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School social workers' and educators' experiences on school-based violence: suggestions for stakeholder support
No full textSchool-based violence (SBV) is a phenomenon that burdens many countries globally. A substantial proportion of schools and governments are still struggling to find a solution to it. There are a limited number of reports on stakeholder support for SBV within the Johannesburg East District. The study's first goal was to gain a thorough understanding of the educators’ and school social workers’ experiences and perceptions of SBV and, secondly, to proffer their suggestions for stakeholder support to prevent SBV.
The theoretical framework employed to anchor this study included the bio-ecological perspective and the peace education theory. The researcher employed the qualitative research approach and utilised phenomenology as the research design strategy, with a mixture of the descriptive, explorative, and contextual research designs. The purposive (judgement) and the techniques of snowball sampling were utilised.
The study revealed that the nature of SBV is verbal and physical violence, and bullying. The causes of SBV are the perpetrator and victim’s personality, the use of substances, home circumstances, neighbourhood, socioeconomic conditions, and social media.
It takes a village to raise a child and therefore the cooperation of all the stakeholders is crucial in ensuring the prevention of SBV. Suggestions for stakeholder support in curbing SBV include employing school social workers and involving parents. Teachers, principals, and school governing bodies are urged to play a more prominent role.M. (Social Work)Social Wor
The newer Non-Denominational Pentecostal Churches in South Africa: A Critical Approach to Non-Denominationalism in Pentecostalism
Get PDFThis article seeks to illustrate that although there is a church historical significance of non-denominationalism in Pentecostalism demonstrated in numerical growth, non-denominational Pentecostal churches still require some level of order and doctrinal foundations for their sustainability. A lack of these fundamental doctrinal foundations might result in some of these churches facing closure, as calls for the regulation of churches in South Africa are growing stronger. This is done through a discussion of these non-denominational Pentecostal churches that can be categorised into four types: i) Pentecostal and charismatic; ii) prophetic; iii) Zionist; and iv) deliverance ministries. The significance of non-denominationalism in these is highlighted to demonstrate their numerical growth. However, to maintain such numerical growth, these churches would require a balanced approach to denominationalism that embraces doctrinal foundations in the Christian tradition. In other words, an escape from denominationalism should not mean an escape from the foundational doctrines.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiolog
The influence of teacher motivation on learner achievement : a case of primary schools in Serowe, Botswana
Get PDFThe study sought to investigate how teacher motivation influences learner academic performance. Motivating teachers is viewed as a critical component in the academic success of learners since when motivated teachers would dedicate their time and effort to service delivery. When teachers are intrinsically and extrinsically motivated, there is job satisfaction and they will be inspired to work hard and ensure delivery of quality content. Academic performance of learners rests solely on motivated teachers.
This research followed a qualitative research approach underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and guided by a case study research design. The sample of the study was drawn from 31 primary schools in Serowe sub-region, Botswana. Six primary schools were selected through purposive sampling strategy as a sample and each school was represented by a principal, head of department (HOD) and one teacher which makes a total of 18 participants. The researcher conducted individual telephonic interviews with principals, HODs and teachers, guided by an interview schedule. The collected data were analysed through thematic analysis.
The study revealed that teachers in the sub-region are faced with many challenges such as poor infrastructure and shortage of relevant teaching and learning resources especially textbooks. This impacts negatively on teacher job satisfaction and lowers their morale which could affect learner results. Stagnation in one position, low salaries and lack of recognition for good performance were also cited as major contributory factors for teacher demoralisation. Almost all the participants viewed in-service training as an essential factor that can promote classroom effectiveness. For quality curriculum delivery, the study recommended that the Government of Botswana should ensure that schools are well equipped with up-to-date and relevant teaching and learning resources and consider upgrading teachers’ salaries to align them with those in other professions. Provision of adequate classrooms, classroom furniture and good housing is also recommended.M. Ed. (Educational Management and Leadership)Educational Management and Leadershi
Fonemiese struktuur van die Sothotale: 'n sinchronies-vergelykende ontleding
No full textD. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)African Language
Karen Devroop with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra 2022
No full textThe saxophone, an instrument renowned for its expressive capabilities and versatility, has found a significant place within the traditional orchestra, marking a departure from the orchestral norms of the past. Furthermore, the saxophone's integration into jazz, both in collaboration with orchestras and within the framework of a jazz rhythm section, has contributed to its prominence and widespread recognition in contemporary music.
The saxophone's rich tonal range, ability to mimic the human voice, and adaptability to various musical genres make it an exceptional choice for a solo instrument in the orchestra. In the early 20th century, the saxophone gained prominence in jazz music, primarily due to its expressive capabilities and improvisational potential. This jazz influence subsequently spilled over into orchestral compositions, leading to the integration of the saxophone into the symphonic repertoire. Composers like Maurice Ravel, Dmitri Shostakovich, and George Gershwin began incorporating the saxophone as a solo instrument in their orchestral works, recognizing its unique voice and ability to infuse jazz-inspired elements.
