Protecting Fido, protecting the family: Developing domestic violence law to include companion animals

This article argues that by developing domestic violence laws to include and protect individual companion animals in the home, it might be possible to prevent violence against other victims in the home. Protecting a companion animal from persistent violence by, for example, having properly integrated reporting systems between government departments, could protect various vulnerable members of the family. The article briefly sketches the status of intimate partner violence in South Africa and explores the current implementation of the Domestic Violence Act. The status of companion animal abuse in South Africa and other jurisdictions is briefly explored. The article then shows that an intersection of violence exists in the home between women, children and companion animal and that protecting specific victims of violence (such as companion animals) can potentially act as a mechanism that can protect all victims from future or persisting violence.

Protecting Fido, protecting the family : Developing domestic violence law to include companion animals

This article argues that by developing domestic violence laws to include and protect individual companion animals in the home, it might be possible to prevent violence against other victims in the home. Protecting a companion animal from persistent violence by, for example, having properly integrated reporting systems between government departments, could protect various vulnerable members of the family. The article briefly sketches the status of intimate partner violence in South Africa and explores the current implementation of the Domestic Violence Act. The status of companion animal abuse in South Africa and other jurisdictions is briefly explored. The article then shows that an intersection of violence exists in the home between women, children and companion animal and that protecting specific victims of violence (such as companion animals) can potentially act as a mechanism that can protect all victims from future or persisting violence

Justice denied? Prosecutors and presiding officers' reliance on evidence of previous sexual history in South African rape trials

This article presents data from a study conducted by the Medical Research Council of South Africa, focusing on rape attrition in South Africa at different stages in the processes (from reporting at a police station to potential conviction). The study found that of the 3 952 reported cases of rape analysed 65% were referred to prosecution, and trials commenced in 18,5% of cases. Of the total 3 952 cases reported, 8,6% resulted in a guilty verdict. Using qualitative data from a subset of trial transcripts, the article focuses specifically on the problematic views of both presiding officers and prosecutors based on rape myths and gender-stereotyping at trial, and suggests that these are a factor affecting the attrition rate between cases referred to trial and those that result in a not guilty verdict

Justice Denied? : Prosecutors and presiding officers’ reliance on evidence of previous sexual history in South African rape trials

This article presents data from a study conducted by the Medical Research Council of South Africa, focusing on rape attrition in South Africa at different stages in the processes (from reporting at a police station to potential conviction). The study found that of the 3 952 reported cases of rape analysed 65% were referred to prosecution, and trials commenced in 18,5% of cases. Of the total 3 952 cases reported, 8,6% resulted in a guilty verdict. Using qualitative data from a subset of trial transcripts, the article focuses specifically on the problematic views of both presiding officers and prosecutors based on rape myths and gender-stereotyping at trial, and suggests that these are a factor affecting the attrition rate between cases referred to trial and those that result in a not guilty verdict

Developing English communicative skills : a reassessment of the role of university departments of English in meeting the needs of English second language students

Prompted by increasing demand in South Africa for the development of a focused but flexible English Second Language (ESL) curriculum at university level, this thesis contends that substantial theoretical under-pinning is needed for decisions on ESL course materials. Once the theoretical constructs are determined, a model based on a systematic approach to course design is proposed. It maximizes the individualization of experiential learning, despite the large numbers of students who take these courses, through a multi-form course structure offering four streams of study at three levels of difficulty. Entry is possible at the start of the year and at mid-year. The empirical research which forms the basis of the study is an analysis of the 1985 student group at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Several methods are used, including post-course questionnaires, diagnostic assignments and a detailed language and stylistic error count linked with a clause analysis of a sample of assignments and examination scripts. The model curriculum meets the contextually basic science requirements of a university course, within the parameters of response needed in regard to the ESL student profile determined by the needs and role analysis completed in Chapter 2. Model aims and terminal learning objectives are presented in Chapter 3 as the foundation on which the rest of the thesis is constructed, and include comprehension, applied composition, oral and aural skills, use of reference works, methods of thinking, and occupationally relevant specialist language. In Chapters 4 and 5, in-depth analyses of appropriate course content and methods emphasize the use of Afrocentric English literature in contemporary settings with appropriate readability levels, language in use in specified contexts, development of vocabulary, remedying incorrect usage, comprehension skills, composition skills, development of cognitive processes, oral and listening skills, and the purpose and place of grammar. The final chapters outline approaches to criterion-referenced assessment and evaluation, and suggest appropriate set works and criteria for their selection. The course materials aim at improving English communicative performance. The underlying principles used in developing this course design and its associated materials can be valuably extrapolated and applied at universities and other tertiary institutions.English StudiesD. Litt et Phil. (English

