Assessing cyanobacteria in a small reservoir using unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVs): a case study of High Flight Farm Dam.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Monitoring water quality, particularly chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations, is critical for managing irrigation water, as excessive chl-a can degrade aquatic ecosystems and reduce water availability. While multispectral satellite-based remote sensing is widely used, its spatial resolution is inadequate for small water bodies, which are crucial to smallholder farmers. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) offer high-resolution, near-real-time data, presenting a promising solution. This thesis investigates UAV-based multispectral imaging for chl-a estimation in small reservoirs through an empirical study in South Africa, supported by a background systematic review of existing literature. The empirical study integrates UAV-based multispectral data from April, June, and July 2024 with in-situ measurements of chl-a, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and dissolved oxygen (DO). The machine learning models tested include Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), with ANN consistently outperforming the others and achieving the highest R² values across the three sampling periods: 0.949 (April), 0.991 (June), and 0.734 (July). The green, red, and red-edge bands were the most sensitive for chl-a estimation. Seasonal patterns emerged, with high chl-a concentrations in April and June, followed by a decline in July due to reduced water levels. Strong correlations were found between chl-a and nutrient parameters, particularly TP (R² = 0.879) and TN (R² = 0.711) in July. This study highlights the potential of UAV-based remote sensing for high-resolution chl-a monitoring in small water bodies. This study demonstrates the potential of UAV-based remote sensing for accurate, localized, and detailed chl-a monitoring in small water bodies, offering valuable insights for water resource management in smallholder agricultural systems worldwide

Evaluation of small-molecule compounds and immunomodulatory agents as potential host-directed therapy for tuberculosis in in vitro models of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a global health concern that currently affects millions of individuals and causes significant mortality annually. The problem is aggravated by the emergence of drug-resistant Mtb strains and TB-associated tissue pathology, which may result in post-TB lung disease and lung function challenges. New therapeutic strategies are required to treat TB-associated lung pathology. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) offer a novel approach to treating TB and improving outcomes by enhancing the host’s immune response, alleviating tissue damage caused by extreme inflammation, and shortening treatment duration. This study aims to screen small-molecule compounds as potential HDTs to target inflammation, reduce tissue damage, and alleviate pulmonary impairment associated with TB. Methods: High-throughput screening of small-molecule compounds was performed on PBMCs infected with Mtb H37Rv. ELISA was used to quantify the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds. A promising candidate, Tam-X1, which inhibits IL-5 from binding to its receptor IL-5R, was identified for its capacity to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Tam-X1 was further evaluated in a 3D biomimetic collagen-alginate model mimicking TB granulomas, using PBMCs infected with luminescent Mtb H37Rv LUX strain. ELISA and luminometry were employed to measure the anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial effects of Tam-X1 in the 3D model, respectively. H&E staining and immunofluorescence staining were performed on resected TB-diseased lung tissue to examine the spatial association of proteins in the Tam-X1 target pathway, including IL-5 and IL-5Ra, with TB-induced inflammation and granuloma development. Results: Tam-X1 significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, during Mtb infection and inhibited intracellular Mtb growth within the 3D biomimetic model. Histopathological assays revealed that TB-driven inflammation is mediated by immune cells expressing IL-5Ra, including eosinophils, and that Tam-X1 targets a pathway spatially associated with pathology in the TB-diseased lung. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of Tam-X1 as a promising HDT for TB. By targeting the IL-5/IL-5R signalling pathway, Tam-X1 reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 during Mtb infection and inhibited Mtb growth. This suggests that treatment with Tam-X1 may mitigate TB-associated tissue pathology by modulating the host's immune response. ABSTRACT: PART B Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a global health threat due to drug resistance, poor treatment adherence, and high mortality rates. Host-directed therapies (HDTs) offer a novel approach to improve TB treatment outcomes by enhancing the host’s immune defence, controlling inflammation and reducing post-TB complications and mortality. This study aimed to assess the potential of immunomodulatory compounds targeting Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8, as adjunctive HDTs for TB. Methods: Screening of the effects of immunomodulatory agents in THP-1 cells infected with the luminescent Mtb strain, H37Rv LUX, was performed. The effects on the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were quantified using ELISA. Luminometry was used to analyse the effects of TLR modulation on bacterial clearance. A promising compound, TLR M, a TLR7/8 agonist, was identified as an activator of macrophage pro-inflammatory responses and underwent further evaluation using an in vitro 3D biomimetic TB granuloma model, analysing the effects on inflammation using ELISA and antimycobacterial effects using luminometry. H&E-stained and immunofluorescent labelled slides were imaged using confocal microscopy to spatially analyse the association of TLR M’s protein target, TLR7/8, with TB-induced inflammation and granuloma formation in resected TB-diseased lung tissue. Results: This study identified TLR7/8 as potential targets for adjunctive HDTs, revealing their potential to enhance the inflammatory response during Mtb infection. TLR7/8 activation with TLR M improved antimycobacterial properties. Using immunofluorescence staining on lung tissue from TB diseased participants, we observed that alveolar macrophages contribute to TLR7/8 mediated signalling, potentially amplifying effector functions and aiding in Mtb clearance. Conclusion: Taken together, TLR M represents a potential adjuvant HDT for TB treatment. The ability of this TLR7/8 agonist to modulate the inflammatory immune response and enhance antimycobacterial activity suggests that it can improve treatment outcomes and mitigate TB-related morbidity and mortality. Further research into TLR7/8-targeted therapies may therefore lead to enhanced strategies for combating TB by enhancing the hosts immune response and addressing the challenges associated with current treatment regimens

