The impact of land reform on women's livelihoods in sub-division A of Clonmore farm - Mberengwa district in Zimbabwe

After independence in 1980, Zimbabwe faced the predicament of addressing the colonial legacy of imbalances in accessing land and other productive resources between the country’s white people and black African population. Whites held most of the productive land in the agro-economic Regions I, II and III while black Africans were predominantly located in overpopulated, marginal and arid land which was unsuitable for crop production in Natural Regions IV and V. While land reforms were implemented immediately from independence, these however yielded very minimum improvements in access to land by black Africans. This was further exacerbated by the acute need for land reform, the expectations of the freed majority of the population (black Africans) and the economic collapse in the early 2000s. These put insurmountable pressures on the government to redistribute land to the poor and vulnerable households to ensure food self-sufficiency. The above conditions inadvertently led to the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) from 1999 - 2015. The FTLRP led to the redistribution of vast swathes of large-scale commercial farms to the landless poor majority. This wave of land distribution triggered renewed interest and global debates in the productive efficiency of smallholder farmers and their capability to generate sustainable rural livelihoods including equitable gender land ownership, as well as women empowerment in particular. A case study of selected households from Sub-division A of Clonmore Farm was used to investigate and contribute to the debate on women empowerment through land reform, particularly FTLRP. The research investigated to what extent the FTLRP had empowered rural women and improved their livelihood portfolios and choices. The research also assessed the mechanisms and barriers that women face to realise women empowerment as well as the implication of the application of FTLRP to other regions of the world facing similar land challenges. The study focussed on women’s livelihoods, their knowledge of land reforms, how they feel about their new land and what they think needs to be done to improve their access to land and empower them to take charge of their lives and households. Findings of the study indicate that the FTLRP has not only improved women’s access to land but their ownership independently or jointly with their spouses. Available evidence also shows that some women who gained access to land through social networks or marriage are insecure especially if the land was bequeathed to them by in-laws and the husband died before the land permit was transferred into their names. Women were empowered and were engaging in productive farming and no-farming activities on the land. Most households were food self-sufficient because the majority of women were producing more than a tonne of maize (the staple starch) in a season, enough to feed themselves and their families in a season as well as selling the surplus, indicating the successful outcomes of the FTLRP. However, most households remained vulnerable to long spells of drought because the study area is in the predominantly dry zone, which receives scarce rain. Off-farm activities, especially mining, cross-border and petty trading as well as a wide range of services at Yorks Business Centre provided some relief in the form of financial capital flow which mitigated against adverse weather throughout the year, particularly in drought years. New farmers, apart from getting assistance from government and local leaders, accessed social capital from family and friends because they moved in social groups from the surrounding communal areas (CAs). The redistribution of land was integrated into the wider government economic development programme that enhanced rural livelihoods although funding and support was still inadequate. Evidence showed that the hybrid model of legal and customary administration of the land under FTLRP had greatly improved women’s access to land and security of land tenure compared to their counterparts in the communal areas. More still needed to be done, especially in targeting women if their empowerment was to be maximised. Areas that needed to be improved to assist women included gender sensitive laws, improvements in secular and customary laws particularly inheritance laws, implementing programmes specifically targeting women. Evidence also showed that there is still a lot that needs to be done in terms of policy formulation and implementation, training, input support, etc. to ensure the FTLRP achieves its maximum potential. However, the 2016–2017 harvest demonstrated the productive success brought in by smallholder farmers as they contributed significantly to the surplus sold on the market.MT 201

Modalities of prostate specific antigen testing in Gauteng clinics and hospitals, South Africa

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree in Master of Medicine (Chemical Pathology). Johannesburg, 2018.Background: The use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in screening for prostate cancer remains controversial. However, in developing countries mortality from prostate cancer remains high due to lack of screening facilities such as PSA testing. Prostate specific antigen testing could be beneficial in reducing advanced prostate cancer and mortality in developing countries like South Africa. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa has issued guidelines on the use of PSA in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and management, but we do not know how this test is used in our healthcare facilities. Aims and objectives: To describe modalities of PSA testing in screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer in terms of number of PSA test requests, patient demographic characteristics, type of health care facility (clinic versus hospital), prostate biopsy uptake and PSA level. Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study of PSA tests done at the National Health Laboratory Services laboratory at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. Results: 17 498 subjects had PSA tests. Of these 13 795 (79%) were done in Black African men (BA) while 3703 (21%)) in other racial groups (Others). More requests (62%) were from clinics versus than from hospitals (38%). The mean age for Black Africans (55.5 years SD (±13.3 years) was significantly lower than that of Others (62.9 years (±12.6 years, p<0.005), and median PSA level was significantly higher in Black African men from age 60 and above compared to Others (1.79 versus 1.53 μg/L, p<0.001). More Black Africans aged 60 and above had PSA level above age specific reference interval than others of the same age category (33% versus 26%, p<0.001). Only 17% of all men had a PSA above 4.00 μg/L which is the cut-off used by the National Health Laboratory Services. Of the four hundred and twenty-three men who underwent prostate biopsy, 213 (50%) had cancer. Fewer prostate biopsies were done in Black Africans than Others (2% vs. 4 % p=0.01), although Black African men were more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer on biopsy than Others (54% vs. 43%, p=0.03). Conclusion: PSA testing is a common practice in our healthcare facilities. The numbers of PSA tests done differ by age and race of patients. Black African men had lower biopsy uptake even though they were likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer on biopsy.LG201

