21623 research outputs found
Sort by
Leadership disposition in African conflict areas and women inclusion in post-conflict resolution and peacebuilding: a comparative study of Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Liberia.
No full textPersistent conflicts across Africa highlight the importance of effective leadership and inclusivity in peacebuilding efforts. This comparative study examines leadership disposition and women's inclusion in post-conflict resolution within four African nations: Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Liberia. The paper draws on a comprehensive analysis of historical trends, gendered power dynamics, and the influence of prevailing masculinities on conflict and leadership. It investigates challenges and opportunities faced by women in mediation, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction processes. By shedding light on commonalities and nuances across these diverse settings, the study explores the barriers that hinder women's full participation and identifies the factors that empower women to become agents of positive change. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, advocates, and community leaders seeking to strengthen inclusive leadership models and leverage women's unique contributions to fostering sustainable peace and stability in conflict-affected regions throughout Africa
Anti-HIV and Immunomodulatory properties of the fractionated crude extracts isolated from Alternaria alternate.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Abstract available in PDF
An evaluation of present and potential inland fisheries in dams and rivers in the uThukela and uMngeni Catchments, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Globally, freshwater systems and their biodiversity and ecosystem services are threatened. Freshwater fisheries in South Africa are understudied despite their economic importance to fishers, especially subsistence fishers. Little is known about the potential for rivers and impoundments to support subsistent fisheries and the resilience of native fish species impacted by invasive alien fish species. The main aim of this study was to address the lack of knowledge about economically and biologically important indigenous fish species that support inland fisheries in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The composition and contribution of native and invasive fish species and their offtake by fishers were assessed. Fishers across the uThukela and uMngeni catchments were interviewed using in-person questionnaires. In addition, assessment of fish communities and population structures in Midmar Dam and Henley Dam, two selected dams on the uMngeni River, coupled with questionnaire data, were used to determine the offtake trends by fishers (subsistence and recreational). These will contribute to a potential subsistence fisheries management plan for these dams based on the findings to guide the development of the provincial and national inland fisheries plan. Firstly, in a systematic review, the present and potential inland fisheries in dams and rivers across Africa to guide inland fisheries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were assessed. The results showed diverse inland fisheries types with distinct characteristics and shared challenges. National and regional importance of African inland fisheries was found, but there was a lack of understanding of the definitions and boundaries between the categories of inland fisheries. Subsistence fisheries, focusing on local food provision through traditional methods, face threats like overfishing. Recreational fisheries, contributing to food, income, and recreation, require effective conservation in developing nations. Small-scale fisheries showcase resilience and successful conservation, emphasising adaptive management. Commercial fisheries involving professional fish exploitation encounter challenges, especially in regions like South Africa, demanding sophisticated approaches for long-term viability. Across Africa, common challenges such as overfishing and habitat destruction persist. In KwaZulu-Natal, a significant research gap exists, impacting sustainability. Addressing issues like monitoring systems, invasive species, and species knowledge is crucial for sustainable fisheries management in the region. Secondly, to address the paucity of knowledge of economically beneficial fish species and their offtake based on the perceptions of fishers present in selected sections of the uMngeni and uThukela catchments, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a questionnaire interview method was used to obtain fishers' responses during 2021-2023. Findings from this study revealed difficulties in categorising fishers because of present inland water policies similar to the “fuzzy boundary” concept for inland fisheries globally, with some individuals identifying as recreational because of nondisclosure fears. Fishers’ knowledge illustrated the ecological imbalances between native (Labeobarbus natalensis) and invasive (Cyprinus carpio, Micropterus spp.) species, as well as the economic importance of fish based on market valuations, with C. carpio having a greater market value. Additionally, the results showed that subsistence fishers preferred river fishing compared with recreational fishers that targeted impoundments. Importantly, a considerable percentage of subsistence fishers ate fish mostly once a week or once a month. These results highlighted the importance of holistic management of water regulations, fish ecology, and economics to promote sustainable inland fisheries. Thirdly, an ecological assessment of fish communities in Midmar Dam and Henley Dam during the winter and summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 was conducted. Diverse fishing methods were used to capture a broad spectrum of fish species. Additionally, questionnaires were administered in selected areas of KwaZulu-Natal to gather complementary data on fish species in inland fisheries. A total of six fish species (three native species and three invasive species) were found in the two impoundments. Midmar Dam had significantly higher total fish catch than Henley Dam, highlighting the role of environmental factors such as dam size, depth, and temperature in shaping fish populations and influencing overall productivity. The KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish (L. natalensis) was significant to local inland fisheries, while invasive fish species posed challenges to maintaining the native fish species. These results emphasised that incorporating fish catch data into decision-making processes is crucial for making informed, science-based choices that ensure the long-term viability of fish populations and promote the overall health of freshwater ecosystems. In conclusion, the findings underscore the necessity for tailored fisheries management strategies that consider the unique environmental characteristics of each dam and the structures of fish populations. By integrating water quality data, catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) results, and insights from fishers, decision-makers can formulate science-based approaches to preserve fish populations, support local livelihoods, and safeguard vulnerable communities dependent on subsistence fishing. Ultimately, successful conservation and sustainable management of fish populations hinge on informed decision-making prioritising ecosystem health and resilience across
KwaZulu-Natal's freshwater habitats
An analysis of the perceptions of the implementers and beneficiaries of the child grants programme. A case study of selected regions in Lesotho.
