School principals’ experiences of ethical leadership during times of accountability : complexities, dilemmas and dynamics.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Several studies have highlighted the importance of ethical leadership during this era of accountability. Scholarship suggests that ethical leadership is at the heart of school life as decisions are underpinned by ethics. This study explored school principals’ experiences of ethical leadership. The study further examined why school principals enacted ethical leadership the way they do. Underpinned by the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative design and a case study methodology, six school principals were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Documents reviews were used to augment data generated through interviews. Multiple Ethical Paradigm Theory, Chaos Theory, Accountability Theory, and Stakeholder Theory were used as theoretical lenses to frame the analysis of data. Data was subjected to thematic cross-case analysis. To this effect, a meta matrix analysis tool and Document Review Schedule were used to thoroughly analyse data generated from interviews and documents respectively. The study found that school principals embrace ethical leadership in their leadership as school leaders because they are of the strong view that it yields many benefits in the entire school environment. Also, the findings of the study suggest that school principals have a clear understanding of ethical leadership; however, some still enacted unethical leadership practices. The study found that some school principals are conscious that ethical awareness is their responsibility as school leaders and the latter is enhanced through human interaction. To achieve this endeavour, the study found that some school principals believe in being exemplary and have taken upon themselves to enhance ethical leadership in their schools while others collaborate with other stakeholders like teacher unions, the DBE, Traditional Leaders and even Taxi Drivers’ Associations. This thesis concludes that the nexus between accountability and ethical behaviour remains elusive, as a result, ethical leadership for some school principals remains a pie in the sky; in some instances, it is a well-preached gospel that is hardly practiced. Since this study was conducted in one education district where six school principals participated in the study, I therefore recommend another study of the phenomenon to be conducted. To this effect, a mixed method study that will also include statistical data is recommended in order to allow for data to be extrapolated to a wider population

