Doctoral Degrees (Philosophy)

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Gender, religion, and migration: a study of Malawian Chewa and Yawo Muslim women in Durban, 1994-2017.
(2023) Mbalaka, Joseph.; Hiralal, Kalpana.
People move inside and between states as part of globalisation in the twenty-first century, looking for jobs, a family, and an education, fleeing violence, persecution, terrorism, and human rights violations, and coping with climate change, economic hardship, and natural disasters.1 This increased global migration has been a significant milestone in South Africa's post-apartheid transition. The opening of borders has led to an increase in women migrating across Africa, changing historically male-dominated immigration patterns. Muslim women now account for a fraction of the global migration flux. However, few studies have focused on Malawian women's migration experiences, highlighting the need for more research on women in post-apartheid South Africa. This study focuses on Malawian immigrants in post-apartheid South Africa, specifically Chewa and Yawo women. It examines their migration reasons, challenges, and assimilation of Muslim identities. The study highlights opportunities, socio-economic, and cultural obstacles faced by these women, providing a nuanced gendered history. Participants were chosen using snowball and purposive sampling. The study utilised gender, social history, oral history, and transnationalism theory to investigate thirty women's lived experiences and migration patterns. It found that gender dynamics significantly impact migration patterns and experiences in host societies. Women from Chewa and Yawo tribes were found to be more prone to abuse and exploitation than men. International migration often leads to social isolation and abusive relationships for women, highlighting power imbalances. Male immigrants earn higher wages than females, while female migrants send more money home. Chewa and Yawo Muslim women can use their strength to flee and show agency in their host country, potentially causing envy among conventional hosts. This usually leads to xenophobic attacks on foreigners. Hence, the study explores women's agency in migration, highlighting their struggles and aiming to shape their lives. It contributes to the historiography of migration in Africa and South Africa, and the scholarship on the "feminisation of migration." It is also a study about resilience, Africa in Islam, longitudinal experiences of communities, Pan-Africanist worlds, the persistence of memories, and the fluidity of culture, the regional history of Durban and first-generation migrants and labour practices. This dissertation is a trans-disciplinary study with history as the fulcrum. This study is crucial for understanding gender, memory, and African oral history, particularly for women immigrants. It highlights women's active participation in migration, coping strategies, and absorption into host societies. This dissertation covers essential aspects of post-Apartheid South Africa's immigration history.
Medical practitioners' perceptions and views of current continuing professional development programmes in the Kingdom of Eswatini: the design of an accessible model.
(2023) Magwenya, Rodney Hudson.; Ross, Andrew.
Background Eswatini currently has no formal continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for doctors to renew their licenses. The Medical Council of Eswatini has embarked on a process to introduce an accredited CPD system possibly through the adaption of existing models, but there is lack of published local data to inform such a process. Moreover, even where formal CPD is available it may not necessarily translate to adequate levels of participation by practitioners. Methods The setting for this study was Eswatini. Firstly, a scoping review was done to derive lessons for the country from established databases and grey literature describing models of CPD. This was followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) and interview-based study to determine factors affecting participation in CPD by local practitioners. Lastly, a participatory action research study on how CPD in Eswatini could be improved and formalised was conducted. Results The scoping review provided an overview of the CPD models available in various global settings and highlighted perceptions and views of medical practitioners towards these. The FGDs and interviews provided insights on motivating and demotivating factors for doctors to participate in CPD activities in Eswatini. Motivating factors included professional responsibility and learning needs, while demotivating factors included lack of recognition for efforts and CPD activities not being relevant to one’s practice. The PAR identified three ways to improve CPD in Eswatini; making it compulsory, recognising achievements and ensuring that it is relevant to doctors’ practice areas. Conclusion There are many models for CPD which Eswatini can adopt; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. A CPD model that is formalised, compulsory, considers the needs of practitioners and recognises their efforts is likely to be viewed favourably. There are ways to improve CPD which consider these identified issues and these form important considerations for Eswatini as it endeavours to develop its own model.
Food security: complexities in the lives of women living with disabilities.
(2022) Lister, Helga Elke.; Pillay, Mershen.
Background Food insecurity is a significant public health challenge affecting vulnerable populations globally. Currently, it is not known how health sciences educators train future professionals on the intervention of persons with disabilities who are food insecure. There is also a lack of understanding of food insecurity and disability, where there is additional disadvantage and marginalisation (such as having HIV or being a woman). This study explored how women living with disability in vulnerable contexts experience food security. Methods Firstly, an exploratory cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Through this, a baseline of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of educators regarding teaching of food security and disability in health care sciences was obtained. Secondly, a qualitative life history methodology was used to conduct open-ended interviews with three participants sourced through purposive sampling. Data collection, analysis and interpretation occurred concurrently over a five-year period. This was followed by a process of narrative configuration to produce the stories of the three women. Following this, the paradigmatic mode of analysis was used to describe the findings of three themes in the first two women’s narratives relevant to the research question. After this, the third narrative was analysed over the researcher’s changing understanding and insights developed within the community oriented primary care (COPC) approach. Results Educators from diverse disciplines completed the questionnaire (n=35). They had a partial understanding of the link between food security and disability. Few educators incorporated disability and food security into their training (12% theoretically and 20% practically). They indicated that more should be taught on this topic. Through the qualitative analysis, the three themes which influenced the food security of women living with HIV and disability were resilience; systemic failures; and questions around food security measures. The factors that emerged relevant to COPC engagement in households were the life history interview method for CHWs; improved training in mental health for CHWs and community-based health practitioners; improved care coordination between services; and improved understanding of interrelated HH complexity. This led to the development of the Household Complexity Model (HHCM). Conclusion The connection between food insecurity and disability, as experienced by women, must be thoroughly understood in health care. Beyond this, complexity should be addressed directly. Doing so will facilitate an improved understanding of the interrelatedness of household members and thus ensure that intervention can be more sustainable in improving overall wellbeing.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria as putative probiotics and host genetic profile on rumen microbial ecology of two South African goat breeds.
(2022) Maake, Takalani Whitney.; Adeleke , Matthew Adekunle.; Aiyegoro, Olayinka Ayobami.
Over a decade ago, the use of antibiotics as feed additives has been banned in most European Union countries because of the following risks: development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbiota, release of unmanageable antibiotics into the environment and antibiotic or chemical residues in animal products. Due to consumer’s pressure and worries towards harmful effects of antibiotics as growth promoters, there was a need to think of alternatives to antibiotics. In recent years, probiotics have been preferred as a superior alternative to antibiotics because they no harmful attributes associated with antibiotics and also have the ability to stabilize the microbial diversity in the digestive tract, and promotes animal yield while preserving consumer’s health. Probiotics have also been observed to improve the functions of rumen microflora, fermentation processes and improve digestion in ruminants. The study therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of putative probiotics- Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Enterococcus faecalis, singly and in combination for two South African goat breeds. The first objective of the study was to determine the effects of probiotics on feed intake and growth performance of Boer and Speckled goats. To achieve the first objective, a total of 18 Speckled and 18 Boer randomly selected goats were separated into five treatment groups according to gender and breed. The trial lasted for 30 days. The goats were fed with pellets. Also, fresh water and hay were provided ad libitum. The treatment groups were as follows: (T1) basal diet + Lactobacillus rhamnosus SCH; (T2) basal diet + Enterococcus faecalis 25a; T3 basal diet + probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus SCH and Enterococcus faecalis 25a; T4 (positive control) basal diet + antibiotic; and T5 (negative control) basal diet with no antibiotics and no probiotics. The animals were weighed before and after the trial to determine their growth performance. Ruminal contents were collected before and after trial to examine the changes in the ruminal pH. All the data collected were processed and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.4). The efficiency of oral administration of putative probiotics on growth performance of South African goats showed the best performance in weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratios. Gender and breed affected weight gain and body weight, showing that male (18.4 kg) goats were heavier than females (15.3 kg) and that Boer goat had a faster percentage growth rate of 24% than Specked (18%). This indicates that Boer goats will reach the market weight faster; this is due to the effect of probiotics. Supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake. The pH across all treatment groups decreased averagely from 7.01 to 6.18. The lowest pH of 6.18 was observed in treatment group 3 (combination of probiotics). The findings in this study suggest that probiotics may have beneficial effects in goats’ nutrition by increasing weight gain and lowering pH. The second aim of the study was to determine the effect of host genetic profile on rumen ecology and performance characteristics of two South African goat breeds. Gut microbiota compositions were determined by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from ruminal contents of 36 goats. A total of 1,260 operational taxonomic units were obtained and grouped in 19 Phyla and 97 Genera. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Fibrobacters were the most dominant Phyla in all the treatment groups, while Prevotella and Anaerofustis were the most abundant Genera. Archaeal genus Vadin CA11, decreased in Treatment 1, 2, 3 and 5, while an increase was observed only in treatment 5. The presence of this genus has potential to allow the microbiome to adapt quickly to environmental stress like diet changes. However, the abundance of this genus must be controlled because it can produce additional ammonium through methanogenesis. The presence of Chlamydiae was observed only in Treatment 5 showing that probiotics and antibiotics eliminate obligate pathogens. Our result indicates that probiotics promote microbial diversity. The final objective was to examine the alterations triggered by the probiotics on the rumen microbial profiles of Boer and Speckled goats using the 50K SNP bead chip. Genome-wide association study was explored between genotype and the rumen microbiome composition. A total of 44 single-nucleotide polymorphisms dispersed across the goat genome were associated with the relative abundance of six microbial Genera: BF311, Clostridium, Fibrobacter, Methanobrevibacter, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. A total of 47 candidate genes were identified within 1-Mb windows of the goat genome; CPT1A, STC2, AGPAT3 and ACSF3 genes were associated with fatty acid metabolism, while GH, BMP, MSTN, GHR and STMN1 were associated with regulation of developmental growth. Our results suggest that 47 candidate genes may positively shape the microbiome and elucidate the association between gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and the host genome in two South African goat breeds used for this study.
