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Ucwaningo lokuhlola ukufundiswa kwesifundo seSayensi kusetshenziswa ubu-limimbili emabangeni aphezulu ezikoleni zaseMsinga.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Isifundo seSayensi sikhungethwe yingqinamba yokungaphumeleleki kahle kubafundi abaningi ikakhulukazi emibuzweni edinga ukuthi abafundi baveze ukuqonda kwabo ulimi lwesifundo namakhonsephthi aso. Le nkinga iyaqhubeka nakuba uMnyango wezeMfundo eyiSisekelo usuke wakhipha isekhula ethi English Across the Curriculum ngenhloso yokugqugquzela ukusetshenziswa kolimi lwesiNgisi ekufundiseni zonke izifundo okungezona ezolimi, kodwa le nkinga isaqhubeka. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukucwaninga ngokufundiswa kwesifundo seSayensi ekuthuthukiseni ukuqonda kubafundi kusetshenziswa ubulimimbili emabangeni aphezulu ezikoleni. Inhlosongqangi yalolu cwaningo ukuphendula le mibuzo emithathu: (i) Othisha abafundisa isifundo seSayensi bakuqonda kanjani ukusebenzisa ubulimimbili ekufundiseni isifundo seSayensi kubafundi bebanga le-10 nele-11? (ii) Othisha bebanga le-10 nele-11 babusebenzisa kanjani ubulimimbili ekufundiseni isifundo seSayensi? (iii) Kungani othisha besifundo seSayensi besebenzisa ulimi ngendlela abenza ngayo lapho bethula izifundo zeSayensi emakilasini ebanga le-10 nele-11?
Lolu cwaningo lwenziwe endaweni yaseMsinga ezikoleni ezimbili ezingaphansi kobukhosi baseMabomvini naseMachunwini. Le ndawo umphakathi oyakhele ukhuluma isiZulu njengolimi lwebele kodwa izikole eziyakhele zisebenzisa ulimi lwesiNgisi njengolimi lokufunda nokufundisa olusemthethweni kuzo. Lolu cwaningo lulucwaningo oluyikhwalithethivu (qualitative case study) futhi lusebenze ngaphansi kwepharadaymu yomhumusho (interpretivist paradigm). Lusebenzise izingxoxo ezisakuhleleka (semi-structured interviews), ukubukela othisha ngesikhathi befundisa (obseravtions), kanye nokuhlaziywa kwamadokhumenti (document analysis) njengezindlela zokukhiqiza imininingo etholakele. Ucwaningo lusebenzise izindlela zekhwalithethivu ukuhlaziya imininingo. Kusetshenziswe uhlaka lwenjulalwazi ka Vygotsky (1978) njengensizakuhlaziya kanye nohlaka lwemicabango ukuhlaziya iminingo ekhiqizwe kulolu cwaningo.