Characterisation of ganoderma species using morphological, molecular and biochemical markers and evaluation of substrate enhancement influence on their development and biochemical profile.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Ganoderma, also known as Reishi mushroom, is used for its potential health benefits in several countries. The current study characterised Ganoderma species using molecular and biochemical markers and evaluated the substrate enhancement influence on its development and biochemical profile. The overall research study consisted of four objectives. The first objective focused on the isolation and characterisation of fifteen fungal specimens collected from the three provinces of South Africa, namely, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and North- West. Five fungal specimens were collected in each province and growth media potato dextrose agar (PDA), malt extract agar (MEA), and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) were used to grow sample isolates. After 8 days of incubation, MEA recorded the highest mycelial diameter followed by PDA and SDA. Samples were identified using comparative morphology traits and supported by internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and phylogenetic analyses. Based on the ITS of ribosomal DNA, fungal samples KG3SY219 and MG1SY119 were found to be closely related to Ganoderma resinaceum and Ganoderma austroafricanum, respectively. The species were further characterised by biochemical compounds, including antioxidants, proteins, essential elements, and heavy metals. The antioxidant capacity exhibited a higher radical scavenging activity in G. austroafricanum compared to G. resinaceum. The concentrations of total phenolics, flavonoids, proteins, essential elements and heavy metals were more abundant in G. austroafricanum compared to G. resinaceum. This study also evaluated the effect of different growth conditions on mycelial growth and development of Ganoderma austroafricanum and Ganoderma resinaceum. The experimental treatments included three levels of pH (4, 6 & 8), temperature (20, 25 & 30 °C), and different types of plant residues namely; beech sawdust (BS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), and buffalo grass (BG). Three independent in vitro experiments were conducted, PDA and MEA were used as standard growth media to grow each fungal species. Mycelial growth and development were measured over 9 days where they reached maximum growth. The culture media pH results demonstrated that the maximum growth for mycelia was reached on day 9 for both species. Typically, G. resinaceum showed the highest mycelial growth for both cultures except for days 6 and 9 where the mycelial growth of the species was decreased by low levels (pH 4) and high levels (pH 8), respectively. The addition of BG to the growth media delayed the mycelial growth of G. resinaceum for both growth media (PD+MEA). Experiment three investigated the effect of different substrates on the development, total biomass, and biochemical profile of Ganoderma species. The experiment involved growing G. austroafricanum (GA) and G. resinaceum (GR) on different substrates; beech sawdust (BS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), and buffalo grass (BG), and suspension of all substrates (BSSBBG). The growth parameters such as pileus size, weight, total biomass, and biological efficiency were measured. Additionally, each substrate was analysed for biochemical composition. The biochemical composition of the harvested samples was also analysed to determine the levels of biochemical compounds such as minerals, antioxidants, and protein. The substrate pH levels demonstrated that all substrates were within the optimal growth pH range (5-6). SB exhibited greater levels in the majority of essential elements such as Zn and K, also, heavy metals Pb and Hg. The results on the development and total biomass production of Ganoderma species revealed significant variations across different substrates. In terms of development, GRBS was faster to reach the 100% rate of all production parameters in 40-52 days after inoculation. However, GASB exhibited higher quantities in total yield and biological efficiency. In addition, pileus from GASB demonstrated higher concentrations of all evaluated biochemical compounds. GASB also yielded higher levels of DPPH, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and protein. Experiment four examined the impact of substrate fortified with essential elements on the development, total biomass, and biochemical compounds of Ganoderma species. The experiment involved growing G. austroafricanum (GA) and G. resinaceum (GR) on beech enhanced with elements; no element (Control), Zn(NO3)2.6H2O (Zn), Fe2SO4 7H2O (Fe), Na2SeO3 (Se), and suspension of all essential elements (ZnFeSe). The growth parameters such as the pileus size, weight, total biomass, and biological efficiency were measured. In addition, the biochemical profile of Ganoderma spp. was analysed to evaluate the concentration of compounds. The development and total biomass production findings for the substrate fortified with essential elements exhibited significant differences. GRZn developed expeditious, reaching 100% of all production parameters in 52 days after inoculation. In comparison to all treatments, GAFe showed larger quantities in total yield and biological efficiency. The substrate enhancement with Zn had a significant increase in the majority of minerals. GAZn exhibited higher concentrations of essential elements such as Zn, K, and Mg. Higher levels of heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and As were recorded from GAControl. GASe produced higher levels of DPPH, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and protein reading. These findings demonstrate the variability of morphological characteristics, biochemical compounds, and growth conditions requirements between Ganoderma species. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity, taxonomy, and potential therapeutic applications of Ganoderma species in South Africa. Further investigation is required to identify Ganoderma species and its pharmaceutical properties

Investigation of the relationships between host genetics and COVID-19 disease progression among different ethnic groups in South Africa.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Abstract available in PDF.Abstract part of Chapter 1

Examining fake news on WhatsApp messaging in the political ecology of Ado-Ekiti and Akure, South-West Nigeria.

Research Articles. Criminology and Forensic Studies.WhatsApp is a major communication and social media tool in Ado-Ekiti and Akure, Southwest Nigeria, and it is popular in the urban and rural areas. All ages and groups use the digital platform to disseminate information. Aside words, it has attractive features like photographs, voice notes and videos, and that has increased its wide used. However, the political class and their supporters have also exploited these benefits to spread misleading information. Fake news has become a phenomenon in Nigeria, and the carriers of this fake news have mobilised WhatsApp with all its attendant features for smear campaign and to spread the so-called fake news against their opponents. This is rife in Ado-Ekiti and Akure. This study investigates the dangers of using WhatsApp digital platform to spread fake news. The study adopted a qualitative approach and a random sampling method to recruit and conduct semi-structured interviews with male and female residents of the twin-cities of Ado-Ekiti and Akure that are above 18 years. The study concluded that the government will have to strengthen digital media laws by instituting an independent body that will regulate and prosecute people who use the platform to cause damages to people, especially their political opponents, thereby protect the public from being assaulted with fake and misleading information that has consequences

