In search of social justice through Ubuntu: a critical analysis of Zimbabwe’s post-colonial Education for All (EFA) policy.

This thesis is an analysis of Education for All (EFA) as Zimbabwe’s post-colonial education policy. Discourse on Zimbabwe’s post-colonial education system, particularly between 1980 and 1995 tends to be a positive one, often laced with the idea that Zimbabwe’s education system was highly successful in addressing inequalities that had been characteristic of the colonial education system. While it can be argued that there is some measure of ‘truth’ in this narrative, no apparent research has been conducted to date, specifically assessing the social justice imperatives of the claimed educational successes. As such, the aim of this research, particularly given the historic inequalities and imbalances of the colonial era, was, firstly, to establish whether the EFA policy in Zimbabwe reflects Ubuntu social justice? Secondly, whether by implementing this policy the government has succeeded in making Zimbabwe’s education more socially just. In a deliberate effort to avoid imperialistic and colonising research methodologies, this research has adopted an Afrocentric paradigm. Ubuntu as a Southern African concept of being (personhood) was used as both an analytical lens and methodology for analysing the EFA policy. This research is therefore ground-breaking, both methodologically and in terms of the research focus. It is my contribution to the on-going discourse on social justice education in formally colonised and oppressed communities. This research found that while Zimbabwe achieved unprecedented outcomes in terms of educational expansion, access and raising literacy levels, the government failed to reform the system in terms of its social justice agenda. While the EFA policy was premised on education as a human right and therefore foundationally consistent with an Ubuntu theory of social justice, it still failed to address social justice issues from an Ubuntu perspective as it remained anchored on a Euro-Western conceptualisation of human rights as individualistic. This research also concluded that challenges in reforming the education system, particularly the curriculum; were caused by a ‘passive revolution’ which failed to transform the colonial socio-economic, and political infrastructure. Consequently, the foundations for an Ubuntu informed socially just education system do not yet exist in Zimbabwe

A comparative study of wild yam starch from Dioscorea schimperiana

A JASSA comparative study of wild yam starch.Starch was extracted from the tubers of Dioscorea schimperiana and the following physicochemical properties were determined: viscosity, gelation temperature, solubility, water-binding capacity, grain size and refractive index. Elemental, phosphorus, protein, amylase, oil and ash contents were also determined. The analyses results of the above parameters were compared to those of the starch derived from Dioscorea dumetorum which had been the subject of an earlier investigation

Dumping The Competition, And Scarring Off Investors: The Impact And Influence Of The South African Anti-Dumping And Competition Measures On Foreign Direct Investment

Since the dawn of democracy South Africa has embarked in a process of dismantling protectionist business and trade policies, and made the country’s stream of commerce one of the preferred globally. The country’s sound competition and trade policies, natural resource endowments, market size and regional influence, attracted foreign businesss and foreign direct invetsment (FDI). Equally the country has been under pressure to protect the domestic industries from injurious competition and business, through sector specific laws, anti-dumping and countervailing duties laws, investment and competition regime. The concern has been the likilelihood of the introduction of trade and competition barriers, and the allienation of FDI. This paper critically examines the impact the country’s antidumping and competition law and practice upon foreign direct investment. Domestic industries have never been shy file anti-dumping and anti-competition suits against foreign companies, sometimes even against the public interest outcry. Relevant examples of these suits include the famous Wal-Mart anti-competition case, and recently the Brazilian frozen fowl meat anti-dumping case

CRITICAL RACE THEORY-INFUSED CURRICULA TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

This article seeks to situate curriculum transformation in the South African learning environment on the landscape of critical race theory. The article acknowledges that the need for curriculum transformation in South Africa is a matter beyond any contestation. However, it argues that what has been lacking to date is the absolute resolve on the theory or philosophy that underpins the transformation agenda – which to a certain extent has reduced curriculum transformation to superficial infusion of the principles and values of uBuntu in the curricular; and the drive towards decolonisation of the curricular without much tangible alternative being offered. As part of the execution of the study in this article the author critically examines the literature on critical race theories critical the theory, and examines the applicability of this theory as the bar that underpins curriculum transformation. The researcher contextualises this article with reference to curriculum development agenda at the College of Law of the University of South Africa where he is an academic in the discipline of law