Kulolu cwaningo kugqame izindikimba eziyisithupha emininingweni oluyikhiqizile. Eyokuqala indikimba emayelana nobumqoka bolimi olusabalele nekharikhulamu. Lapha kuvele ukuthi othisha basebenzisa ulimi olusabalele nekharikhulamu ngokuthi uma bechazela abafundi amakhonsephthi esifundo seSayensi baqale ngokubachazela asolimini lwesiNgisi abhalwa futhi abizwe njengalawa eSayensi, bese bebafundisa ngawesifundo seSayensi. Eyesibili emayelana nolwazi lukathisha lwesifundo nolwazi lwakhe lokufundisa. Okutholakale lapha ukuthi othisha banolwazi olwanele ngesifundo seSayensi futhi bayakwazi ukusifundisa. Lokhu kubonakale ngokuthi othisha basethula kahle lesi sifundo futhi bayakwazi ukuhlonza izingqinamba ezingathikameza ukufundisa kwabo bese beqhambuka nezisombululo ngaphambi kokuthi zivele. Okunye futhi ukuthi bahlobanisa okufundwa ngalelo langa nesifundo esisuke sesifundiwe. Eyesithathu imayelana nolimi lwasEkhaya neqhaza lwalo ekufundiseni isifundo seSayensi. Lapha kuvela ukuthi kuyabasiza abafundi nothisha ukusebenzisa ulimi lwesiZulu ukufunda nokufundisa amakhonsephthi esifundo seSayensi. Eyesine evelile emayelana nokusetshenziswa kwezinsizakufundisa ezibulimimbili esifundweni seSayensi. Lapha kuvela ukuthi othisha basebenzisa izinsizakufundisa ezakhiwe zaba solimini lwesiNgisi kodwa baye bazenze zibe ezibulimimbili ngokuthi bachazele abafundi ngolimi lwesiZulu lapho befundisa ngazo. Eyesihlanu indikimba emayelana nokusetshenziswa kwezichazamazwi eziqondene namatemu esifundo seSayensi ezibulimimbili. Lapha kuvela ukuthi othisha basebenzisa izichazamazwi zolimi lwesiNgisi, ezolimi lwesiNgisi nolwesiZulu kanye nesichazamazwi sesifundo seSayensi. Eyesithupha indikimba emayelana nothando lolimi lwasekhaya nomthelela wakho kuthisha nakumfundi. Kule ndikimba kuvelile ukuthi othisha nabafundi bayathanda ukusebenzisa ulimi lwesiZulu ukufunda nokufundisa isifundo seSayensi ngoba othisha babonakala benentshisekelo yokuchazela abafundi ngolimi lwesiZulu kanti abafundi babonakala bezimbandakanya ezingxoxweni zesifundo seSayensi uma sethulwa ngokuthi bachazelwe ngolimi lwabo lwasekhaya.
Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza ukuthi okwenziwa nokushiwo othisha ngezingqinamba ababhekana nazo ekufundiseni abafundi ngolimi lwesiNgisi kumbandakanya nokuntuleka kwezinsizakufundisa ezifana namalabhorethri esifundo seSayensi nawamakhompyutha. Okunye okunomthelela kwabakwenzayo ulwazi lokufundisa abanalo kanye nolwesifundo seSayensi okuyikhona okubalekelelile ukukwazi ukubhekana nezingqinamba ezilwisana nokufundisa kwabo. Okunye okwenza benze ngendlela abenze ngayo othisha uthando lwabo ngolimi lwesiZulu nokungazinyezi ukulusebenzisa ukuze ukufundisa kwabo kugcine kulandela inqubo yobulimimbili esifundweni seSayensi.Thesis written in isiZul
The relationship between tertiary education and employment in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Fundamentally, Human Capital Skills and Infrastructural Development are expected to enhance industrial Sector Growth in Sub-Saharan African economies. However, evidence from the literature observed a paradox that requires further investigation. Consequently, this study examined factors determining industrial output growth in Sub-Saharan African Economies. The study investigated the comparative effects of human capital skills and infrastructural development on industrial output growth across four sub-regional economic blocs in 40 SSA countries between 1990 and 2022. Also, the study examined asymmetric and threshold effects of human capital skill and infrastructure on industrial output growth across the sub-regional economic blocs in SSA. The study hypothesised that (i) certain factors impact industrial output growth, (ii) human capital skills and infrastructural techs had comparative effects and significant effects on industrial output growth, (iii) there were asymmetric and threshold effects of human capital skills and infrastructural development on industrial output growth across subregional economic blocs in SSA. A panel data analysis via trend, matrix correlation estimating techniques, and short-run and long-run dynamic systems from generalised methods of the moment (GMM) were adopted to achieve objective one. Trend analysis, Sub-sample analysis, Fixed Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV) and short-run and long-run dynamic system GMM were adopted to achieve objective two. To achieve objective three, panel threshold regression and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lags (NARDL) techniques were used. The outcomes from objective one showed that key measurement variables had short-run and long-run dynamic effects on industrial output growth in SSA. This implies that industrial output growth is pathdependent, indicating that the current level of a country's output growth strongly influences its future output growth. For example, factors like school enrolment rate, ICT, and average year of schooling were negative and statistically significant in impacting growth. Consequently, the study recommended that authorities in SSA enact policies that would drive human capital skills and infrastructure development across the region. It was also suggested that individual sub-regions such as ECA, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC should draft subregional policy support unique to their sub-region to address specific and perennial problems militating against industrial output growth
