Magister Chirurgiae Dentium (MChD) / An analysis of the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with orofacial clefts at the Wentworth Foundation in Durban, KZN is presented. Objectives: To assess whether the OHRQoL of orofacial cleft patients varies amongst different age groups, genders or cleft types as well as demographic factors. Method: 46 participants, aged 8- 18, completed a self-administered Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) questionnaire. Results: The most prevalent cleft type was the Unilateral Cleft Left, 45.7%. The COHIP mean score was 84.195 (SD 18.244) ranging from 35 to 110. The age related subscales which were statistically significant included Functional well-being (p value: 0.0456), School Environment (p value: 0.0145) and Treatment Expectancy. The subscale School Environment was statistically significant for: Transport (p value: 0.0267) and Place of accommodation (p value 0.028). The Oral Health subscale and the Educational level were statistically significant (p value 0.043). Conclusion: Statistically significant age-related differences and demographic factors were noted. The OHRQoL of cleft patients was low largely due to socioeconomic factors and difficulty accessing multidisciplinary care. Therefore, our findings highlight the importance of establishing a Cleft lip and palate multidisciplinary facility for these patients in the Wentworth foundation and subsidised transport to the Wentworth Foundation is recommended.

Babesia bovis outbreaks were reported in cattle alleged to be immunised with the commercially available live-blood vaccine in the Swartberg region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and an investigation into the nature of parasites causing the outbreaks was carried out. The H isolate was obtained from a clinically ill animal on the Haistings farm and characterised using BvVA1 and Bv80 size analysis coupled with Bv80 and 18S rRNA V4 hypervariable region sequence analysis. In total, four South African B. bovis isolates were analysed: the vaccine stock (S) at passage 11 and 23 and field isolates H and F. The S23 strain used to infect vaccine donor animals could not be detected in the H isolate and could not be responsible for the severe disease symptoms observed in the field animals. Sequence profiles of the Bv80 and 18S rRNA V4 hypervariable regions for all detectable strains were compiled and now serve as a basis for the investigation of future babesiosis outbreaks. It was determined that the Bv80 PCR is not able to detect animals at the carrier stage of infection and that non-specific primer binding to Boophilus microplus and Boophilus decoloratus tick DNA occurs. For this reason, the Bv80 PCR is not suitable for investigating the nature of B. bovis infections in ticks. The BvVA1 PCR reaction required extensive optimisation and did not detect all strains present in the isolates and was therefore not used as a basis for strain discrimination. Microaerophilous stationary phase cultures of the vaccine strain at passage 24 (S24) and the H strain were initiated as a potential source of soluble parasite antigens. Continuous cultivation was not possible despite the alteration of a number of conditions. Currently there is no culture adapted B. bovis strain in South Africa and the availability of such a strain would form the basis of studies on the development of alternative vaccines. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

The objective of this study was to use molecular biological reagents (primers targeting different genomic loci) and methods (PCR and RFLP) to detect and characterize trypanosomes in cattle, wild animals and tsetse flies in KwaZulu-Natal, thus contributing to improved understanding of the genetic diversity of trypanosome species infecting cattle at the game/livestock interface in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Primers based on sequences of different loci in the trypanosome genome were used in conducting polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) on samples collected from cattle at 14 diptanks and one commercial farm around the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, wild animals within Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve and tsetse flies from the commercial farm, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve and two other Game Reserves. Trypanosome isolates were grown under laboratory conditions in cattle, rodents and culture medium for molecular characterizations. Overall, a total of 673 cattle, 266 tsetse flies, 141 buffaloes and 6 rhinoceros samples were analyzed. The following observations were made: two species of trypanosomes are present in KZN; T.congolense and T. vivax. The two species were found as single and as mixed infections in cattle. There are two genotypic groups of T. congolense in KZN; the Savannah- and the Kilifi-type. The two genotypic groups were found as mixed infections in cattle and in tsetse flies. Lastly, there are at least five “genomic variants” of Savannah-type T. congolense in KZN. The infection rate in cattle ranged from 5.2-91%; in tsetse flies, 11-97.5% and in wild animals it was 4.3%. Mixed infection of T. congolense and T. vivax were only observed in samples from one diptank. Mixed infections of Savannah- and Kilifi-type T. congolense were observed in samples from Boomerang commercial farm, and in tsetse flies. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

A total of 143 blood samples of nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) from two regions in South Africa were tested for the presence of tick-borne haemoparasites by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation. While most blood samples taken in EDTA blood turned out negative for the presence of haemoparasites, the majority of blood samples collected on Whatman® filter paper contained several different haemoparasites, often in combination. Samples from the Eastern Cape Province as well as from KwaZulu- Natal turned out positive. Prevalent haemoparasites were Theileria sp. (kudu), T. buffeli, T. bicornis, Theileria sp. (sable), T. taurotragi, Ehrlichia sp. Omatjenne, Anaplasma bovis and A. marginale. This serves as the first report of T. buffeli, T. sp. (kudu), T. bicornis, T. taurotragi, Ehrlichia sp. Omatjenne, A. marginale and A. bovis in nyala. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Tropical Diseases))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