Socio-cultural factors influencing intimate partner violence among school-going young women (15−24 years old) in Maputo-City (Mozambique)
(2021) Maguele, Maria Suzana Bata.; Khuzwayo, Nelisiwe.; Taylor, Myra.
Although there is increased awareness about intimate partner violence (IPV) since the 2013 WHO report, providing solutions to address the problem remains a concern. According to the WHO (2020), research investigating factors underpinning IPV among young women remains of particular importance since the prevalence around the world is still escalating. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carries the heaviest burden of intimate partner violence (36.6% of the global estimates). The burden is skewed toward young women aged 15−24 (19% to 66%) and is a public health concern (2, 5). Cultural and contextual geographical overlap of risk factors elevates the chances of early occurrence of IPV. Thus, the World Health Organization encourages integrated and contextual prevention programs to promote awareness and gender equality, targeting adolescents and young girls for effective interventions. However, the harmful social norms and the acceptance of the males’ dominant role in society perpetuates gender inequality to the detriment of females. Although the Mozambican constitution entrenches gender equality, these negative, harmful norms and the community acceptance of violence and male-dominant norms are upheld by society and place younger women in a subservient role and at increased risk of IPV (6-8). Cultural practices such as lobola, where the brides' families receive gifts and money, and in exchange, their daughter joins the husband’s family, were reported as promoting violence. The rationale for this is that some families do not allow their daughters to divorce when their partners abuse them because of the stigma and the fact that they would need to return the acquired lobola (8, 9). Although it is acceptable and normal for men to have more than one partner in some societies, this is likely to promote disharmony and lead to violence (6-8, 10-12). Further, with the current prevalence of epidemics such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the risk of multiple sexual partners can affect the health outcomes of all women (13-15). IPV is deeply entrenched in cultural practices and decision-making processes. Men make all the decisions concerning their relationship and women’s sexual and reproductive health. Prevention programs have been mainly addressed towards adult and ever married or cohabiting women. There is no available data quantifying the burden of IPV and the prevalence and contextual factors influencing intimate partner violence among younger women in Mozambique. Thus, the prevention of IPV among this group is one of the main challenges regarding reducing the prevalence of IPV. Purpose The study aimed to determine the prevalence and investigate the socio-cultural factors influencing IPV among younger school-going women in the KaMpfumu district, Maputo city. Objectives • To conduct a scoping review of the evidence of socio-cultural factors influencing IPV among young women in SSA • To explore individual and socio-community factors influencing IPV among school-going young women in KaMfhumu district, Maputo city • To estimate the prevalence of physical, sexual and psychological violence among school-going young women in KaMfhumu district, Maputo city • To identify contextual risk factors associated with IPV among young women in KaMphumu district, Maputo city • To inform a model of a preventive intervention to target school-going young women in Maputo city Methods The study, which used mixed methods, employed an exploratory sequential design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. It was underpinned by the Social-Ecological Theory (1), based on the evidence that a range of interactive factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels explain the risk of IPV. Phase 1 was a scoping review study carried out to determine the extent to which studies on socio-cultural factors influencing IPV among young women (15−24 years) have been conducted. Further, it determined how well different geographic areas are represented and whether the methodologies used are sufficient to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with IPV among young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. We used online databases to identify published studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines by Arksey and O’Malley were used to select studies, and primary studies were assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool, version 2011. Thematic content analysis was used to summarize the findings of the scoping review. Phase 2 of the study used an exploratory, descriptive qualitative study design. We used purposive sampling to enrol 66 participants. We held six focus group discussions, each comprising 10−12 female students in schools in the KaMpfumu district, to explore the study objectives. The data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. Phase 3 was a cross-sectional study conducted among younger women aged 15−24 years attending schools in the KaMpfumu district, which used a questionnaire to investigate the study objectives. We used a probability proportional random sampling strategy to recruit participants. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, informed by the exploratory study results and the combined questionnaire from the WHO Multi-country surveys of violence against women. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, investigating the association between IPV and the predictors. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported, and for statistically significant associations, p<0.05. Results The scoping review results revealed that the majority of publications, 8 (61.5%), reported cross-sectional studies, while 4 (31.5%) were qualitative studies. Using a customized quality assessment instrument, 12 (92.3%) studies achieved a “high” quality ranking with a score of 100%, and 7.7% of the studies achieved an “average” quality ranking with a score of 75%. The scoping review results show that while the quality of the studies is generally high, research on socio-cultural factors influencing IPV among young women would benefit from a careful selection of methods and reference standards, including direct measures of the violence affecting young women. Prospective cohort studies are required linking early exposure with individual, community and societal factors and detailing the abuse experienced from childhood, adolescence and youth. The qualitative study results revealed four main themes that emerged from the data and included: 1) (Individual level), related to knowledge of young women about IPV through witnessing friends being physically abused by their partners, from friends sharing personal experiences of IPV and experiencing the accepting attitudes of their mothers toward IPV; The meanings that young women give to the occurrence of IPV viewed as a violation of the human rights of women; The alcohol use a contributing factor for IPV and the economic status of women leading to acceptance of IPV. 2) (Relationship level) related to the Influence of friends. 3) (Community level) related to religious beliefs that placed men at the head of the social order above women and 3) (societal level) related to factors promoting acceptance of IPV, and these included social acceptance of violence and the male chauvinism; The recommendations advocated by the young women to prevent IPV, and these included the promotion of awareness about IPV and the use of support services for the victims and the need to create specific IPV counselling centres for young women to meet their needs and to allow the counsellors to screen for other potential sexual and reproductive problems which affect young women. The quantitative results revealed that of the 413 participants, 248 (60%) (95% CI: 55.15-64.61) had experienced at least one form of IPV in their lifetime. This includes one act of psychological or sexual, or physical violence. Of the 293 participants who had had a partner in the previous 12 months, 186 (63.4%) (95% CI: 57.68-69.00) reported IPV in the 12 months before the data collection. Psychological violence was the predominant type of violence, with lifetime prevalence reported by 270 230 (55.7%) and over the previous 12 months, by 164 (55.9%) young women. The risk of IPV was associated with young women lacking religious commitment (AOR, 1.596, 95% 272 CI: 1.009–2.525, p=0.046) and if the head of the young women’s household was unemployed (AOR, 1.642 95% CI: 1.044–2.584, p=0.032). Conclusion The prevalence of IPV in young women attending schools in Maputo is high. Those young women not committed to religion, young women whose head of the household was unemployed, young women with a much older and employed partner and young women’s beliefs about male superiority emerged as important socio-cultural factors influencing IPV in the study setting. The findings thus confirmed the contextual gaps that may hinder programs aimed at preventing IPV among younger women. The results highlighted socio-ecological factors that interact at the individual, community and societal levels in fostering IPV risk. Recommendations This study highlights that the government’s policies to reduce IPV should incorporate the contextual socio-cultural factors that emerged, and interventions need to consider a multilevel approach. The educational sector should also develop comprehensive programs that integrate socio-economic empowerment strategies to increase young women’s autonomy to decide about their lives. There is also a need to address religious beliefs from their cultural perspectives in such programs and improve social interactions that promote violence-free relationships. Community development interventions to reduce IPV are required to ensure effective and supportive programs tackling gender-egalitarian norms, to safeguard the physical, sexual and emotional wellbeing of young women in Maputo city.
