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The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government: the case of Raymond Mhlaba local municipality in the Eastern Cape
Get PDFThe notion of public participation in decision-making processes is one of the mechanisms that seek to entrench equality and transform social coherence between government and citizens. This view relates to the provision of quality and sustainability of goods and services. The individuals, both in their capacity as citizens and consumers of public goods and services should be allowed to participate in the development that affect in terms of the regulatory frameworks. They should be permitted and encouraged to express their views on governance and development matters pertaining to them. Nevertheless, there are number of factors that impede the participation of the local communities in development planning processes, such as a communication gap between government officials and communities, socio-economic inequalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, a lack of capacity building and transparency to mention a few. The planning and implementation of municipal projects should be accepted only after considerable discussion and consultation with communities. This process is seen as allowing deprived groups and individuals to have voices in future development initiatives. As such, public participation enables for full involvement of ordinary members of the community in decision making, planning, designing, organising and executing development initiatives that affect them. The Researcher decided to embark on a study entitled: The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government. The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Adopting the quantitative research design, data was collected through questionnaires for the key informants consisting of 3 participants, 3 officials from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Data was also collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of the communities from Kataga in Adelaide, Gaga Village in Alice and Magaleni location in Fort Beaufort. Eighteen (18) community members were selected to participate in the study from both communities inclusive of ward councillors. Community members were organised into 1 focus group participants in each location (comprising of 6 people per group).To support the data obtained from focus group 3 key informants from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality participated in the investigation. A heterogeneous population of 21 respondents participated in this study. The thematic analysis was vii used to analyse data. The findings consistently show that the ability of a local government to work effectively dependent on inclusive planning, implementation and decision making processes. This means that local government development is also required for the impartial and efficient operation of public institutions. Public confidence in local municipalities is expressed as one of the main factors that determine the government‘s competitiveness.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 202
An analysis of womxn’s understanding of South African public health awareness campaigns’ messages on HIV/AIDS using cognitive interviewing
Get PDFBesides having the most extensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment programme, South Africa faces the highest epidemic rate, with womxn and children most affected. Several prevention strategies have been implemented to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, including free access to print form awareness campaigns that come through pamphlets, posters and billboards. However, most public health sector awareness and educational programmes carry uniform messages that are then carried out in heterogeneous contexts leading to the miscomprehension of the intended messages. This study aimed to explore womxn’s understanding of public health awareness content on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The focus was on examining their interpretation of universal HIV/AIDS awareness messages in their heterogeneous contexts, which might provide obstacles to womxn’s reproductive health and well-being using a reproductive justice framework. This study employed a cognitive interviewing methodology to collect data from the participants to obtain information about how participants understand and perceive knowledge and how they arrive at specific answers or judgements. Twenty-eight (28) womxn aged between 18 and 30 years were purposively sampled for this study from four (4) local healthcare facilities in Makhanda: the Grahamstown Municipality (Anglo-African) Clinic, the Joza Clinic, the Settlers Day Hospital and the Raglan Road Clinic. Thematic network analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001) was used to analyse the data collected from the study. One global theme emerged from the dataset: Barriers to HIV prevention, care and treatment. The barriers were identified mainly due to social constructions of hegemonic masculinity, individual versus cultural expectations, and outdated awareness content. The findings from the study suggest that almost all the challenges that womxn faced in terms of understanding and interpreting the awareness materials stemmed from structural factors in the South African context. The findings also suggest that cognitive interviewing methodology can be reconceptualised as an endeavour that cuts across a wide range of fields.Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 202
The effect of Cannabis extract on the morphological and metabolic characteristics of various fat depots in diet-induced Obese and STZ-induced male wistar rats
