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A mentoring model to enhance work integrated learning for B.ED Third year student teachers within the King Cetshwayo District
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2022.Mentoring of pre-service teachers during teaching practice has been characterised by many challenges, however, little is known about the availability of a model for effective mentoring of pre-service teachers in South African schools. The aim of this study was to develop a model to enhance the mentoring programme for B.Ed. third-year student teachers, within the King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Data for the study was collected through interviews from twelve subject mentors who were purposively selected from twelve schools within the King Cetshwayo District and was analysed thematically. Results revealed that while there has been a noticeable interest among educators to mentor pre-service teachers who come for the teaching practice exercises, there seems to be a dearth of models or techniques to guide subject mentors on what to do when it comes to effective mentoring of pre-service teachers. School mentoring plays a significant role in the professional development of pre-service teachers, especially the teaching practice exercise which is geared towards exposing pre-service teachers to real life classroom teaching experience before they are eventually certified. Subject mentors rely mainly on their experiences and expertise to mentor pre-service teachers without following any mentoring model. Any communication breakdown between the university and the host schools’ subject mentors has a negative influence on the student-teachers. Based on the findings, a Six Grounding Model was developed. The study also recommends for universities with B.Ed. degree programmes to conduct adequate screening and pre-assessment of selected primary and secondary schools before mobilising pre-service teachers to such schools
Characterisation of exposure and biological effects of contaminant of emerging concerns in Thukela and Mhlathuze River systems
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2022Rivers, estuaries, and oceans are exposed to a cocktail of pollutants, including contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). This study aimed to examine the extent of contamination and/or pollution of selected contaminants of emerging concern in the uMhlathuze and uThukela River-estuaries, following the source-to-sea approach. Microplastics, organic pollutants, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and metals were analysed in surface water samples, and accumulation of metals and biomarker response (acetylcholinesterase enzyme) were examined in the mud crabs Chiromantes eulimene. Thirty-eight organic compounds were detected in surface water samples from the uMhlathuze River-Estuary, which belonged to 14 classes of pharmaceuticals and lifestyle drugs, and 20 compounds were found in the uThukela River-Estuary, belonging to 13 therapeutic compound classes. The differences in detection frequency of compounds illustrated differences in pollution sources and consumption rates, due to differing land-use activities and disease burdens. Pesticides were also found in surface water samples, with a total of 13 herbicides, insecticides and fungicides in the uMhlathuze and 14 in the uThukela Estuary. Herbicides were the dominant pesticide class in both systems. The presence of pesticides was linked to agricultural activities in both catchments. Microplastic concentrations decreased towards the sea, and wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) did not appear to be a major source. Microplastics were detected in all surface water samples and were composed of fibres and films. Fibres were numerically dominant. Poly(propylene) (PP), polycarbonate (PC), nylons (NY), low density poly(ethylene) (LDPE), high-density poly(ethylene) (HDPE), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PETE), poly (ethylene vinyl acetate) + poly (cyclohexanone) (EVA + poly(cyclohexanone)), poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA) were the dominant plastic polymers found in the uMhlathuze River-Estuary. In uThukela River-Estuary, PETE, NY, PP, PBA and low-density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) were dominant polymers. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxide (Fe2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were also recovered from surface water samples. ENMs were irregular, sheet-like, spherical or hexagonal in morphology. The ENMs were possibly from the use of various domestic xvii nano-enabled products, for example, products manufactured for bathing, laundry washing and personal care products. The concentrations of zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), aluminium (Al), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) detected in the studied systems exceeded the DWAF threshold values for freshwater and marine environments. High metal concentrations could be attributed to various industrial and agricultural activities dominating within these systems. Metals also accumulated in crabs, and accumulation varied between seasons. Chromium, Ni and Fe accumulation was also gender specific, with accumulation in females generally higher than in males in the uThukela Estuary. The effluent from domestic use, industries and other related activities are probable sources of metal contamination in these regions. Overall, AChE activity in the gills of C. eulimene was reduced in both systems, which was a negative effect deduced to be caused by contaminants. In conclusion, this study confirmed the occurrence of CECs in surface water samples, and contaminants such as metals were observed to bioaccumulate in crab
Factors Influencing School Management Team Practices on Life Sciences teaching affecting learner performance in rural secondary schools of the Vhembe East district
