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Leadership and accountability in managing the Constituency Development Fund(CDF): A case study of Yei River County, Central Equatoria State- Juba
No full textThis study is based on Leadership & Accountability in managing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the case of Yei River County (YRC) of Central Equatoria State, Republic of South Sudan (RSS). CDF is one of the initiatives of the government of South Sudan created by a legislation of Parliament to compliment development of the community needs as they expect more from the government of the day. The CDF Act 2007 which was passed by the parliament stipulated structures that govern the operation of the fund in terms of management, leadership and accountability to enhance effective and efficient provision of services to the people. The CDF Act provided that fund allocated to the MPs is to address the challenges that face the communities such as construction of schools, health facilities, water, roads and government facilities but not for personal interest or individual use. The problem that motivated the researcher to explore the performance of the CDF was inadequate service to the community although the government has allocated funds to each constituency channeled through the members of parliament to improve the socio-economic status of the community. The research looked at how the CDF roles, functions, and procedure were applied in the utilization of the funds to ensure efficiency. It analysed and evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of management of CDF to promote service delivery in the constituencies of Yei, Ottogo, Tore and Mugwo Payams. The study investigated the following questions: How is the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) been managed and utilized by the Members of Parliament (MPs) to promote development in their constituencies? To what extent is the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) used in accordance with the provisions of the CDF Act (2007)? To what extent does the CDF achieve its objective in promoting development to meet the aspirations of the people within the constituencies? And, what is the nature of the relationship between the MPs, the community and the County Local Authority in relation to the CDF? The study also examined the linkage between the various committees formed by the CDF Act 2007 to guide the implementation of the fund as well as the projects at grass-root levels in regards to monitoring and evaluation process. The study used both descriptive and explanatory techniques to guide the researcher in gathering information required on the best of CDF practice in Yei River County which were carried out using interviews, focus group discussion and observation. Twenty (20) respondents comprising of head of departments, women, youth, MPs of both parliaments - the National and the State, chiefs, councilors, CDF committees from the four constituencies mentioned above were interviewed about the use of the CDF. The study reveals that there are no clear linkages between the various committees formed by the CDF Act 2007 to guide the implementation of the fund as well as the projects at the grass-root level in regards to monitoring and evaluation process. In addition to this, less participation of the community in identification, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the CDF community projects was one of the contributing factors that affected the effectiveness and efficiency of the result. Although creation of CDF has effect in some of the areas of the county, it requires more improvement in the implementation process to increase development in other areas. Based on these findings, the study argues that for the best of the CDF utilization, leadership and accountability which are components of the Public Administration Discipline that enhances efficiency in the public institutions need to be put into practice. Hence, rigorous application of the CDF rules, regulations and procedures is paramount in managing the utilization of the fund allocated for the purpose of development
An erosion and sediment delivery model for semi-arid catchments
No full textSedimentation has become a significant environmental threat in South Africa as it intensifies water management problems in the water-scarce semi-arid regions of the country. As South Africa already allocates 98% of available water, the loss of storage capacity in reservoirs and degraded water quality has meant that a reliable water supply is compromised. The overall aim of this thesis was to develop a catchment scale model that represents the sediment dynamics of semi-arid regions of South Africa as a simple and practically applicable tool for water resource managers. Development of a conceptual framework for the model relied on an understanding of both the sediment dynamics of South African catchments and applicable modelling techniques. Scale was an issue in both cases as most of our understanding of the physical processes of runoff generation and sediment transport has been derived from plot scale studies. By identifying defining properties of semi-arid catchments it was possible to consider how temporal and spatial properties at higher levels emerged from properties at lower levels. These properties were effectively represented by using the Pitman rainfall-runoff model disaggregated to a daily timescale, the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) model incorporating probability function theory and through the representation of sediment storages across a semi-distributed catchment. The model was tested on two small and one large study catchment in the Karoo, South Africa, with limited observed data. Limitations to the model were found to be the large parameter data set and the dominance of structural constraints with an increase in catchment size. The next steps in model development will require a reduction of the parameter data set and an inclusion of an in-stream component for sub-catchments at a larger spatial scale. The model is applicable in areas such as South Africa where water resource managers need a simple model at the catchment scale in order to make decisions. This type of model provides a simple representation of the stochastic nature of erosion and sediment delivery over large spatial and temporal scale
