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Green synthesis and metal-based nanoparticles
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Science in Microbiology in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2024].Flocculation is a mechanical purification used in wastewater treatment, involving the precipitation of larger flocs to eliminate microbial cells and suspended particles. Microorganisms naturally secrete bioflocculants during growth, offering safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical flocculants. This study focuses on a bioflocculant from a yeast strain in Kombucha tea SCOBY, highlighting its production, characterization, and application. Additionally, the bioflocculant explored as a stabilizing agent in the green synthesis of copper, silver, and iron nanoparticles, with potential applications in wastewater treatment. The approach prioritizes safety, lack of secondary pollution, and biodegradability in environmental contexts.
In the production of the bioflocculant, the optimal medium composition and culture condition for the bioflocculant-producing yeast, previously isolated from Kombucha tea SCOBY from GreenHeart Organics, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, were determined through process optimization. Solvent extraction and purification techniques were employed to produce the bioflocculant. This bioflocculant was then used in synthesizing copper, iron, and silver nanoparticles. Characterization involved various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDX, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and TGA. The flocculating activity of both the bioflocculant and the bio-synthesized nanoparticles was investigated, with subsequent optimization of dosage size, temperature, pH, metal ions, and shaking speed. Additionally, the study assessed the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and dye removal capabilities of the bioflocculant and bio-synthesized copper, iron, and silver nanoparticles. Spectrophotometric evaluation was conducted on the removal potential of these components for parameters including BOD, COD, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphate, using wastewater samples from Tendele coal mine and Vulindlela wastewater treatment plants in South Africa.
Through the analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences was used for fungi identification. The fungus was identified as Pichia kudriavzevii MH545928.1. Under optimal conditions, including a 1% (v/v) inoculum size, glucose and peptone as nutrient sources, a temperature of 35 ⁰C, pH 7, and a shaking speed of 140 rpm for 60 h, the fungus produced a bioflocculant with a remarkable flocculating activity of 99.1% and the yield of 2.836 g/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis unveiled a cumulus-like structure, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine, and thiocyanate functional groups which is essential in the flocculation process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the bioflocculant exhibited large particles with distinct diffraction peaks at 10⁰ and 40⁰, suggesting its crystalline nature. The results obtained suggest that Pichia kudriavzevii MH545928.1 holds promising potential for industrial applications as a producer of bioflocculants. The produced bioflocculant demonstrated removal efficiencies of 73% for BOD, 49% for COD, and 47% for phosphate (P). The obtained bioflocculant, with a concentration of 2.836 g/L, exhibited composition comprising carbohydrates (69%), protein (11%), and uronic acid (16%). The elemental composition analysis of the bioflocculant revealed the presence of the following elements: carbon (C) at 16.92%wt, nitrogen (N) at 1.03%wt, oxygen (O) at 43.76%wt, sodium (Na) at 0.18%wt, magnesium (Mg) at 0.40%wt, aluminium (Al) at 0.80%wt, phosphorus (P) at 14.44%wt, sulfur (S) at 1.48%wt, chlorine (Cl) at 0.31%wt, potassium (K) at 0.34%wt, and calcium (Ca) at 20.35%wt. In coal mine wastewater, the bioflocculant demonstrated removal efficiencies of 43% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 64% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 73% for phosphate (P), and 50% for nitrogen (N). Comparing the bioflocculant to traditional flocculants, it was comparable in terms of dye removal with over 72% removal efficiency across all tested dyes. The biosafety profile of the bioflocculant showed survival effect of over 80% HEK cell lines with 25 μg/μL concentration. It was noted that on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, the bioflocculant did not show to be effective.
