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Pragmatic "like" in the South African English of Port Elizabeth
Full text linkMaster of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Theory, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusInvestigations into quotative be like focus on its role in introducing reported speech, where like combines with a form of the verb be, for example: “I’m like, ‘Get the hell out of here’” (Tannen, 1986:321). Studies also examine the variable use of be like within the English quotative system, comparing it to the use of other quotatives such as go and say as an example of language change in progress. Investigations into discourse-marker like (DM-like), for example, “She like covered the mirror” (Meehan, 1991:45), in turn, question the view that it is merely a filler, instead suggesting that its use is systematic and constrained by internal factors such as its position in the grammar, where it has three basic positions – clause-initial, clause-medial and clause-final. Both quotative be like and DM-like have been studied in terms of the influence that social factors such as sex, age and social class have on their frequency (and position) of use. While these issues have been moderately studied in the major English varieties, limited investigation has been conducted for first language (L1) White South African English (WSAE). This M.A. dissertation aimed to contribute to the variationist study of pragmatic like within WSAE by conducting a statistical analysis using c-trees in R. The data analysed are transcripts of sociolinguistic interviews from 19 native inhabitants of Port-Elizabeth/Gqeberha, aged 18–48. The social factors that were expected to influence the use of be like and DM-like were age, gender and social class, where younger, middle-class female speakers were expected to be the leaders in the use of both types of pragmatic like. In terms of linguistic factors, quotative be like was expected to be used the most with the present tense, reporting thought (as opposed to speech), as well as with first-person subjects (as opposed to the third person). DM-like was expected to be found mostly in clause-medial rather than clause-initial position. The results for this study indicated that younger speakers are the most frequent users of both quotative be like and DM-like, which is similar to results found for international varieties such as American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand English. Middle-class speakers were the most frequent users of both be like and DM-like. However, DM-like was more frequent among uppermiddle class men compared to their female counterparts. Contrary to expectation, be like was used more with the past tense (vs the present tense) while the most frequent tense reported for be like in varieties such as Australian, British and Canadian English were the present tense (which includes the historical present). DM-like was more frequent in clause-medial as compared to clause-initial position
The legal framework for stakeholder participation in acid mine drainage regulation in South Africa
Full text linkMaster of Law in Environmental Law and Governance, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis research examines the legal framework that governs and regulates acid mine drainage (AMD), the roles of various stakeholders, and the mechanisms that either promote or impede stakeholder involvement in AMD regulation in South Africa. Thestudy pursued three objectives: assessing the impact of AMD on water sources and human rights; evaluating AMD regulation in South Africa and the significance of stakeholder engagement; and analysing the roles, rights, and responsibilities of different stakeholders, including government and communities. The research was conducted as a desktop study, using existing legal sources such as books, journal articles, and other media related to AMD regulation and stakeholder roles. The study aimed to evaluate stakeholder engagement in AMD and the participation of all involved in decision making and policy formulation. Analysing the current practices of various stakeholders in AMD regulation is vital to propose strategies to enhance collaboration and participation. International frameworks help to establish global water management standards, particularly concerning transboundary water resources. Instruments such as the United Nations Watercourses Convention (1997) and the Ramsar Convention (1971) regulate and protect international water bodies. Regional legal frameworks ordinarily adopt international principles to meet the specific environmental, social, and economic conditions of their regions. For example, the African Union and Africa Water Vision (2025) and the SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses (2000) are key to managing water resources in Africa and promoting the cooperative management of transboundary watercourses. At the national level, legal frameworks offer specific guidelines for managing water resources in individual countries. The study highlights examples such as South Africa’s National Water Act 36 of 1998, recognised for its progressive stance on water management and its emphasis on equitable access, sustainability, and environmental protection. The findings emphasise the necessity of strong legal frameworks at the international and national levels to govern water management, especially in sectors like mining that present significant environmental challenges. These frameworks provide essential guidelines and principles to ensure sustainable water resource use, ecosystems protection, and the safeguarding of human rights. Effective implementation and enforcement of these laws are crucial for achieving long-term water security and environmental sustainability.Master
