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A case study of the quality assurance role of the school management team in teaching and learning at a secondary school.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms used by the school management team (SMT) to quality assure teaching and learning. The focus of this study was to explore the leadership practices used by the SMT of the selected township secondary school in quality assurance with regard to teaching and learning. The study aimed at answering these following research questions: What mechanisms are employed by the school management team to quality assure teaching and learning in the case study school? How effective are the mechanisms employed by the school management team to quality assure teaching and learning in the case study school? and; How can quality assurance in teaching and learning be improved in the case study school? Five SMT members (Principal, deputy principal and three departmental heads) from one secondary school were purposively selected based on their characteristics and experience. The distributed leadership theory by Helen Gunter (2005) and the conceptual framework for quality education in schools by Elizabeth Garira (2020) underpin this study. Using an interpretive paradigm, qualitative research approach and case study research design, I conducted semi-structured interviews to generate primary data from the participants. I also used three documents (Quality Management Systems, School Improvement Plan and curriculum coverage monitoring tool) that were requested from the research site to obtain secondary data. The analysis of data was done using thematic analysis. Findings point to that there is a disparity in leadership practices by the SMT. They separate the school into two phases, namely, the Further Education and Training phase (FET) and the General Education and Training phase (GET), and their focus is mainly on the FET. Monitoring seems to start from grade 12 to lower grades; extra classes are implemented only in the FET phase, and tracking of learner performance is mainly done in grade 12. The main recommendation was that The SMT distribute the power to the subject heads, who are de facto teacher leaders, to assist in other management duties. They can also delegate the work to the Learner Representative Council so that all the school grades can be attended to
A review of the engineering properties of concrete with paper mill waste ash — towards sustainable rigid pavement construction.
No full textThe drastic surge in urbanisation and construction-related activities is increasing the demand for cement and aggregates, especially for concrete production. Concrete is utilised for a wide variety of structural applications, including rigid pavements construction, due to its superior strength and durability performance. However, the production of cement and concrete increases carbon footprint; and the source of natural aggregates depletes. Hence, there is an increased demand for pavement designs that incorporate sustainable materials and maintain a consistent level of service. In rigid pavements construction, this can be achieved with the integration of alternate binder systems, such as paper mill ash (PMA). This paper presents a systematic review of the engineering properties of PMA as a partial cement replacement material for sustainable concrete production. The review is focused on the influence of PMA on the engineering properties of concrete. The main advantages and limitation of using PMA were highlighted and discussed. Grey areas for possible research exploit were also identified. Based on the superior tensile (2.68 – 3.98 MPa) and flexural (4.04 – 5.01 MPa) strength results documented in the various works of literature reviewed, it can be concluded that PMA is a feasible alternative binder material for rigid pavement applications. This, coupled with its negligible CO2e emission value, indicate that PMA is beneficial to the sustainability and serviceability states of rigid pavements. The viewpoint of this review will be useful for researchers for their future studies and guide stakeholders in the construction industry to have more understanding of PMA concrete
An exploration of Black African students’ experiences of whiteness on their Black African racial identity in a South African university.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Racial identity issues have gained significant attention globally, posing ongoing challenges for individuals across different racial backgrounds in different settings, and higher education has not been an exception. Although prior research has addressed race and identity, there is a need to expand the existing literature by examining the specific dimensions of race and identity that impact students in South African higher education. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the experiences of Black African students in a South African university and their encounters with Whiteness, a key aspect of their racial identity. By focusing on the unique context of South African higher education, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding race and identity within this specific setting. The study examined the experiences of Black African students with Whiteness and its impact on their Black African racial identity within a South African university. The research aimed to explore their encounters with Whiteness, their experiences of African racial identity, and their coping mechanisms and recommendations related to issues of Whiteness and Black African racial identity challenges. Using a qualitative design and interpretive research paradigm, 15 social work students were interviewed. Interviewees included undergraduate, postgraduate Masters, and Ph.D students. To analyze the interviews thematic data analysis was employed. The findings highlighted that Black African students’ experiences with Whiteness encompass multiple dimensions and pose challenges to their adaptation, mentally, economically, socially, emotionally, and academically, within the university context. These experiences often lead to the normalization of Eurocentric standards and the suppression of their Black African racial identity. The study also underscored the interconnection between Whiteness and other social categories, such as race, class, and gender. Hence the study recognizes a need for additional research to explore the impact of the intersectional interplay between the experiences of racial issues and other social categories on Black African students within the university environment
Constructions of orphanhood and schooling in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The thesis comprises five manuscripts whose objectives are to explore the real-life schooling experiences of orphaned children (both boys and girls) in rural schools of Eswatini, interrogate the effects of orphanhood on the children’s emotions, find out how the children navigate their
complex environment as well as establish how their schooling has been enabled. The first manuscript focuses on the real-life schooling experiences of orphaned children in three rural schools of Eswatini; the second on the emotional geographies of orphaned children in the same
context; the third on how orphaned children navigate their schooling environment; the fourth on how orphaned boys experience schooling in the same context; and finally, how the schooling of orphaned children in Eswatini schools has been enhanced. The main purpose was to draw conclusions on how best orphaned children in rural schools of Eswatini can be helped to experience schooling positively. The study utilised social constructionism, attachment trauma theory, new sociology of childhood, gender schema theory and the rights-based theory for understanding the constructions of orphanhood in schooling contexts. A qualitative narrative enquiry approach was used as its methodology. Twenty-four orphaned children from three rural high schools in Eswatini were purposively sampled. The children comprised 12 double-orphans (boys and girls) and 12 single orphans (boys and girls) in Grade 9 (Form 2) and Grade 11 (Form 4) aged between 13-17 years. A participatory research method called photovoice was used together with individual and focus group interviews. The findings show that orphaned children’s schooling experiences were rooted in sorrow and despair due to their educational environment being hostile. This has made it difficult for the
children to experience schooling in a positive way. The study discovered that the children have developed emotional stress. The findings also show that the schooling experiences of orphaned children are gendered, with boys being subjected to more neglect owing to Eswatini cultural
norms that regard them as resistant to every difficulty thus able to absorb any pressure. It was revealed that government and other stakeholders have tried to alleviate the plight faced by orphaned children in Eswatini schools by paying for their tuition and providing food; but all these efforts have so far failed to yield maximum results to adequately address the schooling challenges
The effect of animal manure extracts as a source of nutrients on growth, yield, and quality of hydroponically grown tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.).
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Tomatoes rank as the second most vital vegetable crop in the world, they are grown globally
except Antarctica. They are highly nutritional as they contain vitamins and antioxidants that
benefit human health. The cultivation of these fruits is however costly due to the overuse of
chemical fertilizers since their nutrient formulations are very expensive. Thus, this study
assessed the potential of animal manure extracts on the growth of tomatoes under hydroponic
production system. The first experiment evaluated the nutrient concentrations of fresh manure
and vermicompost from three different sources (chicken, cow and goat) and to further optimize
nutrient extraction by passive and active extraction methods. The second experiment
investigated how extracts from animal manure influenced growth, leaf gas exchange and
chlorophyll fluorescence of tomatoes (cv. CLX 532) grown in the soilless hydroponic system.
The third experiment assessed the impact of animal manure extracts on yield, physiochemical
and nutritional quality of tomatoes grown in soilless hydroponic cultivation.
The findings showed that, over the composting period, cow manure increased all nutrients, goat
manure increased N, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn; while chicken manure enhanced P, Ca, Mg,
Zn, Cu and Mn. Aerated compost tea had a higher nutrient content than non-aerated compost
tea, chicken-based compost tea (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu and EC), cow-based compost tea
(P, Mg, Cu and Zn) and goat-based compost tea (P, K, Ca and Mg). Therefore, pre-composting
before vermicomposting is highly recommended. Furthermore, using the active extraction
method (aerated) increased the nutrient availability in the animal-based compost tea.