Exploring leadership competencies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Library in a digital age.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Digitalization as a mega-trend is affecting the library sector, triggering challenges and opportunities that demand new competencies for leaders of academic librarians. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore library leadership competencies in the digital age according to the perspectives of library leaders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm and non-probability sampling method to purposively select nine library leaders from the University of KwaZulu-Natal for in-depth interviews. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results from the study have shown that library leaders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal demonstrate a variety of five leadership styles and three key leadership competencies for the academic library to adapt to the changes brought by digitalization. The leadership struggles with clarity on the direction at UKZN, collective and shared leadership, an inclusive, partnership and alignment style, and the autocratic and adaptive leadership styles. Secondly, this study revealed three leadership competencies used by leaders of the academic library at UKZN to deal with adaptive change and provide services in a digital age. These leadership competences include developing people and programmes to achieve change within rules; strategic thinking competences; and leading teams. Lastly, the study provided a Leadership Competencies framework for library leaders in the digital age at UKZN, comprising seven different leadership competences and four tasks and roles by leaders at UKZN, which are necessary for effective academic library leadership in the digital era. The study recommended a variety of leadership competences that are key to leading the academic library through adaptive challenges in the digital era. Areas for future research were also highlighted

Synthesis elaboration of fragments that potentially inhibit the HOP-HSP90 protein-protein interaction.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone that mediates the stability and maturation of many important proteins for oncogenesis. There is an overexpression of the Heat Shock Protein 70/Heat Shock Protein 90 Organising Protein- HSP90 (HOP-HSP90) protein-protein interaction (PPI) complex in tumour tissues unlike in healthy cells. This PPI complex of HSP90 displayed a potential druggable target because of the crucial role it plays in cancer development. However, the challenge is the development of HOP-HSP90 PPI inhibitors. The literature showed the activity of valsartan (27) for the inhibition of HOP-HSP90 PPI as it entails the features of ortho-biphenyl tetrazole fragments that were obtained from the Structural-Binding Relationship (SBR) of the active fragments using fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD). These fragments bound to the tetratricopeptide repeat 2A (TPR2A) domain of HOP and inhibited the PPI of HOP-HSP90. As a result, this study aimed to synthesise and assay ortho-biphenyl tetrazole fragments as inhibitors of HOP-HSP90 for novel anticancer inhibitors, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Valsartan (27) and its analogues were synthesised following reported procedures and modified methods. A series of 13 ortho-biphenyl tetrazole desired fragments were successfully synthesised using a Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction and [3 + 2] cycloaddition of nitrile with sodium azide. The cross coupling of 2-iodobenzonitrile or 2-(2-bromophenyl) acetonitrile with para-substituted phenylboronic acid was conducted using different substrates including Cl, Br, F, CH3, CF3, H, and OCH3. Cycloaddition was done after the cross-coupling to skip the protection step of the tetrazole. With the desired ortho-biphenyl tetrazole fragments in hand, the PPI inhibition activity was evaluated at different concentrations from 0 mM to 2.0 mM. It is interesting to observe that some of these fragments showed PPI activity at different concentrations including compounds 76, 80, 82, 83 and 84. No activity was observed following the incorporation of the benzylic carbon. The data presents the successful lead optimisation for the development of HOP-HSP90 novel PPI inhibitors for the treatment of TNBC

