The implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in government departments: a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The study is centred on “The Implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System in Government Departments: A case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development”. The Ministry of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation began in 2009, and the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) was established in January 2010. The Department of Social Development (DSD) Annual Reports for 2017/18 and 2018/19 contained the Auditor General’s audit outcomes of the Department of Social Development performance information. The audit/s revealed undesirable audit outcomes, with the department. Government departments should be effective in service delivery and efficient in allocating funds for service delivery programmes. The government is expected to report on its budget, programmes and achievements. The South African government has instituted a range of legislative and policy changes. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development’s mandate is to be delivered according to the South African Constitution and provide an effective, transparent, accountable and coherent intergovernmental system for provincial governments. This study seeks to understand the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation System in the KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development. The study objectives examine the implementation of the M&E system in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and understand the role of monitoring and evaluation in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development. The qualitative research study employed the qualitative research design. This included interviews for data collection and a thematic strategy for data analysis. The study employed the theory of change. The findings show capacity gap between national, provincial, and local government organizations influences evaluations' credibility.The study recommendations support the assertion that M&E contributes to effective programme implementation and a level of good governance; an integrated approach is recommended and emphasised to recognise the multi-faceted nature of social problems

Hydrological implications of woody encroachment in the semi-arid savannas of South Africa.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Many grasslands and savannas across the globe are undergoing large-scale degradation in the form of woody encroachment, a phenomenon where native woody plants are gradually increasing in abundance at the expense of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation. Given the notion that increases in woody cover lead to increases in evapotranspiration (ET), and that some of the most severe cases of woody encroachment have been reported in drylands, concern has been expressed that woody encroachment may be placing further strain on already limited water supplies. Given this concern, a considerable number of hydrological studies pertaining to woody encroachment have been undertaken across the globe, mostly in the southern Great Plains and southwest regions of the United States. These studies have demonstrated that the hydrological response to woody encroachment is highly variable and is largely dependent on the local climate. The studies carried out in more mesic climates have mostly corroborated the belief that woody encroachment increases ET, resulting in reductions in streamflow and/or groundwater recharge. Fewer studies have been carried out in more arid climates, and their findings have varied from little influence to a decrease or increase in streamflow and groundwater recharge, with soil properties and geology also having a significant influence on the hydrological impact. The Greater Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest conservation area and is heavily encroached by indigenous woody species. There has been significant concern about the impact on water resources in the park’s northern part, which experiences the driest conditions, and future climate projections indicate that these conditions will only worsen. The northern Greater Kruger National Park region also has a high cover of Colophospermum mopane (Mopane). Mopane is a protected species of high socio-economic importance, but it has become a dominant encroacher species growing in monospecific stands, and climatic models project that it will extend its current distribution range as a result of climate change. Mopane is thought to be an aggressive competitor for water, tapping into soil water stores that are critical for groundwater recharge. The hydrological implications of woody encroachment in South Africa's savannas have received little research attention to date. The ground-based research equipment required to fully explore the impact of woody encroachment on ET is capital and human resource demanding. However, developing countries such as South Africa have limited financial resources and technical expertise to pursue such research. A further challenge has been that the high spatio-temporal variability in ET necessitates data collection and analysis at large spatial scales as well as over several years to be