Thesis (M.S.)--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Apr. 30, 2006). Includes bibliographical references.

No abstract available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1984.

The development of a moral identity has been closely linked with parental care. Within the HIV/Aids context, concern about the moral actions of South Africans inspired an investigation into the Gestalt field of Zulu child-headed households, as the lack of adequate parental care threatens the development of moral identity in these households. As substitute parents, the adolescents in the Zulu child-headed households are responsible for enhancing moral identity in their siblings while their own moral identity is still developing. Since moral identity development occurs within their field of living experience, an investigation of the field of Zulu child-headed households was conducted in order to identify the aspects that can be utilised to develop a model that will empower the heads of the Zulu child-headed households to enhance moral identity development within their households. This was based on the Gestalt theoretical paradigm. The Gestalt theory accepts that people are part of their environments or “field”, and that the meaning of existence of the individuals in the Zulu child-headed households has no meaning outside the context of their environments with which they form a unified interactive whole through their mutually interactive forces. A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate the Gestalt field of 60 adolescents in Zulu child-headed households in the Mkhondo municipal area. The exploration of the Gestalt fields of the adolescents was described in four articles and the aspects that can be used to develop the model were identified in the conclusions and recommendations section of the manuscript. The aim of the first article was to investigate the aspects of the field of Zulu child-headed households in the Mkhondo municipal area relating to their subjective reality of the kinship support and associated needs they experienced within their dual roles as members of the Zulu child-headed households and substitute parents. Perceptions of what the adolescent heads in Zulu child-headed households viewed as helping their siblings become „good people‟ were investigated in the second article. The aim of the third article was to explore whether ethnic membership is one of the core constructs in moral identity development of adolescents in Zulu child-headed households, as ethnic identity in the Zulu culture is strongly integrated with a moral identity. The fourth article investigated the figuration of moral identity in the field of these adolescents, by comparing moral variants to various other characteristics of their field. The aspects of the Gestalt field that had been identified as useful for the development of the model revolved around three main themes, namely: associated with the usefulness of the school environment; overlapping Eurocentric and Afrocentric characteristics of identity;, and helper characteristics. Recommendations were made about aspects that could enhance the practical value of policy decisions based on facilitating awareness of various aspects of moral identity development; adjustments in the life orientation curriculum; and expanding the role of support staff in schools. / Thesis (PhD (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The development of a moral identity has been closely linked with parental care. Within the HIV/Aids context, concern about the moral actions of South Africans inspired an investigation into the Gestalt field of Zulu child-headed households, as the lack of adequate parental care threatens the development of moral identity in these households. As substitute parents, the adolescents in the Zulu child-headed households are responsible for enhancing moral identity in their siblings while their own moral identity is still developing. Since moral identity development occurs within their field of living experience, an investigation of the field of Zulu child-headed households was conducted in order to identify the aspects that can be utilised to develop a model that will empower the heads of the Zulu child-headed households to enhance moral identity development within their households. This was based on the Gestalt theoretical paradigm. The Gestalt theory accepts that people are part of their environments or “field”, and that the meaning of existence of the individuals in the Zulu child-headed households has no meaning outside the context of their environments with which they form a unified interactive whole through their mutually interactive forces. A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate the Gestalt field of 60 adolescents in Zulu child-headed households in the Mkhondo municipal area. The exploration of the Gestalt fields of the adolescents was described in four articles and the aspects that can be used to develop the model were identified in the conclusions and recommendations section of the manuscript. The aim of the first article was to investigate the aspects of the field of Zulu child-headed households in the Mkhondo municipal area relating to their subjective reality of the kinship support and associated needs they experienced within their dual roles as members of the Zulu child-headed households and substitute parents. Perceptions of what the adolescent heads in Zulu child-headed households viewed as helping their siblings become „good people‟ were investigated in the second article. The aim of the third article was to explore whether ethnic membership is one of the core constructs in moral identity development of adolescents in Zulu child-headed households, as ethnic identity in the Zulu culture is strongly integrated with a moral identity. The fourth article investigated the figuration of moral identity in the field of these adolescents, by comparing moral variants to various other characteristics of their field. The aspects of the Gestalt field that had been identified as useful for the development of the model revolved around three main themes, namely: associated with the usefulness of the school environment; overlapping Eurocentric and Afrocentric characteristics of identity;, and helper characteristics. Recommendations were made about aspects that could enhance the practical value of policy decisions based on facilitating awareness of various aspects of moral identity development; adjustments in the life orientation curriculum; and expanding the role of support staff in schools. / Thesis (PhD (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is the only existing national park situated in succulent thicket. This unique veld type is endemic to the Eastern Cape, and forms an important centre of endemism for small succulents and geophytes which comprise the subdominant component of the vegetation. It is regarded as the most threatened vegetation type in the Eastern Cape, as much of it has been severely degraded by farming activities and its rate of regeneration is very low. Thus the AENP represents an important sanctuary for certain species. However, large herbivores, particularly elephants, pose a further threat to the vegetation, and areas from which elephants have been excluded in the park (botanical reserves) have been shown to be more speciesrich than the surrounding vegetation. Most elephant-impact studies have focussed on the large shrub component of the vegetation, and only preliminary studies have been done in AENP to date. As the elephant population continues to grow, there is pressure to utilise the botanical reserves to increase the amount of available grazing. It is thus important that the botanical reserve system be highly effective and efficient in terms of area. Existing botanical reserves were established ad hoc and are therefore not necessarily optimal in this regard. An iterative reserve-selection algorithm was used to maximise plant species conservation in the most efficient area.