Mathematical modelling of the Ebola virus disease = I-Model yeziBalo yesifo Segciwane Le-Ebola.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Despite the numerous modelling efforts to advise public health physicians to understand the dynamics of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) and control its spread, the disease continued to spread in Africa. In the current thesis, we systematically review previous EVD models. Further, we develop novel mathematical models to explore two important problems during the 2018-2020 Kivu outbreak: the impact of geographically targeted vaccinations (GTVs) and the interplay between the attacks on Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) and the spread of EVD. In our systematic review, we identify many limitations in the modelling literature and provide brief suggestions for future work. Our modelling findings underscore the importance of considering GTVs in areas with high infections. In particular, we find that implementing GTVs in regions with high infections so that the total vaccinations are increased by 60% decreases the cumulative cases by 15%. On the other hand, we need to increase the vaccinations to more than 1000% to achieve the 15% decrease in EVD cases if we implement GTVs in areas with low infections. On the impact of the attacks on ETCs, we find that due to the attacks on ETCs, the cumulative cases increased by more than 17% during the 2018-2020 Kivu outbreak. We also find that when 10% of the hospitalised individuals flee the attacks on ETCs after spending only three days under treatment, the cumulative cases increased by more than 30% even if these individuals all returned to the ETCs three days later. On the other hand, if only half of these individuals returned to ETCs for treatment, the cumulative cases increase by approximately 50%. Further, when these patients spend one more day in the community, after which they all return to ETCs, the cumulative cases rise by an additional 10%. Global sensitivity analysis also confirmed these findings. To conclude, our literature systematic review is used to identify many critical factors which were overlooked in previous EVD models. Our modelling findings show that the attacks on ETCs can be destructive to the efforts of EVD response teams. Hence, it is important for decision-makers to tackle the reasons for community distrust and address the roots of the hostility towards ETCs. We also find that GTVs can be used to contain the spread of EVD when ring vaccinations, contact tracing and antiviral treatments cannot successfully control the spread of EVD. Iqoqa. Naphezu kwemizamo eminingi yokumodela okuhloswe ngayo ukweluleka izikhulu zezempilo zomphakathi ukuthi ziqonde amandla egciwane lesifo se-Ebola (EVD) futhi zilawule ukusakazeka kwaso, lesi sifo saqhubeka nokusabalala e-Afrikha. Kulo mbhalo weziqu zobudokotela, sibuyekeza ngokuhlelekile amamodeli angaphambilini e-EVD futhi sithuthukise amamodeli ezibalo amasha ukuze sihlole izinkinga ezimbili ezibalulekile ngesikhathi sokubheduka kwesifo eKivu ngonyaka wezi-2018-2020: umthelela wemigomo eqondiswe ngokwendawo (GTVs) kanye nokuhlangana phakathi kokuhlaselwa kwezindawo ezelapha i-Ebola (ETCs) kanye ukusabalala kwe-EVD. Ukubuyekeza kwethu okuhlelekile kuveza imikhawulo embalwa ezincwadini zokumodela ezikhona futhi kunikeza iziphakamiso zomsebenzi wesikhathi esizayo. Okutholakele kugcizelela ukubaluleka kokucabangela ama-GTV ezindaweni ezinamazinga aphezulu okutheleleka. Ngokukhethekile, sithola ukuthi ukusebenzisa ama-GTV ezifundeni ezinamazinga aphezulu okutheleleka—njengokuthi isamba sokugoma sikhuphuke ngo-60%—kwehlisa isibalo sezifo ngo-15%. Ngokuphambene, imigomo idinga ukukhuphuka ngaphezu kuka-1000% ukuze kuzuzwe ukwehla okungu-15% ezimweni ze-EVD uma ama-GTV esetshenziswa ezindaweni ezinamazinga aphansi okutheleleka. Mayelana nomthelela wokuhlaselwa kwama-ETC, sithola ukuthi lokhu kuhlasela kwenyuse amacala anqwabelene ngaphezu kuka-17% ngesikhathi sokubheduka kwesifo e-Kivu ngo-2018-2020. Ukwengeza, lapho u-10% wabantu abasesibhedlela bebalekela ukuhlaselwa kwama-ETC ngemva kokuchitha izinsuku ezintathu kuphela belashwa, amacala anqwabelene akhuphuka ngaphezu kuka-30%, ngisho noma laba bantu bebuyela kuma-ETC ezinsukwini ezintathu kamuva. Uma ngabe uhhafu walaba bantu ubuyela kuma-ETC ukuze bathole ukwelashwa, izimo ezikhulayo zikhuphuka cishe ngo-50%. Ngaphezu kwalokho, lapho lezi ziguli zichitha usuku olulodwa ngaphezulu emphakathini, ngemva kwalokho zonke zibuyela kuma-ETC, amacala akhulayo akhuphuka ngo-10%. Ukuphetha, ukubuyekezwa kwezincwadi zethu kukhomba izici ezimbalwa ezibalulekile ezinganakwa kumamodeli angaphambilini e-EVD. Okutholakele kokumodela kwethu kubonisa ukuthi ukuhlaselwa kwama-ETC kungakhinyabeza kakhulu imizamo yamaqembu okuphendula e-EVD. Ngakho-ke, kubalulekile ukuthi abenzi bezinqumo babhekane nezizathu zokungathembeki komphakathi kanye nezimpande zobutha kuma-ETC. Ngaphezu kwalokho, sithola ukuthi ama-GTV angaqukatha ngempumelelo ukusabalala kwe-EVD lapho ukugonywa okuzungezile, ukulandelelwa kokuthintana, kanye nokwelashwa ngezidambisigciwane kunganele ukulawula ukusabalala kwesifo