Press and Politics: Contributions of Sol Plaatje to South African Journalism
Full text linkJournal Article, Faculty of Humanities (Languages) -- North-West University, Mahikeng CampusThe article looks into the journalism of Solomon Thekisho Plaatje (popularly known as Sol Plaatje) and his contributions to the early South African black press and politics. Sol Plaatje remains one of South Africa’s most important political and literary figures. He was a pioneer of black press in South Africa. He was a spokesman of his people and an opinion leader among them. He was the first Secretary of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) which later became the African National Congress (ANC), the current ruling political party in South Africa. His services to war correspondents as secretary, typist or interpreter and ‘liaison officer’ (to war correspondent Vere Stent) laid the foundation for his careers in journalism and writing. Plaatje edited/published a number of Setswana/English newspapers such as Koranta ea Becoana (Bechuana Gazette), Tsala ea Becoana (Bechuana Friend) which later became Tsala ea Batho (Friend of the People) and Our Heritage. He also wrote regularly for English language newspapers such as Star, Pretoria News, Cape Times, Cape Argus and Diamond Fields Advertiser. The study seeks to find out the interplay between Sol Plaatje’s journalism and politics and his contributions to South African journalism as a pioneer of the black press. The study adopts the historical research method. Data gathered for the study were qualitatively analysed. Sol Plaatje’s kind of journalism was developmental as it was geared towards defending his people and re-orientating them to better ideals while at the same time trying to build cohesion with the white populace. The study is a contribution to the reconstruction of media history in the post-apartheid South Africa.Partnerships for the Goal
Enhancing food security through the regulation of organic farming in South Africa
Full text linkMaster of Laws in Environmental Law and Governance, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusSouth Africa faces a triple burden of malnutrition, namely undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity. Food security is not just about having enough food, but rather about nutrition, which is achieved by adequate amounts of essential nutrients that are eaten on a daily basis. The South African government supports commercial farming with its green revolution technologies such as monocropping, chemical inputs and irrigation mechanisation that are associated with environmental and soil degradation, public health hazards, biodiversity loss and the use of excessive water. There is a need for a sustainable agricultural system such as organic farming. Organic farming does not use synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and, in addition to providing nutritious food, it also contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions and contributes to food security. This study aims to investigate how organic food production should be regulated in order to contribute to food security in South Africa. This mini-dissertation provides an overview of organic farming with its main advantages and disadvantages and how it can affect food security in South Africa. As organic farming is not formally regulated in South Africa at this stage, the policy framework and voluntary standards regarding organic farming are evaluated. This study proposes that organic agriculture be regulated to provide credibility to organic produce in the export and local markets. As organic products fetch high price premiums, it may contribute to the prevention of food fraud. Organic farming may also contribute to the reduction of climate change as greenhouse gas levels are reduced
Spatial planning and land use management by-laws for climate resilience in South African cities
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Laws with Law and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusClimate change is a significant threat that results in uncertainty and vulnerability. It poses the concomitant challenge of unpredictable weather patterns that are likely to lead to increased rainfall or temperatures, as well as extreme heat waves, sea level rise, floods, and droughts. The direct and indirect effects of climate change can be devastating, especially in developing countries, such as South Africa, that are more vulnerable. The vulnerability stems from compounded hardship as a result of widespread poverty and informality, severe spatial inequality, vast and continuing urbanisation, rapid population growth, unplanned and often unsustainable urban development, overexploitation of limited resources, and strain on overburdened and outdated infrastructure. The status quo, therefore, demands urban climate resilience. This ability of complex systems (such as urban areas) to withstand, recover from, and adapt to the effects of climate change and its challenges can arguably be strengthened through a strong law and policy basis for decision-making and planning. This should ideally be situated at the local government level, given the role of cities as actors in climate governance, their unique proximity to communities, and their need to create locally tailored and targeted