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Multiple oxidation events increase signal specificity in the Tpx1-Pap1 pathway for hydrogen peroxide.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Oxidative stress can be split into two states: eustress is associated with beneficial physiological states and cell proliferation, and distress correlates with deleterious states, neurological disease, diabetes and disease. Many redox pathways in these physiological states across cellular life require multiple oxidation events for full activation. OxyR in E. coli needs four events, Nrf2-Keap1 in mammals requires three, Yap1 in baker’s yeast needs three to four and Pap1 in S. pombe requires two oxidation events. This study investigated the purpose of the multiple oxidation events in hydrogen peroxide signal transduction in redox pathways. To achieve this, we developed and analysed a single and double oxidation computational Pap1-Tpx1-Trr1 model to compare how they respond to different hydrogen peroxide concentrations. We also utilised in vitro recombinant proteins, Tpx1 and Pap1, to assemble the Tpx1-Pap1 system and assessed the signal output at different hydrogen peroxide concentrations. The computational analysis showed that adding an oxidative step increases the system’s capability to attenuate the signal at low hydrogen peroxide concentrations and amplify it at high concentrations. The in vitro system showed that a simplified Tpx1-Pap1 system can differentiate between different hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Multiple oxidation steps impart high pass filtering properties on the system, allowing systems to better differentiate between low and high signal inputs
Genetic enhancement of pearl millet (pennisetum glucum (L.) R. Br.) for resistance to striga bermonthica (Del.) benth and compatibility to fusarium oxysporum F. sp. strigae in Burkina Faso.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br. 2n = 2x = 14) is one of the most important cereal crops cultivated in the semi-arid tropics of sub-Saharan Africa and India, serving millions of households, and local and regional markets. It is a staple food crop in Burkina Faso, widely grown in the Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian zones, characterised by poor soil conditions and erratic rainfall, and high temperatures. However, the potential production and productivity of pearl millet in Africa, including Burkina Faso, is constrained by the parasitic weed [Striga hermonthica (Del.) Bentham], bird damage, downy mildew, head miner, and low-yielding landraces. Developing S. hermonthica-resistant pearl millet varieties adapted to semi-arid regions with the desirable farmer and market-preferred traits would enhance yield gains and sustainable production. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to improve pearl millet production and productivity in Burkina Faso by developing pearl millet varieties with Striga-resistance, compatibility with a biocontrol agent, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Strigae (FOS) and adapted to local agroecologies. The specific objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate the constraints affecting pearl millet production and farmers’ approaches to S. hermonthica management in Burkina Faso to guide breeding and production, (ii) screen pearl millet genotypes for resistance to S. hermonthica and compatibility with a biocontrol agent, FOS, in the Sahel to select contrasting and promising parents for resistance breeding and production, (iii) determine the genome-wide association analyses of agronomic traits and S. hermonthica resistance in pearl millet to identify genetic markers for marker-assisted breeding and trait introgression, (iv) determine the generation mean analysis of S. hermonthica resistance in pearl millet to guide selection, genetic advancement and variety development, and (v) determine the combining ability effects and the response of pearl millet genotypes for agronomic traits and S. hermonthica resistance for selecting superior parents and hybrids.
The first study employed a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and was conducted in the Sahel and Sudano-Sahelian zones of Burkina Faso, involving 492 farmers to document farmers’ perceptions of the prevailing constraints affecting pearl millet production and related approaches to manage S. hermonthica. Recurrent drought, S. hermonthica infestation, shortage of labour, lack of fertilisers, lack of cash, and the use of low-yielding varieties were the main challenges hindering pearl millet production and productivity in the study areas. The study revealed a high population growth rate in rural areas, with 40% of respondents reporting families of up to 20 individuals per household. The majority of the respondents (40%) ranked S. hermonthica infestation as the primary constraint affecting pearl millet production, with yield losses of up to 80%. About 61.4% of the respondents in the study areas had achieved mean pearl millet yields of < 1.00 ton ha-1. Poor access, the high cost of improved seed, and a lack of farmers’ preferred traits in the existing improved pearl millet varieties were the main reasons for their low adoption, as 32% of respondents reported. S. hermonthica management options in pearl millet production fields included moisture conservation using terraces, manual hoeing, hand weeding, use of micro-plots locally referred to as ‘zaï’, crop rotation and mulching. These management techniques were ineffective because they do not suppress the below-ground S. hermonthica seed and are difficult to implement. Integrated management practices employing breeding for S. hermonthica-resistant varieties with the aforementioned control measures could offer a sustainable solution for Striga management and improved pearl millet productivity in Burkina Faso.
The second study evaluated 150 pearl millet genotypes in S. hermonthica hotspot fields in rain-fed and greenhouse conditions using a 10 × 15 alpha lattice design in two replications in Burkina Faso. Significant differences were recorded among the tested pearl millet genotypes for the assessed agro-morphological and Striga resistance traits. Days to flowering were significantly delayed due to S. hermonthica infestation. Applying FOS on pearl millet seed significantly reduced the mean emerged Striga number in S. hermonthica-infested conditions. IP-3098, IP-6112, IP-9242, IP-10579, and IP-11358 were identified exhibiting S. hermonthica resistance and were compatible to FOS. The pearl millet genotypes supported few to none S. hermonthica emerged plants and had relatively low values under the Area under Striga Number Progress Curve (ASNPC). The selected genotypes are useful parents for breeding and integrated Striga management in Burkina Faso and related agro-ecologies.
