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Implementation of circular economy accross different industries and sectors
No full textCollege of Engineering, Science and Technolog
The depiction of characters with disabilities in two IsiZulu literary works
No full textThis study aimed to examine the representation of characters with disabilities in two isiZulu literary works. Created in different historical and cultural contexts, the selected texts offered varied perspectives on disability within the Zulu culture across different eras. Using a qualitative desktop study approach, the research involved close and systematic textual analysis guided by Critical Disability Theory. Purposive sampling was employed as a non-probability technique where the researcher intentionally selected texts that offered the most relevant and insightful perspectives on disability representation. The analysis investigated how disability intersected with character development, narrative roles, and cultural attitudes, revealing shifts in societal views depicted in isiZulu literature. The study showed that characters with disabilities were depicted with varying degrees of individuality and agency, while simultaneously facing social barriers such as prejudice and exclusion. It also highlighted how the language used in the texts both reflects and shapes societal attitudes toward disability.M. A. (African Languages)African Language
From Margins to Centre: Transforming Public Archives through Public Programming and Advocacy
No full textInformation Scienc
Agenda setting effects of business news coverage on South African platinum mines’ corporate reputation
No full textText in EnglishThis study investigated whether media coverage of South African platinum mining companies influences the corporate reputation of the companies. The problem that this research addressed is timely, given the increasing media coverage of companies over the past few decades. The greater media attention devoted to companies has been prompted by several factors, including increased interest in business news by the general populace, owing to the popularity of share ownership in many countries. Second, many people who lost investments as a result of recent financial crises are increasingly consuming business news to improve their understanding of the inner workings of the financial system. Third, technologies such as the internet have made it easier for media houses to distribute news, including business news, to large audiences.
The aim of this study was to investigate the nexus between business news coverage and corporate reputation within the context of the South African platinum mining industry. The inquiry combined a media content analysis of stories published in Mining Weekly, a Johannesburg-based magazine, with a content analysis of transcripts of in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with respondents who subscribe to the magazine. The media content analysis aimed to ascertain the platinum mining companies and aspects of the companies that are emphasised in Mining Weekly’s coverage, while the content analysis of the transcripts ensuing from the interviews aimed to gauge the respondents’ perceptions of the platinum mining companies. A comparison between the media coverage and respondents’ perceptions of the companies enabled the researcher to conclude whether the media can influence the reputation of companies among members of the news-consuming public.
Some of the findings of this study are that the amount of media coverage that a company receives is commensurate with the proportion of news consumers to whom the company is top-of-mind; that complimentary coverage of a company translates into news consumers being favourably disposed towards that company; and that any aspect of a company about which the media are complimentary will be similarly assessed by the news-consuming public, with uncomplimentary coverage leading to unfavourable public assessment of that aspect of the company. Thus, this study provides insight into the relationship between media coverage and corporate reputation.D. Phil. (Communication Science)Communication Scienc
Geoforensics and Forensic Geography
No full textIntroduction
Distinguished College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, esteemed colleagues,
valued students, and honored guests, it is with gratitude and a deep sense of
responsibility that I stand before you today to formally accept the position of Professor of
Geography at the University of South Africa.
This is not merely an honour bestowed upon me, but a call to action, a commitment to
push the boundaries of knowledge in our field, to nurture the minds of future generations,
and to actively engage with the challenges facing our society.
This inaugural lecture will be in three parts, namely what is geoforensics and forensic
geography illustrated with a few examples; my direct involvement over the years in this
field ranging from research to being an expert witness in some high-profile court cases;
and lastly a brief overview on oLerings of geoforensics and forensic geography at
universities and way forward.Geograph
Land management practice and its implication for food security enhancement in Asagrit and Menz-Gera Districts, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
No full textText in English with abstracts and keywords in TsongaSustainable land management (SLM) and food insecurity has remained a big challenge for
Ethiopia since 1970s. However, information on the practice of land management and how it
contributes to production and food security has been insufficient. The study investigates
farmers’ view; the practice of land management pertaining to its status and role to production
and food security with the factors affecting its adoption in Asagrit and Menz-Gera districts,
Amhara region, Ethiopia at a household level. Two districts were purposively selected for the
study. Quantitative and qualitative data sources and analysis were used based on Sustainable
land management (SLM) and Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The resultsshowed
that 81% of the sampled households adopted SLM while 96.3% of thefarmers were food in
secured. The study revealed that farmers have adequate perceptual awareness on the
adoption of SLM and held an optimistic view regards the significance of SLM at increasing
production and enhance food security. However, rural livelihoods remain non-resilient and
objected the ill designed management. SLM contributed to substantial productivity, food
security, and poverty alleviation. Nonetheless, its role to food security has remained fragile due
to several socioeconomic and environmental matters. Land management practice was
influenced by multitudes of factors in Ethiopia.Rural livelihoods mainly crop production and
livestock remained fragile and scanty despite the adoption of sustainable land management.
