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    Unity and diversity : the South African Broadcasting Corporation, nationalism and identity in South Africa, 1961 – 1996

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    The purpose of this study is to investigate the way in which the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has contributed to upholding both the apartheid and democratic governments. This study will look at the period from 1961-1996. This period is significant as then-prime minister HF Verwoerd’s ‘grand apartheid’ plan was implemented in the early 1960s, which placed far greater restrictions on Black South Africans. This was also a time of increased Black resistance which was met with greater state repression. This dissertation therefore tracks how the SABC often mirrored events within the political sphere and how the Corporation was used to communicate the state’s beliefs. It then shows how the SABC had to undergo major transformation in order to become a credible source of news leading up to the 1994 elections. This study is based primarily on secondary research but is also based on television broadcasts of various events as well as oral histories. This study contributes to existing knowledge on the topic by illustrating how the SABC was instrumental to upholding apartheid ideologies on both its radio and television services and thus why major transformation was needed leading up to and following the 1994 democratic elections. It will also show how the SABC promoted unity in diversity in the early democratic years, both in terms of its staff and programming.M.A. (History)Histor

    The transformational leadership role of the principal in improving students’ academic outcomes in Ethiopian high schools

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    This thesis examines the role of transformational leadership by high school principals in improving student academic outcomes in Ethiopian high schools, focusing on Awi Zone. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study collected data from 585 teachers, 90 teachers in focus group discussions, and 15 principals through interviews. The findings reveal that transformational leadership practices were inadequately implemented, as evidenced by a mean score of 2.79 for leadership practices, which is below average 93). Student academic achievement was also poor, with an average score of 42.26%, significantly below the mean benchmark of 50%. A slight negative correlation was observed between transformational leadership practices and student academic performance. Finally, the researcher recommended that the Ministry of Education, cluster supervisors, principals, and other decision-making bodies review their policies on the preparation and training of school leaders. School supervisors were also expected to give short-term training related to transformational leadership model and practices to principals. School principals were expected to act accordingly to improve the academic achievement of students in their schools. The Ministry of Education and other relevant parties should consider each person's offered training, qualifications, interests, and voluntary involvement in order to select effective leaders for their school. The MoE should also encourage and reward school leaders who are implementing transformational leadership in their institutions and who have raised student achievement levels. Additionally, in order to select capable school principals who can improve academic performance, the Awi Zone Education Department should consider qualifications, knowledge, skill, experience, and expertise rather than political beliefs when assigning school principals.Ph. D. (Education)Educational Leadership and Managemen

    Search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson decaying into a pair of τ-leptons in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

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    Abstract This paper reports a search for a light CP-odd scalar resonance with a mass of 20 GeV to 90 GeV in 13 TeV proton-proton collision data with an integrated luminosity of 140 fb−1 collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis assumes the resonance is produced via gluon-gluon fusion and decays into a τ+τ− pair which subsequently decays into a fully leptonic μ + ν μ ν ¯ τ e − ν ¯ e ν τ or e + ν e ν ¯ τ μ − ν ¯ μ ν τ final state. No significant excess of events above the predicted Standard Model background is observed. The results are interpreted within a flavour-aligned two-Higgs-doublet model, and a model-independent cross-section interpretation is also given. Upper limits at 95% confidence level between 3.0 pb and 68 pb are set on the cross-section for producing a CP-odd Higgs boson that decays into a τ+τ− pair

    Predictive modelling of linear growth faltering among pediatric patients with Diarrhea in Rural Western Kenya: an explainable machine learning approach

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    Abstract Introduction Stunting affects one-fifth of children globally with diarrhea accounting for an estimated 13.5% of stunting. Identifying risk factors for its precursor, linear growth faltering (LGF), is critical to designing interventions. Moreover, developing new predictive models for LGF using more recent data offers opportunity to enhance model accuracy, interpretability and capture new insights. We employed machine learning (ML) to derive and validate a predictive model for LGF among children enrolled with diarrhea in the Vaccine Impact on Diarrhea in Africa (VIDA) study and the Enterics for Global Heath (EFGH) ― Shigella study in rural western Kenya. Methods We used 7 diverse ML algorithms to retrospectively build prognostic models for the prediction of LGF (≥ 0.5 decrease in height/length for age z-score [HAZ]) among children 6–35 months. We used de-identified data from the VIDA study (n = 1,106) combined with synthetic data (n = 8,894) in model development, which entailed split-sampling and K-fold cross-validation with over-sampling technique, and data from EFGH-Shigella study (n = 655) for temporal validation. Potential predictors (n = 65) included demographic, household-level characteristics, illness history, anthropometric and clinical data were identified using boruta feature selection with an explanatory model analysis used to enhance interpretability. Results The prevalence of LGF in the development and temporal validation cohorts was 187 (16.9%) and 147 (22.4%), respectively. Feature selection identified the following 6 variables used in model development, ranked by importance: age (16.6%), temperature (6.0%), respiratory rate (4.1%), SAM (3.4%), rotavirus vaccination (3.3%), and skin turgor (2.1%). While all models showed good prediction capability, the gradient boosting model achieved the best performance (area under the curve % [95% Confidence Interval]: 83.5 [81.6–85.4] and 65.6 [60.8–70.4]) on the development and temporal validation datasets, respectively. Conclusion Our findings accentuate the enduring relevance of established predictors of LGF whilst demonstrating the practical utility of ML algorithms for rapid identification of at-risk children