In the third chapter, 150 pearl millet genotypes were assayed in genome-wide association analyses study for agronomic and S. hermonthica resistance traits to identify genetic markers for marker-assisted breeding and trait introgression. 256 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used in the study. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were detected among the assessed pearl millet genotypes for S. hermonthica parameters and agronomic traits. Further, there were significant genotype by S. hermonthica interaction for the number of S. hermonthica and ASNPC. Twenty-eight SNPs were significantly associated with a low number of emerged S. hermonthica located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Four SNPs were associated with days-to-50%-flowering on chromosomes 3, 5, 6, and 7, while five were associated with panicle length on chromosomes 2, 3, and 4. Seven SNPs were linked to thousand-grain weight on chromosomes 2, 3, and 6. The putative SNP markers associated with a low number of emerged S. hermonthica and agronomic traits in the assessed genotypes are valuable genomic resources for accelerated breeding and variety deployment of pearl millet with Striga resistance and farmer-and market-preferred agronomic traits.
The fourth study determined the gene action and inheritance of S. hermonthica resistance in newly developed pearl millet populations to guide selection and genetic advancement. Bi-parental crosses were derived from contrasting pairs of Striga-resistant/Striga-susceptible of pearl millet lines. Two sets of parental lines and their subsequent F1s, F2s, and backcross generations were evaluated under greenhouse and S. hermonthica infested field conditions using a randomised complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance showed significant (P < 0.001) differences among the generations across sets for Striga parameters. Striga resistance is quantitatively inherited and governed by multiple genes. Duplicate gene action controlled the inheritance of the number of emerged S. hermonthica. Unique F2 individuals with S. hermonthica resistance were selected from the two sets for genetic advancement through recurrent selection method for pearl millet variety development by integrating desirable agronomic and farmer-preferred traits.
The last study assessed the combining ability effects of pearl millet genotypes for S. hermonthica resistance and agronomic traits. The analysis of variance for combining ability effects showed significant (P < 0.01) differences among parents for days to flowering, panicle diameter, and grain yield. The difference between lines and testers were significant (P < 0.001) for panicle length and the number of emerged Striga. The genotype IP-11358 had high and positive general combining ability (GCA) effects (158.99) for grain yield. Negative GCA effects of -6.99, -6.40, and -134.08 were recorded for Striga count 60 days after planting, Striga count 80 days after planting, and ASNPC in that order for genotype IP-11358 in the greenhouse under S. hermonthica conditions. The hybrid IP-11358 × ICMB177111 displayed a higher specific combining ability (SCA) effect and standard heterosis for grain yield. The selected pearl millet genotypes are suitable for breeding high-yielding and Striga-resistant open-pollinated and hybrid varieties for Striga-prone areas in Burkina Faso and related agro-ecologies of sub-Saharan Africa.
Overall, the study identified S. hermonthica as the most critical pearl millet production constraint in Burkina Faso. Also, the study highlighted significant genetic diversity among 150 genotypes for S. hermonthica resistance when assessed using economic traits and SNP markers under Striga hotspot areas. Best-performing genotypes such as IP-3098, IP-6112, IP-9242, IP-10579 and IP-11358 were selected as suitable parents for S. hermonthica resistance breeding. The family IP-11358 × ICMB177111 was identified as having high-yielding and Striga-resistance. The selected genotypes are recommended for production and as donor parents for new population improvement in pearl millet Striga resistance breeding.
Iqoqa
Amabele, iPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br. 2n = 2x = 14) angolunye lohlobo lwamabele osanhlamvana atshalwa ezindaweni ezisalugwadule ezisemazansi ne-Afrika kanye nase-India, asetshenziswa izinkulungwane ngezinkulungwane zemindeni kanye nosomabhizinisi abaningi basezifundeni nezifundazwe ezahlukene. Amabele lawa yikhona kudla okujwayelekile okudliwayo eBurkina Faso, atshalwa kakhulu ezindaweni zaseSahelian naseSudano-Sahelian, ezaziwa ngokuba nomhlabathi ongemuhle kahle nezimvula ezingani njalo kanye nokushisa okukhulu. Nokho, ukutshalwa kwamabele, ipearl millet e-Afrika, kufaka neBurkina Faso, kuthikanyezwa ukhula oluyimpilangokunye iStriga hermonthica (Del.) [iBentham], nezinyoni ezilimaza amabele, amaqhuqhuva amila emacembeni, imiswenya, nokungajwayeli kahle indawo. Ukutshalwa kwamabele epearl millett akwazi ukubekezela, iS. Hermonthica, nasezindaweni ezisagwadule, kuye ngezimfuno zomlimi nabamabhizinisi, kungathuthukisa isivuno esihle nokugcineka okuhle kwemikhiqizo. Ngakho-ke, inhlosongqangi yalolu cwaningo bekuwukuthuthukisa ukukhiqizwa kwamabele, ipearl millet eBurkina Faso ngokukhiqiza izinhlobo ezahlukene zepearl millet ezikwazi ukubekezela ngokweStriga, zivumelane nokusetshenziswa kwezivikeli iFusarium oxysporum f.sp. Strigae (FOS) futhi ziphile ngaphansi kwesimo sezulu sendawo. Inhloso yocwaningo bekuyilena: (i) ukucubungula izinkinga ngokukhiqizwa kwamabele, ipearl millet kanye nezindlela ezisetshenziswa ngabalimi ukulawula iS. Hermonthica eBurkina Faso ukunikeza umhlahlandlela ngokutshalwa nokukhuliswa, (ii) ukucubungula izinhlobo zepearl millet nokubekezela kweS. hermonthica kanye nokuvumelana namakhemikhali, i-FOS, ekukhethweni kwemikhiqizo ekwazi ukubekezelela izimo ezahlukene, (iii) ukubheka ufuzo olujwayelekile kanye nokubekezelela izimo kwepearl millet yeS. hermonthica ukubheka izinto ezijwayelekile ekukhiqizweni nokukhula kwamabele, (iv) ukuhlonza izindlela zokukhiqiza nokukwazi ukubhekana nezimo kwepearl millet, iS. Hermonthica ukuze kube nomhlahlandlela wokukhetha, ukuthuthuka okujwayelekile kanye nokuthuthuka, futhi (v) ukubheka ukuhlangana kwamandla nokwamukela ukwakheka kofuzo lwepearl millet nokubekezela kweS. hermonthica ukukhetha indawo enamandla nohlobo oluqhamuka kokungafani.