Healthcare workers negotiate religious pluralism in men who have sex with men health care provision.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.No abstract
Development of a permanent vacuum prism air refractometer for accurate compensation of the refractive index of air as used in dimensional metrology.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The refractive index has a wide range of applications, and it is used in many different areas of measurement, such as in thin films, sugar contents in beverages and wine, and the medical industry. Compensation of the refractive index of air has been required since the speed of light was measured accurately enough to require a correction for the medium in which it travels. There have been various research advances to measure the refractive index of numerous mediums more accurately, to keep up with technological advances and the increase in accuracy required. Metrology requires accurate refractive index measurements since it is critical in the definition of the SI units of the metre. Even more so since 2019 with the new definitions of the SI, which is based on physical constants, the kilogram and the Kelvin and the derived unit for pressure, the pascal. This research focussed on length and dimensional metrology where the SI unit, the metre is defined in terms of the speed of light in a vacuum. While the definition of the metre is in terms of the speed of light in a vacuum, most dimensional measurements are performed in the air. The refractive index requires to be measured and correctly applied to the velocity of the light during the measurements compared to the speed of light in a vacuum for more accurate computation of the metre. This research was motivated by technical limitations observed in existing refractometers. Previous studies where the author researched, designed, and built a low-cost tube refractometer with adequate accuracy to perform the required compensation to the velocity of the laser light during dimensional measurements. However, there were drawbacks to this design; mainly the use of a vacuum pump every time a refractive index measurement needs to be made. This led to unwanted heat generation around the measuring area and drawing a vacuum each time a measurement was made increased the likelihood of dust particles entering the vacuum tube, which may cause the refraction of the laser beams through these particles and thereby reducing the accuracy of the measurement. Adding another notable drawback is the deformation of side windows under vacuum conditions, which alters their thickness and, consequently, the optical path length. Such variations can significantly influence the accuracy of refractive index measurements. These limitations highlighted the need for improved refractometer designs, ultimately leading to the development of more stable and accurate measurement techniques researched in this study. This research work focused on the design, building, and testing of a refractometer for the compensation of the velocity of the light compensations that does not require the use of a vacuum pump every time a measurement has to be made. The custom-designed and built refractometer uses a permanent vacuum as the reference etalon. In the first design an additional laser beam was incorporated to improve the zero-measurement stability, while the second design introduces an innovative method for the refractive index measurement based on a Fizeau interferometer configuration. The system is simple, cost-effective and highly accurate for use in everyday dimensional measurements. The results showed that although simple in design, the refractometer is accurate to approximately 2,7 x 10-8, which meets the initial conditions for the design and compares favourably with published values obtained through the use of more expensive and specialised techniques