No full textDoctoral Degrees. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study investigates the implementation of the Child Grants Programme (CGP) which is a social assistance programme implemented by the government of Lesotho to meet the needs of vulnerable children. Implementation theory forms the basis for understanding how this programme is delivered. The approaches and models of implementation have been considered to assess the potential for programme success and the associated challenges. Policy implementation involves various actors, and in the case of the CGP, networks and partnerships have been formed with private companies. Policy networks and partnerships are commended for their efficiency and effectiveness.
The success of the policy depends on several factors that the implementers need to take cognisance of. These factors hamper or affect the implementation of the CGP. The delivery or payment modes are a vital component of any grant transfer programme. This concerns the manner in which the beneficiaries access the grant, the cost of access and appropriateness of the payment mode. Other issues include security, reliability and the potential or ability of the payment mode to allow the beneficiaries the opportunity to use the modern financial systems.
Social protection is defined and articulated to acknowledge its significance as a basic human right enshrined in various international, regional and domestic legal and policy frameworks. It serves various purposes which are generally concerned with uplifting the poor and vulnerable to restore their dignity, address issues of social inequality and injustice as well as economic exclusion.
The CGP systems and processes of implementation are explored to provide an understanding in terms of how the programme is delivered. Systems and processes include issues of targeting; eligibility and enrolment as well as the delivery or payment modes, and the implementation networks and partnerships. Targeting is an important aspect of most social assistance programmes especially in poor countries. The CGP uses a means testing criteria through the national household database called NISSA. Several suggestions for targeting and enrolment emerge in this study. Qualitative research methodology was used to conduct this study; in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents, the various programme implementers, government and non-government officials and the beneficiaries.
The programme is appreciated by the beneficiaries; however, criticisms are inevitable. The unpredictability and irregularity of the payment dates and the low value of the grant diminish the goals of this programme. The implementers commend the partnerships formed, however, there are challenges. The overall impression from the results of this study suggests that this programme still need a lot of improvement in different areas to increase its credibility as well as ensuring sustainability
Navigating racialised identity as a Black female educator within the educational journey: an autoethnographic study.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This autoethnographic research study aimed to explore the experiences of a Black female educator navigate racialised identity within the educational journey from pre-primary to high school, and university. This study is based on my experiences of attending predominantly white schools in Durban North during the early post-apartheid period. I am currently teaching in a township school in Ntuzuma, Durban. The study describes how my schooling experiences and historical background have influenced my teaching style. In this study, a gap is filled in the literature because few studies discuss post-apartheid experiences of Black females who attended primarily white schools. The Intersectionality theory underpin this study. The research questions were addressed using a qualitative approach and auto-ethnography, where the
researcher is also a participant in the research. By using this methodology, the researcher was able to explore lived experiences through a variety of methods, such as memory work, photographs, artefacts, collages, critical friends, and reflective journals. This study found that parental involvement, sibling support, culture, and socioeconomic position were all factors that affected the ability to navigate predominantly White schools. The experiences shared showed that much of my Blackness was diluted, particularly issues with native tongue, which proved problematic during teaching practice. Unlike the literature, schooling experiences were challenging rather than traumatising. It was determined that due to attending predominantly white educational institutions, much needs to be unlearned about identity. This motivates the researcher to become an effective educator
The transparency of carbon emissions disclosure within the South African public sector.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The study addressed how the South African public sector discloses its carbon emissions and determines whether the disclosures were transparent. It also determined applicable legislation, regulations and frameworks that govern carbon emission within the South African public sector. Reporting on environmental, social and governance (ESG) of (carbon emissions is part of ESG) is a new concept for both the private and public sectors and is mostly regarded as secondary to traditional financial reporting. Reporting on ESG is currently not a mandatory requirement. Thus, when some entities attempt to report on it, it is not afforded adequate attention by both preparers and those who provide assurance on these reports. Legislation, regulations, and codes like the King IV and other forms of frameworks exist to guide the governance carbon emission disclosure. The disclosure requirements required by the department responsible for monitoring carbon emission are basic and regarded as level 1 as per the international standards. This legislative requirement resulted in departments, metros and entities adopting integrated reporting as their reporting framework despite its preclusion of the departments. Furthermore, the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) concentrates on traditional financial reporting and neglects ESG reporting. The ASB recently issued an exposure draft on sustainability for comments and discussion. The exposure draft still has to undergo a lengthy consultation process; thus, it will not be used until, at least the 2026/27 financial year. A quantitative research methodology was applied in this study. The study sampled 21 public sector metros, departments, and entities and assessed their carbon emission disclosure. The disclosure was contained in the integrated/annual reports prepared by the selected metros, departments, and entities.