Ucwaningo lokuqala lwalusebenzisa indlela egxile kumbambiqhaza wasemakhaya, iparticipatory rural appraisal (PRA) ezindaweni zaseSahel naseSudano-Sahelian eBurkina Faso, kuhlanganisa abalimi abangama-492 ukuthola izimvo zabo mayelana nezinkinga eziqhubekayo ezimayelana nokukhiqizwa kwepearl millet nezindlela zokulawulwa neS. hermonthica. Ukuphindaphinda kwezikhawu zesomiso, ukuhlasela kweS. hermonthica, ukuntuleka kwezisebenzi, kukamanyolo, kwemali, nokusetshenziswa kwezinhlobo ezingekho ezingeni, yikhona okuba nomthelela ongemuhle ekukhiqizweni kwepearl millet kulolu cwaningo. Lolu cwaningo luveze ukwenyuka kwesibalo sabantu ezindaweni zasemakhaya, amaphesenti angama-40 ababambiqhaza bocwaningo baveza ukuthi umuzi ngamunye cishe unamalungu angama-20 ekhaya elilodwa. Iningi lababambiqhaza (40%) liveze ukuthi ukuhlasela kweS. hermonthica kuyimbangela enkulu ebhekene nokukhiqizwa kwepearl millet, okwenza kube nokulahleka kwenzuzo ngamaphesenti angama-80. Cishe amaphesenti angama-61.4 ababambiqhaza bocwaningo avune isivuno esincane sepearl millet esiyi < 1.00 ton ha-1. Ukutholakali kalula, ukubiza kakhulu kwembewu ethuthukisiwe, kanye nokungabi nolwazi olwanele lwabalimi ngokufunakalayo mayelana nezinhlobo ezithuthukisiwe zepearl millet ngezinye zezizathu ezinqala ezenza kungabi lula ukujwayela, njengoba kubike ababambiqhaza abangamaphesenti angama-32. Ezinye zezindlela zokulawula iS. hermonthica emasimini epearl millet kufaka ukugcinwa komswakama kusetshenziswa indlela yokwenza amasimu angahlali, ukulima ngezandla, ukuhlakula ngezandla, ukusebenzisa amaploti amancane, abizwa ngokuthi i‘zaï’, ukushintshashintsha izitshalo nokwemboza izitshalo zingashiswa yilanga. Lezi zindlela azikwazanga ukuza nemiphumela emihle ngoba zazingakwazi ukulwa nembewu yeS. hermonthica ngaphansi komhlabathi kanti futhi kwakuwumsebenzi ukuzenza. Indlela eyinhlanganisela yokulawula ukuzaleka kwezinhlobo ezahlukene zokubhekana neS. Hermonthica kanye nezindlela ezibalulwe ngenhla kungaletha isisombululo esingasebenza isikhathi eside ekulawulweni kweStriga nasekukhiqizweni kwepearl millet eBurkina Faso.
Ucwaningo lwesibili luhlaziye izinhlobo eziyi-150 zepearl millet emasimini ehlaselwe kakhulu yiS. hermonthica esimweni sezimvula kanye nobuluhlaza kusetshenziswa indlela yokukala, i-alpha lattice design, wesikalo esiyi-10 × 15 kabili ngokufanayo eBurkina Faso. Kwatholakala umahluko omkhulu kakhulu ezinhlotsheni zepearl millet kulezo ezahlolwa ukubumbeka kokubekezela kweStriga. Izinsuku zokuqhakaza kwezimbali kwabambezeleka kakhulu ngenxa yokuhlasela kweS. hermonthica. Ukusebenzisa i-FOS embewini yepearl millet kwehlisa ngamandla amakhulu ukuvela kweStriga ezimbewini ezine-S. hermonthica. I-IP-3098, i-IP-6112, i-IP-9242, i-IP-10579, ne-IP-11358 kwabonakala kulwa neS. hermonthica futhi kuhambisana ne-FOS. Izinhlobo zepearl millet zakwazi ukubhekelela izitshalo ezimbalwa ezingenayo iS. hermonthica kanti akubanga nasizo olutheni ezindaweni ezineStriga Number Progress Curve (ASNPC). Izinhlobo ezikhethiwe zinikeza indawo enhle yokukhiqiza futhi indlela ehlangene yokulawula iStriga ingaba usizo eBurkina Faso kwezolimo.