able to draw meaningful conclusions for land and water management planning purposes. However, advances in ground-based observation methods, as well as access to remote sensing technologies, have allowed for many of the limitations to be overcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to advance our understanding of the impact of woody encroachment on ET and other components of the water balance in a semi-arid savanna in South Africa by employing cheaper, simpler, yet robust in situ measurements, and to further evaluate these findings across various spatio-temporal scales using freely available remote sensing resources. A combined systematic review and meta-analysis approach was undertaken first to explore trends in previous research on the water use of different vegetation types located in various climates across South Africa, to ultimately evaluate the likelihood of woody encroachment increasing ET losses in South Africa’s semi-arid savannas. The results revealed mixed support for this idea. On the one hand, the fact that woody encroacher species replace grasses and form dense thickets with extensive rooting systems indicated that there is a high potential for woody encroachment to increase ET. On the other hand, rainfall appeared to be a primary factor limiting ET in semi-arid climates, indicating little potential for woody encroachment to have any effect on ET, unless there is an above-average rainfall year, or the vegetation has access to an additional water source. It was noted that there was relatively little ground-based research available on woody encroachment, especially in the South African context, and that further research was warranted in dryland and susceptible areas. In situ ET measurements were therefore carried out in a semi-arid South African savanna to determine the effect of woody encroachment. Over three hydrological years, ET was measured at an experimental woody plant clearing trial using surface renewal, a simpler, more affordable alternative to the well-established eddy covariance method. Two surface renewal approaches, surface renewal 1 (SR1) and surface renewal dissipation theory (SRDT), were tested against eddy covariance in order to assess their potential for sensible heat flux (H) measurement. The SR1 approach best agreed with eddy covariance, and therefore, ET measurements derived from SR1 were compared at two adjacent plots differing in woody plant density; one encroached plot and one plot thinned of Mopane trees. For the two drier years of the study, thinning had little effect on ET. However, for the wettest year of the study, thinning decreased ET by 12%, supporting the theory that woody encroachment can increase ET, at least during years of above-average rainfall. It was also important to evaluate the influence of woody plant thinning on soil hydrological processes because any changes to the movement and distribution of water in the soil can have a direct impact on the production of surface runoff and groundwater recharge. Therefore, at the same site, a field-scale paired-plot experiment was conducted, with soil water content, soil temperature and ET measured in three paired plots over a two-and-a-half-year period. Surface infiltration tests were also carried out. Thinning had minor effects on soil water in the soil profile and soil temperature, and no pronounced effect on daily ET. Only one set of infiltration tests indicated a significant increase in infiltration following thinning. Finally, freely available and relatively user-friendly resources provided by Google Earth Engine were leveraged to assess the relationship between woody cover and ET across various spatiotemporal scales in a woody-encroached, semi-arid savanna catchment. Woody cover in the study catchment was mapped using Sentinel-2 imagery and Gradient Tree Boost algorithms within the Google Earth Engine platform, while remotely sensed ET estimates were obtained from Earth Engine Evapotranspiration Flux (EEFlux) validated by in situ surface renewal measurements. It was found that while woody encroachment can increase ET in semi-arid savannas, this increase occurs gradually over time and typically only during wet seasons and wet years. Moreover, this increase only becomes evident at larger scales. The key conclusions from the research were as follows: • Woody encroachment in semi-arid savannas can increase ET losses, however, this is a gradual process that is only distinguishable during wet seasons or extended wet periods; • The increase in ET in semi-arid savannas caused by woody encroachment is more evident at larger scales; • The SR1 approach with eddy covariance calibration produced reliable ET estimates with reasonable accuracy over semi-arid savanna-type vegetation; • ET in semi-arid savannas is highly seasonal, rising during the wet season in response to increased soil water availability and higher net radiation (Rn), and dropping significantly during the dry season due to low soil water availability and the deciduous nature of the vegetation; • Woody plant thinning had little effect on infiltration and soil water in the soil profile; • Sentinel-2 imagery and supervised pixel-based classification algorithms within Google Earth Engine accurately mapped woody cover in densely wooded areas, but in sparsely wooded areas, woody cover was either over- or under-classified; and • EEFlux was able to estimate daily ET in semi-arid savanna vegetation with a reasonable level of accuracy, despite an underestimation of ET. While there is still a need to continue ET monitoring, further improve remote sensing-based ET models for use in natural environments, and better understand how woody encroachment affects deep drainage and groundwater recharge, this research added to our understanding of the hydrological implications of the woody encroachment phenomenon in drylands. It further provided invaluable insight for developing land and water management strategies to increase resilience under a changing climate and increasing socio-ecological pressures

