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Indima edlalwa ezobuchwepheshe ukuqhakambisa iqhaza lobuciko bomlomo ezimpilweni zabantu.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Izinhlobo ezehlukene zobuciko bomlomo zinesasasa elikhulu kakhulu ezweni laseNingizimu-Afrika, khona kunjalo kuyiqiniso elingephikwe ukuthi akuzona zonke izinhlobo zobuciko bomlomo ezinale nhlanhla yokuthakaselwa yisizwe ngoba ezinye nje zagcina ukunakwa ngesikhathi sasendulo lapho umhlaba usamuhle. Izinkondlo nomculo-ke zingezinye zalezi zinhlobo ezithakaselwa kakhulu ngabantu okwenza ukuthi zingagcini nje ngokuba yinto yasezindaweni ezisemakhaya kodwa zitholakale ngisho nasemadolobheni ngenxa yokusatshalaliswa ezobuchwepheshe esezingenisile emiphakathini esiphila kuyo. Lolu cwaningo luphenya kabanzi ngendima edlalwa ezobuchwepheshe ukuqhakambisa iqhaza lobuciko bomlomo ezimpilweni yabantu. Kulolu ucwaningo kugxilwe ekuthungathweni kolwazi mayelana nomlando kanye nemisebenzi yobuciko bomlomo emphakathini, umthelelela wobuchwepheshe ebucikweni bomlomo nasolimini olusetshenziswa ebucikweni bomlomo nolimi jikelele. Ucwaningo lusebenzise indlela yekhwalithethivu ukuqhuba izingxoxo, ukulalela amarekhodi aqoshiwe ehlukene, kanye nokuthungatha imibono nolwazi ngalokho okuphathelene nesihloko esicwaningwayo. Kusetshenziswe injulalwazi ye-Cycle of Socialization nenjulalwazi i-Hermenuetics ukuhlaziya ulwazi ngemibono eyethulwa ngomomthelela wezobuchwepheshe ebucikwenini bomlomo obucwaningwayo. Lezi yizinjulalwazi umcwaningi abone zizomelekelela kangcono ekuhlaziyeni imibhalo. Imiphumela yalolu cwaningo ihlonze ukuthi ubuchwephesha bunemithelela emihle nengemihle ebucikweni bomlomo, lapho kuvele khona ukuthi buyasiza ukusabalalisa izindlela ezithile zobuciko bomlomo ukuze zifinyelele kalula kuye wonke umuntu. Kolunye uhlangothi bunonomthelela omubi ngokuthi bukhiphele ngaphandle eminye imisebenzi yobuciko bomlomo okungabalwa kuyo ukugcinwa kwagugu namasiko akwaZulu nokugcinwa kolim
The “ukufuduka” practice and the extinction of cultural heritage and identity: an emic perspective of the experiences of the Gonde tribe of Manguzi, KwaZulu Natal.
No full textMaster's Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban.This qualitative study titled: The “ukufuduka” practices and the extinction of cultural heritage and identity: an emic perspective and experiences of the Gonde tribe of Manguzi, KwaZulu Natal was aimed at investigating the ukufuduka practice in the Manguzi area and how it affected cultural heritage and identity. To investigate this subject, this study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design. The realities of the Gonde tribe were gathered through several focus group discussions guided by open-ended semi structured interview questions. Purposive sampling guided the requirement of 20 research participants who were between the ages of 18 and 70 years. The rationale for the recruitment of the participants was to ensure the inclusion of the descendants of the Gonde tribe who were believed to have experienced ukufuduka. The qualitative analysis and the interpretation of research findings were guided by three theoretical frameworks, the social construction theory, the social identity theory and the diffusion theory. Data revealed that the Gonde tribe was largely affected by colonialism. The arrival of imperial settlers-imposed diffusion, and it also affected their socialisation and promoted acculturation. In the process of diffusion /ukufuduka, the Gonde tribe perished physically, mentally, and spiritually thereby leading to the loss/disruption of their ancestral territory and the subsequent extinction of their cultural heritage and identity. The tribe lost what they called ifa lobabo’mkhulu (their ancestral inheritance).
Those that are remaining remain hopeful that, they will not ascend to the world of the great ones (ancestors/obabo’mkhulu) without having reclaimed what was stolen from them. If this fails, they are contemplating siyofike sithini kobabo’mkhulu (what will we tell our great ones/ ancestors? The content of this thesis is intended to contribute to expanding the scholarship of space and place, cultural as well as linguistic anthropology. The critical contribution of the thesis is that the lived experiences of the Gonde tribe should inform the schooling curriculum of the South African History subject and that the artifacts of the tribe should be preserved so that future generations will celebrate the life of the heroes and the heroines of the tribe.