    Research Outline Guiding Tool for M & D Studies

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    This Open Educational Resource (OER) is provided only for informational and educational purposes. The content contained within this resource is intended to be used as a starting point for further learning and exploration. This OER is licensed under share alike, meaning others can freely repurpose and share it for non-commercial purposes. However, any modifications or adaptations made to this resource must be clearly indicated and attributed back to the original source. I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of the OER or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained within the OER for any purpose. Every effort has been made to ensure this OER complies with copyright and other intellectual property laws. If you believe any part of this OER infringes upon your intellectual property rights, please contact me immediately. By using this OER, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this disclaimer.Institute for Open and Distance Learning (IODL

    Maternal oxidative stress and cardiovascular parameters in relation to neonatal birth weight in pregnant women in South Africa : a comparative analysis with non-pregnant women

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    Abstract in English, Tswana and AfrikaansBackground: Cardiovascular health in South Africa is a growing concern, as it is the leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide. Conditions such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and obesity during pregnancy increase the risk and severity of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are important measures of oxidative stress and arterial function. However, little is known about their relationships with cardiovascular health in pregnant women and birth outcomes in South Africa. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the association between cardiovascular measures and oxidative stress with neonatal birth weight in pregnant women, in comparison to measures in non-pregnant women participating in the CHAMP study in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, with data collected at two time points. At the first-time point, a total of 331 women (239 pregnant, 92 non-pregnant) were recruited. ROS, PWV and various cardiovascular parameters were measured. At the second-time point, a total of 127 newborn data were collected from Road to Health Booklets on the third day postpartum clinic check-up. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to describe characteristics and compare these characteristics based on pregnancy status. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between ROS, PWV, and birth weight, adjusting for confounding factors. Results: Pregnant women had significantly lower blood pressure and higher ROS values compared to non-pregnant women (p < 0.001). Analysis showed that there was no correlation between ROS and cardiovascular variables, except for pulse pressure (β = -0.024, p = 0.042) in pregnant women. Furthermore, there was a negative trend between ROS and birth weight (β = -1.531, p = 0.099), while no significant association was found between PWV and birth weight (β = -39.135, p = 0.286). ROS and cardiovascular variables were shown to be negatively correlated with birth weight; however, neither was statistically significant. Conclusion: The study identified key differences in cardiovascular function and oxidative stress between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Pregnancy was associated with lower blood pressure and higher heart rate, alongside elevated ROS levels. Among pregnant women, no significant relationships were found between birth weight and either ROS or vascular measures, indicating that other factors may play a more critical role in influencing neonatal outcomes. This study highlights the complex relationship between oxidative stress, arterial health and birth outcomes.Moralo: Bophelo bo botle mabapi le divesele tsa pelo le madi ka hara Afrika Borwa ke ngongoreho e holang, jwalo ka ha sena e le se bakang ho kula le lefu lena lefatshe ka bophara. Maemo a jwalo a kgatello ya madi a phahame haholoholo ho baimana, le ho ba le mmele haholo nakong ya boimana ho eketsa kotsi le ho mpefala ha bohloko ba divesele tsa pelo le madi (CVD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) le pulse wave velocity (PWV) ke metjha e bohlokwa ya ho sa tsitsi ha mmele le tshebetso ya arterial. Ha ho le jwalo, ha ho tsejwe haholo ka dikamano tsa teng le bophelo bo botle ba divesele tsa pelo le madi ho basadi ba mmeleng le diphetho tsa ho pepa ka hara Afrika Borwa. Maikemisetso: Thuto ena e tsitlallela ho netefatsa kamano mahareng a metjha ya divesele tsa pelo le madi le ho sa tsitsi ha boima ba mmele ho bana ba sa tswa ho tswalwa mabapi le basadi ba mmeleng, ha e bapiswa le metjha ya basadi ba seng mmeleng ba nkang karolo ho thuto ya CHAMP ka hara Gauteng, South Africa. Mekgwa: Mofuta wa dipatlisiso o kgethang sehlopha se itseng sa batho o ile wa sebediswa, ka tlhahisoleseding e bokelletsweng ho dintlha tsa makgetlo a mabedi. Ho ntlha ya pele, nomoro