Investigation into the photochemical bleaching of pulp utilizing various light sources.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Since pulp and paper as products are commodities, the pulp and paper industry are constantly looking for any advantage that will keep production costs down and improve profitability. One of the main sources of cost in any pulp and paper mill is the vast quantity of energy used. Thus, any alternative or disruptive technology that reduces energy usage or costs would provide a strong incentive for research. Photochemical bleaching is one such potentially disruptive technology. In this research, three potential light sources for the photochemical bleaching of pulps were investigated, namely, solar radiation, microwave discharge electrodeless lamps (MDELs), and ultraviolet light emitting diode arrays (UV LED arrays). Of the three, only the UV LED array was shown to be both viable and practical. The photochemical bleaching of a post-oxygen stage Cloquet Aspen kraft pulp was successfully undertaken with solar radiation as a light source for both pure caustic soda and alkaline peroxide as bleaching reagents. The addition of metal oxide additives or the semiconductor photocatalyst titanium dioxide gave poorer photobleaching performance due to the increased opacity of the pulp suspension and the low intensity of the radiant light source. Given that a full five days were required to achieve a small photobleaching effect, the use of solar radiation, although viable, is not practical as a technology. The ignition and sustained “burning” of a Primarc MDEL were shown to be random and erratic due to the lack of calibration and tuning of the Roto SYNTH microwave oven’s irradiation chamber for the Primarc MDEL. Of the various reactor designs investigated, the suspended MDEL “bucket” reactor was shown to be the best performer and most viable alternative. However, investigation of the photochemical bleaching of Cloquet unbleached kraft paper-grade pulp with the suspended MDEL “bucket” reactor design and the Roto SYNTH microwave reactor oven for microwave irradiation, gave no statistically significant differences between the controls without a MDEL and the MDEL irradiated experiments. The photochemical bleaching of Cloquet unbleached kraft paper grade pulp with the UV LED array was successful when using only pure caustic soda, alkali peroxide and alkali oxygen as bleaching reagents. As regards to the overall bleaching performance, the alkali peroxide and alkali oxygen options performed similarly while the pure caustic soda option performed slightly more poorly. Based on the literature reviewed, the hydroxyl radicals generated in the photobleaching process were the active bleaching species in all three cases. In an extension of the alkali peroxide evaluation, the impact of pulp suspension pH, temperature and consistency, as well as the UV radiant intensity level (i.e. UV LED array power levels) were further evaluated. In addition, various photocatalysts were investigated for the alkali peroxide option, as well as various photosensitizers for the alkali oxygen option. Successful photochemical bleaching occurred across the entire pH range tested (i.e. pH 2.5 to 11.0) with better performance at the alkaline pH range with a maximum performance at pH 10.5. Photochemical bleaching increased with temperature from 25 to 43 °C, whereafter it plateaued up to 75 °C. Increased pulp suspension consistency from 0.5 to 1.5% gave a reduction in photochemical bleaching performance, whereafter it plateaued up to a consistency of 3.0%. Photochemical bleaching increased linearly with illuminant intensity as the UV LED array power levels were increased from 10 to 100%. Of the photocatalysts tested, only titanium dioxide and cerium dioxide were successful in improving the alkali peroxide photobleaching of pulp at the charge levels used (5.0 and 20.0 kg t-1 respectively). None of the photosensitizers tested (i.e. methylene blue and rose bengal) operated successfully for the alkali oxygen photobleaching of pulp in the experimental work undertaken. The photochemical bleaching of various starting pulps (Cloquet kraft unbleached, Ngodwana PHK unbleached, Stanger unbleached, Saiccor acid sulfite unbleached, Gratkorn magnefite unbleached, and Somerset continuous kraft unbleached) was successful for all starting pulps. However, bleaching performance varied from pulp to pulp. A comparison of the thermal elemental chlorine free (ECF) and total chlorine free (TCF) sequences with the thermophotochemical TCF sequence for