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Wistfulness of Time
No full textAs Anaïs Nin said, “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect”.
No single collection of poems and short stories can encapsulate the range of human emotions both as part of living in the South African country and beyond its borders. Nevertheless, Wistfulness of Time offers a selection of poems and short stories that embody the theme of nostalgia and the idea of memory. From artists such as Petrus van Staden, Busisiwe Mahlangu, Janice Kudakwashe Mamukwa, Shaleen Jacobs, Thendo Netshivhera, Nivonne Jackson and many other students at the University of South Africa this anthology was born; the first of many to come.
Despite the diversity of voices and the various depictions of the theme, these students have been successful in giving a voice to and describing the human condition. They are well on their way of carving their mark alongside the many great artists of South Africa and the world.Afrikaans and Theory of LiteratureResearch Funding; Department of Afrikaans and Theory of Literature, Unis
Post-adoption framework for continued use of generalised audit software in Southern African SOEs
Get PDFAbstracts in English, Zulu and AfrikaansAs information technology (IT) continues to drive the transformation of organisations, the business environment is becoming more digitalised, with data and information increasingly becoming electronic in nature. The accelerated generation of voluminous data by organisations not only provides new opportunities for data-driven decision-making but also introduces new threats and risks that need to be mitigated.
The role of internal auditing has also been evolving. Internal auditing has moved from fulfilling a predominantly policing role to a role where a greater focus is placed on providing assurance and consulting on aspects of organisational governance, risk, and compliance initiatives. Audit standards recommend the use of data analytics by internal auditors to reveal relevant and timely insights from multiple data sources and large volumes of data in order to meet stakeholder expectations effectively and efficiently. However, it is evident from literature that the adoption of generalised audit software (GAS) by internal auditors is still below expected levels, and its utilisation is still very low. Consequently, the primary research question on which this study is anchored is based on gaining a better understanding of why GAS is underutilised by internal auditors after its adoption, despite the heightened awareness of the importance and value of audit analytics in the digitalised environment.
According to the literature reviewed, prior studies on GAS largely focus on the pre-adoption of GAS, primarily in developed economies, and give little attention to its post-adoption usage. Using an analysis of GAS user experiences, perceptions, and challenges, a conceptual framework was developed for the sustainable continued usage of GAS. A qualitative research design was adopted, and interviews were conducted to gather primary data from internal auditors in state-owned organisations (SOEs) in the Southern African region.
The findings of the study did not reflect significant differences attributed to GAS user experiences and perceptions arising from the different geographical locations in the Southern African region and the SOE sector. Instead, differences attributed to GAS user experiences and perceptions emanated from the internal organisational environment and GAS user characteristics. User competency, leadership, nature of data source, post-implementation monitoring, and pre-adoption constructs were found to be important factors that interacted to enable and drive the adoption and utilisation of GAS. The proposed conceptual framework makes a theoretical and practical contribution to the continued usage of GAS once it has been adopted.Njengoba ubuchwepheshe bezolwazi (IT) buqhubeka nokuqhuba uguquko lwezinhlangano, indawo yebhizinisi iya ngokuya iba yidijithali, njengoba imininingwane nolwazi luya ngokuya luba okusetshenziswa ngogesi ngokwendalo. Ukukhiqizwa okusheshayo kwemininingwane enamandla yizinhlangano akuhlinzeki nje kuphela ngamathuba amasha okuthathwa kwezinqumo okuqhutshwa yimininingwane kodwa futhi kwethula izinsongo ezintsha nezingozi ezidinga ukuncishiswa.