There were pockets of excellence when these were assessed on individual level, like Eskom and City of Cape Town followed by the aviation industry entities like South African Airways and SA Express. City of Cape Town and Eskom can be used as examples of how carbon emissions disclosure can be transparent. The overall quality of the South African public sector carbon emission disclosure in the respective financial reports was gauged against adopted transparency indexes and covered the following areas: assurance of reports, density of reports, management orientation, reporting strategy, integration of carbon emissions reporting, readability, attributes, and repetition within the reports. The overall carbon emission disclosures by public sector entities, departments, and metros were found to be below par. Therefore, both null hypotheses of this study are not supported as the disclosures of carbon emissions in the South African public sector are not transparent. The South African public sector lags behind the country`s private sector, and this has a potential of having a negative impact on future funding needed by the public sector. International and local banks
have moved to green funding. Either funding will come at higher costs, or it will be difficult to source for the South African public sector. This might also affect the private sector as well, as the international funders will review the entire country and not just pockets of excellence here and there. South African exports might be penalised by trading the country`s partners in Europe because of carbon tax issues, as the country`s carbon disclosures are deemed to be not transparent
The perceived impact of green microfinance on the sustainability of small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises in Ghana.
No full textDoctoral Degree, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The study aimed to analyse the perceived impact of green microfinance on the sustainability of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Sunyani and Techiman municipalities in Ghana. The elements of green microfinance used in this study were green credit, micro-savings, microinsurance, and green education. The study was conducted among MSME clients of rural and community banks and credit unions. The study focused on a target population of 5303 MSMEs. The study’s sample size was 358 MSMEs, comprising 71 in the agriculture sector, 189 in the service sector, 79 in the manufacturing sector, 13 in construction, and 6 in other sectors. The research employed a quantitative research method to match the study’s objectives with its guiding philosophy. Data was collected in person from 358 respondents who were chosen from the MSMEs in the Sunyani and Techiman Municipalities of Ghana using a stratified systematic sampling technique. The proposed research hypotheses were analysed using Smart PLS-SEM. The results revealed a positive and significant relationship between green credit, green education, micro-savings, and environmental performance. The study also demonstrated that green education, micro-savings, and microinsurance have a positive and significant influence on financial performance. Moreover, the study found that green credit and education have a positive and significant relationship with innovativeness. Nevertheless, the analysis revealed no discernible correlation between green credit and financial and social performance, nor between green education and social performance. The study makes a substantial contribution to the existing body of empirical literature on green microfinance. It would also assist the government, Bank of Ghana, microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other policymakers in developing effective policies and strategies to address environmental issues arising from MSMEs. Thus, the study recommends that MFIs and stakeholder institutions improve environmental awareness in their services. The government should create a dedicated green fund that MFIs could access at a favourable interest rate to lend to entrepreneurs for green activities. It is also recommended that the Bank of Ghana revises its Environmental and Social Risk Management policy framework for green financing to give considerable attention to microfinance institutions
Reconceptualising academics’ experiences of using digitalised learning environments to teach agricultural sciences at a South African University.