responses to climate change and enhance urban climate resilience. South African law carves out the executive and legislative roles and authority of local government. It determines the rights, duties, functional areas of competence and accountability of municipalities. In the context of urban climate resilience, municipal planning, as a local government competence, emerges as an encompassing cross-sectoral competence of direct relevance, as it comprises spatial planning and land use management. This thesis uses a mixed research methodology consisting of both a literature review and empirical research in the form of semi-structured interviews. The method is used to generate insights to inform the extent to which spatial planning and land use management by-laws can enhance urban climate resilience. The thesis explores the meaning of urban climate resilience in general and for South Africa, and further ventures into an analysis of the role of the law and the scope of local government's legislative authority to enhance urban climate resilience through municipal planning by-laws.-National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF)
-North-West University (Faculty of Law)Doctor of Philosoph
Flat rate billing and the Emfuleni Local Municipality: A philosophical analysis of the relationship between social justice and electricity costs
No full textMaster of Philosophy, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis mini dissertation addresses the general research question: How, if at all, can a monthly flat rate for electricity in the Emfuleni Local Municipality contribute to social justice? A literature study is the research method of choice due to the descriptive nature of endeavouring to answer the noted research question. The roadmap starts with liberalism subsequently delving into social justice to then anchoring the research within jurisprudence to policy development and ultimately the municipalities Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The concept of “justice as fairness” – which emphasises the importance of a fair allocation of social goods within a society – ought to similarly reflect on the municipality. Institutions (like a municipality) need to be just to enact social justice and need to transform if they are found wanting. Exploring jurisprudence shows that the law is not static. Municipal by-laws should be amended to reflect the common understanding of its interpretation. The Presidency introduced the National Policy Development Framework 2020 to entrench good public policy-making practices by setting out clear principles for effective policy development and implementation protect the socio-economic rights of the majority of South Africans. The IDP is one of the key tools for municipalities to cope with their developmental role. As the IDP has a legal status to aid with institutional transformation in a consultative, systemic, and strategic manner. This master’s mini dissertation draws the conclusion that a monthly flat rate for electricity in Emfuleni Local Municipality will contribute to social justice.Master
The Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 regulation of crypto assets and its impact on South Africa’s international trade
Full text linkMaster of Laws in International Trade Law, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusIn October 2022, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) published a General Notice wherein crypto assets were declared as financial products in terms of section 1 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (FAIS Act ). This study examines how the regulation of crypto assets as financial products under the FAIS Act impacts international trade in South Africa. It commences by exploring the nature of crypto assets and distinguishing them from fiat currency as some crypto assets can be currencies. It establishes their classification as decentralised convertible virtual currencies. This means that crypto assets have no centralised authority, like a central bank, which issues them. Instead, they operate on a decentralised network, blockchain. The study further examines the development of international trade and the factors that influence it, focusing, especially on, the theory of comparative advantage. This theory claims that benefit from trading with each other by specialising in the production of a certain good or service at a lower cost. This leads to the examination of the role currency plays in international trade transactions. It establishes that the US Dollar is the dominant currency used in international trade transactions and that there is a global call for the use of an alternative currency for international trade transactions. This study contends that certain crypto assets in the form of cryptocurrencies are a viable alternative to the US Dollar that could be used as the dominant currency in international trade transactions. It further asserts that crypto assets offer potential solutions to the many challenges of international trade such as high transaction costs. The use of crypto assets as a medium of exchange in international trade transactions eliminates the need for intermediaries thereby making the transaction cheaper and faster. Finally, this study analyses the FAIS Act as a regulatory framework for crypto assets in South Africa. It contends that this regulation classifies crypto assets as derivative financial products. It further explores how this regulation impacts international trade. It concludes that the regulation of crypto assets as financial products positively impacts international trade in South Africa. Crypto assets offer a much cheaper and faster alternative to fiat currency in international trade transactions. This regulation balances risk management and innovation thereby fostering an environment in which crypto assets can positively contribute to the development and modernization of international trade in South Africa.Master
