The aim of this study is to obtain the perceptions of Grade 10 learners as well as the Life Orientation teacher, regarding the effectiveness of the sexuality education programme in a special school. The study was conducted according to a qualitative research approach, guided by the interpretivist paradigm. A single case study was utilised to explore the views and opinions of seven males, nine females and the Life Orientation teacher about phenomenon being studied. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews which allowed the researcher to ask open-response questions to gain rich data understanding of participant’s opinions and perception about sexuality education. Data was analysed by identifying themes and categories that emerged from participant’s perceptions and opinions. Involvement was an additional challenge that came to the fore. The participants agreed that sexuality education does provide them with useful and important information in this regard, however, they pleaded for more “real life” examples. Accessing contraceptives still posed a problem for learners and therefore, they suggested that contraceptives be made available at school and well as the appointment of a nurse. Based on the study results, some valuable recommendations were made which included the standardisation of life orientation in all special schools, easy accessibility to contraceptives and most importantly, parental involvement in their children’s sexuality may curb teenage pregnancy. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Early Childhood Education / MEd / Unrestricted

Developing their leadership qualities is one of the best gifts that teachers can give young learners. Childhood is the best time to inculcate leadership qualities; with these qualities, learners can learn to work independently, take responsibility, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make good decisions and work effectively with others in a team. This study examined the phenomena of leadership and the facilitation of the development of leadership qualities in the Foundation Phase that enabled young learners to develop and assume leadership roles from this young age. Through facilitating leadership qualities in the classroom teachers acquired responsibility for their own teaching process. The framework of the study was the transformational leadership theory, which postulates a relationship of mutual stimulation and elevation that converts followers into leaders, and Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which describes development as a series of stages. The participatory action research (PAR) methodology was used and applied in the natural environment of Foundation Phase teachers by observing learners. The research data was collected through focus group interviews, classroom observations, field notes, visuals and documentation. This data was analysed and grouped into themes and subthemes. The findings of the research revealed that Foundation Phase teachers were aware of various leadership qualities that can be facilitated to young learners. After capacity building workshops conducted the teachers realised that leadership qualities can be facilitated to young learners in the school contexts. Nevertheless, the study findings highlighted major challenges facing the Foundation Phase teachers and elicited probable solutions for practice and policy recommendations. Thus this study contributes to the existing knowledge of leadership where teachers practiced leadership, and facilitated leadership qualities to young learners in their classrooms. This study serves as a pioneer study for enhancing leadership qualities in the Foundation Phase. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Early Childhood Education / PhD / Unrestricted

This dissertation investigates how mineral resource exploitation intersects with development in Zambia. The main objective is to understand mining contributions to local community development and how these vary according to gender. The study draws empirical insights from Munali nickel mine in the Mazabuka district of Southern Zambia. Findings suggest that the relationship between mineral resource exploitation and development in Zambia has been restructured mainly due to neoliberal political-economic policies of the 1990s. One key outcome is that mining-led development in rural communities was seriously undermined. The research finds that mining-led development benefits men more than women due to the gender relations in the mining sector. Mining is traditionally considered a macho activity, which puts men at an advantage. The dissertation carries the argument that the implementation of IMF and World Bank-sponsored neoliberal political-economic policies compromised mining-led development in Zambia. A focus on neoliberal policies and ensuing privatisation made the country lose the development contributions which mines were making, especially in local mining communities. The subsequent introduction of development agreements did little to improve the situation. In fact, they worsened policy directions, with the country oscillating between tight mining regimes to relaxed ones. One outcome has been uncertainty in mines’ role in the development process, leading to limited benefits to Zambia’s mining communities. Overall, countries such as Zambia, where there is high dependency on mineral resource exploitation for economic growth, prioritising optimal taxation benefits tends to undermine mineral resource-led development, particularly in mining communities. / Dissertation (MSocSci)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Sociology / MSocSci / Unrestricted

