18105 research outputs found
Sort by
Neoliberalism constrains academic freedom
Full text linkPositioning the university as a public good that serves people and the planet was a central concern for those responsible for shaping post-apartheid education. Unfortunately, the current neoliberal environment has led to institutional risk aversion. This means that universities are loathe to speak out on issues of social injustice and environmental degradation. And academics often forfeit their freedoms by assuming that top management can speak on behalf of the university. In the Commentary 'Should our universities respond to geopolitical conflicts around the world?'1, Chetty questions when and why a university should speak out on global issues. In particular, Chetty refers to the Israeli-Palestinian war. I leave it to other respondents to tackle the substantive issue of South African higher education's silence on this issue. Instead, I home in on what I see as a common problem in the post-apartheid university. Chetty explains that: He thus understands the university as a complex organisation, as indeed it is. But he repeatedly reveals an understanding of the university as one which is controlled by management. For me, one of the most troubling sentences in the article is this: Universities thrive on a diversity of viewpoints, and so imposing a hegemonic view from the top management often leads to problems in a university setting
The feasibility and acceptability of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD at a community trauma centre in Cape Town: a qualitative analysis
No full textSouth Africa deals with pervasive trauma stemming from its history of political violence, high crime rates, and social challenges, ultimately contributing to a significant burden of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its population. Despite the prevalence of PTSD, evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) remain underutilised, particularly in low-resourced areas. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PE among social workers at The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town. This study used a qualitative research design, with special emphasis on Implementation Science. The study used the concepts of feasibility and acceptability to guide the research. The results revealed several key themes. Social workers’ pre-implementation themes included the perceptions around PE and implementation in South Africa, with three subthemes emerging. First, the impact of South African socioeconomic and political factors on The Trauma Centre. Second, perceptions surrounding the implementation of PE. And finally, the improvements and feasibility of PE; the social worker’s post-intervention findings focused on the feasibility and improvement of PE, post-treatment views, and the hurdles and limitations to implementation. The client's post-intervention findings explored refugee struggles, associated psychological distress, with two sub-themes of self-worth and suicidal ideation, and second, a lack of support and helplessness, loneliness, and isolation. The final theme looked at the experiences of PE, more specifically the positive client experiences with PE, and the challenges of PE. The implementation of PE at The Trauma Centre revealed both successes and challenges. Findings from this study suggest that PE can be effectively administered through task-shifting in low-resource settings. However, this study also highlighted significant challenges in the feasibility of implementing PE long-term in this context. Clients revealed ambivalent feelings regarding PE. Those who experienced positive outcomes demonstrated the potential for PE to be utilised in resource-limited settings. Those who did not find PE beneficial, highlight the need for future research to adapt PE to be culturally specific and feasible for a resource-constrained setting.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 202
The effect of Afrocentric missense variations on the structural dynamics of CYP2B6
