4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item The Impact of a Psychological Capital Micro-Intervention on Academic Engagement within a Student-University Context(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Passos, MoniqueAlthough the student experience is commonly praised for its empowerment, learning opportunities, and adventurous nature, it is important to acknowledge that students also face substantial pressure and stress throughout their academic journeys. This has been known to adversely affect student engagement (i.e., vigour, dedication, and absorption) levels, potentially diminishing academic performance and productivity levels, and increasing the likelihood of university dropouts (Jafri, 2017; Kuh et al., 2008). Fortunately, psychological capital (PsyCap); the combination of four psychological capacities (hope, self-efficacy, optimism, and resilience), has been cited as a significant contributor of academic engagement (Luthans et al., 2016; You, 2016). These constructs are explained by the Job Demands- Resources (JD-R) model as well as the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. However, few studies have considered the relationship between PsyCap and academic engagement amongst first-year university students. This provided a unique and novel context for application, warranting future research. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine whether a micro PsyCap intervention had an effect upon the levels of academic engagement experienced by first-year university students. The following three instruments were combined into an online questionnaire and used to collect the necessary data for the current study: 1) A demographic questionnaire was administered to gather information about the sample and sample characteristics; 2) the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES-S) was used to measure academic engagement; 3) the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) was used to measure psychological capital and/or personal resources. Data was collected at two different time periods (i.e., pre-intervention/time 0 and post-intervention/time 1), whereby the PCQ was used to measure levels of PsyCap, and the UWES-S was used to measure academic Abstract 6 engagement. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). The final sample (N = 319) consisted of both full-time and part-time first-year students across different faculties of study (i.e., Humanities, Health Sciences, and Commerce, Law, and Management) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Results of the current study demonstrated that a positive relationship exists between PsyCap and academic engagement. Specifically, the study revealed that students with higher levels of PsyCap tend to show more energy and enthusiasm (vigour), stronger commitment (dedication), and deeper absorption in their learning (absorption). These findings were supported by previous research. However, the current study also revealed that the proposed PsyCap intervention failed to significantly affect the students’ levels of vigour, dedication, and absorption over time. These results were surprising considering previous research but may be attributed to the inherent difficulties of developing an online intervention in South Africa, where there are significant variations in resource availability and economic status (especially amongst university students). Based on these challenges, future studies should incorporate face-to-face interventions to ensure inclusivity and participation from all participants; use larger and more representative samples; and embrace a mixed-methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of participant experiences. Nevertheless, the study’s result does not invalidate prior research that has demonstrated the effectiveness of PsyCap interventions in enhancing academic engagement amongst university students. Abstract 7 This study confirms a link between psychological capital (PsyCap) and student engagement, underlining the importance of personal resources in the student-university context. Further research is necessary to develop more effective iterations of the proposed PsyCap intervention aimed at effectively enhancing academic engagement and promoting overall student successItem Could Not Sing in the Dead Heat: Liner Notes Under the Sun(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ramphalile, Molemo Karabo; Schuhmann, AntjeOn the one hand we place blackness as a historical if inconsistent category inextricable with morbidity, disfavour, depravity, mystery, wretchedness, penumbra, opacity or absence of light, and the abyssal – in both secular and religious metaphysical symbolism. On the other hand we place space as a historical and physical category denoting area, range, clearance, scope, volume, expanse, lacunae, aperture, margin, and in its instance as verb – opening, arranging, ordering, placing, separating, and locating; which in cosmography, geography and cartography finds its varied imaginative and applied interpretation. We coalesce what is in both hands in order to envisage how blackness persistently becomes and comes to be the extractable property of sub-Saharan Africans. Through various ontological-cosmographic- geographic designations such as Torrid Zone, ‘land of the blacks’ or even terra nullius, we encounter visualisations of a territory and expanse that is always either completely devoid of people or inadequately peopled, that is, the territory whence blackness as inextricably embodied (or fleshened) exists and is cultivated. Blackness: not only does it determine our modes of being, or non-being, in this world, but for us in this