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The influence of learner bullying behaviours on teachers in selected schools in Ehlanzeni 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 Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.South African schools seem to be experiencing an increase in teacher-targeted
bullying (TTB) incidents. Previous studies conducted in South Africa and abroad have
proved that teacher-targeted bullying is a serious challenge in schools that needs
immediate intervention.
This study aimed at exploring the influence of learners’ bullying behaviour on teachers
in selected schools in Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga Province. A qualitative
approach was applied in this investigation, and a sample of six teachers was
purposefully selected from three high schools in the District. The data were analysed
using thematic analysis. The objectives that guided the study in obtaining subjective
experiences from teachers were: to determine the types of bullying behaviour learners
use against teachers; to explore the influence learners’ bullying behaviour has on
teachers; and to explore strategies to assist teachers who experience learners’
bullying behaviour to better manage the situation in selected schools in Ehlanzeni
District.
Findings revealed that teacher-targeted bullying is occurring in the three selected
schools that took part in the study. Teachers reported to have experienced verbal
bullying, physical bullying, psychological bullying, cyberbullying and sexual bullying,
which normally take place in the classroom or elsewhere on the school premises.
These experiences reportedly evoked disturbing emotions, affected teachers’ lives at
school and their personal lives, and undermined their professional standing. Findings
further indicated that there are no strategic interventions put in place by schools or the
Department of Basic Education to assist teachers who are victims of teacher-targeted
bullying.
Teachers believed that a policy and disciplinary committee that saw them being
provided with professional help, that suspended the bully and took the bullying
seriously could effectively help in handling teacher-targeted bullying in the schools.
They believed that if the Department of Education could place police from the South
African Police Services (SAPS) and social workers at school, the environment would
be safe. Findings revealed that teachers would like the Department of Basic Education
to effect strategies to discipline learners, develop programmes to assist both parents and learners, and come up with ways to suspend learners. Appropriate channels to
report teacher-targeted bullying would be effective in handling this matter
In silico genome-wide analysis of P450s, their redox partners and secondary metabolite gene-clusters in the bacterial class Alphaproteobacteria
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, 2021Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs/P450s), heme-thiolate proteins, are well-known players in the generation of secondary metabolites that are valuable to humans. With the exception of self-sufficient P450s, all P450s need electrons to perform their enzymatic reactions and these electrons are supplied by redox proteins such as ferredoxins, iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster proteins. However, to date, comprehensive comparative analysis of P450s, their redox proteins and secondary metabolite gene clusters in the ancient group of bacterial class Alphaproteobacteria has not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to address this research gap. In this study, comprehensive analysis of P450s, ferredoxins and P450s’ role in generation of secondary metabolites in Alphaproteobacteria has been carried out. This study also proposes a subtype classification and nomenclature for ferredoxins based on the characteristic spacing between the cysteine amino acids of the Fe-S binding motif as a subtype signature to assess diversity and lateral gene transfer (LGT) of ferredoxins across the living organisms.
Genome data-mining and annotation of P450s in 599 alphaproteobacterial species belonging to 164 genera revealed the presence of P450s in only 241 species belonging to 82 genera that are grouped into 143 P450 families and 214 P450 subfamilies, including 77 new P450 families. Alphaproteobacterial species have the highest average number of P450s compared to Firmicutes species and cyanobacterial species. The lowest percentage of alphaproteobacterial species in P450s (2.4%) was found to be part of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) compared with other bacterial species, indicating that during evolution large numbers of P450s became part of BGCs in other bacterial species. The study revealed that some of the P450 families found in alphaproteobacterial species were passed on to other bacterial species. This is the first study to report on the identification of CYP125 P450, cholesterol and cholest-4-en-3-one hydroxylase in alphaproteobacterial species (Phenylobacterium zucineum) and to predict cholesterol side-chain oxidation capability (based on homolog proteins) by P. zucineum.