An analysis of pre-service mathematics teachers’ geometric thinking and classroom discourse using a commognitive lens.
(2022) Larbi, Ernest.; Mudaly, Vimolan.
Abstract five keywords from the following Abstract: Learning geometry equips learners with cognitive skills such as visualisation, critical thinking, spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities, that are necessary for learning mathematics in general. However, geometry is noted to be difficult for learning as well as teaching. An investigation of this difficulty, especially with teachers, will help address its teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to analyse pre-service teachers’ geometric thinking and classroom discourse using the commognitive lens. The study was guided by three objectives, which were to analyse the pre-service teachers' discursive thinking in geometry; the nature of their routine thinking in solving the geometric tasks, and how these informed their classroom geometric discourse. The study aligned itself to the qualitative approach and was underpinned by the interpretivist research paradigm. Eight pre-service teachers who were second-year university students and had taken geometry as part of their programme modules, participated in the study. The study site was conveniently selected, whilst the participants were selected on purposively. Geometry worksheet (test), interview and classroom observation, were used to generate written, verbal (oral) response, and visual data in relation to the study objectives. The data was analysed using the themes of the commognitive framework. The results show that both literate and colloquial word use were found in the discourses of the pre-service teachers. Many participants in Group A used more literate words to define and explain geometric concepts and how they solved the geometry problems, than the participants in Group B, who used both literate and colloquial words. Also, the routine solution strategies of many in Group A showed more of an explorative way of thinking compared to those in Group B, who demonstrated more of a ritualised way of thinking. In addition, multiple solutions to tasks were found by many of Group A participants than those in Group B. Generally, many of the study participants demonstrated limited geometric thinking. Misconceptions were evident in the discourses of some pre-service teachers in both groups. Other key findings from the classroom observation were that, many participants in Group A demonstrated an explorative instruction that is characterised by developing learner understanding and using different kinds of visual mediators as compared to participants in Group B, whose classroom geometric discourse was ritualised in nature. In other words, their teaching was more procedure-driven than conceptual. The study concludes that many of the PSTs possess limited geometric thinking. In addition, those who possessed good geometric thinking were more capable of engaging learners in explorative instruction compared to those with limited geometric thinking. These findings may have an influence on mathematics teacher educators’ efforts to develop teaching competence among pre-service teachers.
Exploring cultural norms, masculinities and sexual behaviours of black South African male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal = Ukuhlola amasiko, ubudoda kanye nokuziphatha kocansi kwabafundi besilisa abamnyama baseNingizimu Afrika eNyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natal.
(2021) Khumalo, Sinakekelwe Khanyisile.; Mabaso, Musawenkosi.; Taylor, Myra.
Background: Research evidence indicates that African male students are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour than their female counterparts. Sexual behaviour among male students is to a large extent influenced by their individual decisions and the social environment including immediate family and surrounding communities. It is therefore important to understand the context under which sexual behaviours are constructed and shaped. For many young people, the university environment period provides a critical developmental transition from adolescence to adulthood, during which young people establish patterns of behaviours and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. It is within this setting that young men interrogate their masculinities and sexual behaviours. The explanation of male students’ sexual behaviours can be determined through understanding the meaning and influence that they attach to the cultural norms related to sexual behaviours. Using the social constructionist paradigm that examines the development of masculinities as a mutual construct of individual, social, cultural, and historical contexts, the study aimed to explore cultural norms, masculinities and sexual behaviour of Black male students. This understanding is essential in order to develop recommendations to promote positive sexual behaviour messaging for university male students. The specific objectives of this study were (1) to explore how Black African male university students construct their sexual behaviours, (2) to explore the cultural norms associated with Black South African male students’ sexual behaviours, and (3) to explore the influence of the university behavioural intervention programmes on the sexual behaviours of male students. Methods: The study population was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using four focus group discussions with 36 participants and three key informant interviews. Focus group discussions consisted of 8-10 participants and were conducted according to the current year of study of the students. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify the key patterns and the themes that emerged from the data. Results: The results of the study reveal that versions of masculinities at institutions of higher learning are socially constructed, fluid over time and plural. An individual has multiple masculinities which are often exerted to suit their current discourse at any given point. The university setting appeared to be a space where a lot of toxic masculinities and sexual risk-taking occurred, which potentially exposed the young men in the study to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The results further reveal that the other influences on the sexual behaviours of the young men included family, peers and community. It was also discovered that poor knowledge and awareness, negative perceptions and attitudes, fear and lack of privacy, and negative experiences are the factors that lead to poor access and utilization of campus health services. Conclusion: The university space is an important space that allows young men from different cultural backgrounds to explore their masculinities, sexualities and sexual behaviours. The cultural norms of black male students studying at university which are associated with masculinities, sexualities and sexual behaviours are influenced by an array of factors such as family, peers, community, and individual decisions. These factors shape and ultimately inform the behaviours of young men regarding their masculinities and sexual behaviours. A number of male students continue to delay or avoid seeking health care even with the available sexual health programs at the university. It is therefore essential that the university’s HIV and AIDS programs infuse socio-cultural norms and notions of masculinity in their health communication strategy to create more effective HIV prevention programs for young men. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukuziphatha ngokocansi kwabafundi besilisa ngokwezinga elikhulu kuthonywa izinqumo zabo ngabanye kanye nendawo yenhlalo kubandakanya umndeni oseduze kanye nemiphakathi ebazungezile. Ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuqonda umongo lapho ukuziphatha kocansi kwakhiwe futhi akheke ngaphansi kwaso. Intsha eningi, isikhathi sendawo yasenyuvesi sihlinzeka ngoshintsho olubalulekile lwentuthuko ukusuka ebusheni kuya ekubeni abantu abadala, lapho abantu abasha besungula amaphethini okuziphatha futhi benze ukukhetha kwendlela yokuphila okuthinta impilo yabo yamanje neyesikhathi esizayo. Kukulesi simo lapho izinsizwa ziphenya khona ngobudoda nokuziphatha kwazo ngokocansi. Izindlela: Inani labantu bocwaningo likhethwe kusetshenziswa amasampula okuhlosiwe. Imininingo yaqoqwa kusetshenziswa izingxoxo zamaqembu amane okugxilwe kuwo nabahlanganyeli abangama-36 kanye nezingxoxo ezintathu ezibalulekile zabanolwazi. Izingxoxo zeqembu okugxilwe kuzo bezinabahlanganyeli abangu-8-10 futhi zaqhutshwa ngokonyaka wamanje wokufunda wabafundi. Ukuhlaziywa kwendikimba kusetshenziswe ukuze kutholakale amaphethini abalulekile nezindikimba ezivele emininingweni. Imiphumela: Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza ukuthi izinhlobo zabesilisa ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme zakhiwe ngokwenhlalo, zishintshashintsha ngokuhamba kwesikhathi kanye nobuningi. Umuntu unezinto eziningi zesilisa ezivame ukusetshenziswa ukuze zivumelane nenkulumo yakhe yamanje nganoma yisiphi isikhathi. Imiphumela iphinde iveze ukuthi amanye amathonya ekuziphatheni kocansi kwezinsizwa kwakuhlanganisa umndeni, ontanga kanye nomphakathi. Kuphinde kwatholakala ukuthi ulwazi olubi nokuqwashisa, imibono engemihle nezimo zengqondo, ukwesaba nokuntula imfihlo, kanye nolwazi olubi yizinto eziholela ekufinyeleleni okubi nasekusetshenzisweni kwezinsizakalo zezempilo zesikhungo. Isiphetho: Indawo yasenyuvesi iyindawo ebalulekile evumela izinsizwa eziqhamuka ezindaweni ezahlukene zamasiko ukuthi zihlole ubudoda bazo, ubulili kanye nokuziphatha kwazo ngokocansi. Idlanzana labafundi besilisa liyaqhubeka nokulibazisa noma ligweme ukufuna usizo lwezempilo ngisho nezinhlelo zezempilo zocansi ezikhona enyuvesi. Ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuthi izinhlelo zenyuvesi ze-HIV ne-AIDS zifake imikhuba yezenhlalo namasiko kanye nemibono yobudoda esu labo lezempilo lokuxhumana ukuze bakhe izinhlelo ezisebenza ngempumelelo zokuvikela i-HIV ezinsizweni. Amagama asemqoka: amasiko, ukuziphatha kocansi, ubudoda, abafundi besilisa abasebasha, inyuvesi, eNingizimu Afrika
Intimate partner violence against women living with and without HIV: contexts and associated factors in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia.
