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Conduct of teachers’ health and emotional wellness in some resource centres in the King Cetshwayo district
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Needs Education, Faculty of Education, at the University of Zululand, 2019.The focus of the study was to develop a strategy for managing the health and wellness of teachers in resource centres. Teachers in special education centres experience high levels of occupational stress and burnout, which are linked to teacher attrition, early retirement and a high prevalence of chronic illnesses (Vesely et al., 2014). Teachers in special education experience occupational stress in high proportions which is linked to a diminished quality of life, low self-efficacy and lowered resilience (Zhang, et al., 2014). A review of the literature revealed the extent and nature of these challenges, justifying the need for developing this strategy. Among the challenges identified were unfavourable working conditions such as the lack of resources, the absence of social support and low levels of emotional intelligence. Furthermore, the best practices in the promotion of teacher wellness were explored to ascertain what has worked in the international scope.
Salutogenesis theory was selected as a framework for the study, a description of the theory, the evolution, objectives, epistemology as well as the justification for the choice of the theory are discussed. Salutogenesis was instrumental in understanding the different experiences of teachers in special education centres and how their interpretation of their environment and capability influenced their ability to cope with stressors. The Salutogenic perspective emphasises what makes people healthy (Salutogenesis) as opposed to what makes them ill (pathogenesis). It seeks to develop individuals’ move on the health continuum towards health through promoting their access to their health-promoting Generalised Resistance Resources (GRR’s); creating a Sense of Coherence (SOC) by creating a sense of Comprehensibility, Manageability and Meaningfulness in their environments (Apers et al., 2016). The Salutogenic framework informed the “how” the researcher views the participants in the study as well as the development of the new strategy to promote the health and wellness of teachers. GRR’s help individuals cope effectively with life stressors and promote adaptability to the changes in their environment which are inevitable. Salutogenesis is resource-oriented and is rooted in the humanistic and positive psychology perspectives.
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This qualitative study was guided by the Critical paradigm; based on the belief that people do not merely exist in the world but with it. This paradigm proposes that knowledge is emancipatory and seeks to free the marginalised social groups through questioning social values. Critical research unveils how knowledge is influenced by culture, political ideology and history; knowledge is not value free. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was selected for the data analysis in this study. Central to CDA is the notion that that language is a form of social practice. CDA studies how social dominance, inequality and abuse of power are endorsed, reproduced and resisted through text (Bhatia, 2013). CDA enables the researcher to examine reality from cultural, historical and political viewpoints. Data was collected through semi-structured one-on one interviews. Semi-structured interviews provided both the participants and interviewer with opportunities to discuss topics in detail.
Findings from the study confirmed the views reflected in literature; teachers in special education were proven to be most affected by occupational stress that comes with caring for learners with special needs. Additionally, they were demotivated and dissatisfied with their careers. Unfavourable working conditions such as the lack of resources increased the teachers’ vulnerability to stress, burnout and chronic illness. The results also showed that their quality of life as well as self-efficacy and resilience had diminished. Participants in the study reported that they lacked support (socially and professionally) which made it difficult for them to form a connection with their societies. It was clear from the literature that mindfulness-based training programmes are likely to help teachers in stress management and developing emotional intelligence which will improve learner outcomes in the special education classrooms. The strategy designed was guided by Salutogenesis, to develop endurance and adaptability in individuals by improving their access to GRR’s and maintaining a Sense of Coherence through ensuring comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness of their environment
Biophysical characterization of the interaction between HIV-p24 protein and the conjugate HIV-p24 derived aptamer
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2019.The Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic is a serious world health concern. Reports
show that 75% of people, who are aware of this disease, live with it, and the remaining 25%,
which constitute over 9 million people are still in need of access to HIV testing services, with
some waiting for the window period to subside. Early diagnosis is imperative for mitigating
viral transmission. Unfortunately, available rapid tools are serologically based and may not
detect the virus in time and moreover other methods, such as PCR methods and p24 antigen
tests, have limitations resulting in diagnostic delays amongst others. The HIV-p24 protein is
overexpressed during the early and last stages of viral infection. This makes it an important
biomarker, requiring sensitive and efficient point-of-care diagnostic tools, which are based on
biological agents that do not elicit immune response and therefore can diagnose the virus,
especially before seroconversion. In this study, two DNA aptamers (agents that bind to their
targets with high affinity and specificity) have been successfully synthesized, in vitro through
systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and studied in conjunction
to the HIV p24 biomarker. Subsequently, bioinformatics was used to characterize the
interaction between each aptamer and the target protein which displayed strong interactions.