Esahlukweni sisithathu, izinhlobo eziyi-150 zepearl millet zahlolwa izinga lazo ocwaningweni oluhlola ufuzo olwakha izifo ezitshalweni kanye nokubekezela kweS. hermonthica ukubheka izinto eziveza ufuzo kulokho okwakhiwe ukuveza ufuzo kanye nokuqhubeka kwalo. Ama-256 K esingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) asetshenziswa kulolu cwaningo. Umehluko omkhulu (P < 0.001) wabonakala ezinhlobeni ezahlolwa zepearl millet maqondana nezikalo nofuzo kweS. hermonthica. Okunye, kwaba khona ukuhlangana phakathi kwezinhlobo ezahlukene zofuzo lweS. Hermonthica ne-ASNPC. Ama-SNP angamashumi amabili nesishiyagalolunye ayamaniswa nenombolo ephansi yokwakheka kweS. hermonthica kumakhromozomu 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, no-7. Ama-SNP amane ayamaniswa nezinsuku kuya kumaphesenti angama-50 okuthela izimbali namakhromozomu 3, 5, 6, no-7, kanti ayisihlanu wona ayamaniswa namakhromozomu 2, 3, no-4. Ayisikhombisa wona ayamaniswa namagatsha amakhromozomu ayi-2, 3, no-6. Okujwayelekile okukhombisa iSNP okuyamaniswa nobuncane beS. hermonthica kwavela kanye nokuphathelene nokulima ezinhlobeni ezahlukene zofuzo ekutshalweni nokukhiqizwa kwepearl millet ngokubekezela kweStriga nabalimi kanjalo nokufunwa ngabathengi kwezokutshala.
Ucwaningo lwesine lwaveza ukusebenza kofuzo nobukhona bokuzabalaza kweS. hermonthica okolweni omusha wepearl millet ukulawula ukukhethwa kanye nokukhula kofuzo. Izinhlobo ezimbili ezakhiwe ezingafani zavela ekuzabalazeni kweStriga yepearl millet. Izinhlobo ezimbili ezakhiwe kanye nemixhantela ye-F1s, i-F2s, neminye eyakhiwe kuhlanganiswe nofuzo kwahlolwa ngaphansi kokukhula kohlaza namasimu afakwe iS. hermonthica kusetshenziswa indlela yokwenza engahleliwe kuzona zontathu izinhlobo. Ukuhlaziywa kwezinhlobo ezahlukene kwaveza umehluko omkhulu we-P < 0.001 kuzona zonke izinhlobo ezakhiwe zeStriga. Ukuzabalaza kweStriga kubonakala kuzenzakalela ngokwemvelo futhi kulawulwa izinhlobo eziningi ezahlukene zofuzo. Ukuphindaphinda ufuzo kabili kwalawula ukuvela ngokwemvelo kweS. hermonthica. Izinhlobo eziyikhethelo ze-F2 ezinokuzabalaza kweS. hermonthica zakhethwa ofuzweni olubili kusetshenziswa indlela yokubheka ukuphindeka kwento ukuhlola izinhlobo zepearl millet ngokuhlanganisa izindlela zokulima nezokufuna uhlobo oluthize lwesitshalo.
Ucwaningo lokugcina beluhlola amandla ahlangisiwe ofuzo lwepearl millet lokulwa kweS. hermonthica kanye nobunjalo bezokutshala. Ukuhlaziya izinhlobo zamandla okukwazi okuhlangane kwaveza umehluko omkhulu ka-P < 0.01 kulezo zinhlobo ezikwazi ukuthwala ezinye ngezinsuku ezimbalwa ngaphambi kokuqhakaza kwezimbali, ukukala ukukhula ngobude, kanye nokuphuma kwezinhlamvu.
Umehluko phakathi kwemigqa nezinto zokuhlola wawumkhulu (P < 0.001) ukubheka ukukhula ngobude kanye nesibalo seStriga. Ufuzo lwe-IP-11358 lwakhombisa ukuba namandla aphezulu okuhlangana (GCA) okunemiphumela (158.99) kokuphuma kwezinhlamvu. Imiphumela engemihle ye-GCA eyi-6.99, i-6.40, no-134.08 yatholakala yeStriga emuva kwezinsuku ezingama-60 kutshaliwe, neyeStriga emuva kwezinsuku ezingama-80 kutshaliwe, ne-ASNPC ngokulandelana kwezinhlobo zofuzo lwe-IP-11358 lohlaza ngaphansi kwezimo zeS. hermonthica. Ingxubevange ye-IP-11358 × ICMB177111 yaveza amandla amakhulu okudibanisa (SCA) kanye nokuhluma kwezinhlamvu okuxubile. Izinhlobo zofuzo ezikhethiwe zepearl millet zikulungele ukukhiqiza ngendlela esezingeni eliphezulu kanye nokuzabalaza kweStriga esilekelelwa izinyosi ukuze kuqhakaze kanye nengxubevange yeStriga ngokwezindawo ezahlukene eBurkina Faso nezindawo ezitshala amabele emazweni asemazansi ne-Afrika.
Sekukonke, lolu cwaningo lukwazile ukuveza ukuthi iS. hermonthica iyona enamandla amakhulu okudicilela phansi ukutshalwa kwepearl millet eBurkina Faso. Kanti futhi lolu cwaningo lukwazile ukuveza izinhlobo ezahlukene zofuzo oluyi-150 lokuzabalaza kweS. hermonthica uma kuhlolwa kusetshenziswa ukunyakaza komnotho ne-SNP ngaphansi kwezindawo ezigcwele iStriga. Izinhlobo ezenza kangcono zofuzo ezifana ne-IP-3098, i-IP-6112, i-IP-9242, i-IP-10579 ne-IP-11358 kwakhethwa njengesizinda esihle sokuzabalaza kweS. hermonthica uma yakhiwa. Uhlobo lwe-IP-11358 × ICMB177111 lwahlonzwa njengolunamandla amakhulu okukhula kanye nokulwa kweStriga. Izinhlobo ezikhethiwe zofuzo zinconywa njengezifanelekile emkhiqizweni futhi njengesizinda esihle sokufukamela umkhiqizo omusha wokuzabalaza kwepearl millet Striga
National unity and reconciliation in South Africa; an analysis of the truth and reconciliation commission’s impact on race relations in post-apartheid South Africa.