Mapping Nitrogen Loading in Freshwater Systems: Using Aquatic Biota to Trace Nutrients
No full textThe majority of river systems in developing countries like South Africa, are found in catchments areas that are densely human populated, therefore are subjected to intense land-use and developmental pressures. Anthropogenic nutrient pollution or the excessive addition of nutrients is one important type of stressors that river systems often experience through intense land-use, which includes poor waste management and agricultural practices. Such events are referred to as the “urban syndrome”, were human populations and developmental demands outpace ecosystem services. Traditional measurements of water quality (e.g. physicochemical and micro-nutrient assessments) and biological monitoring (e.g. South African Scoring System 5, SASS5) techniques for assessing ecosystem health have being widely used to reflect the ecological health and status of river systems. However these techniques have a number of challenges associated with their application. SASS5 which is used most prevalently in southern Africa for example, can only be applied in lotic systems, it is habitat dependent and finally (but arguably most importantly) it cannot identify the source of pollution inputs. Recent laboratory studies using stable isotopic ratios (δ15N and δ13C) of aquatic macrophytes (duckweed: Spirodela sp.) have shown successful differentiation between different N-sources and the mapping of temporal and spatial nitrogen dynamics in freshwater systems. Furthermore δ15N isotopic values of Spirodela sp. showed the capability to act as an early warning indicator of eutrophication, before the onset of aquatic ecosystem degradation. Therefore, this study aimed to field test the potential of sewage plume mapping using the stable isotopic values of Spirodela sp. and aquatic macroinvertebrates at nine study sites on the Bloukrans-Kowie River and ten study sites on the Bushman-New Year’s River systems in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. And more..
An exploration of learners’ autonomous learning of mathematics by using selected Visual Technology for the Autonomous Learning of Mathematics (VITALmaths) video clips: A case study
No full textOne of the major problems in the achievements of learners in mathematics is the difficulty they experience in performing tasks involving higher level thinking skills which are developed through autonomous learning behaviours (Karp, 1991). Thus, to engage meaningfully in high level mathematical tasks, one should be able to work independently (Karp, 1991). Teachers therefore should support learners in developing the skills that will afford them the opportunity to manage their own learning outside the sheltered surroundings of the classroom, when the teacher is no longer there for support (St. Louis, 2003).
A study was undertaken with 11 Grade-10 learners to ascertain how their engagement with the VITALmaths video clips support and improve the learners’ understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and the addition and subtraction of fractions autonomously. The VITALmaths database of video clips, which consists of short video clips (1 - 3 minutes long) was developed collaboratively by students and researchers at the School of Teacher Education at the University of Applied Sciences North-Western Switzerland and Rhodes University in South Africa (Linneweber-Lammerskitten, Schäfer & Samson, 2010). The video clips, which are freely available, can be downloaded on mobile phones.
The study was structured into four different phases during which data was collected and analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. I specifically looked at the learners’ use of manipulatives during their learning of the Pythagorean Theorem and the addition and subtraction of fractions, whether there was a growth of a discourse-for-oneself and whether or not their engagement with the video clips enhanced the learners’ understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and the addition and subtraction of fractions.
While the theoretical framework provided a sound basis for researching autonomous learning, it required a considerable effort to determine whether the participants showed growth in terms of moving from a discourse-for-others to a discourse-for-oneself.
The study revealed that the learners’ engagement with the VITALmaths video clip encouraged the use of manipulatives in their learning of the Pythagorean Theorem and the addition and subtraction of fractions. The majority of the learners involved in the study showed a growth of a discourse-for-oneself. A number of the learners showed an enhancement in their understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and the knowledge involved in the addition and subtraction of fractions.