The findings for the second experiment showed that applying goat manure extract (GME) and
chicken manure extract (CHME) boosts plant height, stem diameter, fruit number, intercellular
CO2 rate (Ci), intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), maximum fluorescence (Fm) and nonphotochemical quenching (qN) while cow manure extract (CME) increased stomatal
conductance (gs), maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and electron
transport rate (ETR). The findings for the third experiment showed that the application of
CHME enhanced the number of fruits, shoot mass, TSS, TA, TSS/TA, BrimA, colour index
and firmness, CME affected shoot mass, while GME affected TSS/TA, BrimA, firmness and
phenolics concentration. Furthermore, fruits fertigated with the commercial fertilizer were rich
in macronutrients, whereas those fertigated with animal manure extract (AME) had elevated
levels of micronutrients. Based on these findings, animal manure extracts could serve as an
alternative source of nutrients in the soilless production of tomatoes, especially CHME and
GME. They improved growth, yield, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and overall
fruit quality
Characterization of rainfall over the Limpopo province, South Africa, for the period 1990 to 2020.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The Limpopo Province is home to a large rural population which is highly dependent on rainfed agriculture. Although extensive research has been undertaken to understand rainfall variability over South Africa, a better understanding of the localized rainfall characteristics and variability remains crucial for decision-makers and the livelihoods of the local community. The study aims to investigate rainfall variability and trends over the Limpopo province, understand the distribution (both spatial and temporal) of seasonal rainfall characteristics, and also establish the relationship between seasonal rainfall characteristics with larger modes of climate variability (i.e. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Southern Indian Ocean Dipole
(SIOD)). High-resolution Climate Hazard Group Infrared Precipitation with Station Data (CHIRPS) 0.05° gridded data spanning the duration 1990-2020 was employed to analyze the spatial distribution of rainfall over the Limpopo province. In this study dry spells (pentads with < 5
mm rainfall), moderate (rainfall ranging from 10-30 mm per day) and heavy wet days (rainfall > 30 mm per day) were analyzed. Standardized Anomaly Index (SAI) was used to understand the relationship between rainfall characteristics and anomalies. The Mann-Kendall test was also
used to determine the trends of seasonal rainfall characteristics over the province. The Pearson correlation was used to establish the association between seasonal rainfall characteristics (dry spells, moderate and heavy wet days) and large modes of variability (ENSO and SIOD). The results of this study show that seasonal rainfall exhibits high spatial and temporal variability over the study period. Throughout the extended summer season (October-March (ONDJFM)), dry spells migrate from the north of Vhembe and Capricorn to the northeast of Mopani, with their frequency and extent increasing from early summer (October-November) to late summer (February-March). The distribution of these rainfall characteristics follows that of mean annual rainfall. Of all periods, December-January (DJ) receives the highest frequency of moderate wet days with a larger spatial extend ranging from 6-13 days in the high-lying escarpment of Vhembe, west of Mopani, south-east of Capricorn, Waterberg, and Greater Sekhukhune. The highest heavy wet day frequency is also observed in the DJ period, over the high-lying escarpment of Vhembe, west of Mopani, south-east Capricorn and north of Greater Sekhukhune records heavy wet days ranging from 3-7 days. The results of the Mann-Kendall trend test revealed a statistically significant decreasing trend in dry spells during DJ and February-March (FM) over the entire Limpopo province. Statistically significant moderate wet day trends were observed during ON over north and east of Mopani, south-east of Capricorn, and west of Mopani district, whereas during the DJ periods, statistically significant increasing trends are recorded over the south-east of Vhembe and northwest of Mopani. During DJ, statistically significant increasing heavy wet day trends are observed over Vhembe, Greater Sekhukhune, and west of Waterberg. The relationship between seasonal rainfall characteristics and rainfall anomalies was observed. The results show that the inter-annual variability of seasonal rainfall characteristics does not always reflect in seasonal rainfall totals/anomalies. This shows that anomalies overlook the isolated impact of seasonal rainfall characteristics. The relationship between seasonal rainfall characteristics and large modes of variability was observed. A strong negative correlation with moderate wet days over the high-lying escarpment in the Vhembe district and south of the Mopani district. However, a complex relationship was observed between the inter-annual rainfall characteristics and large modes of variability. The results showed that not all La Nina
years or positive phase SIOD phase equate to wet seasons. Furthermore, years with neutral ENSO and SIOD phases still exhibited above-average wet days
Quantifying redox signals: a tool to investigate adaptive responses to oxidative stress.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.In the context of redox biology's oxidative eustress/distress model, the contrasting roles of ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide, under normoxic and toxic oxidative stress conditions has been more clearly elucidated. However, a fundamental question in the field has been understanding how dynamic redox signalling processes contribute to balancing the cellular response to oxidative eustress/distress.We employed a quantitative approach, evaluating redox signals based on area under the curve (AUC), signal amplitude, time, and duration. These parameters allowed us to investigate how dynamic profiles changed in response to various oxidants across three distinct experimental contexts. First, quantifying the dynamic response of the Tpx1/Pap1 redox-regulated pathway in Schizosaccharoymyces pombe revealed a graded signal and transcriptional response to input peroxide concentrations. Secondly, we applied this method to establish the upper and lower limits of detection for the redox probes HyPer7 and roGFP-TSA2/Tpx1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. pombe, providing a set of criteria for improved selection and comparison of probes. Thirdly, we quantitatively evaluated the dynamic response of the mammalian NRF2/Keap1 pathway following pre-exposure to DEM and tBHQ. Our findings revealed that, unlike the Tpx1/Pap1 pathway, this pathway showed that the timing of oxidant exposure influenced the NRF2 response. These metrics have therefore provided useful insights to several different pathways in both experimental and analytical contexts. Importantly, these measures allow for further exploratory questions to be asked and provide a fundamental framework for assessing dynamic responses of redoxregulated pathways associated with cell physiology and disease.