The viability of colour change from blue to light blue in the formation signifies the success in the synthesis of CuNPs. The peaks observed in the characteristics of the bioflocculant-treated CuNPs were at 3482 cm-1 (-OH), 3261 cm-1, 1640 cm-1, 1059 cm-1, 580 cm-1, and 519 cm-1 (Cu-O). These peaks indicate the presence of functional groups including hydroxyl, amine, and copper oxide bonds. The UV-Vis analysis of the as-synthesized CuNPs demonstrated the presence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) within the absorbance range of 500 - 600 nm, with peak maxima observed at 535 nm and 560 nm. The XRD pattern exhibited prominent planes such as (200) and (220) at 2θ values of 40° and 51°, respectively. Furthermore, the particle size of the CuNPs, determined using the Debye-Scherrer equation, was found to be 30 nm. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of spherical shaped CuNPs with an average size of 20 nm. EDX analysis showed the presence of copper (Cu) in the as-synthesized CuNPs, indicating successful biosynthesis as it was not detected in the bioflocculant used during synthesis. The biosynthesized CuNPs were thermal stable retaining above 70% flocculating activity when subjected to TG analysis. The optimal dosage for the biosynthesized CuNPs was determined to be 0.2 mg/mL, resulting in a flocculating activity of 93%. Through the optimization of various factors such as metal ions, pH, temperature, and shaking speed, flocculating activities of 93% (Ca), 94%, 93% (at 70°C), and 94% were achieved, respectively. CuNPs were effective on dye removal with over 58% removal efficiency. They were also effective on inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, while biosafety showed they could retain over 58% cell viability at a concentration of 200 μg/μL. CuNPs promise a potential application in an industrial wastewater treatment and dye removal and shows a good biosafety effect.
Successful biosynthesis of FeNPs was confirmed by the presence of various functional groups observed in the FT-IR spectra, including hydroxyl, halogen (C-Br), carbonyl, alkanes (C-H), and Fe-O functional groups. TEM analysis demonstrated that the iron nanoparticles generated exhibited dimensions ranging from 2.6 to 6.2 nm. The UV-vis spectra displayed a peak at approximately 210, 265, and 330 nm for the newly fabricated FeNPs, providing confirmation of their formation. The EDX spectrum of the biosynthesized FeNPs indicated the presence of iron nanoparticles at a weight percentage of 0.82 %wt in addition to the elements present in the bioflocculant used in their fabrication. The FeNPs synthesized were observed to be hexagonal in shape and exhibited agglomeration, with dimensions ranging from 18 to 50 nm revealed through SEM analysis. The thermal stability of FeNPs observed through TG analysis, revealed that their thermal stable and have retained more than 60% of their initial weight at elevated temperatures. The optimal dosage for achieving the highest flocculating activity was determined to be 0.6 mg/mL for the nanoparticles. The FeNPs exhibited remarkable performance by retaining over 70% of their flocculating activity even at a temperature of 100 ⁰C. Notably, the biosynthesized FeNPs displayed the highest flocculating activity of 97% under specific conditions, including a shaking speed of 180 rpm, Fe3+ ions as the cation, and a pH level of 6. The biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on HEK 293 cell lines, with the highest concentration (100 μg/μL) resulting in 34% cell survival. These nanoparticles also demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, they displayed high efficiency in removing dyes, with a minimum removal rate of 65% and a maximum removal rate of 93% for safranine. The Fe nanoparticles also showed remarkable effectiveness in removing different pollutants from wastewater including COD and BOD. In comparison to conventional flocculants and the bioflocculant, the biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles showed significant potential in reducing both chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) in treated wastewater samples. Making the better optimization for water treatment to replace the in use conventional flocculants.