Get PDFTo investigate the potential anti-diabetic/obesity properties of oral cannabis administration in an obese and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, as well as an obese rat model, and to determine the mechanism of action, with a focus on the peritoneal and intramuscular fat depots. Experimental Design: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rats were allocated a high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with STZ to mimic an obese and diabetic state. The rats were then orally administered cannabis extract (CE) of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight (relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) or metformin as a positive control. For the obese rat model, the rats were allocated either a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or high fat diet (HFD) and orally administered with cannabis extract of 1.25 mg/kg body weight (relative to THC content). Weight, blood and insulin-resistant parameters of the rats were monitored. The mitochondrial to genomic DNA ratio (MT:18S DNA), average adipocyte area of the various adipose tissues, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme activities of the peritoneal and intramuscular fat were measured. Gene expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha like effector-a (Cidea), perilipin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were measured in peritoneal fat, intramuscular fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Main Findings: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rat model: Due to the biphasic nature of cannabinoids, cannabis dosage plays an important role in the observed effects. CE1.25 was the only cannabis treatment effective in improving the insulinresistant parameters of the rats unlike the other higher cannabis concentrations (CE2.5 and CE5.0). In the peritoneal fat, CE1.25 increased MT:18S DNA, increased citrate synthase activity, and decreased the average adipocyte area when compared to the STZ group. CE1.25 also induced fat beigeing by upregulating gene expression levels of UCP1 and Cidea. XIX Furthermore, an increase in gene expression levels of perilipin, HSL, and TFAM showed increased fat mobilization and metabolic activity. In the intramuscular fat, CE1.25 also reduced the average adipocytes area. However, a different mechanism of action was observed where CE1.25 did not induce fat beigeing, but instead increased both citrate synthase and CPT1 enzyme activities and gene expression levels of HSL, thereby indicating increased fat oxidation and mitochondrial activity.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 202
The design and synthesis of novel fluorescent coumarin-based derivatives as chemosensory for the application of toxic metal ion detection
Get PDFThe rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 202
The effect of operations and management on the reliability of rural water supply maintenance at Amathole District Municipality
Get PDFThe growing population in South Africa’s rural municipalities, coupled with industrial expansion, continue to exert pressure on the available water resources. While service delivery demands are becoming a serious concern among residents in various municipalities, local governments need to improve the supply of essentials, such as water. This study examines water scantiness in the rural side of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), with a prime focus on the water distribution and maintenance system.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 202
The effect of illicit financial flows on Zimbabwe's economic growth and development
Get PDFThis study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 202
Socio-Economic and Environmental Challenges of Small-Scale Fisheries: Prognosis for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Lake Kariba, Zambia
Get PDFThe Lake Kariba fishery is of regional importance; it accounts for 35% of the total Zambian fish production. However, emerging evidence in the recent decades suggests that the fishery is facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Using Ostrom’s framework for analysing socio-ecological systems, we examined the social, economic, and environmental problems faced by the fishing communities in Lake Kariba. The framework links various social, economic, and ecological factors to devise a sustainable fisheries management plan. A combination of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and key informant interviews were used to assess this sustainability challenge. The data collected were subjected to bivariate and descriptive analysis. The results obtained did not show a significant decline in fish production over the past 13 years (R2 Linear = 0.119, p = 0.248). However, the experts and the fishers have reported declining trends in valuable fish species such as Oreochromis mortimeri, compounded by the increased fishing efforts (X2 = 180.14, p value = ˂ 0.00001). The key threats identified include: overfishing, weak institutions, and the introduction of invasive fish species such as Oreochromis niloticus. This situation has raised fears of fish depletion among the stakeholders. Based on these results, we recommend stronger institutional collaboration among the stakeholders in the riparian states and education that illustrates the global value of fisheries for food security and biodiversity conservation in pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
A model for integrating user experience into Agile software development
Get PDFThe Agile software development methodology has progressed over time and has become the most popularly used methodology for many projects owing to its adaptable and advanced nature. Agile is an iterative and incremental method that supports project teams to maintain the growing demands of present-day organisations. In software development, it is imperative to build software that ensures a holistic user experience and meets requirements. Software Developers and User Experience Designers focus on users’ preferences and requirements while navigating an application through an approach called user-centred design (UCD). The purpose of Agile user-experience (UX) methods is to build user-centric software solutions using the Agile methodology. Literature indicates a scarcity of Agile-UX models to integrate user experience design processes effectively within Agile software development. Hence, the motivation for this study was to create a practical model for integrating user experience design processes into Agile software development for implementation by software development teams. Initially, the study defines the problem that formed the basis for the initiation of this research, followed by the research questions and objectives that are the fundamental portion of the development of this study. This study highlights the benefits and challenges of Agile-UX methods through a case study of Agile software development teams in South Africa. Furthermore, additional best practices are recommended. A survey questionnaire was distributed to software development teams to identify the various factors that lead to implementing Agile-UX methods. The distribution of the survey questionnaire supported the theoretical perspective of this study. Furthermore, Agile development (AD) and UCD are not easy to combine as UCD aims to understand users before software product development, and no activities are performed before development starts in AD. Lastly, a significant benefit is that user-centred software systems create and promote team collaboration and communication and, ultimately, successful software projects.Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 202