Causes and predictors of mortality in systematic sclerosis at a tertiary Southern Gauteng Hospital

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in the branch of Internal Medicine. Johannesburg, 2018.Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting skin and internal organs. It is characterized by excessive fibrosis, vasculopathy and chronic inflammation. The disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, but to date, there have been no studies on causes of death and predictors thereof in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To determine the spectrum of causes of death in SSc patients attending the Connective Tissue Disease Clinic at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Methods A retrospective record review of patients meeting the ACR/EULAR (full criteria attending the Connective Tissue Disease Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital between Jan 1990 to Dec 2015). Results Of the 282 records reviewed, 174 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were Black African (92.5%), with a female to male ratio of 7:1. The mean (SD) age at diagnosis and follow up period were 41.8 (13.1) years and 65.8 (66.4) months respectively at last visit. Only 53 were known to be alive at the end of the study, 63 were lost and/or could not be found during follow-up, and there were 58 known deaths. The major known causes of death were disease-related: cardiopulmonary in 24 (41.4%) and SRC in 1 patient (1.7%). The disease-unrelated causes included infection in 5 patients (8.6%) and malignancy in 2 patients (3.5%). Predictors of mortality included serositis, renal dysfunction, digital ulcers, proteinuria, and a raised C-reactive protein (CRP). The estimated survival rates were 56.3% at 5 years and 35.8% at 10 years – censored for patients lost to follow up. Conclusion In the present study, SSc was associated with a high morbidity and mortality especially cardiorespiratory complications. The cause of death in our study was predominantly disease related, which is in accordance with that reported in other studies. Cardiopulmonary causes remain the leading causes of death in our population comparable to that reported in studies done in other countries.LG201

Assessing staff readiness for simulation in a Health Sciences Institution

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing. Johannesburg, 2018.Background: Simulation has been considered a possible solution to the recorded imbalance in the number of students, clinical instructors and clinical placements. The perceived simulation benefits have led to an increase in investment by health sciences institutions through the purchase of equipment and set up of a simulation laboratory, but with a lack of proper planning and structure for its integration into the curriculum. Frotjold (2015) indicated that poor staff preparation and planning can inhibit the adoption of simulation thereby limiting its utilization. Purpose: To examine the readiness of lecturers from the five departments within the school of therapeutic health sciences at a university in South Africa to adapting simulation-based education and identify factors preventing or promoting the successful use of the new methodology. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted utilizing a validated Simulation Culture Organizational Readiness Survey (SCORS) 24 item, 5-point likert scale. Sections of the survey addressed: Defined need and support for change; readiness for culture change; time, personnel and resource readiness; and sustainability practices to embed culture. A total population sampling method was adopted, and lecturers identified were contacted electronically using the Redcap software. Result: The results of this study showed that lecturers in The School were “somewhat ready” for simulation (107.5). This was due to a lack of strategic vision (2.78), the lack of resources (2.3), and insufficient staff education (2.52). The fact that innovation and experiential learning was central to the institution’s mission and philosophy (4.02), the technological proficiency of lecturers (3.56) and positive attitudes (3.5) promoted the use of simulation. Conclusion/Recommendation: Evaluating staff readiness and providing training to empower staff is recommended for institutions initiating simulation to achieve successful student outcomes with simulation use.LG201

