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Evaluation of the flocculation potential and characterisation of a bioflocculant produced by activated sludge bacteria from Vulindlela Wastewater Treatment Plant
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.Biofflocculants are flocculating agents produced by microorganisms during their phase of growth as secondary metabolites. These bioflocculants play an important role in wastewater treatment and industrial applications. This study aimed to isolate, screen and identify bioflocculant producing-bacterium isolated from Vulindlela wastewater treatment plant (VWWTP). The production conditions for bioflocculant were optimized for improved flocculating activities and production yield. After evaluation and purification the bioflocculant was characterized and used in wastewater treatment and dye removal from different dye soluctions.
The bacterium was isolated using nutrient agar plates prepared with sterile activated sludge and screened for bioflocculant production. The bacterial identification was done through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the selected isolate has got about 98% similarities with Proteus mirabilis. The nucleotide sequences were deposited in the Gene bank as Proteus mirabilis with accession number AB 932526.1. The optimum production of bioflocculant was achieved using 3% (v/v): [1.5 (mL)] inoculum size with 90% flocculating activity, sucrose (95%) and yeast extract (91%) as a sole carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The addition of BaCl2 enhanced the flocculating activity (95%) at a pH 3 - 6 with maximum flocculating activity at an initial pH 6 (83%), at optimum temperature of 30 ºC (96%), shaking speed of 120 rpm (98%) and the fermentation time of 72 hrs (92%). After extraction and purification, a yield of 3.8 g/L of the purified bioflocculant was obtained. The highest flocculating activity of 76% with kaolin clay solution (4 g/L) was achieved at 0.4 mg/mL in the presence of divalent cation (Ba2+) as stimulating agent. Chemical composition analysis showed that a purified bioflocculant is mainly composed of carbohydrates (64%), protein (10%) and uronic acid (24%). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed stronger intensity of the carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino group as the main fuctional groups of the purified bioflocculant responsible for its high flocculation rate. XDR analysis indicates the lack of crystallinity and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds. The elemental analysis carried out with scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with elemental analyser showed that the bioflocculant Proteus mirabilis AB 932526.1 revealed the presence of elements such as N, C, O, Na, Mg, P, Mo, K, and Ca. The bioflocculant was more efficient in acidic to neutral pH ranges with the maximum flocculating activity of 97% at pH 6.
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The bioflocculant retained more than 55% flocculating activity at 121 ºC revealing its thermal stability potential. It shows great potential in removing COD, BOD, sulphide, nitrogen, and phosphorus in wastewater treatment. More than 70% removal efficiency was demonstrated b
The roles of religious organizations in HIV/Aids prevention among youth at Nquthu in Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa.
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Nursing Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology in the Faculty Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2021.Introduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a crisis of massive social, economic, spiritual as well as political magnitudes. It is a menace to vital human development as well as to the mission of religious organisation. Based on the reports by UNAIDS, in the year 2018, there were 37.9 million of individuals across the globe who lived with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, there is a dire need for religious leaders to exercise the power and authority that they have in their churches and communities to tackle the HIV/AIDS pandemic especially among the youth. Therefore, it is imperative to involve the churches in prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the roles of religious organisations in HIV/AIDS prevention among youth at Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal.
Methodology: This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenology design. Constructivism approach was used as a paradigm that guides this study. The study was conducted at Nquthu, in KwaZulu-Natal, the targeted population consisted of the youth Christians between the ages of 18 to 35 years who attends churches at Nquthu. In this study, unstructured descriptive phenomenological in-depth face-to face individual interviews were conducted with the participants who were purposefully sampled. Data collection was done until data saturation was reached at the seventh interview with the participants. However, three more participants were interviewed to confirm data saturation. Data analysis was done concurrently with data collection. The Colaizzi’s method of data analysis for descriptive phenomenological research was applied. The findings of this study were presented using the Donabedian’s theory as the theoretical framework guiding this study.