Moral, ethical and human rights arguments for using experimental and clinically unproven drugs to combat the Ebola Virus Disease

This article discusses and considers the arguments in favour of using clinically unproven medicine in the fight against terminal diseases, with specific reference to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Africa. In particular, this proposition is supported from a moral, ethical and human rights-based approach. To this end, two philosophical foundations are considered, namely the utilitarian theory of morality and the rights-based approach. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the role of African leadership in putting in place best and co- ordinated measures to combat EVD. An analysis of the use of clinically untested or unproven drugs is articulated by analysing the famous American case of Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs. From a utilitarian perspective, access to unproven drugs may only be morally and ethically justified if it will positively combat EVD. In terms of the rights-based approach, access must be in the public interest and should not violate the rights of other persons. After considering scholarship that argues for and against the creation of a constitutionally guaranteed right of access to unproven drugs, it is concluded that a delicate balancing of all relevant issues is not as easy as it appears. Nevertheless, the article recommends that African governments leverage the 2014 statement by the WHO that it is ethical to use untested drugs subject to meeting certain conditions in their efforts to combat EVD

The determination of excess thermodynamic functions of binary liquid mixtures

The work involved the determination of excess thermodynamic functions of binary liquid mixtures by experimental and theoretical means. Experimentally, excess Gibbs functions(GE), and excess volumes(VE) were determined. The theoretical work involved these functions as well as excess enthalpies(HE). GE values were determined experimentally by the dew point-bubble point method(DPBP). The work involved development of a previously designed apparatus. A new procedure was realised and adopted. In the new procedure, fixed quantities of material were used for obtaining required dew point pressures and bubble point pressures. As a complementary part of measuring GE, a computer program was developed. Two systems were subjected to experiment. One of them, benzene+cyclohexane, produced results which compared well with published data. The system benzene+hexane produced results which were a marked improvement on previous DPBP work. After a discussion of the results, improvements on apparatus design were suggested. Excess volumes were meassured by batch dilatometry. Four systems were used for testing the procedure. Then measurements on binary systems that have not been measured previously were made. Theoretical aspects of the work involved applying various theories of fluids to the prediction of excess functions. One group of these theories was based on the principle of corresponding states. Experimental data of a number of pure substances were analysed to produce some universal relations. The other group of theories was based on equations of state which are analyt.ical in essence. The main new feature in this part of the work was the way in which various combining rules were used in conjunction with the different equations of state. Computer programs were developed so that a multiplicity of combinations was available for predicting excess functions

Chlorination and oxidation of heparin and hyaluronan by hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite anions: effect of sulfate groups on reaction pathways and kinetics.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), produced in inflammatory conditions by the enzyme myeloperoxidase, and its anion hypochlorite (OCl(-)) exist in vivo at almost equal concentrations. Their reactions with hyaluronan and heparin (as a model for sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix) have been studied as a function of pH. The major product in these reactions is the chloramide derivative of the glycosaminoglycans. Spectral, chloramide yield, and kinetic measurements show sharply contrasting behavior of heparin and hyaluronan and the data allow the calculation of second-order rate constants for the reactions of both HOCl and OCl(-) for all reaction pathways leading to the formation of chloramides and also oxidation products. By comparison with hyaluronan, it can be demonstrated that both N-sulfate and O-sulfate groups in heparin influence the proportions of these pathways in this glycosaminoglycan. Evidence is also given for further oxidation pathways involving a reaction of HOCl with the chloramide product of hyaluronan but not with heparin. The significance of these results for the mechanisms of inflammation, particularly for fragmentation of extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans, is discussed

Public Interest Considerations In The South African Anti-Dumping And Competition Law, Policy, And Practice

