Archive of Journal
Volume 76, Issue 11, Nov. 2020

MOLECULAR INTERACTION PARAMETERS THROUGH FTIR SPECTRAL ANALYSIS

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.11

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Abstract: Molecular interaction parameters and the strength of molecular interactions in the binary mixtures of Propylene glycol and Heptanol for different molar ratios are investigated through FTIR spectral data analysis. The intermolecular interaction parameters: Force constant, bond length, infrared intensity enhancement and molecular polarizability are considered in the computation. These parameters are very sensitive to the shifts in the vibrational frequencies that are caused by molecular interactions of functional groups. Propylene glycol (PG) and Heptanol for different molar ratios (PG + Heptanol: 0.1 + 0.9 to 0.9 + 0.1) that are taken for determining hydrogen bonded liquid complex systems. The results confirmed showing that the intermolecular hydrogen bond formation for molar ratio of the liquid complex 0.2 + 0.8 is stronger compared to other molar systems. Further, the observed results are correlated by the statistical analysis of FTIR data. Such statistical analysis includes the computation of variance � covariance values and eigen values using MATALAB computational tool.

Author(s): K. Srisanthi, Sk. Suriya Shihab, K. Mallika, S. Sreehari Sastrym


A TRANSCONTINENTAL COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTICES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURES: THE CASE OF ZULU MEDICINE (SOUTH AFRICA) AND MAORI MEDICINE (NEW ZEALAND)

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.17

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Abstract: Despite the historical marginalization of traditional health practitioners in both South Africa and New Zealand, traditional medicine practices are still thriving. Many countries have made great efforts to advance traditional medicine practices by regulating, researching and integrating its products, practitioners and practice into health systems, while improving access to and the rational use of traditional medicines. The comparison of traditional practices between the two countries would give us an affirmation in the absence of clinical trials from which we may recommend strategies and ideas for the improvement of health systems. Additionally, we would be able to identify plant species used as herbal medicines for the treatment of fractures on two continents. A survey was conducted among herbalists (Izinyanga) practising Zulu traditional medicine in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Māori practitioners who are experts in medicine and healing (Tohunga-Rongoā), in the North Island of New Zealand. Data was collected by a survey and a moderator with a single focus group of three traditional health practitioners, resulting in qualitative research on their practices between October 2018 and September 2019. An analysis of findings was conducted to affirm similarities and differences in traditional health practices on two continents. Except for a few differences in demographics, the traditional management of fractures by traditional health practitioners in South Africa and New Zealand were largely similar. Practitioners in both countries identified fractures following taking a history of the trauma and conducting a physical examination when a patient presents with open fractures (visibly broken bones), acute pain, inflammation and bleeding. In both countries, traditional health practitioners do not seem to practice traditional bone-setting any longer, though they continue to use a wide range of traditional medicines (mostly derived from plants, with a few animal products) to manage bruises, wounds, dislocations, sprains, strains and fractures. The topical treatment of traditional medicines from several known plant families was preferred in New Zealand, whereas in South Africa oral treatment options were preferred. In total, 74 traditional medicines from 26 plant families with presumed fracture-healing activity were identified in this study. The chemical compositions and biological activities of the plant families Rubiaceae (Pentanisia prunelloides in South Africa and Coprosma robusta in New Zealand) and Xanthorrhoeaceae (Aloe ferox in South Africa and Phormium tenax in New Zealand), found on both continents, are recommended to be studied further. Traditional health practitioners are aware of the serious impact that fractures could have on a patient, and while traditional remedies do assist in healing, they are open to using Western medicines for analgesia and as anti-inflammatories should their patients choose this treatment option. Furthermore, they often referred patients to hospitals for a more accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment which shows that there is already integration and collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically-trained health professionals in the management of fractures. Traditional health practitioners believed that an interventional tool for the treatment/management of fractures would be beneficial in their practices in traditional settings.