Modern composers continue to embrace the saxophone as a solo instrument in orchestral settings. Contemporary compositions often feature saxophone concertos, allowing for virtuosic displays and captivating solos. The saxophone's seamless integration into the orchestra highlights its potential to interact with and complement other instruments, creating rich textures and evocative harmonies.
Another contemporary application of the saxophone lies in the fusion of jazz saxophone with a rhythm section within the context of an orchestra. This blending of genres creates a dynamic and vibrant musical experience, infusing traditional orchestral compositions with the energy and improvisation of jazz. The saxophone, accompanied by a jazz rhythm section, adds an exciting element of spontaneity and rhythmic complexity, resulting in captivating performances that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
The inclusion of the saxophone as a solo instrument in the orchestra signifies a departure from traditional orchestral norms, embracing the instrument's versatility and expressive capabilities. Through its integration into jazz music and collaboration with both orchestras and jazz rhythm sections, the saxophone has cemented its place as a prominent and indispensable voice in modern musical compositions.
It is against this backdrop that this creative output was conceived. The repertoire comprised works for saxophone and full orchestra as Astor Piazzolla’s to works for saxophone, rhythm section and full orchestra which included South African works including Abdullah Ibrahim’s The Wedding to a medley of Lakutshon iLanga, Pata Pata and Meadowlands, all well know South African jazz works. The South African works were specifically arranged for this type of setting by internationally recognised arranger Trino Jimenez.
The goal was to present these well know South African works in a new and innovative way, specifically with full orchestra and jazz rhythm section. This is a concept that was not done previously in South Africa. In the past jazz rhythm sections were complimented with strings but never full orchestra with jazz rhythm section. The works were arranged to create a Broadway style sound but with South African compositions. The Astor Piazzolla work was also presented in a new and unique way in the that it was arranged for saxophonist soloist with full orchestra that provided room for jazz style and jazz improvisation of the work. Hence the focus on presenting the work in a new and innovative way. All works contained section for original jazz improvisation by the saxophonist, which is rare in a full orchestra setting.
The concert was performed to a full audience at the Linder Auditorium. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra has a reputation for being one the premier orchestras in South Africa. Prior to the concert, 2 full orchestra rehearsals were held in order to work through the works.Art and Musi
Effects of layering on the mechanical properties of cemented tailings backfill under unconfined compression
No full textThis study investigated the mechanical behaviour of layered cemented tailings
backfill. Indeed, paste backfill in low stopes can be poured completely at once.
However, this strategy is difficult in large stopes since it exerts excessive pressure
on the barricade leading to the failure of the barricade. As result, layer-by-layer
backfilling poured within a 24-hour interval is adopted. This practice leads to the
stratification of the backfill structure which then results in a layered backfill body.
Several studies on backfill bodies have neglected the effect of layering on the
mechanical strength of the backfill structures. This study attempted to close this
gap by incorporating the shear force between the layers in the estimation of the
safety factor of the backfill structure.
In order to study the mechanical behaviour of layered cemented backfill, laboratory
tests, numerical simulations and mathematical modelling were conducted. Uniaxial
compressive strength tests were performed using an unconfined compression
machine. The OPTUM G3 software package, on the other hand, was utilised for
numerical analysis. The limit equilibrium wedge solution was used to evaluate the
stability of layered cemented backfill while results from the laboratory tests were
used to develop a deformation model of layered cemented backfill.
It was concluded from the deformation model that the strength of cemented backfill
decreases with increasing layers of backfill at early age (14 days). Nonetheless,
the strength of layered cemented backfill gradually increases when more layers
are added. The limit equilibrium solution was also improved by incorporating the
shear forces acting along the backfill-backfill interfaces and the sliding plane. The
limit equilibrium solution also demonstrated a decreasing safety factor when the
shear force along the backfill interfaces is included. In contrast, the safety factor
decreased with increasing stope height. It is however recommended in future that
advanced numerical analysis is explored to develop stability graphs that would
predict the waiting period for the backfill body to set till the next blast. This would
pave the way for improved safety and productivity of mines.Ph.D. (Mining Engineering)Mining Engineerin
A Rancierian analysis of anti-mining resistance in Guatemala
Get PDFIndigenous people in Guatemala have protested several mining companies since 2004 and have succeeded in halting operations. Further research is warranted to find theoretical explanations for the decades-long resistance and its progress deterring mining operations. This research contributes to the scholarly literature on equality and resistance by analysing behaviour and communication as factors in determining the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of resistance strategies. The strategies of the indigenous people of Guatemala to resist mining activities are examined through the lens of Jacques Rancière’s theories and concepts about power and inequality, with particular attention paid to his concepts of police and politics. His theory of equality finds that protestors are effective when they cause disruption, gain media attention, create their own platform for protest and have an all-inclusive protest slogan. Rancière’s prescription for resisters to create politics is for them to exercise their own agency. The creation of politics is finding equality, not power. Using Rancière’s concepts, this