A Rock Strikes Back: Women\u27s Struggles for Equality in the Development of the South African Constitution

In 1991, South African women’s organisations formed the Women\u27s National Coalition (WNC) to identify and advocate for women\u27s primary needs in the post-apartheid Constitution. The outcome of this advocacy was South Africa’s adoption, in 1996, of one of the most comprehensive protections of gender and sexuality rights of any national constitution. I argue that the WNC became a key actor in the development of the Constitution by drawing from a tradition of women’s organising in South Africa that emphasised women’s legitimacy in and value to public politics. The WNC rejected masculinist framings of politics and instead demanded that political structures change to be inclusive of and sensitive to women’s needs

"We are all products of history, but each of us can choose whether or not to become its victims" : an exploration of the discourses employed in the Women's National Coalition.

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.As South Africa transitioned into democracy and began negotiating the terms of the new dispensation, the near exclusion of women from the early stages of the negotiations propelled a movement of women across the country, organising to ensure that their needs and aspirations were represented in the defining of the new political order. At the heart of this movement was the Women's National Coalition (WNC), formed in 1991 to identify and advocate for women's primary needs in the post-apartheid Constitution. This created unprecedented opportunities for women from all parts of the country to identify and to organise around commonalities, and it also exposed some of the deep divisions and power inequalities that separated groups of women from each other. In seeking to understand these dynamics, I explore dominant discourses that were employed within the WNC

Palladium nanoparticles encapsulated with resveratrol-derived phenols and polyphenols for targeted prostate cancer therapy

Includes vitaThe main goal of this dissertation was to explore the development of a new generation of green nanoformulations through the production of biocompatible palladium nanoparticles using resveratrol to treat, image and evaluate the efficacy of the formulations in prostate cancer cells with minimal toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. This dissertation is classified into three parts with three main objectives of the producing and characterizing resveratrol-derived phenols and polyphenols encapsulated palladium nanoparticles (Res-PdNPs) for the imaging and treatment of prostate cancer. Rigorous studies were performed for the optimization of the synthesis to achieve increased resveratrol-derived phenols and polyphenols corona loading on the palladium nanoparticle surface capable of providing adjuvant therapeutic benefits through delivering potent doses of both resveratrol phenols and nanoparticles directly to prostate cancer cells. A total of four formulations were produced Res-PdNP-1 (resveratrol-palladium nanoparticles), Res-PdNP-2 (increased resveratrol corona loaded palladium nanoparticles), Res-PdNP-3 (resveratrol-gum arabic stabilized palladium nanoparticles) and Res-PdNP-4 (increased resveratrol corona loaded and compacted with gum arabic stabilized palladium nanoparticles), respectively. Electron microscopic (TEM) results revealed that role of gum arabic was not limited to the stability of the nanoparticles but also facilitated the crystallization of the produced palladium nanoparticles (Res-PdNP-3 and Res-PdNP-4) and subsequently provided a supportive matrix for increased resveratrol phenols loading capacity. In vitro evaluation of the Res-PdNPs showed that Res-PdNP-1 and Res-PdNP-2, were not stable in serum while Res-PdNP-3 and Res-PdNP-4 maintained superior stability, thus ruling out further analysis using Res-PdNP-1 and Res-PdNP-2. The LC-MS/MRM results confirmed increased resveratrol phenols loading in Res-PdNP-4 when compared to Res-PdNP-3; consequently Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles were confirmed as the ideal nanoformulation to improve the bioavailability, biodistribution and emblematize as an adjuvant therapy to induce selective and specific tumor-cell-death. The prostate tumor selective and specific affinity of Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles through numerous cellular internalization studies undoubtedly revealed that Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles can be internalized into prostate cancer cells via laminin receptor-mediated endocytosis which are receptors overexpressed on prostate cancer cells compared to normal cells. The Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles were evaluated to investigate in vitro cellular toxicity against both prostate cancer (PC-3) cells and normal human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Results indicated that Res-PdNP-4 exhibited comparable anticancer efficacy against prostate cancer cells as chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin and etoposide). However, the results showed that cisplatin and etoposide treatments were highly toxic to normal cells while Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles presented no toxicity further corroborating laminin receptor-mediated delivery, making Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles selective and specific to prostate cancer cells. Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles were investigated in vivo using a human prostate tumor-bearing severely combined immunodeficient (SCID) male mice as the animal model to evaluate Res-PdNP-4 nanoparticles ability to control or reduce prostate tumor size. The in vivo results of Res-PdNP-4 showed a good dose response which was well tolerated by the animals, as no animal health problems and discomfort was observed as evidenced by body weight/eating habits of animals. Although further studies are required to determine a better dose to see increased efficacy. This study was performed through intravenous (IV) administration of the Res-PdNP-4, intraperitoneal (IP) delivery and direct injection into the tumor may show a better response as has been the case with many different types of nanoparticles. In conclusion, the therapeutic efficacy results showed that Res-PdNP-4 have significant therapeutic effect and are able to control the tumor size in comparison to the saline control and free resveratrol treated groups. This was due to the high corona of resveratrol-derived phenols and polyphenols on the PdNPs facilitating effectively enhanced delivery of resveratrol with high bioavailability, giving an advantage in tumor therapy.Includes bibliographical reference

