An analysis of the bodily spatial power relations in Agaat by Marlene van Niekerk

The aim of this article is to explore the power relations portrayed through the bodily spatial interaction of the characters of Milla and Agaat in Marlene van Niekerk’s 2004 novel, Agaat. This interaction is analysed according to the theory of Thirding-as- Othering posited by Henri Lefebvre and Edward Soja in terms of the body in space. The body in space is interpreted through agency which is exemplified in the intimacy of the relations of these two bodies through the actions of bathing, giving birth, and the physical aspects of the process of “civilising” the child character of Agaat. Through an analysis of three sets of incidents and scenes which  illustrate the physical inhabitation of space through agency, the power relations between Milla and Agaat are exemplified and discussed. The analysis culminates in the conclusion that the relationship between Milla and  Agaat is a cyclical power play that does not come to any pure form of dominance or submission because of the inhabitation that they enact through each other. With agency being tantamount to inhabitation and assertion of power, Agaat has the ultimate power on the farm through Milla, as Milla’s body is othered by her illness and finally her death. Keywords: Agaat, Marlene van Niekerk, Thirding-as-Othering, spatial inhabitation, power, body in space

Trustworthiness of South African sustainability reports : an overview

Published ArticleIt is widely assumed that sustainability reporting is a mechanism that companies can use to demonstrate their trustworthiness with regard to development in a sustainable manner. This article uses the Mayer, Davis and Schoorman trust model as basis to discuss how sustainability reporting can enhance trustworthiness in a sustainable development context. The study also uses a survey-questionnaire, sent to South African sustainability reporters, to explore whether they are finding sustainability reporting useful for enhancing companies' trustworthiness among stakeholders in a sustainable development context. Respondents indicate, amongst other things, that sustainability reporting in South Africa has a role to play in enhancing trustworthiness, more so among contractual stakeholders than among community stakeholders. To entrench trust benefits in the long term will however require long term strategies. Such strategies should focus on increasing the engagement of community stakeholders, authentic use of the GRI and implementing effective control systems that prevent the misuse of sustainability reports, while not preventing the formation of real trust

A seasonal study of the haematology of carp (Cyprinus carpio) from a locality in the Transvaal, South Africa

Various haematological parameters of carp blood were examined on a monthly basis from February to November. Seasonal variations were observed in red and white blood cell counts, in haemoglobin and plasma protein concentrations and in mean corpuscular fragilities. Sexual differences were evident in red blood cell counts, haematocrit values and haemoglobin concentrations. Plasma protein electrophoresis showed marked conformational changes during the study period. The results are discussed in relation to previous findings and also in relation to the use of blood as a possible indicator of breeding season in carp

Ethical challenges in assessment centres in South Africa

Abstract: Assessment Centres (ACs) are used globally for the selection and development of candidates. Limited empirical evidence exists of the ethical challenges encountered in the use of ACs, especially in South Africa (SA). Research purpose: Firstly, to explore possible ethical challenges related to ACs in SA from the vantage point of the practitioner and, secondly, to search for possible solutions to these. Motivation for the study: Decisions based on AC outcomes have profound implications for participants and organisations, and it is essential to understand potential ethical challenges to minimise these, specifically in the SA context, given its socio-political history, multiculturalism, diversity and pertinent legal considerations. Research design, approach and method: A qualitative, interpretative research design was chosen. Data were collected by means of a semi-structured survey that was completed by 96 AC practitioners who attended an AC conference. Content analysis and thematic interpretation were used to make sense of the data. The preliminary findings were assessed by a focus group of purposively selected subject-matter experts (n = 16) who provided informed insights, which were incorporated into the final findings. The focus group suggested ways in which specific ethical challenges may be addressed..

Yellowfish and Tigerfish Haematology

No Abstrac

Measurement of pepsin in porcine gastric juice

The method for measurement of pepsin in human gastric juice as devised by Anson and modified by Berstad has been used for testing pepsin secretion from Heidenhain pouches in pigs. Twenty samples may be analysed at one time with accuracy. Variations in ambient temperature and humidity, and contamination of samples with bile, were found to interfere with the accuracy of the method. There was no change in activity after immediate freezing at -20°C or after storage at -20°C for up to 3 months. After repeated thawing and refreezing on 4 consecutive days, there was a fall in activity on the fourth day only.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1873 (1974)

Evaluation of waist-to-height ratio to predict 5 year cardiometabolic risk in sub-Saharan African adults

Simple, low-cost central obesity measures may help identify individuals with increased cardiometabolic disease risk, although it is unclear which measures perform best in African adults. We aimed to: 1) cross-sectionally compare the accuracy of existing waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist circumference (WC) thresholds to identify individuals with hypertension, pre-diabetes, or dyslipidaemia; 2) identify optimal WC and WHtR thresholds to detect CVD risk in this African population; and 3) assess which measure best predicts 5-year CVD riskPeer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLUE COLLAR EMPLOYEE FATIGUE, LEVEL OF SUBSTANCE USE, ABSENTEEISM BASED ON THE DEMOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION OF EMPLOYEES

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLUE COLLAR EMPLOYEE FATIGUE, LEVEL OF SUBSTANCE USE, ABSENTEEISM BASED ON THE DEMOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION OF EMPLOYEE

In vitro fertilisation when normal sperm morphology is less than fifteen per cent: Results of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer at H. F. Verwoerd Hospital, Pretoria

The outcome of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer in 90 couples where the husband's normal sperm morphology was less than 15% were analysed. Based on the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa the patients were divided into three groups: group A - normal morphological features 0 - 5%; group B - 6 - 10%; and group C - 11 - 14%. A control group had normal morphological features ≥ 15%. The fertilisation rate and number of embryos transferred was not significantly different in these groups. However, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was significantly different for groups A and B compared with group C and the control group (0% and 5,9% for groups A and B v. 13,9% and 18,3% for group C and the control group, respectively). It is concluded that when the normal sperm morphology is less than 11% the prospect of a pregnancy is poor