M. Tech. (Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / Context: Pelargonium alchemilliodes L L' Her is an evergreen shrub, cultivated principally for the medicinal essence and decoction in Southern Africa for the treatment of skin problems, and wounds. Objective: the aim of the study was to optimize the extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from P. graveolens by response surface methodology with particular attention on the proliferative and cytotoxic effects on human keratinocytes, as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial activities and also to isolate active compounds. Materials and Methods: The optimization was achieved by Box-Behnken design. Extract, metabolite yields, and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by gravimetric, spectrophotometric, and microdilution methods, respectively. The antiradical potentials were evaluated using the phosphomolybdate. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and lipid peroxidation assays, the diterpenoids were isolated and purified using open column chromatography, PTLC, and characterized with FTIR, NMR. The kinetics of the lipid protective activity was studied and fitted into models. The proliferative and cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the CellTiter® Blue cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase assay. Results: The regression coefficient r2 ≥ 0.9775 indicated a close correlation between actual and predicted values of the responses. The ideal parameter for the extraction of phenolics and flavonoids by macerations was determined as an extraction time: 9.63-12.01 h, material mass: 2.62-3.00 g, agitation speed: 143.11-197.11 rpm, and solvent volume: 68.06-69.87 mL. The optimal extractable acetone and methanol crude, flavonoids, and phenolic are (28.87±2.15%, 24.11±1.15%), (7.11±1.03 mg QE/g, 5.98±0.87 mg QE/g) and (58.08±0.88 mg GAE/g, 55.91±1.15 mg GAE/g), respectively. The detected different chemical groups of polyphenolic compounds such as alkaloids, saponins , sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and cardiac glycosides from methanol and acetone extracts were in correlation with optimized yields. Two triterpenoids compounds 1-hydroxy-30-norlanosta-6, 8-diene and 1 2,3,4a,8,9,10,10a-octahydro-2-(2-hydroxypent-4-enyl)-4a-vinyl-1H-benzo[c]chromen-6(10bH)-one were isolated form methanol extracts. The main components of essential oils were citronellal (5.99%), citranellol (26.2%), geraniol (8.56%), citronellyl butyrate (20.3%), trans-farnesol (9.53%) and they were characterized by high amounts of oxygenated hydrocarbons (67.6%), followed by sesquterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpene (9.32%) and the least being mornoterpene hydrocarbons (5.20%). Total antioxidant capacity and reducing power were comparable to standard gallic acid, while the antiradical activity has IC50 value of 0.18±0.03-8.98±0.15 mg/mL. Further, the lipid protective revealed a dose-dependent activity fitting into a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. MIC value of 1.56 mg/mL for extracts was registered against Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella typhi comparable to chloramphenicol. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in cell proliferation and viability when the extract was administered at concentrations of ≤50 μg/mL. However, at ≥100 μg/mL concentrations at ≤ 1000 μg/mL for essential oil exhibited a significnt cytotoxicity in comparison to the untreated cell. Conclusion: These biological activities are confirmation of the phytomedicinal application and possible source of pharmaceutical compounds. However, administration of the decoction should take into cognizance the antiproliferative effect at doses ≥100 μg/mL as well as the potential to induce and maintain keratinocyte proliferation at low concentration with an eye on the antiproliferative effect at concentrations ≥100 μg/mL, except the P. Alchemilliodes essential oils at ≤ 1000 μg/mL.

Many African communities are significantly affected by climate change, despite being small contributors to the world's emissions. In Mozambique, the rural Southern region is more vulnerable to climate instability than other rural areas in the country. The purpose of this study is to look at factors that can be vital when deciding whether to stay or to migrate, such as resilience, social sustainability, and development opportunities and challenges. The data was collected through ethnographic fieldwork in a rural community on the Mozambican coast, with the villagers' perspective in the centre of what makes the place relevant to their daily lives. What makes the study village sustain and thrive are the development processes of weather-resistant buildings and developing ideas for more sufficient farming, health, and education. Even though some people migrate from the village to the cities, people often come back as challenges in the village are more familiar and simpler to deal with, development ideas represent a hopeful future for the village, and the villagers' want to live in their community simply because it is home.