ya basadi ba 331 (ba mmeleng ba 239, ba seng mmeleng ba 92) ba ile ba hlwauwa. ROS, PWV le dipalo tse fapaneng tsa divesele tsa pelo le madi di ile tsa lekanngwa. Ho ntlha ya bobedi, tlhahisoleseding ya bana ba sa tswa tswalwa ba 127 e ile ya bokellwa ho Dibukana tsa Tsela e yang ho Bophelo bo botle ho letsatsi la boraro la ho isa ngwana a sa tswa tswalwa tliniking. Ditekolo tse ikemetseng tsa dipalopalo tse bontshang phapang mahareng a dihlopha tse pedi le dipalopalo tse lekolang dikamano mahareng a mekgahlelo di ile tsa etswa ho hlalosa ditshobotsi le ho bapisa ditshobotsi tsena tse mabapi le maemo a boimana. Tlhatlhobo ya Multivariable linear regression e ile ya etswa ho lekola kamano mahareng a ROS, PWV, le boima ba mmele mabapi le tswalo, e lokisetsa tshebediso ya sebopeo sa thuto se bontshang dintlha tsa kamano mahareng a seo o kopanang le sona hammoho le diphetho. Diphetho: Basadi ba mmeleng ba ne ba na le kgatello e tlase ya madi le divalues tse phahameng tsa ROS ha e bapiswa le basadi ba seng mmeleng (p < 0.001). Tlhatlhobo e bontshitse hore ho ne ho sena tumellano mahareng a ROS le tse amanang le divesele tsa pelo le madi, ntle le kgatello ya pulse (β = -0.024, p = 0.042) ho basadi ba mmeleng. Ho feta moo, ho ne ho na le mokgwa o mobe mahareng a ROS le boima ba mmele mabapi le tswalo (β = -1.531, p = 0.099), ha ho ka ba ha eba le kamano e fumanehileng mahareng a PWV le boima ba mmele mabapi le tswalo (β = -39.135, p = 0.286). ROS le mefuta e fapaneng e mabapi le divesele tsa pelo le madi di ile tsa bontshwa hore di amana ka tsela e seng ntle ka boima ba mmele mabapi le tswalo; ha ho le jwalo, e ne e sa hlahelle e le nnete ho ya ka boemo bo amohelehileng ba ho sa be le bonnete. Qetellong: Thuto e hlwaile phapang tse bohlokwa mabapi le ho sebetsa ha divesele tsa pelo le madi le ho sa tsitsi ha mmele ho mahareng a basadi ba mmeleng le bao ba seng mmeleng. Boimana bo ne bo amangwa le kgatello e fatshe ya madi le sekgahla se phahameng sa pelo, ha mmoho le maemo a phahamisitsweng a ROS. Hara basadi ba mmeleng, ha ho na dikamano tse ileng tsa fumanwa mahareng a boima ba mmele mabapi le tswalo le e ka bang ROS kapa diteko le dihlahlobo tsa bophelo bo botle ba vesele tsa madi le ho phalla ha madi, e hlahisa dintlha tse ding tse ka bapalang karolo e bohlokwa ka ho ama diphetho ka mora ho tswalwa ha ngwana. Thuto ena e hlahisa kamano e rarahaneng mahareng a ho sa tsitsi ha mmele, bophelo bo botle ba arterial le diphetho tse mabapi le tswalo.Agtergrond: Kardiovaskulêre gesondheid in Suid-Afrika wek toenemend kommer, aangesien dit wêreldwyd die belangrikste oorsaak van siekte en sterfte is. Toestande soos swangerskaphipertensie, swangerskapdiabetes en obesiteit tydens swangerskap verhoog die risiko en erns van kardiovaskulêre siekte (KVS). Reaktiewe suurstofspesies (RSS) en polsgolfsnelheid (PGS) is belangrike maatstawwe van oksidatiewe stres en arteriële funksie. Weinig is egter bekend oor hul verwantskap met kardiovaskulêre gesondheid in swanger vroue en geboorteuitkomste in Suid- Afrika. Doelwit: Hierdie studie poog om die verband tussen kardiovaskulêre metings en oksidatiewe stres by neonatale geboortegewig in swanger vroue vas te stel, in vergelyking met metings in nie-swanger vroue wat aan die CHAMP-studie in Gauteng, Suid-Afrika, deelneem. Metodes: ’n Prospektiewe kohortstudie is uitgevoer, met data wat by twee tydpunte ingesamel is. By die eerste tydpunt is altesame 331 vroue (239 swanger, 92 nieswanger) gewerf. RSS, PGS en verskillende kardiovaskulêre parameters is gemeet. By die tweede tydpunt is data oor altesame 127 neonate uit Road to Health-boekies op die derde dag se postpartum-kliniekondersoek ingesamel. Onafhanklike t-toetse en chi-kwadraattoetse is uitgevoer om eienskappe te beskryf en dit op grond van swangerskapstatus te vergelyk. Multiveranderlike lineêre regressieontledings is uitgevoer om die verwantskap tussen RSS, PGS en geboortegewig te assesseer, met aanpassing vir verwarrende faktore. Resultate: Swanger vroue het beduidend laer bloeddruk en hoër RSS-waardes getoon in vergelyking met nie-swanger vroue (p < 0.001). Ontleding dui daarop dat daar geen korrelasie bestaan tussen RSS en kardiovaskulêre veranderlikes nie, behalwe polsdruk (β = -0.024, p = 0.042) in swanger vroue. Daarbenewens was daar ’n negatiewe tendens tussen RSS en geboortegewig (β = -1.531, p = 0.099), terwyl daar geen beduidende verwantskap aangetref is tussen PGS en geboortegewig nie RSS en kardiovaskulêre veranderlikes het negatief met geboortegewig gekorreleer; nie een was egter statisties beduidend nie. Samevatting: Die studie het sleutelverskille in kardiovaskulêre funksie en oksidatiewe stres tussen swanger en nie-swanger vroue geïdentifiseer. Swangerskap word geassosieer met laer bloeddruk en hoër hartklop, naas verhoogde RSS-vlakke. Onder swanger vroue is geen beduidende verwantskap tussen geboortegewig en óf RSS óf vaskulêre metings aangetref nie, wat daarop dui dat ander faktore ’n meer kritieke rol kan speel om neonatale uitkomste te beïnvloed. Hierdie studie beklemtoon die komplekse verwantskap tussen oksidatiewe stres, arteriële gesondheid en geboorteuitkomste.M. Sc. (Life Science)Life and Consumer Science