These interactions are crucial in the development of an alternative diagnostic tool which will
detectthevirusatearlystageorwindowperiodNational Research Foundation (NRF
The use of computers as a tool in teaching and learning: a case study of selected secondary schools in the Pinetown District.
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2019.Given the growing importance of computer technology, in consequence of the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), and of the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance authentic teaching and learner performance and ultimate academic achievement, much profound research is being devoted to ascertain the practicality of the claims that the informed use of computers can suffice that demand in virtually all sectors of the educational, economic, health, environmental and political arenas the world over. This study aimed to explore the views of both teachers and learners about the use of computers as a tool for teaching and learning in the secondary school curricula; and the rationale that motivated it was the phenomenally limited research available about computer usage in developing countries, from which South Africa is not spared. Moreover, the research we have concentrates on a few “special” subjects like maths and sciences, which reflect computer usage, biased at the expense of the rest of the secondary school curricula. It is a shortcoming that requires research into the use –or, one fears, the neglect –of computers as a tool across the secondary school curricula. This study was considered significant because its findings could presumably be helpful in guiding e-Education and e-Learning policy formulation and effective implementation so that learners will exit secondary school prepared enough to face the challenges that come with Industry 4.0.
The qualitative paradigm was employed, and specifically, the case (Pinetown district secondary schools) study design was adopted. Data about teacher's and learners’ views on the use of computers as a tool for teaching and learning was elicited through the use of semi-structured teacher interviews, semi-structured focus group interviews and classroom observation. A sample of six Grade 10 and 11 teachers and thirty learners (15 Grade 10s and 15 Grade 11s) was purposively selected by virtue of having computers in their schools. Findings revealed that computers were too superficially and irregularly used to enhance meaningful instruction and nurture learner academic achievement –a situation that was apparently due to the scarcity of computers for teaching any subjects other than computer applications technology, science, and maths. Rampant theft of computers was reported as wreaking havoc in the schools studied –hence the scarcity.
The study recommends that computer-integration modules be included as part of the pedagogical curricula for students in all teachers’ training institutions so that teachers will be aware of how and when computer tools should be used in teaching and learning. In addition, a Technological Pedagogical Educational Psychology Content Domain (TPEPCD) model was proposed for possible adoption by teacher training colleges. The study strongly recommends that proper training and induction of school managers should be the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE’s) priority in framing e-Education policy. It is recommended that the DBE puts surveillance camera systems in all schools before supplying computers to its schools to prevent theft
The effects of alternatives to corporal punishment to maintain learner discipline in secondary schools in King Cetshwayo District
Get PDFA Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Foundation and Management at the University of Zululand, 2019.Corporal punishment was a world phenomenon based on the belief that for learners to behave correctly, they need to be punished through pain inflicting means. However, some countries started realizing that corporal punishment had adverse effects on learners and learning and therefore abolished it. South Africa followed suit and banned corporal punishment in 2000 and in its place, the Department of Basic Education and Training introduced Alternatives to Corporal Punishment (ACP). Despite the introduction of alternatives to corporal punishment, cases of application of corporal punishment are still being reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of alternatives to corporal punishment in maintaining learner discipline in secondary schools within the King Cetshwayo District. Mixed method approach was followed. Semi structured interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample consisted of 13 principals, 30 educators and 322 grade 12 leaners were involved in responding to the questionnaires. For the qualitative side, 2 Circuit Managers and 2 principals, 2 educators and 2 RCL learners participated in the semi structured interviews in this study. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analyses was used to analyse qualitative data. Results showed that there are alternatives to corporal punishment that are considered effective by all the respondents. These include inviting parents to school to discuss the behaviour of their children, the involvement of the School Governing Body, convening tribunal. The study also revealed that learners and educators hold different views when it comes to the effectiveness of other alternatives, which include, rendering community services by learners, suspension of learners for 14 days, additional work that can be done by learners at school and depriving learners from participation in extra- mural activities. The study recommends further research on the learner’s perception on ill-discipline in schools and the strategies that can be used by the teachers in maintaining discipline. This study concludes that the circuit managers, teachers, principals and learners take all the alternatives to corporal punishment wherein the parents are involved as effective. This study proposed the model for guiding the implementation on the alternatives to corporal punishmentNational Research Foundation of South Afric