Full text linkCytochrome P450s are a superfamily of enzymes with over 50 members involved in metabolizing 90% of xenobiotics. Among the these, families 1, 2, and 3 are responsible for approximately 80% of clinical drug metabolism. This study investigates the effect of Afrocentric missense variants on the structural dynamics of CYP2B6. Molecular dynamic simulations reveal that specific variants affect the enzyme’s flexibility and stability, potentially altering catalytic activity and drug binding properties. These findings highlight the importance of considering genetic variants in personalized medicine and drug development. By investigating CYP2B6’s function and structural changes induced by missense variants, this research advances our understanding of the enzyme’s role in drug metabolism. The study utilized computational tools such as GROMACS and AMBER for pre- and post-simulation analysis, with clustering and DSSP used to assess protein structures. Variants I328T, K282R, P428T and R140Q exhibited significant deviations in enzyme dynamics, while other variants caused minor shifts. Overall, the findings provide insight into the relationship between genetic variants and enzyme function, contributing to bioinformatics and molecular modelling approaches in drug discovery. Future studies could explore the structural and fuctional impacts of CYP2B6 bound to substrates such as antimalarials, expanding the investigation to a broader range of missense variants.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, 202
Umntu ngumntu ngabantu – Uhlalutyo nzulu lwefilosofi yobuntu kuluncwadi lukaJ.J.R. Jolobe, uJ. Solilo noW.W. Gqoba
Full text linkUbuntu njengefilosofi yamaAfrika egxile kwindlela yokuziphatha nokuphilisana kumzi oNtsundu kudala yaba yingxoxo kwiinkalo ezahlukileyo ezifana nezopolitiko, ezemfundo, ezolawulo ukubala nje ezimbalwa. Njengoko Ubuntu buyingxoxo ekhula mihla le, kubabhali abafana noW.W. Gqoba, uJ. Solilo kunye noJ.J.R. Jolobe lushokoxekile uncwadi oluphanda ngendlela aba babhali abathe babonakalisa ngayo Ubuntu bekwahlaba ikhwelo ngeendlela zokulondoloza Ubuntu kwiimbalo zabo. Le thisisi iza kushukuxa indlela abathe aba babhali bahlaba ngayo ikhwelo ekubonakaliseni Ubuntu nendlela obunokuthi Ubuntu busetyenziswe ngayo ukuqinisekisa ukuba umzi oNtsundu awubonwa njengalowo ungaphucukanga, ungenakho ukusebenzisa iingcamango zobuntu ukuwuphuhlisa. Uphando luza kugocagoca ezi ncwadi zilandelayo: Umyezo ngokubhalwe nguJ.J.R. Jolobe ; Ilitha (isihobe) ngokubhalwe nguJ.J.R. Jolobe ; Elundini loThukela (iprozi) ngokubhalwe nguJ.J.R. Jolobe ; Isizwe esinembali: Xhosa histories and poetry (1837-1888) ngokubhalwe nguW.W. Gqoba ; Umoya wembongi: Collected Poems (1922-1935) ngokubhalwe nguJ. Solilo Uphando lukhethe ezi ncwadi zikhankanywe apha ngentla kuba zona ziyibalisa ngokucacileyo imbali yamaAfrika. Ezi ncwadi zinembali etyebileyo nezithi zisebenze njengokubhebhetha indlela amakoloniyali athi ayibhala ngayo imbali yamaAfrika eyayijolise ukuwajongela phantsi. Kwakhona olu ncwadi lwabhalwa ngexesha apho kwakukho imingeni ekunikeni inkcazo evakalayo ngokuba kuthetha ukuthini ukuphucuka, nokuba amaAfrika ayezibandakanya njani ukulwa nokuphikisa ingcaciso yendlela yokuphila kwamaAfrika yempi yaseNtshona. Ezi mbalo kungaxoxwa ngelithi, zithi zibe zezo zinike ngcaciso yimbi ngomba wempucuko leyo ingenokoyanyaniswa neengcamangco zaseNtshona. Apha kwezi ncwadi kuza kuhlutywa indlela Ubuntu obuthe baphuhla baze baphinda badodobala ngayo phantsi kolawulo lwempi yaseNtshona. Ekwenzeni oko, umphandi akayibethisanga ngoyaba imbali yoMzantsi Afrika neAfrika nje ngokubanzi, imbali yobukoloniyali. Yile mbali yobukoloniyali ethe yabangela ukuba aba babhali bezi ncwadi eziza kuphicothwa luphando bayithathele kubo ezandleni indima yokuqinisekisa ukuba iingcamango nemimiselo yobuntu yileyo bathi babhale ngayo ngeenjongo zokwenza uluntu lungaphulukani nokuxabisa Ubuntu njengefilosofi. Uphando lubone kubalulekile ukuba lulandele iingcamango zeAfrocentricity nezo zomanyan lwamaAfrika (Pan Africanism) ekubhentsiseni obu buntu bubonakaliswa ngaba babhali. Uphando luchonge ezi thiyori zimbini, eyeAfrocentricity kwakunye neyomanyano lwamaAfrika (Pan Africanism) kuba zombini ezi thiyori zikhokelisa phambili ukuxatyiswa kwamaAfrika njengabantu ekukudala benazo iifilosofi ezijolise ekuphuhliseni umzi oNtsundu. Kubonakele kufanelekile ukuba iphulo lokuphanda ngendlela Ubuntu obubonakaliswe ngayo ngaba babhali lenziwe ukukhumbula imisebenzi emikhulu eyenziwe ngamaqhawe abantu abaNtsundu nabathe banegalelo elikhulu ekuphakanyisweni koncwadi lwemveli kwakunye nenkqubela phambili kwimfundo yabantu abangamaAfrika. Ngokuphandle uncwadi lwaba babhali lubonakele luyinxalenye yobomi babo. Kukwakufumaniseka ukuba babhale bandululwe zizinto ezithe azabaphatha kakuhle ebomini babo zaze ezo zinto zawuphazamisa umoya wabo nentlalo yabo bada baqonda ukuba mababhale, baphokoze oku kuphuphuma kweengcinga zabo ukuthuthuzela kwanokuphilisa abanye abantu abathe badibana neenzima ezinjalo zobomi. Phakathi kwezo