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Emotional intelligence: life-skills programme in the prevention and management of bullying behaviour in selected Amajuba District schools of South Africa
A 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.The aim of this study was to assess the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the prevention and management of bullying behaviour in schools. An explanatory sequential design was used to collect and analyse data for the present study. Quantitative data was collected first followed by qualitative data. In addition, an EI Life skills intervention programme was developed and implemented. The effectiveness of the programme was assessed to determine whether it can be used as an intervention tool to decrease bullying behaviour. The sample population comprised 114 learners who were selected using purposive sampling. Out of the 114 selected participants, 57 were bullies and 57 were non bullies. The participants’ level of EI was assessed by means of the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Test (SEIT). The overall assessment of EI revealed that learners who were identified as bullies scored lower on overall EI compared to learners who were identified as non-bullies. In addition to the assessment of overall EI, the four dimensions of EI were also assessed, and the findings showed that bullies scored lower on emotion understanding, emotion and thought facilitation, and emotion regulation compared to non-bullies. The exception was on emotion perception where both bullies and non-bullies obtained a relatively similar score that was high. The EI life-skills programme was developed and implemented to measure the effectiveness of the EI life-skills programme in the prevention and management of bullying behaviour. Participants in the experimental group scored higher on EI when compared to participants in the control group post-intervention. This indicates that the implementation of the programme was effective. Narratives from the participants were used to corroborate the quantitative data collected, and they provided support on the effectiveness of the EI life-skills programme as an intervention tool used to decrease bullying behaviour in schools
Managing curriculum design practices in the teaching of agricultural sciences in the get band, Vhembe District
A 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.This study examined managing curriculum design practices in the teaching of Agricultural Sciences in the GET band. The problem was the phasing out of Agricultural Scences in the GET band; and the introduction of Natural Sciences in the GET band curriculum resulted in the infusion of Agricultural Sciences content in the Natural Sciences curriculum which then made it difficult for teachers to understand and know much about Agricultural Sciences. However, the teaching of Natural Sciences content lead to Agricultural Sciences content not being considered as a standalone subject in the GET band like it was prior to 1994. The aim of the study was to investigate the management of curriculum design practices in the teaching of Agricultural Sciences in the GET band. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in this study. In quantitative approach questionnaires were used to collect data from the teachers and the interview schedules were used to collect qualitative data from the participants. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers from the GET band and purposive sampling was employed to select the curriculum advisors and principals in the qualitative approach. The sample size comprised 60 teachers and 3 curriculum advisors, 3 principals. The quantitative data was analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study revealed that Agricultural sciences content, in the GET band, is not included in the curriculum as a standalone subject and only a section of it is included in Natural Sciences which is difficult for learner to separate the two subject content. Furthermore, the study recommended that teachers should be professionally developed in the teaching of Agricultural Sciences content so that they become relevant to the ever-changing educational environment. This findings helped in the formulation of recommendation pertaining to the present study which indicates that Agricultural Sciences should be reinstated as a standalone subject in the GET band
LEVERAGING MIGRATION FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
LEVERAGING MIGRATION FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTSThis paper examines whether Africa can leverage migration for its economic development. Migration and the resulting remittances lead to increased incomes and poverty reduction, improved health and educational outcomes, and promote economic development. The paper employed a qualitative research approach where a review of the literature was undertaken. The functionalist theory was employed to examine migratory patterns and their association with development. The paper revealed that Africa has ample opportunities to leverage migration for development. However, for this to happen, there is a need to consolidate remittance channels, improve migration management frameworks and support the integration of migrants, Additionally, governments in Africa need to change the way they perceive migration, rather than observing migration as a threat, there is need to observe migration as a process which has the potential to contribute to the development of the continent
An Evaluation of the Practice of Basic Values and Principles of Public Administration in the Zululand District.
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Public Administration in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2022.The fundamental values and principles of public administration—embodied in the RSA
Constitution (1996), stipulate a set of rules governing public administration in all
spheres of government. These values and principles apply to each South African and
must be implemented by elected representatives and public servants. This study
evaluated whether local municipalities in the Zululand District practice the democratic
values and principles of public administration. The study examined how practising
democratic values and principles of public administration can improve governance and
service delivery in Zululand. This study identified practices for fostering democratic
values and principles of public administration in the district. The study adopted a
qualitative research method. Purposive sampling was employed to select municipal,
while simple random sampling selected community members as study participants.
Data were collected through virtual and physical interviews with municipal officials and
community members from Zululand. A deductive approach was employed to analyse
data where research questions grouped the data, identifying similarities and
differences. Data were classified into themes generated by the research questions.