No full textHow South Africa would manage to bridge social and political divides brought about by a periodof violence, oppression, and human rights abuses was one of the biggest issues that the Government of National Unity had to deal with in the aftermath of apartheid. The Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act mandated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to investigate and document events and violations that had occurred under apartheid and to form a complete and clear picture of these atrocities. The TRC undoubtedly garnered international admiration as a successful model for addressing past atrocities, avoiding a potential civil war, and ushering in reconciliation, not revenge. It did, however, experience some limitations due to its mandate, which excluded in-depth focus on the role of the impact and extent of apartheid racial policies in socio-economic detail, such as land, education, etc., which were used to entrench racial oppression and subjugation. The aim of this dissertation is,
therefore, to assess the TRC's impact on race relations in post-apartheid South Africa and further seeks to comprehend the process, content, and value of the TRC. The focus is thus on critically reviewing the TRC mechanisms' effectiveness and impact post-apartheid, by addressing
limitations, exploring complexities, and evaluating societal impacts. This research posits that is highly impossible to achieve the aims of reconciliation and better race relations when the majority (Black), which was disadvantaged under apartheid, is still disadvantaged under the new
dispensation. This study therefore recommends adequate development and advancement, i.e., redress, and distinct truth regarding the role and challenges posed by the intersection of race, class, and gender inequalities inherited from oppressive regimes like apartheid. This is a qualitative study which was undertaken using desktop research or secondary research. Data collection from this study comprises of primary sources, archive research, articles, etc. sourced from government reports, online resources, non-governmental organisations, databases, documents from the South African Justice Department, the TRC database, prior research, and recent academic studies. Intersectionality analyses combined with an anti-racism approach is used to gain understanding as to how race, gender, etc., as grounds of discrimination, are linked to the social, economic, political, and stringent structure of the TRC process
Economic challenges faced by wool and mohair farmers in the Leribe district of Lesotho.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Abstract available in PDF
A quantitative analysis of public attitudes towards the fourth industrial revolution: an integrated technology adoption model in South Africa = Ukuhlaziywa kwesilinganiso sezimo zengqondo zomphakathi ngasohlangothini lwesine lwenguquko yezimboni: Ubuchwepheshe obudidiyelwe imodeli yokutholwa eNingizimu Afrikha.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The impact of technology on society is a multifaceted and intricate issue in a rapidly changing world of constant technological advancements. The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has sparked a growing debate regarding its potential opportunities and challenges for various societies. While robots have been utilized for over 50 years in previous industrial revolutions, their recent integration into domestic and different work environments through the 4IR is a modern development. Social robots are now deployed to perform tasks that were previously performed by humans and are used in scenarios where they must interact with people. Despite the significance of these changes for human development, there has been limited research on public attitudes towards such advancements of the 4IR in South Africa. This study investigated the relationship between micro-level sociological characteristics and attitudes towards the 4IR using survey data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) among a sample of adult respondents (n=2736) in South Africa. The study adopted a positivist paradigm and a quantitative approach and sought to contribute to the understanding of public perceptions of the 4IR in South Africa. Existing attitudinal adoption models were reviewed, and the study used these to develop an integrated framework that harmonized these theories. This framework incorporated a dimension of micro-sociological indicators and categorized attitudes into two distinct categories. The use of micro-sociological indicators in the technology adoption model was an important approach that allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of public attitudes towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa at the micro-level. Unlike traditional adoption models that focus solely on macro-level factors such as economic and institutional conditions, micro-sociological indicators consider individual-level characteristics such as race, social class, knowledge, age, and gender. . The study findings revealed a distinct social class effect, highlighting heightened scepticism toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) among individuals in lower social classes, those with worker vulnerability, and those lacking internet access. A crucial recommendation is to challenge the prevailing narrative of elitism linked to technological progress and emphasizes targeted investments in historically marginalized communities. South Africa can learn from the experiences of other nations and consider implementing comprehensive strategies involving policy interventions, public-private partnerships, and social initiatives. Exploring the feasibility of universal basic income as a social safety net would be prudent, aligning with global trends in addressing the socio-economic impact of automation and technological advancements.
Iqoqa.