Future research in the anthropology of space and time, cultural and linguistic anthropology should ethnographically continue to understand the impact warfares, growing hybrid communities, assimilation, acculturation, deterritorialisation, reteritorialisation, and the cultural extinction of indigenous cultural identities as a result of ukufuduka
The role of school culture in shaping learner discipline in selected secondary schools in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study looked at the experiences and viewpoints of educators, deputy heads of schools, and heads of school about how school culture affects the discipline of learners at three schools in the Manzini area of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The research was prompted by the apparent lack information particularly in the context of the Kingdom of Eswatini, regarding school culture that promote PD among learners. The purpose of the study was to investigate how learner discipline is shaped by school culture. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews were employed to generate qualitative data for the case study methodology used in the study. A total number of six people provided data for one-on-one interviews and they were namely three head teachers and three deputy head teachers, while 114 teachers participated in focus groups interviews. The schools were purposively selected because they are known to have disciplined learners, thus deemed ideal to give relevant data in relation to cultures that positively influence learner discipline. Two theories, specifically the Transformational Leadership Theory and Rogers Model of Discipline framed the study. Results show that positive learner discipline was shaped by school cultures that involve meeting learners’ academic, social, emotional, behavioural, and mental health needs, with correct policies in place to guide school practices. Moreover, teacher empowerment and support were found to be essential practices that drove how learners behaved
An ssessment of various international players' roles and positions in the Ukraine Russia war.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The study set out to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different positions of international players in relation to the Russian-Ukraine war. The intention being to determine the impacts of the emerging positions on Africa’s relations with the East and the West, among other issues of geo-strategic and security concerns. The researcher acknowledged that while there are informed commentaries and analyses on the war, and its dynamics, no study till date, has been able to determine or even speculate, how long the war will last; how far reaching the destructions that have attended the war will be; and what pragmatic measures to be employed towards resolving the ongoing war. The study observed that studies and analyses on the Russian/Ukrainian war tended to reflect the socio-political affiliations of both the protagonists and antagonists of the warring parties. In the opinion of the researcher, therefore, the study became important and will hopefully contribute to deepening understanding of International Relations and conflict resolution. The researcher adopted the qualitative research methodology to generate and analyse the relevant data to the study. It should be mentioned that the study is basically desktop research and conducted using the thematic (content) analysis procedure. Data for the study were obtained primarily from secondary sources, as mentioned in the applicable chapter of the study. Against the foregoing, the researcher considered it worthwhile to conclude that the Russian/Ukrainian war serves to accentuate the ideological rivalry that has characterized European politics, with the “players” poised to sustain the status quo as desired
A phenomenological study on leaders’ experiences of sustainability in the South African mining industry.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The aim of this research was to investigate and explore leaders’ experiences of sustainability in the South African mining industry. Sustainability has emerged as an essential leadership concept due to the degradation of the environment and social impacts associated with mining. This study was conducted to gain an understanding of the experiences of sustainability leaders in the South African mining industry and their perceptions regarding what it means to be a sustainability leader. The experience of the challenges that sustainability leaders face as well as the approaches that they use to influence positive sustainability outcomes were also investigated.The study used a transcendental phenomenological qualitative study approach to identify leadership challenges associated with sustainability, highlight sustainability leadership successes as perceived and experienced by leaders within the SA mining industry, identify strategies leaders use to influence positive sustainability outcomes and explain the meaning of sustainability as experienced by sustainability leaders. A total of 12 executive leaders in sustainability from the South African mining industry across all commodities including gold, platinum, coal, manganese and diamonds were selected using purposive sampling to participate in the study. The views and experiences of sustainability leaders obtained through semi-structured interviews are described through individual structural descriptions. The study findings show that there are different meanings ascribed to sustainability leadership. However, the experience of the challenges pertaining to sustainability leadership amongst the leaders shows a level of commonality. These include the ability of sustainability leaders to influence positive environmental outcomes beyond their leadership roles as they deal with and rely on various stakeholders varying from mining technical teams to communities and government authorities responsible for enabling sustainable development. The experience of success from the sustainability leaders is linked to positive outcomes beyond themselves such as an improved understanding of environmental issues by the teams that they lead and community empowerment. The study is expected to make an industry contribution by advancing the understanding of sustainability and sustainable development. A sustainability leadership development framework was developed to enhance the role of leadership towards sustainable mining