study, it is also an experiential, experimental and analytical lens permitting the suggestion and scribing of historical narratives and discourses that centre the inveterate decentring of blacks. In the tradition of liner notes, this study is written in a performative relation to the subject or object at hand; there under the sun, in the dead heat.Item Ndim Lo, Masidlale: A critical exploration of the importance of culture and diversity in South African Drama Therapy spaces(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mkhize, MawandeThe Anglo-Saxon word “plega” is the concept of playing which means battle, fight, game, or sport (Weiskopf, 1982). In most cases play is believed to have a biological, cultural, and psychological function that is seen as essential to the development of a person from a young age (Cohen, 1987). The founder of psychoanalysis known as Freud describes play as having an important role in the emotional development in people, development that is seen to take place from their early years of life and throughout their lifespan (Johnson, Christie, & Yawkey, 1987). Johnson (1987) states that in relation to Freud's view that suggests that play has its place that takes place mainly in childhood and is abandoned in adulthood, in the name of one being too old for playing. Evidence shows that playfulness in both children as well as adults plays a role in personality characteristics essentially for mental health, imagination, and creativity (Johnson, et al, 1987). Research has shown (Cohen, 1987) that play is not just activities done for fun, but rather there is more to it, it goes as far as having influence on the growth and development of those who choose to partake in the process of play. People play in different ways, in most cases the environment(s) that they grew up in expose them to the way that they are familiar with or may prefer to engage. For instance, for the Black Indigenous community, indigenous games to many may seem more preferable than other methods of play because of their familiarity. According to Burnett and Hollander (2004) indigenous games are viewed as being recreational and characterized by organized play that follows a certain structure and works in accordance with the rules that those involved agreed on that reflect a socio-cultural dimension of reasoning and behaviour. The term indigenous has a strong connection to cultural and historical context (Burnett & Hollander, 2004: 11). Playing indigenous games has an influence on developing positive character traits from an early age by reinforcing African values such as cooperation, communication, strategy, and problem-solving abilities. In South Africa, there are various people with varying beliefs and cultures, these differences are part of what makes the country unique (Gibson, 2003). I believe that none of these matters more than others, and they are all part of what makes it special. People's stories are affected by these differences (Gibson, 2003), these stories can be told based on how they were raised and 6 | M . M k h i z e how they have experienced life. This study explores the various ways in which Black indigenous people engage with play, and ways in which it can be implemented in South African Drama Therapy spaces. Understanding the various forms and ranges of client experiences is very important in order to develop effective therapeutic skills (Elliot, 2008), this process can also help therapists improve their understanding of their clients.Item The social contexts of childhood malnutrition in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sello, Matshidiso Valeria; Odimegwu, Clifford; Adedini, SundayBackground: Childhood malnutrition is a major public health challenge of global importance. It may result from either excessive or deficient nutrients. Despite investments and several efforts made by the South African government and civil society organizations to improve child health, the prevalence of childhood malnutrition remains high in South Africa. South Africa is still lagging in in achieving the sustainable development goals 1-3 (i.e., 1- no poverty, 2 – zero hunger and 3 –good health and wellbeing). This is because the indicators of childhood malnutrition are significantly higher with one in four children being stunted, 13% overweight, and 7.5% underweight. These figures highlight a troubling trend that is echoed in many other African nations, where malnutrition rates are similarly concerning. For instance, while countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia face severe challenges with stunting rates exceeding 30%, South Africa’s rates are comparatively lower but still indicative of a significant public health challenge. In contrast, developed nations such as the United States report much lower stunting rates—around 3.4%—and face different nutritional issues, such as rising obesity rates among children. The current malnutrition status is worrisome in South Africa given that these conditions have not changed much in nearly three decades. Among other factors recognised as the leading causes of poor nutrition outcomes is food insecurity in households -defined as the lack of regular access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious foods, disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intakes. Despite South Africa being a net exporter of food, it is characterised by high poverty, reduced opportunities for higher education, employment challenges, environmental hazards, substandard housing, and health disparities, still have challenges in access to affordable safe nutritious foods. Furthermore, due to the complexity of childhood malnutrition, an