The study findings revealed how Zululand incorporates the values and principles of
public administration with local government objectives. Zululand Municipality
emphasises the importance of these values and principles to all its employees,
encouraging them to continue using them in executing their daily tasks. The study
revealed how fundamental values and principles of public administration produce good
governance in Zululand. Conflicting observations exist between municipal officials and
community members. Municipal officials contend a clear practice of the fundamental
values and principles of public administration within the district, whereas some
community members strongly disagree with this claim. This study recommends that
municipal officials always know the constitutional values in their daily service to
society, based on the research findings. Human rights should be respected and
promoted, prioritising the community’s interests. Officials should maintain
constitutional authority, upholding the rule of law. Public servants must endorse the
Constitution and its values and principles, and citizens should hold officials
accountable for their actions. The study recommends more accountability from the
municipality and appointing officials with proper skills and education on how to govern
the municipality. Appointing individuals with tertiary qualifications in law or public
administration could also be effective, enabling an understanding of the constitutional
values.
Keywords: Constitution, values, principles, public administration, local government.Moses Kotane Institute
Re`nyi Holographic Dark Energy models in Teleparallel gravity
Re`nyi Holographic Dark Energy models in Teleparallel gravityIn this paper, we have investigated the physical behavior of cosmological models in
the framework of modified Teleparallel gravity. This model is established using a Renyi
holographic “dark energy model (RHDE) with a Hubble cutoff. Here we have considered
a homogeneous and isotropic Friedman universe filled with perfect ‘fluid. The physical
parameters are derived for the present model in Compliances with 43 observational Hubble
data sets (OHD). The equation of state (EoS) parameter in terms of
H
(
z
) describes a
the transition of the universe between phantom and non-phantom phases in the context
of
f
(
T
) gravity. Our model shows the violation of strong energy condition (SEC) and the
weak energy condition (WEC) over the accelerated phantom regime. We also observed that
these models occupy freezing regions through
ω
D
−
ω
′D plane. Consequently, our Renyi
HDE model is supported to the consequences of general relativity in the framework of
f
(
T
)
modified gravity
Educators’ perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures in secondary schools in the uMbumbulu circuit, Kwazulu-Natal
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in Fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of in Master of Education the Department of Philosophy of Education, University of Zululand, 2022The aim of this study was to investigate educator’s perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures in secondary schools in the Umbumbulu Circuit of KwaZulu-Natal. The study adopted a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 10 purposively selected educators. The thematic analysis technique was employed to analyse the data. The main findings of the study indicated that educators had their own perceptions of how learners’ rights to safety affect the way they attend to disciplinary issues when a learner has transgressed. The educators’ perceptions of learners’ rights to safety affect disciplinary procedures for many reasons, including poor understanding of relevant education laws and policies. The results also showed that teachers think that the legislation guiding teaching and learning, as well as disciplinary procedures, are marred with contradictions, which make discipline management not only difficult, but also exposes both the learners and the educators to unsafe environments. The study also indicated that the teachers are sensitive to learners’ rights to safety, resulting in restricted attention to learners who are guilty of an offence in the school. In light of these findings, it was recommended that there should be a mandatory continuous in service workshops for the educators, on how learner discipline can be maintained
Representing the Indian Ocean Dipole
Representing the Indian Ocean DipolePurpose. This paper offers an alternative representation of the Indian Ocean Dipole. Instead of the zonal gradient of equatorial sea surface temperature, the new index uses tropical sub-surface temperatures (T100). Methods and Results. The space-time character of the new index is defined by empirical orthogonal
function analysis in the domain 20°S–5°N, 35°–120°E. The spatial pattern reflects an inherent zonal dipole with a temporal score that correlates with atmospheric empirical orthogonal function modes that describe the Walker circulation and basin-scale convection. Statistical regressions are conducted in the period 1979–2019 to evaluate the traditional Dipole Mode Index and the new T100 index, and the association with East Africa climate and Pacific Nino3.4 SST. These demonstrate improved performance of the T100 index with ~ 30% higher r2 explained variance. Conclusions. Whereas the old index tracks feedback between equatorial sea surface temperature / zonal wind / surface fluxes, the new index tracks coupling between south Indian Ocean Rossby waves / anticyclonic curl / thermocline oscillations
Assessing the socio-economic impacts of rural-urban migration on KwaNokweja, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for: Master of Arts in Geography in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences University of Zululand.This study aims to assess the socio-economic impacts of rural-urban migration in KwaNokweja, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study are to (a) analyse the causes of rural-urban migration in KwaNokweja, (b) assess the socio-economic impacts of rural-urban migration with a focus on poverty, agricultural production, and education in KwaNokweja and the implication of the COVID-19 pandemic on these, (c) explore the perception of residents in KwaNokweja towards rural-urban migration, and (d) evaluate the local municipality’s responses to the consequences of rural-urban migration in KwaNokweja. A mixed research methodology was adopted to address these objectives. In the qualitative part of the study, interviews were conducted with the relevant authorities including traditional authorities, municipal officers, and the ward councillor. For the quantitative dimension of the study, questionnaires