Genetically modified (GM) crops gained attention in southern Africa as countries are struggling with food insecurity and poverty to achieve sustainable development. The controversy around GM crops have provoked heated debates. GM crops are often perceived as a global risk to human health and the environment. The research question is what are the perceptions of environmental educators regarding the use of GM crops toward sustainable development. In the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development environmental educators will need to be key role players in addressing crucial issues such as GM crops. Their perceptions hold many implications for educational programmes. Environmental educators interviewed perceive GM crops as a serious issue. As mediators in a multidisciplinary setting between science and society, environmental educators can play a functional role. Open processes that require greater participation, criticality and reflexivity need to be facilitated in a complex biophysical and social context in southern Africa. / Educational Studies / M. Ed.(Environmental Education)

The cost of education at institutions of higher education is very high and is exacerbated by the failure rate among first-year students, in particular. Their inability to cope with academic demands is largely due to their lack of preparation as a result of poor schooling in previously disadvantaged secondary schools. In the light of this, this study was undertaken to determine the academic needs of and strategies for remedial academic support to first-year dental therapy students at Medunsa. A literature review provided a theoretical foundation and highlighted various factors which impede effective study. An empirical investigation used a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore the needs of first-year dental therapy students at Medunsa. The results corroborated the issues addressed by the literature as constraints to students' success. Diverse strategies for providing academic remedial support for first-year students were discussed based on the literature review and empirical investigation. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The study was prompted mainly by the need for and possibility of collaboration or even mutual accreditation of practising chartered accountants and auditors in the countries of Southern Africa. In establishing common ground between these countries of Southern Africa it was found that the countries share not only geographical space but also strong and increasingly important trade links, movement of people between the countries and in some instances a common history, culture and language in the form of English. The current harmonisation process of accounting standards worldwide enhanced this process. A literature study was done emphasising South Africa as part of the Southern African region, with a special emphasis on accountancy education. An analysis of current international co-operation was done with special reference to the current international harmonisation process. As part ofthe background an analysis was done of the current status of the accountancy profession in each Southern African country. As this study was done from a South African perspective, the emphasis was on the views of members of the accounting profession in public practice with regard to greater cooperation in the region in the accountancy field. This was achieved by means of an empirical survey. It was found that the aforesaid professionals are overwhelmingly in support of greater cooperation in the region. They believe that it would enhance the status of individual accounting bodies worldwide~ that costs, information and infrastructure could be shared; and that it would enhance professionalism and improve service to clients. Specific areas were identified where co-operation could be improved, namely that academic training should be harmonised, practical tralning should be interchangeable and agreements should be reached with individual countries. Some concern was expressed that above all, control should be maintained over the standards of academic and practical education. It is recommended that the bodies governing the accountancy establishment in South Africa, especially the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Public Accountants' and Auditors' Board, should increase their current efforts to establish greater formal relations with other countries in the Southern African region. / Auditing / D. Compt. (Accounting Science)

Women today continue to struggle against male-dominated values and norms, and male prejudices, both in society and the Church. This balance of power needs to be altered to free women from the domination of men. The strategies proposed in this dissertation are based on the Christian ethic of justice and equality. Their implementation, I argue, would empower women to resist oppression, independently of men, to achieve liberation and equality so that male-dominated ideologies and structures could no longer oppress. A case study of women ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa revealed discrimination against, and the limitation of the ministries of women clergy. The ethical dilemma of the Church appearing to follow, rather than to lead society on such issues was noted. The attainment of the liberation of women is dependent solely upon themselves and the extent to which they are prepared to take responsibility for their own lives. / M.Th. (Theological Ethics)

Text in English / This dissertation has examined the University Christian Movement (UCM) over its turbulent five year history from 1967 to 1972 in terms of the original hopes of the sponsoring ecumenical denominations. Contextual factors within the socio-political arena of South Africa as well as broader youth cultural influences are shown to have had a decisive influence. These factors help to explain the negative reaction from the founding churches. While this is not a thesis on Black Consciousness, nevertheless the contribution of the UCM to the rise of Black Consciousness and Black Theology is evaluated. UCM is shown to be a movement well ahead of its time as a forerunner in South Africa of Black Theology, contextual theology, feminism, modem liturgical styles, and intercommunion. As such it was held in suspicion. It suffered repressive action from the government and alienation from the churches. Constant cross referencing to other organisations such as the World Student Christian Federation, the National Union of South African Students, the South African Council of Churches, the Christian Institute, and the Sllldents Christian Association, helps to locate the UCM within the flow of contemporary history. The concluding evaluation differs markedly from the report of the Schlebusch Commission by making both critical and positive judgement from the perspective of the UCM as an ecumenical mission to students. / Christain Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / M.Th. (Missiology)