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2022.The achievement of Life Sciences has not been satisfactory in some of the rural secondary schools of the Vhembe East District in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. This prompted me to explore factors influencing the School Management Team (SMT) practices on Life Sciences teaching in the area. This study was underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm. A qualitative research methodology was employed in this study to interact with the social reality of the participants. Data was collected from fifteen SMT members through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants for this study were selected purposively from three rural secondary schools in three Circuits of the Vhembe East District. The participants were selected on the basis that they were being information-rich about the knowledge and experience in promoting teaching and learning activity. The study revealed various factors that deprive SMTs from promoting the teaching and learning activity in Life Sciences. These include an unequal distribution of scholar transport in rural secondary schools, inadequate infrastructure due to vandalism, the introduction of online and WhatsApp learning to disadvantaged learners, the closing of schools due to Covid-19,and school violence and drug abuse. Recommendations from this study will be shared with all stakeholders in the Department of Education during Life Sciences conferences and workshops
The Access and use of Library and Internet as Information Source by Agricultural Academics and Extension Workers within King Cetshwayo District Municipality of Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Get PDFThe Access and use of Library and Internet as Information Source by Agricultural Academics and Extension Workers within King Cetshwayo District Municipality of Kwazulu-Natal Province, South AfricaInformation plays a vital role in agricultural production, it is believed to be the foundation for improved agriculture. To improve agriculture, access and use of information is required. This study investigated the access to and use of library and internet by agricultural extension workers and academics as information source. Shannon and Weaver model theory was used to underpin the study. Purposive sampling was used to select three local municipalities within King Cetshwayo District of KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Quantitative technique was adopted with self-administered structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling technique was adopted to select 60 extension workers in three offices of the department of agriculture located in Eshowe, Melmoth and Ngwelezane and 9 academics from department of agriculture, University of Zululand, making the total number of the study participants sixty-nine (69). Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyze data collected. Findings revealed that internet facilities are not adequate in agricultural department offices located in the rural areas, thereby, led to minimal use of internet.; Academics regular access to internet led to regular use of internet. Also, Academics had high access to library but low use of library. Most extension workers do not have access to library, thereby, they hardly use library for information source. The study recommends that effort should be made to train, especially the old extension workers on the use of internet for agricultural information source. Use of library should be encouraged among academics and extension workers
The effectiveness of guidance and counselling as an enterprise for promoting learners’ academic performance in rural secondary schools in Vhembe District
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology & Special Needs Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2022.Guidance and counselling is an enterprise that promotes learner performance internationally and in South Africa. Guidance and counselling is offered in schools, despite that learners continue to perform badly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of guidance and counselling as an enterprise for promoting learner performance in rural secondary schools in Vhembe District. Data were collected using a mixed methods approach and a purposive sampling procedure was followed to select participants who were either interviewed telephonically or who completed questionnaires that were physically administered. Results showed that Life Orientation teachers and curriculum advisors agreed that guidance and counselling is an enterprise that promotes learner performance. The results further established that individual counselling sessions for learners with varying performance improves their understanding and that when rural learners are offered guidance before writing a task, their performance improves. The study concludes that if guidance and counselling is implemented effectively, the performance of learners in rural areas will improve. The study recommends that the implementation of guidance and counselling be promoted by reviewing areas that need to be strengthened, particularly, for learners in rural areas
Collaborative approach between principals and finance committees of primary schools at Ilembe district
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Foundation and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2022This study explored the collaborative leadership method used in iLembe district schools
between Principals and the finance committees. The researcher chose four schools in
different circuits as the field of investigation. There is a lack of collaboration between the
school principals, SGBs and finance committees which has led to the absence of
defined roles each party has to play in the school finances and also a lack of
accountability. This encourages all parties to avoid penalties for frivolous financial
behaviour within the school.
The data were collected using interviews in this qualitative study. The target population
of this study comprised of 285 primary school principals in the ILembe District,
KwaZulu-Natal. This district has four circuits under it, namely Lower Tugela, Ndwedwe,
Maphumulo and Stanger.Four schools from Stanger circuit were selected as a sample
for this study. In each school 1 principal, 1 SGB member and also 1 finance committee
member were participants in the study. The main objectives of the study were to: To
ascertain if or how the principals and the finance committees collaboratively contribute
to school financial management; to identify the essence and nature of collaboration and
its implication between the SGBs and the finance committee, and to provide
suggestions based on existing policies to assist the SGBs and the finance committee to
develop a collaborative relationship for effective and efficient management of their
schools‟ financial resources.