Author(s): Nireshnee Ramchundar, Manimbulu Nlooto


A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE TYPES OF FRACTURES IDENTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED BY TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS IN KWAZULU-NATAL (SOUTH AFRICA) AND THE NORTH ISLAND (NEW ZEALAND)

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.16

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Abstract: Fractures are the most common large-organ, traumatic injuries in humans, which can lead to complications, disability and/or deformity. The prompt identification and treatment of fractures is critical for improved outcomes and to avoid long term complications, morbidity or even mortality. However, the treatment of fractures by traditional health practitioners in South Africa and New Zealand is not well known. One of the objectives of this study was to determine the types of fractures identified and diagnosed by traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and the North Island (New Zealand). A survey was conducted among herbalists (Izinyanga) in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa and Māori practitioners who are experts in medicine and healing (Tohunga-Rongoā) in the North Island of New Zealand, between October 2018 and September 2019. In addition, a single focus group, with a moderator and three (3) traditional health practitioners, was held in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa in the same study data collection period resulting in qualitative research based on their traditional practices to treat fractures. Most of the South African respondents were males (14/26, 53.8%), aged between 51-60 years (8/26, 30.8%) and spoke Isizulu as a first language (24/26, 92.3%). They practiced mainly as Herbalists or Izinyanga (22/26, 84.6%). In New Zealand, there were similar respondents who were male and female (6/12, 50%). They were aged between 31-40 years old (5/12, 41.7%) and spoke English as a first language (7/12, 58.3%). They practiced only as Tohunga-Rongoā or Māori practitioners (12/12, 100%). Overall, 44 responses were received by 38 respondents for the most common criteria to diagnose fractures. 21 out of 44 responses indicated that acute pain at the site of injury was the most common criterion to diagnose fractures. Most of the respondents (19/38; 50%) treated all types of fractures presented to them, with limb fractures being the most common site of fractures treated (15/38; 39.5%). Traditional health practitioners in this study were aware of the delicate nature of fractures and their potential life-threatening effect which prompted them to refer their patients to biomedically-trained health care professionals for an accurate diagnosis to be made. Traditional health practitioners in South Africa and New Zealand identified fractures when a patient presented with acute pain, inflammation bleeding, visibly broken bones and/or immobility. Even though they managed almost all types of fractures presented to them, limb fractures were the most common site of fractures treated. Further studies are needed to investigate future collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically-trained health care professionals for the diagnosis and treatment of fractures.

Author(s): Nireshnee Ramchundar, Manimbulu Nlooto


A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF HEALTHCARE FACILITY UTILIZATION AND HEALTH-RELATED PROBLEMS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN URBAN NORTH INDIA

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.6

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Abstract: Background: The Sub Saharan African countries constitutes nearly half of maternal deaths, and Southern Asian countries ranks as second of the total 85% death which occurs all over the world. Despite the fact there is rapid enhancement in the number of skilled health workers. There been a sharp increase of 53% in 1990 and 61% in 2007 in TBA utilization shows that the attention is being paid towards the management of labor services. But surprisingly, still the births take place without the assistance of trained health personnel in Southern Asian countries and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: The objective of this study is toward the assessment on barrier to health care facility utilization and its management concerning to labor problems in urban North India. Methodology: The factor analysis was implied for the interpretation and analysis of the data. Results: It was found the inadequacies in services as well as unawareness of services in almost all urban areas among the pregnant women. Monumental rise in the cost of services and corrupt behavior among the services provider rampantly found in the urban locations, inaccessibility of proper means of communication and also economic backwardness and low literacy became the impediment in the utilization of maternal healthcare services in North India.

Author(s): Mohammad Inam Khan, Mohammad aadil Khan


ENGINEERING BEHAVIOR OF COMPACTION ENERGY MEASURED BY THE UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF THE POWDER MATERIAL IMPROVE CLAYS WITH VARIOUS MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.1

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Abstract: The aim of this work is to evaluate the special effects of Powder material on the compaction effort of clay samples with various mineralogical composition; predominantly smectite clays, predominantly kaolinitic clays and clays with mixed mineralogical composition (Illite/ Kaolinite/ Smectite). Selected soils were subjected to intensive testing in the laboratory to investigate the engineering behavior of Compaction Energy on the unconfined compressive strength of the powder material improved clay soils with different mineralogical composition. The laboratory tests include mineralogical examination of the clay soil samples, atterberge limit tests (liquid and plastic limits), particle size distribution, specific gravity (gs) and compaction test, compaction energy test as well as unconfined compression test (UCS). Three samples of clay soil by different mineralogical composition were mixed with their optimums powder material, 6.5%, 7%, and 4% for all samples 1, 2 and 3 respectively and compacted with optimum water content and maximum dry density. The compaction effort tests have shown that in practice good compaction is detrimental for good performance of the Powder material improved clay soils. Remarkable drop in both density and unconfined compressive strength was noticed when compaction effort was less than the Standard Proctor effort. Papers findings presented that the relative advantage of powder material to increase the unconfined compression (UCS) of the studied samples is highly dependent on Kaolinite mineral and highly compaction effort (modified compaction) for the powder material improved clays.