The study findings: The study discovered that most churches at Nquthu do participate in programmes that help to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS among youth. Most of the church leaders are willing to preach about HIV/AIDS and its prevention among youth. Although gaps do exist regarding the phenomenon, further research should be conducted based on the recommendations of the study.National Research Foundation
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authorit
An analysis of Community Participation Towards The Implementation of Intergrated Development Plan (IDP) in King Cetshwayo District Municipality
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Local Goverenment Law in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand, 2021.Prior to 1994, laws that favoured a certain race of people governed South Africa. This meant that the race enjoyed more rights and privileges than the other races did. The participation of the other races, viz. non-white races, in the government, was limited. This had an adverse effect on community participation as the system favoured one group of people – whites – over the others. Blacks, coloureds and Indians had restricted rights in participating in government matters. The apartheid government eventually weakened, and that resulted in the democratic government’s taking over in 1994. In an attempt to address the imbalances of the past, the democratic government initiated processes that would ensure that everyone had equal rights such as the right to participate in all processes of the government. To that end, this study reveals the importance of community participation in King Cetshwayo District Municipality and the local government as a whole. However, there are challenges that need special and urgent attention. Additionally, the study shows that thorough community participation is achievable if attention is set on the community’s needs.
The study aims to investigate whether King Cetshwayo District Municipality (formally known as the uThungulu District Municipality) has developed processes that comply with section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 (MSA) in order promote and ensure thorough community participation when an Integrated Development Plan is implemented. It further aims to assess and analyse whether the community and relevant stakeholders are engaged sufficiently during every decision taking - this also includes assessing the public’s knowledge of its participation rights. Describing and analysing the challenges of the IDP, if there are any, on the failure to comply with the statutory requirements associated with community participation also forms part of the study’s objectives. The researcher hopes to develop strategies to be followed by the municipality in order to ensure compliance.
The study looks at challenges peculiar to community participation with reference to King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM). According to the 2016 statistics, KCDM has the third largest population in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The district also has a high concentration of big industries and retail sectors within its jurisdiction which contribute to the financial growth of the district. However, the district had challenges
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such as the decline of investment injections to its economy during the period of worldwide economic recession.
The population of the KCDM is mostly rural (80% of its population), and 53% of that rural population is aged between 0-19. Unemployment rate stands at 50% in KCDM, and poverty is the primary matter of concern in the region.
Research methodology is an intricate part of every study since every research study must have a methodology. The method for this study is a qualitative study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources included the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the MSA, and other relevant legislation such as the recent constitutional court rulings, municipal strategic planning documents, municipal public participation documents and reports, and municipal council minutes on meetings about community participation. Secondary Sources included the works of other authors, newspapers and academic texts
An exploration of the role of women in the household poverty alleviation in the Amatikulu area, Umlalazi Municipality,Kwa-Zulu Natal province
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.Poverty is a social problem that has incapacitated many African women from accessing quality standard of living. In the year 2000, the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (that isgoal 3) aimed at eradicating feminized poverty, and in 2015 the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforced this commitment. This resonates with challenges faced in South Africa since 1994, as the country has been experiencing increase in poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality in recruitment. Gender scholars have shown that higher percentage of women than those of men are still living below poverty line of R441 per month, and in South Africa and other African countries, women are not well-represented in the labour market. The aim of the study is to explore the women’s agency in poverty alleviation and focus on managing of poverty for women and their households. The present study argues that even though the United Nations introduced the MDGs and SDGs with the aim to end poverty and hunger by 2030, the role being played by women in their households and community. The study was underpinned by womanism theory, which argues that black women have been oppressed because of race and class. The study adopted qualitative research approach with non-probability sampling technique of a purposive sampling, 10 women participants were interviewed. Data collection instrument was used in-depth interviews were used are open-ended discovery methods. The main findings of the study revealed that despite the poverty socio-economically challenges that were faced by women in their household, they were engaged in women’s role in imperative to overcome poverty within women leader’s household. The study has added more insight into the exploration of women’s agency in poverty alleviation, and in managing their household against poverty. The study recommends that women need a diversity of practical training programs that will assist in educating them about financial budgeting and how to gain business skills. The future research can explore the study in other geographic area to investigate whether other women’s experiences are similar to what have been obtained in Amatikulu area. The study recommends that women need diversity of practical training programs that will assist in educating them about financial budgeting and how to gain the business skills
The role of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the struggle for liberation in South Africa, C.1921-2015
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of History at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.This research study addresses the role of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the
liberation struggle from its inception, through the apartheid era to post-apartheid epoch.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) had a strong grip on the African National
Congress (ANC) on questions of theory, strategy and tactics of the national liberation
struggle. It is argued in this thesis that the SACP produced vast reading material such as
the African Communist to exert its influence in the liberation struggle through the ANC.