The findings revealed that despite all the actions taken to enhance sound financial
management in schools, further efforts still require to support schools for good financial
accountability. The school principals need adequate and regular support from the SGBs
to manage school finance effectively. It was evident from the study that the school
principals enjoyed adequate support of their schools‟ SGBs and finance committee
members, though the SGBs‟ members lack expertise on financial management. This
entails that a collaborative relationship is very important for school financial
management. The study was underpinned by the Gidden‟s structuration theory which is
about the concept and enquiry of whether single persons or communal impacts are the
driving force behind social reality. RSA(1996a) highlighted good accountability of school
finance as strategies to enhance learners‟ performance and whole school performance
for smooth operation of the school system. Supporting this, Mestry (2004:127) sees
financial accountability as referring to giving an account of actions taken and being held
accountable for these actions. This could be made possible if challenges facing the
principals, the SGBs and finance committees are acknowledged. The researcher
recommends that mutual working relations between the SGBs, principals and finance
committee members should be encouraged to strengthen the school financial
management
Evaluating non-profit organisations in alleviating unemployment in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa “a case study of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, 1997-2017”
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, Faculty of Arts, at the University of Zululand, 2022In developing countries such as South Africa, Non-profit Organisations (NPOs) are regarded as promising initiatives that can be used to alleviate unemployment. Consequently, NPOs have been incorporated into development and conservation policies and strategies in many countries. This incorporation has put more pressure on NPOs to deliver on their mission and vision, but most importantly, to deliver on their mandate to alleviate poverty and create jobs that can alleviate unemployment. The study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Non-profit Organisations in alleviating unemployment in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between the periods from 1997 to 2017. A Sustainable Livelihoods Approach was employed. The research methodology employed was the qualitative research design and data was collected using a workshop and interviews. The data was analysed by employing a thematic data analysis system. The findings showed that firstly, most NPO participants did not believe that the environment in which Non-profit Organisations operated was conducive to creating jobs that could alleviate unemployment. Secondly, the findings showed that the Department of Social Development was not accessible to NPOs and their involvement is seen only on established NPOs. Thirdly, the findings showed that one of the greatest challenges experienced by these NPOs was a lack of financial support. Fourthly, the findings showed that the four NPO sectors selected for the study provided programmes that were in line with the government’s programmes. Sectors included in the study were Development and Housing, Culture and Recreation, Education and Research, and Social Services (some). Lastly and fifthly, the findings showed that NPOs could be used as an effective tool to create jobs if they were recognised as vehicles of change
An analysis of IsiZulu language in the television drama “Isibaya”: an educators’ functional linguistic and socio-cultural perspectives
Get PDFA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of African Languages and Culture in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2022.This study investigated the use of the isiZulu language in the television drama Isibaya using a functional linguistic and socio-cultural perspective. The target population of this study was all IsiZulu home language educators in all 11 districts of the KZN province. The accessible population included 15 schools in the King Cetshwayo district close to the researcher. A purposive sampling technique was used to sample participants from the accessible population. The sample was made up of 40 further Education and Training (FET) IsiZulu language educators. A qualitative research methodology and a case study research design were adopted by the study. The data collection instruments used were open-ended questionnaires and 10 extracts from video clips of Isibaya Season 7.
The findings from the study revealed that the language used in both polygamous and mononuclear families reveal dominance, power, and gender inequality. Gender inequality and patriarchy are still a characteristic of the Zulu society. The language usage in Isibaya portrays women as individuals who are required to obey the orders of men and give birth to children. Furthermore, the language used by the in-laws suggests that society still views, women as objects in the form of childbearing machines that do not have value in society. On the other hand, polygamy imposes hlonipha (respect) language upon the wives and children. Language of respect (ukuhlonipha) encompasses the entire value system of the social life of the Zulu people. The use of the language of respect in Isibaya has been a source of enrichment to the isiZulu language. The language of respect, however, is more than merely a tradition; it is a spiritual conviction and an essential ingredient in the life philosophy of the Zulu people. Over the past decade, there have been numerous studies regarding patriarchy in television dramas, future studies need to focus on language use in matriarchy in South African television dramas and how it can impact culture
Re-thinking the sustainability of local economic development through entrepreneurship in South Africa
No full textRe-thinking the sustainability of local economic development through entrepreneurship in South AfricaThe objective of this paper was to explore the sustainability of local economic development through entrepreneurship in South Africa. Local economic development (LED) should be the responsibility of everyone, including local people, business owners, and the government. LED is widely seen as the panacea to increased quality of life, unemployment, poverty, and inequalities, mainly in developing nations. LED research is a relatively new topic, and policy development, planning processes, and implementation plans are continually changing with numerous alternative ideas and techniques. The study acknowledged South Africa to be a resource-rich country with incredible development potential. South Africa, on the other hand, can do a lot better to encourage entrepreneurs and small and medium-scale businesses at the grassroots level, by preparing citizens with the needed skills to contribute to economic development because effective leadership, institutions, and entrepreneurship all play important roles. The study discovered that there is no “one-size-fits-all" development policy or approach, however, economic growth is a complicated interaction of many stakeholders’ perspectives on the local economy. The study believes that, in light of previous countries’ failures, new routes ahead for South Africa and Africa may be explored in the marketplace of innovative ideas
Building Resilient Tourism SMMEs amidst and post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case of South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Get PDFBuilding Resilient Tourism SMMEs amidst and post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case of South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaThe paper explores measures adopted by the South African government alongside small business sector to sustain tourism SMMEs amidst COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected from respondents who were purposefully sampled and interviewed using face-to-face mode of enquiry. The data were analyzed through content analysis and the emerged findings indicate that tourism SMMEs had been adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown restrictions. Numerous tourism SMMEs had to cease operations, face potential bankruptcy, negotiate pay-cuts and retrench some of the personnel staff. However, certain measures had been adopted by the government alongside small business sector to demonstrate resilience to lockdown restrictions as the pandemic continuously mutates from one variant to the other