Iqoqa.
Esimweni semodeli i-redox biology's oxidative eustress/distress, izimo ezinokuphikisana ze-ROS, njengehydrogen peroxide, ngaphansi kwezimo zenormoxic kanye netoxic oxidative stress zicaciswe bha. Kepha-ke umbuzo omkhulu esifundweni owokuqonda ukuthi ngabe izinhlobo ezikhombayo zedynamic redox zibamba liphi iqhaza ekubhalansiseni ukuphendula kweselula ku-oxidative eustress/distress. Sasebenzisa indlela yekhwalithethivu, ukuhlola izimpawu zeredox sisusela endaweni engaphansi kwejika (AUC), ukukhombisa, ubukhulu, isikhathi kanye nobude besikhathi. La mapharamitha asivumela ukuba sihlole ukuthi ngabe amaphrofayli edynamic ashintsha kanjani kuma-oxidants ahlukene ezindaweni ezintathu ezahlukene lapho kuhlolwa khona. Okokuqala ukubala iresponse yedynamic ye-Tpx1/Pap1 redox-regulated pathway ku-Schizosaccharoymyces pombe yaveza izinkomba ezihlukanisiwe kanye nokuphendula okutranscriptional kokufakiwe kwe-peroxide concentrations. Okwesibili sasebenzisa le ndlela ukuthola imikhawulo ephezulu nephansi yokuhlola iredox probes HyPer7 kanye ne-roGFP-TSA2/Tpx1 no-Saccharomyces cerevisiae ne-S. pombe, ukuhlinzeka ngesethi yendlela yokukhetha okuthuthukile kanye nokuqhathaniswa kwamaprobes. Okwesithathu sahlola ngokwekhwantithethivu ukuphendula kwe-dynamic ye-mammalian NRF2/Keap1 pathway kulandela ukuvuleleka ngaphambilini ku-DEM kanye ne-tBHQ. Imiphumela yethu yaveza ukuthi kungafani nomgudu i-Tpx1/Pap1, lo mgudu wakhombisa ukuthi isikhathi sokuvuleleka kwe-oxidant sinomthelela ekuphenduleni kwe-NRF2. La mamethrikhsi ahlinzeke ngolwazi lwemigudu eyehlukene ezimweni zokuhlola kanye nokuhlaziya. Okusemqoka, lezi zindlela zivumela eminye imibuzo yokuhlwaya ukuba ibuzwe bese ihlinzeka uhlaka olusemqoka lokuhlola ukuphendula kwedynamic yemigudu ye-redox-regulated eyamaniswa namaseli okusebenza komzimba kanye nezifo
Sea-level rise and submerged land territory: a study of the legal establishment of substitute artificial islands to sustain statehood and maritime zones of small island developing states.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Climate change and its consequence of rising sea levels threaten the existence of many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the globe. Sea-levels are rising at an inordinate pace, and international law has not yet adapted to mitigate the effects thereof. SIDS are particularly vulnerable to the effects of sea-level rise as a result of their remote locations and low-lying island composition. As such, SIDS may become uninhabitable or wholly submerged within the century. Therefore, SIDS are currently fighting for survival physically and legally. The extinction of SIDS by way of rising sea levels is an eventuality we have not seen in international law, and as such, no precedent exists for this situation. A physical remedy exists for the survival of SIDS, including the creation of artificial islands to house their population so that they are more resilient to rising sea levels. However, this physical remedy does not account for the legal consequences of sea-level rise for SIDS under international law. Sea-level rise presents challenges for SIDS within international law that include (i) continuity of statehood, (ii) the maintenance of maritime zones and the outer limits thereof, and (iii) the use of artificial islands as substitute island territory. These three issues, transversing international law and the law of the sea, are the focal points of this study. These issues are analysed to determine whether SIDS may maintain their statehood and maritime zones despite submerging island territory. The study then examines the legality of using artificial islands to substitute submerged natural island territory. The study concludes by proposing a new negotiating text for a Convention that establishes substitute artificial islands in place of submerged or uninhabitable island territory and the maintenance of statehood and maritime zones despite rising sea levels. This recommendation is based upon the understanding that certainty and stability of SIDS in international law is in the interests of fairness and equity.
Iqoqa.