meko singabala iimeko zopolitiko zeli lizwe ezithe zabuchaphazela ubomi babo, imeko yezemfundo ethe yabonakala inomkhethe, iinqobo zenkcubeko ekuthe kwaphawuleka ukuba zibethiswe ngoyaba ngabo basemagunyeni de zenza noluntu lungazithatheli ngqalelo. Ezi meko zazibonwa njengezo zingelolutho ekuphuhliseni ubomi boluntu nje ngokubanzi. Oku kunyhashwa kwamalungelo abantu kwakunye neemeko ezimbi abathubeleze kuzo zibe sisizekabani sokwenziwa kolu phando ngobuntu nokuvuselela izazela zoluntu. Ezi mbalo zihlalutyiweyo ziquka nogxekoncomo lwazo zenza kanye le nto ichazwe kuphando, ukudakanca indlela Ubuntu obungasetyenziswa ngayo ukuphuhlisa isizwe esiNtsundu. Ziimbalo ezi ezigqithisa umyalezo neembono zaba bahlali ngokulondolozwa kwenkcubeko igcinwe encwadini njengamabali anika umdla erhwebesha uthando loncwadi kwanobuzwe babafundi abaNtsundu ngokubanzi, ingakumbi abafundi abangamaXhosa kuba babhalele bona ikakhulu. Ngababhali aba ababhale ngesiXhosa esiphakamisa inkcubeko yabo. Okuphawulekayo ngokukodwa kuJolobe yinto yokuba kwinoveli yakhe ethi, Elundini loThukela (1959) ude wasebenzisa iilwimi ezimbini isiHlubi kunye nesiXhosa eziqulethe iinkcubeko zazo. Ukongeza, ekubhaleni ngolwimi lwabo lwenkobe, aba babhali balandela ikhondo nesikhokelo sabantu abafana noMqhayi, noWa Thiong’o abazimvo ngokulondolozwa kolwimi noncwadi zikwasetyenzisiwe ukubonakalisa ukubaluleka kweelwimi zamaAfrika kuncwadi. Ekuhlalutyeni ezi mbalo zikhethiweyo, umphandi ukhethe ukulandela indlela yophando eyikwalitheyithuvu ngokugxininisa kuhlalutyo lomxholo. Isizathu sokuba indlela enjalo ibe iyasetyenziswa kukuba idatha ehlalutyiweyo ivela kwidatha esele yapapashwa, iincwadi ukutsho. Le ndlela yindlela eya kuba sisikhokelo esiphambili somphandi ukuqinisekisa ukuba iinjongo zophando ziyafezekiswa. Uphando lufumanise ukuba aba babhali bakhethiweyo bathe ngokwenene banendima abayenzayo ukuqinisekisa ukuba iziseko zobuntu ziyalondolozwa. Oku kuqala kwimiba engenkcubeko apho kuxoxwe ngelithi, umntu oNtsundu kuyafuneka ukuba angayibethisi ngoyaba into yokuzingca ngobuni bakhe. Kananjalo njengababhali ababe bhala beqwalasela yonke imiba yentlalo, into engokuzilanda ngokobuzwe yinto ebonakala isembindini kwiimbalo zabo njengoko besenza ikhwelo ebantwini abaNtsundu ukuba baze bangayilibali imvelaphi yabo. Kumba wezemfundo ingakumbi uGqoba ubalula ukubaluleka kwemfundo yemveli. Kolu phando kufumaniseke ukuba kwiimbalo zabo ababhali bayilwela ngamandla into yokumanyaniswa kwemfundo yaseNtshona naleyo yemveli yamaAfrika. Oku ingasisakhelo sokuqinisekisa ukuba umntwana womgquba uyafikelela kwimfundo ekwaziyo ukuthetha ngeengxaki ezihlangabezana nabantu abaNtsundu gabalala.Ubuntu as an African philosophy with its focus on issues of good behavior and welfare of black Africans has forever been an unending debate on various spheres of life: those of politics, education, and governance, to name a few. Even though it is a debate with new avenues daily, there is limited research on the works of W.W. Gqoba, J. Solilo, and J.J.R. Jolobe on how they have argued on ways in which the values of Ubuntu may be preserved. This study is therefore undertaken to investigate exactly how these writers maintained in their writings ways in which Ubuntu can be used to ensure black Africans are not seen as a society that is ‘backward’, a society that cannot use Ubuntu principles for development. The research will examine the following books: Umyezo (poems) by J.J.R. Jolobe ; Ilitha (poems) by J.J.R. Jolobe ; Elundini loThukela (prose) by J.J.R. Jolobe ; Isizwe esinembali: Xhosa histories and poetry (1837-1888) by W.W. Gqoba ; Umoya wembongi: Collected Poems (1922-1935) by J. Solilo. In short, it is argued in the study that the selected texts are fine literary products and that their narratives were created following African history. They form part of negating the negative element that has been created by the accounts of colonial masters, as such an account of history was meant to undermine Africans: rich literature and history. Moreover, they were written at a time when there were challenges associated with civilization: what was meant by it and how Africans related to the idea as per Western standards. These texts, it could be argued, present an alternative on this matter by removing Western thoughts on what really are the elements of cultural civilization. In an in-depth analysis of selected writers’ texts, it was important to examine the ways in which Ubuntu has developed and evolved over the years under the administration of Western powers. In