Iqhaza lokuhlolwa kwamabhuku kwangaphakathi nalo liyakhula. Ukuhlolwa kwamabhuku kwangaphakathi sekusukile ekufezeni indima enkulu yobuphoyisa kwaya endimeni lapho kugxilwa kakhulu ekuhlinzekeni isiqiniseko nokubonisana ngezingxenye zokuphatha kwenhlangano, ubungozi kanye nezinhlelo zokuthobela imithetho. Izindinganiso zokucwaninga ziphakamise ukusetshenziswa kokuhlaziywa kwemininingwane ngabahloli bamabhuku bangaphakathi ukuze kwembulwe imininingwane efanele nefika ngesikhathi evela emithonjeni yemininingwane eminingi kanye nenani elikhulu lemininingwane ukuze kuhlangatshezwane nokulindelwe ababambiqhaza ngokusebenza kahle nangempumelelo. Kodwa-ke, kuyabonakala emibhalweni ukuthi ukwamukelwa kwezinhlelo kanye nolunye ulwazi lokusebenza olusetshenziswa yikhompuyutha yocwaningomabhuku olujwayelekile (GAS) ngabacwaningi mabhuku bangaphakathi kusengaphansi kwamazinga alindelekile, futhi ukusetshenziswa kwazo kusephansi kakhulu. Ngakho-ke, umbuzo oyinhloko wocwaningo okusekelwe kuwo lolu cwaningo usekelwe ekutholeni ukuqonda okungcono kokuthi kungani i-GAS isetshenziswa kancane ngabacwaningi bamabhuku bangaphakathi ngemva kokwamukelwa kwayo, naphezu kokuqwashisa okuphezulu kokubaluleka kanye nenani lokucwaninga imininingwane yokuhlaziya endaweni yedijithali.
Ngokuya ngemibhalo ebuyekeziwe, izifundo zangaphambilini ze-GAS zigxile kakhulu ekukwamukelweni kwangaphambili kwe-GAS, ngokuyinhloko emazweni athuthukile kwezomnotho, futhi azinaki kangako ukusetshenziswa kwayo ngemva kokwamukelwa. Kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziya okuhlangenwe nakho komsebenzisi we-GAS, imibono, nezinselele, uhlaka lomqondo lwakhiwe ukuze kusetshenziswe okuqhubekayo okusimeme kwe-GAS. Kwamukelwa ucwaningo olugxile ekutholeni imininingwane ngokusebenzisa ukuxhumana okuvulekile nokuxoxisana, kwase kwenziwa inhlolokhono ukuze kuqoqwe imininingwane yokuqala kubacwaningimabhuku bangaphakathi ezinhlanganweni zikahulumeni (ama-SOE) esifundeni esiseNingizimu ne-Afrika.
Okutholwe ocwaningweni akuzange kubonise umehluko omkhulu odalwe olwazini lwabasebenzisi be-GAS kanye nemibono evela ezindaweni ezehlukene zesifunda saseNingizimu ne-Afrika kanye nomkhakha wama-SOE. Esikhundleni salokho, umehluko obangwa olwazini lwabasebenzisi be-GAS kanye nemibono uvela endaweni yangaphakathi yenhlangano nezici zomsebenzisi we-GAS.
Amakhono omsebenzisi, ubuholi, ubunjalo bomthombo wemininingwane, ukuqapha ngemva kokuqaliswa, kanye nokwakhiwa kwangaphambilini kokwamukelwa kutholwe njengezici ezibalulekile ezisebenzisanayo ukuze kunikwe amandla futhi kuqhubekisele phambili ukumukelwa nokusetshenziswa kwe-GAS. Uhlaka lomqondo ohlongozwayo lwenza inkolelo-mbono kanye negalelo elibonakalayo ekusetshenzisweni okuqhubekayo kwe-GAS uma selwamukelwe.Namate inligtingstegnologie (IT) steeds die transformasie van organisasies aandryf, word die sake-omgewing meer gedigitaliseerd, met data en inligting wat toenemend elektronies van aard is. Die versnelde generering van omvangryke data bied nie net nuwe geleenthede vir datagebaseerde besluitneming nie, maar bring ook nuwe bedreigings en risiko’s wat getemper moet word.