The practice of adult diversion by probation officers and public prosecutors: an exploratory study in a rural district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Adult diversion, grounded in restorative justice principles, is an alternative pre-trial intervention that seeks to redirect offenders from the formal justice system towards rehabilitative measures. Despite its potential in South Africa’s crime management horizon, adult diversion remains a grey area, characterised by under-explored processes and programmes. This study explored adult diversion processes and programmes by interviewing probation officers and public prosecutors in the UThukela District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. By using a qualitative exploratory-contextual approach, this study adopted a social constructivist paradigm to capture the lived experiences of the aforementioned key practitioners. The theories framing the study were structuration theory and restorative justice theory. The participants were seven probation officers and seven public prosecutors from UThukela district in South Africa. Data was collected through individual, semi-structured interviews with participants, and reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the results. Findings reveal that the perceived conceptualisation of adult diversion was essentialist and subjective, with it being described as a "second chance" for offenders, emphasising its rehabilitative and social reintegration stance. This view, however, varied across practitioners from both sample categories, highlighting disparities in the conceptualisation and application of the phenomenon. The perceived roles of participants seemed structured despite the absence of a standardising framework. Challenges identified include inconsistent application across different research sites, the lack of formal training, the rural context's constraints, limited resources, and varying perceptions among practitioners. The study also highlighted the influence of contextual factors such as socioeconomic disparities and cultural dynamics within rural areas like UThukela. It was also a key finding that while adult diversion has significant potential to alleviate pressures on the criminal justice system, its success hinges on effective stakeholder involvement, including victims, offenders, and community members. The study advocates for legislative reform to formalise adult diversion. Other key recommendations include developing accredited programmes,
standardised practices, formalised training and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders. This research enriches understanding of adult diversion as a multidimensional practice intersecting legal, social, and cultural spheres. By foregrounding the voices of frontline practitioners, it provides critical insights into operational realities and pathways for advancing restorative justice in South Africa
The effect of COVID-19 on the cytokine profile, placental function and morphology during pregnancy.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 affected the world globally with a particularly detrimental impact on the healthcare sector. It has now passed; however, the long-term consequences of the infection are yet to be fully elucidated. Inflammation, which is of great concern, has been linked to COVID-19 infections, commonly referred to as the ‘cytokine storm.’ This storm poses a significant risk to mothers and neonates due to its association with gestational complications, along with its role in predisposing infants to disorders. These alterations due to COVID-19, together with its hypoxic nature, have further resulted in concerns for proper placental functioning in these pregnancies, which are yet to be investigated in the Black South African cohort. Thus, for the first time, the present study focuses on the cytokine profile, placental function and morphology in South African pregnancies. These concerns prompted the evaluation of the cytokine profile in the plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) of women with these pregnancies, along with assessing the kisspeptin expression and morphology in the placentae from these pregnancies. An altered cytokine profile was identified, suggestive of hyperinflammation in the plasma and EVs from COVID- 19 pregnancies in the South African cohort. Further histopathological analysis revealed that the placentae from these pregnancies presented with severe signs of inflammation and malperfusion, which were considered to be linked to the altered kisspeptin expression we observed in these placentae, thereby suggesting altered placental functioning in COVID-19 pregnancies from the South African cohort.
It is clinically evident that pregnant women of South Africa, who already face challenges due to an increased risk of HIV and other gestational complications, were severely negatively impacted during this pandemic. These findings reveal an increased prevalence of complications like preeclampsia, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and stillbirth during pregnancy. In addition to a host of complications in foetal development, these alterations could predispose these neonates to anomalies. Importantly, this study has identified that the cytokine profile was altered in COVID-19 pregnancies. This alteration could possibly have had an impact on the kisspeptin signalling, which would then affect optimal placental functioning, thus suggesting a probable cause for the severe dysfunction observed in the placentae. In addition, this environment did not support ideal foetal development and growth.