the analysis, the researcher did not turn a blind eye to the colonial history of South Africa and that of Africa in general. In that history, an argument is as follows: the thoughts and values of Ubuntu as captured by these writers are to remind people to appreciate Ubuntu as a philisophy. In my analysis, it was important to use theories such as Afrocentricity and Pan-Africanism in understanding and decoding Ubuntu as depicted in the writings of the selected writers. In choosing these theories, it is due to their main argument emphasizing the value of being African and the fact that Africans have long had their philosophies meant for the betterment of the society. It seemed appropriate to investigate how Ubuntu, as shown by these writers, is recorded to act as a reminder of the great works done by Africans who contributed greatly to the promotion of African literature as well as progress in the education of African people. The literature of these writers should be seen as an integral part of their lives. It is also found that they wrote because of the ills that affected their lives and disturbed their spirit and well-being until they realized that they should write and express their thoughts to comfort and heal other people who have encountered such hardships in life. Among those are the political conditions of this country that have affected their lives, the educational situation that has been shown to be biased, and cultural things that have been noticed to be ignored by those in power as they made the public not pay attention to them. This is because they were seen as having little value in the development of human life in general. That is why this research on Ubuntu could be seen as an initiative aimed precisely at those ideas that can be 'revitalized’ by conscientious people. The analysis of literary texts includes criticism to address the main question in this research: how Ubuntu can be used to develop the Africans. This is the kind of literature that conveys the message and ideas on the preservation of culture as preserved in the books with interesting stories that appeal to the love of literature and the nationalism of Africans in general, especially Xhosa people because they wrote mainly for them. It is these writers who wrote in Xhosa that promote their culture. What is particularly remarkable about Jolobe is the fact that in his novel, Elundini loThukela (1959), he used two languages, isiHlubi and isiXhosa, which contain their own cultures. In addition, in writing in their mother tongue, these writers follow the path and guidance of people like Mqhayi and Wa Thiong'o, whose views on the preservation of language and literature have also been used to show the importance of African languages in literary analysis. In the analysis of these selected texts, I have opted to follow a qualitative research approach with a focus on content analysis. The reason behing such an approach is the fact that the data so analysed is from existing data, books. This approach is one that will be a key guide for the researcher to ensure that the aims of the study are achieved. In this research, it was found that these selected writers really have played to ensure that the fundamental values of Ubuntu are preserved. This starts with non-cultural issues: it has been argued that the Africans should not ignore the pride of their identity. Also, as writers who wrote considering all social issues, the issue of national identity is something that appears at the centre of their writings as they call upon Africans not to forget their origins. In terms of education, Gqoba especially mentions the importance of African traditional education. In this research, it has been found that in their writings, the writers are strongly advocating for the integration of Western education with that of African traditional education. This could be taken as framework to make sure that the African child has access to an education that addresses the problems faced by Africans at large.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Literatures, 202
Filling the language gap: the feasibility of communication resources used in the provision of healthcare for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
