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Right now: contemporary forms of far-right populism and fascism in the Global South
Get PDFRight now: contemporary forms of far-right populism and fascism in the Global Sout
Equitable access to water at Alfred Duma Local Municipality
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.Water plays a crucial role in the life of the society, even though the factors such as pollution, population growth and poor allocation of resources has placed severe pressures on sufficient and equitable water supply. Equitable access to water is part of the Sustainable Development Goals where it emphasize that the provision of water need to be sufficient, efficient, accessible, sustainable and affordable for all people in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological governance framework that support access to water and equitable access to water in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality. The methodology used was the quantitative approach and the data was collected using self-designed questionnaires. Stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 335 households and official respondents. The data was analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Using the Chi-square statistical procedure and with 95% confidence, the decision rule for the hypothesis was stated as “accept the null hypothesis if the critical value (p-value) is < 0.05 and do not accept the null hypothesis if p-value is ˃ or = 0.05”. The findings show that ecological scale, decentralized approach to water, women participation in decision making and access to water are significantly associated with equity and human rights to potable water delivery among the population. Most women in the communities feel disempowered, marginalized and excluded from the process of decision making on water and sanitation. The Free Basic Water Policy is confronted with implementation challenges arising from the failure of the Municipality to provide the community with improved and equitable access to water and sanitation services. The study concludes that water is a basic human right and backbone to the economy of the Alfred Duma Local Municipality. Therefore, it is crucial for local communities to be involved in decision making process and their local experiences to be considered in equitable access to water supply. This must be done through the empowerment and recognition of the rights of women in decision making process. Women inclusion in water and sanitation delivery must be at the Centre of Municipality's water governance efforts as it ensures accountable governance and that the needs and interest of women are represented in a fair and transparent manner. The study recommends that the Municipality should develop strategies for effective water governance, promote decentralization, and encourage the participation of women in policies and decision making on water in order to improve the rights of the local people to have equal access to water within the Municipality.National Research Foundation (NRF
Utilization of clinical skills laboratory in teaching student nurses by nurse educators in Free State school of nursing
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Nursing Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2021.Introduction
The comprehensive Diploma in Nursing (General, Community, Psychiatry) and Midwifery Regulation R.425 of 22 February 1985, as amended, introduced by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) requires that student nurses be competent in all four disciplines (General, Community, Psychiatry and Midwifery) (SANC 1985:1). The teaching of theory and practice to students is a challenge in most training institutions, with regard to the clinical placement areas accredited by SANC for student nurse training. Acquiring clinical skills effectively requires the effective and active use of a fully equipped clinical skills laboratory to improve student nurses’ competency and self-confidence in performing clinical skills to meet training objectives.
Aim of the study
The study aimed at exploring and describing the perceptions of the nurse educators in using clinical skills laboratories in teaching of student nurses at the Free State School of Nursing.
Methodology
A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design conducted the study. The literature and King’s conceptual system guided and supported the study. Data collection was from 17 nurse educators, sampled purposefully using face-to-face individual unstructured interviews. Data saturation determined the sample size, reached after the 15th participant. Data was analysed thematically.
The study finding
Three major themes that emerged from the interviews were clinical skills laboratory environment, human and material resources, and financial constraints. The study revealed various challenges leading to ineffective use of the clinical skills laboratory in teaching student nurses’ clinical practice, as alluded by the participants, based on the major themes and sub-themes.