(2021) Koyira, Mengistu Meskele.; Khuzwayo, Nelisiwe.; Taylor, Myra.
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are overlapping or intersecting public health challenges. Intimate partner violence is considered to be strongly related to HIV infection among women in Africa. However, the evidence is not conclusive. Women who are abused physically by their partners seek medical treatment in public institutions, yet, in Ethiopia, the experience of healthcare workers (HCWs) in screening IPV among HIV-positive and HIV-negative clients is not fully understood Purpose: This study aimed to map the evidence of IPV in Sub-Saharan Africa, to measure the factors associated with IPV, to explore the experience of IPV against women living with and without HIV, and the health care workers' IPV screening experience in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. Objectives 1. To conduct a scoping review of IPV among women living with HIV/AIDS in Sub- Saharan Africa. 2. To explore the lived experience of IPV against women using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone. 3. To explore the experiences and challenges in screening for IPV among women who use ART and other health services in Wolaita Zone. 4. To measure the prevalence and associated factors of IPV among women living with and without HIV in Wolaita Zone. Methods: This is a mixed-methods study. I conducted both qualitative and quantitative studies.. Initially, I mapped the evidence of IPV among HIV-positive women in Sub-Saharan Africa using a scoping review. Then, I conducted an exploratory sequential design of mixed-methods research. An interpretative (hermeneutic) phenomenological design was used to explore the lived experiences of women who were living with and without HIV. Additionally, I used a descriptive phenomenological study design to explore the IPV screening experiences of 16 HCWs. I also used a comparative cross-sectional study comprising 816 women between 18-49 years who were living with and without HIV for the quantitative study. I used the standard questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHO) multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence against women (translated). The scientific rigour, dependability, and credibility relating to this sensitive subject were maintained. I used STATA software, version 15 for the quantitative data analysis; NVIVO 12 assisted us in developing a framework, and Colaizzi's analysis for the qualitative data. I used the binary and multivariable logistic regression model for the quantitative analysis. Results: The scoping review provided a summary of the evidence of IPV experiences among women with HIV/AIDS. As this review has shown, the HIV-positive women were at considerable risk of IPV after disclosure of their serostatus to a male partner. Psychological and emotional abuse was the most common form of violence reported by the review. Subsequently, in the quantitative study, we found a high lifetime prevalence of IPV among all women in Wolaita Zone, 487 (59.68%, [95% CI:56.31%-63.05%]. It was slightly higher among women living with HIV, 250 (61.3%), than among those who were HIV negative, 238 (58.09%). Factors associated with IPV were the controlling behaviour of husband/partner [AOR=8.13; 95% CI: 4.93-13.42], poor wealth index [AOR=3.97; 95% CI:1.81-8.72], bride price payment to bride‘s family[AOR=3.46; 95% CI:1.74-6.87], women‘s decision to refuse sex [AOR=2.99;95% CI:1.39-6.41], age group of women [AOR=2.86; 95% CI:1.67-4.90], partner‘s family choosing a wife [AOR=2.83; 95% CI:1.70-4.69], alcohol consumption by partner [AOR=2.36; 95% CI:1.36-4.10], number of sexual partners [AOR=2.35; 95% CI:1.36-4.09], and if a partner ever physically fought with another man [AOR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.05-3.19]. Inappropriate legal punishment of the perpetrator and the lack of a supportive women's network to avert IPV were perceived as limitations by the women. There were HCW and health system-related challenges in screening for IPV. These challenges comprised a gap in the medico-legal report provision, absence of separate record-keeping for IPV cases, lack of client follow-up, and lack of coordination with an external organisation. Conclusions and recommendations: There was a high prevalence of IPV among women, both living with and without HIV. The extent of IPV and its presentation in the different forms (physical, sexual and psychological), which frequently overlapped, highlights the urgency of intervention measures. Women reported terrifying experiences of violence, which affected their health physically, mentally, and psychologically. There are also challenges concerning HCWs, health systems, and the clients, relating to screening for IPV. Scoping review revealed evidence of IPV experience among women with HIV/AIDS, evidence of how HIV status disclosure influences IPV, and proof of the association of socio-demographic characteristics with IPV. It was concluded that marriage arrangements should be by mutual consent of the marriage partners rather than being made by parents; it is advisable to involve males in all programmes of genderbased violence prevention to change their violent behaviours; there is a need for the arrangement of separate record-keeping of IPV cases at the health facilities and for standardising the medico-legal reporting system. Finally, this study emphasises the importance of executing more gender-equitable policies.
Developing an intervention to manage professional isolation among emergency nurses working in Lesotho: an action research approach.
(2023) Kutoane, Mahlomola.; Brysiewicz, Petra.; Tricia, Scott.
Introduction: Professional isolation is described as a deficiency in one’s network of social relations at work and is associated with compromised health service delivery and quality of life among health professionals, particularly those working in low-resource environments. Aim: to develop an intervention for managing professional isolation among emergency nurses working in Lesotho. Method: A mutually collaborative action research study, with an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, was conducted in the emergency departments of five selected hospitals in Lesotho, with 25 purposively sampled registered nurses. A needs assessment was conducted through a scoping review and focus group discussions, followed by the establishment of a three-member research team (Cycle One). Thereafter, 13 individual interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions of professional isolation among emergency nurses (Cycle Two). The intervention, a Digital Community of Practice, was developed (Cycle Three) and facilitated through WhatsApp platform, then was implemented and evaluated in Cycle Four. Results: The scoping review highlighted there is limited literature on professional isolation among health professionals and the focus group discussions revealed that participants acknowledged that there was a need for such a study. Qualitative interviews exploring professional isolation resulted in an overarching theme of ‘feeling like an island’ and three categories; lack of interprofessional collaboration and consultation, skills mismatch, and enforced loneliness. Following consultation with the research team, a digital community of practice was developed for emergency nurses using the WhatsApp platform and then implemented. Conclusion This study revealed that emergency nurses in Lesotho do experience professional isolation and a digital community of practice developed using social media, such as WhatsApp, as a communication tool, could be considered as an intervention strategy for managing professional isolation among emergency nurses working in low-resource environments. However, it is recommended that a larger-scale study be undertaken to encourage the motivation for developing contextual interventions for addressing professional isolation in emergency care settings.
Trichinella infections in wildlife in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa: unravelling epidemiological gaps with special emphasis on infectivity of Trichinella zimbabwensis in selected tropical fishes.
(2020) La Grange, Louis Jacobus.; Mukaratirwa, Samson.