Composition and physiological roles of gut microbiota in the False Coding Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta)
Get PDFGut microbiota can have a profound influence on host performance, behaviour and fitness. For False Codling Moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a major pest of citrus in South Africa, little work has been undertaken to date on gut microbe diversity or its influence on the host. This thesis aimed to i) characterise the gut microbiome of FCM under laboratory conditions and in FCM from the field, ii) and produce moths with reduced gut microbiota through egg dechorionation, which was followed by iii) the measurement of a suite of physiological traits, namely mass, survival and thermal stress in FCM from normal laboratory, dechorionated laboratory and field collected larvae that may be indicative of overall field performance. We aimed to directly test the hypothesis that gut microbial diversity partly determines insect performance and fitness by measuring its effects on growth, development, and tolerance to cold temperatures in FCM. FCM eggs that underwent dechorionation with sodium hypochlorite had an overall effect on larval survival, egg morphology and both larval and adult moth physiological measures. Increasing concentrations of sodium hypochlorite significantly decreased insect survival, (2(1, n = 10 850) = 21.724, p-value < 0.0001), with a concentration of ≈3.69% as the concentration limit (p-value < 0.001). Successful dechorionation of FCM was achieved with a wash of sodium hypochlorite at around 3.69% concentration and was visually confirmed by reduction of FCM egg surface area, (2(25, n = 260) p-value < 0.0001) and Scanning Electron Micrographs of the egg morphology. The gut microbiome of FCM from the different focus treatments was successfully characterized. Identification of the dominant bacterial families in these microbiomes revealed Xanthobacteraceae, Beijerinckiaceae and Burkholderiaceae in both the laboratory reared and field collected larvae, which suggests their systematic association with T. leucotreta. The most abundant genera were revealed as Bradyrhizobium, Methylobacterium and Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia. Comparison of larval mass showed that treatment (dechorionated or not) had a significant effect on larval mass (2(2, n = 230) = 22.703, p-value < 0.001), field larvae were heavier than both control larvae and larvae with a disrupted gut microbiome. However, adult insects with a disrupted gut microbiome had more mass than individuals from the control and field-collected larvae with intact gut microbiomes (2(2, n = 230) = 39.074, p-value < 0.001). Despite the difference in mass between larval treatments, there was no significant difference in relative protein (2(2, n = 24) = 5.680, p-value = 0.06), carbohydrate (2(2, n = 24) = 3.940, p-value = 0.14) or lipid (2(2, n = 24) = 6.032, p-value = 0.05) content between individuals from the control and dechorionated treatments and field-collected individuals. Turning to thermal physiology, insects collected from the field took significantly longer to recover from chill coma than both laboratory treatments with intact and disrupted gut microbiomes (2(2, n = 129 = 39.659, p-value < 0.001). In addition, exposure to cold stress showed that treatment had a significant effect on insect mortality (2(2, n = 272) = 9.176, p-value = 0.01), with individuals from the control and dechorionated treatment being less likely to die after experiencing cold stress compared to field-collected individuals. Differences in the mass and thermal tolerance of insects with intact and disrupted gut microbiota suggest that gut microbiota may play an important role in the cold performance of T. leucotreta, and these findings constitute the basis for future molecular work on the functions of these bacterial taxa. This research highlights the need for consideration of the effects of T. leucotreta microbiome in current pest control programs.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 202
Current harmonic compensation of nonlinear loads in a three phase, four wire system
Get PDFNonlinear loads, in low voltage distribution networks, inject current harmonics which affect the quality of supply voltages. In this work, the power usage of a university student residential complex was logged over a four day period for analysis of harmonic currents injected by nonlinear loads. Student residents use nonlinear loads such as lighting, televisions, computer power supplies, and other household appliances. The harmonic analysis was performed on the quality of voltages in the university’s distribution network, the level of current distortion in the load current and the contribution of triplen harmonics to the neutral current. Standards such as the NRS048-2 (2007), IEEE-519 (2014) and IEC61000-3-2 (2009) are helpful in regulating harmonic levels in the distribution network, however, they cannot guarantee good quality supply. This work further investigates two methods of current harmonic cancellation, i.e. a shunt passive and an active current harmonic cancellation technique. A passive power filter was designed, built, and evaluated for a given nonlinear load to provide selective filtering of the dominant current harmonics. A four branch, shunt, passive filter was considered in this work for implementation in a three phase four wire distribution network due to its attractive possibility to be tuned to two different harmonic components with a minimum number of passive elements. While passive filters may be inexpensive, they suffer from several disadvantages, such as providing fixed compensation, performance that is source impedance dependent, has an inherent risk of system resonance and detuning due to ageing and component variation. To overcome the disadvantages of passive filters, a shunt connected active power filter was designed, built and evaluated to provide adjustable, wide bandwidth and dynamic correction to nonlinear loads for the compensation of harmonic currents, reactive power, and neutral currents. The controller used was an indirect FFT-based technique with a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter for voltage synchronization. It was digitally implemented in an FPGA programmed in VHDL to allow for fast parallel processing of input variables.Thesis (MEng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Engineering, 202