According to the national Education Policy Act of 1996 and the norms and standards regarding Language policy, the promotion of multilingualism was stated as a prime objective, together with strong support of either home language or dual-medium education. Although the right to choose the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) which had to be an official language(or languages) lay with the individual. Hence the study is to persuade the department of Education in KZN to include isiXhosa and Sesotho languages as home language in KZN schools curriculum. The province of KZN is attracting many people especially Xhosas and Sotho’s from Eastern Cape and from other provinces such as Free State to mention few. These people come to KZN basically to seek jobs and stay in KZN under a vast ray of reasons. The city of Durban is like Johannesburg to them-‘’eGoli’’ in old days. However, in Gauteng almost two or more official languages are accommodated in schools, either being done as home language, first additional, second additional or even a third additional language. The choice lay with the individual. The Language Policy promoting multilingualism is implemented in Gauteng, why not in KZN- because the KZN total population of 9 426 014 based on census 2001 data indicate that there is no one speaking Sesotho in KZN but only 80% of isiZulu and 2.3% isiXhosa not mentioning English and Afrikaans1. Currently according to 2011 census, isiZulu is the mother tongue of 22.7% of South Africa’s population2. Furthermore, what is indicated by these census statistics starts in KZN schools where by the curriculum is designed in more convenient manner where by all Africans in KZN do IsiZulu as home language putting aside English and Afrikaans. The importance of mother-tongue, culture as well as multilingualism as the key concepts in diverse inclusive curriculum is not manifested in KZN school curriculum. The significant of 1976 Soweto up-raising lays in the right to choose the language of learning and teaching and it is part of democracy in South Africa. There should be options of languages to choose in schools most importantly giving a mother-tongue the first choice. Unfortunately there is no choice in KZN schools with regard to Africans group. More interestingly, there is a choice to listen to radio stations namely Umhlobowenene FM which broadcast in isiXhosa and Lesedi FM broadcasting in Sesotho. Nobody can say to another why one is listening to that Xhosa or Sotho radio in KZN, simply because is one’s choice. In the same manner that SABC enabled the broadcasting Xhosa and Sotho radios in KZN, so the department of Education in KZN can include isiXhosa and Sesotho as home languages and the choice of isiZulu as an additional language not as a home language. The results of the study do not reveal the poor academic performance of Xhosas and Sotho learners in the subject of isiZulu home language in KZN. But reveal the loss of identity, culture, and one’s roots. Hence language is a primary tool to enhance self-identity, it forms a fundamental part of culture and enables one to stick to own roots and embraces the sense of origin like being a proudly South African- a rainbow nation. / Educational Studies / M.A. (Inclusive Education)

According to the national Education Policy Act of 1996 and the norms and standards regarding Language policy, the promotion of multilingualism was stated as a prime objective, together with strong support of either home language or dual-medium education. Although the right to choose the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) which had to be an official language(or languages) lay with the individual. Hence the study is to persuade the department of Education in KZN to include isiXhosa and Sesotho languages as home language in KZN schools curriculum. The province of KZN is attracting many people especially Xhosas and Sotho’s from Eastern Cape and from other provinces such as Free State to mention few. These people come to KZN basically to seek jobs and stay in KZN under a vast ray of reasons. The city of Durban is like Johannesburg to them-‘’eGoli’’ in old days. However, in Gauteng almost two or more official languages are accommodated in schools, either being done as home language, first additional, second additional or even a third additional language. The choice lay with the individual. The Language Policy promoting multilingualism is implemented in Gauteng, why not in KZN- because the KZN total population of 9 426 014 based on census 2001 data indicate that there is no one speaking Sesotho in KZN but only 80% of isiZulu and 2.3% isiXhosa not mentioning English and Afrikaans1. Currently according to 2011 census, isiZulu is the mother tongue of 22.7% of South Africa’s population2. Furthermore, what is indicated by these census statistics starts in KZN schools where by the curriculum is designed in more convenient manner where by all Africans in KZN do IsiZulu as home language putting aside English and Afrikaans. The importance of mother-tongue, culture as well as multilingualism as the key concepts in diverse inclusive curriculum is not manifested in KZN school curriculum. The significant of 1976 Soweto up-raising lays in the right to choose the language of learning and teaching and it is part of democracy in South Africa. There should be options of languages to choose in schools most importantly giving a mother-tongue the first choice. Unfortunately there is no choice in KZN schools with regard to Africans group. More interestingly, there is a choice to listen to radio stations namely Umhlobowenene FM which broadcast in isiXhosa and Lesedi FM broadcasting in Sesotho. Nobody can say to another why one is listening to that Xhosa or Sotho radio in KZN, simply because is one’s choice. In the same manner that SABC enabled the broadcasting Xhosa and Sotho radios in KZN, so the department of Education in KZN can include isiXhosa and Sesotho as home languages and the choice of isiZulu as an additional language not as a home language. The results of the study do not reveal the poor academic performance of Xhosas and Sotho learners in the subject of isiZulu home language in KZN. But reveal the loss of identity, culture, and one’s roots. Hence language is a primary tool to enhance self-identity, it forms a fundamental part of culture and enables one to stick to own roots and embraces the sense of origin like being a proudly South African- a rainbow nation. / Educational Studies / M. A. (Inclusive Education)