Investigating African migrant informal enterprises in Umhlathuze municipality nature extent and policy response
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master if Science in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2019.This study investigates African migrant informal enterprises in uMhlathuze Local Municipality. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm which allowed for the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The participants were sampled using purposive and snowball techniques to get to the sample size of 54 participants. The participants included 50 African migrant informal traders and 4 municipal officials. The instruments used for the data collection included interviews and Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the location of the African migrant informal enterprises. The findings of the study reveal that the majority of African migrants migrate to South Africa for economic reasons, such as the search for employment, which has not materialised, forcing them to engage in the informal sector. These informal enterprises are located mainly on sidewalks, close to malls, transportation hubs and markets. The study further found that migrant informal entrepreneurs have created employment opportunities for many local people, which in the process addresses unemployment in uMhlathuze. The study found that there are policies in place that attempt to manage informality within the municipality. However, these are limited to those who were able to provide documentation in order to get trading permits, which effectively means that the policy has many gaps, in terms of adequately addressing informality in general and African migrant informal enterprises in particular
Effects of curriculum changes on mathematics teaching and learning in foundation phase in Sibasa circuit
Get PDFDissertation submitted in accordance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Education in the Department of Foundation of Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2019.This study investigated the effects of curriculum changes on Mathematics teaching and learning in foundation phase, in Sibasa circuit, in Limpopo province. The study made use of a qualitative approach by means of interviews. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants for this study. Results show that: policy makers failed to involve different stakeholders before introducing the new curriculum, the department did not regularly convenes workshops, seminars, and conferences and even continued trainings for Mathematics teachers; there is lack of teacher learner support materials that makes changes in curriculum and affects teaching and learning in a negative way
Assessing the Participation of Youth in Community Development Programmes at Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province
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, 2020.The youth are fresh- minded and innovative and are an asset to their countries. Investing in them could yield tremendous social and economic results, particularly in the countries that are still classified as developing. Young people can be drivers of development; and therefore, the youth should be given adequate opportunities to develop and participate in community development initiatives.
The aim of this study was to examine the nature and level of participation of the youth in community development programmes (CDP) at Mtubatuba Local Municipality (MLM). The research examined the views of the youth who are participating in CDPs, as well as of the government officials (Key Informants) who work closely with the youth in community development programmes. The focus of the study was to reveal the nature and level of the youth participation, and the attitudes of the youth towards participating in CDPs.
This study was conducted in ward 1 and ward 2 of Mtubatuba Local Municipality, and focus groups were used to solicit information from the youth participants. It, therefore, used unstructured interviews for the key informants. The study was qualitative in approach but employed some quantitative elements to support the narrative data. The results of this study revealed that the youth do actively participate in social - activities of (CDP’s), but their level of participation is satisfactory, although the youth are assigned and informed in CDP, which leaves them with limited access to control CDP’s.
It was also discovered that there is no designed youth participation model within the local municipality, which may lead to difficulties in engaging the youth in initiation of CDP’s, however the youth are working diligently to implement programmes brought before them by development agencies. The youth were informed and assigned to community development programmes. Centralisation of power and authority influences the level and nature of participation in community development programmes.