Genome wide analysis of ferredoxins revealed presence of 1306 ferredoxins in 241 alphaproteobacterial species. The 2[4Fe-4S] cluster type was found to be the most abundant with 711 ferredoxins followed by 2Fe-2S with 490 ferredoxins, 3Fe-4S with 60 ferredoxins, 2[4Fe-4S]Alv with 31 ferredoxins, 7Fe-8S with 12 ferredoxins and 4Fe-4S with two ferredoxins. To assess the diversity and LGT of ferredoxins, ferredoxins collected from Alphaproteobacteria and from species of different domains of life that are reported in the literature were grouped into different subtypes based on the cysteine binding motif. A large number of alphaproteobacterial species ferredoxin subtypes were found across the species of
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Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya, suggesting common evolutionary origin of ferredoxins between Archaea and Bacteria and LGT of ferredoxins between prokaryotes (Archaea/ Bacteria) and eukaryotes
Comparative assessment of agro-morphological traits and nutrient content of Sesamum alatum in response to poultry and goat manures
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 Botany at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021Sesamum alatum Thonn. is one of the scarcely known and highly nutritious leafy
vegetables that is still collected from the wild or as weeds among crops in South Africa.
The plant is also used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes in Africa and elsewhere.
Despite its importance and agronomic potential, the cultivation of S. alatum under
different agronomic systems for improved harvestable yield and nutrient content is still
lacking. The study aimed to determine the response of S. alatum agro-morphological
traits and nutrient content to the application of poultry and goat manures. This study
was conducted under rain-fed shade cloth conditions during the summer months of
2018 and 2019. Pots (20L) were filled with 60 kg of soil mixed with poultry and goat
manures at 0, 1, 2, and 3 t ha–1 each. The layout was a completely randomized design
(CRD) of 2 × 4 factorial combinations. Taller plants with numerous branches that
produced many and bigger leaves and heavier shoots were recorded in season two.
The application of manure resulted in taller plants with profuse branching, many, and
broader leaves as well as heavier dried shoots. However, goat manure was more
effective than poultry manure. The recommended rates for optimum plant agro morphological productivity were ≥ 2 t ha–1
for both manures except for the seed mass.
Application rates ≥ 2 t ha–1 of goat manure gave the best vegetative and reproductive
growth in S. alatum. Poultry and goat manure application led to an increase in moisture
content, Ca, Mg, K, P, and micronutrients in Sesamum alatum. Goat manure produced
the highest nutrient content of S. alatum than poultry manure, although differences
were not substantial. Therefore, both manures could be equally used to improve agro morphological traits and nutrient content of S. alatum
Optimal performance and school effectiveness: a case of former model C high school in King Cetshwayo district
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Maters of Education in the Department of Educational Foundation and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.The study investigated optimal performance and school effectiveness in various former Model C schools in King Cetshwayo district. The literature revealed that focus has previously extended to challenges facing schools, in particular the rural and township schools. The capital theory was used as a framework, given the nature of study. The qualitative method was used for the collection of data through semi-structured research interview questions from a total of 9 respondents (3 principals, 3 SGB chairpersons and 3 circuit managers). The data were transcribed and analyzed; each question per respondent category was unpacked. The relevant literature was also used to support the arguments in this study. The findings of the study indicate that former model C schools perform optimally due to the quality of the teaching staff, governance structures, extensive extramural activities, diverse subject packages, a good marketing strategy, motivation of learners through career guidance and prizegiving ceremonies. The study revealed that challenges that affect optimal performance include absenteeism of educators and learners, financial challenges, and lack of support from the Department of Education
THE CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN DURING THE DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGES: A COMPARISON OF CHILD CUSTODY IN SOUTH AFRICAN ISLAMIC LAW AND COMMON LAW
Get PDFTHE CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN DURING THE DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGES: A COMPARISON OF CHILD CUSTODY IN SOUTH AFRICAN ISLAMIC LAW AND COMMON LAWIn Islamic law, child custody is divided into physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is given to a child's mother during the age of dependency, while legal custody is automatically assigned to the child's father. For a mother to qualify for custody and retain it in terms of Islamic Law, she must, among other things, not remarry. This requirement unfairly discriminates against women because the same is not expected of the father. Moreover, a mother is expected to reside in an environment where the father can visit and come back the same day. Failure to adhere to the above requirements may lead to custody being taken away from the mother. Again, this is discriminatory and leaves much room for arbitrary decisions that might not be in children's best interests. The South African Common Law regulation of child custody is more likely to promote the best interests of the child than its Islamic counterpart. In a recent landmark judgment, the South African Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) held that the failure to give full legal recognition to Muslim marriages amounted to the violation of Muslim spouses' right to equality, dignity, children's rights, and the right of access to courts. Moreover, all provisions of South Africa's Divorce Act will now apply to all Muslim marriages dissolved by divorce. Therefore, the SCA rightfully extended the Common Law position on child custody to Islamic marriages to safeguard the best interest of the child