The role of quantum dots in the functional layers of thin film polymer solar cells.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Polymer solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising class of photovoltaic technology, valued for their lightweight, flexibility, and potential for cost-effective, large-scale production. The ability to fully harness their potential is dependent on resolving the challenges mitigating their efficient power conversion efficiency (PCE) and environmental stability. As such, various advancements in material engineering have been embarked upon for device optimisation. This study explored the use of compound semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), as guests in the functional layers of polymer solar cells using both conventional and inverted device architectures. Semiconductor quantum dots represent a class of inorganic materials that have been utilised for matured but expensive organic solar cells not viable for large-scale production. The fascinating inherent features of SQDs are leveraged in their careful introduction into the hole transport, photoactive, and electron transport layers of organic solar cells. The fullerene-based solar cells were fabricated upon the introduction of alloyed, core, and core-shell SQDs in their functional layers in ambient conditions. The II-VI compound SQDs are employed, such as CdTeSe, core ZnS, and core-shell CdxS/Zn1-xS. The photoactive layer blends are composed of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) and poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b]dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro- 2-[(2 ethylhexyl)-carbo-nyl]-thieno[3,4-b] thiophenediyl]]:[6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7:PC71BM). The as-synthesised SQDs and fabricated devices were subjected to various characterisations. The analysed data collected from various characterisation techniques showed that the incorporation of SQDs in the functional layers broadened the absorption range, improved light harvesting, and enhanced charge transport. These effects translated into better device parameters, as evident in the improved power conversion efficiencies of the modified devices. Ultimately, it can be inferred from this study that the use of semiconductor quantum dots in the various functional layers of PSCs at certain thresholds assisted in the optimisation of the devices, improving their PCE and shelf lives. This study explores the synergy between organic and inorganic materials (hybrid materials) that have positively impacted the performance of various PV technologies.Document is bookmarked
The strategic impact of resilience on performance optimisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Manzini region, Eswatini.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Disruptions in the micro and business environments have highlighted the need to develop resilient capabilities to optimise the performance of SMEs. However, existing research findings on resilience remain inconclusive. This quantitative study investigated the strategic impact of resilience on the performance optimisation of SMEs in Eswatini. A gate keeper’s letter was obtained granting permission to collect data. Using a cross-sectional design, census sampling and self-administered questionnaires, data was collected from 206 owners/managers of SMEs in the Manzini region of Eswatini. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test reliability while confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the findings. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Before the analysis, the study conducted fit indices to determine the appropriateness of the data with the selected analysis method. All fit indices showed positive results, thus allowing the analysis to proceed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Data on gender, age, highest level of education, role in the SME, number of years in role, age of the business, and whether the company is involved in planning were descriptively analysed. Five hypotheses were tested for significance in inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple regression analysis and (SEM) via lavan package syntax from R-studio in JASP 0.18.2. Results of the study revealed a significant relationship between resilience and performance optimisation of SMEs in the Manzini region, Eswatini. The tested, integrated model showed that strategic foresight and absorptive capacity have a direct and significant relationship with performance optimisation of SMEs, while strategic orientation was determined to predict the resilience of owners/managers of SMEs. However, defender and reactor orientations were dropped for linear regression analysis because of poor factor loading. The study developed an integrated resilience model with a multi-dimensional perspective to optimise the performance of SMEs, incorporating strategic orientation, strategic foresight and absorptive capacity.The study contributes knowledge on SME resilience and performance by developing an integrative model of SME resilience. The model is useful to future researchers, policy makers, owner-managers and is recommended for adoption in Eswatini and similar contexts because of its holistic nature in understanding and creating resilience in SMEs. Future areas for research are highlighted
Assessment and enhancement of beach water quality management strategies in eThekwini Municipality.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Beaches are key tourist attractions in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, offering diverse recreational activities along approximately 2,800 km of coastline. Managed by eThekwini Municipality, these beaches are vital for swimming, surfing, fishing, and other water sports. Effective management of beach water quality, influenced by inland activities and river discharges, is essential for both tourism and environmental health. This study aimed to assess and enhance beach water quality management strategies in eThekwini Municipality. It assessed current practices, evaluated their effectiveness, identified primary pollution sources, and proposed improvements. Using purposive sampling, insights were gathered from decision-makers in water quality management across seven key municipal sectors from the eThekwini Municipality and three non-profit organisations: Adopt-A-River, Green Corridor, and Duzi Umgeni Conservation Trust. Primary data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams, which were recorded, transcribed, and analysed with NVivo software to identify critical themes in water quality management strategies. Findings revealed that the eThekwini Municipality lacks a formal beach water management strategy despite conducting periodic water quality monitoring of beaches and rivers. The study further reveals that the current monitoring system is ineffective in ensuring compliance with both international and local water quality standards for safe recreational use. This is evident from the frequent failure to meet the required levels of ≤ 200 cfu/100 ml for Enterococci and ≤ 500 cfu/100 ml for Escherichia coli (E. coli), particularly during 2022, leading to numerous intermittent beach closures, a problem that continues to persist. The study identified sewer infrastructure as the primary source of pollution, exacerbated by the April 2022 floods, although issues existed prior to this event. The study recommends developing an integrated beach water quality management strategy, improving the current water quality monitoring plan, increasing the sanitation budget, implementing education and awareness campaigns, aligning organisational functions, investing in ICT and innovations, as well as fostering partnerships with private stakeholders to enhance waste management practices
The antiviral effects of the crude extract from endophytic fungi, Alternaria alternata, on different HIV-1 subtypes and Integrase drug-resistance strains.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Antiretroviral drugs have successfully turned HIV/AIDS into a manageable chronic condition and increased life expectancy. The development of drug-resistance, side effects, toxicity and HIV subtype have impeded drug development and cure efforts. Thus, there is a demand of new strategies for developing novel antiretrovirals with decreased toxicity, potent anti-HIV activity, inhibitory activity across HIV subtypes, and activity against drugresistant strains. This study investigated the anti-HIV effect of the fungal endophyte Alternaria alternata PO4PR2 crude extract (CE) on different HIV-1 subtypes and integrase drug-resistant strains.