Characterization of groundwater quality in Small Island developing states (SIDS): a case study in the island of Mauritius.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This thesis presents a systematic investigation of groundwater systems in Mauritius through three interconnected studies examining temporal patterns, climate impacts, and flow dynamics. The research addresses the knowledge gaps regarding groundwater vulnerability in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) while developing a framework for sustainable resource management. The temporal analysis spanning 2010-2021 revealed significant trends in groundwater quality across Mauritius's five major aquifers (Aquifer I: Curepipe-Vacoas-Flic en Flac; Aquifer II: Phoenix-Beau Bassin-Albion-Moka-Coromandel; Aquifer III: Nouvelle France-Rose Belle- Plaisance; Aquifer IV: Nouvelle Découverte-Plaine des Roches-Midlands-Trou d'Eau Douce; and Aquifer V: Northern Aquifer). Conductivity showed decreasing trends in four aquifers (- 0.09 to -0.40 μS/cm per month), while pH demonstrated significant changes in Aquifers II and V. Total Dissolved Solids decreased notably in Aquifers I and II (-0.12 and -0.18 units/month respectively), indicating spatially variable water quality evolution. The investigation of climate impacts revealed generally weak correlations between groundwater quality and climate indices. The 12-month Standardized Precipitation Index showed strongest correlations with sulphate in Aquifers II and III (r = -0.40 and -0.33), while global climate modes demonstrated minimal influence. Analysis of Cyclone Esami (January 2020) indicated short-term impacts on water quality parameters, though data limitations prevented a complete statistical analysis of extreme event impacts. Isotopic analysis conducted during 2022-2023 using 67 boreholes across all five aquifer systems revealed distinct spatial and temporal patterns in groundwater composition. Results showed δ2H values ranging from -22.8per mil to -5.6per mil and δ18O values from -4.2per mil to -1.56per mil, with systematic variations corresponding to elevation and aquifer characteristics. Inter-aquifer connectivity was evident between Aquifers I and II, while Aquifer V showed clear evidence of marine influence with elevated chloride concentrations (42 mg/L) and enriched isotopic signatures in coastal areas. The research provides a framework for assessing groundwater vulnerability in SIDS through integration of temporal trend analysis, climate correlation studies, and isotopic characterization. Key findings include the importance of spatial heterogeneity in system response, the primacy of local hydrogeological conditions over regional climate patterns, and the need for spatially targeted management approaches. These insights enable development of evidence-based strategies for sustainable groundwater management in SIDS contexts

The influence of musical interventions on drug abuse reduction among Nigerian youths: a study of David Jones’s popular music (2017 – 2022)