Trichinella species are widely distributed on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, although the full spectrum of Trichinella species found in sub-Saharan African countries and their hosts has not been fully documented. This study was conducted to review reports on Trichinella infections in wildlife in the Kruger National Park and also to identify species and/or genotypes of Trichinella larvae isolated from muscle tissues of wildlife from Kruger National Park and adjacent areas of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa referred to as the Greater Kruger National Park using molecular techniques. A review of Trichinella spp. isolates and their wildlife hosts from the Greater Kruger National Park covering the period 1964–2011 was conducted and the results were compared with recent findings where isolates collected between 2012 and 2016 were identified to genotype/species level using molecular techniques. In the first 15 years the prevalence of infection was only reported twice in scientific publications and the reports included only four carnivorous mammal species and one rodent species. However, since the last report of Trichinella in an African civet (Civettictis civetta) other wildlife species were tested in the KNP and one new host was identified. Advances in molecular techniques allowed scientists to identify two isolates, collected in 1966 and 1988 respectively as Trichinella T8. Another isolate collected in 1991 was described as T. nelsoni. All of the other isolates found before 1991 were erroneously identified as T. spiralis. Ninety samples collected during the 2012–2016 period representing 15 mammalian, two avian- and three reptilian species were screened for Trichinella infection using artificial digestion. Isolates detected were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification of the ITS1, ITS2 and ESV regions of ribosomal DNA followed by molecular analysis of the sequences. Twenty (20) samples from seven wildlife species were positive for Trichinella spp. larvae with an overall prevalence of 21.1% (20/90). The prevalence was higher in carnivores (18.9%, 18/90) than in omnivores (2.2%, 2/90). Analysis of sequences showed that eight of the isolates; two from spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) (2/8), three from lion (Panthera leo) (3/13), one from leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/6), one from small spotted genet (Genetta genetta) (1/2) and one Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) (1/2) conformed to Trichinella zimbabwensis. One isolate from a hyaena was grouped under the encapsulated species clade comprising T. nelsoni and genotype Trichinella T8 reported to be present in South Africa. This is the first report confirming natural infection of T. zimbabwensis in hyaena, leopard, genet and Nile monitor lizard, adding to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Ten Trichinella-like larvae recovered after digestion from four wildlife species in this study (2012–2016) revealed inconclusive results due to DNA degradation from poor storage or too few larvae for analysis in comparison to 20 isolates from five wildlife species not identified to species during the 1964–2011 period. Knowledge on factors influencing the infectivity, epidemiology and survival of Trichinella spp. in different climatological environments is scanty. Availability of this knowledge will allow for the elucidation of epidemiology of Trichinella infections and the prediction of probable host-parasite cycles within specific ecological niches. The recent identification of new host species infected with three Trichinella taxa within the Greater Kruger National Park prompted a revision of previously published hypothetical transmission cycles for these species. Using data gathered from surveillance studies spanning the period 1964– 2016, and the recently obtained data from molecular identification of isolates from the Greater Kruger National Park, the previously hypothesized transmission cycles were revised. The new hypothesized transmission cycles were established in consideration of epidemiological factors and prevalence data gathered from both the Greater Kruger National Park and similar wildlife protected areas in Africa where the same host- and parasite species are known to occur. The anecdotal nature of some of the presented data in the hypothesized transmission cycles confirms the need for more intense epidemiological surveillance in the rest of South Africa and continued efforts to unravel the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in this unique and diverse protected landscape. Furthermore, to determine the role of fish in the epidemiology of T. zimbabwensis in the Greater Kruger National Park, experimental infections were conducted to assess the infectivity of this species to catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus). Twenty-four catfish (581.7 ± 249.7 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups and experimentally infected with 1.0 ± 0.34 T. zimbabwensis larvae per gram (lpg) of fish. Results showed no adult worms or larvae in the gastrointestinal tract and body cavities of catfish euthanized at day 1, 2 and 7 post-infection (p.i.). These results suggest that African sharp tooth catfish does not play a role in the epidemiology of the parasite irrespective of the fact that the fish cohabit with crocodiles and Nile monitor lizards in the Greater Kruger National Park. Forty-one tigerfish (298.6 ± 99.3 g) were randomly divided into three separate trials (T). Each trial (T) was divided into groups (G) as follows; Trial 1 (T1G1); Trial 2 (T2G1, T2G2) and Trial 3 (T3G1, T3G2, T3G3) infected with 2.12 ± 1.12 lpg of fish. An additional 7 tigerfish were assessed for the presence of natural infection. Two tigerfish from T1G1 yielded T. zimbabwensis larvae in muscle tissues on day 26 p.i. (0.1 lpg) and 28 p.i. (0.02 lpg), respectively. No adult worms or larvae were detected in the fish from trials 2 or 3 on days 7, 21, 28, 33 or 35 p.i. or from the control group. Results from this study suggest tigerfish to be generally unsuitable hosts for T. zimbabwensis. However, results from this study suggest that some individuals could, under very specific, and as yet to be elucidated circumstances, maintain the larvae of T. zimbabwensis but it could not be confirmed whether the parasite can fully develop and reproduce in this host. These results preclude any definitive conclusion in respect of the potential of African sharp tooth catfish and tiger fish to serve as potential hosts for T. zimbabwensis. The influence of temperature on T. zimbabwensis larval development and survival in fish remains inconclusive. It is possible that these fish could only become infected during warmer seasons and in warmer climates. It is also not clear whether potentially infected fish would retain the infection in subsequent colder seasons. Variability of temperatures between different geographic regions may additionally influence the susceptibility of these fish to T. zimbabwensis infection. However, the plethora of biological-, geographical- and climatic factors that could potentially influence the infectivity of T. zimbabwensis to certain fish host species precludes any definitive conclusion on the role of fish in the parasite’s natural ecosystem. Results from this study do suggest that tigerfish could, under very specific and as yet unknown circumstances, sustain the development and establishment of T. zimbabwensis.
An analysis of nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon.
(2023) Keutchafo, Esther Lydie Wanko.; Kerr, Jane.
Background: Nurse-patient communication has been recognised as one of the most important aspects of successful patient outcomes. In relation to older adults, whose numbers are growing worldwide, nurses’ communication with older adults is essential because older adults will seek medical assistance more than before. Since most rely on nonverbal communication because of hearing deficits, and changes in attention and coding of information – all restrictions in interaction and effective verbal communication – nurses’ nonverbal communication will be a vital skill to develop good nurse-older patient relationships. In a context where there are no long-term care settings, nurses will be required to achieve effective nonverbal communication when older adults are admitted to the wards. Aim: This study aimed at analysing nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon, to develop a model for effective nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. A total of 372 participants were included through overt, theoretical, and convenience sampling. To collect the qualitative data through participant observations and individual interviews, twenty-seven (27) nurses were observed, of which 13 nurses were interviewed, and 29 older adults were observed, of which eight (8) were interviewed. In addition, 316 nursing students participated in the survey. Qualitative data analysis was composed of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, which were intertwined as the researcher moved back and forth between data collection and data analysis. Additionally, comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, and memos were used during the process of analysing the qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPPS version 25, where descriptive and inferential analyses were run. Additionally, an explanatory factor analysis based on the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation was conducted, to determine the common factors that explain the order and structure among measured variables. Results: Firstly, the results showed that there was limited evidence of studies on nonverbal communication between nurses and cognitively intact hospitalised older adults in clinical settings. Secondly, the results showed that hospitalised older adults made both positive and negative interpretations of nurses’ nonverbal communication. They also had specific nonverbal communication needs. Thirdly, the results showed that nurses mainly used haptics, kinesics, and proxemics to communicate nonverbally with hospitalised older adults to build relationships with them, convey affection, reassure them, and support verbal communication. Further, the results showed that nursing students held slightly positive attitudes towards older adults; yet, the tool used to assess their attitudes showed moderate psychometric properties and two factor loadings. Finally, the results showed that the proposed model for effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults, which emerged from the data, encompassed all six categories of Strauss and Corbin’s framework, which are: causal conditions, contextual conditions, core phenomenon, action/interaction strategies, intervening conditions and expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study revealed that nurses mainly use few nonverbal communication techniques to communicate with hospitalised older adults, which cannot achieve effective communication, vital in nurse-patient relationships. The proposed model provides a guide for effective nonverbal communication with older adults and acknowledges that older adults’ interpretations and needs of nonverbal communication, as well as attitudes towards them, all influence effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults. It is hoped that nurses will consider these to improve their nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults for better patient outcomes such as: patient satisfaction, shorter lengths of stay in hospitals and improved quality of care.
Analysing conceptions of Zulu kinship system in present times and their influence on orphaned children’s education in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2021) Jonathan, Lorna.; Buthelezi, T.M.