bleaching paper grade pulps, showed that the thermal ECF and thermophotochemical TCF sequences were both successful in achieving the target brightness (i.e. 89%) while the thermal TCF sequence underperformed slightly (i.e. 85%). The thermophotochemical TCF sequence gave acceptable pulp properties for viscosity, hand sheet pulp strength, and fibre morphology as compared to the thermal ECF sequence as a control sequence, while the thermal TCF gave significantly weaker pulps. For bleaching dissolving grade pulp, both the thermal ECF (as a control sequence) and the thermophotochemical TCF sequences were successful in achieving target brightness and above (i.e. 91%). Both sequences gave final viscosities within the target range (500 to 560 ml g-1). In addition, both sequences gave acceptable carbohydrate sugar contents, alkaline solubilities, and Sappi quick reactivity indexes. Lastly, both pulps also had similar fibre morphologies showing a reduction to shorter fibre lengths due to chemical refining during both bleaching processes. “Pseudo” second order reaction kinetics were established for the oxidants: alkaline peroxide, pure caustic soda, and alkaline oxygen for photochemical bleaching utilizing the UV LED array reactor, with strong kinetic relationships demonstrated for pulp extent/rate of delignification and brightness development, but, a weak relationship for pulp viscosity. Results demonstrated that the three oxidants utilized different chemical mechanisms for generating the hydroxyl radical species employed for bleaching, with the best results obtained for the hydrogen peroxide and the poorest for the pure caustic soda. An observed discrepancy between the “pseudo” first order reaction kinetics in Marcoccia’s investigation and the “pseudo” second order reaction kinetics in this study were due to differences in the conditions, apparatus and charges employed in both. The final conclusion drawn from this study is that photochemical bleaching of pulp, using an ultraviolet light emitting diode array at 365 nm, can serve as a viable alternative to thermally-driven bleaching provided certain technical issues can be resolved (i.e. operational consistency and comparative energy efficiency of thermal- versus photo-bleaching)

Evaluating electricity service delivery in Msunduzi Municipality.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Poor service delivery has become a common problem in South Africa and has led to several social protests. The access to electricity remains a common barrier to providing services. The aim of the study is to evaluate electricity service delivery in Msunduzi Municipality with specific reference to the following: The initiatives put in place by Msunduzi Municipality to prevent power outages; the effects that power outages have on different stakeholders; the consequences of prolonged power outages; the state of service delivery; and the degree to which community members' requirements are being met. A qualitative study was undertaken to enable the researcher to provide answers to the aims of the study. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews which comprised of open-ended questions that were used to gather the data, along with secondary sources that included consultations. Using thematic analysis, the most pertinent themes were found and examined. The key findings emanating from this study showed that there is a necessity of ensuring community participation and of setting up favourable or suitable mechanisms that encourage community participation and allow people to take part in issues that affect their communities. This study also showed that there is also a need for the Municipality to provide a form of relief to its stakeholders in terms of dealing with power shortages. This is so because some of the alternatives used when dealing with power shortages require additional funds which are also an added expense, more especially to those who are struggling financially. Lastly, the Municipality claims that a lack of funding is the primary barrier to providing services as intended, so the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Local Government must make sure that it continuously monitors the financial support it provides to ensure that the Municipality uses the funds appropriately as the Provincial Department placed the Municipality under administration for several years due to misappropriation of funds at the level of the Municipality

Genetic analysis of striga resistance and yield-influencing traits in tropical and subtropical maize.