Author(s): Adil Abdallah Mohammed Elhassan

E-PROCUREMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN SOUTH AFRICAN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.8

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Abstract: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) continue to take centre stage as one of the primary contributors to the South African economy, attention has been directed to how these enterprises can improve their business practices. The adoption and implementation of e-procurement as a major business practice could enable SMEs in this country to grow further and enhance their contribution to this developing economy. The aim of the study was to explore the levels of implementation of e-procurement in South African SMEs. A quantitative research methodology was employed in this study. The study used a conveniently drawn sample of owners and managers of SMEs based in Gauteng Province. The measurement scale used consisted of 22 items, which covered all the five e-procurement components, which are e-sourcing, e-design, e-negotiation, e-evaluation, and e-informing. Response options were presented in a Likert-type scale anchored by 1=strongly disagree and 5=strongly agree. The collected data were analysed through the analyses of mean scores. The study found overall mean scores of 4.62 for e-design, 4.68 for e-sourcing, 4.70 for e-negotiation, 4.78 for e-evaluation, and 3.89 for e-informing, all of which indicated an inclination to either the agree or strongly agree points on the Likert-type scale. By implication, these results indicate the satisfactory implementation of e-procurement amongst the SMEs in South Africa. Overall, the study showed satisfactory implementation of e-procurement in all five areas considered in this research amongst SMEs. Owners and managers of SMEs should begin to work towards developing a deeper understanding of e-procurement tools and systems and they should invest in e-design systems for their buying and selling as this will create further collaborations with supply chain partners. Keywords: e-procurement; benefits, implementation, SMEs, South Africa.

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure

STUDENTS PERCEPTIONS ON HOW HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS SHOULD BE TAUGHT: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.5

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Abstract: The study explored students views on how to teach mathematics. Mathematics performance of students globally calls for reflective engagement from researchers, teachers and students. We asked six interrelated questions to fifty-first-year Bachelor of Education students who were randomly selected. The convenient sampling was then employed to select eight students for semi-structured interviews. Data from semi-structured interviews were transcribed into a descriptive script and later analysed thematically. The findings revealed that students active engagement: draws students attention, promote critical thinking, allows exposure that makes students accept corrections, the teacher and other students can learn from each others ideas. Further findings revealed that mathematics performance can be improved by good teaching strategies, engaging students into math-talk, having interesting presentations for motivation, ensure students active engagement, extra teaching sessions, integration of technology into teaching and learning, prioritize mathematics in the time table, availability of teaching and learning resources and infrastructure; and ensure curriculum stability. Therefore, this study recommends that all mathematics lessons be learner-centred for active engagement.

Author(s): Shakespear M. Chiphambo, Nomxolisi Mtsi, Mabel-wendy Mashologu


A SPACE OF SEMANTIC RESONANCE: IDEA OF THE WORLD LITERATURE IN GOETHE'S "CHINESEGERMAN BOOK OF SEASONS AND HOURS"

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.10

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Abstract: Using the example of the cycle of Goethes poems Chinese-German Book of Seasons and Hours, in which he combines motifs from Chinese and German literature as well as his own poetry, the paper suggests a hypothesis in the light of which an attempt is made to consider the influence of Goethes natural-philosophical ideas on peculiarities of his concept of the world literature. In particular, it will be a matter of integrating the individual (das Besondere) into the universal (das Allgemeine), of the concept of the Nature as a living whole. At the same time this universal law of Nature creates a mechanism for the functioning of the living stream of the world literature, where separate national literatures are circulating. The Chinese-German Book of Seasons and Hours, where the uniqueness of a single day and the constancy of the seasons are combined, where the memories of the past days are embedded in the imaginary space of China, creates a space of semantic resonance where both aesthetic and natural-philosophical Goethe's vision are in the mutual reflecting.