No full textSouth Africa has the largest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive people in the world, the third-highest rate of Tuberculosis (TB) infections, and the second-highest rate of Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) globally, with up to 60% of HIV-positive healthcare users (HCUs) infected with TB as a co-infection. Both HIV/AIDS and TB require strict medicines adherence for disease management or treatment respectively; however, this is often not attained, and as such these statistics also represent lives affected by or lives lost to these diseases. Moreover, in South Africa, up to 80% of healthcare consultations are conducted through a second language. Despite language policies suggesting the contrary, African languages are neglected in healthcare provision in South Africa. This perpetuates inequalities within the South African healthcare system by limiting HCUs understanding of and agency in their own healthcare and maintaining a barrier to more effective treatment. Such language barriers may also result in HCUs defaulting on treatment. Added to this, the fear and mistrust arising from language power dynamics contributes to high rates of avoidance behaviour. This research therefore aimed to (a) explore how healthcare professionals (HCPs) and HCUs communicate when they are not fluent in the same language in care for HIV/AIDS and TB patients; (b) develop practical and feasible strategies that would enable HCPs to address language barriers in their consultations for HIV and TB and (c) to empirically evaluate these strategies in a pilot feasibility trial in the Eastern Cape. The first aim (a) concerning the problem of language barriers in healthcare consultations was addressed through identifying communication barriers experienced by HCPs in South Africa, exploring the strategies used to navigate or alleviate these barriers, creating and implementing communication resources, and analysing the effects of these resources on HCPs’ communication. A selective narrative review was conducted (Chapter 2) to identify the main communication problems experienced by HCPs and HCUs, as well as the main communication strategies and resources used by HCPs to reduce these communication problems. This was further explored by conducting two needs analyses with HCPs (n=31) in South Africa, and specifically in the Eastern Cape, which revealed differing perspectives on health communication and confirmed HCPs’ need for communication resources. For the second aim (b), existing communication resources were reviewed and selected or further developed following a Participatory Action Research approach, and then (c) empirically evaluated in a pilot feasibility trial with six healthcare sites in the Eastern Cape. Both the needs analyses and the pilot feasibility trial were adapted to employ an online or blended approach due to COVID-19-related limitations. The feasibility and acceptability of both the study protocol and the proposed communication resources were evaluated. Three major findings emerged from this research. First, this research echoed existing literature confirming that HCPs do not have the support they need at a structural level. Second, while it was found that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for resources and training to improve HCP-HCU communication, it was noted that the most appropriate resources are those that are flexible, and those that support HCPs’ language learning. HCPs who were already sensitive to communication barriers and were already taking steps to improve their second language (L2) proficiency also took initiative to use the resources in ways other than those suggested in order to best support the communication needs of them and the HCUs they consulted. Third, and linked to the second finding, it was found that communication resources that covered conditions including, but not limited to, HIV and TB were more appropriate. HCPs who used the resources showed a small, although not statistically significant, increase in communication satisfaction, satisfaction with resource support, and trust after using the resources for one month. Although implementation problems were encountered in some settings of the intervention, it was found that this intervention has the potential to be further evaluated in a larger, multi-site randomised controlled trial (RCT). These findings inform recommendations which are made to improve the feasibility of such a study in order to conduct an RCT; to further develop the resources in order to enhance communication between HCPs and HCUs both in HIV and TB consultations and in other fields of healthcare; and to implement a similar intervention at the university level and as Continuing Medical Education. The insights gained into HCPs’ support for language support resources, which resources were used, and particularly how they were used, are significant for taking actionable steps in supporting HCPs’ provision of more equitable healthcare in multilingual South Africa.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Literatures, 202