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, PietermaritzburgMaize (Zea mays L., 2n = 2x = 20) is a vital food security and economic crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and globally. In SSA maize production is challenged by an array of biotic and abiotic stresses. Two parasitic weeds belonging to the genus Striga, S. hermonthica (Del.) Benth (Sh) and S. asiatica (L.) Kuntze (Sa) causes marked yield losses varying from 10% to 100% in susceptible maize cultivars. Striga-resistant maize varieties released so far had partial or moderate resistance and were bred for Sh resistance only. There are therefore no commercially grown maize varieties with Sa resistance requiring to develop new-generation maize varieties with durable Sa and Sh resistance and wide adaptability using genetically diverse tropical and subtropical genetic resources and genomic resources. The overall objective of this study was therefore, to improve maize resistance to Sa and Sh by harnessing genetic diversity and identifying markers and genes for resistance breeding. The overall hypothesis of the study was that novel genetic resources, genetic markers and genes associated with Sa and Sh resistance could be identified for dual Striga resistance for maize breeding programs. The study had further five specific objectives: 1) To undertake a meta-analysis and provide a detailed comparison of the Striga control methods in the production of maize, sorghum, and the major millets as a guide to effective Striga management. 2) To assess the response of 130 tropical and sub-tropical African maize germplasm to Sh and Sa resistance and desirable agronomic traits and select promising genotypes. 3) To determine the genetic diversity of 130 tropical and sub-tropical maize inbred lines, hybrids, and open-pollinated varieties using phenotypic traits and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to select Striga-resistant and complementary genotypes for breeding. 4) To determine the combining ability and gene action controlling grain yield and Striga resistance among single crosses of maize to select desirable hybrids with Sh and Sa resistance and promising agronomic traits. 5) To undertake a genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Sh and Sa resistance among tropical and sub-tropical maize populations to identify putative genetic markers and genes for marker-assisted resistance breeding and gene pyramiding. In the first part of the study, a meta-analysis was conducted on already reported Striga control methods on the major cereal crops (i.e., maize, sorghum, and millets) using 66 research articles. The data collected included grain yield (GY), Striga emergence count (SEC), and Striga damage rating (SDR). The search showed mean yield for maize varieties with Striga-resistant genes at 2053.00 kg ha−1, ranging from 281.00 to 6260.00 kg ha−1, and a mean SDR of 4.70, varying from 2.00 to 7.00. Likewise, sorghum varieties with Striga resistance genes achieved greater GY with a mean yield response of 1738.00 kg ha−1, ranging from 850.00 to 2162.00 kg ha−1. A relatively low GY was achieved in maize and sorghum production when deploying integrated Striga management (ISM) (e.g., cultural control + host resistance, and host resistance + chemical herbicides) and chemical Striga control. The outcome of this part of the study was that SDR is the best selection criterion for improving GY performance in maize, while SEC and SDR were the parameters of choice in sorghum selection programs for better GY under Striga infestation. The meta-analysis revealed that host resistance is the most effective method for controlling Striga infestation and boosting GY in maize and sorghum. The second part of the study focused on screening 130 tropical and sub-tropical maize germplasms, including checks, in a controlled environment for their reaction to Sh and Sa infestations using a 13×10 alpha lattice design with two replications over two seasons. The following data were collected on maize: days to 50% silking (DS), days to anthesis (DA), anthesis-silking interval (ASI), plant height (PLHT), ear height (EHT), Root lodging (RL), the number of ears per plant (EPP), husk cover (HUSK), ear aspect (EASP), and grain yield per plant (GY/plant). Striga parameters included the number of emerged Sa and Sh plants 8 and 10 weeks after planting, denoted as SEC8 and SEC10, and host plant damage by Striga 8 and 10 weeks after planting, designated as SDR8 and SDR10. The mean yield of maize and Striga par were 3.35 and 3.07, respectively. Under Sh-infested conditions, SEC8 and SEC10 mean values were 3.66 and 3.77, respectively, while the SDR8 and SDR10 values were 5.25 and 2.75 respectively. The results suggested that dual resistance to the two Striga species exists in some tropical and sub-tropical maize lines. The study selected genotypes CML440, CML566, CML540, CML539, CLHP0343, CLHP0326, TZISTR1248, TZSTRI115, TZISTR25, TZISTR1205, TZSTRI113, TZISTR1119, TZISTR1174 and the OPVs B.King/1421, Shesha/1421, ZM1421, DTSTR-WSYN13, DTSTR-YSYN14, and 2*TZECOMP3DT/WhiteDTSTRSYN) C2 with dual resistance to Sa and Sh. These genotypes are suitable for use as parents in developing high-performing maize varieties with Striga resistance and improved grain yield. The third part of the study assessed the genetic diversity of 130 tropical and sub-tropical maize inbred lines, hybrids, and open-pollinated varieties using Striga resistance and agronomic traits, and SNP markers. The SNP markers demonstrated that the test genotypes had an average gene diversity of 0.34 and a polymorphic information content of 0.44, indicating significant phenotypic variation. Significant variation was recorded within populations (85%) compared to between populations using the analysis of molecular variance. The structure analysis allocated the test genotypes into eight major clusters (K = 8) in concordance with the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The following genetically distant inbred lines were selected, displaying good agronomic