The Study of Theology plays a crucial role in the construction of a sound theology in this post liberation era of Southern Africa. This exercise is conformed to the academic learning and creates an environment where theology can dialogue with other disciplines. It helps in the critical reflection on the issue of God and human beings as the object of theology in African context. The study of theology and the doing of theology are methods which bring praxis and theory together. The doing of theology is the daily work of a pastor in a congregation. It is an exercise that put theological theories into practice. This is a methodology that guides the process of developing a contextual theology in Southern Africa. It is a process of taking theology from classroom to the congregations the community. The study of theology and the doing theology are soul mates. They work hand in hand to address contemporary situations. Human beings should know their physical organic environment. They are the object of theology. People experience God from natural science. Liberation theologies e.g. Africanist, Black and Women/Feminist theologies should use new approaches in order to meet the post liberation error challenges. The wholesome approach is another alternative to be used by these theologies. The approach is based on the interconnectedness of God, human beings and physical organic universe (Theanthropocosmic principle). The principle of Theanthropocosmic helps to direct theology in Southern Africa to be contextual and universal. Some new contextual theologies are born because of the theanthropocosmic approaches to modern challenges. The modern society is build under principles of democracy, good governance, peace and tranquility. The major role of theology is to ensure that the society enjoys those principles. Theology is directed to a group and individuals. The social, political and economical challenges should be approached as a group. The wholesome approach is an appropriate method to address challenges imposed by globalization ideologies. The increase rate of poverty in Southern Africa brings up other social illness in communities e.g. corruptions, crime, diseases. There is a need to engage theology in economic globalization. The concept of Botho calls everyone in the community to participate in the fight against these social illnesses in the society. Theology is obliged to restore economic justice. The Church is encouraged to participate in the cultural liberation and renewal. She is compelled to do mission work in this paradigms of cultural changes. African renaissance is an urgent thing to be implemented order to overcome challenges imposed by globalization in Southern Africa. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Systematic Theology)

International teacher migration has emerged as one of the key policy challenges confronting many countries, particularly in Southern Africa, with Botswana, South Africa and Zambia experiencing variable degrees of the cross-border movement of teachers. The aim of this research was to develop a strategy for managing teacher migration in Southern Africa, and balancing the right of individual teachers to migrate internationally, while protecting the integrity of vulnerable education systems and their human resources. The research comprised a literature review and an empirical study based on a mixed-methods research design combining the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The literature study examined international teacher migration, including its main concepts, theories, causes and effects, while the empirical study assessed the statistical scope of teacher migration in Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa and Zambia), its causes, effects, and management. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data from education officials, school principals and migrant teachers, while personal in-depth interviews were used to elicit complementary qualitative data from some experts on migration, education officials, teacher union leaders, school principals and migrant teachers. The results of the study revealed that teacher migration statistics and data were generally patchy and incomplete in Southern Africa; that international teacher migration in the region was driven by three main causes related to economic, political and salary conditions; and that teacher migration had both positive and negative effects on the education systems of Southern African countries, migrant teachers and their families. The findings further revealed that improving the management of teacher migration in Southern Africa required a systematic and coordinated approach involving sending and receiving countries, with reference to a common policy and legal framework supported by comprehensive teacher migration data. In this regard, and based on the identification of key principles and guidelines for teacher migration management, a model is proposed for the viable management of teacher migration in the Southern African region. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Education Management)

Despite the fact that the Bible as the inspired Word of God deals primarily with the relationship between God and humankind and the way to salvation and eternal life, the Bible also presents tenets that entreat the protection of the natural and biophysical world. Consequently, since the environment is a foremost aspect of God’s creation it is appropriate to establish the Biblical perspective on creation as a whole and Christians’ subsequent position and duty to creation. Humankind has been ecologically irresponsible. Greed, inadequate knowledge and negligence have led to exploitation, degradation, and disregard for the natural environment. Unfortunately, there appears to be a “deep silence” within the Christian Church worldwide as well as in South Africa on believers’ role and duty towards the natural created environment. The premise underpinning this thesis is that God’s redemptive care applies not only to people, but also to the whole of creation and that believers have a Biblical mandate to care for the natural environment and afford it its concomitant value. The Bible provides believers with directives regarding environmental care summarised in God’s requirement for man to “work [the earth] and take care of it” (Gen. 2: 15). The anticipated outcomes of this research were to establish the status of Environmental Stewardship as a dimension Christian Stewardship and the level of Environmental Literacy provided for in the curricula of theological seminaries of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. The study further attempted to determine the level of understanding and stance of ministers, lecturers, elders and students towards these issues. Believers have a duty of care in relation to God’s creation in totality – both humanity and the natural environment. There is a great need for Christian discussion on and improvement in the appropriate use and protection of the environment. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)