Using Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge to Study Indigenous Knowledge Integration in Grade 11 Physical Science Lessons: Teachers’ Perspectives
No full textMany learners seem to struggle to grasp the concepts of forces and Newton’s law of motion, possibly owing to decontextualised teaching pedagogies used in science classrooms. This study investigates Grade 11 Physical Sciences teachers’ perspectives in South Africa on integrating Indigenous Knowledge (IK) to improve learners’ understanding of science, particularly in relation to forces and Newton’s laws of motion. It adopts a qualitative case study approach, grounded in interpretive and Indigenous research paradigms, and framed by the Ubuntu perspective, which emphasises community and collective well-being. Purposive sampling was used to select three voluntary participants, and data were generated through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was based on Mavhunga and Rollnick’s Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework, focusing on learners’ prior knowledge, curricular saliency, difficulties in understanding, and teaching strategies. Key themes included learners’ prior knowledge, content prioritisation, challenges in integrating IK and conceptual teaching strategies
Issues with corpus planning in Zimbabwe’s previously marginalised languages in Matabeleland
No full textThe promulgation of Zimbabwe’s current constitution amendment number 20, in 2013, brought hope to the previously marginalised languages in the country. In the founding provisions of the amendment, it is stated that 16 of the languages of Zimbabwe are officially recognised. Prior to the current constitution, only English, Ndebele and Shona were recognised. The paper scrutinises corpus planning activities that have taken place in the previously marginalised languages that are found in Matabeleland region. The analysis of corpus planning activities in these languages was done through a qualitative phenomenological design. Two members from each of the associations of these languages were interviewed. The results of the study indicate that the accomplishment of success in corpus planning is hampered by approaches that are asynchronous with modern day linguistic realities. Realistic language practices that are not influenced by prescriptivism, selfishness and mere recognition of the language need to be adopted in contemplation for successful corpus planning
Metallophthalocyanines: versatile probes for microbial photoinactivation and for pollutant degradation as photocatalysts, both molecular or supported form
No full textThis thesis investigates the synthesie of metallophthalocyanines for potential use as photosensitizers in two applications: photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy and the photodegradation of organic pollutants. To achieve this, phthalocyanines with morpholine (substituted at alpha and beta position, to imine), ethyl and propyl pyrrolidine Schiff bases, asymmetrical mercaptobenzothiazole and morpholine substituents were synthesized for the first time. All nitrogen containing phthalocyanines were methylated to form cationic derivatives. Asymmetrical mercaptobenzothiazole were covalently linked to spherical and pyramidal zinc oxide nanoparticles, while the asymmetrical morpholine were conjugated to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, chitosan modified PAN and glass wool, while carboxylic acid containing phthalocyanines were also linked to glass wool. Various characterization techniques, including electronic spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were employed to characterize all the phthalocyanine composites. The research aimed to establish general trends in fluorescence quantum yields, triplet and singlet oxygen generation, photodegradation rates, and fluorescence and triplet state lifetimes of the complexes. Notably, the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the triplet quantum yield of phthalocyanines, however, the singlet oxygen quantum yield decreased. The study also examined the photodynamic inactivation of various planktonic cells and biofilms using all photosensitizers. The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activities were dose-dependent, and all cationic photosensitizers were highly effective