Umthelela wobuchwepheshe emphakathini wudaba olunezici eziningi futhi oluyinkimbinkimbi emhlabeni oshintsha ngokushesha onentuthuko eqhubekayo yobuchwepheshe. Ukuvela kweFourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) kuqubule inkulumompikiswano ekhulayo mayelana namathuba ayo nezinselelo ezingaba khona emiphakathini eyahlukene. Nakuba amarobhothi esetshenziswe iminyaka engaphezu kwengu-50 ezinguqukweni ezidlule zezimboni, ukuhlanganiswa kwawo kwakamuva ezindaweni zasekhaya nezahlukene nge-4IR kuyintuthuko yesimanje. Amarobhothi omphakathi manje asetshalwe ukwenza imisebenzi ebiyenziwa abantu phambilini futhi asetshenziswa ezimeni lapho kufanele ahlanganyele nabantu. Ngaphandle kokubaluleka kwalezi zinguquko ekuthuthukisweni komuntu, kube nocwaningo olulinganiselwe mayelana nezimo zomphakathi mayelana nokuthuthuka kwe-4IR eNingizimu Afrikha. Ucwaningo lwamukele i-pharadayimu ye-positivist kanye nendlela yobuningi futhi lwafuna ukufaka isandla ekuqondeni imibono yomphakathi ye-4IR eNingizimu Afrikha. Kwabuyekezwa amamodeli akhona okwamukela isimo sengqondo, futhi ucwaningo lwasebenzisa lezi ukuze kwakhiwe uhlaka oludidiyelwe oluvumelanisa le mibono. Lolu hlaka luhlanganise ubukhulu bezinkomba ze-micro-sociology kanye nezimo zengqondo ezihlukaniswe ngezigaba ezimbili ezihlukene. Ukusetshenziswa kwezinkomba ze-micro-sociological kumodeli yokwamukelwa kobuchwepheshe bekuyindlela ebalulekile eyavumela ukuqonda okubanzi kwezimo zengqondo zomphakathi mayelana ne-4IR eNingizimu Afrikha ezingeni elincane. Izinkomba ze-Micro-sociological zicabangela izici zezinga lomuntu ngamunye njengohlanga, isigaba senhlalo, ulwazi, ubudala, nobulili. Imiphumela yocwaningo iveze umphumela ohlukile wesigaba senhlalo, okugqamisa ukungabaza okukhulayo mayelana ne-Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) phakathi kwabantu abasezigabeni eziphansi zomphakathi, labo abasengozini yemisebenzi, nalabo abangenayo i-inthanethi. Isincomo esibalulekile ukubekela inselele ukulandisa okukhona kwe-elitism okuhlobene nenqubekelaphambili yezobuchwepheshe futhi kugcizelela ukutshalwa kwezimali okuhlosiwe emiphakathini eyayincishwe amathuba ngaphambilini. Ukuhlola ukuba nokwenzeka kwemali engenayo eyisisekelo jikelele njengenetha yokuphepha komphakathi kungaba ubuhlakani, ukuvumelanisa namathrendi omhlaba ekubhekaneni nomthelela wenhlalonhle-yomnotho wokuzenzakalela kanye nentuthuko yezobuchwepheshe
Community pharmacists’ perceptions and experiences of medicine shortages in disruptive situations, in Durban, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Medicine shortages are a challenge in upper, lower and middle-income countries, including South Africa. In recent years, community pharmacists in Durban, South Africa, have experienced disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, civil unrest and electricity disruptions. Little is known about the impact of these disruptive situations on medicine shortages in community pharmacies.
Aim: Exploring the perceptions of community pharmacists and their experiences with medicine shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptive situations.
Method: A qualitative methodology was employed to explore the topic in-depth. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 15 community pharmacists in Durban, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or via an online video conferencing platform. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were coded deductively on NVivo 14 software, using the Framework Method of thematic analysis. Initial codes and themes were informed by a literature review and final themes were identified on review.
Results: A total of fifteen community pharmacists were interviewed. Five major themes were identified from thematic analysis, viz. the perceptions of medicine shortages, the impact of disruptive situations, the consequences of medicine shortages, mitigation strategies; and further suggestions and resources. Perceptions were that shortages were exacerbated by the disruptive situations. Participants perceived a negative financial impact on patients and pharmacies, with out-of-pocket costs affecting the former and loss of income affecting the latter. The mitigation strategies used were contacting stakeholders, medicine substitution and stock management.
Conclusion: Community pharmacists felt that medicine shortages required improved communication, collaboration, policies, notification systems and guidelines to mitigate the problem further. These should be investigated for possible implementation to create more transparency in the event of shortages
Assessing the effects of economic participation of Burundian migrants in Durban’s informal economy.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Economic issues are typically at the heart of migration decisions globally. Disparities in incomes between countries play a major role in motivating people with different levels of skills to migrate from developing countries to countries with more developed economies in search of secure livelihoods and improved quality of life. In Africa, South Africa is the leading migration destination country in Sub- Saharan Africa because of its buoyant economy and relative security. However, upon arriving migrants are confronted with the harsh reality of unemployment and little support from the host countries with a high level of discrimination from natives. Additionally, lack of assistance and empathy from non-profit organizations compound the situation further. Boxed into a corner and a hopelessness migrants have no alternative but to take up informal income generating activities. The informal sector plays a significant role in addressing unemployment among migrants. Street trading, which is the most visible sector of the informal economy, has been blamed for urban decay and the negative impact it has on the urbanization of different cities across South Africa. Such views have contributed to the challenges of street traders and have affected how they make a living. Street trading is a growing phenomenon in the Central Businesses Districts (CBDs) where many are people dependent on the practice of street trading for livelihoods. Durban has a large number of informal sector traders operating in the center’s streets, corners and road reserves. The city’s informal sector is constrained by inadequate infrastructure, poor policy implementation, negligence from the city authorities, inadequate trading spaces and contradictory policies from local and national government. The space scarcity is worsened by the involvement of the formal sector in space allocation and control. Environmental pollution is prevalent and spatial organization on income activity patterns. The informal sector is inherently a challenging environment for those eking out a living in the shadows of the formal economy. However, the challenges are more acute for African migrants on the periphery of the Durban’s formal economy. It is in this context that the study explores challenges that are faced by Burundian migrants in Durban‘s informal economy. The study will highlight various livelihood activities of Burundian migrants in the city of Durban. It will further seek to understand the nature, types of activities that Burundian migrants are involved in to survive in Durban. Finally, the study will provide an understanding into the misconception that foreign owned businesses has no benefits to the city and to the country as a whole
Variation for agronomic traits, biomass allocation, and carbon storage in sorghum (sorghum bicolor [L.] moench) genotypes.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench, 2n = 2x = 20) is an ancient grain crop of Africa
cultivated worldwide. The productivity of sorghum is low (< 1.5 t/ha) under smallholder
farming systems in the region due to severe drought stress, poor soil health, diseases, insect
pests, and noxious weeds. Besides its grain production for food, feed, and industrial raw
materials, sorghum produces relatively high biomass for the biofuel and bioplastic industry.