Conclusion and recommendations
Data gathered from the participants revealed the nurse educators at the Free State School of Nursing experienced challenges in using the clinical skills laboratory in teaching clinical practice to student nurses. Therefore, the study recommended that
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the design of the clinical skills laboratory should be in a manner that is user friendly for multiple teaching and learning, with adequate space to accommodate sizable numbers of students. Nursing school administration should consider budgeting the funds for refurbishing of the clinical skills laboratory, which should available on an annual basis. Nurse education institutions’ managers should consider developing a review of existing policies regarding the use of the clinical skills laboratory by nurse educators, support staff and student nurses to ensure effective teaching and learning of clinical skills occurs. Moreover, the study findings recommended the conducting of more research studies regarding the phenomenon
Developing container protocol for screening sugarcane (Sacchurum officinarum L) varieties for tolerance to water-deficit stress
No full textA thesis submitted the Department of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at the University of Zululand,2021.In Zimbabwe, sugarcane (Sacchurum officinarum L) is an important crop grown for sucrose, ethanol and other by-products such as molasses, bagasse and filter cake. Drought due to climate change is projected to negatively reduce the production of sugarcane. The effects of water-deficit stress due to climate change can be mitigated by growing water-deficit stress tolerant sugarcane varieties. There is limited information on drought tolerant genotypes among the 14 released sugarcane varieties in the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Industry. Screening of these varieties can be effectively done in containers as it is rapid and economic. It has been noted that plants grown in containers under natural environmental conditions show symptoms of stress. Consequently, it was prudent to first develop a protocol that minimises the stress inherently associated with growing plants in a container. Sources of stress for container-grown sugarcane plants include the rate and frequency of applying irrigation water, growth medium, fertiliser rates and size of the container used. After obtaining the protocol that minimised stresses associated with these sources, the varieties were screened on their tolerance to water-deficit stress.
Five experiments were done at the Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station (ZSAES) located in Chiredzi. The first experiment tested seven rates of applying irrigation water for sugarcane plants grown in container (35 cm top diameter, 23 cm bottom diameter and 27.5 cm height). The water application rates tested were 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 litres per container per day. The growth media used in this experiment were pine bark (6-8mm) + vermiculite (1:1 v/v) and ZSAES soil medium comprised of a mixture of top soil: composted cattle manure: sand (5:2:2 v/v). The study showed that water application rates greater than 2.5 L per container per day increased stem height, number of tillers anddry matter of sugarcane plants in the ZSAES soil medium over pine bark + vermiculite. However, reduced germination of cane setts and root dry matter was observed in plants grown in the ZSAES soil medium.
The second experiment assessed the suitability of four media for growing sugarcane plants in containers. The media tested were filter cake only, filter cake + pine bark, pig manure + pine bark, and the ZSAES soil medium. Growing plants in pig manure + pine bark produced more
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tillers, shoot and root dry mass, green leaf area and number of leaves and leaf nutrient adequacy than the other media tested although stem height was suppressed.
The third experiment assessed the suitability of five blend fertiliser rates for growing sugarcane plants in containers. The rates tested were 312.5mg/l, 937.5mg/l, 1562.5mg/l, and 2187.5mg/l of Triple 16 blend fertilizer (16% N, 16% P2O5 and 16% K2O) and Hoagland nutrient solution per container (control). The study revealed that the application of 937.5mg/l Triple 16 blend fertiliser fortnightly until 56 days after planting (DAP) resulted in more tillering but, also reduced stem height in all the four media tested. This was deemed adequate nutrition for sugarcane plants.
The fourth experiment tested the interactions of pot sizes and three growth media for suitability for growing sugarcane plants in containers. The three sizes of containers tested in the experiment were respectively small (25.5 cm deep x 31.3 cm diameter), medium (45 cm deep x 54 cm diameter) and large (90 cm deep x 54 cm diameter). The three media used were filter cake, filter cake+ pine bark and the ZSAES soil medium. Filter cake + pine bark in large containers produced sugarcane plants with thicker and taller stems and heavier total plant dry matter than the other treatments.