The kinship care system is the preferred option, should it become necessary for a child to be removed from home and placed within a safe environment. It is the least restrictive and most family-like out-of-home placement. This study explored the lives of children in KwaZulu- Natal, who have been orphaned or are otherwise vulnerable, in relation to the Zulu kinship care system. Orphanhood has become widespread because of the HIV&AIDS pandemic, though there are also other contributing factors. The main purpose of the study was understanding how the children adapt to a life living with extended family because of being orphaned. The second purpose of the study aimed to find out why the children who have extended families are sent to live in an institution and how they understand both their family circumstances and their present context. The study design is a qualitative case study, designed with an interpretive paradigm. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems framework provided the lens for this study. This examines a child’s development within the complex “layers” of environment, each influencing a child’s development. The framework provided a way of approaching and analysing the data. There were 45 orphaned child participants, primarily girls, between the ages of 15 and 18, who were living with their caregivers, 25 of whom were also interviewed. The orphaned children were selected from three high schools in KwaDukuza area of KwaZulu- Natal; selection was undertaken on a systematic sampling basis. In addition, nine children were selected from a childcare facility in Durban, as well as a social worker from the same facility. The data collection strategies included focus group discussions with caregivers, individual interviews with participating teachers and a social worker as well as drawings and interpretation with children. Interviews with caregivers in a township revealed that the families themselves were poor and humble yet had been open to accepting yet another child to care for. The most significant finding is that the Zulu kinship system continues to operate but is under severe stress, and at times is not serving to protect children to the extent needed. The pattern of families intervening to protect and care for children in difficulties still continues, as indicated in the township settings; the caregivers report on their care as a labour of love that entails sacrifice. However, there is evidence from children that, while that is true of some situations, other placements are subject to abuse and exploitation. In many cases the care is inadequate simply because of the poverty of the family. The impact of poverty on schooling, and the degree of ostracism within schools, is a constant problem. In some families, the system has failed to the point that the only option for vulnerable and orphaned children is institutional care. Children in care report fully on the abuse and neglect that led to their placement, while most of those who had been placed with the extended family had enjoyed family life before the loss of parents. An additional finding was on the central role of mothers and on the frequent absence of fathers, before the loss of parents, as well as the major role played in the extended families by grandmothers. Significantly, despite the evidence of abuse and despite the evidence that institutional care was supportive and warm, children in care expressed a longing for family, even some children from families that had failed them completely. There is clearly, as recommended, a pressing need for ongoing visits by a social worker to orphaned children placed with extended families, given the extent of abuse revealed. In terms of further research, proposals are made to explore areas that would buttress the capacity of the kinship system in relation to social work and school, and to understand the possibilities for intervening before families lose their capacity for care.
Grounding african political theory on afro-communitarianism: arguments and implications.
(2023) Adeate, Tosin Blessing.; Clare, Julia.
This thesis critically analyses Afro-communitarianism as a philosophical foundation for modern African political theories and practices. The thesis links the reception of Afro-communitarian political philosophy in modern African political philosophy with its long-standing tension between community and individual as well as the conflict between rights and duty in modern African political philosophy. The attempt to resolve this tension in literature has mainly focused on the ideas of personhood. The thesis shows how development of the personhood approach to resolving this tension was manifested in three senses, i.e. duty-based, rights-based, and Afro-communitarian rejectionism. These three senses are both interrelated and independent discourses in African political philosophy. The duty-based personhood approach holds that personhood is defined solely by the structure of the community and not the self. It contends a notion of the self whose definition of meaningful life is generated outside the reference to community dependency. According to this approach, an ideal individual is a communal conformist, one that prioritises the duty to the community over the self. As a result, this approach defends a political society where concerns of rights, especially individual rights, do not matter. Following this approach is the rights-based personhood response. The rights-based approach responds to the lacunae in the duty-based personhood approach. Rights-based personhood approach is also an independent position at resolving the tension in Afro-communitarian political thought. This approach seeks to defend the compatibility of rights with Afro-communitarianism and its equal status with communal obligation. It argues for certain features of humans that suggest the partial dependency of the self on the community in the definition of human personhood. Grounding on these features, the approach established the place of rights, autonomy, and freedom in the Afro-communitarian discourse. However, what stands clear in this account of personhood is the persistence of the community and its overwhelming nature in framing the functions of the political virtues of rights, autonomy, and freedom believed to be individual properties. Rights only matter to the extent of their coherence with communal values. It becomes apparent that the idea of individual rights remains vague, especially in the face of specific human expression in communitarian African societies. vi The conflicts between individual and community and rights and duty in the idea of personhood in Afro-communitarian thought stirred up the third response and the third sense of the personhood approach, which I refer to as Afro-communitarian rejectionism. Scholars in this camp suggest the need to have a conversation on modern African politics without Afro-communitarian ideas. This position rests on the claim that modern African philosophy will be influenced by diverse orientations, which are sometimes incompatible with the ideas of Afro-communitarianism. However, the challenge with this conception of personhood is that it ruled out the possibility of a developed modern Africa profiting from the merits of Afro-communitarianism. While the tension between the individual and community persists, the thesis argues that attention should be given to the analysis of the community. In analysing the idea of community, the thesis identified the various forms of community that undergird the various ideas of personhood in Afrocommunitarianism, namely cultural community and community as self-interested individuals. The first form of community is the Afro-communitarian notion of community. I show how the idea of humiliation is inherent in the ideal notion of community in Afro-communitarianism and the conception of self it informs. The question of humiliation is omitted in the various conceptions of personhood. For Afro-communitarianism to ground modern African political ideas and practices, its notion of the community must be non-humiliating. Achieving a non-humiliating community involves a review of the norms of the cultural community. I attempt this review with what I call the doctrine of cultural permissibility. This thesis redirects Afro-communitarian debates by arguing for a shift to the community. The thesis concludes that postcolonial African politics can only benefit from Afro-communitarianism preoccupied with the desire for a ‘non-humiliating’ community that accommodates plural conceptions of personhood. This thesis would provide nuanced views on the ongoing conversation among Afro-communitarian theorists.
Phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Hipposideros commersoni (Chiroptera) species complex with special reference to Malagasy populations.
(2015) Rakotoarivelo, Andrinajoro Rianarivola.; Lamb, Jennifer.
ABSTRACT Hipposideros commersoni is endemic to Madagascar and is relatively common in the western portion of the island, where it is found in different habitats from sea level to 1325 m. A previous study on patterns of morphological variation within the species highlighted the presence of two distinct morphotypes larger individuals in the north of Madagascar and smaller individuals in the south. Molecular techniques using DNA sequence data in combination with morphology have been previously used to identify cryptic hipposiderid species. This thesis presents the results of analyses based on molecular data and craniodental measurements in H. commersoni occurring on Madagascar, and related African forms. The molecular analyses suggest that H. commersoni with respect to Madagascar is paraphyletic, with strong support for the presence of independently evolving lineages. Two individuals amongst those sequenced from areas in the south of Madagascar represent a unique evolutionary lineage (Clade A), distinct from other H. commersoni, and has been recently named as a new species, H. cryptovalorona. This species is sister to H. gigas and H. vittatus, both restricted to Africa. Within H. commersoni, the molecular data support two geographically distributed clades -- one in the south (Clade B) and the other in the north (Clade C). Morphometric data were consistent with the molecular analyses, suggesting a north–south break within H. commersoni. Bayesian clustering analysis showed that H. commersoni comprised four main lineages: B1, B2, B3 and C. The most recent common ancestor of H. commersoni was dated to 3.33 million years ago or the mid-Pliocene. Population expansion events were inferred for groups B1, B2 and B3 from approximately 127,600 (group B1) to 6,870 years BP (group B2). Conflicting results were obtained from Bayesian clustering and AMOVA analyses; strong population genetic structure was obtained from the former but not the latter. Sequence data indicated that genetic subdivisions failed to support an isolation-by-distance model. Lineage dispersal, genetic divergence and expansion events of H. commersoni are likely to be associated with Plio-Pleistocene climate fluctuations. Our data indicate the northern and the central western regions of Madagascar may have acted as refugia for this species during the Plio-Pleistocene.
Reclaiming setbacks and open spaces for greening and sustainable landscape development in state capital cities: A case study of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
(2017) Olufemi, Joseph Ojo-Fajuru.; Ambrose, Adeyemi Adebayo.