It was also clear that the adults centralise power and authority in CDP’s and, as a result, the youth have no control over CDP’s, they often join programmes during the implementation stage and, therefore, are in no position to take decisions on the
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programmes. Youth involvement in the design, implementation and evaluation of community development initiatives is recommended
The contribution of rural enterprises to rural development within the Zululand district municipality in KwaZulu Natal
No full textThe role that both farming and non-farming rural enterprises play in rural development has been recognised worldwide. These enterprises are able to create jobs, alleviate poverty and help in achieving food security. This study focuses on assessing the contribution of rural enterprises on rural development in the Zululand District Municipality (ZDM). Various methods such as: snowball, purposive sampling technique were used in selecting participants in this study. For instance, snowball method was used to select twenty rural enterprises, a purposive method was used to select seventeen government officials from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Rural Development and Land Reforms, while purposive method was used to select fifty employees of rural enterprises. Data was collected using a mixed method approach which included the structured questionnaire which was administered to rural enterprise owners and government officials, and an interview schedule which was used for focus groups formed by employees of the rural enterprises. The results revealed that there were more farming enterprises than non-farming enterprises. The rural enterprises were not sustainable since there were challenges which included: lack of access to finance, lack of entrepreneurship skills, and limited access to markets. The well formulated policies to support both farming and non-farming enterprises. However, the non-farming enterprises were neglected when during the implementation of the policies. Associations that existed and which the participants were members of were those aiming at stimulating rural farming, conversely, there was no evidence of associations for non-farming enterprises. In conclusion, for the rural enterprises to contribute significantly to rural development, the government, non-governmental organisations and financial sector must work together and find better mechanisms of stimulating them
Investigating the impact of Phinda Private Game Reserve on the livelihoods of the community of Mnqobokazi, KwaZulu-Natal
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2020.South Africa has witnessed an increase in the development of policies and investments into the conservation of natural resources as well as improving the livelihoods of people, particularly in the rural areas adjacent to Protected Areas. However, the history of unequal and discriminatory land ownership in the country and the establishment of Protected Areas has been one of the main challenges. Most of the Protected Areas were established on land that was forcefully taken away from black communities during the colonial and apartheid era. The dependence of rural communities on natural resources such as land makes it even hard to manage Protected Areas. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the impact of Phinda Private Game Reserve on the livelihoods of the rural community of Mnqobokazi. A mixed method approach was deployed to collect and analyse data from the respondents in the study. Findings suggest that, although there are some positive impacts, Phinda Private Game Reserve has, in the main negatively affected the livelihoods of the rural community of Mnqobokazi. The results also show that there is a general lack of flow of information amongst the stakeholders, which puts the community in disadvantage and favours the elite. Based on this, it is recommended that there must be improvements made to the involvement of the community in decision-making, benefits sharing and the flow of information to the community.Moses Kotane Institut
Synthesis and characterization of nio thin films and nanostructures for gas sensing applications
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2020NiO thin films were deposited at different temperatures (RT, 100 °C, 200 °C, 350 °C and 450
°C) using a direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering system and then nickel oxide nano
structures were subsequently synthesized on the deposited NiO film using the hydrothermal
method. The thin films and nanostructures were subjected to various characterisation
techniques (x-ray diffraction, Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscope, Raman, UV-Visible,
Scanning Electron Microscope, x-ray Photoelectrons Spectrometre) before testing their gas
sensing properties. The thin films deposited were found to be non-crystalline containing
amorphous phases. The deposition temperature was found to have no effect on the film
thickness, since all films deposited at different temperatures were found to have the same
thickness of 25 nm, with uniform distribution of particles on the surface, as observed on the
Scanning electron microscope (SEM). These NiO thin films were deposited for a duration of
45 minutes.
XPS was used to investigate the presence of Nickel and Oxygen and their oxidation states in
as-deposited samples. Gas sensing properties of NiO films and nano-structures were tested on
Nitrous oxide (NO) gas as analyte, using a kenosistec gas sensing station. Repeatability and
sensitivity of NiO gas sensor was investigated. Short response of 1.5 minutes and recovery
times of 1.5 -5.1 minutes were observed on nano-structures compared to thin films. A one
directional abnormal switching transition from p- to n-type conductivity response, at room
temperature induced by change in nitric oxide gas concentration, was observed for non
crystalline and amorphous phases of NiO/Ni(OH)2 nanostructures. NiO films (seed layers)
deposited on a corning glass by DC magnetron sputtering at different substrate temperatures
(25, 100, 200, 350, 450 °C). All the fabricated films and nanostructures were non-crystalline
and contain amorphous phases. These NiO seed layers showed a p-type conductivity response
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expose to nitrogen monoxide gas with high response of 12 at 5 ppm (NO) for 350 °C substrate
deposition temperature. The seed layers were also tested to other interference gases, such as
ammonia and hydrogen, presenting meaningful responses at room operating temperature.
Subsequent to the NiO films deposition, the seed layers were dipped in a hydrothermal bath
solution to grow NiO/Ni(OH)2 sub-layers. The films corresponding to room deposition
temperature and also 100 °C seed layer and hydrothermally grown NiO/Ni(OH)2
nanostructures, respectively, showed an n-type conductivity behaviour on the nitrogen
monoxide gas of different concentration. All the sensing measurements were performed at
room temperature in the presence of relative humidity of 10%. However, the 200 and 350 °C
deposited seed layers of NiO/Ni(OH)2 nanostructures showed a p-type conductivity at lower
concentrations (< 80 ppm) and switches to n-type behaviour at higher concentrations (≥ 80
ppm). The p-n transition is profound at 350 °C-NiO/Ni(OH)2 nanostructure