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UDP) is a World Heritage Site known for its cultural San heritage and its natural beauty, which is advertised as a world tourist attraction. Tourism is a debatable issue with regards to its negative and/or positive impacts on rock art along with commodification aspects. Negatively, visitation of sites increased natural deterioration of the site, the art and challenges for cultural resource management. While increased awareness of rock art conservation is a positive aspect through tourism and developments, contributes optimistically. San heritage is unique, defining our cultural identity and has the power to encourage national unification. The aim of this project is to assess the complexities of tourism developments and its immediate impacts at different rock art sites in the UDP through an analysis of management and conservation methods. The monitoring of these mentioned methods applied is important as it evaluates the effectiveness of past techniques and provides suggestions for other rock art sites. The current conditions at nine study sites in the UDP were investigated under three main criteria; deterioration of the sites and paintings through natural and human impacts, tourism developments and management. Data collection followed principles such as; site mapping, narrative recording, graphic documentation, and is represented in evaluation tables. Results concluded that common management methods were implemented at sites to provide standard conservation practices, but every site had room for improvement. The results have led to the formulation of recommendations that can be applied at other rock art sites and can contribute to future management and conservation protocols. The study highlights the unique demands made on rock art sites by tourism and concludes with final comments and recommendations. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / MA / Unrestricted

This study entails an examination of the extent of participation by non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) in the legislative process of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature (KZN legislature). It aims to explore how far these NGO’s have taken advantage of the new South African policy based on transparency, openness and accountability. It is hypothesized that organised groups such as these have been very involved in government decision-making processes, since the start of the new democratic South Africa in 1994. This study, however, proves that there is minimal public participation and especially NGO participation in the KZN Legislature in particular and in government in general. It further uncovers various problems experienced by these NGO’s in trying to participate in the legislative process. The legislature’s inaccessibility was seen as one of the major inhibiting factors. Apathy and lack of interest in the legislative process were also identified as a problem amongst these NGO’s. This study has raised many issues that both the NGO sector and the KZN Legislature itself have to address in order that our newly founded democracy can be truly nurtured. This study is divided into two parts. The first part explores literature on democracy, that enables the policy making process and civil society to help give a clear indication on what various authors think should be the input of civil society in the policy making process of any democratic country. The second part looks at the South African situation and the findings of this study. / Dissertation (MA (Political Policy Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

A vegetation survey was conducted at plant community level within the boundaries of Richards Bay Municipal area during 2001 to 2002. Relevés was randomly selected and floristic information was recorded for 310 sample plots and was referenced by GPS. The data were captured in TURBOVEG data base, for vegetation data and classified using the TWINSPAN numerical classification algorithm. Phytosociological tables were compiled using the MAGATAB computerized table management program. Thirteen plant communities were identified, described and characterized by diagnostic and dominant species occurring in them. The study in general showed that vegetation in the Richards Bay Municipal area has deteriorated considerably over the last 30 years. The study indicated that wetland communities occupy a relatively small area and has become relatively degraded within the study area. It is recommended that Richards Bay Town Council plan the Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) bringing the ecological areas of importance into consideration and that all new developments in the Richards Bay area be subjected to proper ecological investigation as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Plant Science / unrestricted