In the biosynthesis of silver NPs using a bioflocculant the SEM images unveiled the presence of smooth, close to spherical particles with an average size of 7 to 12 nm. EDX analysis revealed the presence of silver as an element, constituting 61.93% of the weight, alongside other elements found in the bioflocculant which confirm the synthesis of AgNPs from a bioflocculant. FT-IR spectra analysis indicated the existence of various functional groups, including carboxyl, polyphenols, aromatics, anhydrate, and aliphatic primary amine, amine, and halo compounds. The presence of amine groups suggested the successful synthesis of AgNPs, as they facilitated the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0. TEM imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 7 to 12 nm. TG analysis demonstrated that AgNPs exhibited greater thermal stability, retaining over 85% of their mass at high temperatures, while the bioflocculant used for their fabrication retained 60% of its weight under similar conditions. UV-vis spectra exhibited a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band around 450 nm for the Ag nanoparticles, and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a crystallite size of 19 nm obtained through Scherrer equation. Utilizing the bioflocculant as a capping and stabilizing agent in the biosynthesis of AgNPs, offers an ecologically safe technique that yields synthesis rates comparable to chemical methods but with faster results. The optimization process revealed that the AgNPs exhibited optimal flocculation efficiency at a dosage of 0.2 mg/mL, with the flocculating activity of 94%. The biosynthesized nanoparticles demonstrated a preference for a shaking speed of 140 rpm, resulting in a flocculating activity of 94%. Furthermore, when a pH of 7 was employed in the presence of Ca2+ as the metal ion, the optimum flocculating activity of 98% was obtained. The biosynthesized AgNPs using a bioflocculant are thermal stable as they retained more than 85% flocculating activity at 100 ⁰C. The concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects of the biosynthesized AgNPs on HEK 293 cell lines were observed and showed over 68% cell viability at a concentration of 25 μg/μL and 42% cell viability at 100 μg/μL. The AgNPs also demonstrated strong antimicrobial efficacy against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited efficient removal of dyes, with the removal efficiency over 75% and with a maximum removal efficiency of 96% observed for methylene blue. Furthermore, these nanoparticles proved highly effective in removing a diverse range of pollutants from wastewater, surpassing traditional flocculants in removing both BOD (92% removal efficiency) and COD (86% removal efficiency) among other pollutants. In conclusion, the Cu, Fe, and Ag nanoparticles synthesized using the bioflocculant exhibit promising potential as a substitute for traditional flocculants in wastewater treatment and dye removal due to their biocompatibility and environmentally friendly properties
Indigenous knowledge, food and nutrition
No full textTheses submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Botany at the University of ZululandStrychnos spinosa Lam., commonly known as green monkey orange (English) and umHlala (isiZulu), belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is of African origin, and in South Africa it grows predominantly in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga provinces. It is used for food, medicine and to improve the socio-economic status of rural communities. However, studies on indigenous knowledge, variation in morphology, nutritional composition, and genetics among S. spinosa morphotypes are limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine the indigenous knowledge, variation in morphology, nutrition, and genetics among S. spinosa morphotypes. Local indigenous knowledge on S. spinosa was documented from Oyemeni community in KwaZulu Natal, whereas variation in morphology, nutritional and genetic analysis were assesed from morphotypes at Bonamanzi Game Reserve in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Indigenous uses of S. spinosa included direct fruit consumption; development of local and nutrient dense food products and drinks, such as fermented maize meal (umBhantshi), fermented porridge (amaHewu), alcohol, juice, and jam; various medicines; as well as for homestead protection, livestock increase and firewood. Oyemeni community gave the first report on umBhantshi preparation from S. spinosa, and indigenous knowledge on the morphological and organoleptic variations that exist within S. spinosa. Apparently, the whole study was the first evidence of variation among S. spinosa morphotypes based on morphological, nutritional, and genetic traits. This also included the first report on the existence of purple, pyriform, and rough fruits, as well as a purple tint on the juvenile leaves. Fruit and seed traits, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, fat, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, sodium and crude protein nutrient, were the important traits used to determine variation among S. spinosa morphotypes, based on principal component analysis. In cluster analyses, morphotypes GRR-dGEO, GRxCP-GEF, GvRxCR-GEF, GRxCP-dGEF, PRR-dGRF, PRxCP-GEO, GvRR-dGEO, GvRR-GRO, GRxCR-dGEF, and GRxCR-dGEO were associated based on their rough pericarp texture, small-sized fruits, high nutrient content in fruits, and related genetic attributes. These morphotypes can be recommended for future breeding, domestication, use in various food products and commercialisation practices. This study also reported the first development and successful use of simple sequence repeat markers for genetic diversity and population structure of S. spinosa. Results on diversity in morphology and genetics of S. spinosa morphotypes can be used to improve these fruit species for commercialisation and enhanced food security, as they have a nutritional profile that is above well-known commericial fruits
Enhancing learning participation for learners with autism spectrum disorder in a resource centre in the Pinetown district