The primary objective of this research was to study the effects of agro-ecological regions (as represented by the veld types in four different areas), sex, season of birth, the interaction between sex and season of birth as well as the interaction between veld type and season of birth on selected anthropometrical measurements (body dimension measurements). The correlations between these selected anthropometrical measurements were also investigated in this study. Data from four herds of Nguni cattle comprising of 416 animals (Loskop South, Fort Hare, Kroonstad and Warmbaths with 115, 106, 97, and 98 animals respectively) was analysed. Measurements were taken in different seasons at each area or location. Statistical analyses of the data were done using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2002). The results of this study indicate that veld type, sex and the interaction between sex and veld type did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect the growth (selected anthropometrical measurements) of Nguni cattle. In all the four agro-ecological regions (veld type in the different regions), season of birth, the interaction between sex and season of birth (Sex*BS) and the interaction between season of birth and veld type (V*BS) showed a significant effect (P< 0.05) on selected body dimensions. Animals that were born during the winter and spring seasons were heavier (P<0.05, 333.37 kg and 336.95 kg respectively) than those born in summer (270.35 kg) and autumn (286.29 kg). The same can be said of other body dimensions (M, L, HW, HG, SH and HH), whereby the animals that were born during winter and spring seasons had higher values (P<0.05) than their counterparts born in summer and autumn. This tendency was also observed for SC although the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the study suggested that season of birth, the interaction between sex and season of birth (Sex*BS) and the interaction between veldtype (agro-ecological region) and season of birth (V*BS) are important sources of variation in growth of beef cattle, with special reference to Nguni cattle. It is therefore recommended that season of birth and its interaction with both veld type and sex should be given considerable attention in any extensive beef production system (with special reference to the Nguni breed) employed in South Africa. Knowledge of the influence of agro-ecological factors on the growth of beef cattle is of great importance for measuring production capacity, designing and implementing strategies to alter the extensive beef production system and thus to increase the output to ensure a more sustainable economic advantage. / Dissertation (Magister Institutionis Agrariae (Animal Production))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni × Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the False Thornveld By Archibold Garikayi Bakare The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the feeding behaviour of three goat genotypes: Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN) and Nguni × Boer crossbred (NBC) genotypes. The time spent on different activities (grazing, browsing and other activities) on rangelands was recorded using stop watches. The micro-histological faecal analysis technique was used to identify and quantify the plant species that were consumed by the goats across the four seasons. Time spent browsing was high in post-rainy season for XLE (55.94 %) compared to NGN (52.97 %) and crossbred NBC (45.95 %) goats. The high browsing activity was also noted for XLE in hot-wet and cool-dry season (P < 0.05). The NBC goats on the other hand; devoted most of their time grazing compared to XLE and NGN goats across seasons (P < 0.05). Generally, time of day had no effect (P > 0.05) on foraging activities among the goat breeds. Grewia occidentalis, Panicum maximum and Diospyros lycioides were the most preferred plant species by all genotypes across seasons in the paddock. It was concluded that crossbreds spent more time grazing as compared to XLE, which are more of browsers. It could, therefore, be recommended that XLE complement with grazers (cattle and sheep) for efficient management of feed resources in rangelands.