They contributed immensely in the drafting of the Freedom Charter which in turn shaped
the political perspectives of the ANC. This thesis asserts that Joe Slovo contributed to the
ANC’s “Two Phase Theory” revolution for which the National Democratic Revolution
(NDR) perspective was premised. This theory and perspective logically led to the formation
of the ‘Mass Democratic Movement’ strategy which accommodated everybody from
committed revolutionaries, moderates, reformists, opportunists, reactionaries, puppets
and dissenters. Slovo argued that it is the inclusiveness of everybody and everything that
makes the NDR democratic and national and therefore justifiable. Thus, by implication,
communists intentionally took the ANC and its allies through a reformist path. Emerging
from this thesis is a narrative that says it is not for revolutionaries to do anything
nonrevolutionary, anti-socialist and liberal in orientation and character for the sake of
convenience. The crucial contributions made by Slovo equal to the Two Stage theory and
which shaped the South African anti-colonial struggle were two pieces of work, viz,
‘Colonialism of a Special Type’ ( i.e. Settler Colonialism) and the ‘Sunset Clause’
respectively. The two, Colonialism of a Special Type and the Sunset Clause professed that
the colonized and exploited workers had to co-exist with the oppressors and exploiters.
The theory of colonialism of special type has as its main function to explain the fact that
SA colonizers are ‘live-in’ colonizers. The logic of this analysis led to the conclusion that the
‘anti-colonial’ struggle should not be to drive the colonizers away but to reconcile with
them, hence ‘power sharing mechanism’ which produced the 1994 government of national
‘unity’. This colonialism of special type theory that promoted ‘power’ sharing and
‘reconciliation’ flowed from Moscow’s policy shift from supporting armed struggle to
advocating negotiated settlement as the preferred solution. It is also premised on the
Freedom Charter’s declaration that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it”. The Sunset
Clause, also written by Joe Slovo, was intended to focus the attention of the masses to the
gradual removal of settler colonial racists from power positions not the overthrow of the
entire state machinery
The potential of African religious pilgrimages as a tool for tourism development in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Arts in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.The main purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of African religious pilgrimages towards tourism development in South Africa using the province of KwaZulu-Natal as a case study or as an example. Given that the religious sector is apart of the tourism sector, the study sought to establish whether pilgrimage destinations would be perceived as a socio-economic contributor to the country’s economy. The study adopted a mixed method design with both quantitative and qualitative modes of inquiry used during the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents through face-to-face surveys. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Pearson correlation and Mann-Whitey U tests as well as bivariate analyses were used to determine the relationships between individual dependent and independent variables. These were considered essential for testing the objectives. For the qualitative data, content analysis was used to filter the meanings of open-ended responses in order to establish the respondents’ in-depth understanding and/or own interpretation of the subject under enquiry. During this process, the sequential parts or common threads from data were classified according to their categories in order to generate themes and sub-themes for the purpose of interpreting the outcomes against the research questions. The findings showed that while African religious pilgrimages have the potential to make socio-economic contributions, they are not perceived in that manner by religious leaders and local stakeholders. The major recommendation from this study is for stakeholders to enhance the socio-economic potential of religious pilgrimages such that they promote them as tourism and/or socio-economic development stimuli within the study areas and elsewhere in South Africa
Gender equality in non-governmental organizations in Eswatini.