The overall findings showed that mobile technology can easily be incorporated in the learners’ learning of mathematics. The VITALmaths video clips can play a significant role in the learners’ autonomous learning and understanding of certain mathematical concepts
The lived experience of the post-termination period of long-term psychotherapy
No full textThis study aimed to gain insight and understanding into adult clients’ personal lived experiences of the post-termination period of long-term psychotherapy. International research which examines the post-termination phase of psychotherapy has found that this particular lived experience can have both positive and negative consequences for clients’ psychosocial wellbeing. Few recent studies focusing on adult clients’ personal experiences of the post-termination phase could be located and none of these studies were conducted in a non-Western context. The study’s aim was to address this gap in the existing literature by using interpretative-phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experience of the post-termination period of long-term psychotherapy for two South African adult clients. Data were collected via individual in-depth semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data yielded the following themes: Therapy remembered as amazing, but hard work, Vivid memories of therapy retained post-termination, Seeing the therapist differently, Keeping the therapist alive, Being different after therapy, “I started losing all my ground I had gained”, and Resuming the external journey. These findings corroborated and expanded upon existing research in the area
An exploration of how consistently and precisely mathematics teachers code-switch in multilingual classrooms
No full textMany education research studies conducted in and outside South Africa encourage teachers to take advantage of the presence of multilingualism in their classrooms and to use it to the advancement of students’ conceptual learning. This study adopts the notion that code switching is a potential resource that teachers can use when teaching multilingual mathematics classes. The aim of this study is to determine how precisely and consistently selected teachers of multilingual mathematics classes code switched during teaching of trigonometry and geometry at secondary school.
This study is informed by socio-cultural theory in general and Vygotsky’s work in particular. It focussed specifically on the critical role that language plays in the teaching and cognitive development of mathematics. My study situated within an interpretivist paradigm, used a case study research design and a mixed method research approach. Data were obtained through document collection, observing and interviewing three Grade 11 Mathematics teachers purposively selected from three secondary schools in Grahamstown and King Williamstown education districts of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed.
Findings from this study revealed that the frequency of code switching was not consistent across teachers, topics and lessons. Teachers taught predominantly in the public domain exposing students to compromised mathematical content through their code switching practices. Borrowing code switching was prevalently employed consistently across the participating teachers. Very little transparent code switching, from mainly those mathematical terms commonly used in the foundation and the intermediate phases, was evident in teacher language. No Grade 11 trigonometry and geometry terms in isiXhosa were transparently and consistently code switched.
The data suggested that while precision was observed in some cases, it was not consistent. Inconsistencies were caused by lack of planning for code switching, lack of teaching materials in indigenous languages, selective code switching, and ‘safe mode’ code switching strategies which affected teachers’ pedagogical practices. Overall results in this study illustrate that the lack of planning for code switching and the lack of explicit policies and clear-cut official positions on code switching for teaching has contributed to inconsistent and imprecise code switching by the participating teachers.
This study concludes that the development of supporting mechanisms, identifying and documenting best practices to encourage transparent, meaningful and beneficial code switching is urgently required to aid and promote conceptual understanding of strongly bounded sub-registers of secondary school mathematics such as trigonometry and geometry. It is anticipated that this study will contribute significantly to the ongoing debate on language use in education and to the institution of best practices for judicious, consistent and precise use of students’ home language during the teaching of mathematics in South Africa
Emergent governance practices in the University of Malawi following reform implementation from 1997 to 2013
No full textHigher education reform is an international phenomenon and one that greatly impacts on the
form and function of Universities in society. I set out in this study to investigate the
University of Malawi’s (UNIMA) experiences with governance reforms after observing that
no comprehensive study of this process had been undertaken following the implementation of
these reforms from 1997. I used Bhaskar’s Critical Realist Theory as my main theoretical
framework because my intention was to understand the mechanisms from which such
reforms emerged: the emergent governance practices and properties enabling or constraining
governance reforms in UNIMA. I employed Archer’s Social Realist Theory in my research
design and interpretation of the results, which entailed that I focus on issues of structure,
culture and agency in UNIMA governance.
