recommended that government and financial institutions should develop programs aimed at reducing financial barriers for low-income farmers. Government should invest in rural infrastructure to promote farmers access to services. Priority should be given to enhancing extension services and promoting farmer associations to enhance adoption of CSAT and other innovative technologies.National Manpower Development Secretaria
A review of the legal and policy frameworks
Get PDFA child’s access to equal educational opportunities is considered
a basic human right, which extends even to children with
disabilities. However, the realisation of international agreements
protecting this right lies in individual countries’ interpretation and
implementation of such rights. This study examined how the right
to education for children with autism is provided for, protected and
promoted in Lesotho’s existing legislation and policy frameworks.
A critical policy analysis was employed to explore how explicit or
implicit the language used in the legal and policy frameworks is
to generate opportunities and/or social inequalities in realising this
right for autistic children. Reviewed legislation and policies were
purposively selected to address the phenomenon of the study.
The documents selected were four legislations; the Constitution of
Lesotho (Lesotho, 1993), Education Act, No.3 of 2010 (Lesotho,
2010), Children’s Protection and Welfare Act 2011 (Lesotho,
2016b), Persons with Disability Equity Act of 2011 (Lesotho, 2021),
and two policy documents; National Disability and Rehabilitation
Policy of 2011 (Lesotho, 2011a), and Lesotho Inclusive Education
Policy of 2018 (Lesotho, 2018). The findings revealed that while
there are laws, including the Constitution of Lesotho (Lesotho,
1993), and policies that recognise the right of children with
disabilities to education in Lesotho, there seemed to be no legal
obligation to warrant the provision of this right for children with
autism. Thus, this may have a negative impact on the provision and
access to equitable education for these children and, in turn, the
right to education for children with autism. Therefore, a legislation
and policy review is recommended if this right is to be realised for
children with autism.Sel
Epidemiology and molecular determination of benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae: Nematoda) from naturally infected Merino sheep in Lesotho
Get PDFSmall ruminants, especially Merino sheep, play an important role in the socio-economic and
livelihoods of rural, resource-poor communities in Lesotho. Diseases and poor livestock
husbandry practices threaten the small ruminant industry in low-income countries. The
present study was designed to investigate the epidemiology, genetic characterization, and
detection of anthelmintic resistance in Haemonchus contortus in communally grazed Merino
sheep in the four ecological zones of Lesotho.
Chapter 1 of the thesis encapsulates the general background and epidemiology of
gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants. Objectives and hypotheses of the study
are presented in this chapter. GINs cause substantial economic losses in the small ruminant
industry and constitute a limiting factor worldwide. There is, however, little knowledge on
the occurrence of GINs, their distribution, intensity, and development of anthelmintic
resistance (AR) in small ruminants.
Chapter 2 discusses an overview of H. contortus epidemiology in small ruminants. It further
delves into GIN species identification, molecular characterization, and molecular detection
of anthelmintic resistance.
Chapter 3, presents the anthropogenic barriers and drivers associated with GIN control
among smallholder Merino sheep farms in the four ecological zones of Lesotho. A
questionnaire survey was designed to assess the activities in livestock management
associated with GIN control in four ecological zones (Highlands, Foothills, Lowlands and
Senqu River Valley) of Lesotho. Two hundred and twelve (212) respondents were
interviewed across the four ecological zones. The study revealed a low literacy rate among
Merino sheep farmers across Lesotho with male farmers (77.8%) dominating the industry.
Highlands had significantly more animals per farm and predominantly practiced
transhumance (93.6%). The respondents used commercial anthelmintic drugs enormously
(98%) while herbal and indigenous remedies use was at 57.3%.
Chapter 4, presents a stratified random and cross-sectional study investigating the
prevalence, abundance, and geographical distribution of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in
Merino sheep. Six hundrend and two (602) Merino sheep from 20 ollection sites were
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sampled for faecal matter. The McMaster method of the faecal egg count was used to
determine the identity, diversity, and intensity of GIPs from Merino sheep from four
ecological zones of Lesotho. Coprocultures were prepared, and third-stage larvae were
identified by morphological and morphometric methods under the microscope. The three
GIPs identified in the present study comprised, strongyles, Eimeria spp., and Monezia spp.,
recording prevalence rates of 64%, 18%, and 1.3%, respectively. The Highlands had the
highest strongyle burdens (1170.97 ± 113.134) that were statistically significant (p < 0.05)
in comparison with other ecological zones. Third-stage larvae from coproculture were
subjected to a morphometric species identification protocol and were exclusively identified
as H. contortus.