performance and Sa and Sh resistance: CML540, TZISTR25, TZISTR1248, CLHP0303, TZISTR1174, TZSTRI113, TZDEEI50, TZSTRI115, CML539, TZISTR1015, CZL99017, CML451, CML566, CLHP0343 and CML440. The new selections will now facilitate the breeding of maize varieties with Striga resistance and market-preferred traits. In the fourth part of the study, a combining ability analysis was undertaken to determine the mode of gene action regulating Sa and Sh resistance and to select good combiner parental maize lines for hybrid breeding. Four preliminarily selected tropical high-yielding and Sh-resistant testers and eight sub-tropical lines with Sa resistance were crossed using a line-by-tester mating design, and 32 single cross hybrids were generated. The crosses and their parents were evaluated under field and controlled environments during the 2023/2024 growing season using a 7 x 6 alpha lattice design with two replications. Combined analysis of variance revealed a significant (p<0.05) effect of the crosses on grain yield (GY), related agronomic traits, Striga emergence counts, and Striga damage rating 8 and 10 weeks after sowing. The ratio of the general combining ability effect (SCA) and the specific combining ability effect (SCA) was less than one for all the traits, indicating the predominance of non-additive genetic effects in trait inheritance and signifying the value of hybrid breeding. The best general combiner tester was TZISTR1248 in the Sa-infested environment, while tester TZISTR1174 was noteworthy under Sh environment. Lines CML540 and CLHP0343 were the best combiners in Sa environment, while CZL99017, CML566, CML540, and CLHP0343 were promising in Sh environment and CML540 was the best general combiner in all test environments. The crosses CML540 x TZISTR1174, CML540 x TZDEEI50, and CML539 x TZISTR1174 exhibited high yields, significant SCA effects, and high heterosis for GY in Sa environment. Whereas, in Sh environment, cross CML440 x TZDEEI50 had the best GCA effect and heterosis for GY. Crosses CML451 x TZISTR1174, CML539 x TZISTR1174, CML440 x TZDEEI50, CML566 x TZDEEI50, CZL99017 x TZISTR1248, and CML539 x TZISTR1248 were relatively the best specific combiners for GY in both Sa and Sh environments. The selected lines and testers and the new experimental hybrids are recommended for multi-environment evaluation in Sa and Sh-prone agroecologies to enhance grain yield and Striga resistance. In the fifth final part of the study, a genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Sh and Sa resistance among tropical and sub-tropical maize populations was undertaken to identify putative genetic markers and genes for resistance breeding. The test genotypes were profiled for GY, SEC8, SEC10, SDR8, and SDR10. Population structure analysis and genome-wide association mapping were undertaken based on 16,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers using the Diversity Array Technology Sequencing platform. The genome-wide association study identified 50 significant loci associated with Sh resistance and 22 significant loci linked to Sa resistance, corresponding to 39 and 19 candidate genes, respectively. No significant loci were found associated with dual resistance, suggesting that breeding maize must be specific for resistance to each Striga species using germplasm adapted to the endemic region of each parasite. Overall, the study finally revealed a novel result that host resistance is the most effective method for controlling Striga infestation and boosting GY despite that research institutions advocate integrated Striga management. Promising genotypes with Sa and Sh resistance were selected, and some tropical and sub-tropical genotypes showed dual resistance. Suitable parental lines and testers and new experimental hybrids were selected for Sa and Sh resistance breeding in SSA. The new selections could be explored for future Striga resistance breeding and the development of new varieties. Significant loci associated with Sh and Sa resistance with their corresponding genes were detected and could be used to facilitate selection for Sh and Sa resistance and GY in tropical and sub-tropical maize genetic resources

Combining ability of maize inbred lines for productivity, agronomics, and nutritional content under different nitrogen fertilizer regimes.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, PietermaritzburgMaize is a staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa with an average per capita consumption of 100 kg per annum. Despite its importance, maize is rich in starch but deficient in other nutrients leading to malnutrition in many people that heavily depend on maize without other nutrient-rich complementary sources of food. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess genetic variation for agronomic traits, yield and nutritional content among maize inbred lines and hybrids under high and low soil nitrogen availability (ii) determine the combining ability of maize inbred lines and their crosses for agronomic traits, grain yield, and nutritional content, and (iii) deduce the gene action controlling the inheritance of these traits under low and high input conditions. Ten maize inbred lines consisting of five quality protein maize (QPM) and five normalendosperm maize (non-QPM) inbred lines were crossed using the Griffing’s diallel mating design. The resultant hybrids, their parental lines and three control varieties were evaluated under low and high soil nitrogen treatments across two seasons at two locations in South Africa. The hybrids and their inbred line parents exhibited significant genetic variation for plant height, ear height, anthesis days, silking days, anthesis to silking interval, grain moisture, shelling percentage, grain yield, protein, oil and starch content. There were significant genotype x environment interaction effects on grain yield, shelling percentage, grain moisture and anthesis to silking interval. On average, yield and agronomic performances were lower in QPM hybrids under low nitrogen conditions confirming their less adaptation to the low input conditions compared to their normal maize endosperm counterparts. The protein, oil and starch contents of maize decreased under low nitrogen conditions. Both the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability effects for grain yield, protein and oil contents were significant across nitrogen management conditions. The significance of GCA and SCA effects suggested that both additive and non-additive gene action were involved in the inheritance of grain yield, agronomic traits, protein, and oil content

Promoting the culture of reading in private school libraries in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study aimed to investigate the promotion of a reading culture at private primary schools in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A school library can be seen as the “heart” of the school, and it is essential that its services are regularly evaluated to ensure they meet the needs of students. This investment in education will go a long way toward addressing the challenges of high illiteracy levels in any developing country, which also contribute to inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The literature reviewed for the study indicated that the school library today faces the challenge of competition with evolving technology, which often overshadows paper-based reading materials. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected teachers and school librarians, the study revealed that while school libraries and educators play a crucial role in fostering a reading culture, several barriers hinder this process. These include constraint-led factors (such as limited time for reading), lack of peer and parental support, and linguistic diversity in classrooms. Despite these challenges, librarians were found to be instrumental in encouraging early reading habits, while teachers play a pivotal role by allocating time for structured reading activities. To enhance the promotion of a reading culture, the study recommends peer reading programs, increased parental engagement, and the integration of multilingual reading resources. These interventions can strengthen reading habits and create a more inclusive and supportive literacy environment in primary schools

Religion as agency: the impact of curriculum structure and teaching approaches on student learning in introductory religion modules.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The approach to teaching Religious Studies (RS) in South African higher education has long been shaped by the World Religions Paradigm (WRP), a framework that categorises religious traditions into distinct, albeit often static entities. However, this pedagogical approach has been widely critiqued for its Eurocentric biases, lack of contextual relevance, and reinforcement of essentialist understandings of religion (Smith, 1978; Masuzawa, 2005; Owen, 2011; Fujiwara, 2016; Alberts, 2017). This study critically examines how RS is taught at tertiary level, specifically whether it fosters the students’ ability to engage critically with religious diversity, and explores alternative pedagogical approaches that may enhance and support student learning in a decolonial context. Drawing on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and framed within a constructivist pedagogical perspective, this research employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of different teaching methodologies on student engagement and learning outcomes. A comparative analysis of two consecutive cohorts of students—one taught using the WRP and the other through a thematic approach—highlights the pedagogical limitations of the former and the benefits of contextually relevant, student-centred learning. The study also incorporates insights from academics at various South African universities, examining broader disciplinary trends and the challenges exposed through the process of curriculum transformation within RS. The findings indicate that transitioning from the WRP to a thematic, comparative approach enhances student engagement, critical thinking, and religious literacy by enabling students to contextualise religious traditions within idiosyncratic historical, social, and lived experience frameworks. Moreover, this shift also aligns with broader decolonial imperatives, challenging dominant epistemologies and developing a more inclusive, reflexive, and dynamic study of religion. This study contributes to ongoing debates on curriculum transformation, pedagogical innovation, and the role of SoTL in RS. The study argues that the thematic approach not only facilitates student agency and intellectual growth but also offers a more sustainable and equitable model for teaching religion in South Africa’s diverse and often fragmented educational landscape