    Citizenship education in Western Cape schools: experiences of life orientation teachers

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    Abstract in English with Xhosa and Afrikaans translationsThe South African Constitution of 1996 envisions schools as agents of social change, expounding the fostering of Citizenship Education (CE) to cultivate critical and proactive citizenry. The rationale for this study is founded on an arguable lack of social cohesion and nationhood, despite thirty years of democratic governance and liberation. Questions were raised around the role of education and in particular, the function of schooling in the development of post-apartheid South Africa. In this regard, the subject Life Orientation (LO) is expected to address the issues of social cohesion and nation-building. To unravel the complex relationship between the mediation of LO teachers’ teaching, curriculum implementation and social cohesion, the following research question was formulated to inform this research: What are LO teachers’ pedagogical experiences of teaching CE at schools in the Western Cape, how do they teach CE, and why do they teach CE the way they do? A literature study revealed that several challenges impede the effective implementation of CE. These include an overly abstract curriculum, a limited understanding of democratic principles among teachers, and inadequate support systems. Furthermore, issues such as poor race relations and fractured social cohesion compound these challenges, often leaving teachers ill-equipped to address diversity, equity, and unity within their classrooms. Recognising these barriers, I embarked on a qualitative, multiple case study design to explore teachers’ LO pedagogical experiences and classroom practices. The study employed theoretical frameworks based on the research of Shulman – Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Paulo Freire’s approach to Critical Pedagogy (CP), to interpret its data and develop meaningful findings. Among the findings, it is worthwhile to highlight, for example, generational disparities in teacher identities, a misalignment between curricular expectations and actual classroom practices, and teachers' roles as social change agents. Beyond content delivery, teachers embrace the emotional dimension of CE, fostering a safe and empathic space for their learners to engage meaningfully with democracy, ultimately contributing to their understanding of civic responsibility. While acknowledging the epistemological contribution of this research, the findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and teacher education as essential to narrow the distance between curriculum intentions and teaching practice. The study offers recommendations for future research, curriculum reform, and policy and practice, to be considered in teacher education and training. It also advocates for greater awareness and integration of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum to better prepare learners for a socially cohesive and democratic society.UMgaqo-siseko waseMzantsi Afrika ka-1996 ubona izikolo njengezixhobo zotshintsho kwezentlalo, egxininisa ukuxhasa uFundo Lobumi Boluntu (Citizenship Education - CE) ukuze kufuywe abemi abacingayo nabasebenzayo. Isizathu sophando olu sisiseko sokungabikho kwentsebenziswano eluntwini kunye nokungabikho kobuzwe, nangona sele kudlule iminyaka engamashumi amathathu kulawulo lwentando yesininzi kunye nenkululeko. Imibuzo yaphakanyiswa malunga nendima yemfundo, ngakumbi indima yezikolo kuphuhliso lweMzantsi Afrika emva kobandlululo. Kolu hlobo, isifundo se-Life Orientation (LO) kulindeleke ukuba siqubisane nemicelimngeni yokudityaniswa kwezentlalo kunye nokwakhiwa kwesizwe. Ukuze kuqondwe ubudlelwane obuntsonkothileyo phakathi kweendlela zootitshala be-LO, uphumezo lwekharityhulam kunye nokudityaniswa kwezentlalo, lombuzo uphando wamiselwa: Ziyintoni iimvakalelo zootitshala be-LO malunga nemfundiso ye-CE ezikolweni zaseNtshona Koloni, bafundisa njani i-CE, kwaye kutheni befundisa i-CE ngendlela abayenzayo? Uphando lwencwadi lubonise imingeni emininzi etshixela uphumezo olusebenzayo lwe-CE. Oku kubandakanya ikharityhulam engacacanga kakuhle, ukuqonda okulinganiselweyo kweemigaqo yentando yesininzi phakathi kootitshala, kunye nenkxaso engekho mahlakani. Ngaphezu koko, imiba enje ngobuhlanga obungemihle kunye nokungadityaniswa kwezentlalo ikwadala imiqobo, rhoqo ishiya ootitshala bengakulungelanga ukujongana neenkalo ngeenkwenkwezi, ukulingana, kunye nobumbano kwiiklasi zabo. Ndiqaphele le mingeni, ndaye ndaphanda ngendlela yokwenza uphando lomgangatho usebenzisa iimeko ezininzi ukuze