Teacher effectiveness is argued to depend on sound pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) at topic level referred to as topic specific (PCK). The development of sound content knowledge for in-service science teachers through professional development (PTD) workshops has been a focus for the South African department of education over the years. The aim of the study was to explore the effect of a PTD programme on the development of subject advisors’ PCK of the energy concept. The rationale for the selection of the energy concept was based on the central role played by the energy concept as a cross-cutting concept in science. The study sought to provide answers to the following main research question: How does a PTD workshop develop the quality of physical science subject advisors’ TSPCK of the energy concept? The study followed a qualitative research approach, based on the post-positivist paradigm and a case study design. A conceptual framework adapted from Mavhunga (2014) and Gess-Newsome (2015) was used which links PCK to five components through which transformation emerges. A sample of fifteen physical science subject advisors from a province in South Africa was conveniently sampled and they completed the pre- and post-assessment CoRes. The participants’ written CoRes were then scored using an expert CoRe and rubric that were designed by the researcher. The validity of the expert CoRe and the rubric were aided by the use of the Rasch model. The model indicated reversed thresholds for some prompts and the researcher had to adjust the rubric until all the prompts indicated ordered thresholds before the final scoring process. To aid to the trustworthiness of the data collected, the researcher employed triangulation, data collection involved a semi-structured interview, document analysis of the workshop study manual and data from the CoRes. Data was interpreted and analysed using content analysis and the results suggested that the subject advisors’ PCK of the energy concept improved after the PTD workshop. The improvement was more noticeable in the TSPCK components that were addressed during the workshop. It is however apparent from the analysis and interpretation that teachers’ TSPCK of the energy concept may be improved through PTD workshops. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / MEd / Unrestricted

Introduction: Health care workers have a pivotal role in the management of Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and their well-being is consequently crucial as it could impact negatively on the quality of caregiving. With the development of a care and support model, the needs of health care workers can be identified and catered for, and quality patient care will be rendered through well-cared and supported health care workers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a care and support model for health care providers of patients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS in the public hospitals of the Limpopo Province. A key step in the development of a model for care and support is to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses regarding care and support they receive while providing care to HIV and AIDS patients in the public hospitals of Limpopo Province Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was the method used which guided the development of the model. The population of the study were the professional nurses in five public hospitals from each district of the Limpopo Province. These hospitals were selected because they all shared similar characteristics of having clinics where HIV and AIDS patients receive care. The sample was purposively selected. The sample size was 20 professional nurses which was determined by data saturation, meaning that four professional nurses who worked for 24 months or more per public hospital were selected. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and an audiotape was used to record all unstructured interview sessions conducted. Analysis of data were done through using an open-coding method in accordance with Tech’s qualitative data methodology to develop a model. Results: The research findings revealed emotional and physical strain due to shortage of staff and heavy workload which was exacerbated by staff turnover and high absenteeism. Exhaustion, fatigue, development of work-related illnesses and increased level of stress were also challenges experienced which led to increased customer complaints and decreased quality of service provided to patients. Many professional nurses were not trained in the management of patients with HIV and AIDS, but were expected to execute their activities competently. There was also lack of counselling, debriefing sessions, recognition and rewarding systems for the health professionals who were taking care of those patients. Recommendations: This Care and Support Model provides strategies to be used by the managers in public hospitals of Limpopo Province to enhance care and support to health care providers of HIV and AIDS patients. The model should be implemented at various public hospitals throughout Limpopo Province and feedback provided so that it could be further developed and refined. Conclusion: The results indicated that health care providers of HIV and AIDS patients were deprived of the necessary care and support during provision of care to HIV and AIDS patients. A model for care and support as a strategy to assist the managers to offer care and support to health care providers of HIV and AIDS has been developed. The model is a contribution to the nursing management, the government and it serves as a guideline for improving the quality of patient care through well-cared and supported health care workers. / Dissertation (MTheology)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Practical Theology / MTheology / Unrestricted