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) remotely sensed data and machine learning techniques to predict maize yield.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Abstract available in PDF

Navigating racialised identity as a Black female educator within the educational journey: an autoethnographic study.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This autoethnographic research study aimed to explore the experiences of a Black female educator navigate racialised identity within the educational journey from pre-primary to high school, and university. This study is based on my experiences of attending predominantly white schools in Durban North during the early post-apartheid period. I am currently teaching in a township school in Ntuzuma, Durban. The study describes how my schooling experiences and historical background have influenced my teaching style. In this study, a gap is filled in the literature because few studies discuss post-apartheid experiences of Black females who attended primarily white schools. The Intersectionality theory underpin this study. The research questions were addressed using a qualitative approach and auto-ethnography, where the researcher is also a participant in the research. By using this methodology, the researcher was able to explore lived experiences through a variety of methods, such as memory work, photographs, artefacts, collages, critical friends, and reflective journals. This study found that parental involvement, sibling support, culture, and socioeconomic position were all factors that affected the ability to navigate predominantly White schools. The experiences shared showed that much of my Blackness was diluted, particularly issues with native tongue, which proved problematic during teaching practice. Unlike the literature, schooling experiences were challenging rather than traumatising. It was determined that due to attending predominantly white educational institutions, much needs to be unlearned about identity. This motivates the researcher to become an effective educator

Lived experiences of caregivers raising children living with autism in Manzini Eswatini.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Research on autism in Eswatini is scarce, and with public awareness remaining at low levels, caregivers of children living with autism are faced with major challenges related to stigma, adverse discrimination, severe isolation, abuse and lack of supportive services. As a result, the plight of children living with autism is worse, significantly because the challenges are further escalated when combined with poverty since there is no proper diagnosis nor supportive services. Based on the researcher’s experience in the field of Social Work, and experiences of raising an autistic child and as a researcher, a gap was recognized in the awareness of autism in the country, seeing that it is in its inception stages. The overarching aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of caregivers raising children living with autism in Manzini (Eswatini). The study utilized a constructionist paradigm, in order to delve into how caregivers construct their experiences of raising children living with autism. This study followed a descriptive-exploratory research design. The size of the study sample consisted of two males and 13 females which in total were 15 caregivers. The study utilised a purposive sampling method. Data were analysed using the Analytic Framework approach, which falls under the thematic analysis approaches for qualitative data. The findings in the study reflected that caregivers of children living with autism stress begins before the diagnosis is made and increases upon receiving the diagnosis. Significant feelings were found to be that of guilt, stress, denial, anxiety, depression, frustration, confusion, shock and fatigue; similar to the process of grief. Challenges caregivers experience is found to be lack of social support and social isolation; increasing their level of stress. Caregivers reported that their child has a positive influence on them as well as the child taught them patience, acceptance and unconditional love