in completely inactivating the microbes in both forms, as opposed to non-charged photosensitizers. For the supports, the chitosan modified PAN showed high efficacy due to improved hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the research was conducted on the photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol, methyl orange and methylene blue using Pc-anchored PAN and glass wool supports. The immobilized photosensitizers demonstrated a strong capacity for generating singlet oxygen in aqueous media, with the cationic Pc-PAN removing methylene blue more efficiently due to its adsorption and photodegradation abilities. All supports were recoverable, showing potential application for future use in the removal of microbes and organic pollutants.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 202
Assessing the vulnerability of inland fisheries to human-induced perturbation in Lake Kariba fishery, Zambia
Full text linkInland fisheries play a critical role in providing nutrition, employment, and ensuring food security among vulnerable groups in Lake Kariba. However, their value is usually undermined in developmental plans, and their contribution to a broader economic development is often undervalued. Over the past two decades, inland fisheries have stagnated. Simultaneously, there have been wide reports of increased fishing effort and declining trends in commercially valuable fish species. This has resulted into a wide socio-economic and environmental problems in various fishing communities. Lake Kariba Zambia, exemplifies this sustainability challenge, where fisheries resources and livelihoods are interlinked. A systematic peer review paper on this topic was documented, published and used for analytical work, focusing on governance and how it affects the utilization of the fisheries resources for food security and biodiversity conservation. This study had four major objectives: (i) to identify threats to fisheries’ productivity in Lake Kariba; (ii) to understand the socio-economic and environmental conditions of small-scale fisheries in Lake Kariba; (iii) to determine adaptation strategies adopted by small-scale fishers in light of the changing socio-economic and environmental conditions in Lake Kariba; (iv) to determine how management of fisheries has to change in response to the wide socio-economic and environmental challenges in the region. Using Ostrom’s framework for analysing socio-ecological systems, various socioeconomic and environmental problems faced by fishing communities in Lake Kariba were examined to devise a sustainable fisheries management plan. The study employed explorative surveys, household questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and a review of literature to elicit secondary data. A proportional quota sampling technique was used to draw a representative sample of 300 small-scale fishers and a typology was developed using a bivariate analysis. Chi-square was used to determine fishing effort over time. Using a curve fitting estimation regression test, a trend analysis in fish production for the past thirteen years (13) years was performed. Results did not show a significant decline in fish production over the past 13 years, yet experts and the fishers reported declining trends in valuable fish species. The finding of this study provides both practical and theoretical lessons that can enhance adaptive capacity and support sustainable livelihoods in the region. A fisheries sector policy is urgently required to guide governance process and coordinate a multi-sectoral perspective to fisheries management if socio-economic progression is to be attained.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 202
Fishery characteristics, genetic structure, population demography and value chain of Skipjack and Kawakawa exploited in coastal waters of the Western Indian Ocean