The fifth experiment tested all 14 commercial sugarcane varieties in Zimbabwe for their tolerance to water-deficit stress by growing the varieties in two levels of irrigation viz well-watered (100%) and water stress (30% of daily water volume applications). The varieties tested were ZN1, ZN2, ZN3, ZN4, ZN5, ZN6, ZN7, ZN8, ZN9, ZN10, CP72-1312, NCo376, N14 and CP 72-2086. All things considered, sugarcane varieties that can be grown by cane famers when faced with drought instigated by climate change are NCo376, ZN1, ZN8, ZN10 and N14.ZSAE
Leadership trends of principals towards the provision of quality teaching in underperforming secondary schools in the King Cetshwayo 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 Education Foundation and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.Principals' leadership styles are a major factor contributing to good performance of
their schools. The aim of this study was to investigate principals’ leadership trends
towards the provision of quality teaching in underperforming secondary schools in King
Cetshwayo District. The study followed a mixed methods design. In 2015, 138 of the
204 high schools in the district were categorised as underperforming. For the
quantitative study, 14 of the underperforming schools with a total of 227 teachers were
selected for analysis using simple random sampling. The study sample consisted of
all the 227 teachers. Of the 227 distributed questionnaires 183 were successfully
returned, giving a response rate of 81%. Purposive sampling was used to select four
principals, four Heads of Departments and two teachers for the interviews. The study's
findings revealed that a principal’s leadership style plays a vital role towards good
learner outcomes. Furthermore, results showed that schools where principals
delegated duties, encouraged teamwork, held staff development programmes and
supervised teachers and learners constantly exhibited great learner academic
improvement. It was established that those schools that operated effectively followed
leadership styles that encouraged power-sharing while there was no power-sharing in
most underperforming schools. Based on the findings, the leadership style used by
principals running successful schools was transformational. The study therefore
recommends this leadership style for South African schools
Assessment of coastal aquifer contamination using geochemical and health risk assessment in Maputaland formations, South Africa
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science and Agriculture in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the department of Hydrology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.The Maputaland coastal plain of KwaZulu-Natal is among the popular tourist areas in South Africa. Groundwater is the foremostsource for drinking and irrigation abstracted from the unconsolidated aquifers where the infiltration rate is very high. This could possibly increase the risk of aquifer contamination.The main objectives of this study is to evaluate the hydrogeochemical processes, identify the intended sources of groundwater contamination, and understanding the extent of trace metal contamination and health risk assessment. In this study, 53 and 42 groundwater samples were collected from bore wells during 2018 and 2019 and were analysed for major ions, minor ions, nutrients and trace metals. Na-Cl water type was dominant in groundwater followed by Ca-HCO3. Cross plots revealed that ion exchange, reverseion exchange, silicate weathering, seawater mixing, and anthropogenic inputs from agricultural activities govern the groundwater chemistry. GIS methods were adopted to produce spatial distribution maps of major ions through which locations of groundwater contamination and the intensity of hydrogeochemical processes were identified. The water quality index (WQI) varied from 18.9 to 157.1 with an average value of 45.55. Majority of the samples are classified as good, 22 % as poor, 2 % as very poor and 7% under unsuitable category, which are spatially distributed towards the southern and western parts of the study area. Mean concentration of trace metals were in the order: Zn>Li>Al>Fe>Mn>Cu>Pb>As>Co>Cd in 2018 , Fe>Zn>Mn>Sr>B>Pb>Cu>Co>Cr>Cd>Ag>Al>Ni in 2019. Most of the trace metals were found to be within the WHO standards for drinking water except for Cd, Zn, Pb, Mn, Al and Fe. Health risk assessment of trace elements via ingestion and dermal absorption pathways was carried out. Hazard quotient through dermal absorption (HQdermal) and hazard index (HI) for Co and Mn were above 1 in adults, children and infants. HQ derma land HI for Cd was greater than 1 in children and infants. HQ derma land HI for As and Pb were greater than 1 in infants. This implies that these metals pose serious adverse risk on local people and infants are more vulnerable to health risk than children and adults. The heavy metal pollution index shows that the groundwater samples vary from low to high pollution class and 21% of the samples exceed the critical limit of 100 implying that they are highly polluted with respect to heavy metals and are unfit for human consumption. The heavy metal evaluation index and degree of contamination reveal that all the groundwater samples have low pollution with regards to heavy metals and are suitable for human consumption. Moreover, the results of ecological risk assessment reveal that the studied heavy metals pose low ecological risk. Based on the pollution index of groundwater, majority of the samples fall in the insignificant pollution zone. The synthetic pollution index reveal that 2%, 74% and 24% of the samples are suitable, slightly and moderately polluted respectively with heavy metals. Similarly, the overall index of pollution reveal that majority of the samples are excellent and suitable for drinking purpose. Multivariate statistical analysis were adopted to evaluate sources of heavy metals in groundwater. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis reveal that weathering of aquifer matrix and anthropogenic activities are accountable for the release of heavy metals into groundwater. Furthermore, R-mode and Q-mode cluster analysis revealed two clusters. All the clusters from R-mode and Q-mode cluster analysis are linked to mixed sources including weathering and anthropogenic activities. This study provides the baseline data on hydro geochemistry that can be utilised further in future studies. It is recommended that contaminated groundwater in this region be treated before utilisation in order to maintain the sustainability of public health and recommends for further extended studies.National Research Foundatio