Therefore, it is believed that the findings from this study warrant monitoring and evaluation of neonates from COVID-19 pregnancies, especially from mothers in the South African cohort, as anomalies or neurodevelopmental disorders can arise due to these alterations observed
Using water isotopes, geochemistry, and unmanned aerial vehicles to investigate the origin of the Shu-Shu thermal springs and their role in affecting surface water/groundwater heat and chemical exchange: uThukela River.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The Shu-Shu thermal springs are located in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, emerging underneath and at the margin of the uThukela River. This work aimed to determine the geothermal energy
potential of the Shu-Shu thermal springs, their origin, and their role in heat and chemical exchange with the uThukela River. The specific objectives of the investigation included determining the origin, the extent of discharge, the depth of circulation of the thermal springs, and assessing the impact the Shu-Shu thermal springs have on the surrounding surface water of the uThukela River. The Shu-Shu thermal springs were investigated using; isotopic, physiochemical, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) methods. Water samples were collected from the thermal springs, surrounding surface waters, and rainfalls across different altitudes during wet and dry seasons. The stable isotope (δ 18O, δ 2H) analysis confirms the meteoric origin of the thermal waters with a positive 18O shift. The Shu-Shu thermal springs are regionally sourced as they have a similar isotopic signature to the rainfall in the Drakensberg Mountains. A hydrochemistry analysis performed indicates that the Shu-Shu thermal springs are Na-Cl waters that are dominated by ions such as SO4 2- , Na+ , Cl- , Ca+, and SiO2. The major ions signify a rock-water interaction and the leaching of amphibolites, gneiss, and pyrite. From the numerous geothermometers used, only the Silica (quartz and chalcedony) geothermometers provide a reliable estimation (76-80 °C) of the reservoir temperature, and the estimated depth of 1.8-2 km. Mineral saturation states calculated from GWB 11 software indicate that thermal waters are supersaturated (SI>0) with respect to quartz, tridymite, chalcedony, cristobalite, and undersaturated (SI<0) with respect to amorphous silica, anhydrite, gypsum, bassanite, halite and many more. The thermal map produced from the UAV images shows that the Shu-Shu thermal springs discharge zone extends to an area of 3100 m2 along the faultline that strikes at N 63° E. The metamorphic rocks underlying the thermal springs have a low hydraulic conductivity, causing a low discharge rate. Based on the reservoir temperature estimations using geothermometry, it can be concluded that the Shu-Shu thermal springs have a low-enthalpy (temperature) energy potential. The origin of the springs is controlled by faults and fractures. The use of geophysics is recommended to further investigate the subsurface extent of the springs. The association of the springs with dykes/fractures indicates the need to investigate the geothermal energy potential associated with the other dense network of fractures and dykes in South Africa
Green roads and highways to protect biodiversity: monitoring the impacts of the N4 national highway (TRAC N4), South Africa, on wildlife.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Transport infrastructure, in this instance, roads and highways, is a critical element of sustainable human economic development and society by driving development and serving as the main mode of transport. In South Africa, road corridors are especially important in improving access from rural areas into areas of economic zones, which promotes development, job creation, and accessibility needs. In addition, road transport provides an enabling environment for freight movement and contributes ~74% of total land freight income in the sector in South Africa. However, when roads are not built following the bounds of sustainability, they may have negative impacts on both humans and the environment. Poorly planned transport infrastructure can have severe impacts on ecological connectivity and species survival. Roads can create barriers to wildlife movement, limiting terrestrial wildlife's ability to find essential ecological resources such as water, food, and mates. Road fragmented landscapes may accelerate incidents of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Whilst these incidents almost always result in wildlife mortality, they can also impact the overall health and functionality of ecosystems. Furthermore, they could risk human safety by causing injuries to road users. These impacts are particularly relevant in South Africa, which is home to iconic wildlife, with a wide array of habitats that harbour over 20,000 different species of flora and fauna, whilst still transitioning to a green economy. The present study expands on previous research by emphasising the urgent need for adopting road development projects that optimise social and economic benefits while safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems through the inclusion of ecological connectivity.