Author(s): Lagutina Irina

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS, LIVELIHOOD VULNERABILITY AND RESPONSE ACTIONS: A CASE STUDY IN THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.2

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Abstract: Climate change adaptation has recently attracted high interest in many countries across the world. This study aims to (1) understand the current livelihood situation of farmers in a northern province of Vietnam, their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change; and (2) identify the most potential adaptive measures and strategies toward climate resilience and improved household income. The research was carried out between October 2019 and April 2020 in Thai Nguyen province using both quantitative and qualitative methods through key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders from provincial to commune levels, household surveys with 95 farmers in 2 communes, and workshops and focus group discussions among farmers and the stakeholders. Results of this study showed a highly vulnerable situation of the local farmers due to climate change. Eleven potential climate-smart production practices have been identified, providing ground for promoting adoption and dissemination of the climate resilient initiatives. An overall strategy for sustainable livelihoods and income for the local farmers was developed. The strategy would not only relevant for the smallholders in the studied area, but also adoptable for small-scale farmers in other parts of the world.

Author(s): Tuan M. Ha, Huong T.T. Hoang, Huyen T.T. Khuat, Viet H. Duong


ACHIEVING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH SUPPLY CHAIN AGILITY AND RESPONSIVENESS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH AFRICAN MANAUFACTURING FIRMS

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.19

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Abstract: In this dynamic world, supply chain agility has been recognised as one of the supply chain management strategy to deal with responsiveness and disruptions of the supply chain to gain a competitive advantage in a competitive emerging market such as South Africa. The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between supply chain agility and supply chain responsiveness and competitive advantage in South African manufacturing firms. The study was conducted in Gauteng Province of South Africa. The study was conducted using a quantitative research methodology applying structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the measurement scales. Path modelling technique was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The results show that supply chain agility has a strong positive and significant relationship on supply chain responsiveness and competitive advantage. The study further shows a positive linkage between supply chain responsiveness and competitive advantage. The study is the first to research this important area, to test the relationship between these constructs in South African manufacturing firms using both the resource-based view and the dynamic capability theory. The implications, limitations and future research directions are provided.

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure

FORMATION OF A MANAGEMENT CULTURE (POLITICAL STYLE) OF HEADS OF SUBJECTS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.3

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Abstract: The paper considers the issues of Russian Federation governor political style development. There is few research on the political style of federal subject heads, which makes it necessary to consider this issue. The governor political role and governors\' participation changed due to the transformation of democratic model of power of the 90\'s into a vertical one. In this regard, the modern style of Russian governors\' political leadership was developing under the influence of some basic elements of the political system. The article highlights the main characteristic elements under the influence of which the political style of governorship is developed, such as institutionalization, professionalization, and others. The influence of these features is significant: in fact, the heads of the federal subjects are very limited in their political activities. The author examines the characteristic features within which the political style of the heads of the subjects of the federation is forced to form. These are rather difficult conditions that largely limit the emergence of true leaders, leaders in personal qualities and vocation

Author(s): Evtekhov Roman Arturovich

ZINC REMOVAL IN SINGLE AND BINARY SYSTEM WITH COPPER BY ADSORPTION ON ACTIVATED CARBON: CHARACTERIZATION, KINETIC AND EQUILIBRIUM STUDIES

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.7

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Abstract: The performance of two commercial activated carbons, in powder (PAC) and in grains (GAC), for removal of zinc in synthetic solutions was investigated. Adsorbents were characterized using the point of zero charge (pHpzc), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method and Scanning electron microscopy. PAC and GAC exhibited high surface area (1147.48 m2/g- 1033.82 m2/g) and carbon content (92.54 % - 87.95 %).\r\nFor both adsorbents tested, the study of the adsorption kinetics has shown that adsorption equilibrium of zinc (10 mg/L) in the presence of 4 g/L of activated carbon reached after stirring for 3 hours with a yield of 56.72 % for PAC and 51.16 % for the GAC respectively. The kinetics of adsorption seems to follow the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Polyline curves observed in the adsorption process revealed that intraparticle diffusion was not the unique mechanism governing Zn(II) adsorption process. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models indicated a suitable fit between the experimental and isotherm data. The corresponding parameters indicated that the sorption mechanism might be physical in nature.\r\nIn binary system (Zn-Cu), the effectiveness of the treatment decreases with the increase of the initial concentration of copper (2 to 35 mg/L). The zinc retention efficiencies increase with the increase of the adsorbent dose and pH of the solution. The presence of copper leads to a decrease in the adsorption efficiency of zinc. It appears that PAC is slightly more effective than GAC in retention of Zn (II) ions.