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Drug abuse is one of the extreme health and social problems confronting Nigeria, as the national prevalence rate of 14.4 per cent surpasses the global prevalence rate of 5.5 per cent (UNODC, 2021). Drug abuse prevalence is perceived to be very high among Nigerian youths (NDLEA, 2013; Umukoro et al., 2016; Adeyemo et al., 2016; Umukoro & Aina, 2020) as a result of several prevailing risk factors (Unya & Onya, 2020; Adeniyi, 2022) that the Nigerian youths are predisposed to in their immediate environments. A good number of communication strategies have been adopted in the past, both at international and national levels, to reduce the impact of these risk factors on Nigerian youths. However, these approaches have failed to yield the expected outcomes, partly due to the complexities in developing drug abuse interventions that can help to address the situation. The use of educational programmes in Nigeria's efforts to address drug abuse has since been championed (Ajayi & Alli, 2020; Olarewaju et al., 2022). Entertainment Education (EE) applications are rare health interventions in the Nigerian context. This thesis explores, in a broader sense, the EE potential of an anti-drug abuse popular music intervention, David Jones's anti-drug abuse popular music (2017-2022), as a tool to address drug abuse among Nigerian youths. Using Social Cognitive Theory, this study explores David Jones’s anti-drug abuse interventions through the lived experiences of Nigerian youths exposed to it, towards exploring the EE potential for drug-related interventions. The epistemological assumption upon which this study draws is the interpretive paradigm. The study used hermeneutic phenomenological methodology fortified by seven FGDs to generate qualitative data. The purposive sampling was employed to select a sample comprising 41 Nigerian youths who volunteered from seven tertiary institutions, namely the Rivers State University (RSU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Godfrey Okoye University (GOU), Coal City University (CCU), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) and Veritas University (VU). The data collected for the study were analysed employing reflexive thematic analysis. The findings of this study sustain the conclusion that EE holds vast potential in the development of interventions that would help address the growing prevalence of drug abuse among Nigerian youths aged 18 -25 years. David Jones’s anti-drug abuse interventions’ messages were found to have offered transformative educational information, promoted guidance and counselling of the study’s participants, and stimulated self-belief. This also indicates that the anti-drug abuse popular music intervention was grounded in SCT and perceived to be relevant in informing EE interventions (Willoughby et al., 2018). However, David Jones’s anti-drug abuse popular music intervention (2017-2022) does not fully address the entertainment needs of some Nigerian youths due to the music composition and deferential in the listening functions of significant music uses. These include the music theme, melody, repetitive and minimalist pattern, and static nature, as it lacks dynamics and contrast. The study concludes that continuous engagement in the production of intriguing EE music is essential to foster the saturation level needed for the success of music interventions. It also emphasises the importance of incorporating theories in EE music messages through design and implementation. The appeal for behavioural changes and the highlight of the dire consequences of drug abuse should be paramount in music intervention. This approach may help suppress the risk factors responsible for drug abuse among Nigerian youths and trigger good drug use behaviour. The success of EE music intervention depends on a nuanced understanding of youths' music genres, information or practical needs, and entertainment experiences

The impact of public procurement on business success of small micro medium enterprises: case of Greater Kokstad Municipality.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa are struggling to survive. However, improving their success rate in public procurement will significantly enhance their business growth and success. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of public procurement on the success of SMMEs within the Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM). The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of how effective public procurement can be in assisting SMMEs in becoming successful businesses that can contribute to the local economy. The study employed a qualitative research method, utilizing a case study design. Twelve (12) participants were selected for the study, which consisted of municipal officials and local SMMEs. In-depth semi-structured interviews served as the primary data collection method to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of public procurement on the business success of local SMMEs. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis was conducted on the information received from interview transcription. The study findings revealed that public procurement in the GKM can enhance the profitability of local SMMEs and contribute to building their reputation and experience. However, several barriers such as limited access to finance, competition from larger firms, delayed payments, lack of transparency and corruption continue to hinder the growth and success of SMMEs within the GKM procurement system. Although government policies do exist to support and develop SMMEs in public procurement, their effective implementation remains a challenge in supporting local SMMEs in the GKM, as these policies lack practical support to address the needs of these enterprises. The study highlights the need for a more pragmatic approach to supporting local SMMEs, including strengthening training programs, improving access to finance, having more inclusive procurement measures and greater transparency within the procurement process. The outcome of the study contributes to a broader understanding of the dynamics of local SMMEs operating within the public procurement market. The findings collectively enhance knowledge on SMME development and public sector reform, while also enriching the existing literature on public procurement, small business growth, and local economic development. It bridges theory and practice in promoting inclusive growth, opening opportunities for future research aimed at improving procurement systems to better support local enterprises

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)

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

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

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