integrated multisectoral approach among families, communities, and government systems is critical to ensuring positive child health and nutritional outcomes. Addressing poor nutritional outcomes among under-5 children requires policy-relevant evidence. While the literature shows that childhood malnutrition is a multifaceted issue influenced by poverty and poor socio-economic outcomes, evidence is sparse on how structural and environmental factors operating at different levels influence childhood malnutrition. Therefore, an understanding of social contexts of childhood malnutrition is required to improve children’s health outcomes in South Africa. Hence, this study examined the social context of childhood malnutrition in South Africa with a focus on individual child, 15 caregiver, and household-level characteristics. The study addressed five specific objectives: i) to determine the levels and patterns of childhood malnutrition in South Africa, (ii) to examine the individual child, caregiver, and household factors associated with childhood malnutrition in South Africa, (iii) to investigate the influence of food insecurity on childhood malnutrition, (iv) to explore the extent to which the socio-cultural and childcare practices of caregivers predispose under-5 children to malnutrition in selected low-income communities in South Africa, and (v) to investigate the role of a multi-sectorial approach in improving child nutritional outcomes in SA. This study was guided by the 2020 UNICEF conceptual Framework on Maternal and Child Nutrition as well as the Food and Nutrition Security Theory. Methods: This study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods design (i.e., analysis of quantitative data followed by qualitative data collection and analysis). The research methodology was broken into the quantitative and qualitative study. The quantitative study entailed analysing the quantitative secondary data from the 2017 South Africa National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS Wave 5). The NIDS data was nationally representative. The sample was weighted using post-stratified weights. Data of 2 966 children and their mothers were analysed. These children were selected on the basis that they had complete anthropometric measurements (height and weight measurements) and were suitable and selected for the investigation of childhood malnutrition (stunting, overweight, and underweight). We also conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences in childcare and perceptions of feeding practices. They were key informants since under-5 children spent a lot of time at ECD centres. Data were analysed at the univariate level to obtain descriptive statistics, and at the bivariate level using the chi-square test of association. At the multivariate level, multi-level binary logistic regression was employed, and odds ratios were reported. The multilevel analysis involved two levels – the individual level (child and mother characteristics) and the household-level characteristics. Data were analysed using Stata software (version 17). The selection of the independent variables was guided by the literature review and conceptual framework of the study. The second part of the study was qualitative and was collected between June and August 2022. Twenty in-depth interviews, and five focus group discussions with mothers of under-5 children, and five in-depth interviews with early childhood development practitioners (ECD practitioners) were conducted. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires in selected low-income communities in urban 16 Gauteng (i.e., Thulani in Soweto), and in rural Limpopo (i.e., GaMasemola in Sekhukhune District). These communities were selected based on high poverty and unemployment rates, had substandard houses, insufficient infrastructure and environmental issues. The qualitative data provided deeper understanding about ethe quantitative findings and explored questions that were not available to the researcher in the NIDS dataset. The focus group discussions and key-in- depth interviews further provided a follow-up and an explanation of the quantitative findings. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Key findings from objective 1: In terms of descriptive findings, found that 22.16% of children were stunted, 16.40% were overweight, and 5.04% were underweight. The distribution of children among female and male children in the study population was almost the same. About 40% of the children had a low birth weight (<3 kg), 80.59% relied on the child support grant, and 67.22% were cared for at home during the day. Different patterns of malnutrition were observed. The highest percentage of children ages 12-23 months were stunted (33.43%) and overweight (32.69%), while the highest proportion of children ages 0-11 months and 48-59 months were underweight. Among children with a low birth weight of 1-2.9 kg, the highest percentage of stunting (30.07%) (p = 0.001, χ² = 71.2) and underweight (7.05%) (p = 0.026, χ² = 16.9) was observed. There was a relationship between access to medical aid, access to the child support grant, and childhood stunting (p < 0.05), while being cared for at home during the day was associated with stunting (24.98%) and overweight (18.99%) (p = 0.002, χ² = 36.3). Caregivers’ religion was associated with overweight (p = 0.007, χ² = 25.6) among under-5 children, while caregiver’s ethnicity (p = 0.024, χ² = 18.4) was associated with underweight. Key findings from objective 2: Female children had a lower likelihood (0.63 times) of being stunted compared to males. Children aged 12-23 months face a 60% higher risk of being overweight than those