Tick burden and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in cattle have for centuries plagued most parts of southern Africa, hence the adoption of various tick control strategies. The most commonly used method of tick control has been the application of chemical acaricides to cattle through plunge dipping. Dipping frequency is influenced by factors such as disease risk, eco-climatic conditions, level of vector challenge, animal breed, vector life cycle and the residual effect of the chosen acaricide. Compulsory weekly dipping (intensive tick control) is often implemented by State Veterinary Departments as an aid to effective disease surveillance. Such intensive tick control, however, negatively impacts on endemic stability to TBDs and results in more rapid selection for acaricide resistance, especially amongst one-host ticks. A study was conducted in the Mnisi communal area (MCA), a Corridor disease (CD) and Foot and mouth disease (FMD) controlled area, situated in the north-eastern part of Bushbuckridge Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Data was collected from 16 sites (dip tanks) corresponding to 16 villages in the area. The study aimed to determine the actual dipping frequency (as opposed to the intended weekly dipping regimen) and factors influencing the dipping frequency. The specific objectives were to determine, a) the number of dipping sessions per dip tank, per season and per year b) the average proportion of cattle dipped per dip tank per session across seasons and years c) to describe the seasonal pattern of dipping frequency and d) the main reasons for variation between actual and intended dipping frequency. A longitudinal, retrospective survey was conducted, based on data obtained from 16 dip tanks of the Veterinary Service of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs in Mpumalanga Province. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression was used to analyse the data. The results indicated a gradual increase in the frequency of dipping over a period of 7 years and across the 16 dip tanks. There was a variation between intended dipping (52 times per annum) and actual dipping (27 times per annum). The dipping frequency and proportion of cattle dipped varied across the seasons and years. The average dipping frequency for the study period was 27 times per annum (53%) and the average proportion of cattle dipped was 49%.There was a significant difference in the dipping frequency across the three seasons. Disruptions in dipping were noted and the main reasons for not dipping were official leave or temporary reassignment of officials to other disease control programmes and weather conditions mainly rainfall. This study creates an opportunity to discuss the impact of the findings in relation to its implications on acaricide resistance and maintenance of endemic stability to TBDs. The current dipping pattern is discussed and a strategic or less intensive dipping system is recommended. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / MSc / Unrestricted

The study investigated South African Millennials’ propensity to consume in a Voluntary Simplistic manner taking into consideration selected dimensions of Voluntary simplicity as defined in literature namely; material simplicity, ecological awareness, self-determination and human scale. Demographic differences among Millennials were also considered. A survey was conducted in Tshwane, Gauteng, as Tshwane potentially provided access to a high population of Millennials, which made data collection easier. Data collection and coding of questionnaires were done by trained fieldworkers, after which a professional research company captured the data. Data analysis, which was done under supervision of a statistician, consisted of descriptive statistics, Chi square- and post hoc tests. The study confirmed that South African Millennials are to an extent Voluntary Simplistic in terms of the dimensions of Voluntary Simplicity. These Millennials indicated a fairly strong propensity toward material simplicity and ecological awareness but a moderate or weak propensity towards selfdetermination and human scale. Previous studies indicated that willingness to purchase in a Voluntary Simplistic manner is affected by demographic characteristics such as gender, education level, household income and population group. Therefore, the relevance of demographic characteristics formed part of the investigation of Millennials’ clothing purchase decisions. This study found that population group and gender could be good predictors of the nature of Millennials’ purchasing decisions, further indicating that females and the black population group are more likely to consume and purchase clothing in a Voluntary Simplistic manner. Further indications are that Millennials are fairly materially simplistic and frugal in terms of their clothing purchase and consumption practices. When confronted with a scenario where they were given the option of extra money to spend on a special outfit, the majority of the sample indicated that they would rather spend their money on something else than to upgrade their current outfit. This indicates a tendency towards frugal consumption and a change from materialism towards material simplicity. While the Millennial cohort is a highly lucrative market due to their undeniable purchasing power, marketers and brand managers should take cognisance of these consumers’ preferences and the type of products that they are interested in. Use of social media, which they are very confident in using, could be optimised to entice them to buy local merchandise and to enhance store experiences. Topics related to the way in which Millennials buy clothing and the factors that they regard important when purchasing clothing deserves further investigation in order to gain a better understanding of these consumers who are central to our economy in the future. / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Consumer Science / MConsumer Science / Unrestricted