The rapid rate of urbanization in developing countries generates various socio-economic and environmental challenges. In Nigerian urban centres, high rate of rural-urban drift aggravates population growth rate, and increasing space demand for land use and human activities put pressure on land resources. In Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, the study area, land is continuously fragmented, resulting to densely populated areas and inequitable use. This syndrome culminates in vegetal depletion, urban sprawl, environmental degradation and increasing poverty levels. Uncontrolled development, excessive hard landscaping and informal sector activities along transportation corridors, water bodies, utility lines, and the inner core areas deprive the city of adequate greenery. The research examines the city‘s spatial structure, socio-economic attributes of residents, setbacks and open space characteristics, pattern of encroachment, and the efficacy of development control legislations. The challenges posed by the inadequacy of greenery and excessive hard landscaping, government‘s effort in reclaiming lost spaces to create inclusive green areas for sustainable urban landscape were evaluated. The research methodology utilise relevant data from secondary sources to build literature and compliment socio-economic baseline data collected from primary sources by multi-stage technique across three morphological zones. Research findings expose devegetation, hardening, gross inadequacy and abuse of setbacks and air spaces, lack of organised open spaces and green areas. There is a disconnection between relatively high literacy level and contravention of development regulation laws. Informal development, mostly commercial, is rampant and driven by high poverty level and people‘s instinct to sustain their socio-economic needs. Ignorance of good quality environment, desire for economic benefits, and ineffective governmental control are other factors responsible for the disruption of public spaces. The study argued that the people engage in space contestation to survive, while the uncontrolled informal sector is neglected by government. Recommendations are hinged on the Strategic Urban Greening Intervention Model developed to encapsulate key systematic elements in the negative aspects, and how intervention strategies, tools and methods are deployed for positive transformation. Based on the Model, the proposed Ado-Ekiti Urban Greening Master Plan was prepared as policy directives and programmes for stakeholders‘ synergy to establish, monitor and maintain inclusive green areas in the city. Informal sector integration to strengthen livelihood strategy, inclusiveness and green economy is germane to successful greening programme, failing which the people will return to the streets and continue to aggravate carbon footprints. Socio-economically, the research is guaranteed to diversify local economy, boost investment generation, and enhance living standards. Physical impacts include improved environmental quality, global warming abatement and climate change mitigation in the city. The Model developed out of this research and contribution promotes landscape sustainability in Ado-Ekiti and can be replicated in Africa cities.
A political ecology approach to understanding the implications for rural development in drought prone savannah: a case study of land and forest use in Chivi district, southern Zimbabwe.
(2017) Macheka, Mavis Thokozile.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Given the role that natural resources play in the development of rural communities, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the reasons why communities abuse the same resources that sustains their livelihoods. This thesis specifically analyses land and forest resource access and use in rural Zimbabwe through political ecology lens. Political ecology has widely been discussed globally and used even in most recent analyses of interactions between humans and the environment. The study therefore explores resource access and use in Chivi District, Southern Zimbabwe, where the communities are struggling to maintain their natural resources in a context where immediate survival needs outweigh any concerns for ecological sustainability. Deriving from this background, the main objective of the thesis is to assess through political ecology lens, the implications of land and forest access and use, for rural development in drought prone areas such as Chivi District. To achieve this objective, the study adopts Chivi District, a drought-prone area in Southern Zimbabwe as its case study. The choice is based on the fact that Chivi District is an area already overstretched in terms of natural resources, especially land and forest resources which are continuously depleting as a result of indiscriminate exploitation by local communities. The data was gathered from the field through interviews, transect walks and focus group discussions. Data was gathered from government departments, non-governmental organisations, traditional leaders, farmers, traditional artifact sellers and other community members. Data collected from the field was analysed thematically. The presentation and analysis is in the form of detailed descriptions, using narrative vignettes and direct quotes where necessary. The study established the relationship between political ecology and livelihoods strategies. The livelihood strategies adopted by the Chivi District community are influences by external influences. While most of the focus of literature on environment and development is on natural causes of vi environmental degradation, this study focused more on the linkages between environmental conservation, local communities and possible drivers of land and forest resource extraction. The study established the existence of a politicised environment in which the relationship between state actors, traditional leaders, local community, non-governmental organisations and the physical environment is conditioned by power relations. The existence of prescribed governance system in natural resources represent attempts by the state to restrict local communities from overexploiting natural resources but despite the existence of state actors and NGOs in the management of land and forest resources, natural resources in Chivi District are severely deteriorating and degrading. There are several flaws and shortcomings in the allocation of responsibility and authority over management of these resources. It also established that the destruction of resources is due to unsustainable livelihood strategies and there is competition for survival on a declining natural resource base. The unsustainable activities are firewood selling, craft industry, farm brick moulding and selling, illegal mining, stream bank cultivation, destruction of wetlands among others. These practices heavily depend on unsustainable exploitation of the natural resources and hence contribute to the destruction of its natural resource base such as gully development, siltation, deforestation and land degradation. The study further established that widespread deforestation and degradation is attributed to a number of factors that influences Chivi District to exploit resources. This thesis presents political, legal, economic, social and environmental factors as drivers of environmental degradation in Chivi District. The factors have a bearing on sustainable rural development because the people of Chivi depend on their immediate environment for survival and development. The study, thus, concludes that resource use and power dynamics in everyday interactions go beyond the local community. Political, economic, social, environmental and legal factors interacted in complex ways in bringing about the current state of land and forest resources in drought prone Chivi District.
From looking-glass self-metaphor to self-reflective practice: self-study for professional development.
(2017) Zakwe, Thisha Peter.; Pillay, Kriben.
This autobiographical self- study explores and reflects on the socio-political and historical antecedents of the situation we face as educators and as the people of Msinga, which is an integral part of the Umzinyathi District in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The core challenge facing all circuit managements in the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department pertains to underperformance reflected in the grade 12 Results. This thesis will discuss the multiple causes of the poor performance in public schools and as a practitioner researcher self-study, examines the dynamics of enacting a radically different leadership model that seeks to promote a more productive and peaceful environment in this region and beyond. The possibility of attaining a sustainable curriculum delivery in public schools lies at the heart of this enquiry and the key research question (RQ) is: How do I, as a Circuit Manager, engage in the educational practice of self-construction in order to make a special contribution to the existing body of knowledge in relation to underperforming public schools? My research project life cycle started in 2009 until 2017 (nine years). As a result, in pursuing my research logic framework, I have crafted the key research question as informed by the title of my thesis in order to set the direction of entire narrative self-study inquiry. Observation and critical reflection shows that my research question evolved over time: 3.1 How can I improve my own learning and the learning of others in relation to academic-personal- professional development through a living theory action research methodology ? (2010- 2013) 3.2 How can I improve my own learning and practice, as a Superintendent of Education Management (SEM) in relation to academic-personal-professional development? (2014) 3.3 How do I as a Circuit Manager, engage in the educational practice of self-construction and make a special contribution to the existing body of knowledge in relation to underperforming public schools? (2015- 2017). A further three research questions emerged from this key research question: How can I, as the Circuit Manager, exercise my educative influence on the provisioning of new schools to accelerate service delivery to the poorest of the poor in this rural community? How can I, as the Circuit Manager, improve curriculum management and delivery in my schools in the Babanango circuit? How can I provide a new perspective on bullying and whistle-blowing in the workplace, based on my personal experience?’ In order to address these questions I have generated my own living educational theory called the ‘Menzi Effect’ in tribute to the achievements of Menzi High School that confirm the fact that effective or quantum schools (top-ranking schools in the public school system in South Africa) are an extended shadow of a transformative principal supported by transformative educators, who go that extra-mile to uplift the standard of education and of the lives of those in the community of their learners. Until this study, the achievements of Menzi High School were totally unrecognized. However, this auto-ethnographic account is the self-study’s core exploration: the writer is the principle subjective voice whose self-reflective journey, as detailed in the thesis through scholarly engagement and practitioner narratives and self-reflection, articulates a modus operandi for professional development.
An exploration of the conceptualisation and enactment of regional economic development through an analysis of the Durban aerotropolis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2017) Luthuli, Nomkhosi Hlengiwe.; Houghton, Jennifer Alice.