paper assesses the anti-mining movement’s actions (or inaction) and discerns if the movement has had any sustained impact in achieving politics. These concepts are used as tools to analyse the indigenous people’s mining protests intended to oust mining companies. While not directly prescriptive, this study brings to light alternative approaches in leveraging power to address ways the police order creates and maintains inequality. Rancière argues that resistance of injustice must be based on universal fundamental human equality. By having subjects speak for themselves through interviews and by closely analysing print sources, the intent of this research is to find any indication of the protestors achieving (or failing to achieve) a moment which reveals the false construction of inequality, the unfair nature of subjugation. This methodology follows a decolonial method. Data sources include interviews and content analysis of news media, trade magazines and reports from non-governmental organisations. Findings from the data provide new avenues for research in terms of identifying the tactics of the police order and circumventing and countering those tactics.Ph. D. (Sociology)Sociolog
Synthesis of eco-friendly ZnO-based heterophotocatalysts with enhanced properties under visible light in the degradation of organic pollutants
Get PDFAbstract
Heterogeneous photocatalysts have been widely used for the removal of various organic pollutants from wastewater. The main challenge so far resides in the sustainability of the process, with regard to the synthesis and the application under visible light. In this study the precipitated materials from the Moringa oleifera seed (MO), groundnut shells (GS) and apatite (A) agrowastes were functionalized with zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) solution, to produce a novel bioheterophotocatalysts. Various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of the novel photocatalysts. It was proven that agrowastes can also enhance the photocatalytic activity of a ZnO-based photocatalyst as pure metals. The combination of MO/GS/A/ZnO/Ag in a 1:1:1 ratio resulted in a lower band gap of 1.59 eV, as compared to the band gap of 2.96 eV for ZnO/Ag. These photocatalysts' efficiency was also tested on the photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) derived from coal leaching in various water sources such as acidic mine drainage, alkaline mine drainage and sewage wastewater. From MO/GS/A/ZnO/Ag, the removal efficiency was found to be 69.59%, 61.07% and 61.68%, compared to 52.62%, 37.96 and 44.30% using ZnO/Ag in acidic mine drainage, alkaline mine drainage and sewage wastewater for 60 min under solar irradiation
The challenges faced by social workers rendering services to children and adolescents with mental health disorders in child and youth care centres
No full textSocial workers rendering services to children and adolescents with mental health disorders in Child and Youth Care Centres play a significant role in supporting these children. They liaise with various stakeholders and professionals to ensure that the children receive the necessary support and care. Despite their crucial role in these centres, they seem to be confronted with several challenges, of which some are undocumented. Furthermore, this topic has not been adequately researched, which propelled the researcher to conduct a qualitative research study aimed at exploring and describing the challenges experienced by the social workers in Child and Youth Care Centres. The study was conducted in Pretoria, South Africa, in the Tshwane municipal area in Gauteng province. The researcher used the exploratory, contextual, descriptive and phenomenological research designs and viewed and described the phenomenon from the perspective of the ecological systems theory. Throughout the study, the researcher was guided by and upheld the ethical principles of anonymity, confidentiality, debriefing, informed consent, beneficence and management of information. Data was collected through semi-structured online interviews and analysed by means of Braun and Clarke’s six steps of qualitative data analysis. Through the analysis, six themes and twenty-two subthemes emerged, which were presented and discussed, supported by findings from existing literature and the adopted theoretical framework. The research findings detailed a variety of challenges that social work participants encountered both internally and externally, followed by the strategies adopted by them and their opinions on what was needed for the betterment of CAMH in CYCCs. The researcher then, through findings derived from the study, compiled a list of recommendations for social work practice, future research and training.M.A. (Social Work)Social Wor
A model for improving quality of care in maternal health facilities in South Africa
No full textReducing maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) and neonatal mortality ratios (NMRs) remains
a priority for improving the quality of care in various parts of the world, particularly in
developing nations like South Africa. There has been no victory in reducing MMRs and
NMRs in different models that were developed, tried, and tested. The study intended to
develop a model for improving the quality of care in maternal health facilities in South
Africa.
The study was conducted in a selected public hospital in Libode in the Eastern Cape
province. A purposive sample of fifteen women, five doctors and fifteen midwives was
used to conduct in-depth face-to-face individual interviews. Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis
framework was used to transcribe, code, and then extract and analyse key themes from
the collected data.
The main study findings revealed that obstacles to receiving prompt, adequate and quality
of care were common problems encountered in a maternal health facility. Both direct and
indirect as well as possible contributing factors to poor quality maternal and newborn care
were also revealed. These practices increase the risk of maternal and related perinatal
deaths.
The study findings informed the development of a model for improving quality of care to
advance health outcomes in women and newborns in the maternal health facilities in
South Africa. The study findings further recommend the proposed model as an initiative
to improve the quality of care in health care facilities and reduce maternal and neonatal
deaths in the Eastern Cape province.Ph. D. (Nursing)Health Studie