Die rol van interne ouditering het ook verander – van ’n hoofsaaklik polisiërende rol na een met ’n groter fokus op die voorsiening van versekering en konsultering oor aspekte van organisasiebeheer, -risiko- en -voldoeningsinisiatiewe. Ouditstandaarde beveel aan dat data-ontleedkunde deur interne ouditeure gebruik word om relevante en tydige insigte van verskeie databronne, en groot volumes data, te onthul ten einde op gepaste en doeltreffende wyse aan belanghebbers se verwagtinge te voldoen. Dit blyk egter duidelik uit die literatuur dat die vlak van interne ouditeure se ingebruikneming van veralgemeende ouditsagteware (GAS) steeds laer as verwag is, en dat die gebruik daarvan ook nog baie laag is. Gevolglik is die primêre navorsingsvraag waarin hierdie navorsing geanker is, daarop gegrond om ’n beter begrip te vorm van waarom GAS onderbenut word nadat interne ouditeure dit in gebruik geneem het – ten spyte van die verhoogde bewustheid van die belangrikheid en waarde van oudit-ontleedkunde in die gedigitaliseerde omgewing.
Volgens die literatuur wat bestudeer is, het vorige studies oor GAS grootliks op die pre-ingebruikneming van GAS gefokus, hoofsaaklik in ontwikkelde ekonomieë, en is daar min aandag gegee aan die post-ingebruikneming-aanwending daarvan. ’n Ontleding van GAS-gebruikers se ondervindings, persepsies en uitdagings is gebruik om ’n konseptuele raamwerk te ontwikkel vir die volhoubare, voortgesette gebruik van GAS. ’n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, en onderhoude is gevoer om primêre data van interne ouditeure in staatsondernemings in die Suider-Afrikaanse streek in te samel.
Die bevindinge van die studie het nie beduidende verskille getoon wat toegeskryf word aan GAS-gebruikers se ervarings en persepsies, voortspruitend uit die verskillende geografiese liggings in die Suider-Afrikaanse streek en die staatsondernemings-sektor nie. Verskille wat toegeskryf word aan GAS-gebruikers se ervarings en persepsies is eerder afkomstig van die interne organisasie-omgewing en die eienskappe van GAS-gebruikers. Gebruikersbevoegdheid, leierskap, aard van databron, post-implementering-monitering, en pre-ingebruiknemingskonsepte is aangedui as belangrike faktore wat met mekaar in wisselwerking was om die ingebruikneming en toepassing van GAS moontlik te maak en voort te dryf. Die voorgestelde konseptuele raamwerk lewer ’n teoretiese en praktiese bydrae tot die voortgesette gebruik van GAS nadat dit geïmplementeer is.D. B. L.Business Managemen
myModules overview
No full textThis video takes students through some of the basic functions of the new myModules virtual learning environment. It also includes examples of assessments using a real module int he department of Business Management at Unisa.Business Managemen
Development of a nucleic acid-based lateral flow assay (NABLFA) for easy detection of breast cancer
No full textWomen in Africa currently have the lowest registered cases of breast cancer. However, they have the highest mortality rates. In South Africa (SA), women are at a greater risk of been diagnosed with breast cancer due to changes in behavioural and genetical risk factors. Such high mortality rates can be attributed to the late diagnosis of the disease due to inaccessibilityand the high cost of current diagnostic tools. Breast cancer is asymptomatic, at early stages, which is the best time to detect it and intervene to prevent high mortality rates. Proper risk assessment, campaigns and access to adequate healthcare need to be prioritised among patients. Early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve the survival rate of breast cancer patients since therapeutic strategies are more effective at this stage. Early detection can be achieved by developing devices that are simple, sensitive, low-cost, and employed at point-of-care (POC) especially, in low-income countries (LIC). Nucleic acid-based lateral flow assays (NABLFA) methods that combine molecular detection with the immunochemical visualisation principles have recently emerged as tools to use for disease diagnosis even at low biomarker concentrations. Developing a NABLFA offers a rapid, simple, sensitive and inexpensive tool disease detection at POC.