The paper addresses the delicate issue of public interest considerations when determining anti-dumping, competition, and investment measures to balance it with the interest of other interested parties in South Africa. It is particularly argued that the South African anti-dumping legislation must be amended as to clearly mandate the consideration of public interest when imposing an anti-dumping (or safeguard measure). Also, it is argued that the foreign direct investment regime must take into account policy considerations such as black economic empowerment in the public interest.  The South Africa’s competition legislation will be used as an example of the level of convergence that may be achieved having regard to the non-competition factors incorporated in the legislation and potential or perceived difficulties in reconciling a competition analysis with a public interest analysis

Evaluating an antimicrobial stewardship programme implemented in an intensive care unit of a large academic hospital, using the RE-AIM framework

Background. The threat of antimicrobial resistance driven by inappropriate and unnecessary use of antimicrobials is a global issue of great concern. Evidence-based approaches to optimising antimicrobial prescribing to improve patient care while reducing the rate of antimicrobial resistance continue to be implemented worldwide. However, the successes or failures of implementation of such approaches are seldom evaluated.Objectives. To evaluate the impact of an implemented antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) in reducing the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a large academic hospital using the RE-AIM framework.Methods. A descriptive quasi-experimental study was conducted with adult patients who had been admitted to the ICU of an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were extracted from patients’ records using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of four RE-AIM dimensions (reach, effectiveness, adoption and implementation) and the overall impact of the implemented antimicrobial stewardship programme were calculated.Results. From the 59 participant records, 21 patients (35.6%) developed hospital-acquired infections and all were prescribed antimicrobials during their stay in the ICU. Twenty-seven pathogens (bacterial species) were isolated from samples acquired from the patients, including Staphylococcus aureus (n=6; 22.2%), Escherichia coli (n=4; 14.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (n=4; 14.8%) and Streptococcus pnuemoniae (n=3; 11.11%), as well as 10 other bacterial species (37.0%) including Corynebacterium species, Enterococcus faecium, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, Clostridium difficile and Salmonella species. Of the 27 pathogens isolated, 19 (70.4 %) were resistant to the prescribed antimicrobials. The overall impact of the ASP implemented in the studied facility was 67.2%.Conclusions. An ASP requires both thorough implementation and leadership support to have an impact in the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. Lack of leadership support poses a significant challenge to sustainability. There is an urgent need for behavioural change in hospital leadership

Evaluation of a seed storage facility in relation to preserving seed moisture, vigour and germination

The performance of a solar energy-assisted seed storage room was evaluated through an ordinary 22-m3 room that was retrofitted with a solar  collector, inlets and chimney. The structure was made of a solar collector to heat the ambient air before entering the chimney. The chimney  circulated the air inside the structure and inlets. To compare the performance of the modified storage room, a room with a similar capacity and  without the retrofitted components (control storage room) was used. Twelve 8 kg bags of maize were stored in each storage room for a period of  three months. Samples were taken every two weeks to determine germination rate, moisture content and seed vigour. The temperature and relative  humidity (RH) was measured during storage. The RH in the control storage was significantly higher (P≤0.05) (60.6 ± 5.87%) than in the  modified storage (40.1 ± 3.21%) during the day. However, at night, the RH in the control storage room was significantly lower (P≤0.05) (58.5 ± 7.32%)  than in the modified storage (63.7 ± 6.28%). The RH in the modified storage room increased from 40.1% during the day to 63.7% at night. The RH in  the control storage room decreased slightly from 60.6% to 58.5% during the day and night. The seed moisture content in the modified storage  facility was significantly lower (P≤0.05) (12.6 ± 0.21%) than in the control storage room (13.3 ± 0.52%). The moisture content in the modified storage  room decreased from 12.6% to 12.4%, whereas in the control room, moisture content increased from 12.6% to 13.8% in three months. The seed  germination rate obtained after three months of storage in the modified storage room was significantly higher (P≤0.05) (98.5 ± 0.85%) than in the  control storage room (96.8 ± 1.49%).The seed igour obtained in the modified storage room was significantly higher (93.6 ± 0.35%) than in the control  room (91.7 ± 2.08%) (P≤0.05). Seed stored in the control storage lost vigour at a faster rate, compared to the seeds stored in the modified storage room. Therefore, the modified naturally-ventilated seed storage room maintained seed quality better than the control storage room