The ecology of otters in an urban environment

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, 2018Urban development has rapidly become the largest contributing factor of biodiversity decline across the planet. Regardless, certain species can survive these novel environments due to their opportunistic nature or occurrence in niche specific areas within urban areas. The aim of my study was to establish whether two otter species, the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) and the spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis), in an urban environment showed similar ecological patterns in distribution (spatial arrangement), diet, and habitat use compared to conspecific individuals in areas with moderate to low levels of human disturbance. Firstly, I investigated the distribution and frequency of each species based on occurrence of signs (e.g. spraints and footprints) in relation to urban and peri-urban areas of central Gauteng, South Africa. Both species were present in central Gauteng, with a greater number of A. capensis signs found. No difference was observed between the number of signs found in urban and peri-urban areas for both species. Secondly, habitat variables measured near otter signs showed several differences in variables between urban and peri-urban areas. Otter movement through urban areas appeared to be associated with tall grass species, reed beds, and trees, which provided means of concealment for the animals, as well as avoidance of buildings to reduce human encounters. Thirdly, diet analysis based on prey remains in otter faecal samples resulted in lower than expected levels of crab and fish, and revealed higher than expected numbers of less common prey (e.g. birds and mammals) being consumed. Finally, the genetic diversity of individuals was measured using allele frequency to determine the level of reproductive success (ability to survive and produce viable offspring; Fisher, 1915) of A. capensis. Results showed a high level of genetic recombination between individuals in the population suggesting no movement restrictions are being experienced by otters, but genetic diversity was low. Otters are able to utilise resources available in this novel environment, which does not appear to be affecting movement, habitat utilisation or diet. A high genetic flow suggests successful use of urban areas, although there is concern about future genetic health in Gauteng based on the lower level of genetic variance.MT 201

Investigating the structural and functional effects of naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms in hGSTP1-1

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, February 2018SNPs are DNA sequence variations occurring when a nucleotide in the genome differs between members of a species. These are the most frequent types of genetic variations, accounting for about 90 % of the genetic variations in humans. Some changes in coding regions of DNA tend to alter the amino acid sequence and therefore affect the produced protein. The human glutathione S-transferase class pi (hGSTP1-1) has been studied for its involvement in a broad range of functions such as detoxification. It has recently drawn interest because of its increased levels in tumours. In order to incorporate mutations into the hGSTP1-1 DNA sequence, site directed mutagenesis was performed to obtain the SNP forms and their effect on the structure, stability and function were studied. The activity was measured using the 1-chloro-2,4dinitrobenzene (CDNB-GSH) enzyme assay. The SNP forms L159M, located in the hydrophobic core of domain 2, and T110S positioned next to the H-site of the protein did not affect the secondary structure when compared to the wild-type, while the L159M SNP form had an effect on the protein’s tertiary structure when determined using CD and fluorometer. Both of the SNP forms showed a difference in the exposure of hydrophobic surfaces as indicated by ANS binding studies. The SNPs had no effect on the thermal stability of the protein although the enzyme activity of SNP L159M and the SNP T110S is decreased by about 57% and 18 %, respectively, when compared with the activity of the wild-type. The SNP T110S does not have a significant effect on the structure and activity of hGSTP1-1 while the L159M showed significant changes suggesting possible effects on both the structure and activity. This may be attributed to its location in a conserved hydrophobic core of domain 2 of hGSTP1-1. The decrease in activity of the L159M hGSTP1-1 may have a negative role on the detoxification function of the protein.XL201

Assessing the impacts of flooding on vegetation cover in the Shashe-Limpopo confluence area using earth observation data

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Geography and Environmental Studies) at the School of Geography, Archaeology & Environmental Studies. Johannesburg, 24 February 2018.The extensive and frequent flood events in the Shashe-Limpopo confluence area provide an opportunity to investigate the impacts of such an extreme event in terms of vegetation cover. Extreme flooding events are expected to occur more frequently as a consequence of climate change. Understanding the impacts of flood events on vegetation dynamic would be very useful to develop a dynamic simulation model that can predict the woody species composition of water retention areas or restored floodplains on the basis of flooding characteristics and therefore proposed riverine forest and landscape planning and management. This study used Landsat 7 data to quantify the response of vegetation to flood events in the Shashe-Limpopo confluence area. Two flood events that occurred in 2000 and 2013 respectively were analysed to evaluate the patterns of vegetation response in the area of study. Different indices such as NDVI, NDWI and Modified NDWI (MNDWI) were tested in mapping vegetation patterns and the flood extent. The MNDWI was shown to be more effective in extracting water information than the NDWI. NDVI results and change detection statistical change showed efficiency in indicating vegetation response to floods. The results show that using MNDWI and a 0.2 threshold value, water delineation is possible. Vegetation shows that it flourishes after the floods however; there is some degree of change. The results derived from this can be able to help with landscape planning and management.LG201