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Art in the department of Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.Gender equality and empowerment has been identified as a cornerstone and an important aspect to advance human and social development in the world. Even though some countries are making astounding progress in attaining gender equality, some are lagging behind thus undermining the advancement of the argument that people-centred sustainable development can no longer be conceptualised exclusive of gender equity. The study was undertaken in Eswatini using a case study and a qualitative methodology focusing on World Vision Eswatini an international non-governmental organisation to collect and analyse data, this dissertation attempts to firstly, clarify the nature of gender relations within the context of gender mainstreaming, secondly, to articulate the challenge for non-governmental organizations to incorporate this increasingly popular strategy. Mainstreaming implies and suggests more than just ensuring equal numbers of women and men in the current initiatives and structures, but rather involves changing policies and institutions so that the actively promote gender equality. In-depth interviews of 20 participants (n=20) in total including 8 (eight)observations at the research sites uncovered data elucidated by the social construction of gender and the socialist feminism theories in as far as conceptualizing gender relations. Findings revealed that even though there maybe policies in place to ensure gender equality within non-governmental organizations, there is still a gap in capacitating employees and enforcing such policies. In addition, not much has been done and written about how non-governmental organizations treat their employees implying that serious interventions in as far as research and reporting to the donor community is needed. There is further a greater need to guarantee the elimination of gender stereotypes in as far as recruitment and promotion in the workplace as a result of the social and political environment organizations operate in. The study also revealed that gender is intertwine into the system of governance, patriarchy, socialization, culture and religion in respect to gender and equality in Eswatini. As such, the study recommends a great need to empower and liberate people from grassroots levels with regards to gender equality since gender attitudes become lived realities in the workplace and form any, socialization plays a vital role in how to relate with colleagues of the opposite gender
An exploration of cultural practices in relation to women’s social experiences in rural communities, a case study of King Cetshwayo District Municipality
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2021].This study is an exploration of the scale of the harmful impact of the cultural practices on women in rural communities. It explored the impact of: ukuthwala (bride abduction), ilobolo (bride price), female genitals mutilation, virginity testing, ukungena (levirate custom), African rituals, traditional initiation, wife beating and polygamy on women which are cultural practices that the study paid focus on. These practices were explored within King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM), KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. The study set out to achieve six specified objectives: (i) to explore the experiences of women within societies where cultural practices are administered and assist them to reflect on those experiences (ii) to determine the challenges encountered by women due to customary rules, and their coping means (iii) to identify measures put in place to assist women living under customary rules (iv) to determine positions of women in structures in which traditional rules are imposed (v) to put forward interventions which protect women’s rights against discrimination (vi) to determine if the cultural practices discriminate against women and if so how far such discrimination goes and it was premised on theoretical lenses of post-modern feminism which evolved within the third wave of feminism, African feminist theories, patriarchy theorization, critical theory and legal pluralism. Women within the rural community were given a chance to retell their own versions of cultural practices. Methodologically, the study used a qualitative approach which was guided by an in-depth semi-structured style of interviewing, and followed an exploratory research design. Data gathering methods comprised of semi-structured interviews with participants while data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, narratives, notes taking and a focus group discussion