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology & Special Needs Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2022.Teachers of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are experiencing challenges with understanding the behaviours of learners with ASD. ASD learners are impaired in personal communication and interaction, which makes it difficult for them to fully participate in a classroom. Owing to the deficits caused by the disorder, teachers feel helpless when trying to engage learners with ASD in a classroom. Their poor participation leads to low academic performance as they are unable to communicate their lack of understanding of the subject matter. This study aimed at enhancing the participation in learning of learners with ASD. The procedures used in this study included the qualitative research method to collect data, and purposeful sampling to select seven teachers from the resource centre in the Pinetown District. Thematic analysis became of value in analysing and understanding the data collected. Even though teachers have attended workshops focused on understanding learners with ASD, there are still some challenges when it comes to facilitating the strategies identified. The lack of budget becomes a limitation as the school is unable to purchase all the necessary equipment and materials for learners with ASD. Teachers shared in discussion the strategies that they identified to be effective in engaging learners with ASD
Benefits of service-learning: a case of pre-service teachers at a South African university
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Curriculum and Instructional Studies in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2022.The study examined the benefits of exposing third year Bachelor of Education students to Service-Learning at a South African University. Service Learning (SL) is a practice that links community service with learning activities for the promotion of substantive learning. The aim of this study was to investigate whether third year pre-service teachers could benefit from helping first year pre-service university students acquire literacy skills through SL. The study was underpinned by the Experiential learning theory (ELT) and transformative learning theory (TLT). A qualitative research paradigm underpinned by an interpretative epistemology was used in this study. Non random sampling technique was used to select participants from the Faculty of Education at the participating institution. Data were generated by means of observing classroom activities, semi-structured and focus group interviews. Data analysis emerged with themes and sub-themes. Overall, the results revealed that apart from enhanced academic skills, the third-year students gained self-confidence and enhanced self-esteem. The study revealed that exposing students to SL made them gain academic knowledge, cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, and self-confidence as they endeavoured to put theoretical knowledge to practice. As a pedagogy, SL created an enabling environment for learners to express themselves freely – thereby creating space for the expression and consolidation of new experiences. The study recommended that there be advocacy to promote the value and benefits of SL among academic staff (the lecturers) because without their full conviction and belief in its value and benefits, both as a worthy undertaking for its own intrinsic merits and as something that has academic value for the lecturers’ own professional development, they will not find the will and energy to implement it. This could include profiling SL widely on university campuses, as an innovative pedagogy that entrenches valuable skills, values and research to students and lecturers, leading to the transformation of communities and societies
Afrocentric social entrepreneurship development
No full textThis thesis examines the idea of social entrepreneurship (SE) from an Afrocentric and postdevelopment perspective. The thesis argues that the idea of SE is often examined from a Eurocentric perspective which tends to ignore the African context in which development takes place thereby failing to yield positive results for the African societies that are intended to be the beneficiaries of SE and its development outcomes. In South Africa, SE is predominantly understood from a business management point of view while epistemically drawing from German ideas of Social Democracy—a development that misses the contextual-epistemic realities of its location. This study takes an Afrocentric and post-development approach to examine bot the epistemic and contextual relevance of social entrepreneurship in South Africa.
To contribute to knowledge, the study appraises the relevance and value of SE’s social democratic epistemology to South Africa. Such an appraisal is undertaken from the view that traditionally, southern African society has been governed by the Afrocentric value of Ubuntu. Thus, posing the question of whether social democracy can be helpful to South African communities, and what adaptations, if any, would be required for this. Moreover, the study explores whether the practice (beyond theory) of social entrepreneurship is helpful from an Afrocentric viewpoint, as some ideas may be adaptable theoretically, but fail empirically.
Finally, the study found that it is more important to fashion the progress of South African societies along the lines of flourishing as opposed to developing. This is so as development is value-laden and tied to modernity, whose basic epistemology and axiology are not always reconcilable with local epistemologies. On the other hand, flourishing allows societies to define their unique trajectories of progress such as ubumbano/letsema – a concept embracing collective progress instead of individual wealth, amongst other important ideas. The findings also show that the motivations for SE vary but have a common understanding of human needs which affirm beneficiaries’ dignity and humanness. Further, the findings reveal that social enterprises want to build ecologies of innovation and change, and be empathetic to people’s needs, and they have reservations with most government-led solutions as those tend to be exclusive, further creating new problems when trying to solve old ones
Freshwater microalgae extracts
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].The aging of the skin is a progressive, multi- faceted phenomenon that alters skin tissue and is impacted by both intrinsic and external causes. Age and genetics contribute to intrinsic aging, whereas ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes to extrinsic
aging. Intrinsic aging is a predetermined process that produces fine wrinkles, whereas long-term UVR exposure (classified as photo-aging) causes patchy hyperpigmentation, dilated blood vessels, epidermal hyper proliferation, and sunburn. Existing skincare products for anti-aging are known to include hazardous substances associated with an elevated skin cancer risk. As a result, there is a need to look for natural alternative cosmetic items. Thus, this study aimed to assess the anti- aging potential of freshwater microalgal extracts.