Probing space-time geometry using young diagrams

A thesis submitted to the University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Science in fulfillment of the academic requirements of the degree of Doctoral of Philosophy.Quantum field theories and theories of gravity play an essential role in understanding nature. A dramatic recent development has been the discovery that quantum field theories are equivalent or dual to theories of quantum gravity on negatively curved spacetime. This duality goes under the name of the AdS/CFT correspondence. Sometimes the computation of certain observables in field theory are more difficult than the computation of the same observables in the theory of gravity and the opposite is also true. This makes the correspondence a powerful tool, that might provide an approach to strong coupling dynamics. We explore the AdS/CFT correspondence between type IIB string theory on asymptotically AdS5×S5 backgrounds as our gravity theory and N = 4 super Yang-Mills as our conformal field theory. We study BPS operators with bare dimension of order N2 in the field theory and identify them with BPS geometries on the gravity side of the correspondence. The dynamics of 1/2 BPS geometries are identified with gauge invariant operators constructed using a single field in the field theory, while the dynamics of 1/4 BPS geometries are identified with gauge invariant operators constructed using two fields. We find a sector of the two matrix model defined by the SU(2) sector in the field theory, that can be reduced to eigenvalue dynamics. The BPS operators in this sector are associated to solutions on the gravity side of the correspondence. We also identify the gauge invariant operators with bare dimension of order N, constructed using three fields, with 1/8 BPS giant graviton states. We count these gauge invariant operators constructed using three fields in the field theory and show that the counting of these operators is in agreement with the number of giant graviton states. We also demonstrate a correspondence between correlation functions of the field theory and the overlaps of the giant graviton wave functions. By working in terms of the eigenvalues we have managed to go from the matrix, which contains O(N2) degrees of freedom, to the eigenvalues which are O(N) degrees of freedom. Thus our work points to a significant simplification of the dynamics, something that deserves to be understood better. Another concrete result that we have achieved, is a proposal for some of the operators that are dual to the 1/4 BPS geometries. This is a genuine two matrix problem so it represents a novel extension of the understanding achieved by LLM of the 1/2 BPS geometries, constructed using a single matrix. The observables dual to new geometries have a bare dimension of O(N2). We have also considered operators with a bare dimension O(N), which are dual to 1/4 BPS giant gravitons. In this case too, we demonstrate that the eigenvalue description is useful. Almost all of the studies of the large N limit of CFT have focused on the planar limit. Here, since the operator dimensions scale as we take N →∞, we are considering large N but non-planar limits of the CFT. In these limits non-planar diagrams are not suppressed and the problem is considerably more difficult. The fact that we are able to explore this limit is concrete evidence for the power of the eigenvalue description and it suggests that a systematic treatment of large N but non-planar limits is possible.XL201

Dual infection with tuberculosis meningitis and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV positive patients

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine (Neurology) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg May 2018.Introduction: HIV-positive individuals may have multiple CNS opportunistic infections. CM and TBM have been described to occur as dual infection in HIV-positive patients. However, the literature in this regard is scant. Aim: To determine the prevalence of dual infection with tuberculous and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive patients at CMJAH. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version]LG201

Behavioural correlates of stereotypic behaviour in Rhabdomys dilectus

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2018.The specific causal mechanisms of stereotypies are difficult to establish, especially because they do not develop in all individuals of a species living in the same captive environment, and may be affected by other behaviours (e.g. personality) and the life history of the animal. The overarching aim of this study was to investigate the behavioural correlates of stereotypic behaviour in the striped mouse Rhabdomys dilectus, and to ascertain whether there are any specific traits associated with stereotypic behaviour in this species. I studied the behaviour of stereotypic and non-stereotypic striped mice in four behavioural assays, including: (1) general home cage behaviour; (2) dyadic encounters to assess social interactions; (3) personality tests to measure interindividual variation in behaviours; and (4) perseveration tests by means of a plus maze. Results indicated that: (1) stereotypic striped mice showed higher frequency and duration of active behaviour and higher rates of inactivity, whereas non-stereotypic mice displayed longer durations, but fewer occurrences, of inactivity; (2) social motivation was not a predictor of stereotypic behaviour in striped mice; (3) Stereotypic mice showed a proactive coping style typified by spending a longer time in the light compartment after a startle response, a greater manipulation of novel objects in the home cage, and increased activity levels in standard housing. Non-stereotypic mice showed a reactive coping style typified by greater anxiety and fear toward novel objects, and heightened inactivity; and (4) levels of perseveration were higher in stereotypic striped mice. I also found that stereotypic mice that showed higher frequencies and durations of activity also displayed a proactive coping style and were more preservative. In addition, non-stereotypic mice that were inactive for longer showed a reactive coping style and lower levels of perseveration, which suggests inactivity is a possible alternative response to stereotypy in captive environments. In conclusion, stereotypy, activity, personality, and coping style appear to have common underlying, possibly neurobiological, mechanisms. In particular, I hypothesise that dysfunction of the basal ganglia, or suppression of the indirect (striatopallidal) pathway, results in inappropriate repetitive responses and stereotypic behaviour. Further research is needed to measure brain hormones and structure in order to determine the nature of the imbalances and whether they are consistent within and between species. In addition, investigations are required of factors which may mediate these imbalances, including age of weaning and other genetic influences.LG201