Recordkeeping practices at Qalakabusha and Westville correctional facilities, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Get PDFThe dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Masters degree in the Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2021This study investigates the management of records in the correctional facility context, with Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities as the contextual setting. There has been a number of recordkeeping related issues which have negatively impacted both offenders and correctional facilities. The study thus sought to look into the recordkeeping practices of Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities so as to establish the current status of recordkeeping and to determine where these types of issues emanate from. In doing this, the study comparatively examined the types of records which are kept, the information systems used for the management of records, the policies, procedures and guidelines in place for recordkeeping, the challenges hindering the effective management of records, and the suggestions made by the records keeping staff. The study relied on the qualitative approach and adopted the case study (Multiple case) as the research design. Correctional officials who work with records were interviewed as part of the data collection for this study and they were selected by use of purposive sampling. Observation and document analysis were also used as data collection instruments while thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The interpretation, discussion and summary of findings from Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities were done concurrently and then conclusions were drawn. The study revealed that, proper recordkeeping is not prioritized at Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities; this was demonstrated by the various record classes and the nonexistence of recordkeeping policies, procedures and guidelines as well as the absence of formal training for the staff on recordkeeping. Both Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities use an Admission and Release (A&R) system for managing records, which is why electronic records are more dominant than paper records in both correctional facilities. Records are only classified by means of an alphanumeric system which consists of numbers and alphabets, and also prison numbers at Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities. Even with the presence of the A&R system, challenges concerning the loss, misplacement and insecurity of records are still prevalent both at Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities. There is still an abundance of paper records which are kept in shelves, wooden racks, ii cabinets and strong rooms in both facilities, while the records strong room at Westville Correctional Facility remains hazardous because of water leaks. The study recommends that recordkeeping must be prioritized at Qalakabusha and Westville Correctional Facilities through the development of policies, procedures and guidelines that will govern the management of records and also through the provision of formal recordkeeping training for the staff
The potentials of rural tourism in the communities around Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Arts in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.Rural development remains an important matter to developing countries, particularly those
with large rural communities with little economic activity, such as South Africa. Rural tourism
has the potential to be a driver of economic development in the majority of rural areas. Rural
tourism benefits the rural or local communities, which otherwise normally depends either on
farming or on low-quality jobs, as well as on their revenues. Rural tourism includes a number
of activities, services and amenities provided by farmers and rural people to attract tourists to
their areas to generate additional income. This type of tourism has a potential to maintain a
balanced and healthy economy by creating tourism-related jobs, revenues, and taxes, all while
protecting and improving the destination's sociocultural, historical, natural, and built resources.
This study, therefore aimed at assessing the potentials of rural tourism in the communities
around Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP), which is situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This
study adopted a qualitative research method that hinges on the explorative and interpretive
paradigms. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with the
participants using interview and focus group guides. The total number of the participants were
forty-four (44), where a total number of 20 semi-structured interviews with Hluhluwe iMfolozi
Park management staff and owners/managers of tourism businesses were conducted; and
three focus group discussions were made with eight (8) participants in each group (8 x 3 =
24). A method of data analysis called content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data
(interviews and focus groups) collected from this study. According to the study, HiP and the
surrounding communities were found with potential for rural tourism development due to their
untouched natural beauty, rich wildlife species, and major cultural and historical features that
attract a large number of tourists. Similarly, SWOT analysis was also performed to determine
whether HiP and surrounding communities have potentials for rural tourism. The study
revealed lots of strengths and opportunities, which could serve as platform for rural tourism
development, however the management of weaknesses and threats is essential for success.
The study recommends that there should be leadership commitment in driving the process of
rural tourism development through capacity building: to train local residents, to assist in the
development of business plans and the acquiring of funds to start their own businesses. The
study also recommends that there should be an identification and the use of rural offerings as
part of rural tourism products and services.