Characterisation of selected Culicoides (Diptera : Ceratopogonidae) populations in South Africa using genetic markers

Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are small (<3mm) blood feeding flies. These flies are biological vectors of viruses, protozoa and filarial nematodes affecting birds, humans, and other animals. Among the viruses transmitted those causing bluetongue (BT), African horse sickness (AHS) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) are of major veterinary significance. Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer, a proven vector of both AHS and BT viruses, is the most abundant and wide spread livestock-associated Culicoides species in South Africa. Field isolations of virus and oral susceptibility studies, however, indicated that a second Avaritia species, C. bolitinos Meiswinkel may be a potential vector of both BT virus (BTV) and AHS virus (AHSV). Differences in oral susceptibility, which are under genetic control, of populations from different geographical areas to viruses may be an indication of genetic differences between these populations, which may be the result of limited contact between these populations. A good knowledge of the distribution, spread and genetic structure of the insect vector is essential in understanding AHS or BT disease epidemiology. In the present study, an effort was made to gather field specimens of both C. imicola and C. bolitinos from different areas within their natural distribution in South Africa. The aim was to partially sequence two mitochondrial genes from these specimens and to analyse the sequence data making use of phylogenetic trees to clarify the genetic relationships between individuals or groups collected from geographically distinct sites. The two species were collected from four geographically separated areas in South Africa viz. Gauteng Province, Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province as well as the Free State Province. DNA was extracted from a total of 120 individual midges of the two Culicoides species using DNA extraction kits. Extracted DNA was analysed using PCR, sequencing as well as phylogenetic methods. A total of 117 mitochondrial DNA COI and 104 mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA Culidoides</i. sequences were analysed. DNA sequence polymorphism and phylogenetic relationships of various groups of C. imicola and C. bolitinos midges were determined. The results of the phylogenetic analysis of Culicoides populations using mitochondrial COI gene fragment showed that, at least one subpopulation of C. imicola and two distinct genotypes of C. bolitinos species do exist in South Africa, and further analysis is necessary. This study showed that COI has the potential to separate Culicoides midges based on their geographyDissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Veterinary Tropical Diseasesunrestricte

Towards sustainable development : a participatory model for the water services sector in South Africa

This study is non-empirical and its design is based on three forms of analysis: conceptualisation, theoretical justification and strategic considerations for a participatory model in the water services sector in South Africa. In terms of the conceptualisation, the study addresses the old and new paradigms of sustainable development. First, it argues that for many years the concept of sustainable development has long dominated the development discourse. Second, the theoretical justification traces the evolution and meanings of sustainable development and also patterns and trends of the legacies of colonialism and apartheid. The descriptive analysis of apartheid and colonialism suggests a new development path for inclusive people-centred development. The study therefore postulates that in the South African context, sustainable development is both a political and a historical construct. This is the basis within which sustainable development should be understood. Third, the study concludes that context plays an important part in understanding and challenging the immoral and unjust practices of colonialism and apartheid which have militated against sustainable human development. The study further provides a description of the local government and water sectors and their underpinned legislative and policy framework, and notes impressive results in the delivery of basic water supply since 1994. However, the study argues that in order for municipalities to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities as water services authorities, they need to adopt a participatory model towards sustainable development since this is currently lacking. In doing so, the water services sector needs to overcome dangers of parochialism which were more evident from the supply-driven policy of the government. The study therefore draws lessons from three Latin American countries: Chile, Bolivia and Nicaragua, and proposes a new developmental path which conforms to the principles of sustainability. This development path is represented in the form of a dynamic, diagrammatic model for participatory sustainable development. This model displays successive stages and cycles of transaction between stakeholders. The model represents a decision support system which provides a conceptual framework for the diagnosis, consolidation and analysis of information. The model is thus a useful tool which can be applied in the public sector during project or programme implementation.Development StudiesD. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies

The narrative of a Black South African swimmer

No abstract availableDissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008.Psychologyunrestricte

African, lesbian, and married : the experiences of a black South African couple

Although South Africa has factored the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community into its constitution, this does not necessarily guarantee that those who engage in same-sex relationships enjoy these rights in practice. South African lesbian sexuality is often suppressed and silenced. This is partly due to the fact that discourses position people in power relations. Dominant sexuality discourses in Africa privilege Black African heterosexuals. The dominant discourse of Black African heterosexists that homosexuality is un-African has had and continues to have a negative effect on the Black LGBTQ community. It is not common for South African Black same-sex couples to marry. This thesis reports on an in-depth investigation of the experiences of a South African Black female married couple, who have two children. My argument is located within the paradigm of intersectionality and highlights dominant discourses of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, and socio economic status as they pertain to marginalised social groups: in this case, a South African Black female married lesbian couple. Ten unstructured interviews were conducted with the married couple, and two with their children. The interviews were transcribed and analysed by using narrative analysis, which allows the researcher to study the experiences of a single individual or a small group of individuals. The aim of the study is to generate an understanding of how a South African Black female same-sex couple experience their identities through their life histories and daily practices, despite social disapproval. After analysing the results, considering that little research exists on the topic, I provide recommendations outlining possible further studies to investigate South African Black lesbian sexualities.PsychologyD. Phil. (Psychology

Green Nanotechnology as an innovative drug delivery approach for Typha capensis and Naringenin—New class of phytochemical embedded biocompatible gold nanoparticles in prostate cancer therapy

Naringenin, a flavone with a growing body of evidence as an anti-cancer agent, is found in Typha capensis, an indigenous South African plant commonly used in traditional medicine. However, despite favourable in vitro results, clinical usage of naringenin remains restricted due to notoriously poor oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism and poor tumour site availability. This study aimed to investigate a simple, easily reproduced, reliable and effective drug delivery method of mitigating these issues using green nanotechnology principles, and assess their biomedical applications in the treatment of prostate cancer. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using green nanotechnology principles and characterized by spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and Folin-ciocalteu phenol assay. Effects on LNCaP and PC-3 cell viability were evaluated using the MTT assay. A significant (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, P = 0.0002) reduction in cell viability was observed for S1-AuNPs, S2-AuNPs and Ng-AuNPs, respectively, in PC3 cells. The extracts, naringenin, and subsequent AuNPs yielded comparable levels of toxicity toward the LNCaP cells. This study reports the first successful synthesis of self-stabilized AuNPs from naringenin in isolation and, most importantly, the application of these novel particles as an effective drug delivery tool. The biomedical applications of this novel formulation and drug delivery approach is expected to aid effective delivery of anticancer therapeutics, in this case naringenin, and thus expand the realms of the treatment of prostate cancer

Effect of Housing Design and Location on Production and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens during Summer in Botswana

ABSTRACT Botswana experiences long, hot summer periods which negatively affect broiler productivity and results in economic losses. To determine these negative effects, two parallel broiler production studies were conducted in the North eastern (NE) and South eastern (SE) regions. In each region, three large scale commercial broiler farms were randomly selected based on similarities in bird management and housing systems. In each farm, one house type (Gable, Hoop and See-saw) was selected for long term flock monitoring (1 to 35 days) over three production cycles. Results showed that the production performance of the broilers in the SE region was superior to that in the NE region, with temperatures on being average higher in the NE than in the SE. The European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was significantly higher (p0.05) between the regions at 9.0% and 7.4% for the NE and SE, respectively. In the NE, the Gable structure had the highest profitability and economic efficiency and was thus superior in comparison to the other house structures