In this study, three known breast cancer target genes: tumour suppressor and transcription factor (p53), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and breast cancer gene ( BRCA1) were identified through literature mining as molecular targets. The expression of these genes in various human cell lines was validated through bioinformatics and real-time polymerase chain reaction (R -PCR). DNA was extracted from MCF7, T4D7, MDA231, MCF12A,BHK-21, A375 and Me-180 cell lines using Wizard® Genomic DNA purification kit and amplified by conventional PCR using two sets gene-specific primers; with one set tagged with biotin (forward primer) and digoxigenin (dig, reverse). The NABLFA was developed by immobilising dig antibody (anti-dig) on the test line and biotin on the control line on a nitrocellulose membrane. The 14nm citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as a colorimetric label. AuNPs were synthesised using citrate reduction method and characterised by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then conjugated with streptavidin using biotin-streptavidin chemistry and used as detection probe in the NABLFA. The binding and sensitivity of the analyte (biotin-tagged PCR product) to anti-dig was accessed by wet testing. The LFA strip was dipped in a tube containing biotin-tagged PCR product and AuNP-streptavidin conjugate. The binding of analyte to anti-dig was visually monitored after 15mins incubation with a show of red lines on both control and test lines.
In silico analysis demonstrated that p53 and BRCA1 are highly expressed in breast cancer than normal tissues whereas PTEN is highly expressed in normal breast tissues than cancerous. This was further confirmed by conventional and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). The developed NABLFA successfully detected the PCR amplicons of p53 and PTEN validated by the appearance of two red lines both the control and the test line indicating the presence of the test biomarker. A rapid AuNPs-based NABLFA was successfully developed with a turn-around time of 10mins. The assay had a limit of detection of 0.06ng/ml and 0.125ng/ml for p53 and PTEN respectively. The AuNP-based NABLFA could serve as a screening tool for various diseases in resource-limited and LIC. Furthermore, in resource-limited areas, the assay can be developed into loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic test to eliminate the use of conventional PCR in POC settings.Ph. D. (Life and Consumer Sciences)Life and Consumer Science
An analysis of policies guiding the design and delivery of an inclusive curriculum at an open distance e-learning university
No full textThis qualitative study used phenomenological inquiry method to explore key policies and learning delivery strategies that guide the ODeL academics in designing and delivering inclusive curriculum. The study looked specifically at UNISA academic staff, relevant UNISA support departments, and officials responsible for ODeL development in their provision of inclusive learning at UNISA. The three conceptual frameworks of Transactional Distance, Universal Design for Learning and Social Choice Theories provided the lens which guided the study. The study used Semi-structured interviews and document analysis in capturing details about policy influencing design and delivery of ODeL and to obtain faculty and staff perspectives. The major finding of this study is that both academics and staff were not familiar with disability, impairment, or assistive technology issues. They lacked expertise in inclusive design and there was no consequences for posting none inclusive online course materials and modules. Policies are insubstantial, cosmetic and there are policy pretences, while the key departments of ARCSWiD was weak in driving relationship and communications with departments in steering curriculum inclusion. Based on these findings, recommendations for future research include: academics policy awareness be conducted to enable them be familiar with disability. There should be rejuvenation of ARCSWiD, the disability unit by strengthening the unit to be responsive to disability related issues for efficiency, effectiveness and wider outreach. The University, Teaching and Learning Development Department within UNISA should prioritize developing systems for noncompliant management for academics who do not design inclusive curriculum and hold continuous training on how to use inclusive and universal design approaches. The UNISA management should create change in UNISA which is tailored to heighten efficient implementation of integrated education policies, stakeholder's dialogue and interaction.D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)Curriculum and Instructional Studie
Exploring the challenges and solutions of ageing potable water infrastructure in Gwanda Town, Matabeleland South, Zimbabawe
Get PDFThe ability to access clean potable water is not only a basic need, but it is also a basic human right.
In Zimbabwe, communities still live in places where it is a challenge to access potable water, a
situation with life-threatening consequences. There are many reasons for this deplorable situation.
One key contributing factor to the inadequate water supply is the ageing of water infrastructure
systems. The study aimed to understand the challenges imposed by ageing water infrastructure and
to investigate possible solutions to the challenges in Gwanda Town, Matabeleland South,
Zimbabwe. Qualitative methods were used to gather data from 57 participants including residents,
council officials and NGO representatives that were all working and living in Gwanda town. The
study reveals that water challenges result from several factors, including but not limited to, corroded
pipes leading to water pollution, leaking pipes and taps, vandalism along with limited financial and
human resources to repair and maintain the ageing infrastructure. Most of the interviewed
participants expressed concern that the ageing water infrastructure systems imposed life-threatening
risks and impaired the socio-economic aspects of their livelihoods. It was also concerning that
although there were two water treatment plants in Gwanda town, only one was fully functional.