Household experienced food insecurity in all its dimensions and people were suffering from
food crisis. Moreover, households used a range of short-term food insecurity copying strategies
referring to food supply, livelihood diversification, and aid including eating less preferred foods,
cutting number of meals, selling small animals and food for work. Nonetheless, these strategies
were not as such successful in the rural context. The study has concluded that the current land
management practice in Ethiopia requires reforming policies to achieve sustainable agriculture
and food stability towards sustainable development through suitable soil and water
conservation technology in smallholder agriculture.Nkansirhelelo wa swakudya na malawulelo ya misava lama yisekaka emahlweni swi tshamile
swi ri xirhalanganyi eEthiopia kusukela hi va1970, ku ri na vuxokoxoko byitsongo lebyi
fambelanaka na endlelo ra malawulelo ya misava na hilaha swi hoxaka xandla hakona eka
vuhumesi na nsirhelelo wa swakudya leswi nga kona. Ndzavisiso lowu wu endleriwile ku
lavisisa mavonelo ya van'wamapurasi hi mayelana na endlelo ra malawulelo ya misava, ku ri
na nkongomo wo karhi eka xiyimo xa wona na xiave xa wona eka vuhumesi bya swakudya na
swihlohloteri leswi khumbaka ntekelelo wa wona eka levhele ya muti eka swifundzatsongo swa
Asagrit na Menz-Gera swa xifundza xa Amhara, Ethiopia. Swifundzatsongo swi hlawuriwile hi
xikongomelo eka ndzavisiso lowu, naswona swihlovo na switiviwa swa mpimantsengo na swa
mpimarisima na nxopaxopo swi tirhisiwile tanihileswi a swi fambelana na malawulelo ya
misava lama yisekaka emahlweni (SLM) na rimba ra vutihanyisi lebyi yisekaka emahlweni
(SLF). Mivuyelo yi paluxe 81% ta miti leyi sampuriweke ku va yi tekelerile SLM, na 96.3% ta
van'wamapurasi ku va va nga sirhelelekangi eka swakudya. Ndzavisiso lowu wu paluxe
van'wamapurasi ku va va ri na vulemuki bya mavonelo byo ringanela hi mayelana na ntekelelo
wa SLM na ku va na ntshembo hi mayelana na vuhoxaxandla bya SLM eka vuhumesi lebyi
tlakukaka na ku tiyisa nsirhelelo wa swakudya, hambileswi vutihanyisi bya le tindhawini ta le
matikoxikaya byi tshamaka byi ri karhi byi pfumala nkondzelelo. SLM yi hoxe xandla eka
ntlakuko wo tivikana eka ntshovelo, nsirhelelo wa swakudya na ku herisiwa ka vusweti.
Hambiswiritano, xiave xa yona eka nsirhelelo wa swakudya xi tshama xi tsanile hi swivangelo
swa vanhu na ikhonomi na swa mbangu swo tala. Endlelo ra malawulelo ya misava ri
hlohloteriwa hi swihlohloterinyingi eEthiopia. Vutihanyisi bya le tindhawini ta le matikoxikaya
lebyi tshembelaka ngopfungopfu eka vuhumesi bya swirin'wa na vufuwi byi tshamile byi nga
tiyangi hambiloko ku ri na nseketelo wa SLM. Miti yi hlangana na nkansirhelelo wa swakudya
hi matlhelo ya wona hinkwawo, hikwalaho ka ku va miti yi tekelerile maqhinga yo kondzelela
ya nkarhi wo koma yo hambanahambana lama fambelanaka na mphakelo wa swakudya na
vuhambanisi bya vutihanyisi, naswona byi tshemberile eka ku dya swakudya leswi tsakeriwaka
switsongo, leswi hungutaka nhlayo ya miphamelo ya swakudya, na ku xavisa swifuwo
leswitsongo na swakudya tanihi ndlela ya vutihanyisi. Hambiswiritano, maqhinga lama a ma
humelelangi ngopfu eka mbangu wa le tindhawini ta le matikoxikaya. Mahetelelo lama
fikeleriweke kusuka eka ndzavisiso lowu hileswaku endlelo ra malawulelo ya misava ra nkarhi
wa sweswi eEthiopia ri lava mpfuxeto hi ku tirhisa tipholisi leti endleriweke ku fikelela vurimi
lebyi yisekaka emahlweni na ntshamiseko wa swakudya hi ku seketela nhluvukiso lowu
yisekaka emahlweni hi ku tirhisa misava leyi faneleke na tithekiniki ta nhlayiso wa mati eka
vurimi bya mpimo lowutsongoPh.D. (Geography)Geograph
Exploring the association between oxidative stress and the cardiovascular system of pregnant and non-pregnant South African women: the champ study
No full textBackground: Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species influence cardiovascular health through influencing vascular tone, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. Pregnancy induces physiological adaptations that safeguard against reactive oxygen species-induced damage, supporting decreased blood pressure. However, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy aggravate cardiovascular risks.
Aim: This study investigated the relationship between oxidative stress and cardiovascular markers in pregnant and non-pregnant women in South Africa.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 302 women (225 pregnant, 77 non-pregnant) evaluated blood pressure, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and reactive oxygen species levels. Data were analysed using statistical tests and regression models.