Sorghum’s high biomass production can transfer atmospheric carbon (C) to the soil throughout
its growth stages, thereby enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity through atmospheric C
sequestration. There is a need to select sorghum genotypes with optimised agronomic traits,
high biomass production and water and nutrient use efficiencies to enhance economic yield and
carbon sequestration capacity. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to screen and select
sorghum genotypes with better agronomic traits, biomass allocation, and C storage. The
specific objectives of the study were:
i. to quantify the extent of variation in biomass allocation and C storage between
major crops, including sorghum for crop production, and C sequestration potential
through a meta-analysis.
ii. to assess agronomic performance, biomass production and carbon accumulation in
selected sorghum genotypes for production and breeding.
iii. to assess the extent of genetic variability for agronomic and carbon storage traits in
selected sorghum genotypes to identify the best candidates for production or
breeding.
iv. to assess the trend and magnitude of relationships between agronomic and carbon
storage traits in sorghum to identify grain yield and carbon storage contributing
traits and to guide future sorghum variety development and release.
A metanalysis was conducted from 40 global studies that reported on the allocation of plant
biomass and C between roots and shoots of sorghum, maize, and wheat cultivars. Key statistics
were calculated to determine the variability among the cultivars for total plant biomass (PB),
shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), total plant carbon
content (PCc), shoot carbon content (SCc), root carbon content (RCc), total plant carbon stock
(PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), root carbon stock (RCs), and root-to-shoot carbon stock ratio
(RCs/SCs). Maize exhibited the highest variability for PB (with a coefficient of variation [CV]
of 31.2% and a mean of 4.2±1.3 Mg ha-1 yr-1), followed by wheat (CV of 24.2% and mean of
1.5±0.4 Mg ha-1 yr-1) and sorghum (16.8% and 2.0±0.8 Mg ha-1), respectively. A similar trend
was observed for PCs, with maize (CV of 40.1% and mean of 1.6±0.7 Mg ha-1) showing the
highest total plant C stock variability, followed by wheat (24.4% and 0.2±0.1 Mg ha-1), and
sorghum (16.3% and 0.9±0.3 Mg ha-1), respectively. Maize exhibited the highest variability for
RS (with a CV of 24.4% and mean of 0.1±0.03), while wheat exhibited the highest variability
for RCs/SCs (30.92% and 0.2±0.05). The meta-analysis revealed that maize and sorghum have
the highest variability for total plant biomass and plant carbon stocks, while wheat exhibits the
highest variability for the below-ground biomass and carbon stocks.
In the first experiment, 50 sorghum genotypes were evaluated using a 5 x 10 alpha lattice design
with two replications at three locations (Silverton, Ukulinga, and Bethlehem) in South Africa
during the 2022/23 growing season. The following agronomic and carbon storage traits were
assessed: days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), PB,
SB, RB, RS, GY, HI, GCc, SCc, RCc, PCs, SCs, RCs, RCs/SCs, and grain carbon stock (GCs).
A combined analysis of variance revealed significant (P < 0.05) genotype x location interaction
for DTH, DTM, PH, PB, SB, RB, RS, and GY. Genotypes AS115, AS251, and AS134 were
the best performing with the highest GY of 5.08 g plant-1, 21.83 g plant-1, and 21.42 g plant-1,
respectively. Genotypes AS122 and AS27 ranked first and second, respectively, for all the
carbon stock parameters except for RCs, whereas genotype AS108 had the highest RCs of 8.87
g plant-1. The principal component analysis identified GY, DTH, PH, PB, SB, RB, RCs,
RCs/SCs, PCs, SCs, and GCs as the most discriminated traits among the test genotypes. The
cluster analysis using agronomic and carbon-related parameters delineated the test genotypes
into three genetic groups. The selected sorghum genotypes are recommended for further
breeding and variety release adapted to various agroecologies in South Africa.
Data from field experiments were computed to deduce variance components, heritability, and
genetic advance to guide genotype selection. Higher phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV)
were recorded for PH (68.91%), followed by GY (51.8%), RB (50.51%), RS (41.96%),
RCs/SCs (44.90%), and GCs (41.90%). In contrast, higher genotypic coefficient of variations
(GCV) were recorded for GY (45.92%), followed by RB (39.24%), RCs/SCs (38.45), and RCs
(34.62). The high PCV and GCV values suggest the availability of genetic variability among
the test genotypes for the assessed traits. High to moderate broad-sense heritability and genetic
advance were observed for HI (83.76 and 24.53%), GY (78.59 and 9.98%), PB (74.14 and
13.18%) and PCs (53.63 and 37.57%), respectively, suggesting a marked genetic contribution
to the traits. High broad-sense heritability combined with increased genetic advance were
computed for PB, RB, GY, HI, RS, GCs, RCs, and RCs/SCs, indicating that genetic effects
primarily control these traits.
In the third experimental chapter, correlation and path coefficient analyses were computed to
discern the trend and magnitude of associations of assembled traits to guide simultaneous
selection for enhanced grain yield, its components and carbon storage. Significant (P < 0.05)
positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations were observed between GY with HI at r = 0.79
and r = 0.76, DTH (r = 0.31 and r = 0.13), PH (r = 0.27 and r = 0.1), PB (r = 0.02 and r = 0.01),
RB (r = 0.06 and r = 0.05), respectively. Further, the path analysis revealed significant positive
direct effects of SB (0.61) and RB (0.46) on GY. The RS exerted a positive significant
genotypic indirect effect (0.26) on GY through SB. The overall association analyses revealed
that PB, SB, RB, RS, RCs, and RCs/SCs significantly influenced GY performance and are the
principal traits when selecting sorghum genotypes with high carbon storage capacity.