of men. The study used non-probability methods of sample selection, specifically, snowball sampling combined with purposive sampling in order to confirm issues, validate, compare and collect more information. Using these techniques, a total of twenty women comprised the sample plus five men. Data was analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis. The study revealed the following: cultural practices are indeed a reality; they have an immense impact on women and they are viewed as manipulative practices that encourage the subordination of women. These are central to the performance of the rituals that continue to aggravate violence against women. Furthermore, it transpired that culture is incapable of holding its goalposts; the unfriendly policies on cultures are a driving tool to cultural practices’ elevation; political infiltration of cultures and community forums as avenues of cascading the benefits of the practices. The study discovered that despite legislative intervention and policy framework, cultural practices still persist among the African communities in KCDM. The reasons for this persistent existence are discussed, followed by recommendations for possible resolutions. The study concludes that cultural practices play a pivotal role in shaping men to demonstrate authoritative power on women
Fruit-based allometry of Strychnos madagascariensis, S. spinosa, and Trichilia emetica in the savanna woodlands of the Umhlabuyalingana municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021Savannah woodlands of South Africa are endowed with a high diversity of fruit tree
species among of which are Strychnos madagascariensis, S. spinosa, and Trichilia
emetica, which have a potential for commercial harvest from the wild. Assessment of
the profitability of harvesting their fruits and as well as informed decisions to harvest
their fruits require an estimation or quantification of the yields of the fruits. However,
allometric equations that enable the quantification of fruit biomass of trees from the wild
are non-existent. The present study had four objectives. The first was to develop fruit based allometric equations for Strychnos madagascariensis and S. spinosa. The
second was to determine biomass allocation between fruit components of Strychnos
madagascariensis and Strychnos spinosa and to derive the carbon (C) stocks
sequestrated by fruits. The third was to evaluate the production potential of the Central
Portions of the Umhlabuyalingana Municipality (CPUM) in terms of fruit biomass of
Strychnos madagascariensis and S. spinosa. The fourth was to calibrate allometric
equations that predict the amount of fruits and the biomass of seeds of T. emetica.
Therefore, there were four studies done in accordance with these four objectives.
Development of fruit-based allometric equations
A total of 80 trees of S. madagascariensis and S. spinosa were selected by applying a
stratified sampling approach according to four stem diameter classes during fruit
ripening period. For each tree, the following parameters were measured: fruit biomass,
diameter at breast height (DBH), canopy diameter, and total height. Six forms of the
allometric models were fitted to the data using ordinary least squares method. DBH was
the only appropriate variable in the prediction of the fruit biomass and explained 99.9%
of the variation in fruit biomass. The simple linear regressions linking the DBH (in cm) to
the total fresh fruit biomass (FB; in kg) were the best models and were expressed by (1)
FB = 1.0243 × DBH1.1841; and (2) FB = 1.0297 × DBH1.1956; respectively for Strychnos
madagascariensis and Strychnos spinosa.
Biomass allocation between fruit components and carbon (C) stocks sequestration by
fruits
A total of 400 ripe fruits of S. madagascariensis and S. spinosa were harvested from
trees distributed in seven plots across the UMkhanyakude district. Fruit shell and pulp
were separated from seeds. Puree and juice of S. spinosa were separated by
centrifugation and steam extraction, respectively. Moisture contents of the fruit
components were measured. For S. madagascariensis fruits, seeds contributed the
most biomass (50.2 %), followed by the shell (30.8 %), and pulp had the least biomass
(16.7 %). The loss of material was 2.3 %. For S. spinosa, the largest part of fruit
biomass was in the shell (41.8 %), followed by puree (25.6 %), seeds (18.6 %), juice
(6.2 %), and pulp (0.9 %). The loss of material was 6.9 %. Fruit dry biomass (FDB; in g)
and fruit carbon stocks (CB; in g) were both related to fruit diameter (D; in cm) for S.
madagascariensis (FDB = 1.022 ᵡ D2.492; CB = 0.463 ᵡ D2.539
) and S. spinosa (FDB =
1.015 ᵡ D2.38; CB = 0.198 ᵡ D2.821).
