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Representing urban social space: media constructions of eThekwini’s inner city.
No full textDoctors Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study investigated the forms, meanings, and contours of contemporary urban culture, space, and identity in the South African port city and municipality of eThekwini/Durban. The production and representation of urban culture, identity and space were examined regarding media representations of the city and lived experiences of purposively selected participants, cultural actors, and practitioners who live and work in the city. Utilising the circuit of culture model, critical discourse analysis of local newspapers, and the participatory photovoice method, this qualitative study examined how the city exists as an object of ongoing and active practices of “city-making”, negotiation, regulation, exchange, consumption, representation, and cultural production. Whereas the racially ordered space of apartheid “group areas” and “dormitory towns” was as openly enforced as it was resisted before 1994, it has now been replaced by democratised and seemingly non-racialised space. However, the coming of democracy has only intensified and sharpened the struggles over the meaning of urban space and belonging and identity. Indeed, the contest over urban space has intensified after 1994, but in ways that call for further and deeper study and analysis. This study has sought to contribute to this discourse of reimagining struggles over urban space and its meanings. The study finds that urban space emerges, more and more, as the product of the constant but uneven tension between the ordering and the dis-ordering of space. The outcome is neither purely ordered space (i.e., urban planning) nor dis-ordered space but a constantly negotiated and renegotiated spatial order whose final form is always emerging and is far from being definitive, conclusive, or decided. Crisis and contradiction are constant. In the study, the layered and contested “construction” of the city emerges as a fundamental theme in the study. The study found that, whereas eThekwini aspires to be a “global city” and flourishing hub of economic development, investment, and tourism, particularly since the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as well as a source of livelihood and “equal” opportunities for all its residents, the alienating and schizophrenic reality of the persistence of inequality, poverty, and exclusion, fed by the fraught histories of colonialism and apartheid, produce and reproduce a continuously contested and fragmented city. The urban culture, spaces and aspirations of eThekwini exist in non-stop (if productive) tension
DNA barcoding of Euphausiids and Chaetognaths off the east coast of Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.DNA barcoding is a well-established method that has been used to augment traditional morphologybased methods to identify species. A 650 base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) is used as the standard DNA barcode across many animal groups. The reliability of species delimitation by DNA barcoding can be biased by factors such as incomplete reference databases which link sequence data to taxonomically validated species; a lack of regional records for widespread species that may have below-species-level genetic structure; and not enough variable characters in the barcode region to confidently separate closely related species. Unfortunately, only a few studies investigate the accuracy of standard barcode markers, such as COI, in delimiting species within their chosen group of study. This study focuses on the DNA barcoding of Euphausiids and Chaetognaths. These two phyla form an important component of zooplankton. Zooplankton serve as critical links in marine food chains, contribute to nutrient recycling, and their presence and diversity act as bio-indicators of ecosystem health where changes in their populations can signal changes in environmental conditions. Identifying the species that make up zooplankton is crucial in diversity assessments, biomonitoring, and the detection of invasive species. The overall aim of this MSc study was to determine the utility of COI as a DNA barcode marker for Euphausiid and Chaetognath species. This was done by: (i) analysing all publicly available COI sequence data to evaluate whether there is a statistically significant separation between the maximum genetic differences observed within individuals belonging to the same species and the minimum genetic differences observed between different species. This separation is known as the “DNA barcode gap”. If the DNA barcode gap is present in the COI data for Euphausiids and Chaetognaths, then the COI region can be used to accurately delimit species. If there is overlap withinspecies and between-species genetic differences, then additional genetic markers or other information are needed to confidently separate species; (ii) generating new DNA barcodes for Euphausiids and Chaetognaths specimens collected from five different localities off the East Coast of South Africa in collaboration with an expert taxonomist to strengthen the current reference libraries for the two groups; (iii) evaluating the completeness of DNA reference libraries for Euphausiids and Chaetognaths by using data from recent metabarcoding studies to determine how many Euphausiid and Chaetognath sequences, amplified from zooplankton samples collected off the East Coast of South Africa, can be confidently assigned (>96% sequence similarity) to reference sequences available on BOLD and GenBank. These analyses are important as the exact number of species found in South African waters is still unclear. Chapter One provides an overall introduction to topics relevant to the dissertation. This chapter highlights the importance of monitoring the species that make up zooplankton. The chapter also addresses the taxonomic challenges associated with identifying species within Euphausiids and Chaetognaths. It introduces DNA barcoding as a vital tool to enhance the speed and accuracy of species identification within these two important zooplankton groups. The chapter concludes with an outline of the overall aims of the dissertation. Chapter