The present study identified the following promising genotypes: AS251, SS27, AS134, AS203,
and AS563 for their high biomass production, grain yield, and C sequestration potentials. The
identified genotypes could be advanced for cultivar development and further evaluated for net
carbon contribution to the soil
Response to urbanisation: aspects of the ecology of the Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) with notes on population estimates in the KwaZulu-Natal province and across South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Human population growth continues in Africa, impacting its natural fauna and flora. South Africa is experiencing a growth in population and metropolitan areas. KwaZulu-Natal is a province with the second fastest growing population in South Africa, with ~11.4 million people. This growing population is concentrated around Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the largest and second-largest cities in the province, respectively. This study focused on the city of Pietermaritzburg in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, and Durban in the eThekwini Municipality, and their surrounding periurban areas, including communal lands and farmlands. As the response of Western Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) and selected heron species to urban expansion in KwaZuluNatal Province context is poorly documented, the purpose of this study was to understand aspects of the ecology of Western Cattle Egrets in these urban mosaic landscapes. Firstly, a literature review of the Western Cattle Egret was undertaken. Secondly, a comparison of the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1 conducted from 1987-1992) to the second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2 ongoing since 2007) allowed us to observe range distribution changes of the Western Cattle Egret across South Africa. There was a significant difference for all changes observed in reporting rates between SABAP1 and SABAP2. With the exception of the Northern Cape, with a 22% decrease, provinces showed more than 60% decrease in reporting rates for the species between the two project periods. This indicated that there has been a decrease in Western Cattle Egret abundance nationally. Changes in reporting rates between SABAP1 and SABAP2 indicated a change in distribution range possibly caused by land transformation. Thirdly, population estimates of Western Cattle Egrets in the uMgungundlovu (Pietermaritzburg) and eThekwini (Durban) Municipalities, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were i conducted over a period of 18 months. These areas are both urban mosaic landscapes with some remaining natural green areas as well as managed green spaces with urban built. A population estimate of Western Cattle Egrets was conducted within these districts, and characteristics that allow for their urban persistence were identified. No significant difference in population size existed between the breeding (~230) and the post-breeding (~470) seasons. Western Cattle Egret colonies were within 10 km of a landfill, wetland, major road, river, and grassland. In addition, nesting sites were closer to a wastewater treatment facility than roosts without nests. The nests were found on 27 trees in both commercial and residential properties. Vachellia xanthophloea and Jacaranda mimosifolia were used on commercial properties. A significant difference was observed for the mean tree height. The tallest trees used for roosting were Eucalyptus spp. (20.23 m) and Jacaranda mimosifolia (19.52 m) found at Mpophomeni. Western Cattle Egrets have become cosmopolitan, undertaking various forms of migration to exploit available resources in the urban landscape mosaic. The trends showed Western Cattle Egrets roost in urban mosaic landscapes near water. In some areas, human-egret conflict was observed. Management recommendations are made for the persistence of Western Cattle Egrets in urban mosaic landscapes
Women-owned home base enterprises and poverty alleviation: a case of Umlazi B township.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Dwellings can provide shelter, amenities and an income through spaces used to create wealth, and act as collateral for borrowing. Therefore, housing is an asset that can unlock wealth if the owner utilizes it thus. In South Africa, historically, black women in townships were placed at the back of acquiring homeownership. However, this has changed, and black women in townships are now also homeowners and can explore different avenues of generating income through their housing. For women who were previously disadvantaged, the inclusion into urban policies for housing tenure, such as through the Extend Discount Benefit Scheme (EDBS), have opened the opportunity to potentially realise economic prosperity for themselves through home-based enterprises (HBEs). Women experience myriad barriers when it comes to income generation, beyond those faced by men. The belief that women's work is not part of the monetary mainstream prevails. The study aimed to assess black women-owned HBEs from the beginning of their entrepreneurship, the challenges they have faced and continue to be impacted by, and the extent to which they are achieving income generation and poverty alleviation. It employed a qualitative methodology, where a sample of women who run HBEs was sourced through purposive and snowball sampling, to select the participants to partake in the study. This type of sampling allowed for the researcher's discretion to be used to choose variables or set out the criteria based on the study's aim and objectives. The researcher used semi-structured interviews to conduct interviews with women identified in this way, as well as two other key informants, in order to explore the extent to which HBEs were fulfilling the policy objective of poverty alleviation and wealth creation. A covert obse rvation was also used to gather discernible information required to understand women owned HBEs in the study area better. Data was analysed and interpreted in a thematic manner, with themes predetermined from an understanding of the issues pertinent to women owned HBEs, as well as sub-themes that emerged from the data. The researcher found that women owners of HBEs’ perception was that their poverty has reduced through the operation HBEs, because they are able to feed their families and meet some basic needs. Nevertheless, the absence of business data on the women’s operations and the generalised terms with which they discuss their businesses with no real detailing means it cannot be established whether the businesses have alleviated poverty. Indeed, the size of the businesses and informality of the operations suggest a survivalist character rather than a wealth creating one. To this extent, it was concluded, the policy goal of poverty alleviation and income generation may not have been v achieved, despite these women becoming homeowners. However, the results of the research have also identified gaps and room for improvement for the government’s role in supporting women owned HBEs, which are used as a basis for recommendations