Materials and methods: The secondary metabolites of Alternaria alternata PO4PR2 were isolated using methanolic extraction to prepare a CE. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl]2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was then used to determine the cell viability and cytotoxicity of the A. alternata crude extract on treated TZM-bl cells. Then, using site-directed mutagenesis, the integrase drug-resistance mutations T66K and S230R were introduced into HIV-1 molecular clone pNL4.3. The anti-HIV activity of the A. alternata crude extract against HIV-1 subtype A, B, C, D and integrase drug-resistant strains was then assessed using a luciferase-based antiviral assay. The viral replication stages inhibited by the A. alternata crude extract were determined using luciferase-based and p24 ELISA-based time of addition assays.
Results: The cell viability of TZM-bl cells treated with A. alternata crude extract was greater than 80%, and the CC50 of 300 μg/mL indicated that crude extract was not cytotoxic. The A. alternata crude extract inhibited the viral replication of HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C and D viruses with IC50’s ranging between 0.10 and 0.60 μg/mL. The calculated SI values for the different subtype viruses were between 493 and 2921 showing therapeutic potential of the crude extract. The A. alternata crude extract inhibited the integrase drug-resistant strains T66K and S230R with IC50 of 0.1628 and 0. 0.1961 μg/mL with a 0.7265 and 0. 8751-fold increase in susceptibility to the CE. The A. alternata crude extract had activity during attachment (88% viral inhibition; HIV-1 p24 titre =10.38 pg/mL), reverse transcription (81% viral inhibition; HIV-1 p24 titre =13.74 pg/mL), integration (65% viral inhibition; HIV-1 p24 titre =17.74 pg/mL), and proteolysis (9% viral inhibition; HIV-1 p24 titre =49.32 pg/mL) stages of the HIV life cycle.
Conclusion: The A. alternata crude extract was not cytotoxic and had strong antiviral activity against subtype A, B, C, D and integrase drug-resistant strains. The A. alternata crude extract inhibited stages key to the life cycle of HIV. The compounds in A. alternata crude extract have potential to develop drug candidates that can inhibit different HIV subtype and drug-resistance
Investigating strategies to improve employee job satisfaction in the University of KwaZulu-Natal College of Health Sciences.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Employee job satisfaction is a crucial factor in promoting organisational success and overall well-being. This study aimed to investigate strategies for enhancing job satisfaction within the UKZN College of Health Sciences. Through a comprehensive review of literature and empirical research, this study identifies key determinants of job satisfaction and explores effective approaches for its improvement. Despite dedication of the UKZN College of Health Sciences to excellence, there can be issues with employee job satisfaction that need to be resolved. Employee morale, productivity and retention may be affected by the demanding nature of the healthcare and academic sectors as well as certain administrative challenges. According to preliminary research, supportive leadership, opportunities for skills development, work-life balance, recognition, and meaningful involvement are all important elements that have a great impact on how happy individuals are at work at the College of Health Sciences. These results suggest that implementing leadership development programs, creating clear career development pathways, encouraging flexible work arrangements, implementing recognition and reward systems, and fostering an environment of open communication and employee involvement are all potential ways to increase job satisfaction. A wider sample size of 132 employees received quantitative questionnaires using an online link called Forms, guaranteeing diversified representation across jobs and departments. A total of 42 questionnaires were returned. Validated scales that measure many aspects of job satisfaction, including leadership, work environment, recognition and career growth were included in the surveys. To find correlations, trends, and overall job satisfaction levels, statistical software was used to collect and evaluate quantitative data. The study's findings give significant insights into the elements impacting on job satisfaction at the UKZN College of Health Sciences, as well as practical recommendations for improving employee well-being and organisational success at the college. Among the discoveries, balancing challenging academic tasks with personal life emerged as a major element determining job happiness, promoting worklife balance, and providing remote employment or flexible hours