ndiqonde iimvakalelo zootitshala be-LO kunye nokusebenza kwabo kwigumbi lokufundela. Uphando lusebenzise iindlela zethiyori ezisekelwe kuphando lukaShulman – ulwazi lwePedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) – kunye nendlela kaPaulo Freire yeCritical Pedagogy (CP), ukuze kuchazwe idatha kunye nokuphuhlisa iziphumo ezibalulekileyo. Phakathi kweziphumo, kubalulekile ukukhankanya, umzekelo, umahluko phakathi kwezizukulwana kwizazisi zootitshala, ukungahambelani phakathi kwento elindelekileyo kwikharityhulam kunye nokwenziwa kweklasi, kunye neendima zootitshala njengabaguquli kwezentlalo. Ngaphandle kokuhanjiswa komxholo, ootitshala bamkela imvakalelo yemfundo ye-CE, benza indawo ekhuselekileyo nenovelwano yabafundi babo viii yokuba bangene nzulu kwintando yesininzi, ekugqibeleni baphuhlise ukuqonda kwabo malunga noxanduva lobumi boluntu. Ngelixa kusithiwa qhiwu ngengxelo yophando, iziphumo zibonisa imfuneko yentsebenziswano phakathi kweefundiswe ezahlukeneyo kunye noqeqesho lootitshala ukuze kufutshane umahluko phakathi kweenjongo zekharityhulam kunye nendlela yokufundisa. Uphononongo lubonelela ngeengcebiso zophando oluzayo, uhlaziyo lwekharityhulam, kunye nomgaqo-nkqubo, kunye neendlela zokusebenza, ukuze ziqwalaselwe kuqeqesho lwabafundisi. Luphakamisa kwakhona imfuno yokuqonda okungakumbi kunye nokudibanisa uFundo Lobumi Boluntu lweHlabathi (Global Citizenship Education - GCE) kwi-Life Orientation ukuze abafundi balungiselelwe kakuhle eluntwini oluhambelanayo nolwentando yesininzi.Die Suid-Afrikaanse Grondwet van 1996 beskou skole as agente van sosiale verandering en verduidelik die bevordering van Burgerskaponderwys (BO) om kritiese en proaktiewe burgerskap te kweek. Die rasionaal vir hierdie studie is gebaseer op 'n argumenteerbare gebrek aan sosiale samehorigheid en nasionaliteit, ten spyte van dertig jaar van demokratiese regering en bevryding. Vrae is geopper oor die rol van onderwys en in die besonder die funksie van skoolonderrig in die ontwikkeling van post-apartheid Suid-Afrika. In hierdie verband word verwag dat die vak Lewensoriëntering (LO) die kwessies van sosiale samehorigheid en nasiebou sal aanspreek. Om die komplekse verhouding tussen die bemiddeling van LO-onderwysers se onderrig, kurrikulumimplementering en sosiale samehorigheid te ontrafel, is die volgende navorsingsvraag geformuleer om hierdie navorsing te inlig: Wat is LO-onderwysers se pedagogiese ervarings van die onderrig van BO by skole in die Wes-Kaap, hoe onderrig hulle BO, en waarom onderrig hulle BO soos hulle doen? 'n Literatuurstudie het aan die lig gebring dat verskeie uitdagings die effektiewe implementering van BO belemmer. Dit sluit in 'n oordrewe abstrakte kurrikulum, 'n beperkte begrip van demokratiese beginsels onder onderwysers, en onvoldoende ondersteuningstelsels. Verder vererger kwessies soos swak rasseverhoudinge en gebroke sosiale samehorigheid hierdie uitdagings, wat onderwysers dikwels swak toegerus laat om diversiteit, billikheid en eenheid in hul klaskamers aan te spreek. Met die erkenning van hierdie hindernisse het ek 'n kwalitatiewe, veelvuldige gevallestudie-ontwerp aangepak om onderwysers se LO-pedagogiese ervarings en klaskamerpraktyke te ondersoek. Die studie het teoretiese raamwerke gebaseer op die navorsing van Shulman – Pedagogiese Inhoudskennis (PKI) en Paulo Freire se benadering tot Kritiese Pedagogie (KP) gebruik om die data daarvan te interpreteer en betekenisvolle bevindinge te ontwikkel. Onder die bevindinge is dit die moeite werd om byvoorbeeld generasie-verskille in onderwyseridentiteite, 'n wanbelyning tussen kurrikulêre verwagtinge en werklike klaskamerpraktyke, en onderwysers se rolle as agente van sosiale verandering uit te lig. Benewens inhoudlewering, omarm onderwysers die emosionele dimensie van KO, en bevorder 'n veilige en empatiese ruimte vir hul leerders om betekenisvol met demokrasie om te gaan, wat uiteindelik bydra tot hul begrip van burgerlike verantwoordelikheid. x Terwyl die epistemologiese bydrae van hierdie navorsing erken word, beklemtoon die bevindinge die behoefte aan interdissiplinêre samewerking en onderwysersopleiding as noodsaaklik om die afstand tussen kurrikulumvoornemens en onderwyspraktyk te vernou. Die studie bied aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsing, kurrikulumhervorming, en beleid en praktyk wat in onderwysersopleiding en -onderrig oorweeg moet word. Dit pleit ook vir groter bewustheid en integrasie van Globale Burgerskapsonderwys (GCE) in die Lewensoriëntering (LO) kurrikulum om leerders beter voor te berei vir 'n sosiaal samehangende en demokratiese samelewing.D. Phil. (Education)Educational Studie