Two aims to assess if the standard COI barcode region can statistically delimit Euphausiid and Chaetognath species. This was done by testing for the presence of the DNA barcode gap in the COI data currently available for Euphausiid and Chaetognath species. In this study, I extended this concept to also examine if sequence divergence differences consistently occur between different genera and families belonging to Euphausiids and Chaetognaths. The data analyzed in this chapter came primarily from BOLD and GenBank. Although analyses were conducted separately for Euphausiids and Chaetognaths, the results were very similar. In Chaetognaths, a clear DNA barcode gap was observed, indicating that sequences with more than 3% sequence divergence can be regarded as distinct species. Similarly, in Euphausiids, a clear DNA barcode gap was observed, indicating that sequences with more than 3 - 4% sequence divergence can be regarded as distinct species. Species pairs found in the overlap regions have low divergence values and are phenotypically very difficult to differentiate. Further statistical analyses using the Jeffries-Matusita test was conducted, confirming COI to be successful in separating different species and genera belonging to Chaetognaths and Euphausiids. In Chapter Three, the primary goal was to improve the records of Euphausiid and Chaetognath species from South Africa that are accessible in DNA reference libraries. The secondary goal was to test the utility and accuracy of these reference libraries using metabarcoding data generated in a previous zooplankton metabarcoding study. Euphausiid and Chaetognath specimens collected from five localities off the East Coast of South Africa were sorted and identified to the lowest taxonomic level using morphology-based keys under the supervision of a trained taxonomist. Up to five specimens of each species per locality were used for DNA barcoding. DNA barcodes (COI) were generated for 11 Euphausiid species belonging to four genera and one family, as well as for one species of Chaetognath from one genus and one family. These new records were added to BOLD. This study increased the number of barcodes on BOLD by 118 new records making up of two new DNA barcodes for Chaetognaths and 114 new DNA barcodes for Euphausiids, resulting in an increase in data available from South Africa for these taxa. New species records added to BOLD, include Euphausia recurva, Thysanoessa gregaria, and Sagitta enflata. To evaluate the impact of these new barcode records on species identification and determine the extensiveness of the DNA reference library, new sequences from the metabarcoding results were matched (>96% sequence similarity) in Euphausiids, at a 77% success rate, with 25 species and one genus identified and for Chaetognaths at a 64% success rate, with 12 species and one genus being identified. In Chapter Four I provide an overall summary of the work conducted towards the MSc. This study statistically tests if the COI sequence data can accurately separate species, genera and families of Euphausiids and Chaetognaths. Both Euphausiids and Chaetognaths play an essential role in marine food chains and are used as ocean health indicators, however, despite their importance, very few COI studies with species identification have been conducted. Euphausiids and Chaetognaths display cryptic morphology, and their taxonomy relies heavily on morphology-based methods of species delimitation, therefore molecular-based methods like DNA barcoding, has the ability to provide faster and more accurate species identification. For Chaetognaths, nuclear genes should be barcoded and combined with COI as they have unwonted patterns of mitochondrial evolution and display extraordinary heterogeneity. Hence COI together with nuclear genes will allow for a more valid and represented DNA barcode database for Chaetognaths. Through DNA barcoding, Euphausiids and Chaetognaths can be assessed for as biological indicators of the overall health of South African marine ecosystems
Breast Cancer: The relationship between histopathological features, immunohistochemical profile, and associated genetic mutations of breast cancer in Black women seen in breast oncology clinic at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 2021.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.No abstrac
An exploratory analysis of higher education student funding and graduate employability: a case study of a University of Technology in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.With a focus on a particular KwaZulu-Natal higher education institution, this study examined the effect of student funding for higher education on graduate employability in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine whether more funding increased employability by establishing a connection between graduate employment rates and student funding. The study employed a quantitative research technique to examine data from 176 graduates who received funding from a range of sources, including self-funding, private sponsors, Private Bursaries, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The findings revealed a weak positive correlation between the source of funding and employment status, suggesting that while funding aided in access to higher education, it did not significantly guarantee employment. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive support systems, including work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, to enhance employability. Additionally, it underscored the importance of addressing disparities in basic education to ensure equitable access to higher education and subsequent employment opportunities.
The research concluded that while increased funding had led to higher enrolment and graduation rates, it had not proportionately reduced graduate unemployment. The study recommended improving basic education quality, aligning higher education curricula with labour market demands, and enhancing support services for students to bridge the gap between education and employment
African indigenous conflict transformation approaches in post-conflict relational justice: A case study of the Richmond community in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa (1990-2018).