An internal communication model for multi-campus higher education institutions in South Africa

Published ArticleIn this article the authors propose a model for South African multi-campus universities, aimed at improving the effectiveness of internal communication. The development of the model was informed by three factors: the bureaucratic nature of higher education institutions; the restructured South African higher education landscape comprising various multi-campus universities with campuses situated geographically apart; and the fact that the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) identified certain shortcomings in its internal communication practices during a climate survey. Various communication models, including those employed by the corporate sector, were studied, after which an extensive empirical investigation was carried out. The proposed model incorporates essential features, but also addresses shortcomings of existing internal communication models. The characteristics of the model were developed from an empirical investigation that included a mixed-method research as well as the recommendations of communication executives from seven multi-campus universities in South Africa

Savanna Tree Seedlings are Physiologically Tolerant to Nighttime Freeze Events

Citation: O'Keefe, K., Nippert, J. B., & Swemmer, A. M. (2016). Savanna Tree Seedlings are Physiologically Tolerant to Nighttime Freeze Events. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 13. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.00046Freeze events can be important disturbances in savanna ecosystems, yet the interactive effect of freezing with other environmental drivers on plant functioning is unknown. Here, we investigated physiological responses of South African tree seedlings to interactions of water availability and freezing temperatures. We grew widely distributed South African tree species (Colophospermum mopane, Combretum apiculaturn, Acacia nigrescens, and Cassia abbreviate) under well watered and water-limited conditions and exposed individuals to nighttime freeze events. Of the four species studied here, C. mopane was the most tolerant of lower water availability. However, all species were similarly tolerant to nighttime freezing and recovered within one week following the last freezing event. We also show that water limitation somewhat increased freezing tolerance in one of the species (C. mopane). Therefore, water limitation, but not freezing temperatures, may restrict the distribution of these species, although the interactions of these stressors may have species specific impacts on plant physiology. Ultimately, we show that unique physiologies can exist among dominant species within communities and that combined stresses may play a currently unidentified role in driving the function of certain species within southern Africa

Lowveld Savanna Bush Cutting Alters Tree-Grass Interactions

Savannas are characterized by the coexistence of trees and grasses, and their interactions are modified by water availability and herbivore activity. Many savannas are experiencing bush encroachment, resulting in reduced herbaceous productivity and shifts in savanna structure. This study aims to understand the effects of tree density and tree cutting on herbaceous productivity, water use, and herbivore abundance in a mopane-dominated lowveld savanna. We present data from a 4-year mopane-cutting experiment in the Mthimkhulu Game Reserve bordering Kruger National Park (South Africa). We established three 60x60 m plots for experimental manipulation where mopane stems and re-sprouting shoots were cut 2-3 times per year (2015-2019). We established transects within the plots to measure grass productivity and herbivore activity (counts of tracks and dung). Additionally, we measured root non-structural carbohydrates within cut and uncut mopane to assess the impact of cutting on energy storage. We used stable isotopes of xylem and soil water at multiple depths to infer changes in functional water use of coexisting mopane and grass species. Cutting had limited effects on mopane survival during this 5-year period, but re-sprouting stems had reduced height and starch concentrations than uncut trees. Cutting mopane resulted in shallower-soil water use in 2017 and tended to increase variability in root water uptake across multiple soil depths. The cut treatment tended to have higher grass cover and productivity than the control treatment by the 3rd growing season. Visitation of grazers increased in the cut plots relative to uncut plots by 2017, suggesting increased grass cover promotes grazer visitation. These results emphasize the importance of top-down drivers on savanna tree cover and the impacts of bush encroachment on grass biomass and herbivore presence. We suggest repeated cutting or browsing pressure is needed to suppress woody cover and increase grass production in lowveld savannas