Author(s): Youcef Soufiane, Guergazi Saadia, Youcef Leila, Benammar Halima Setti, Ounoki Samira


ENHANCING MATHEMATICS TEACHERS' CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH ACTION LEARNING IN AN OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING CONTEXT

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.4

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Abstract: This paper uses dimensions of student engagement and framework constructed with fragments of the expectancy-value, achievement goals, self-determination, and socio-cultural dependant theories to argue on student teachers’ engagement in mathematics learning for teaching in the Open Distance Learning (ODL) context. The paper reports from a mixed methods approach research project that analyzed how the ODL teaching and learning environment on embracing the African student can be enhanced. From a population of 654 students in an institution’s Post Graduate Certificate in Education mathematics didactics course, a sample frame of 75 students was used for the study, obtaining a stratified random sample of five mathematics didactics students out of those registered for the module. Data were collected through interviews conducted with a sample of five students based on their approach in their submitted work. In addition, document analysis of seventy-five portfolio submissions were analyzed. The results indicated how inaccuracy in the ODL system inadequately prepared mathematics pre-service teachers and how student teachers take advantage of the irrelevant systems in place. The quantitative demographics indicated that many students last engaged with FET mathematics more than a decade ago. Pertinently, the mathematics that they did in tertiary institutions before enrolling for the module on didactics dealt with the application of differentials in calculus, which could not assist in mastering FET mathematics content. The paper recommends that online discussion classes be established where students engage with each other and the content in electronic platform-like discussion forums to improve on their mathematics understanding.

Author(s): Zingiswa Jojo

PROVERBS IN R. N. PHUME'S BOHLOKO BA MAIKUTLO

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.18

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Abstract: This article examines R. N. Phume’s use of proverbs in his volume of Sesotho poems entitled Bohloko ba Maikutlo. The proverbs to be considered are found in the poems: ‘Bohloko ba maikutlo’, ‘Motho’, ‘Re ka kgona’, ‘Moshanyana’ and ‘Ihlo la moya’, which are found in the said volume. The proverbs to be discussed, as found in the poems, are nnete re entse letsoho la monna (truly we’ve done a man’s hand), ha ho tume feela di melala (it’s not only the fat necks that gain fame), kgakgi o kgakga se ya beng se sa o kgakge (care about a person who does not care about you), moaha moriti ruri ha a o dule (the creator of a shade does not sit in it), ihlo la kgutsana ke lebone (the eye of an orphan is a light), and monate o utlwa ke moetsi, athe bohloko bo utlwa ke moetsuwa (happiness is felt by the doer, while pain is felt by the victim). The concept of ‘proverb’ will be defined as part of the introductory section of this study. The different sections of the article are the introduction and discussion. A concluding remark will be included towards the end of the discourse.

Author(s): Zilibele Mtumane, Dimakatsi Sanha Makhoba, Maishiko Doreen Mojapelo, Maishiko Doreen Mojapelo


EXPLORING FACTORS AFFECTING GRADE 4 LEARNERS ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS IN EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.15

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Abstract: This paper aims to establish factors that affect language learners’ English communication skills. The focus was on Grade 4 learners in a primary school in the Eastern Cape Province. The researchers had observed that more importance was given to reading and writing skills of English, overlooking the importance of Communication Skills (CSs). Furthermore, the researchers had observed that most learners were always shy and not participating in class in fear of being ridiculed by other learners. The study adopted a qualitative case study design. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to identify the school and the eight participants, respectively. Interviews and observations were used to collect data for the study. The study findings revealed that learners’ CSs were very weak but had shown a marked improvement after they were given opportunities to practice languages, being offered a productive learning environment and using various teaching strategies. The paper concludes that learners encounter barriers in learning CSs but have the potential to improve if teachers could vary teaching strategies. It is recommended that teachers should encourage and motivate learners to take part in communication as a means of minimising conversational fears and hesitations; mitigating learner fear, shyness, and a general reluctance to communication.