Freshwater samples collected from the University of Zululand environment were enriched with BG-11 and cultured under UV illumination. Out of the ten (10) pure colonies isolated from the culture and characterised through 16s RNA, Cylindrospermum alatosporum (NR125682.1) and Loriellopsis cavernicola (NR117881.1) were cultivated for biomass. Dried biomass was sequentially extracted with solvents with varying polarities namely hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and ethanol. The phytochemical screening of the extract was conducted using GC-MS and FTIR. The antioxidant activities of the microalgal extracts were estimated by various
in vitro assays including the scavenging of 1.1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazil (DPPH), 2.2- Azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), hydroxyl (·OH) radicals and metal ion chelating, In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the inhibition of
aging enzymes, namely collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase. UVB and UVA photoprotective activity of the microalgal extracts was also investigated. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was conducted on commensals, Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.
The results obtained indicate that the extracts contained phenols and sulfhydryl groupcontaining compounds that could be responsible for certain biological activities of importance to this study. The extracts were average scavengers of synthetic radicals (IC50 values in the range from 6.5 – 48.6 μg/ml) but were potent metal ion chelators (44.3- 75.7 μg/ml). All extracts inhibited (in vitro) tyrosinase (≈ 47.87%), hyaluronidase (≈ 89.51%), and collagenase (≈ 76.67%) activities, but were poor inhibitors of elastase (≈16.43%). UVA and UVB photoprotective activity were exhibited by the extracts with L cavernicola exhibiting better UVB photoprotective activity (SPF 14.67 – 78.96).
besides, this is observed for antimicrobial activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923 and APO25177.1) and Propionibacterium acnes Kwik-stikTM. In conclusion, C alatosporum (NR125682.1) and L cavernicola (NR117881.1) possess
the potential to be exploited as anti-aging agents
Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Life Orientation Teaching of Life Skills Among Learners in the Vhembe East District
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the faculty of Education at the University of ZululandLife Orientation teaching in the General Education and Training (GET henceforth) band in the Vhembe East District has been a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the pedagogical content knowledge of Life Orientation in the teaching of life skills among learners in the GET band in the Vhembe East District. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches, collecting data through questionnaires and face to face interviews. The findings show that teachers must be masters of their subjects for them to be proficient and effective in delivering the content to learners. Life Orientation, if successfully facilitated may influence learners’ lives and redress the social and economic disparity of the post-apartheid era. Life Orientation assists learners to take right decisions when solving problems. The study recommends that teachers should be motivated towards furthering their professional qualifications in Life Orientation teaching
Personnel Management practices and government communication and information system
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].This study focused on personnel management practices and the performance of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in the Free State Province. The concern in the provincial office was weak communication service delivery to other sectors of government and citizens across the Free State Province. As cited in the literature review chapter, personnel management is a fundamental part of any organisation or entity and its prominence lies in the systematic management of human resources; which ought to guarantee inclusive and effective management of human capital in the organisation.
This was a qualitative study whose design facilitated interactive encounters with participants, which resulted in in-depth and meaningful feedback linked to the objectives of the study. The study followed a case study design, in which data was collected through in-depth interviews with participants. The interview schedule included semi-structured questions because the researcher wanted to collect qualitative, open-ended data and explore participants‟ thoughts. The participants for this study included the provincial director, deputy director, assistant director and all regional coordinators of the GCIS in the Free State Province. A total six (6) participants out of a total population of eight (8) were included in the study. The number of participants supported context specific generalisation.
Data for this study was analysed utilising a qualitative thematic analysis and interpretation. Trustworthiness of the data was achieved through member checks and triangulation. The key findings revealed that the GCIS Free State office needed a calibre of personnel with academic qualifications in order to carry out its mandate. Qualified personnel referred to personnel who meet the minimum standards of the posts and possess the competency to master the duties associated with the posts. Another finding was that constraints brought forth by the limited budget affect the implementation of certain tasks such as procurement of tools of trade and payment of overtime.