Chapter 5, provides a molecular confirmatory test for presumptive morphometric GIN
identification owing to the close morphological resemblance between the larvae GINs of
ruminants, to give a more conclusive identity. PCR protocol that amplified the Second
Internal Transcribed Spacer gene (ITS-2) of the ribosomal DNA was run using universal
NC1 and NC2 primer sets. Gel electrophoresis of the ITS-2 resulted in about 350 bp gene
segment and the Sanger sequencing protocol confirmed the third-stage larvae identity as
100% H. contortus. The present initiative provides the first molecular characterization of H.
contortus in Lesotho. The phylogenetic tree analysis clustered 17 out of 20 sequences into
one clade. The median haplotype analysis produced four haplotypes out of 20 ITS-2
sequences. The mean haplotype and nucleotide diversity values of the ITS-2 gene were
0.7684 ± 0.0689 and 0.00519, respectively. The molecular variation had distribution within
topographic populations at 94.35 % while 5.65% was between populations (FST=0.05651, p
> 0.05). The ITS-2 gene demonstrated a genetic structure with the most diversity within the
population but less differentiation between topographic sub-populations.
Chapter 6, presents the molecular genotyping of the beta-tubulin isotype-1 gene to determine
defined point mutations associated with benzimidazole resistance of H. contortus in the four
ecological zones of Lesotho. Immoderate administration of anthelmintic drugs has been
reported to exacerbate the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in GINs in small
ruminants, adding an unforeseen financial burden to the industry. Genotyping the beta-
tubulin isotype-1 partial gene revealed the presence of a benzimidazole resistance-associated
mutation (TAC) in codon 200. Three different types of alleles associated with AR in H.
viii
contortus were identified: homozygous susceptible (SS = 51.7%), heterozygous (SR =
32.6%), and homozygous resistant (RR = 15.7%). The present study presents the first
molecular evidence of AR of H. contortus from Merino sheep in Lesotho. The phylogenetic
tree analysis of the beta-tubulin isotype-1 partial gene clustered all sequences into one clade,
depicting a close evolutionary relationship among all seven sequences. The partial gene
exhibited haplotype and nucleotide diversity of 1.000 ± 0.076 and 0.01891, respectively. The
result depicted absolute haplotypic differentiation among all seven sequences.
Chapter 7, entails general discussions on the interconnections of different factors from the
respective project's sub-sections. The overwhelming intensity and vast distribution of H.
contortus in the study suggest it is the predominant cause of helminthiasis in Merino sheep
in Lesotho. The present study suggests that extensive use of anthelmintic drugs in Merino
sheep is a probable cause of AR development in H. contortus. Genetic characterization is
the basis for molecular epidemiology and molecular tracer studies that inform on prevention
initiatives and resistance detection. Timely and periodic parasite surveys on AR are essential
for strategic management, prevention, and control of GINsNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Exploring grammatical cohesion in Grade 10 learners' academic texts at two selected schools in Maseru
Get PDFWriting practices in academic texts have piqued the interest of academics worldwide.
Educators teaching English as a second language (ESL) have endeavoured to address writing
difficulties their learners encounter. However, not much attention has been drawn to cohesion
in writing in Lesotho. This study aimed to investigate grammatical cohesion in Grade 10
learners’ academic texts at two selected schools in Maseru. Based on the qualitative research
design, the study adopted semi-structured interviews, diagnostic tests and documentary sources
for data collection to achieve the overarching aim of the study.
The study has, therefore, identified various cohesive devices used by students, such as
references and conjunctions. Specifically, using the aforementioned instruments to collect oral
and written data from the target participants, this study discovered that personal references
were the most frequently used types of references and additive conjunctions were also often
employed by students from both schools. The usages identified include systematic salient
patterns of redundant, missing, misused cohesive devices and zero articles by the participating
students. This study, therefore, concludes by highlighting the challenges faced by learners with
regard to cohesion and coherence in academic writing, thus calling for language practitioners
in high schools in Lesotho to reconsider their approaches to teaching cohesive devices for
enhancing students’ writing practicesNational Manpower Development Secretaria