Assessing the contribution of informal cross-border trade to regional integration in the Southern African Development Community using Social Networking Analysis (SNA)
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science & Agriculture in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University Of Zululand, South Africa, 2021A majority of people within the SADC region pursue informal cross-border trade because of its socio-economic development impacts. The objectives of the study are to; a) examine the nature and dynamics of informal cross-border trading activities in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) border regions; b) assess the extent to which SADC regional trade policies promote ICBT in the study areas; c) map and assess using social networking analysis, the contribution of informal cross border traders’ activities to regional integration in the Southern African Development Community and d) propose strategies for enhancing the role of ICBT in regional integration in the study area. To achieve these objectives, the researcher deployed a qualitative research methodology, and the data was collected using interviews and observations. The data was analysed following strategies of qualitative data analysis which are thematic analysis and social networking analysis. Social networking analysis was also done by using the collected data to demonstrate the role played by ICBTs in contributing to regional integration. The results show that most people engage in informal cross-border trading due to drivers such as unemployment, lack of skills, and poverty. They buy and sell a variety of goods. The SNA showed that ICBT leads to regional integration from below because the ICBTs frequently travel across borders to purchase goods and resell them at their countries of origin, therefore, economic integration between the countries involved is manifested. Based on this, it is recommended that SADC countries must recognize the importance of ICBTs by implementing policies or revisiting existing policies that demonstrate exclusiveness rather than inclusiveness of the ICBTs. Such policies already implemented include the SADC Trade Protocol which presently appears to promote formal actors like registered businesses which fit in well with the neoclassical theory of regional integration. SADC countries must also limit the application of stringent border controls at the borders by implementing regulations that apply equally to both the formal and informal traders. In addition, the SADC governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders must inform/educate border officials about the regional trade policies implemented, so that they can understand the situation and contribution of cross-border traders and ensure that they treat the traders with fairness and dignity, without enforcing acts of corruption at the border
Assessing community participation in the Integrated Development Plan to enhance service delivery at Mbizana Local Municipality
No full textA thesis 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, 2021.This study was undertaken to assess the community participation in the Integrated
Development Plan. The study aimed to identify the causes for poor service delivery in
the Mbizana Local Municipality. The study attempted to comprehend if this poor
service delivery is caused by the inadequate management of an Integrated
Development Plan (IDP) or the lack of community participation in local government
affairs, particularly in the Integrated Development Plan. The existing literature reveals
that poor service delivery could be caused by aspects, such as a lack of
communication, participation, corruption, fraud, political interference in administration,
elevated levels of unemployment and inadequate institutional capacity. Data was
collected from both municipal officials and community citizens to understand the
causes of poor service delivery in Mbizana Local Municipality. This was conducted by
employing the qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews served as a device to
collect data from the study participants, representing community citizens, and
municipal officials. This device was chosen attributable to its ability to collect as much
information as possible from the study participants; therefore, participants were not
limited when responding to the interview questions. The study findings reveal that the
poor service delivery at Mbizana Local Municipality is caused by a lack of community
participation and inadequate management of the Integrated Development Plan
formulations. First, this is because the community citizens do not understand the
processes of an Integrated Development Plan formulation and its importance to their
lives. Second, the municipal officials also fail to adequately deliver municipal services
attributable to concerns, such as internal political conflicts, corruption, and failure to
maintain open communication with the local constituents. The study provides
recommendations suggesting potential solutions for poor service delivery in Mbizana
Local Municipality, which can also be adopted by all South African municipalities.National Research Foundation and DHE
Characterization of bioflocculant produced by Proteus mirabilis PJC12 isolated from Tendele coal mine wastewater and its application.
