4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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The dynamics of place branding in Johannesburg: 1994 - 2019
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mbinza, Zenzile; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni Fana
This PhD thesis lays the ground for understanding place branding processes from cities of the Global South. It critically explores place branding as an emerging mechanism for urban governance in Johannesburg. It is critical because place branding and its related processes have increasingly gained momentum in countries, regions and cities jostling for niche status in global economics. This thesis explores the different place brands that Johannesburg coined over time, focussing on the period between 1994 and 2019. It explored the city’s place brands under the five mayors that presided over Johannesburg, beginning with Dan Pretorius (1994 – 1995), Isaac Mogase (1995 – 1999), Amos Masondo (2000 – 2011), Parks Tau (2011 – 2016) and Herman Mashaba (2016 – 2019). The thesis employed a qualitative research methodology and case study design. Primary data Archival research and interviews were the primary data collection strategies. The ensuing discussion of place brands in Johannesburg reveals the dynamics and push factors that have contributed to the development of place brands under the time in question. Politics, economics, and activities related to globalisation emerged as leading drivers for the city of Johannesburg to develop its various place brands. The thesis found that Johannesburg followed a template similar to the cities of the Global North in its application of place branding. However, the thesis also found gaps in the city’s place branding processes. For example, there was limited engagement with the city residents when developing Johannesburg’s place brands. It pointed to a unilateral, top-down application of place branding in the city, which precluded it from using these processes as democracy-building tools. It necessitates the exploration of place branding from the perspective of city governments to begin encompassing issues of inclusivity and public participation. In this light, the thesis calls for a more strategic application of place branding in the Johannesburg.
Community (mis)participation in Urban Green Space restoration: A case of the Wilds Nature Reserve, Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Marere, Nozipho P.; Leuta, Tsepang
There is a notable rise in privatized urbanism in South Africa, a trend which re/produces urban inequalities. This research sought to determine whether community involvement in urban green space restoration follows the same trend of private urbanism resulting in an apartheid legacy of separate development, exclusion and segregation. The research followed the qualitative case study approach. Data collection instruments used were semi-structured interviews, with a sample size of twenty-two individuals, selected through a combination of convenience and purposive sampling. Participant observations, which were done over a period of three months, also supplemented by photographs of biophysical elements of note highlighted by participants through transect walks. Findings from this research established that community participation at the Wilds is informal. Challenges in the way of a working and effective public-private partnership include power dynamics, lack of trust and bureaucracy. However, in the absence of a formal working relationship, a novel form of co-production occurs resulting in spaces of hybrid character. Hybrid spaces are therefore the medium of (re)production of power, privilege, exclusion and inequality. Main groups excluded from participation in restoration include Black people, women and children. Their exclusion is based on social class or income level, level of education and awareness and vulnerability of physical assault and abuse. A recommendation for future research is an exploration of local systems of innovation by young people in Urban Green Space development and management.
Migration, Motherhood and Subjective Wellbeing: Experiences of Transnational Mothers in Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-12) Zikhali, Thulisile; Vearey, Jo; Walker, Rebecca
The discussions on feminisation of migration have renewed research interests into the gendered nature of migration experiences. This highlights the implications of cultural norms and values on migrant women. Despite that there is a longstanding history of people migrating to Johannesburg from within the Southern African region, little is written about the experiences of cross border migrant mothers who leave their children behind. This study explores the intersections of migration, motherhood, and subjective wellbeing in Johannesburg inner city, drawing from the experiences of twenty women: originating from Zimbabwe (comprising 15 women), Ghana (consisting of 3 women), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (involving 2 women). Participant observations and semi-structured interviews are methods that were used to collect data in the following three Johannesburg inner city areas: Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville. These are migrant-dense urban spaces in Johannesburg. The study used matricentric feminism and constructivism as its philosophical resources. It also utilised concepts of precarity, embodied transnationalism and subjective wellbeing as analytical tools to examine transnational mothers’ experiences. Findings indicate that familial social history and cultural gender norms play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of motherhood and in determining what are seen as “acceptable” ways of mothering. The study also found that there were tensions and contradictions in mothers’ perceptions of motherhood: their convictions on meanings of motherhood and the roles that mothers are expected to play in families were not in alignment with their own contemporary realities. Contrary to studies that have been conducted elsewhere, for example in North America and Europe, this study suggests that transnational mothering strategies in Johannesburg inner city are largely mediated by localised contextual factors such as lack of documentation, unstable jobs, xenophobia and crime. These factors undermine mothering strategies by creating an environment of uncertainty which makes it difficult for mothers to fulfil their mothering obligations, for example, sending remittances on time, maintaining regular cross border communication and regular visits to home. This study contributes to conceptual advancement in transnational motherhood research by bringing the aspect of wellbeing to the fore. It does this by uniquely considering the use of subjective wellbeing in understanding mothers’ experiences and how migration was beneficial to their mothering goals and aspirations. Findings indicate that mothers demonstrated agency in dealing with various challenges. They found migration as emancipatory and they were determined to provide for their children as well as to secure their future.
Do asset pricing models explain sector returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange?
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ranchod, Ishani; Page, Daniel
This study is conducted to evaluate whether style factors-based asset pricing models can explain sector returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The time frame for this research is between January 2007 to July 2023. Daily return data for both styles and sectors were used and calculated on a buy and hold basis with values that were obtained from Bloomberg and Iress. The methodology applied is a time-series regression used for a Gibbons- Ross-Shanken (1989) alpha test. This research provides investors with valuable insights into the specific asset pricing models and their underlying related style factors that can elucidate the cross-sectional variation of both sector and more comprehensively, share returns on the JSE. The results of the study confirm the effectiveness of various factor models in explaining sector returns on the JSE, with the six-factor model demonstrating superior performance. Notably, the six-factor model exhibits explanatory power for the financial and industrial sectors, highlighting its comprehensive ability to explain sector returns. The significance of size and value premiums across models underscores their importance in sector return analysis. Additionally, the six-factor model strengthens its ability to elucidate cross-sectional variation in styles and sector returns. Overall, the six-factor model emerges as a robust framework for analysing sector returns on the JSE, providing valuable insights into risk factors and how sectors perform.
Role of novel biomarkers in predicting chronic kidney disease progression among black patients attending a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Meremo, Alfred Jackson; Naicker, Saraladevi; Duarte, Raquel; Paget, Graham; Dickens, Caroline
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading health issue and its magnitude has been increasing globally; where the developing countries are the most affected and they are the least equipped to deal with its associated consequences. Chronic kidney disease can rapidly and quietly progress to late CKD stages in impoverished environments. Early recognition of patients who are likely to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is important. Methodology: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on CKD patients of black ethnicity attending at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) renal outpatient clinic in South Africa, as from September 2019 to March 2022. Patients provided blood and urine samples for investigations in the laboratory at study enrolment (0) and at the 24 months follow up. The concentrations of the transforming growth factor isoforms [(TGF)-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3) were determined in serum and urine at baseline using the Human TGF-β duoset ELISA. Data were descriptively and inferentially processed by the REDcap and analyzed using STATA version 17 and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to find out the predictors of CKD progression. Results: A total of 312 patients were recruited into the study; the median age was 58 (IQR 46 -67) years and 162 (51.9 %) were male. Hypertension was present in majority (96.7 %) of the patients. Diabetes mellitus was present in 38.7 % of patients and 38.1 % of the study patients had both hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A total of 297 (95.2%) patients completed the study. Death was reported in 5 (1.6%) patients and 10 (3.2%) of patients were lost to follow up. The prevalence of CKD progression was 49.5%, 33% had CKD remission and 17.5% had CKD regression while the prevalence of CKD progression by change in uPCR > 30% was 51.9%. Almost half (47.8 %) had a sustained decline in eGFR of > 4 ml/min/1.73 m2 /year or more, 35.0% of the patients moved to a more severe stage of CKD and 19.9% had more than 30% 6 decline in eGFR in two years. For patients with CKD progression, 54.9% patients were men and at baseline, their median age was 59 (46 - 67) years, urine protein creatinine ratio (uPCR) increased at 0.039 (0.015-0.085) g/mmol, eGFR was 37 (32 -51) mL/min/1.73 m2; the median serum TGF-β1 was 21210 (15915 – 25745) ng/L and the median urine TGF-β3 was 17.5 (5.4 –76.2) ng/L. For those who had CKD progression, hypertension was present in the majority (95.2%) of the patients. Diabetes mellitus was present in 59 (40.1%) patients and 58 (39.5%) patients had both hypertension and diabetes mellitus; 48.3% had severely increased proteinuria, 45.6% patients had anaemia, 34.0% had hyperuricemia and 17.7% had hypocalcaemia at baseline. For those patients with CKD progression vs those without CKD progression, the baseline median serum TGF-β1 was 21210 (15915 – 25745) ng/L vs 24200 (17570 – 29560) ng/L, the baseline median urine TGF-β3 was 17.5 (5.4 – 76.2) ng/L vs 2.8 (1.8 – 15.3) ng/L; however, baseline serum and urine TGF-β isoforms did not predict progression of CKD on univariate and multivariable analyses. Regarding use of medications among patients with CKD progression, calcium channel blockers (amlodipine) were used by majority (85.2 %) of the patients. Diuretics were used by 63.4% of the patients and 31.7 % of the patients were using insulin. Variables associated with CKD progression after multivariable logistic regression analysis were moderately elevated proteinuria (OR 2.1, 95% CI (1.1 – 3.9), P= 0.019), severely elevated proteinuria (OR 6.1, 95 % CI (3.2 – 11.6), P = 0.001), hyponatraemia (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.8 - 23.6, P= 0.042), hypocalcaemia (OR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.0 - 14.8, P = 0.047), anaemia (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0 - 4.3, P= 0.048), elevated HbA1c (OR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.2 - 2.8, P = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.9 - 3.6, P = 0.047), current smoking (OR 2.8, 95 % CI 1.9 - 8.6, P = 0.049), medications which were calcium channel blockers (OR 2.07, 95 % CI 1.04 – 4.12, P = 0.038), diuretics (OR 2.35, 95 % CI 1.37 – 4.00, P = 0.002), insulin (OR 1.96, 95 % CI 1.01 – 3.84, P = 0.048) and baseline serum calcium levels (OR 0.06, 95 % CI 0.01 -0.64, P = 0.019). An increase in uPCR > 30% at two years identified most patients with CKD progression; clinicians and nephrologists should utilize change in uPCR > 30% at two years to identify those patients with CKD who are likely to progress more rapidly, who require closer surveillance and monitoring with emphasis on slowing or stopping progression of the CKD. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated a higher prevalence of CKD progression in a prospective longitudinal study among black patients than that reported in previous studies. CKD progression was associated with current smoking, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, anaemia, elevated HbA1c, diabetes mellitus, and proteinuria. While patients with CKD progression had lower baseline concentrations of serum TGF-β1 and increased baseline urinary TGF-β3 concentrations, baseline serum and urine TGF-β isoforms did not predict progression of CKD. The roles of the various serum and urine TGF-β isoforms in CKD progression at baseline are still unclear and highlight the importance of further studies to determine their isoform specific effects.
Theatre of Resistance in Johannesburg, 1960–2010
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mukonde, Kasonde Thomas; Lekgoath, Sekibakiba Peter; Hlongwane, Ali Khangela
This thesis explores the relation of art to politics, specifically how black theatre practitioners in South Africa responded to cultural imperialism. It contributes to the historiography of adversarial theatre in South Africa by tracing the establishment and growth of a genre of theatre termed the Theatre of Resistance. The thesis uses the cases of the People’s Experimental Theatre, Mihloti Black Theatre, Bahumutsi and the Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre to provide rich empirical detail on how the work at these theatre companies was a form of cultural resistance. It begins by showing how the Soweto poetry movement and the Black Consciousness Movement were foundational to the development of Theatre of Resistance. Plays that are exemplars of this genre are analysed in the context of the oral history testimonies of the theatre practitioners themselves. Additionally, the issue of censorship is addressed by looking at the deliberations of the Directorate of Publications, whose archives are extant and have only been accessible within the last twenty years. The thesis also shows how the groups negotiated the segregated township spaces of Soweto and Alexandra in Johannesburg to create theatre that was agile and politically relevant. Finally, the thesis discusses Theatre of Resistance after the end of apartheid and beginning of democracy.
Surgical aortopulmonary shunts - a thirty-seven year experience in a South African tertiary institution
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019-11) Dladla-Mukansi, Nontobeko Charity; Cilliers, Antoinette; Mammen, Vijay; Vanderdonk, Kathy
Introduction: The surgical aortopulmonary shunt is a valuable palliative procedure in the management of congenital heart diseases. There is a paucity of data regarding aortopulmonary shunts in the developing world, including South Africa. Objectives: The primary objective was to describe the demographic, clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of children between ages 0 and 14 years that underwent surgical aortopulmonary shunts. The secondary objectives were to describe trends in aortopulmonary shunt designs, outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality, progression to definitive surgery and to assess patency of shunts. Material and Methods: A retrospective clinical audit of patient files who underwent an aortopulmonary shunt between 01 January 1980 to 30 December 2016 was undertaken at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto, Johannesburg. The study period was divided into 3 stages and for descriptive purposes as follows: 1980-1991 refers to period 1, 1992-2003 refers to period 2 and 2004-2016 refers to period 3. Results: A total of 177 aortopulmonary shunts were done over the 37-year study period. Of these 177 patients, 165 (93.2%) patient files were available. Fifty-six percent of the patients included in the study were male. The majority of patients were from the Gauteng Province (76.8%). The four most common diagnoses across the entire study period were tricuspid atresia (26.0%), pulmonary atresia with VSD (23.7%), tetralogy of Fallot (23.2%) and complex cardiac lesions (16.9%), with no particular trend in the proportion of these diagnoses presenting across this study period. There was no statistical difference between period 1 and 2 (p-value a=0,328) and between period 1 and 3 (p-value b=0,548). The total number of all surgeries done over the entire study period was 2145, of which 8.3% were aortopulmonary shunts. Period 1 had the highest percentage [35 (10.9%)] of aortopulmonary shunts compared to the total number of surgeries performed. There was a decline in the number of aortopulmonary shunts performed over the study periods 1-3. With no statistical difference across periods as shown in table 1 with p-value a and b. Of the different types of aortopulmonary shunts, most patients [157 (88.7%)] had a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS). The remainder of the shunts included 3 (1.7%) classic BTS, 12 (6.8%) central shunts and 5 (2.8%) unknown BTS. The percentage of modified BTS done increased from 80% in period 1 to 87.3% in period 2 and to 95.2% in period 3. Period 1 had the most complications (28.6%) compared to 11.4% in period 2 and 19.1% in period 3. Sepsis as a complication following surgery increased over the study period from 2.9% in period 1 to 3.8% and 7.9% in periods 2 and 3 respectively. Early mortality was 17.1%, 26.6% and 25.4% from periods 1-3 respectively. Late mortality declined from 17.0% in period 1 to 11.4% and 0% in periods 2 and 3 respectively. Only 37 (20.9%) patients were documented to have further surgery after the initial aortopulmonary shunt. Across all three study periods, no blocked shunts were documented. Conclusions: This study describes the characteristics and outcomes of aortopulmonary shunts over a 37-year period in a tertiary care resource limited low to middle income country setting. The commonest cardiac lesions for which aortopulmonary shunts are performed are tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia with VSD, tetralogy of Fallot and other complex cyanotic cardiac lesions. The frequency of aortopulmonary shunts compared to total surgeries has corrective surgery for these cardiac lesions. The modified BTS is the most frequently performed aortopulmonary shunt used for palliative surgery in our setting, which is a similar trend in developed countries. The morbidity and mortality in this study is higher than developed countries, with sepsis being the most common complication. Attention to infection control practises need to be emphasized peri- and post-operatively in our hospitals.
The dynamics of place branding in Johannesburg: 1994 - 2019
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Mbinza, Zenzile; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni Fana
This PhD thesis lays the ground for understanding place branding processes from cities of the Global South. It critically explores place branding as an emerging mechanism for urban governance in Johannesburg. It is critical because place branding and its related processes have increasingly gained momentum in countries, regions and cities jostling for niche status in global economics. This thesis explores the different place brands that Johannesburg coined over time, focussing on the period between 1994 and 2019. It explored the city’s place brands under the five mayors that presided over Johannesburg, beginning with Dan Pretorius (1994 – 1995), Isaac Mogase (1995 – 1999), Amos Masondo (2000 – 2011), Parks Tau (2011 – 2016) and Herman Mashaba (2016 – 2019). The thesis employed a qualitative research methodology and case study design. Primary data Archival research and interviews were the primary data collection strategies. The ensuing discussion of place brands in Johannesburg reveals the dynamics and push factors that have contributed to the development of place brands under the time in question. Politics, economics, and activities related to globalisation emerged as leading drivers for the city of Johannesburg to develop its various place brands. The thesis found that Johannesburg followed a template similar to the cities of the Global North in its application of place branding. However, the thesis also found gaps in the city’s place branding processes. For example, there was limited engagement with the city residents when developing Johannesburg’s place brands. It pointed to a unilateral, top-down application of place branding in the city, which precluded it from using these processes as democracy-building tools. It necessitates the exploration of place branding from the perspective of city governments to begin encompassing issues of inclusivity and public participation. In this light, the thesis calls for a more strategic application of place branding in the Johannesburg.
Breaking the Twenty-Percent Barrier for Women in Leadership Positions in the Shipping and Logistics Industry in Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mazwi, Babalwa; Matshabaphala, Johnny Manamela
Breaking the twenty percent barrier for women in leadership positions refers to the current status quo within the Shipping and logistics industry. According to Elias (2018) who is an expert in this space suggest that females occupying leadership positions comprise less than twenty percent throughout all levels which is local, national, regional, and global. In this regard, the researcher aims to discover techniques that will elevate this rate towards reaching approximately thirty percent (30%) by 2030 and exceeding fifty percent (50%) by 2050. The aim of this research is to examine the factors behind the low percentage (20%) of women leaders in this sector. The research seeks to explore obstacles, limitations and contributory causes while also gauging perspectives from industry stakeholders through interviews. Additionally, there will be an examination into how different companies are addressing these challenges with strategies that prepare ambitious female employees for leadership roles effectively, including positioning them more prominently within organizations and creating empowering promotion opportunities so they can succeed when chances arise. Qualitative research and interpretivist approach were applied in selecting diverse participants. The selection criteria encompassed both men and women, where 67 percent were females and 33 percent were males, these individuals are occupying various positions such as executives, middle managers, entry, and non-managers. Furthermore, the researcher also interviewed participants from other sectors to determine if the under representation of women in leadership roles exist only within shipping and logistics sector or other sectors experience similar situations. The findings, which were conducted using thematic analysis reflected various yet similar trends, and the trend that occupied the most indicated that this sector is male dominated. It further revealed that men have more experience as they have been in this sector the longest, and automatically becoming the first choice when positions are open, though women are being considered for first entry and middle management positions and a slight percentage in leadership roles. 3 The conclusion was that most companies do not have their strategies readily available however they briefly touch on the plans they have in place to increase women’s representation to leadership roles without providing supporting information or firm strategies, nor timelines. This research offers recommendations that can be applied, aiming at boosting female participation in senior positions.
A comparison of anticholinergic use by schizophrenic patients on polypharmacy and those receiving monotherapy
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-06) Ntimani, Marcia Tsakani; Friedlander, Wendy
Introduction: Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating mental disorders globally and one of the most challenging illnesses to treat. Although guidelines consistently caution against antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) in clinical practice, their prescription rate is still significant and leads to a greater side-effect burden in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to document the prevalence of APP-related anticholinergic use compared to monotherapy in patients with schizophrenia in the community psychiatric clinics in Soweto, Johannesburg. Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted. Data from clinical files of patients (18 years and above) diagnosed with schizophrenia attending four clinics in Soweto in September was analysed. Information such as age, gender, presence of extrapyramidal side-effects (EPSEs), comorbid conditions, and current treatment records was collected. Logistic regression assessed the association between APP, anticholinergic use, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results: One hundred files that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The study population consisted mainly of males (n=73, 73%), with an average age of 47.6 years and an average illness duration of 18.5 years. Of the 100 selected patients with schizophrenia, 35% were on APP, and 57.7% of those were prescribed an anticholinergic agent. Of the patients on anticholinergic agents, 92% had a prescription for a single first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) or an FGA in combination with a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA). The most prescribed antipsychotics were risperidone and flupenthixol decanoate, either as monotherapy or combined. Conclusion: The findings in this study correlated with the existing literature. Anticholinergic prescription rates are still high and associated with APP, male gender, and the use of FGAs.

4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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