The response of South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) ewes to synchronisation of oestrus and fertility following different protocols and artificial insemination (AI) were studied using data collected during the autumn breeding season. The study was aimed at comparing the effect of long and short-term progesterone (P4) treatment and their combination with either equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) or the ram effect (Ram) on oestrous response and fertility of ewes. Ewes (n = 78) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups in a 2×2 factorial design and primed with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) for a 9 (short) or 14 d (long) period. At CIDR withdrawal, ewes in each group received either a single intramascular injection of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; 300 IU) or exposure to the ram effect; eCGshort (n=19), Ramshort (n=21), eCGlong (n=19) and Ramlong (n=19). Oestrous behaviour was monitored from 12-84 h post CIDR withdrawal and ultrasound performed at 48 h post CIDR withdrawal to examine number and diameter of follicles. Artificial insemination (AI) was performed twice at 48 and 60 h post CIDR withdrawal with fresh undiluted semen using the cervical method. Non-return rate (NRR) was monitored 15-21 d post AI while pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal ultrasound at 35 d post AI and confirmed by lambing data. Oestrous behaviour was observed in 98.7% of all synchronised ewes, with no significant difference between treatment groups. Overall, CR and the proportion of ewes lambing to synchronised oestrus were (74.4% and 52.6%, respectively). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in oestrus response, onset of oestrus, duration of oestrus, number of follicles, diameter of the largest follicle, NRR, conception rate (CR), AI to lambing interval, twinning rate and number of lambs born. When data were pooled, CIDR-14 d protocols showed a significantly shorter interval to onset of oestrus (24.9 ± 1.6 versus 30.8 ± 2.1, P < 0.05) than CIDR-9 d protocols but there was no difference (P > 0.05) between eCG and Ram protocols when data were pooled. CIDR-9 d protocols resulted in a significantly higher CR (85.0% versus 63.2%, P < 0.05 ) than CIDR-14 d protocols when data were pooled but there was no difference (P > 0.05) in CR between eCG and Ram protocols. Mean AI to lambing interval was 158.2 ± 1.2 d, ranging from 147-154 d and 166-186 d post AI. The proportion of ewes lambing to synchronised oestrus per treatment group were (eCGshort (52.6%), Ramshort (42.9%), eCGlong (63.2%), Ramlong (52.6%), P > 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the 4 protocols investigated were effective in synchronising oestrus with similar response to synchronisation of oestrus and fertility between treatment groups. Of the 4 protocols, the Ramlong protocol offers the benefit of reduced cost, reduced hormonal use and adequate fertility compared to other protocols. In addition, the cost of labour involved is foregone and a safer product is disposed of to the environment compared to use of the eCGlong and Ramshort or eCGshort protocols respectively. / Dissertation (MSc (Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / MSc (Agric) / Unrestricted