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Microbiology) in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2021.Flocculation has been widely used as one of the most effective methods for removal of suspended particles in water or wastewater treatment. Synthetic flocculants are conventionally used because of their high flocculating activity, low-cost production and availability. However, synthetic flocculants have been reported to have negative impacts on the environment and have caused some serious health problems including neurotoxicity and cancer-genic to humans. Consequently, bioflocculants appear to be an alternative to synthetic flocculants because bioflocculant are eco-friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic and able to function at a low dosage.
In the current study, the potential for bioflocculant production of bacterial isolates recovered from Tendele coal mine wastewater (Kwa-Somkhele) in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) was evaluated. The isolates were screened for bioflocculant production using kaolin clay suspension (0.4% w/v). The isolate with the best flocculating activity was selected for the study. In the nutrient ager plate, the colony appeared as round and cream white in colour. The isolate was identified by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) as Proteus genus. The analysis of 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence of the bacterium showed 99% similarity to Proteus mirabilis PJC12 with accession number MK 802115.1. The optimisation of nutrients and culture conditions were examined and revealed that optimum inoculum size was 1% (w/v) for maximum bioflocculant production by P. mirabilis PJC12. Fructose as carbon source and organic nitrogen source (yeast extract) was the most favoured for the bioflocculant production. The optimal initial pH of production medium was 6. Optimum temperature was 30oC and the shaking speed of 140 rpm was optimum. At
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72 hrs of incubation period under optimal culture conditions, 2,7 g of pure bioflocculant was recovered from 1 L of bioflocculant production medium of P. mirabilis PJC12.
Chemical characterisation of pure bioflocculant was done. Elemental analysis of pure bioflocculant by scanning electron scanning (SEM) showed the morphological images and the presence of the elements C, O, N, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K and Ca in the percentage of 17.61%, 45.27%, 0.44%, 4.62%, 0,47%, 14,99%, 0,77%, 1.10%, 1.46% and 13.24% respectively. Functional groups were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and revealed the presence of hydroxyl group, carbonyl group, carboxyl and amide functional group. Optimization of parameters of pure bioflocculant for application plays a critical role on the maximum performance of the pure bioflocculant and these parameters including dosage size, cations, pH and thermo stability were examined. Upon optimization, the optimum dosage size of the pure bioflocculant was 0.6 g/mL with flocculating activity of 89%. The bioflocculant performed best in the presence of BaCl2 (cation) with flocculating activity of 94%. The bioflocculant was stable at a wide pH range 3 -12 with the highest flocculating activity of 96% at pH 7. The bioflocculant produced by P. mirabilis PJC12 revealed to be thermostable capable of retaining more than of 70% flocculating activity at 100oC after 30 min of exposure.
The bioflocculant showed some good removal efficiency when applied in wastewater for treatment with removal efficiencies of 94% (COD), 97% (BOD), 78%(Ca), 60%(P), and 90%(P) in Vulindlela wastewater
Experiences of pregnant women regarding the use of traditional medicine (isihlambezo) at King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu Natal
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirement for the Master of Science in Physics in the Department of Nursing Sciences at the University of Zululand, 2021.Introduction
The prevalence of herbal medicine (isihlambezo) use is on the rise worldwide, more especially
amongst pregnant women. Most women believe that traditional medicine use has significance and
advantages to them and their unborn babies during pregnancy. There are few scientific studies about
its safety for pregnant women and their babes, regardless of possible teratogenic effects that may
result in fatalities amongst pregnant women, who continue to consume isihlambezo.
Aim of the study
The study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of pregnant women regarding the use
of isihlambezo at King Cetshwayo healthcare District (KCD) in KwaZulu-Natal.
Methodology
A qualitative descriptive phenomenology research design was used to conduct this study. The study
was guided by the Dorothy Johnson Behavioral System Model. Face-to-face individual unstructured
interviews collected data from 10 participants, with an additional two participants to ensure data
saturation was reached. All participants were purposefully sampled to participate in the study. Colaizzi
Phenomenological analytic method analysed the data.
The study findings
Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the study, which consisted of myths about
isihlambezo, traditional and cultural beliefs, indication and effects of isihlambezo and economic
impact on the use of isihlambezo. The study revealed that most pregnant women consume traditional
herbal medicine (isihlambezo) for various reasons, such as financial affordability, cultural beliefs and
benefits of isihlambezo to them and their unborn babies