Strychnos madagascariensis and S. spinosa fruit biomass potential of Central Portions
of the Umhlabuyalingana Municipality (CPUM)
Field surveys of trees of S. madagascariensis and S. spinosa were conducted in eight
0.25-ha square plots following an East-West distance gradient of 1.4 km. The fruit
biomass of trees was estimated using the fitted fruit-based allometric equations. ArcGIS
tools were used to obtain the global fruit biomass production in the CPUM. The
productivity of the CPUM was on average 935.2 ± 532 kg ha-1 and 1211.8 ± 971 kg ha-1
of fresh fruit biomass, respectively for S. madagascariensis and S. spinosa. This
represented a maximum production potential of 13192.98 tons (t) and 17095.01 t of
fresh fruit biomass for S. madagascariensis and S. spinosa, respectively.
Development of allometric equations to predict fruits and seed biomass of T. emetica
A total of 35 trees of T. emetica were selected based on seven classes of the diameter
at breast height (DBH) in the Umkhanyakude district. Fruits were counted on each tree
using randomized branch sampling technique. Twelve fruits were harvested per tree
and were brought to the laboratory for the determination of biomass. Linear models,
basing solely on DBH (in cm), were the best predictors of both the number of fruits on
the trees (NF) and the fresh seed biomass (SB; in kg) of T. emetica. The exponential
forms of the best-fit general models were: (1) NF = 375.364 × DBH 1.009; and (2) SB =
1.858 × DBH 1.009
. The prediction tests of these models were not satisfactory. Tree size
category models improved accuracy of predictions.
The above studies produced allometric equations that make it possible to quantify and
predict the fruit yield of S. madagascariensis, S. spinosa, and T. emetica from their tree
dimensions. These equations also allowed the derivation of the amount of juice, puree,
nectar, or oil from the fruits. Furthermore, they helped to determine the repartition of
biomass and carbon stocks within the fruit components. This study proved that, through
fruit-based allometric equations, one can evalute the commercial value of savannah
woodlands basing on their fruit biomass production potentialNational Research Foundatio
Prevalence, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of salmonella species from beef in retail outlets from KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021.Non-typhoid Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes are one of the leading causes of foodborne infections worldwide. Furthermore, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonellastrains is a potential global challenge. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, serovars, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella recovered from various beef products. Four hundred beef products (n = 169 organ meats, n = 110 raw processedmeats, n = 53 raw intactmeatsand n = 68 ready-to-eat meats) were collected between October 2019 and December 2020 from 25 retail outlets in selected districts of KwaZulu-Natal(KZN)province, South Africa. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6579-1:2017 method was used for microbiological analysis,and presumptive Salmonellaisolates were confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF)mass spectrometry (MS) and the VITEK system. The Salmonellaisolates were serotyped according to theWhite-Kauffmann-Le Minorscheme. The KirbyBauer disk diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial resistance profiles of the Salmonellaisolates against Cefotaxime, Kanamycin, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, Cefoxitinand Tetracycline. Antimicrobial resistance results were interpretedaccording to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen for the presence of invA, agfA, lpfA, hilA, sivH, sefA, sopE and spvC virulence genes. Salmonellacontamination was observed in 1.25% (5/400) of the beef samples. Four serovars:Enteritidis, Hadar, Heidelberg and Stanley were identified. Almost all Salmonellaisolates were susceptible to all 10 tested antimicrobials except one (S.Enteritidis)isolate that was resistant to tetracyclineandaminopenicillins. All Salmonellaisolates carried at least two virulence factors,with S. Stanley and S. Enteritid is testing positive for sixand four of the eight tested virulence genes, respectively. The findings indicate that Salmonella prevalence in all beef meat categories of selected KZN retail outlets is low, but should be routinely surveyed to manage the risk associated with virulence factors and to avoid outbreaks. Although antimicrobial resistance was low, the presence of resistant S.Enteritid is highlights the need to continually monitor antimicrobial resistance amongst zoonotic pathogens associated with beef in order to contribute to ‘One Health’.National Research and Foundation ( NRF