The termination of cash bonuses and the slow salary increment were some factors that have affected morale amongst staff. Part of the key findings was that most participants associated performance assessments with the payment of performance bonuses. Without this financial incentive in place, the participants were not keen to undergo performance assessments. Hence the participants felt that their performance was not valued and rewarded. Lastly, the findings revealed that absenteeism in the GCIS Free State provincial office is minimised through proper management of individual leave plans. All of these context specific observations illustrated that both systemic and human related factors influence the communication service delivery in the Free State Province.
OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU
ISIFINGQO
Lolu cwaningo lugxile ekuphathweni kwabasebenzi kanye nokusebenza kohlelo lukahulumeni lwezokuxhumana nolwazi (GCIS), lwesifundazwe sase Freyistata. Okukhathazayo ehhovisi lesifundazwe kwaba ukuntenga kokulethwa kwezinsiza kweminye imikhakha kahulumeni nezakhamizi zizonke esifundazweni sase Freyistata. Njengoba kushiwo esahlukweni sokubuyekezwa kwezincwadi, ukuphathwa kwezisebenzi kuyingxenye ebalulekile yanoma iyiphi inhlangano noma ibhizinisi futhi ukuvelela kwaloko kulele ekuphathweni okuhlelekile kwezinsizakusebenza zabasebenzi, okufanele kuqinisekise ukuphathwa okubandakanyayo nokuphumelelayo ekuphathweni kwabantu enhlanganweni.
Lolu bekuwucwaningo lwekhwalithethuvu, okuklama kwalo kwasiza ukuhlangana kwababambiqhaza, okuholele empendulweni ejulile nenengqondo exhumene nezinjongo zocwaningo, lapho idatha (ulwazi) yaqoqwa ngezingxoxo ezijulile nabahlanganyeli. Isheduli yenhlolokhono ibihlanganise imibuzo enesakhiwo esincane ngoba umcwaningi ubefuna ukuqoqa idatha (ulwazi) esezingeni eliphezulu, evulekile futhi ahlole imicabango yababambiqhaza. Ababambiqhaza balolu cwaningo bahlanganise umqondisi wesifundazwe, isekela lomqondisi, umsizi womqondisi, kanye nabobonke abaxhumanisi beGCIS esifundazweni saseFreyistata. Isamba sababambiqhaza abayi – 6 phakathi kwenani labantu abayi – 8 bafakiwe ocwaningweni. Ababambiqhaza basekele umongo oqondile ngokujwayelekile.
Idatha yalolu cwaningo ihlaziywe kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziya kwe thematic esezingeni eliphezulu kanye nokutolika. Ukwethembeka kwedatha kufinyelelwe kuko ngokuhlolwa kwamalungu kanye nokuhlanganisa unxantathu. Okutholakele nokubalulekile kwembule ukuthi iGCIS yehhovisi laseFreyistata lidinga izinga labasebenzi abaneziqu zemfundo ephezulu ukuze imfundo yenze umsebenzi v
wayo. Ngamanye amazwi: Laba bantu uma behlolwa abatholakale bewufanele umsebenzi abahlolelwa wona. Okunye ukungabikho kwemali kunqinda ukukwenzeka kwezinye zezinto ezithile njengokuthenga amathuluzi okuhweba kanye nokukhokhelwa kwesikhathi sokusebenza esingeziwe.