Author(s): Thandiswa Mpiti, Newline Marongwe


ADOLESCENTS IN A MULTIRACIAL DEMOCRATIC SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.20

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Abstract: There is now a new South Africa for all adolescents where there is no need to fight against each other on ideological grounds. In diversity and constitutionally, they are united and making a valuable contribution to the building of one nation for all South Africans. Adolescents are involved in politics both in informal and formal settings. Some of the debates they engage in are so robust that they sway the views of those who are more seasoned in matters of politics. Some politicians win leadership positions as a direct result of being backed by adolescents. It was partly in view of this that the first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, stated: “The youth of our country are a valued possession of our nation. Their needs are immense and urgent. They are at the center of reconstruction and development program. Without them there can be no future” South Africa commands the strongest and most efficient and prosperous economy in Africa; its status in Africa is similar to that of the United States of America in relation to other Western countries. With such a prosperous and promising country, South African adolescents of all races have nothing to fear for their futures except fear itself. All the countries sharing common borders with South Africa are socially, economically, and educationally less developed than South Africa. Therefore South Africa is viewed as a land of opportunity.

Author(s): Tuntufye S. Mwamwenda

FACILITY OWNERS’ LIABILITY IN SHOPPING CENTRES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.9

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Abstract: Owners of public facilities such as shopping centres make use of disclaimer notices and exemption clauses to limit or exclude their liability towards third parties. The influence of changing public sentiment upon recent legislation in South Africa which regulates exclusionary clauses is investigated, as is what role considerations such as fairness and reasonableness play in court decisions when the scope and validity of these clauses are adjudicated. Constitutional and legal principles which have crystallised from court decisions were used as a guide during interviews with the facility managers of eight large shopping centres in Pretoria. Facility managers and owners are well aware that exclusionary clauses do not guarantee indemnification against claims for damage or loss sustained by third parties; and also that courts will scrutinize the safety measures employed in shopping centres when they adjudicate the scope and/or validity of clauses or notices which curtail the rights of third parties. Although the sample size is limited, the facility managers interviewed represent a number of the largest property managing companies in the country. It can therefore be assumed that similar measures prevail in most of the large shopping centres countrywide. Knowledge of the law and non-negligence can limit the liability of facility owners for injuries or loss sustained by third parties.

Author(s): Chris Cloete, Gerard Stoop, Bouwer Kleynhans


EXPLORING THE LIVING CONDITIONS AT EZAKHELENI INFORMAL SETTLEMENT, DURBAN METROPOLIS OF KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA WITH AN UPSCALING MOTIVE

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.12

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Abstract: The living conditions of the residence of the informal settlements around the African continent remain one of the most expressed pervasive human right violation. It is therefore a fact and a respect of human rights that informal settlements be revitalized to meet basic standards of individuals and households’ dignity. Recognizing this, and mobilizing all the principal actors within a shared human rights paradigm, can make the 2030 upgrading agenda achievable.The survey that translated into this study was carried out through the adoption of multi stage sampling procedure with a well-structured questionnaires in year 2018, from some selected households in the eZakheleni informal settlement, Durban metropolis of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The utilized questionnaires were divided into different relevant sections to capture the households living condition, these sections were thus highlighted: respondent's demographic characteristics, households’ level characteristics, dwelling level characteristics, settlement level characteristics, effect of some intervention efforts/programs in the community, coping strategies with hunger and current day erratic weather conditions and assessment of the living conditions. More so, the administered questionnaires were printed in English language and translated into the local language of the participants during the interview, this was done in order to ease the understanding of the subject matter by the selected participants. A sum of 255 complete questionnaires made up the dataset in the project, the sum of compiled data was quite representative of the residents of the informal settlement. The dataset is herewith made available as it is considered useful for showcasing the state of the informal settlement hence, possible way forward for urban upgrade policy implication and recommendations.