A series of single compression tests were performed in order to improve the understanding of the influence of processing parameters (temperature, strain and strain rate) on the hot deformation behaviour of 2304 LDSS. The hot compression tests were carried out in the temperature range of 850 � 1050 oC with strain rates of 0.1, 1, 5, 10 and 15 s-1, and true strain of 0.6. The strain rates were also extended to 30 and 50 s-1 and true strain to 0.8 in order to broaden the knowledge base, and to observe if effects such as flow stress steady state can be achieved. Ferrite-to-austenite transformation was observed to take place at higher strain rates with an increase in strain beyond the peak strain; especially at 10 s-1. At lower strain rates of 0.1 and 1 s-1, no increase in the austenite phase fraction was observed. The increase in austenite phase fraction was observed to take place simultaneously with softening in the flow stress. It was concluded that the phase change was not the cause of the observed flow softening, since flow softening was still observed even in the absence of a phase change (an increase austenite fraction). EBSD results confirmed the flow softening to be due to DRX. The ferrite-to-austenite transformation is suggested to be strain-induced. This strain-induced transformation is based on the fact that the deformation of a dual austenite-ferrite structure results in unequal strain distribution over the two phases and ferrite bearing more strain since it is the softer phase. Upon deformation beyond the peak strain where softening processes are active in both phases; the two phases undergo different softening kinetics due to their difference in SFE. The austenite phase undergoes DRX due to its low SFE and ferrite basically undergoes DRV due to a high SFE (with possibility of CDRX at high strains). This leads to more deformation energy being stored in the ferrite, and hence the driving force for the nearby austenite strain induced boundary migration (SIBM) into the ferrite in order to minimize the system energy and achieve equilibrium condition. The increase in austenite fraction in turn leads to a shift in the equilibrium phase fractions of ferrite and austenite. Microstructural analysis and processing maps revealed DRV as the operating power dissipation process below the peak strain, ensuring good workability. The flow behaviour in work hardening and dynamic recovery regime was successfully modelled through a physically-based Estrin-Mecking (EM) model. Likewise, the fractional softening regime was also modelled through the Avrami equation. Consequently, an EM model coupled with the Avrami equation was shown to accurately predict the flow behaviour of the 2304 LDSS. A model based on the change in Gibbs free energy resulting in the observed change in phase equilibrium was proposed. The model was developed through incorporating the results from microstructural and EBSD analysis to substantiate the observed dynamic transformation. The model seems to concur with the observation in this study that the ferrite-to-austenite (? ??) dynamic transformation (DT) taking place was not responsible for the flow softening. Rather it was the DRX in austenite and DRV in ferrite resulting in dislocation density differences which resulted in SIBM that is responsible for the observed ? ?? DT. No phase fraction change was observed below the peak strain, i.e. up to a strain of 0.3. The significant observation applicable to typical industrial steel processing is whereby the strain per pass is generally below 0.3. Hence, no phase fraction changes would be expected at any stage during a typical industrial finish rolling which would lead to better control of the final microstructures and the subsequent mechanical properties. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering / PhD

The study explored, adapted and implemented a balanced reading instruction programme for improving reading comprehension of bilingual children in Uganda. The research investigated the effectiveness of the uniquely designed balanced reading instruction programme to improve teachers’ instruction and children’s reading comprehension in both the native language (Runyankole) and English. The study was prompted by low reading levels, in particular reading comprehension, as experienced by Ugandan primary three bilingual children. The study was of a critical qualitative nature and employed participatory action research methodology. Being action-oriented, the study was conducted in a primary school setting in partnership with four primary three teachers as direct participants and their children as indirect participants. Data was collected through focus group interviews, direct observation of lessons, analysis of teachers’ lesson plan books, children’s activity books and assessment sheets and a researcher’s reflective journal. The focus group interview sessions and the lessons observed were videotaped and transcribed. Data from the four sources was analysed and categorised in order to identify the themes and sub-themes that emerged. The study was premised on a conceptual framework that was formulated using two theories, namely Cummins’ (1981) linguistic interdependence hypothesis and Rappaport’s (1984) empowerment theory. The conceptual framework implied that teachers’ instruction influenced children’s attainment of reading comprehension in both their native language and English. The empowerment of teachers with effective strategies, reading activities and resources that enhanced reading comprehension of bilingual children was examined from this perspective. Findings of the study revealed that there were gaps that existed in teacher participants’ instruction of reading comprehension in both Runyankole and English. The findings also indicated that teachers’ participation in the balanced reading instruction programme made them gain skills, strategies and a positive attitude to the instruction of reading comprehension in Runyankole which assisted them to teach English. Consequently, bilingual children attained reading comprehension strategies in Runyankole which they also used to improve their reading comprehension in English. The study recommended that professional development programmes, particularly for the teaching of reading comprehension in the native language, as well as storybook writing workshops should be initiated by the Education Department of Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. In addition, the head teachers should devote equal time to the teaching of reading comprehension in Runyankole and English in the lower primary classes. Primary teachers’ training colleges should also introduce explicit teaching of reading comprehension in Runyankole and English in the curriculum of the early grades. / Early Childhood Education / PhD / Unrestricted