The nexus between social media and ethnic identity: a study of students at Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The relationship between social media and ethnic identity has huge worldwide implications. Social media platforms serve as virtual spaces for people to express and reaffirm their ethnic affinities, whether they are cultural, ethnic, religious, or ideological. It is critical to comprehend how social media platforms contribute to the creation, maintenance, or alteration of ethnic identity as these platforms emerge as important venues for communication and information sharing. One major issue is the presence of online communities that reinforce established ethnic identities. The aim of the current study is, therefore to establish the nexus between social media and ethnic identity amongst a group of students at Daystar University, Nairobi. The study employed social identity theory, behavioral theory, primordialism theory, constructivism theory, ethnosymbolism, and instrumentalism theory. The current research utilizes a descriptive research design and a qualitative research approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept under study. Data was collected using focused group discussions as well as an interview guide employed for primary data collection. Further, key informant interviews were conducted. Results indicate that students join social media for professional development, and it serves as a platform for cultural expression, community building, and identity formation. Moreover, social media is used for content creation and live streams of cultural events in their daily life. The students also use social media to connect with other ethnic members, learn about their own and other cultures, and express their cultural identity. Social media is used to promote ethnic identity by ensuring that in modern society there is a need to preserve culture. The study recommends that universities should implement programs that control the use of social media for social segregation and othering among students

The impact of TGF-β on the genital immune environment associated with HIV risk in young women.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban.Background: The HIV pandemic has disproportionally affected young women living in sub-Saharan Africa, with most new infections transmitted via condomless sex. Semen exposure is shown to increase several cytokines, cellular and barrier-related biomarkers of inflammation associated with HIV acquisition in women. The predominance of the anti-inflammatory transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) cytokine is well established in semen, and regulation of the cervical immune response is meant to facilitate conception. In this study, we investigated the contribution of TGF-β to the genital inflammatory profile linked to HIV risk in women. Methods: This study included a subset of 132 CAPRISA 008 trial participants with a biannual sampling of genital specimens (N=641 visits). The presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) was determined by ELISA and indicated the likelihood of condomless sex and semen exposure within 48 hours of genital sampling. Multiplex ELISA assays were used to determine the concentrations of TGF-β isoforms 1, 2, 3 and 48 other cytokines in CVL specimens. Flow cytometrywas conducted to identify activated (CD38+, HLA-DR+, CCR5+ and/or Ki67+) CD4+ T cell populations among cervical mononuclear cells collected from cytobrushes. Multivariable linear mixed models assessed associations between TGF-β concentrations and semen exposure and with cellular and cytokine biomarkers of inflammation. Results: TGF-β isoform concentrations were similar in CVL specimens with and without evidence of recent semen exposure. Further, independent of semen exposure, TGF-β1 detection and TGF-β3 concentrations were associated with significant decreases in multiple FRT cytokine concentrations. TGF-β1 detection and TGF-β2 concentrations significantly reduced multiple populations of activated CD4+ T cells at the FRT. Conclusion: Although TGF-β isoforms were differentially expressed in the FRT and differed in the nature of their individual associations with local cytokine concentrations and cellular frequencies, their general relationship with reduced levels of genital cytokines and immune cells attests to their documented immunomodulatory effects. TGF-β concentrations were not associated with PSA detection, which likely indicates a normalisation of TGF-β levels in genital fluid within 48 hours after intromission. Although TGF-β concentrations were independently associated with dampening local cellular and cytokine levels, the previously observed relationship between semen exposure and increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers was maintained in the cohort. Further interrogation is required to determine the dynamics of intromitted or endogenous TGF-β and inflammatory biomarkers, the persistence of their immune impact, and the relation to HIV risk