This study explores the conceptualisation and enactment of regional economic development (RED) through an analysis of the Durban Aerotropolis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study is undertaken during a time where the process of globalisation is progressively increasing the importance of regional processes and the role of local actors in shaping development trajectories (Ascani, Crescenzi & Iammarino, 2012). These regional processes imply practical action going beyond the limits of traditional local economic initiatives (Amin, 1999) commonly referred to in the South African context and in other parts of the world as local economic development (LED). In this regard, the major problem prompting the enquiry in this study is the tendency of vagueness and ambiguity in the discourse of policy documents and government strategies relating to regionally inclined processes. More specifically, while the Durban Aerotropolis Strategy alludes to the impact of the Durban Aerotropolis on the development of the region and connecting regional economies, the conceptual vagueness of such allusions has consequences for both theoretical and empirical RED research as well as implications for economic development policy development and implementation. This calls for deconstruction of the relevant development discourse to provide a clearer conceptualisation of RED. The problems just mentioned are further compounded by a nomenclature shift in South African practitioner circles with incorporation of issues pertaining to the ‘region’ and associated difficulties, in what was hitherto confined to more specifically local issues of economic development. These difficulties relate to the way economic development practitioners proceed with their work in the absence of a context-specific conceptualisation of RED, coupled with lack of understanding of the nature of RED projects and of how they are implemented. To find solutions to these problems, the study examines the conceptualisation of the region inherent in RED through the Durban Aerotropolis. It seeks to understand the enactment of RED through collaborative and cooperative governance mechanisms and through agglomeration and clustering of business activity, and it explores coordinated investments for regional marketing within the Durban Aerotropolis. This was done using exploratory qualitative research within a social constructivist paradigm in which respondents were selected using a purposive sampling approach. The data was collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews and analysed using a thematic analysis technique. The findings of the study reveal that function, form and scale are central characteristics of the way that the region is conceptualised in the case of the Durban Aerotropolis as an instance of RED. Here, function is the purpose of a RED project, form refers to the kind of economic development mechanism or strategy that could assist in fulfilling that purpose, and the scalar characteristics establish the extent, reach and magnitude of the project—factors that have a direct bearing on the practical enactment or implementation of RED projects. It also emerged from the study that regional conceptualisation should be done by the various stakeholders of the project who have a responsibility to see it succeed through collaborative and cooperative governance. Furthermore, RED enactment entails agglomeration and clustering of business activity which can be achieved by attracting people and investment. This, however, requires coordination of efforts for regional marketing in which stakeholders work on the competitive advantage of their region through development of infrastructure, skills development and capacity building, and provision of incentives. Overall, the study establishes that conceptualisation of RED entails defining the objectives of RED and that it precedes RED enactment. However, RED enactment requires two facilitative mechanisms which are collaborative and cooperative governance, together with coordinated investments and collaborative efforts for regional marketing – to achieve the desired outcome of RED, which is an agglomeration and cluster economy with its associated externalities. The study has thus contributed to the conceptual clarification of regionally inclined processes of the Durban Aerotropolis. This will subsequently assist in theoretical and empirical RED research as well as economic development policy development and implementation. The study will also help to establish clearer and simpler nomenclature shift and will impact the work of economic development practitioners by making provision for a context-specific conceptualisation of RED and will provide new knowledge that will add significantly to understanding of the nature of RED projects and their implementation.
Secure requirements engineering in a constrained agile environment.
(2017) Naicker, Nalindren Kistasamy.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewak.
Requirements Engineering (RE) is a software engineering process that takes place early in the software development life cycle namely, during the planning phase of software development. A list of highly refined requirements that is the blueprint for the system, is the output of this process. It is vital to address critical issues such as security within RE, to prevent patching and hot fixing later. Exorbitant losses can be prevented through secure systems development. The purpose of this research study was to delineate the Agile RE practices through a sequential explanatory mixed methods study approach to explicate the relationship between RE practices and the security of an application. An in-depth literature review was undertaken to understand RE processes and security approaches during application development. This mixed methods research study was contextualised at seventeen software development companies in South Africa. Data was collected in three phases. In the first phase, the researcher used a field survey questionnaire as the primary research instrument to gather data on Agile RE practices such as elicitation, security approaches and requirements prioritisation. In phase two of the data collection, interviews were used as a qualitative data gathering tool to explain, triangulate and strengthen the survey results. The security of live Agile Software Development artifacts were then randomly evaluated using a dynamic analysis security testing (DAST) tool. To contribute to the body of knowledge, the researcher used fuzzy logics and fuzzy sets to develop an automated fuzzy tool that assists requirements engineers to control client requirements. The Design Science Research Methodology, an Information Systems (IS) theoretical framework, guided the development of the automated fuzzy software tool. The automated fuzzy tool was evaluated in phase three of data collection and showed positive results for ranking client requirements in Agile RE. The major finding of this study was that although Agile RE practices in the real world are aligned to mainstream RE, proper security approaches are lacking. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of web application security knowledge and insufficient application security training by requirements engineers. The study concludes that poor security practices in Agile RE are having a negative impact on the security of the Agile Software Development product. As an implication of this study, the researcher suggests stricter adherences by practitioners to Agile Software Development principles and values as outlined in the Agile Manifesto and Agile Security Manifesto.
Mobile money as a strategy for financial inclusion and improving livelihood of rural consumers in Zimbabwe.
(2018) Dube, Thulani.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
Mobile financial services have posed as a potential remedy to the financial inclusion challenge for the disadvantaged communities. The main aim of the study was to assess whether the deployment of mobile money services has increased the accessibility, financial inclusion and led to improved economic well-being through the development of a structural model demonstrating how mobile money service usage impacts on the livelihoods of rural households in Zimbabwe. To accomplish the above stated objectives, the study used a composite approach, a partially mixed sequential dominant design, with the quantitative approach dominating the research design. The quantitative method, together with the qualitative approach, was employed for the comprehensive research design (mixed methods) where the use of focus group discussions (FGD) was utilised to gain an understanding of users’ experiences in using mobile money in the study area. The FGD results were then used to develop measurement scales for mobile money impact variables / factors. To select the sample size of 367 respondents in Kwekwe Rural District, also known as ZIBAGWE, a multi-stage random sampling method was used in this study. To gather data for the study, a questionnaire developed and used as a research instrument targeted rural household heads. The findings of the study revealed that on the access and usage of financial services, there was great improvement in accessing financial services with the emergence of mobile money services compared to bank access in terms of distance walked to the nearest branch by the rural people before the mobile money alternative. Education had a strong bearing on mobile money usage as shown by a Chi-square value of 62.80 and a p-value of 0.000. To analyse data, structural equation modelling was employed to test and validate the model. The structural equation modelling was performed in two stages, where the first step entailed the estimation of the measurement model through the confirmatory factor analysis and the second step involved the estimation of the structural model by examining the structural relations as hypothesized in the model. The results showed that the measurement model fits data satisfactorily and the proposed model fits well the observed data as shown by the goodness of fit indices (CMIN/df = 2.798, GFI = 0.842, CFI = 0.954, TLI = 0.947 and RMSEA = 0.072). Similarly, on the structural model, the results showed that the structural model fits the data well, attaining the fit indices CMIN/df = 2.631, GFI = 0.846, CFI = 0.956, TLI = 0.951 and RMSEA = 0.068. Given these fit indices, the model can be used with confidence to conclude on the stated research hypotheses. Most of the relationships in the structural model were significant at least at the 95% confidence interval. Overall, the study concludes that mobile money has potential positive impacts on the rural livelihoods as demonstrated by positive effects of the factors in the structural model. The study recommends that mobile network operators and financial regulators need to continue with the promotion and encouragement of mobile financial services usage by all economic players in the different sectors of the economy. Consequently, if total adoption and acceptance were to be achieved in all customers, businesses and service providers, the demand for cash will be reduced, especially in the rural communities where adoption by businesses and service providers is lagging behind. The study findings have far reaching implications with regards policy making on rural livelihoods. The study provides evidence on how mobile financial services impact on rural livelihoods. Therefore, policy makers can craft policies (financial inclusion) that will promote and improve access and delivery of financial services to the rural people.

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