aged 0-11 months (AOR = 1.6). However, the risk of overweight declines steadily as age increases. Children aged 48-59 months are 83% less likely to be overweight compared to the youngest group of 0-11 months (AOR = 0.17). Children with a birthweight of 3 kg are 63% less likely to be underweight compared to those weighing 1-2 kg at birth (AOR = 0.37). Children attending crèches/day moms are 69% less likely to be underweight compared to those cared for at home (AOR = 0.31). Children cared for at home are 1.5 times more likely to be stunted (AOR=1.49) compared to children at a creche/day mom. Caregivers who were Nguni 17 had a 26% lower likelihood of having stunted children. Caregivers of other religions had 2 times higher likelihood of having overweight children compared to Christian caregivers (AOR=1.21). Middle-income households were associated with having overweight children (AOR=1.35) compared to low-income households. Children from structurally sound households had a 54% of high risk of being overweight compared to children from dilapidated household structures. The study found that a significant portion of the variation in child malnutrition (stunting, overweight, and underweight) occurred within communities. This is evident from the intraclass correlation of stunting (ICC) values from 27.9% to 30.2% variation, 34.3% to 38.2% overweight variation and 19.6% to 33,9% underweight variation within communities. The increase in ICC after adding additional variables suggest that these factors explain more of the variation within communities. Key findings from objective 3: The results showed that nearly 30% of the households were below the lower-bound food poverty line of R890 per person per month in South Africa, and just about half of the households did not always have enough available foods all the time. The qualitative findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the food insecurity during the COVID-19 lockdown, when many caregivers lost their income sources due to job losses. Food affordability and availability in the households became a major issue, forcing households to make hard decisions between deciding on foods with high nutrition that should be eaten against diverting financial resources and paying for other household expenses such as rent or electricity. Caregivers understood that they should be feeding their children nutritious foods but due to financial constraints, they were forced to give children the available but less nutritious foods in the households. Key findings from objective 4: Qualitative findings further showed that caregivers had various socio-cultural and childcare practices which influenced children’s nutritional and health outcomes. Socio-cultural practices that influenced childhood malnutrition included dietary choices – these were not necessarily affected by cultural beliefs, but they were rather influenced by the lack of income. Traditional beliefs on food- such as foods like eggs and dairy products such as milk or yoghurts were not given to girls. This was from a belief that this food would make girls more fertile and grow much faster. Traditional healing practices influence the dietary restrictions, limiting access to some nutritious foods, which are based on superstitions and lead to stigma. With regards to the childcare practices, there was also a lack of clarity by caregivers 18 on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding as well as the duration when the children should stop breastfeeding. Caregivers did not have adequate knowledge about when to resume weaning. Some caregivers highlighted that the last time they received nutrition knowledge was when their children were infants, and they had taken the children for vaccinations. Caregivers were not aware of how responsive caregiving such as child feeding frequency and portion sizes could improve children’s nutritional outcomes. Key findings from objective 5: From the qualitative interviews with early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, findings indicated a growing disintegration of childcare systems, including the family, health, and social systems, where a lack of parental support in nutrition programmes, a lack of support in health services and other social services when making referrals. Furthermore, various systems of care were working in silos in childcare service provision, resulting in children facing multiple adversities. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that individual-level child characteristics appear to exacerbate childhood malnutrition more than the mother and household-level characteristics. For example, the child level characteristics showed high significance, with age, sex, and child support grant, compared to the caregiver characteristics such as education, employment, and income. At the household level, variables such as household size and income did not show any significance. While this is the case, it does not necessarily mean that the mother and household-level characteristics were not important. This gap can be explained by the small sample, which can cause challenges of limited statistical power, making it harder to detect statistically significant differences. Furthermore, the qualitative assessment filled some gaps regarding these findings and gave an in-depth understanding on how the income disparities among caregivers and households result from high unemployment rates, highlighting the importance of socio-economic status and food security in child nutritional outcomes. From the ECD practitioners’ interviews, given the disintegration of childcare systems, the coordination and multisectoral collaboration of different sectors