Keywords: rural tourism, rural tourism resources, rural tourism capabilities, rural
tourism strategies, rural tourism activities.Moses Kotane Institute(MKI
Utilization of smartphone as mobile-learning tools in secondary schools at King Cetshwayo District: perspectives of school management team members and educators
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 Social Science Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.The adoption and acceptance of mobile technologies as mobile learning(m-learning) tools in the education sector has brought benefits and opportunities for teaching and learning. The main aim of the study was to determine and explore the perceptions of School Management Teams members (SMT) i.e. principals and head of departments, and educators on smartphones use as
m-learning tools in selected secondary schools at King Cetshwayo District. The study
employed a mixed method approach and the explanatory sequential research design to achieve the main aim of this research. The SMT members and educators in secondary schools are key role players on technology use and acceptance in secondary schools for teaching and learning purposes. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was employed as the theoretical framework that underpinned this study. This research study was conducted in King Cetshwayo District’s secondary schools which is one of the largest district in KZN (Kwa-Zulu Natal) province. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as instruments to collect data in purposively selected secondary schools. The study respondents were SMT members and educators. The research piloted its questionnaire and it interview schedule in one secondary school which was not part of the ten selected secondary schools. The instrument used in the pilot study was used also in the main study because there were not changes after the pilot study revealed required results by the researcher, so that is the reason why it was also adopted without no changes for the main study. King Cetshwayo District has a total of 44 secondary schools for this study only ten were purposively selected. In the ten selected secondary schools 140 questionnaires were issued and 135 were collected, from the 10 planned interviews only 8 were conducted. Firstly, the study collected quantitative data from SMT members and educators, then followed with qualitative data from the principals.
The main study findings revealed that the SMT and educators need training, skills development programmes on the use and adoption of smartphones as m-learning tools in secondary schools. The respondents indicated the type of staff development they require and how and when this training should take place. The study concluded by designing a model for secondary schools use and adoption of smartphones as m-learning tools in secondary schools. The model also show how the SMT members and educators could influence and motivate the smartphones use as m-learning tools in secondary schools
Woman Participation in Leadership Positions in Mtubatuba Local Munucipality
No full textA 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, 2021.The study aimed to explore the nature, level and extent of women's participation in
administrative and political leadership in the Mtubatuba Local Municipality. It adopted
the socialist feminism theory as its framework. The study used qualitative research
methods in which data were collected using semi-structured interviews from eight
women working in the Mtubatuba Local Municipality's political and administrative
structures selected using purposive sampling methods. Thematic analysis was
employed to analyse data received from participants. The study found that women's
leadership in both the administrative and political realms of the MLM was a struggle
that demanded endurance against various harsh forces mainly stemming from culture
and patriarchy. The study concluded that the excessive prevalence of gender
inequality and male dominance in leadership was worsened by the fact that the few
women in management and leadership were not seriously considered in decision making. This was regardless of the existence of many national and local level policies
and strategies aimed at elevating women into leadership with the agenda of attaining
gender equality. Political organisations in the Municipality failed to mobilise support for
the policies that promote of advancement of women. The study recommended
strategies to eradicate violence against women in politics and political violence in
general, fighting patriarchy and addressing cultural rigidities holding women leaders
down and gender equality policy monitoring and evaluation as a way of resolving the
identified challenges.
Keywords: Gender equality, political leadership, administrative leadership,
Mtubatuba Local Municipalit
The role of the Department of Social Development in enabling social cohesion between foreigners and South Africans in Hammasdale, KwaZulu Natal
No full textA 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, 2021.This study seeks to both assess and better understand the role played by the department of social development in enabling social cohesion between South African based foreigners and South Africans. Significant research on issues of social cohesion against xenophobic tension has been reported, focusing on the networks and activities of local civil societies of migrants. Addressing South Africa's social cohesion problem is a very important aspect, especially given the history of systemic poverty, high unemployment, and racial discrimination. In South Africa's history, it is shown that building a cohesive society demands more attention to poverty reduction, injustice, social divisions, and exclussion. A qualitative approach was employed as the research method for this study, the used in-depth-interviews as a tool for collecting data. The study used proportionate sampling procedures to select the respondents and to get the population size of registered foreigners. In particular, the study used snowball sampling to reach the target sample size. In summary there were 18 participants involved in the study, 8 Soutrh African based foreign nationals, 10 indigenous South African community members and 2 Department of social development officials. The findings of this research indicates that challenges faced by foreign nationals when transitioning from their countries of origin to South Africa includes: xenophobic attacks, obtaining documentation and surviving stigmas attached to all foreigners particularly being accused of partaking in criminal activities. Therefore, championing social cohesion between foreign nationals and South Africans is essential to ensure that they mitigate the challenges usually encountered by foreign nationals during both their adaption phase and stay in South Africa. However, it was interesting to note that the study equally revealed that foreign nationals capitalise on coping mechanisms such a religion, social netwo