    Influence of labour relations on organisational performance of selected public sector institutions in Ghana

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    This study explores how labour relations, specifically collective bargaining, trade unionism, and dispute resolution, influence organisational performance in Ghana's public sector. Purposive sampling and a case study design were used in this qualitative study to collect data from 37 participants comprising of Ghanaian public sector employees (16), trade union representatives (10), and labour relations officials (11) across 15 public sector institutions. The researcher gathered data through interviews and conducted thematic and content analysis. The findings show differing opinions about how collective bargaining might improve performance in the public sector. While some participants stated that recent pay increases and agreements on health, safety, and employee rights demonstrate how collective bargaining has improved working conditions and employee morale, others pointed to leadership self-interest and limited motivational outcomes as obstacles to increased effectiveness. As a result, the influence of collective bargaining is regarded as moderate. The study also emphasises labour unionism's positive and negative aspects. Despite having secured benefits for their members, unions' impact on overall organisational performance is undermined by challenges including mandatory membership, restricted welfare support, and perceived self-serving activity. The study also reveals that although there are dispute resolution procedures in place, their efficacy is hampered by issues including lack of funding and restricted access to the National Labour Commission, which leads to a rise in strikes and a decline in morale. In conclusion, Ghana's labour relations framework has made some headway in enhancing the performance of the public sector, but there are still many obstacles to overcome. The study recommends addressing psycho-social needs in collective bargaining, improving logistical support, and using digital tools to improve labour relations. These actions could lead to a highly performing public sector in Ghana.Ph.D. (Management Studies)Management Studie

    An assessment of the distribution, contribution, and management of urban green spaces to local livelihoods of Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg (South Africa)