of care for children is urgently needed to improve children’s nutritional outcomes. Understanding the social context in which a child is brought up is important for the design of programmes and policies that will be effective in addressing this public health challenge. This understanding will enable efficient and effective service referral and service delivery to improve childhood nutrition in South Africa. This study highlights the need for a good 19 coordination of food, family, health, and social systems to ensure a positive childhood nutritional outcome.Item Depression Demographic Profiling of Young Adults in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bambo, Matsidiso Princess; Hassem, TasneemIn young people aged 15 and 29 years, mental illnesses accounted for 23% of Years Lived with Disability (YLD) and among mental disorders, depressive disorders emerged as the second largest worldwide contributor to YLD at approximately 5.6%. In addition, one in every six individuals suffered from depression in South Africa. However, there is limited recent research about the demographic characteristics of South African emerging adults who may be vulnerable to depression. This research aimed to conduct demographic profiling of emerging adults (N=819) in South Africa who present with depressive symptoms. Additionally, using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation, T-test, and ANOVA, this cross- sectional research analysed secondary data from the Africa Long Life Study to determine relationships as well as statistical differences among demographic variables and depressive symptoms. Results indicated a low presence of depression in the sample. Significant relationships were found between depressive symptoms and demographic variables (socioeconomic status and religiosity). While no significant differences were found among language groups, a higher presence of depressive symptoms was found among females and those experiencing moderate to great financial difficulties. The findings emphasised the critical need for mental health policies and initiatives that promote prevention or early detection, prevention, and enhanced access to quality mental healthcare, particularly among vulnerable emerging adults like females and individuals who are economically disadvantaged. Mental health interventions should adopt comprehensive approaches that incorporate aspects of religiosity and spirituality to buffer against the presence of depressive symptoms among emerging adultsItem An analysis of the relationship between HIV-testing and cervical cancer screening uptake among females of reproductive age (15-49 years old) in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Madubye, Koketšo Tholo; Wet-Billings, Nicole DeBackground: Higher income countries (HIC) have threefold testing coverage over lower to middle income countries (LMIC). Cervical cancer is the 4th most prevalent cancer among females globally, and a key contributor to mortality in Southern Africa. In LMIC, including South Africa, only 9% of the eligible screening cohort had ever undergone cervical cancer screening. This study examined the gap in understanding the relationship between HIV testing behaviours and the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Methods: The study was conducted in South Africa, utilising the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS), as a secondary data source. The sample size of this study was a weighted (n) distribution of 4,199 females. The study design is cross-sectional, the outcome variable of interest in this study was the uptake of cervical cancer screening and the predictor variable is HIV Testing. The data by SADHS (2016) was analysed through the three phases: univariate, bivariate and multivariate. At the bivariate level, contingency tables were employed, using the Pearson chi-square test of association which examined the strength of crude relationships between cervical cancer screening and the study of independent variables. In addition, a multivariate analysis through the employment of a binary logistic regression as the outcome of the study was categorised with ‘yes’ and ‘no’ binary responses. Results: The findings of this study indicated that 33% of females of reproductive age had ever undergone cervical cancer screening, while 62.5% responded affirmatively to having tested for HIV. Females who tested for HIV displayed a higher propensity to having undergone cervical cancer screening, 37.43% female respondents who tested for HIV had undergone screened for cervical cancer, as opposed to those who didn’t test, which only 10.19 % screened for cervical cancer. Conclusions: 37.43% female respondents who tested for HIV had undergone screened for cervical cancer. Among those who did not test for HIV, 10.19 % screened for cervical cancer. There is still much to be done to improve cervical cancer screening among females, while HIV testing remains high, cervical cancer screening is alarmingly low. The 2017 Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Policy functions as a mediating apparatus, additional supplementations targeting females below the age of 30 remain a necessityItem The Expressive Semantic Skills of Sesotho-Speaking Toddlers (28 and 30 months): A Comparison using the Sesotho Picture-Naming Vocabulary Task and the Preliminary Version of the Sesotho Communicative Development Inventory(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidoo, Kerchia; Moonsamy, Sharon; Southwood, Frenette; Mupawose,AnniahBackground: At present, there exists little to no standardised methods of assessing language- related skills which have been normed within the South African