were administered to community members from KwaNokweja. A thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data whereas SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data and generate descriptive statistics. The findings of this study confirm that migration is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that is influenced by a multitude of factors. In terms of the socio economic development impacts, it was found that migration has positive impacts in terms of remittances which enhanced the livelihoods of people in KwaNokweja. The study found that households which received remittances were able to afford to spend more on food, household needs, and education and had more assets than their non receiving counterparts. This implies that migration plays a significant role in enhancing food security and reducing poverty in KwaNokweja. As a result, most of the participants in this study noted that they were in support of migration to urban areas because it improves their socio-economic livelihoods. Most people in KwaNokweja view migration as a route out of poverty, and a positive livelihood strategy. However, some people expressed that they discourage the migration of people from KwaNokweja to urban areas due to several factors including among others, negative experiences, the abandonment of elders and belongings, and the transfer of skills to enhance the development of urban areas at the expense of rural areas. As a result, Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality has devised several strategies aimed at promoting rural development and discouraging the migration of communities from the municipal’s jurisdiction to urban areas. Based on these findings, this study recommends that the xii focus should be on job creation and encouraging entrepreneurship through agriculture, skills development training and investments in small businesses. This will not only decrease dependence on remittances, but it will encourage people to generate their own income, disincentivize migration, promote job creation, attract investments, and enhance local economic development
The integration of record management functionalities in the management of students’ records systems at the University of Zululand South Africa
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in accordance with the requirements for the master’s degree in library and information science in the Department of Library and Information Studies, at the University of Zululand, 2022.This study sought to investigate the integration of records management functionalities into the management of students’ records systems at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). The investigation used tenets derived from the existing IRMT good practice indicators tool. The study examined the integration of records management functionality into the management of students' records; standards and procedures for integrating records; information management strategy; and tools for auditing records systems.
The study largely adopted a qualitative approach, with a case study research design. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observations. The study targeted 60 respondents, which comprised of records management staff, Protective Service Department (PSD), student administration, and ICT Manager. Out of 60 targeted participants, 44 (73%) responded.
The study findings revealed that the level of record integration at UNIZULU is moderate. The study also revealed that when the system was implemented, the implementation process was considered. However, there are still some gaps that need to be filled by the institution. The study also found that there was no specific policy for records management at UNIZULU. There was no qualified records manager at the University of Zululand, even though there were employees who were hired by the university called records officers. There is a lack of proper training, workshops, and skills in records management at the University of Zululand. The study recommends that staff members be trained in records management practices and that policies, standards, and procedures which guide the management of both paper and electronic records be established. The study also recommends that the organisation seek funds from well-wishers and donors to improve the management system of records
Biophysical investigations of the interaction between substrate binding domain of Hsp40 and the RING finger domain of Retinoblastoma Binding Protein 6
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Science in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.Irrespective of the tireless efforts and resources that have been pumped into cancer elimination
and management, the disease remains one of the foremost causes of death worldwide, with
associated mortality and morbidity cases on the rise every year. The disease has therefore become
a major public health concern as both the young and aged are greatly affected. For years, efforts
have been directed towards finding permanent solutions for cancer, not only because of the risk of
reoccurrence but also due to the non-specificity and side effects of current chemotherapy
treatments. Protein-protein interactions have recently come onto the scene as potential targets for
novel treatment and management options for the disease. Through a yeast-two hybrid study, the
RING finger domain of the Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) and the substrate binding
domain of heat shock protein 40 (SBDHsp40) suggested a putative interaction between these two
proteins. In this study molecular dynamic simulations were used to confirm the interaction between
the proteins and associated binding parameters. This was followed by the recombinant expression
of the proteins within two difference expression vectors and E. coli bacterial strains. The
SBDHsp40 protein was purified using affinity chromatography while the RING finger domain
protein was purified to homogeneity by affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Biophysical
characterization in the form of Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy
were then used to determine the functional groups within the proteins that made up their secondary
structural elements. Due to time constraints, the experimental interactive studies could not be
performed. However, the in-silico studies done confirm this putative interaction and form a basis
for consequent application in the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs.
Keywords: Cancer, heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40), protein-protein interaction (PPI),
retinoblastoma-binding protein-6 (RBBP6), RING finger domain, substrate binding domain,
ubiquitination