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    Abstract in English, Zulu and AfrikaansVegetation plays an indispensable role in improving the livelihoods of people in rural areas by providing a wide array of direct and indirect benefits. Vegetation in urban areas provides the same ecosystem services to urban dwellers. As the rate of poverty is outpacing the economic growth rate, many urban residents are increasingly becoming reliant on urban green spaces (UGSs) for sustenance. Therefore, urban residents of Johannesburg and Bulawayo depend on primary resources derived from UGSs. This study seeks to assess the distribution, contribution and management of UGSs with regard to local livelihoods in Bulawayo and Johannesburg. To meet the objectives of this research, UGSs for both cities were identified using remote sensing data derived from Landsat and Sentinel-2A imagery. Additionally, a mixed-methods approach was employed to develop a nuanced understanding of the nexus between UGSs and the livelihoods of the local residents. According to Johannesburg’s land use and land cover change (LULCC) maps, the vegetation cover changed from 51,757 ha in 2005 to 42,764 ha in 2020. Similarly, in Bulawayo the vegetation cover decreased by 2,768 ha. Geospatial distribution of plant families indicated that Fabaceae and Poaceae were the most dominant plant families in both urban areas, each accounting for 21% of the total plant diversity in UGSs. The economic and social value of UGSs was emphasised in this research. A notable finding was the predominant role of UGSs as social spaces, with 45% of participants in Bulawayo and 51% in Johannesburg visiting UGSs for dating purposes. Job creation was also prominent, with about 30% (Bulawayo) and 65% (Johannesburg) of the residents engaging in photography. In terms of liveability, 54% of respondents in Bulawayo associated UGSs with an improvement in their quality of life, compared to only 34% of respondents in Johannesburg who shared this view. Despite all the positive benefits of UGSs, 100% of the respondents in both cities reported a decline in the quality of UGSs due to inadequate maintenance and insufficient urban management practices by relevant authorities. Therefore, knowing that UGSs are deteriorating, urban planners can act to protect, restore, or expand green spaces before it is too late.Plantegroei speel ’n onontbeerlike rol in die verbetering van die lewensbestaan van mense in landelike gebiede deur die verskaffing van ’n wye verskeidenheid direkte en indirekte voordele. Dit is van kardinale belang om daarop te let dat die plantegroei in stedelike gebiede ook dieselfde ekosisteemdienste aan stedelike bewoners verskaf. Aangesien die tempo van armoede die ekonomiese groeikoers oortref, raak baie stedelike inwoners toenemend afhanklik van stedelike groen ruimtes (SGR’s) vir lewensonderhoud. Daarom word verwag dat die stedelike inwoners van Johannesburg en Bulawayo meer afhanklik sal wees van primêre hulpbronne afkomstig van SGR’s. Hierdie studie poog om die verspreiding, bydrae en bestuur van SGR’s met betrekking tot plaaslike lewensbestaan in Bulawayo en Johannesburg te assesseer. Om die doelwitte van hierdie navorsing te bereik, is SGR’s vir beide stede geïdentifiseer deur gebruik te maak van afstandswaarnemingsdata afkomstig van Landsat- en Sentinel-2A-beelde. Volgens kaarte van die landgebruik- en grondbedekkingsverandering (LULCC) van Johannesburg het die plantegroeibedekking verander van 51,757 ha in 2005 na 42,764 ha in 2020. Terselfdertyd het die plantegroeibedekking in Bulawayo ook met 2,768 ha afgeneem. Georuimtelike verspreiding van plantfamilies het aangedui dat Fabaceae en Poaceae die mees dominante plantfamilies in beide stedelike gebiede was, elk verantwoordelik vir 21% van die totale plantdiversiteit in SGR’s. Die ekonomiese en sosiale waarde van SGR’s is in hierdie navorsing beklemtoon. ’n Merkwaardige bevinding was die oorheersende rol van SGR’s as sosiale ruimtes, met 45% van deelnemers in Bulawayo en 51% in Johannesburg wat SGR’s vir afspraakdoeleindes besoek het. Wat leefbaarheid betref, het 54% van die respondente in Bulawayo SGR’s met ’n verbetering in hulle lewenskwaliteit geassosieer, vergeleke met slegs 34% van die respondente in Johannesburg wat hierdie siening gedeel het. Ten spyte van al die positiewe voordele van SGR’s, het 100% van die respondente in beide stede ’n afname in die gehalte van SGR’s gerapporteer as gevolg van onvoldoende instandhouding en onvoldoende stedelike bestuurspraktyke deur relevante owerhede.Izitshalo zidlala indima ebalulekile ekwenzeni ngcono izimpilo zabantu basezindaweni zasemakhaya ngokuhlinzeka ngemihlomulo eqondile ebonakalayo naleyo engabonakali. Kubaluleke kakhulu ukuba siqaphele ukuthi izitshalo zinomthelela ofanayo nasezindaweni zasemadolobheni ngokokusebenzisana kwemvelo kubahlali basemadolobheni. Njengoba izinga lobumpofu lidlula izinga lokukhula komnotho, izakhamuzi eziningi zasemadolobheni ziya ngokuya zibeka ithemba lazo kulezo zindawo ezingatshala kuzo (ama-UGS) ukuze ziziphilise. Ngakho-ke, kulindeleke ukuthi izakhamizi zasemadolobheni eGoli kanye nezaKwaBulawayo zithembele kakhulu ekusizakaleni ngohlelo lwe-UGS. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuhlola ukusatshalaliswa, umthelela kanye nokuphathwa kohlelo lwe-UGS mayelana nempilo yasendaweni KwaBulawayo naseGoli. Ukuze sizuze lokho esikuhlosile ngalolu cwaningo, kuye kwahlonzwa ama-UGS akuwona womabili lawa madolobha kusetshenziswa idatha yokubukeka kwesimo ethathwe kuLandsat neSentinel-2A. Ngokwemibhalo yamabalazwe acacisa ngokusetshenziswa nokuguquguquka komhlaba (LULCC) eGoli, izitshalo ziye zashintsha ukusuka kuma- 51,757 ha ngonyaka wezi-2005 zaya kuya kuma- 42,764 ha ngonyaka wezi-2020. Ngokufanayo, naKwaBulawayo izitshalo ziye zancipha ngama-2,768 ha. Ngokwendawo okutshalwe kuyo kukhomba ukuthi iFabaceae nePoaceae yikho okuhamba phambili kuzo zombili lezi zindawo ezingamadolobha, indawo ngayinye inama-21% ngokwezinhlobonhlobo zezitshalo ngokwe-UGS. Lolu cwaningo lugcizelela inani lezomnotho nezenhlalo ngokwama-UGS. Okuphawulekayo ngokwemiphumela kube yiqhaza elisobala lezindawo zomphakathi ezingama-UGS, lapho kubalwa ababambiqhaza abangama-45% baKwaBulawayo kanye nabangama-51% baseGoli abahambela izindawo ezingama-UGS ngenhloso yokuyongcebeleka. Mayelana nokuphila, ababambiqhaza abangama-54% baKwaBulawayo babona ama-UGS njengento ezokwenza ngcono izimpilo zabo, uma kuqhathaniswa nababambiqhaza abangama-34% kuphela baseGoli nabo abanombono ofanayo. Nakuba kukhona okuhle esingakuzuza ngama-UGS, kuma-100% wababambiqhaza emadolobheni womabili kubikwa ukuthi kunokwehla kweqophelo lama-UGS ngenxa yokungalungiswa okwanele kanye nezinqubo ezingenele zokuphathwa kwedolobha ngokweziphathimandla ezifanele.M. Sc. (Environmental Management)College of Agriculture and Environmental Science