Author(s): Nkonki-Mandleni Busisiwe, Abiodun Olusola Omotayo


ASSESSMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SCHOOL FOOD GARDENS: A CASE OF CHRIS HANI DISTRICT, SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.14

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Abstract: Food-insecurity is still a serious challenge globally. The United Nations indicates that 66 million school going children attend classes hungry in the developing world. Although policies such as the National School Nutrition Programme are in place in South Africa, implementation challenges exist at school level and are exacerbated by inadequate funding by the Department of Basic Education. Existing implementation challenges threaten food security at school and community level, and make school food gardens a vital food security enhancement strategy. School food gardening ensures own production to supplement food items bought by schools to feed the learners. However, the question of school food garden sustainability has not received adequate research attention in South Africa. This paper reports the outcomes of an investigation on the sustainability of school food gardens in Chris Hani District. The purpose of the investigation was to broaden the empirical database on the sustainability of school food gardens. The paper adopted a mixed research approach. A purposive sample of six schools drawn from the local district was used as a data source. Questionnaires, interviews and informal observation were the main data collection instruments. Descriptive statistics and the themes developed were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Findings revealed bottlenecks that hinder sustainability of school food gardens, which include funding and lack of proper planning of school food gardening activities. In conclusion, strategies for achieving viable and sustainable school food gardening including the need to make proper school garden plans were proposed.

Author(s): Harry Kasumba, M. Mashologu, P. Bwowe


BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIA

Volume 76, Nov 2020
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.13

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Abstract: Description of the subject: The study of the vegetal diversity of the wetlands of Zahrez Gharbi, Zahrez chergui, by subjective sampling and location of vegetation survey stations has made it possible to better understand this concept. Objective: In this study, the halophilic flora is the subject of a particular comment given the importance of salty environments that deserve attention because they represent a legacy of heritage interest and a camel grazing much sought after. Methods: For the characterization of the vegetation units, the phytoecological method has been chosen and will make it possible to evaluate the floristic diversity by analyzing the chorological and biological spectra to which the different inventoried units and species relate.The analysis of the vegetation involves first a floristic inventory followed by an exploitation of the floristic records. We carried out floristic surveys during the field campaigns from 2003 to 2012.The selection of the surveys is based on subjective sampling that takes into account the structure of the vegetation. Results:The statistical analysis by correspondence analysis under Statistica (6) for a data matrix of 170 surveys and 130 species shows three sets. The eigenvalues range from 0.203 to 0.387 and the inertia rates from 3.488 to 6.068%.The contribution of the first five axes to the inertia of the point cloud is 33,944, the characterization of the groupings specified that the group 1 is characterized by the surveys carried out in the sandy soils according to the factorial plane 1-2 represented by the dominance of Thymelea microphylla, Stipa tenacissima, with a dominant northern exposure with an average vegetation cover of 30%. Group 2 collects the surveys carried out on the salty soils with north-west exposure; it is the vegetation specific to the chott, grouping of Hyperhalophils with Halocnemum strobilaceum, Arthrocnemum indicum, presenting a medium recovery of vegetation of 20%. Group 3 includes salty soil surveys with southern exposure. This is the grouping of halophiles on hydromorphic soils at Juncusmaritimus. It is represented by Spergularia salina, Peganum harmala, Bellis annua, Arthrophytum scoparium, Atriplex halimus, with a recovery of 32%. The Shannon index (H ') and regularity (R) are respectively of the order of 2.05 and 0.33. This shows that individuals are distributed in a heterogeneous way. As for the regularity, it is 0.33, lower than the average. The rate of Cham�phytes observed in groups 1 and 3 remains slightly high with a respective percentage of 31.49% and 32.82%. Therophytes are dominant in groups 1 and 2.The analysis of this biological diversity underlined the role of annual species within these formations, in particular (Th�rophytes 39%). For the chorological level, the Mediterranean held the first place with (42%), followed by the Saharo-Arabique region (20%), and the multi-regional (12%). Conclusion: The results of this study explain the interpretation of the vegetation by the relevance factors that permitted to define the affinities between the different groups, the impact of anthropic action was widely expressed by degradation and rapid substitution of the rug vegetal species. Future prospects: These species deserve special attention, they represent a heritage, they need protection and preservation of their habitat, if no conservation measures are taken, we can help a beginning of substitution of some species by others, or their final disappearance and this will lead to desertification.

Author(s): Senni Rachida, De Belair Gerard, Abdelkrim Hacene