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The community of Richmond, which is located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, has been experiencing intractable violent political conflicts since the early 1990s, albeit it at varying degrees and at different times. One of the prime casualties of these violent political conflicts has been disrupted relations. However, notwithstanding these harmed relations, ongoing Western methods of post-conflict intervention have given frugal attention to the relational dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding, particularly in the Richmond area. Using the Richmond community as
a case study, the research examined indigenous approaches to post-conflict intervention and determined if and how such methods can be utilised to achieve postconflict relational justice. This study employed a qualitative exploratory case study approach. Using non-probability purposive and snowball sampling, data were collected from purposively selected participants during face-to-face interviews and one focus group discussion. The collected data were analysed using the thematic approach for evaluation and interpretation.
The study was anchored in two theoretical frameworks. The first was the conflict transformation theory which has its focus beyond cessation of physical violence. It focuses on mutual understanding in communities to give them the capacity to resolve conflicts in a manner that is effective and guarantees sustainable and durable peace. The second was the conflict theory, which is a power matrix analysis tool that demonstrates how elites and powerful groups in communities manipulate societal institutions to maintain their dominance. This theory contributes to a broader
understanding of power dynamics in a conflict situation. The findings revealed a penchant for indigenous approaches by the residents in the Richmond area as they viewed such methods as an instrument to attain relational justice. However, such indigenous approaches were minimally applied by the Richmond community, if at all.
Based on the findings, the study recommends the use of indigenous approaches to restore interpersonal relations among individuals and groups in the Richmond community. The study argues that post-conflict interventions that are locally designed and enacted will ensure self-determination, legitimacy, ownership, and sustainable relational justice in communities emerging out of conflicts and years of political violence. In terms of its contribution to scholarly knowledge, this thesis enters the debate on the use of indigenous approaches to resolve issues and heal post-conflict relations. Hence, the conflict transformation theory was utilised as it was applicable to the context of the African community under study. The study offers a unique point of reference for relationship reconstruction through indigenous approaches following violent political conflicts. Moreover, it foregrounds the use of indigenous African approaches as a viable intervention mechanism in the resolution of post-conflict situations, particularly in traditional African communities
Molecular epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant ESKAPEE pathogens in surface water in proximity to informal settlements: a tale of two cities.
No full textMasters Degrees. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Drug-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp and Escherichia coli (ESKAPEE) are increasingly identified in wastewater and surface water of rivers and streams, presenting a transmission risk to humans, animals, and plants. Using whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, we investigated the resistome, mobilome, and phylogenetic relationships of antibiotic-resistant ESKAPEE bacteria in surface water from two cities. Water samples (500 mL) from streams near informal settlements in Durban and Pietermaritzburg were filtered through a 0.45 μm filter membrane. The ESKAPEE were identified on selective media, purified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the VITEK® 2 platform. DNA was extracted from isolates for whole genome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics analysis using the open-source CARD, CGE, RAST, BV-BRC and PubMLST tools. Eleven E. faecium, 12 E. coli, four K. pneumoniae and one Enterobacter isolate were molecularly identified. Cephalosporin-resistant E. coli was found in Durban with the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump that conferred resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. The ARGs identified in E. coli were blaTEM- 1, qnrB19 and qnrS1, sul1, sul3, dfrA12, tet(A), cmlA1, aadA1 and aadA2. ARGs aac(6)- Ii, ant(6)-Ia and aph(3”)-III, tet(M) and tet(L), msr(C) and erm(B) and dfrG were detected in E. faecium. The Durban K. pneumoniae isolates were MDR harbouring blaSHV-75, blaSHV-110, blaSHV-81, blaCTXM-14, blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1B, and blaOXA-1. E. kobei only harboured blaACT and tet(A) genes that showed phenotypic resistance against piperacillin- tazobactam. ARGs and MGEs in E. faecium were mostly carried on chromosomes. Plasmid-carried ARGs were associated with IS1, IS1B, IS6, IS256 and ISKpn19, and the Tn3 transposons in E. coli. Of all identified ESBL genes in K. pneumonaie, only blaTEM, blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15 were co-carried on plasmids and associated with ISKpn25, ISNCY, IS3, IS1, IS5075, IScep1, and Tn3. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships with other South African human, animal and environmental isolates. The identified ARGs and their associations with MGEs present potential transmission routes of these resistance genes within and across bacterial species in aquatic environments, making these surface waters a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance transmission
Gazing at black bodies: historically entrenched race relations in the interpretation of Brett Bailey's Exhibit B.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Race has played a significant role in how art in and from South Africa has been experienced, especially in light of the recent history of segregation and oppression that South African history holds. In light of this, many South African artists explore themes of identity and classification, symbolism and interpretation, and the issues of agency around the black voice. This dissertation explores how South African Art is received in different contexts, both locally and internationally, using the installation Exhibit B (2010-2016) by the South African artist, Brett Bailey, as a case study. I consider the role that the intention of the artist might play when confronting problematic subject matter and how this impacts the politics of representation, specifically with regard to who has the right to speak on specific topics. In particular, I will consider how issues of race have the power to shift the dynamics of how South African art is interpreted. To do this, I take a qualitative approach using arts-based methods that understand art as objects of inquiry as well as modes of investigation . I use Critical Race theory and Performance Theory to examine the notion of the White Gaze and representation of the ‘other’ through Laura Mulvey’s conceptualization of the Gaze, as well as Postcolonial Theory as it applies to Exhibit B.