No full textIn the ever-changing landscape of higher education, the acceptance, use, and integration of digitalised learning environments have become a crucial transformation, giving another shape to knowledge dissemination. South Africa, as with any other country in the global community, has a complex higher education system coupled with diverse digital practices and experiences that are informed by the divided institutional contexts. This thesis presents a pragmatic study conducted to explore academics’ experiences of using digital learning environments to teach agricultural sciences modules at a South African historically disadvantaged university. As a result, data were generated qualitatively from fourteen academics through reflective activity, document analysis, one-on-one-semi-structured interviews, and focus-group discussions; and quantitatively from lesson observations for triangulation purposes. Non-probability sampling methods including purposive and convenience samplings were employed in selecting academics from three agricultural departments of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture. Thematic analysis and SPSS descriptive statistics were used to produce themes and frequencies, respectively. The three key research questions that were formulated for this study include: What are academics’ experiences on the use of digital learning environments to teach agricultural sciences modules at a historically disadvantaged comprehensive university? (descriptive question); How can academics’ experiences enhance the use of digital learning environments to teach agricultural sciences modules at a historically disadvantaged comprehensive university? (operational question); and Why do academics experience the use of digital learning environments to teach agricultural sciences modules at a historically disadvantaged comprehensive university in particular ways? (philosophical question). Through the UTAUT-2 model, the findings of the study revealed that while academics recognised the potential of using prescriptive digital platforms, they encountered challenges in aligning technology with the contextual needs of academics. Thus, academics customised their teaching experiences by also using casual and informal platforms to address the practical nature of agricultural science modules. The study introduced four key propositions aligned with themes that emerged: reconceptualising effectiveness and quality assurance, enhanced support, adaptive active learning, and cultural sensitivity. Based on these propositions, the study proposes a modified framework, Contextually Adaptive Tech-Enhanced Pedagogy (CATEP) framework which emphasises the integration of culturally inclusive and discipline-specific digital pedagogy. This theory provides a comprehensive framework to empower academics in using digital learning environments effectively while acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities presented in agriculture teaching as a practical discipline. The study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on contextually responsive digital teaching in historically disadvantaged HEIs, and facilitating transformative and inclusive teaching experiences for academics in agricultural sciences
Evaluating the financial health of the listed food retail companies in the SADC region.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study investigates the financial health of listed food retail companies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, focusing on the impact of macroeconomic, industry-specific, and microeconomic factors. A knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of macroeconomic factors such as gross domestic product, consumer price index, interest rates, and exchange rates; industry-specific factors like firm size, age, competitiveness, human capital, marketing strategy, governance, and social responsibility; and microeconomic aspects like quick ratio, return on assets, current ratio, leverage, total asset turnover ratio, and stock turnover. The study aims to evaluate these factors and propose a conceptual framework for financial health. The data were sourced from the McGregor BFA Library online database. Four holding companies collectively owned 4 590 outlets across the region. However, due to annual reports being conducted at the holding company level, the study obtained 116 observations, representing four firms over a span of 29 years from 1994 to 2022. Statistical methods employed include descriptive analysis and econometric techniques such as Fixed and Random Effects, Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSEs), and Fixed Generalized Least Squares (FGLS). The study's findings, grounded in its hypotheses, indicated that macroeconomic variables, including exchange rates and gross domestic product, are strongly positively correlated with financial health. Among internal factors, quick ratio and return on assets positively influence financial health, whereas leverage and current ratio negatively affect it. For industry-specific factors, company age positively correlates with financial health, while governance shows a negative relationship. The study recommends a new conceptual framework emphasizing the integration of macroeconomic, internal, and industry-specific factors into financial health evaluations. It contributes originality by uniquely addressing financial health determinants in SADC and leveraging advanced econometric techniques to explore these relationships. Furthermore, it establishes that theories such as open systems theory, financial analysis, value-chain theory, and agency theory are instrumental in understanding and improving financial health in the region. This research serves as a strategic tool for retail companies, offering insights for developing financial health policies aligned with regional economic growth objectives and the SADC strategic development plan
Exploring students’ attitudes towards the use of code-switching in tutorials at the University of KwaZulu-Natal: a qualitative study of students in the discipline of Psychology.
No full textThe present study explores students’ attitudes towards the use of code-switching (CS) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). It analyses factors influencing positive or negative attitudes towards CS, in particular linguistic background and educational upbringing. In understanding these students’ attitudes the study utilised Gumperz's sociolinguistic approach and Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory as a theoretical lens. Carried out in the discipline of Psychology at UKZN and with a focus on first-year tutorials, the study used a mixed- methods but primarily qualitative design to address the research questions.
The analysis of the survey questionnaire revealed that the majority of UKZN students in the sample had positive attitudes towards the use of CS in tutorials, which was influenced by various factors. The three major reasons for a positive approach to CS were: 1) CS allows students to express themselves easily and comfortably, 2) it helps them to comprehend and process information better and, 3) it creates an inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, in the focus group interviews, most of the participants expressed positive attitudes towards the use of CS, highlighting the factors mentioned above as the influence on their positive attitudes. Focus group interviews also revealed that linguistic background and upbringing play a vital role in influencing positive or negative attitudes towards CS, with most participants coming from multilingual and multicultural environments holding positive attitudes towards CS. By understanding the factors that influence students' attitudes towards CS, this study contributes to the field of sociolinguistics by highlighting the complex interplay between language, culture, and identity in educational settings