I have established that the governance context in UNIMA in 1995 at the time the reforms
were being considered was one that promoted the continuation of the status quo because the
Malawi Government’s vested interest then was to exercise great control over UNIMA at
system, institutional and disciplinary level of governance due to the political imperatives of
the time in Malawi. However, this situation was frustrating to many in the University as it
greatly impeded academic freedom. Furthermore, in 1995 the University relied heavily on
Government’s financial structures. When these were subjected to structural reforms under the
influence of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the early nineties the
impact seriously undermined the University’s revenue base and threatened to challenge
further the realization of the University’s objectives. This prompted changes in the
administrative and academic governance structures and culture intended to improve
utilisation of the available limited resources as well as to broaden the University’s revenue
base. The governance reform measures that were introduced were mainly influenced by New
Public Management (NPM) ideologies. Most of the reforms intended to transform the
administrative structures and culture were successfully implemented. The study revealed that
this was enabled by the interests of those operating at disciplinary levels who were frustrated
by the previous constraining governance context and who viewed such reforms as bringing
about the self-governance they lacked. However, the majority of the reforms that were mainly
targeted at academic restructuring were resisted because they were construed as contradictory
to the interests of those in the academy particularly those concerned with matters of academic
freedom. The study further revealed that the academic reforms were constrained by a lack of
agency for change management and weak leadership at the top senior level of the University.
In addition, there have been delays in amending the UNIMA Act, which should have
catalysed some of the reforms, a scenario that has perpetuated many aspects of the
institutional level of governance.
Consequently, compared to the situation before the reforms were introduced, governance in
UNIMA at the time of reporting manifested two scenarios: (a) an elaboration in governance
practices at systems level where Government machinery exercises control and at enterprise
(college) level where faculties and academic departments operate promoting cultural
morphogenesis, or changes at the level of ideas, beliefs and values, which in turn is exerting
pressure on governance practices at institutional level; and (b) morphostasis, or lack of
change, at institutional levels of the governance exacerbated by the lack of amendment of the
UNIMA Act and weak leadership. The findings have also led to uncertainty regarding the
unitary nature of the University. There are fears that once the UNIMA Act is amended the
four colleges forming UNIMA might break away to become separate universities
Testing the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of livestock guarding dogs in Botswana
No full textLivestock guarding dogs (LSGDs) have been used for centuries to reduce depredation
on livestock and more recently, to facilitate the conservation of threatened predator
species. Conservation NGOs (non-government organisations) in southern Africa
promote the use of Anatolian Shepherds as LSGDs. However, livestock farmers in
Botswana have been using a variety of different breeds for this purpose, including the
local mixed-breed “Tswana” dogs. Postal, telephonic and face-to-face interview
questionnaires were administered to 108 livestock farmers in Botswana to gauge how
their LSGDs were being used, in order to determine what factors contributed to the
success and affordability of these dogs. Eighty-three percent of farmers had LSGDs
which equaled or decreased livestock depredations on their farms, with an average
reduction in livestock depredation of 75 percent per year. This equated to an average saving of US27) and
maintaining the 198 LSGDs in my study (average US1,497/farm or US$789/LSGD). A unique investigation of
different breeds was possible due to the diverse array of breeds in the sample
(Anatolian Shepherds, Cross Breeds, Tswana dogs, Greyhounds and Pitbulls), with
the crossbreed dogs (Crosses and Tswana LSGDs) performing the best. LSGDs that
reduced depredation and had minimal behavioural problems were the most likely to
incite positive changes in their owners in regards to attitudes towards predators. Sixty six percent of farmers stated that they were more tolerant of predators since obtaining
a LSGD, and 51 percent reported that they were less likely to kill predators since obtaining a LSGD. My results indicate that successful, well-behaved LSGDs are a cost-effective tool that has the ability to increase farm productivity and improve predator-farmer conflicts in Botswana. The methods recommended in my thesis, in particular the
benefits of using local breeds of dog as LSGDs, can be implemented on farming