Exhibit B (2010-2016) is an art installation that explores the historical abuse of black bodies by literally placing the bodies of black actors on display as a form of art. Bailey’s intention with the creation of this installation was to tackle themes of racism, objectification of black people and colonialisation by producing a critique of a repressed memory of racism. In this dissertation I argue that he instead manages to insert himself as a victim and becomes an instigator by perpetuating the very notions he is attempting to speak against. The findings of this research indicate a need to further investigate and problematise ideological whiteness as the standard against which the black body and the black voice are examined, and the extent to which these are used by white artists to further their own agendas. I argue that when engaging with controversial subject matter, such as that presented in Exhibit B, artists have a duty of care to prevent the reification of stereotypes and narratives that affect marginalized groups of people, many of whom still experience the lingering effects of racism, representation and colonial repression
A review of customer satisfaction levels with the physical motor vehicle license renewal system in KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Motor vehicle licence renewal has been a practice that is performed by motor vehicle owners for many years. It is a compulsory process whereby all automobile owners must register their automobile with an appropriate government agency to be able to drive on the public roads. This process entails the automobile owner paying a set amount determined by the capacity of the engine, the type, and the use of vehicle. This license must be renewed annually. This service is owned and managed by the Department of Transport who expanded accessibility to the service by appointing the South African Post Office (SA Post Office) and local municipalities as licensing agents. Considering the number of vehicles that must be renewed annually, this poses challenges due to the overcrowding experienced within the physical spaces of the licensing authorities. Non-receipt of renewal notifications and time spent waiting in queues impacts customer satisfaction with regards to in- person licence renewal system. With the introduction of an online motor vehicle license renewal system in 2022, the licensing authorities were still experiencing longer queues which resulted in overcrowding at the physical outlets. There is a disconnect between the marketing communications promoting the existence of online motor vehicle licence renewals and customer awareness for the online license-service adoption. The limited internet coverage in rural areas to support the access of e- services, impacts service accessibility. Also, the digital divide attributed to lack of basic digital literacy, insufficient information communication technology (ICT) skills and devices especially in communities from remote areas, which further hindered the access to e- services (Aruleba and Jere, 2022). The unavailability of onsite and offsite portals which would potentially serve as customer alternatives, to access the service, especially in remote areas, would contribute to the online service adoption process. This study aimed at reviewing the customer satisfaction level with regards to the in-person license renewal system in KwaZulu -Natal. The study further explored customer awareness and customer readiness for the adoption of an online licence renewal system, where the service is accessed through the internet. This study used a quantitative research technique and utilised the SA Post Office as a location of choice for a case study. The case study approach was used to scrutinise relationships among variables as per the stated research questions. The study population consisted of 5 000 motor vehicle owners that renewed their motor licence at various Post Office branches in KwaZulu-Natal. The study employed a stratified probability sampling method due to the study’s quantitative nature. Six post offices in various locations in KwaZulu- Natal were selected as research sites. A disproportionate stratified sampling method was used to show the representativeness of each region. The sample size as per the sampling table (Sekaran, 2000) was 357 for a population of 5 000. The actual study respondents were 282. The study results showed that participants were generally satisfied with the in-person licence renewal system. The study results further revealed that participants were inclined towards the adoption of an online motor vehicle licence renewal system. This was affirmed by the confirmation to have access to the facilities and the relevant equipment to perform online licence renewal. Additionally, members of their social circles were already renewing their motor vehicle licenses online. This study recommended continuous improvements in the operations process, and for increased attention to customer satisfaction and communication with regards to the motor vehicle licence renewal system. Moreover, it was recommended that the Department of Transport and its agents conduct aggressive marketing campaigns to bring awareness of the existence of the online licencing system, to ease congestion in physical outlets and increase motor vehicle licence renewal alternatives for customers