Please read the abstract in the section 15back of this document Without maps in separate bound folder / Dissertation (MSc (Wildlife Management))--University of Pretoria, 2000. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / MSc / unrestricted

In depth studies of the vegetation of large parts of southern Africa, including detailed maps and descriptions of vegetation units are mainly limited to small areas. Meanwhile, various agricultural practises have led to destruction or deterioration of the quality of natural grassland ecosystems. The agricultural sector in developed and rapidly developing areas of southern Africa is confronted with problems like veld deterioration and the loss of natural areas that effectively contribute to the depopulation of rural areas. The necessity to identify, classify and describe the vegetation types and communities within the Grassland Biome was stressed by Mentis and Huntley (1982). The aim of the Grassland Biome Project is to integrate knowledge. comprehension and expertise, which will enable scientists to forecast the results of the available options of grassland management programmes. The phytosociological classification of northwestern KwaZulu-Natal forms part of this project. Known previous vegetation studies of this area were conducted on a large scale and a considerable time ago, which underlines the necessity for a more comprehensive and phytosociologically refined investigation of this area. The study area lies in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal and comprises the Drakensberg mountains and slopes in the west and undulating plains and bushveld valleys in the east and south. Relevés were compiled in 526 stratified random sample plots over an area of 9300 km2, comprising the northwestern part of KwaZulu-Natal. The vegetation was classified by means of TWINSP AN and Braun-Blanquet procedures. A phytosociological investigation of this vegetation revealed great variation in floristic composition. Further refinement of the data disclosed five major vegetation types containing nine plant communities. The topography and geology of the study area contributes greatly to the diversity of the vegetation, but poor agricultural practises have caused deterioration of the vegetation. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 1998. / Plant Science / unrestricted

Conservation and management of the ecology of natural areas has become a prerequisite for mining companies in South Africa. Systematic conservation planning provides a useful tool for land–use planning and impact assessment, particularly in the mining industry. A study was therefore undertaken to provide sufficient, spatially explicit biodiversity and veld condition information to aid in the development and establishment of an official conservation plan for the leased mining area of Impala Platinum. By identifying areas with high plant diversity or endemism and by assessing veld conditions as well as grazing and browsing capacities, recommendations could be made towards management strategies and potential future land–use practices. The licensed mining area, north of Rustenburg, covers 29334 ha and includes 14 operational shafts. The area was stratified into three main categories based on landscape types namely: norite koppies; thornveld and rehabilitated areas. The Braun Blanquet approach was followed to sample 139 stratified random relevés. Additional computer software packages were used for capturing, processing and presentation of the phytosociological data (TURBOVEG) as well as a visual editor for phytosociological tables (MEGATAB). Ordinations were subsequently performed to confirm the plant communities and illustrate possible environmental gradients, using multivariate statistic analyses (CANOCO). Four plant communities with two subcommunities were identified and described in both the norite koppies and thornveld respectively while three plant communities with three sub–communities were identified in the rehabilitated areas. Specific environmental factors that influence plant community structure and composition in the norite koppies were the aspect and percentage of soil surface rockiness while soil types proved to be the distinguishing factor in the thornveld. The distribution of plant communities in the rehabilitated areas is mainly due to anthropogenic influences rather than any environmental factors. The Fixed Point Monitoring of Vegetation Methodology– FIXMOVE was then used to sample 32 stratified random survey plots in four selected plant communities in order to quantify and compare veld conditions as well as grazing and browsing capacities. The determination of landscape functionality served to support these quantitative results. The Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) method was used for this purpose. Multivariate statistic analyses (CANOCO) were used to indicate possible degradation gradients between the plant communities. Conclusions regarding conservation and management units were reached by interpreting the quantitative data in accordance with the phytosociological results and recommendations could then be made. All the norite koppies plant communities were recommended as areas for The Fixed Point Monitoring of Vegetation Methodology– FIXMOVE was then used to sample 32 stratified random survey plots in four selected plant communities in order to quantify and compare veld conditions as well as grazing and browsing capacities. The determination of landscape functionality served to support these quantitative results. The Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) method was used for this purpose. Multivariate statistic analyses (CANOCO) were used to indicate possible degradation gradients between the plant communities. Conclusions regarding conservation and management units were reached by interpreting the quantitative data in accordance with the phytosociological results and recommendations could then be made. All the norite koppies plant communities were recommended as areas for ii conservation because of unique and high biodiversity and anthropogenic threats. The Eragrostis rigidior–Ziziphus mucronata and Acacia caffra–Bothriochloa insculpta Communities in the thornveld showed the best potential for browsing and grazing practices but were also recommended for conservation because of their high species diversity and anthropogenic threats. The high landscape functionality, veld condition and grazing capacity of the Aristida bipartita–Bothriochloa insculpta Community indicated that the rehabilitation of the opencast mining areas had been relatively successful at the time of the surveys. Selected parts of the Indigofera heterotricha–Aristida bipartita Community were also recommended for conservation and management in the form of controlled and more effective grazing strategies were recommended for the rest of the thornveld. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.