The influence of Pentecostalism on the pastoral care of the Catholic Church: A case study of three parishes in the Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Theology with Pastoral Studies, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThe notable change that has taken place in the spirituality of many Catholic Christians and the pastoral work of the Catholic Church in DR Congo since the advent of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) movement in 1975 is the main reason that motivated the author of this thesis to study the role that Pentecostalism has played in this transformation. This thesis investigates the following central question through a case study of three Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kinshasa: To what extent has Pentecostalism influenced the pastoral work of these three parishes in particular and the Roman Catholic Church in the DR Congo in general? In order to examine the assimilated Pentecostal
pastoral practices and their impact on the pastoral work of the Roman Catholic Church in the DR Congo, the study highlights the changes and issues that have occurred in the pastoral work of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church presents pastoral work as a series of ecclesial activities organized for soul salvation aimed at edifying people through teaching and various social actions, including charismatic activities. The qualitative approach serves as the methodological framework during the development of this study. Osmer's model of the four interpretative tasks in practical theology—the empirical-descriptive task, the interpretative task, the normative task, and the pragmatic task—guides the development of the chapters. The study illustrates how Charismatic Renewal (CCR) influences pastoral functions such as liturgy, preaching, prayer, evangelisation, pastoral accompaniment, and exorcism practice. On the one
hand, people view the CCR as a source of blessing and spiritual awakening; on the other, it challenges several Catholic doctrines. In this sense, the Roman Catholic Church presents two faces: the first has remained faithful to the tradition and doctrines of Catholicism, while the second is Pentecostal and charismatic. The causes of the influence of Pentecostalism on the pastoral work of the Roman Catholic Church are outlined. Although they are numerous, the study highlighted two groups, namely: endogenous and exogenous causes. This study encourages the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in the DRC to reflect critically and theologically around a table of dialogue with the RCC on the perspectives and guidelines of pastoral work. This thesis can be deemed successful to the extent that its perspectives and theological guidelines safeguard and revitalise the pastoral function within the Catholic Church in the DRC and
globally. Furthermore, this thesis will enlighten leaders and Christians from other Christian denominations about Pentecostalism. This recent spiritual awakening has been sweeping the Church since the beginning of the 20th century
The autonomy of independent chairpersons in disciplinary proceedings
Full text linkMaster of Laws in Labour Law, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusDiscipline in the workplace is one of the most contentious issues in the employment relationship. It requires a careful balance of competing rights, those of the employer who must ensure discipline and the employee who must be treated fairly in the workplace. To ensure impartiality, fairness and procedural integrity of the process, employers often appoint independent chairpersons to preside over disciplinary hearings. This aligns with the precepts of Section 188 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, which prescribes that a dismissal of an employee must not only be fair substantively but must be procedurally fair as well. Failure to adhere to this principle will render the employer’s conduct unfair and subject to review. What happens when the employer is dissatisfied with the decision or finding of the independent chairperson? Does an employer have the right to overturn or disregard the decision of the chairperson and substitute it with its own? This research explores the legal and practical limitations of the autonomy of the independent chairperson, in light of the decision of SARS v CCMA (Kruger). This research draws on the relevant case law, statutory provisions, and scholarly commentary to critically assess the balance between the employer’s prerogative and the right to fair process in disciplinary matters.Master
Fighting the COVID-19 “Infodemic” in South Africa: How Conspiracy Theories Undermined Protection
Full text linkShort-story, Faculty of Health Sciences (Nursing)-- North-West University, Mahikeng CampusWhen COVID-19 emerged, the world faced not only a deadly virus but also an “infodemic”, a flood of misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading as fast as the disease itself. In South Africa, these false narratives profoundly shaped people’s willingness to follow protective measures and accept vaccines, undermining efforts to control the pandemic