Ukuguquguquka kwesimo sezulu kanye nomphumela wako wokuphakama kolwandle kwesabisa ubukhona kweZindawo eziThuthukayo zeziQhingi eziNcane, amaSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) emhlabeni wonke jikelele. Ubungako bolwandle buyaphakama ngendlela engachazeki, futhi umthetho wamazwe ngamazwe awukakakwazi ukubhekana nale miphumela edalwa yilesi simo. Ama-SIDS angamanye ahlukumezekile ngenxa yalokhu kuphakama kwamazinga amanzi ezindaweni zawo zakudala kanye nokwakhekha kweziqhingi ezisezindaweni eziphansi. Kangangokuthi, ama-SIDS asezokwenzeka ukuthi kungahlaleki kuwona noma acwile emanzini esikhathini esingangekhuluminyaka. Ngakho-ke, ama-SIDS njengamanje alwela ukuphila ngokwesiqu sawo nangokomthetho.Ukuphela kwama-SIDS ngale ndlela yokuphakama kwamazinga olwandle kungumphumela wokuthi asikakayiboni imithetho yamazwe ngamazwe, bese ngaleyo ndlela, akukho okwandulela lokhu okukhona ukubhekana nalesi simo. Ukulungisela okuqondile kukhona ukugcina ubukhona bama-SIDS, okubalwa ukuqanjwa kweziqhingi zokuzakhela ukugcina abahlali bazo ukuze bakwazi ukumelana namazinga okuphakama kolwandle. Yize noma kunjalo, lokhu kulungiseka okuqondile akuqondene nemiphumela esemthethweni yokuphakama kwamazinga olwandle yama-SIDS engaphansi komthetho wamazwe ngamazwe. Ukuphakama kwamazinga amanzi kuveza izingqinamba kuma-SIDS emthwethweni wamazwe ngamazwe okubalwa kuko (i) ukuqhubeka kobukhona bendawo, (ii) ukunakekelwa kwemikhawulo yasemanzini kanye nayo eyangaphandle, kanye (iii) nokusebenza kweziqhingi zokuzakhela njengesimeleli somkhawuko wesiqhingi. Lezi zingqinamba ezintathu, imithetho wamazwe ngamazwe exabalasile kanye nomthetho wolwandle, kungamaphuzu ayisizinda salolu cwaningo. Lezi zingqinamba ziyahlaziywa ukuthola ukuthi ama-SIDS angakwazi yini ukuphila kanye nemikhawuko yamanzi ngaphandle ngokucwila emanzini kwemikhawulo yeziqhingi. Ucwaningo lube seluhlola ukuhambelana nomthetho kokusebenzisa iziqhingi zokuzakhela ukumelela imikhawulo yeziqhingi ecwilayo. Ucwaningo luphetha ngokuphakamisa isibhalo esisha sokuxoxisana sesiXazululo esiqala iziqhingi zokuzakhela esikhundleni salezi ezicwilayo futhi ukunakekelwa kokuphila kwendawo kanye nemikhawulo yamanzi ngaphezu kokuphakama kwamazinga olwandle. Lokhu kuncike ekuqondeni ukuthi ukuphileka kanye nokugcineka kwama-SIDS emthethweni wamazwe ngamazwe kubhekelekile yini ebulungisweni kanye nasekubukweni ngokulingana
Crime and victimization: an exploratory study into the lives of homeless youth in eThekwini Metropolitan Precinct.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Homelessness is one of the most global challenges characterized by its ongoing expansion and enduring nature. Its exacerbation is masked by predictable and unpredictable events like natural disasters or death of a parent/guardian, which makes it hard to eradicate or lessen. Employing qualitative research methods, this study explored the crimes and victimizations experienced by the homeless youth of Durban Metropolitan precinct. This study applied exponential nondiscriminative snowball sampling technique to select participants, with data being collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The thesis employed a theoretical incorporation of strain theory and deviant place theory. The study explored the experiences of twelve (12) participants, divided into two (2) subgroups, namely the homeless youth and NGO personnel. Four main themes surfaced around the concept of crimes and victimizations experienced by the homeless youth of Durban. The themes were drug use as a push and pull factor, the relationship shared by the homeless youth, community and law enforcement involvement, and sexual abuse and violence. Sexual abuse like rape, and acts of violence like stabbings were found to be a part of the main reasons the homeless youth get victimized in the study. The homeless youth participants highlighted drugs as the major influencer behind the criminal acts like theft that some of the homeless youth engage in. The relationship the homeless youth have with each other was another highlighted reason as to why the homeless youth get victimized, and engage in crime. The homeless youth maintain interpersonal connections with selected few people, but as a whole they are not a united cohesive community entity. The NGO personnel interviewed were from the Denis Hurley Centre. The NGO participants highlighted the services provided to the homeless youth such as health care provision and food assistance, and the challenges confronted by the NGOs.
The participants also highlighted that the eThekwini municipality still provides limited support to the NGOs with helping the homeless population of Durban
The duty of bank confidentiality and the safeguarding of financial privacy.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Abstract available in PDF