Even more striking was the fact that despite these water challenges faced by Gwanda town, there
was an absence of boreholes which are often a cost-effective, rough-and-ready alternative. The study
recommends multi-organisational solutions that put into account upgrading infrastructure, reporting
theft and vandalism to the police, employing water infrastructure inspectors, discouraging illegal
connections and community engagement. Access to underground water sources through boreholes
should be considered as an alternative to dams. More funding is required to upgrade and repair
existing water infrastructure. Residents should also be encouraged through public engagement
programmes and other incentives to pay water bills regularly and on time to allow for the
implementation of preventive and proactive maintenance measures to improve access to potable
water. The study also recommends the adoption of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach in developing policies that will reform the processes of water resource
governance and management, as well as promote the development of the Gwanda community.
Further research is required to address the effects of population growth and settlement planning on
water access in Gwanda town.M. Sc. (Environmental Management)Environmental Science
Towards a framework for community engagement in public university libraries in South Africa
Get PDFText in EnglishUnderpinned by the Social Capital Theory, this study sought to explore and analyse Community Engagement initiatives of academic libraries in South Africa with a view to developing a framework for community engaged academic libraries.
The research approach adopted is qualitative and the study is guided by an interpretivist philosophical worldview following a hermeneutic phenomenological research design. Three population groups consisting of 26 public university Library Heads (LHs), library staff and community members involved in CE were the target of this study. Data generation methods utilised were interviews for LHs and community members, focus groups for library staff and document analysis. The sampling procedure was census for LHs and snowball sampling for library staff and community members. In the end, 20 LHs were interviewed, followed by 8 focus group discussions with library staff and 5 interviews with community members. Data were collected, analysed and interpreted thematically using ATLAS.ti and according to the objectives of the study.
Findings showed that CE is commonly reflected in the strategic agenda of public university libraries in South Africa. However, the CE approaches are often once-off, ad-hoc, poorly resourced and unsustainable. Academic libraries in South Africa develop mutually beneficial networks of internal and external partnerships that they utilise to ensure successful CE initiatives. Another finding was that trust is critical to the success of CE and partnerships. The CE initiatives proved a powerful way through which academic libraries can demonstrate their support and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan in South Africa. The philosophical underpinnings of the CE initiatives are founded upon social justice and Ubuntu imperatives.
Some of the emerging benefits include the fact that CE assists university libraries to close social cleavages that have developed between the institutions and communities and to build enduring trust-based bonds and consolidate relationships. Most notable challenges include resources, time and safety constraints.
This study serves as an audit of academic libraries’ CE initiatives and should inaugurate more studies in this still under-researched and under-theorised niche area. The framework and other conceptual maps developed are designed to contribute to the development of theory and practice in the field.Ph.D (Information Science)Information Scienc
The importance of anthropomorphism in children’s literature : studies in Elwyn Brooks White’s Charlotte’s web and Stuart Little
Get PDFThe anthropomorphised linguistic and social world in which animals are given human voice originated in the literary genre of the animal fable. Over the centuries this has changed from being, predominantly moralistic stories for adults to one that is specifically directed towards younger children. This genre can be found in books, toys, songs, electronic medias etc. and regularly features animals as the central characters. The use of animals and other nonhuman characters in children’s literature has become a well-known medium of entertainment for them and is one through which children can be educated with life lessons. The anthropomorphised animal characters are a reflection of children’s affection for animals and carry with them many explicit and implicit messages about animal and human relationships.