    Simplifying grade 11 trogonometrics ratios: an analysis of learners' errors

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    The study aimed to explore the types of errors Grade 11 learners’ make when simplifying trigonometric ratios. The study was conducted by utilising a qualitative descriptive design. Data was collected through a written test and interviews with learners who were purposively selected (n=15) from the total number of mathematics learners (n=84) across three schools in the Buffalo City Metro District. Rooted in the theory of interpretivism, the study was supplemented by the theoretical framework of Newman’s Error Analysis which selected the lowest-performing learners (n = 15) to be interviewed within one week after writing the test which had its questions analysed through the marking process of learners' answers to each question. The key findings of this investigation reveal that learners make reading errors, comprehension errors, transformation errors, encoding errors, and process skills errors when simplifying trigonometric ratios. In addition, the findings show that learners made such types of errors by not following instructions, misreading mathematical symbols, incorrectly applying Pythagoras' theorem, and inappropriately applying the distributive property. Therefore, learners require knowledge of trigonometry and algebra from prior Grades to be adept at simplifying trigonometric ratios. The study recommends that Grade 11 teachers should focus on enhancing learners' problem-solving abilities, providing regular feedback, and incorporating memorisation techniques such as SOHCAHTOH, CAST, and SCRAP. These techniques aim to assist learners in recalling and comprehending the definitions of the three primary trigonometric ratios when simplifying trigonometric ratios. The study indicates that errors made by learners when simplifying trigonometric ratios in grade 11 include reading errors, comprehension errors, transformation errors, process skills errors, and encoding errors. These errors were mainly due to learners’ lack of conceputal understanding of trigonometric concepts, misunderstanding of instructions given in the problems, and failure to express answers in the required format.M.Ed. (Mathematics)Mathematics Educatio

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