Results: Pregnant women had lower blood pressure (SBP: 104.4±11.4 mmHg, DBP: 68.7±8.2 mmHg) and less arterial stiffness (PWV: 5.4±1.2 m/s) compared to non-pregnant women (SBP: 114.0±12.9 mmHg, DBP: 79.7±10.2 mmHg, PWV: 6.0±1.2 m/s) (p<0.001). Regardless of higher reactive oxygen species levels, pregnancy adaptations protected vascular health. Negative correlations observed between reactive oxygen species and blood pressure in the total group was non-significant when assessed in the pregnant and non-pregnant subgroups.
Conclusion: Pregnant women exhibited higher reactive oxygen species levels and lower blood pressure compared to non-pregnant women, suggesting that controlled oxidative changes and vascular adaptations during pregnancy may contribute to cardiovascular protection.M. Sc. (Life Science)Life and Consumer Science
Comparison of academic achievement of learners in rural and urban secondary schools in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPost the attainment of democracy in South Africa, the Department of Basic Education implemented several initiatives including changes in the curriculum and policies in an attempt to provide equitable and quality education for all learners. This research study examined the difference in academic achievement between rural and urban secondary school learners in Vhembe District, Limpopo province of South Africa. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach with a descriptive design, using semi-structured interviews for data collection from a sample of 18 participants consisting of principals, DHs and teachers from participating secondary schools. This was triangulated by document analysis of school academic records.
The study found that an academic achievement gap exists between rural and urban secondary school learners, with the urban secondary school learners outperforming their rural counterparts. The study also established the underlying factors causing academic achievement gaps namely family factors; socioeconomic factors; availability of school facilities and resources; availability of qualified teachers; and learner discipline. Recommendations were made in order to address the issues leading to academic achievement gaps between rural and urban secondary school learners. The recommendations were based on the findings. The accompanying key words of the study are namely urban secondary schools, rural secondary schools, academic achievement, learners, and academic performance gap.M. Ed. (Educational Management)Educational Leadership and Managemen
The dynamics of gender inclusion and exclusion in multiple use water services (mus) in Vungu rural district council, Zimbabwe
No full textExisting literature indicates that gender inequality persists in the water space. In response to this inequality, several plans and interventions have been put into action to promote women’s participation and empowerment in water governance. Progress made towards the fulfilment of gender equality (SDG 5) in the Multiple Use Water Services (MUS) in Zimbabwe warrants continual evaluation. This study examined and explored the dynamics of the inclusion and exclusion of rural women in the MUS upscaling process in Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on the Vungu Rural District Council. A case study approach was adopted as the research design for the study. The Zimbabwe rural district councils were targeted as the study population. Using purposive sampling, the Vungu Rural District Council was then selected as the study sample. Multi-stage stratified systematic sampling was used to identify household heads from 17 villages as participants. The perspectives of the study participants regarding the multiple uses of water and gender were captured by means of a mixed method approach. Key informant interviews, participatory observations and a questionnaire tool were used to gather data. The collected data were analysed quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and qualitatively using a thematic approach. It was established that improved nutrition, improved health, increased family incomes, increased family assets and the overall development of the area were associated with women’s inclusion in MUS. The results also indicated that although women actively participated in water institutions in large numbers, their numerical advantage did not help them assume the top and influential positions such as the positions of chairpersons in those institutions. Limited synergies between the government and local communities resulted in the collapse of MUS. The findings of the study suggest that there is a need for the government to craft policies that empower women to own greater household assets and to have those assets registered in their names. There is also a need for a paradigm shift in societal mindsets to accommodate women leaders in water institutions.Ph.D. (Geography)Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theolog
Exploring the lived experiences of victims of intimate partner violence: a case study of Bapong crisis centre
No full textText in EnglishThis qualitative study, which was grounded in a single case study design and a social constructivist paradigm, explored the lived experiences of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Bapong Crisis Centre in the North-West Province, South Africa. The study sample consisted of 19 victims of IPV selected through purposive sampling. The sample size was determined through the principle of data saturation. Data were generated through individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed deductively using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) through the lenses of Bananno’s four component model. The analysis revealed main themes and subthemes. The themes include victims’ understanding of IPV, signs of impending IPV, IPV victims’ lived experiences, meanings ascribed to IPV abuse, effects of IPV on psychological well-being, the ripple effect on holistic well-being, coping mechanisms, lessons learnt from IPV, and resources for IPV victims. The overarching findings revealed that the victims had a reasonable understanding of IPV. The findings also revealed that IPV had far reaching negative mental, physical, emotional, and psychological consequences on the victims. Furthermore, the victims employed various mechanisms to cope and indicated they needed more information on legal rights regarding IPV. The findings underscore the needs for intensified awareness campaigns, legislation and policy reforms and context-specific targeted holistic interventions which are sensitive and responsive to the needs of victims of IPV.M.A. (Psychology)Psycholog