Through the analysis of two children’s literature texts written by E.B. White, Stuart Little (1945) and Charlotte’s Web (1952), this study will focus on the importance of anthropomorphism in children’s literature and consider how it can aid social skills development. Many of the illustrated social skills are those values that contribute to children’s lives in order for them to demonstrate good behaviour in their society. The study will illustrate the importance of such anthropomorphism in children’s literature and its use in teaching acceptable societal behaviour whilst contributing to the discourse on anthropomorphism in children’s literature.M.A. (English)English Studie
An evaluation of a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) project on friendly health services utilisation by adolescents in Lesotho
Get PDFBackground: Lesotho is one of the countries that have adopted and implemented strategies to address the challenges that impede negatively on utilisation of adolescent- friendly sexual and reproductive health services. In this regard, the Lesotho SRH and HIV linkage project of 2011 serves as the foremost point of reference for both the research problem and aim of the study.
Aim: This study seeks to evaluate the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV linkage project on friendly health service provision and utilisation by adolescents in Lesotho. The evaluation will be based on the way services are offered to the targeted population at the selected healthcare site. Factors influencing access to and utilisation of health services were also explored.
Methods: The qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design was used. Purposive sampling was employed for the selection of a total sample size of 21 adolescents and 5 (five) primary healthcare professionals who were sampled according to a pre-determined selection criteria. Two self-designed in-depth semi-structured interview guides were developed for data collection from the adolescents and nurses at the selected research sites. Clinical records were checked to assess utilisation of services by adolescents. The information gathered was triangulated with data collected from face-to-face interviews and analysed thematically. The data were transcribed considering content analysis for thematic aspects and patterns of the data obtained.
Results: The results indicated that adolescent females utilise most of the sexual reproductive services than the males. Most of these adolescent females were pregnant and lactating, and visited healthcare centres for contraceptives as well. The results further indicated a significant decline in the use of sexual and reproductive health services for reasons such as: lack of human resources, poor infrastructure, fixed working hours; as well as location and attitudes of the healthcare workers, which influenced the accessibility and acceptability of services being provided. Most critically, the findings revealed that the selected healthcare site does not provide adolescents with friendly services.
Conclusion and recommendations: The study recommends that a separate adolescent sexual reproductive healthcare facility be built at the same research site to provide the required level of service in a very conducive environment away from adults. Team building, school visits, and sporting activities are also recommended as part of up-scaling adolescent friendly services to the community in a tangible manner. The results of this study should not be generalized. Rather, a study of the same nature would be ideal to explore the phenomenon of adolescent-friendly sexual reproductive healthcare services in other settings.M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS)Health Studie
Developing a framework for the classification of strategic and critical minerals in South Africa
No full textMinerals should be sufficient to sustain security of the nation as well as growth of the economy and employment. Countries without minerals may source minerals from mineral-rich countries. South Africa is endowed with mineral resources and has a comparative advantage in minerals such as manganese, chromium, vanadium and platinum amongst others. Mineral wealth can contribute towards resolving the challenges of a high rate of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
Most of the minerals in South Africa are exported as raw materials and once produced, final products are sold back to the country and imported as finished products. Trade-offs between exports as raw ore or beneficiated minerals which have a higher value should be considered for contribution in this country towards industrialisation and employment. Identified and selected critical and strategic minerals can promote economic growth and industrialisation. An assessment methodology utilising three categories namely, economic importance, risk and impact was used to develop a framework to classify minerals as strategic and critical in South Africa. Thirty-eight minerals were identified, eighteen potential strategic and critical minerals selected and most contributing seven strategic are selected according to economic importance, risk and impact factors. The framework contributes to policy-making, economic growth, and security of supply. It also promotes development of minerals and optimises value from the minerals and their economic use and enhances industrialisation and employment.
In this research a survey was also conducted on the perceptions of local people at or close to mines on the positive and negative socio-economic impacts of mining in their communities. The first outcome indicated that mining communities and employees are aware of the mineral wealth of the country and have lamented on the level of poverty and inequality of employment experienced in their areas where mining activities are taking place.
The study further revealed misunderstandings and unfulfilled expectations concerning the responsibilities of the mining companies and the accountability of the government towards the community. Limited resources and desperation for opportunities by employees and communities could lead to a disaster in the mining industry if these perceptions are not addressed.Ph. D. (Electrical and Mining Engineering)Electrical and Mining Engineerin