Firstly, the global use of camera trapping techniques as a research tool for monitoring crossing-structure use by wildlife in road fragmented landscapes was evaluated. Whilst the global trend in road ecology studies that deployed camera traps to evaluate crossing structure use has showed a geographical bias, it was clear that camera trap use to monitor wildlife crossing structures is still an emerging area of research. In addition, although the evaluation showed that the camera trap approach was successful in monitoring animals’ use of crossing structures, the study design, sampling, and surveying techniques deployed by each study varied considerably and were not standardised. This highlighted the need and significance of studies to maintain consistency in the protocol of monitoring crossing structure so that studies will be comparable in terms of use patterns. Secondly, green transport infrastructure has become an important element of sustainable development frameworks. Maintaining ecological connectivity between road-fragmented natural landscapes plays a significant role in conserving wildlife populations. The present study has comprehensively assessed the relevance of South Africa’s national policies on sustainable road transport development in maximising the ecological functionality of road networks through promoting the inclusion of ecological connectivity. This thesis further proposed a synthesised analytical framework for promoting transport infrastructure sustainability that presents a usercentric integrated model and establishes road project planning and design that optimise social and economic benefits while minimising negative ecological impacts through strategic collaborations. Thirdly, this study has explored wildlife roadkill patterns and animal movement on a national highway that bisects landscapes of grasslands, freshwater ecosystems and wetlands, which are suitable homes for a variety of species. This doctoral study further researched the usefulness of road specialised structures (bridges, culverts, viaducts and tunnels) in helping animals to move across the TRAC N4 Toll Route, so we can reduce roadkill incidents and improve landscape ecological functionality. This will assist in promoting the consideration and inclusion of ecological connectivity and biodiversity needs in road transport development sustainability frameworks in South Africa
The role of public participation in the integrated development plan: a case study of Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Public participation is a fundamental pillar of governance for all democratic states worldwide. In South Africa, the government has passed several statutes that ensure and guarantee public participation in local government affairs. These statutes include, amongst others, the Municipal Structures Act (MSA) of 1998, the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) of 2000 and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) of 2003. Various sections of MFMA accentuate the need for the provision of clear information and public consultations on matters of municipal finances. Public participation is important in the local government sector as it promotes good governance and a responsive local government. This current study explored the role of public participation in the integrated development planning of the Mandeni Local Municipality. The study found that public participation is key in transforming and democratising local government. Though the laws of South Africa provide for public participation in local government, more should be done to encourage members of the public to be involved. This study results from qualitative data collected in the Mandeni Local Municipality through participant interviews (15) and focus group discussions. Participants were drawn from councillors, izinduna, ward committee members, community members, community development workers, traditional council representatives, business forum representatives and representatives for disabled people. Face- to-face interviews were organised and done by the researcher
Quantifying the hydrological benefits of investing in ecological infrastructure through the use of ecological and hydrological models.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Ecosystems are vital for the survival of all life on earth. Healthy ecosystems in turn provide invaluable goods and services that contribute to sustainable growth. Therefore, in order to produce and deliver goods and services at an optimum, ecosystems need to be managed, maintained and protected to remain within functioning capacity. There are many stresses that impact ecosystems functioning, examples of these include, growing population, climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) changes. These stressors alter ecological infrastructure (EI), which is the base from which ecosystem services (ES) are derived. EI is the natural equivalent of built infrastructure, e.g. dams, and provides beneficial services to society.
Previously, attention had been centred on supply-sided interventions which focused mainly on built infrastructure investments. Despite their importance, the focus needs to shift to integrate investments between both built infrastructure and EI, this owes to built-infrastructure sites becoming scarce, and the majority of water resources already being allocated. The benefits of EI investments are generally not easily or explicitly demonstrated therefore there remains a reluctance to adopt EI investment approaches.
To inform investment decisions pertaining to water resources management, tools such as ecological and hydrological models can be used. Thus, the aim of the study was to demonstrate how both ecological and hydrological can be used in tandem with each other to result in making more well-informed water resources management decisions. The novelty of the research was thus twofold: (1) demonstrating how LULC changes impact EI functionality in producing and delivering HES, (2) identifying how both ecological and hydrological models can be applied synergistically to reveal the full potential benefits of investments in EI.
The study was conducted across the uMkhomazi catchment with a focus on the proposed Smithfield. A major concern within the catchment is the high degree of soil erosion which could potentially impact the functionality of the dam. Based on the dominant LULC within the catchment, i.e., grasslands, the targeted land management intervention selected was grassland restoration of degraded surfaces, with the protection/management of grasslands currently in good health. Grasslands provide a wide array of ecosystem benefits but are often disregarded in value therefore, it was assumed that changes to this LULC would result in significant impacts on HES