Full text linkTuna represents a highly valuable global fishery, comprising 7.9% of the total 67.9 million metric tons (MT) of marine finfish catch. Among tuna species, Katsuwonus pelamis, skipjack and Euthynnus affinis, kawakawa are commercially important, particularly for artisanal fisheries. Skipjack is the most dominant tuna species globally, contributing over 60% to total tuna production. In the Indian Ocean (IO), skipjack catches approximately 420,000 MT annually. Kawakawa, the second most abundant neritic tuna in the IO, accounting for roughly 12% of neritic tuna landings, is primarily harvested by artisanal fleets, with annual catches of around 160,000 MT. While current assessments indicate that skipjack and kawakawa stocks in the IO are not overfished, maintaining their long-term health is crucial. This research addresses three key areas: genetic diversity, population structure, and connectivity of skipjack and kawakawa tuna in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO); size structure and reproductive characteristics of these species within the WIO; and the value chain of the Kenyan artisanal tuna fishery, focusing on skipjack and kawakawa. To achieve these objectives, skipjack and kawakawa samples were collected from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. A non-random sampling approach was employed to obtain specimens and data from artisanal and recreational fisheries. Biological and genetic sampling were conducted concurrently. The economic value chain of the Kenyan artisanal tuna fishery was examined through questionnaires and catch data. This analysis focused on the socio-demographic profiles of key actors, the value chain structure, and associated economic benefits across four Kenyan landing sites. To investigate stock structure in WIO skipjack and kawakawa tuna, we employed tunable Genotyping-by-Sequencing (tGBS) to generate genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) data. Skipjack analysis revealed 7005 SNPs with an average observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.206. While overall genetic differentiation (FST) among samples was low (global FST = 0.003) between samples (FST = 0 – 0.013), significant genetic differences were observed between skipjack samples taken north of Mtwara in southern Tanzania (i.e., northern Tanzania, Kenya and Sri Lanka) and those to the south (i.e., southern Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa), with Seychelles falling closer to the southern grouping. Kawakawa analysis, based on 14806 SNPs and an average Ho of 0.2585, indicated a patchy distribution of low but significant genetic differentiation among WIO populations (global FST = 0.018) between-sample (FST = 0.003 – 0.036) but with no obvious geographically-based pattern. However, unlike skipjack, a clear geographic pattern in genetic structure was not evident for kawakawa. Skipjack and kawakawa populations in the WIO exhibited seasonal fluctuations in size distribution, potentially influenced by environmental conditions and fishing practices. Landings of both species were male-biased, with sex ratios of 58% and 53% for skipjack and kawakawa, respectively. Female skipjack reached sexual maturity at a fork length (FL) of 42.0 cm, while males matured at 47.0 cm FL. For kawakawa, female and male maturation lengths were 44.0 cm FL and 45.3 cm FL, respectively. Spawning occurred throughout the year, with peak activity coinciding with the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) season. Our analysis of the artisanal tuna value chain indicates that fishers primarily sell their catch to agents (53%), with the remaining proportions going to traders (20%) and processors (18%). Processors, predominantly women, play a key role in the value chain and realized the highest net profit margin (49.5%). Limited post-harvest infrastructure, inadequate transportation, and poor marketing conditions were identified as key challenges impacting the quality of fish lowering their income. These challenges disproportionately affect fishers with limited access to market information and financial resources. The findings demonstrate the need for multi-level interventions to optimize benefits from the artisanal tuna fishery along the entire value chain taking into consideration the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. This research provides crucial information for effective tuna management in the IO. Current management practices treat skipjack and kawakawa as a single, homogenous population across the entire IO. However, our genetic findings suggest the presence of distinct population groups (stocks) for both species within the WIO. Moreover, seasonal variations in size structure and reproductive characteristics observed support this hypothesis of multiple stocks. These results emphasize the need for a precautionary approach to tuna management in the region. Collaborative efforts among countries are essential to develop sustainable fisheries management strategies that consider biological, economic, and social factors. By integrating these perspectives, we can ensure the long-term health of tuna populations while supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 202