Ukuqedwa kwezimali zomhlomulo nokugqoza kokukhushulwa kwamaholo kungezinye zezinto ezehlise isimilo kubasebenzi. Okunye okutholwe yilolu cwaningo ukuthi ababambiqhaza abaningi bahlobanise, bancikise ukuhlolwa kokusebenza nokukhokhwa kwamabhonasi. Ngaphandle kwale mihlomulo, ababambiqhaza abazimisele neze ukuba bahlolelwe ukusebenza ngoba babona sengathi ukusebenza kwabo akunakwa futhi akuklonyeliswa. Ekugcineni lolu cwaningo luthole ukuthi ukulova emsebenzini kuleli hhovisi lesifundazwe saseFreyistata kuyoncipha ngokuba kube nendlela ehlelekile yabasebenzi yokuya ekhefini. Konke loku okuphawuliwe nokuqondile kuveze ukuthi loku kokubili (izinto ezihlelekile nezihlobene) zinethonya ekulethweni izinsizakuxhumana ezifundazweni saseFreyistata.OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU
ISIFINGQO
Lolu cwaningo lugxile ekuphathweni kwabasebenzi kanye nokusebenza kohlelo lukahulumeni lwezokuxhumana nolwazi (GCIS), lwesifundazwe sase Freyistata. Okukhathazayo ehhovisi lesifundazwe kwaba ukuntenga kokulethwa kwezinsiza kweminye imikhakha kahulumeni nezakhamizi zizonke esifundazweni sase Freyistata. Njengoba kushiwo esahlukweni sokubuyekezwa kwezincwadi, ukuphathwa kwezisebenzi kuyingxenye ebalulekile yanoma iyiphi inhlangano noma ibhizinisi futhi ukuvelela kwaloko kulele ekuphathweni okuhlelekile kwezinsizakusebenza zabasebenzi, okufanele kuqinisekise ukuphathwa okubandakanyayo nokuphumelelayo ekuphathweni kwabantu enhlanganweni.
Lolu bekuwucwaningo lwekhwalithethuvu, okuklama kwalo kwasiza ukuhlangana kwababambiqhaza, okuholele empendulweni ejulile nenengqondo exhumene nezinjongo zocwaningo, lapho idatha (ulwazi) yaqoqwa ngezingxoxo ezijulile nabahlanganyeli. Isheduli yenhlolokhono ibihlanganise imibuzo enesakhiwo esincane ngoba umcwaningi ubefuna ukuqoqa idatha (ulwazi) esezingeni eliphezulu, evulekile futhi ahlole imicabango yababambiqhaza. Ababambiqhaza balolu cwaningo bahlanganise umqondisi wesifundazwe, isekela lomqondisi, umsizi womqondisi, kanye nabobonke abaxhumanisi beGCIS esifundazweni saseFreyistata. Isamba sababambiqhaza abayi – 6 phakathi kwenani labantu abayi – 8 bafakiwe ocwaningweni. Ababambiqhaza basekele umongo oqondile ngokujwayelekile.
Idatha yalolu cwaningo ihlaziywe kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziya kwe thematic esezingeni eliphezulu kanye nokutolika. Ukwethembeka kwedatha kufinyelelwe kuko ngokuhlolwa kwamalungu kanye nokuhlanganisa unxantathu. Okutholakele nokubalulekile kwembule ukuthi iGCIS yehhovisi laseFreyistata lidinga izinga labasebenzi abaneziqu zemfundo ephezulu ukuze imfundo yenze umsebenzi wayo. Ngamanye amazwi: Laba bantu uma behlolwa abatholakale bewufanele umsebenzi abahlolelwa wona. Okunye ukungabikho kwemali kunqinda ukukwenzeka kwezinye zezinto ezithile njengokuthenga amathuluzi okuhweba kanye nokukhokhelwa kwesikhathi sokusebenza esingeziwe.
Ukuqedwa kwezimali zomhlomulo nokugqoza kokukhushulwa kwamaholo kungezinye zezinto ezehlise isimilo kubasebenzi. Okunye okutholwe yilolu cwaningo ukuthi ababambiqhaza abaningi bahlobanise, bancikise ukuhlolwa kokusebenza nokukhokhwa kwamabhonasi. Ngaphandle kwale mihlomulo, ababambiqhaza abazimisele neze ukuba bahlolelwe ukusebenza ngoba babona sengathi ukusebenza kwabo akunakwa futhi akuklonyeliswa. Ekugcineni lolu cwaningo luthole ukuthi ukulova emsebenzini kuleli hhovisi lesifundazwe saseFreyistata kuyoncipha ngokuba kube nendlela ehlelekile yabasebenzi yokuya ekhefini. Konke loku okuphawuliwe nokuqondile kuveze ukuthi loku kokubili (izinto ezihlelekile nezihlobene) zinethonya ekulethweni izinsizakuxhumana ezifundazweni saseFreyistata.