The demand for the control of safe food, from consumers the world over, has revolutionized the manner in which wild game meat harvesting occurs. In developed countries, food quality, food and human safety with quality controlling systems embracing environmental carbon footprint issues are constantly improving, for international harmonization at each level of production “from stable to table”, “farm to fork”, “field to yield” as well as from “cradle to grave”. Food industries globally have adopted the in Hazard Analysis Critical control Point (HACCP) system. This is a risk assessment process using Hygiene Assessment Systems (HAS) as a mitigating strategy for risk communication through training. It is also a holistic system that is compatible with international trends designed not only for food safety and quality, but it also embraces other aspects of farming such as animal welfare, environmental management and Occupational Safety and Health. Global marketing for international trade demands quality assurance from trading partners thereby promoting economic growth for developing countries. The watch dog bodies such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) prohibit trading for non-compliance, therefore trade barriers are in place for uncertified food of animal origin, EU regulations are stringent requirements that need compliance and so too the OIE regulations for disease control, while the Codex Alimentarius Commission maintains trade harmonization. In South Africa Hygiene Assessment Systems (HAS) is a National Hygiene management strategy implemented at abattoirs, that promotes and facilitates quality and hygiene and is reflective of South African quality abroad. It is prescribed under the section, “Essential National Standards” in the Meat Safety Act, 2000, (Act 40 of 2000). This Act covers red meat and includes both domestic animals and game. The Veterinary Procedural Notices (VPN’s) are used for export of game and give far more detailed guidelines than the legislation for game meat sold and consumed locally in South Africa. The objective of the Hygiene Assessment System (HAS) is to create a national awareness of quality to better improve the quality of life of all South Africans, whilst at the same time it is used as an auditing tool for Veterinary Public Health to effectively compare essential standards within the nine provinces. Currently this programme is referred to as the National Abattoir Rating Scheme (NARS), which is only applicable to the high and low throughput Red Meat and Poultry abattoirs in South Africa and not to the Game or Rural abattoirs, thereby further compounding the duality of food standards with food safety being compromised. This study has been undertaken because there are inadequate risk control measures such as introduction of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines on primary and secondary meat inspection, specifically on game for local consumption, not only within South Africa, but in the international arena as well. A revision of the HAS document and audit will also be needed to meet with the local (not just export) criteria for wild game harvesting, to enable food safety, thus enabling food security in the remote non - agricultural areas in KwaZulu -Natal. Venison is the meat of today because of health priorities that have arisen over the last ten years. It is low in trans - fatty acids and is regarded internationally as a healthy product produced organically in a free range situation. South Africa has a large potential export market for venison to the European Union because the demand, for venison, exceeds supply in Europe. However, the European Union’s “safe food regulation” that was introduced between 2005 and 2007 with an implementation date of 2008 (Regulation1021/2008) has made it imperative that the HACCP principle is applied to any food or food product of animal origin imported into the European Union or its member states. Also, HACCP specifies that a multidisciplinary team of experts is selected. This then lends itself to a participatory approach to risk assessment as wide consultation is required. This participatory approach was used, including expert opinion surveys and focus group discussions with stakeholders and role-players in the game industry such as commercial hunters, state veterinary services and game ranch owners. Such participants may have better insight into existing conditions than external experts with recognised educational qualifications, usually used in the HACCP team. From this and the relevant Veterinary Procedural Notices for game harvesting, a HACCP process flow and critical control points were derived for the primary phase of meat inspection, including slaughter, primary meat inspection and loading for transport to the abattoir. This was modified during a phase or trial harvesting and then implemented during the harvest of 1758 impala carcasses which were subsequently exported. In addition, environmental risks were considered and a risk mitigation strategy designed, to reduce any possible environmental impacts. In northern Kwazulu Natal, game ranches and conservation areas are in close proximity to the rural poor where food is scarce and comes at a premium price. These game farms harvest seasonally for either the local or export market, hence there is abundance of game offal and by-products available, yet it is at present left in the field or taken to the vulture restaurants (in line with the VPN). Participatory risk analysis was thus also used to investigate the feasibility of using edible offal from impala (Aepyceros melampus) as a source of renewable protein, to address food security issues in impoverished communities in the study area, the districts of uPongola and Jozini, in northern KwaZulu Natal. Structured interviews on the cultural acceptability of impala offal were held with 162 randomly sampled adult respondents in veterinary districts associated with dip tanks. A two stage cluster design was used where the state veterinary areas were stage one and the dip tanks (with proportional random sampling of community members) were the second stage. Offal is a popular food in South Africa in different cultures, called “ithumbu” in IsiZulu, “ boti” by the Indian group, “afval” in Afrikaans and “tripe” in English. Generally demand outstrips supply of offal at red meat abattoirs in South Africa. It was found that there was no significant difference between those who would eat impala offal and those who would eat the offal of sheep. It was concluded that it is feasible to use inspected game offal from impala as a protein source in much the same way as red meat offal is used and that the current practice of leaving the offal for predators was likely, if it continues, to cause imbalances in the predator/ prey ratio on game farms. It is recommended that the VPN for game be amended to encompass inspected offal being allowed into the formal food chain, in line with the standard operating procedure developed during this study. Also that current fragmentation of legislation and the implementation thereof is revisited for effective control for harmonisation of food safety standards for game meat within South Africa. / Dissertation (MMedVet)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted