4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Theatre of Resistance in Johannesburg, 1960–2010(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mukonde, Kasonde Thomas; Lekgoath, Sekibakiba Peter; Hlongwane, Ali KhangelaThis 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.Item 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, KathyIntroduction: 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.Item The dynamics of place branding in Johannesburg: 1994 - 2019(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Mbinza, Zenzile; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni FanaThis 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.Item 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 ManamelaBreaking 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.Item 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, WendyIntroduction: 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.Item A Queer Economic Study: Exploring the Economic and Social Burden of Discrimination Against Black Lesbians in Johannesburg(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Futshane, Vuyokazi; Dawson, Hannah; Francis, DavidThis qualitative study explores the experiences of Black lesbians in Johannesburg, focusing on the intersections of their identity to understand the links between sexual orientation, discrimination, and the South African social and economic context. It examines the dynamics in the workplace and connects it to social relations outside of the workplace. Drawing upon intersectionality, this study reveals how race, class, gender, and sexual orientation do not operate independently but overlap simultaneously to shape Black lesbian’s experiences of discrimination. The findings highlight the varied nature of discrimination, ranging from subtle biases and microaggressions to overt forms of prejudice, and the strategic concealment of sexual orientation by some, a coping mechanism against potential biases. The study stresses the impacts of non-conformity of heteronormative expectations and underscores the importance of exploring queer economics to understand how identities intersect with socio-economic realities more comprehensively.Item Employee Sentiments Concerning Workplace Greening(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Khorommbi, Phumudzo; Moolla, RaeesaFor centuries, people have continuously impacted the environment, resulting in an exponential rise in environmental problems and deterioration. In the quest to find solutions, business organisations have employed or tried to institute greening programmes, such as promoting waste at source and installing solar panels. However, it is essential for people, specifically in occupational settings, to see this as a need - for greening programmes to be effective. To this end, this study aimed to identify the elements that drive individuals to conduct environmentally responsible behaviours at work. This qualitative study collected data by administering surveys to research participants. Information related to eco-helping, eco-initiatives and eco-civic engagement was collected by administering surveys to local contractors at the PepsiCo site in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. The survey amassed 70 responses during October 2023. The study found that gender was an important indicator of pro-environmental behaviour, and that age affected a person’s inclination to act pro-environmentally. As this study relied on proclamations of good environmental intentions from participants, future studies should test this hypothesis in the field to quantify its success.Item An assessment of the determinants of IT entrepreneurs' level of awareness of the most common causes of start-ups failures in Johannesburg, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mkhavele, NhlamuloIn South Africa, more than 70% to 80% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMMEs) fail within the first three years. In order to gain insight into the level of awareness of IT start-up entrepreneurs regarding the causes of SMME failure, this study conducted an empirical review of the literature and developed a hypothetical framework, the study builds on the work done by Justino Vicente on the factors influencing the failure of small enterprises in order to achieve its objective. It then makes recommendations for future research on the topic. In the aftermath of several economic adversities, prominent among them unemployment, poverty, and HIV and AIDS, SMME failure and success are key among national strategic concerns in the Republic of South Africa, where this study is being conducted in the Johannesburg region. The research employed a quantitative research methodology and the main instruments for gathering data was a survey/ questionnaire, and the snowball sampling method was used. 100 ICT start-ups owners and managers received surveys. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) program was employed to analyse the quantitative data collected. Tables, pie charts, and bar charts were used to display the statistically descriptive results. Due to the many different reasons why SMMEs fail, this study focused its conclusions on the following factors: determinants of IT entrepreneurs' level of awareness of the most common causes of start-ups failures in Johannesburg, South Africa, determinants of accessibility to information of the most common causes of start-up failures and the willingness of entrepreneurs to consume information related to start-up failures were also presented. Among the results of failure include unemployment, societal ills, poverty, and loss of revenue. The study concludes by recommending various interventions to improve the level of awarenessItem Assessing the Retrofitting of Office Buildings in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Katumba, Bamoni Nathalie; Hildebrandt, DianeClimate change caused by greenhouse gasses (GHG) has become a challenge to the world and South Africa (SA) alike. SA emits 450 million tons per annum (TPA) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is the 12th largest CO2 emitter in the world. Buildings account for 50% of GHG, globally; therefore, energy use in new and existing buildings must be addressed. Retrofitting existing buildings has been identified as one of the ways to achieve sustainability in the built environment, this is done by enhancing energy efficiency (EE), the environmental performance of the property and lowering energy demand. This study, therefore, examined the challenges, benefits and critical success factors (CSF) for retrofitting offices in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), SA. The data for this study were obtained from built environment professionals with experience in retrofitting existing office buildings. An online questionnaire was issued to the targeted sample using Google Forms and 71 responses were received. The quantitative data were analysed using the t-test function from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. This study uncovered that lack of government incentives; budget constraints; longer payback periods; technical challenges and disruption of and inconvenience to the tenant during retrofitting are the top five challenges hindering retrofitting of existing office buildings. The study also identified improved EE; enhanced marketability of the buildings; improved building climate control; reduced energy consumption and reduced operational cost of buildings as the top five benefits of retrofitting existing office buildings. Furthermore, project cost control; communication; efficient planning and regulatory approvals between the municipality and project manager; project schedule management and competency of the project manager were revealed as the top five CSF that influence retrofitting of existing office buildings. Recommendations include engagements between various stakeholders; cost benefits analysis; CSF at the beginning of retrofitting projects; changes in government regulations and policies to incentivise retrofitting projects; tenants’ inputs throughout projects, public and private sectors collaboration; availability of retrofitting information and inclusion of sustainability in the built environment tertiary curriculumItem Lil_ith- A love story for South Africa’s queer, misfit youth(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) de Jager, Robin Claude; Wessels, ChristopherThis project takes the form of an explorative filmic investigation into and reflection on the archetype of the queer misfit in South African cinema. The film and research take the standpoint of the South African misfit archetype being a post-queer-theory subject in relation to the country’s historical, socio-economic, sexual, traditional and technological landscape. I will compare the appearance of the queer misfit through the arrival of the neon and caustic characters of the New Queer Cinema movement of the 1990s to South Africa’s contemporary emergence of this archetype, positioning Queer Theory and the New Queer Cinema movement of the early as the primary emergence of a ‘true’ queer voice. I will engage with the influence of socio-economic, political and technological stimuli as well as the emergence of post-Queer Theory in the West and South Africa and its contribution to the evolution of the queer and misfit in post-colonial South African cinema. Through a practice-led, autoethnographic approach I combined these findings with core theoretical frameworks on post-modern sexuality by Queen and Schimel to inform and fuel the development of the film Lil_ith. The film stands as a creative execution expanding on the South African Misfit archetype in relation to the global history of Queer Misfit representation as well as its relationship with South Africa as a nation in the process of de-lonialisation within a digitised and globalised world.