population. This makes it difficult for a Speech-Language Pathologist to accurately diagnose language or communication difficulties within this context, and has resulted in inappropriate interventions and the stigma of disability associated with a child with a language impairment. It is therefore imperative that Speech-Language Pathologists use assessment tools that are fit for purpose, i.e. culturally appropriate and linguistically relevant for the diverse child populations in South Africa. The intention for this research study is to assist the South African Communicative Development Inventory team in addressing the concerns of culturally and contextually inappropriate assessment methods. Aims: The key aim of this research study was to compare the results of a Basotho child’s expressive, semantic language skills using the caregiver-report Communicative Development Inventory and the picture-naming vocabulary task. The objectives were to: (i) describe the contextual background of Sesotho-speaking child participants which may have influenced their communication development; (ii) describe the child participants’ semantic communication abilities using the Sesotho Communicative Development Inventory; and (iii) describe the child participants’ expressive semantic abilities using the picture-naming vocabulary task. Method: This research study employed a mixed methods approach using multiple case studies. The case studies comprised of caregiver-child dyads. Both quantitative and qualitative paradigms were utilised to achieve the mixed methods approach. The non-probability, purposive sampling method assisted in selecting participants for this study. The data collection was conducted in a predominantly monolingual Sesotho-speaking population in Tweeling, Free State. A total sample size of 20 – 10 adult and 10 child participants – was chosen for this study. The adult participants were the adult caregivers of the child participants. The child participants were chosen between 28 and 30 months of age who are monolingual Sesotho speakers. Three data collection instruments were administered on the chosen participants: a family background questionnaire; a Sesotho picture-naming vocabulary task; and the Sesotho Communicative Development Inventory. The analysis of the assessment instruments used descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and semantic analysis. Results: A significant correlation was found between the Sesotho Communicative Development Inventory and the Sesotho picture-naming vocabulary task. The Communicative Development Inventory highlighted maternal-headed households and socioeconomic status as the major sociocultural factors impacting the child participants’ language development outside of the individual factors. Furthermore, the Communicative Development Inventory revealed that 70% of adult participants were more likely to report that their child would have language skills below the 50th percentile. However, the majority (60%) of child participants’ scores on the picture-naming vocabulary task were above the 50th percentile. Adult participants also noted that their child would perform higher in semantic categories related to verbs, food, adjectives, household items, and games and routines. However, the child participants scored higher in only two of the same categories reported by their adult caregivers: household items and games and routines. Conclusion/Implications: The research study found that the Communicative Development Inventory did in fact measure what it was intended for – the expressive language skills of the Sesotho child participant. The implications for this lay in the South African Communicative Development Inventory team’s mandate to validate inventories in all South African indigenous languages. These indigenous inventories can then be used to more accurately assess indigenous speakers’ language skills which can eventually lead to the collection and development of language normsItem Protecting Independent Local Contemporary Fashion: An exploration of policies that shaped the South African fashion industry and approaches to protect local independent South African contemporary fashion as cultural heritage(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Atkinson, Kendall Lee; Desando, MarcusLocal independent South African contemporary fashion designers face a challenging market when entering the South African fashion industry to sell their products. Local independent contemporary designers are forced to compete with the overwhelmingly popular international fast fashion brands that populate malls nationwide with little to no support. This has created challenging and convoluted entry points for local independent contemporary designers and continuous challenges to stay in the market. Independent local contemporary fashion designers offer something different than chain stores: a specific creative and cultural design perspective. People are naturally influenced by their environments and identity; therefore, local independent contemporary fashion designers instinctively design from their cultural perspective. We are losing aspects of cultural identity and history by not supporting or protecting local independent contemporary fashion designers’ businesses. This paper investigates the challenges both the designers and consumers face in the industry and different methods of protecting local independent South African contemporary fashion designers to preserve their art and support the local fashion sector. The research methodology used was hermeneutical phenomenology, and my experience as a consumer of the South African fashion industry was not omitted due to the study method. Five interviews were conducted, three individuals participated in photovoice, and 84 participants were surveyed. The results show evidence of the innate interconnection of culture and cultural heritage with South African contemporary designers and the challenges that the designers face due to policy decisions by the South African government. In order to protect local contemporary fashion designers to allow them the opportunity for success, fashion should be declared as a cultural heritage by the South African government.Item Voiding cystourethrography in the renal pre-transplantation workup: an essential investigation?