Izwi labagcini: investigating the relationship between homosexuality and ubungoma through the scripting of ritual theatre.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The following study was carried out as an investigation of the relationship between queerness and ubungoma. I used playwriting as an aspect of creative research to inquire on the phenomenon of spirituality influencing sexuality in the African paradigm (Ramsay 2002; Smith and Dean 2009). My own journey as a queer man called to ubungoma was incorporated in this autoethnographic study (Holman Jones 2007; Custer 2014). During a three-month process, I composed a play titled Izwi LabaGcini [Word of the Keepers], which was developed under a Critical Friends Protocol of six participants, that met for three feedback sessions between December 2021 and February 2022 (Costa and Kallick 1993; Appleby 1998; Constantino 2010). The Protocol provided critical feedback not only on Izwi LabaGcini as a dramatic text, but also as an artefact that interrogates the relationship between queerness and ubungoma. The data for this study was generated through zoom recordings of the Critical Friends Protocol, and the Reflexive Journal I kept as a means to interrogate my creative writing methods throughout the scripting of Izwi LabaGcini (Sutherland 2007; Ortlipp 2008). The theories informing this study were that of Afrocentricity (Molefe 1988), Decoloniality (Ndlovu-Gatsheni 2015), and Ritual Theatre (Soyinka 1976). I have also employed Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa’s writings on ubungoma, as a seminal frame of reference, in discussing ubungoma as a phenomenon of exploration (2003). The findings of this qualitative inquiry contribute to discourse pertaining to African sexualities in the context of a continent where LGBTQIA+ rights continue to be a struggle we contend with (Patton 2002; Golafshani 2003; Chilisa and Preece 2005). Izwi LabaGcini resulted as a contribution to knowledge around the interlinks between queerness and ubungoma (Dean and Smith 2009); and it has further contributed to South African theatre and literature in what I have coined The Absurd Ritual - a theatre that observes black queer life in the context of African spiritualities
An analysis of coverage of the decriminalization of abortion for minors on non-state radio stations in Rwanda.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.With its focus on radio stations’ coverage of the revised law expanding access to abortion for women and girls under certain circumstances in Rwanda, this thesis explores the role of the media in communicating about this seemingly controversial issue, in a context with a high rate of early unintended pregnancies. Early and unintended pregnancies are recognised as a concerning phenomenon, resulting in serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of girls and young women (Choonara et al., 2014). Further, unintended pregnancies are often linked to an increased risk of unsafe abortions (Mohamed et al., 2023). Adolescent pregnancy rates in the East and Southern Africa region are estimated at twice the global average, with 92 births per 1000 girls (UNFPA, 2021). It is in this context that Rwanda revised its penal code in 2018 to expand access to safe abortion services for girls under the age of 18, and women under certain circumstances. While the amended law may be driven from a concern about protecting children rather than advancing Sexual And Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), abortion is among the recognised SRHR services, and respecting women’s rights to safe abortion and their SRHR is linked to respecting women’s right to life (African Union, 2003; Durojaye, Mirugi-Mukundi, and Ngwena, 2021; Starrs et al., 2018; WHO, 2022). Research indicates that there are significant gaps in protecting and respecting SRHR in Africa, specifically in sub-Saharan countries (Durojaye et al., 2021; Poku, 2020; Starrs et al., 2018). This may be a result of restrictive laws and policies as well as prevailing religious, cultural beliefs and attitudes related to SRHR.
The media has a key role to play in shaping public discourse and impacts attitudes toward SRHR and abortion access as a health service and a right (Fraile and Hernández, 2024). Recognising the role that radio plays in Rwanda as a trusted source of information (Nduhura and Prieler, 2017), in this study I analysed 36 broadcasts collected from eight non-state radio stations, which covered the legal reform of 2018 expanding access to abortion for minors in Rwanda. I also analysed eight in-depth interviews with key informants from these radio stations. Through Harbemas’ (1989) theory of the public sphere and Cohen’s (1972) moral panics theory, qualitative content analysis (QCA) (Schreier, 2014) showed that the selected radio stations served as an inclusive public sphere where citizens held honest and, in some instances, reasoned discussions about issues of concern such as the legal provision of abortion for minors in Rwanda. However, it also showed that some more powerful members of the society, predominantly religious leaders, men and parents, expressed themselves opposing the legal reform, where the radio coverage aligned with moral panics. The data also showed that the legal reform was challenged because of prevailing socio-cultural and religious beliefs that oppose abortion, with some citizens considering the law as encouraging immorality, particularly for girls. The analysis showed that gender inequality and discrimination against girls and women play a role in challenging the implementation of the law allowing abortion for minors and the realisation of SRHR. The analysis of the coverage of this issue shows the role of radio stations and the media in general in offering opportunities to citizens to realise their right to expression regarding issues of concern affecting society