practices the world over to assist farming productivity and to promote conservation
efforts
Marie Curie : a psychobiography
No full textWhile researchers debate the value of psychobiographical research, interest in this area is growing on a national and international basis. Every year, the number of psychobiographical studies at universities in South Africa is growing. Psychobiographical research is qualitative research that utilises psychological theory to explore and describe the lives of extraordinary individuals. The primary aim of this psychobiography was to examine the life of Marie Curie (1867–1934) by employing developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson’s (1959) theory of psychosocial personality development. Marie Curie was chosen as the research subject because of the researcher’s personal interest and the subject’s prominence as a female scientist. She was a Polish-born and naturalised French scientist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. Marie Curie’s ground-breaking discoveries changed the way scientists think about matter and energy and introduced a new era in medical knowledge and the treatment of disease. Her life exemplifies a love of science, commitment, and perseverance. Data were collected from several primary and secondary sources on Marie Curie’s life. The researcher developed a data-collection and analysis matrix to facilitate the systematic collection of data and analysis according to Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial personality development. This psychobiography suggests that unresolved infantile and early childhood crises gave rise to personality traits that eventually contributed to Curie’s extraordinariness. In the case of Curie, personality traits that are often regarded as atypical or malignant, ironically encouraged perseverance, creativity, and productivity. This study complements the psychobiographical studies done in South Africa on extraordinary individuals. It demonstrated the value of psychobiographical research as a teaching instrument, revealed the usefulness of Erikson’s theory, and illustrated the uniqueness of individuals
User interface design guidelines for digital television virtual remote controls
No full textThe remote control is a pivotal component in households worldwide. It helps users enjoy leisurely television (TV) viewing. The remote control has various user interfaces that people interact with. For example, the physical user interface includes the shape of the remote and the physical buttons; the logical user interface refers to how the information is laid out; and the graphical user interface refers to the colours and aesthetic features of the remote control. All of the user interfaces together with the context of use, cultural factors, social factors, and prior experiences of the user influences the ways people interact with their remote control and ultimately has an effect on their user experiences.
Advances in the broadcasting sector and transformations of the TV physical remote control have compounded the simple remote control into a multifaceted, indispensable device, overcrowded with buttons. The usability and ultimately the user experience of physical remote controls (PRCs) have been affected by the overloaded functionality and small button sizes. The usability issues with current PRCs, the evolution of mobile phones into touchscreen smartphones, and the trend of global companies moving towards virtual remote controls (VRCs) have prompted this research to discover what user interface design features will contribute towards an enhanced user experience for digital TV VRCs.
This research used the design science research process model (DSRP), which comprised six steps, to investigate this topic area further. A review of the domain literature pertaining to mobile user experiences (MUX) and all the encompassing factors, mobile human computer interaction (MHCI) and the physical, logical, graphical and natural user interfaces was completed, as well as a review of the literature regarding the usability issues of PRCs and VRCs. A contextual task analysis (CTA) of a single South African digital TV PRC was used to identify how users utilise PRCs to perform tasks, and the usability issues they encountered during the tasks. Brainstorming focus groups were used to understand how to represent certain user interface elements and attempted to source ideas from users about what potential functionality digital TV VRCs should contain. Together with all the other results gathered from the previous chapters amalgamated into a set of user interface design guidelines for digital TV VRCs. The proposed user interface guidelines were used to instantiate a digital TV VRC prototype that underwent usability testing in order to validate the proposed user interface design guidelines. The results of the usability testing revealed that the user interface design guidelines for digital TV VRCs were successful, with the addition of one guideline that was discovered during the usability testing