Amagama Angukhiye: ukuphathwa kwabasebenzi, ukuphathwa kokusebenza, ukuxhumana kukahulumeni, Ithiyori yezokusebenza kwabantu, ithiyori yokuphathwa kwesayensi, ukuphathwa kwamasu okusebenza kwabantu, ukuhlolwa kokusebenz
Involvement of disabled people in the community development for rehabilitation
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].It is visible in various disability studies that there is still a challenge in fully integrating disability in most African countries. These challenges include poverty barriers, employment barriers, stigma against people with disabilities, educational barriers and inequality barriers. Despite the policies that have been developed to solve these disability issues, there is still a lack of effectiveness in the implementation of these policies. This research investigates the effectiveness of the Community-Based Rehabilitation approach in promoting community development through the involvement of people living with disabilities. The CBR approach consists of five components, and each consists of five elements. These elements are health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment. This CBR approach was initiated to improve the protection of the rights of people living with disabilities and also provide them with equal opportunities in order to improve service delivery for people living with disabilities. However, there still needs to be more knowledge on the effectiveness of its implementation due to the lack of resources and knowledge among CBR stakeholders. This study investigates this effectiveness using a qualitative research methodology and adopts the narrative research design
Local economic development for youth and women employment opportunities
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].Globally, researchers and governments recognised the role of Local Economic Development (LED) as an important tool to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and improve quality of life. To this end, after the LED model was proposed by the growth of Japan in the 1970s, as a catalyst for socio-economic development, South Africa’s local government bears the responsibility to ensure LED succeeds. Underpinned by developmental state theory, this study investigated the LED program’s influence in creating employment opportunities for youth and women in Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM) from 2016 to 2021, during this period in the review of socio-economic challenges pervaded the country and continued to be a major obstacle for an economy emerging from recession. Additionally, the socio-economic difficulties that South Africa is facing are viewed by the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 as a severe emergency that needs to be addressed urgently.
This study adopted a qualitative approach as it sought deep insight into the experiences of youth and women in LLM. The qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of human behaviour through providing in-depth contextualized understandings and meanings of LED programs. The design of the study was exploratory descriptive, providing a deeper understanding of the experiences of youth and women by generating descriptive data. This helped the researcher to establish a clearer understanding of their experiences.
Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 23 participants including women and youths, a few of whom were municipal officials because of their active participation in the council operation and their relationship with LED initiatives in LLM. The sampling method of the study was purposive sampling which was drawn to enable the researcher to focus on phenomena that were central to the research questions based on expertise of the groups of individuals identified as key participants. Participation in the study was voluntary and consensual and the identity of the participants was protected through using pseudonyms of instead of participants’ names. This was explained in the consent forms by assuring participants in research of the protection of their personal information is one of the most important parts of protecting research participants. The trustworthiness of the qualitative data was assuring through the use of worthy consideration that no favouritism was involved in identifying or selecting participants which was achieved by developing selection criteria for participants.
Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes in the data. The data was analyzed through content analysis, using the NVivo software as it allowed the researcher to transcribe the data and generate themes. The findings of the study revealed that the previous LED initiatives' failures in LLM amongst others, to identify and implement high-impact interventions, were a great concern among some participants. Another finding was that the officials of the municipality were unable to fight socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality alone, resulting in their collaboration with private sector programmes to assist in poverty alleviation and job creation. The study also found the failures of government institutions to ensure that LED programs take the needs of local communities into account. The evidence of the study also found nepotism and employment of people based on their political affiliation and rank in political parties as one of the problems in the LED program. Despite these weaknesses, the study found that the municipality was doing well in investing in education because the huge number of young people amassed relevant knowledge and skills through training will in the future support the growth economy and the development of Lekwa.
Based on the theoretical framework of the study, it appeared that there is a need for the South African government to build a developmental state through local government to redress the socio-economic challenges created by the injustices of the past. Overall, the findings showed how the LED program might help the Lekwa Local Municipality's socioeconomic challenges. The study made the following recommendations: 1) The municipality must educate its people about LED and its importance. 2) All stakeholders involved in the implementation of the LED strategy must participate fully to increase impact. 3) Partnerships with young people and women-led businesses must be strengthened to address socio-economic challenges as this will open a space for more stable job opportunities. Overall, the findings show how the LED Strategy might help the Lekwa Local Municipality's socioeconomic challenges. Since the study it clarified how LED Strategy might assist in addressing socioeconomic issues in South African municipalities, the study is unique