(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-10) Sofianos, Zelia; Rajkumar, Leisha; Lucas, SusanINTRODUCTION: Due to resource constraints in the South African public healthcare sector, patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are eligible for renal replacement therapy only if they are also found to be eligible for renal transplant. AIM: The aim of this study is to document Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) findings in potential renal transplant candidates to assess the contribution of the VCUG as a standard investigation in the renal transplant workup. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent VCUG in Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex (North West province, South Africa) from 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2020, 85 patients were included in the study and their VCUG findings retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.0 years (range 21-62 years), with males constituting 57.7% of patients and females 42.3%. Lower urinary tract abnormalities were identified in 24.7% of patients, some of whom had more than one abnormality. Of the total abnormalities, VUR (vesicoureteral reflux) accounted for 15.3%, bladder diverticula for 5.9%, urethral strictures for 3.5% and a significant post-void residual volume for 4.7%. No comorbidities were found to have a statistically significant association with the presence of VCUG abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure that patients with End-Stage Renal Disease are adequately prepared for renal dialysis and potential renal transplant, and that their comorbidities and lower urinary tract are optimised should abnormalities be identified on VCUG, the VCUG remains an essential investigation in the renal transplant workup.Item A relational history of space, administration and economic extractivism in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa (1948-2000)(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Pearson, Joel DavidThis dissertation seeks to contribute to existing local government scholarship by presenting a situated and relational historical study of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in present-day Limpopo Province of South Africa. By adapting and extending Gill Hart’s spatial-relational methodology, this study draws out key mechanics of change over time in the Mogalakwena area since the early 20 th century. This historical analysis reveals that the shifting array of power relations which together structured the field of rural local governance came to be enacted and concretised through specific and identifiable processes of spatial transformation, administrative government, and economic extractivism. While existing scholarship has elaborated on aspects of these processes, the present study insists on analysing all three together, in relation to each other, attentive to forms of both mutual constitution and contradiction, and cognisant of how these processes feed into political dynamics of varying scales – local, regional, and national. As such, the thesis argues that these three sets of processes should be understood as axes of rural local governance. This analysis draws off an empirical foundation compiled from archival and oral history sources, and which points to three broad historical conjunctures of local governance in Mogalakwena over the apartheid and early democratic eras. The first, spanning the period between the early 1950s and early 1970s, is identified as an era of state-building and remaking the countryside under the ascendant National Party (NP), one in which the white central state initiated massive and sweeping transformations of rural areas to bring to life its “Bantustan strategy”. The second conjuncture, defined as the terminal phase of apartheid from the late 1970s through to the end of the 1980s, was one in which rural local governance came to be dominated by forms of resistance, reform and repression when bottom-up political forces challenged the reach and authority of the apartheid central state in rural localities. And during the third conjuncture, the transitional period of national negotiations and democratisation between 1990 and 2000, rural local governance came to be defined by uneven and contested initiatives towards institutional amalgamation, deracialisation and redress. In considering the field of rural local governance within which the Mogalakwena Local Municipality operates today, this study concludes that the three axes together remain key determinants in structuring local and regional power relations. While dramatic new power relations have unfolded within and around the municipality since its creation in the year 2000, this study concludes that these have continued to be materialised through intertwined spatial, administrative and extractivist processes which extend back into history. As such, it suggests a new systematic approach for the study of local government institutions, histories of the state in rural areas, and studies of the state more broadly.