scholarly journals Water history and transdisciplinarity: a South African perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johann Tempelhoff
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Transdisciplinary Research ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Water Sector ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Water History ◽  
North West ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The University

In the article attention is given to recent developments in the field of water history at North-West University in South Africa, where transdisciplinary research strategies have been incorporated into research programmes on contemporary problems experienced in the country’s water sector. The initial focus on water history gradually shifts to water studies and how interdisciplinary research and the exponential growth of scientific knowledge has opened up space for the emergence of transdisciplinary research. There is a discussion on the research undertaken by members of the Research Niche Area for the Cultural Dynamics of Water (CuDyWat) at the university and an outline of some of the group’s completed research reports. The potential value of current research is also examined.Keywords: water studies; South Africa; water sector; water history; transdisciplinary researchDisciplines: History; water studies; transdisciplinary.

scholarly journals An Analysis of the #FeesMustFall Agenda and Its Implications for the Survival of Education in South Africa: The NWU Mafikeng Campus Writing Centre Experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
UP Ejoke ◽  
PC Enwereji ◽  
JE Chukwuere
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Student Movements ◽  
University Environment ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
Growing Economy ◽  
The University

The #FeesMustFall-protests were symbolic of unguided social dynamics as stakeholders directly or in directly (indirectly) scramble for escape due to the financial implications that fees increment would engender. South African government is aware of the importance of education in any growing economy as this was demonstrated in the agenda of the post-1994 government in prioritising primary and secondary education, even though the quality of education remained decidedly poor. However, same cannot be said for tertiary Universities in South Africa, the low priority granted to higher education over the past two decades had always been a bone of contention. This paper therefore attempts to interrogate various explanations for fees must fall movement and how this impact on the writing centre at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. In contextualizing this problem, the paper employed key elements of Altbach’s empirical theory of student movements. Using Focus Group discussion and by means of Atlas-ti statistical package, the paper demonstrated the richness of data available for analysis and reflects on correlated methodological challenges when attempting to understand student movements and the dynamic relationship between the University environment as well as the country-wide movement, the territorial space and that of writing centre experience during and after the protest. The paper concludes by reflecting and suggesting on elements of a possible research agenda on balancing education and economy.

scholarly journals In search of a merged identity: the case of multi-campus North-West University, South Africa

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans Kamsteeg
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Traditionally White ◽  
North West ◽  
Joint Research Project ◽  
The University

South Africa’s post–apartheid governments have taken far–reaching policy measures to transform the system of higher education, do away with its strongly segregated character, and develop an efficient and internationally recognised system that provides equal chances for all ethnic groups. Since 2002 higher education has become the explicit target of a government policy, geared to cultural development and intervention, including the enforcement of a series of mergers between traditionally white and black universities and former technikons (currently universities of technology). This process has caused intense debate at the level of leadership and among policy makers in these institutions, but little is known of how this ideological battle over educational development has affected daily academic practice. This paper gives a first, somewhat tentative discussion on the current effects of the changes in higher education in South Africa, and in particular at one of the institutions affected: the newly merged North-West University (NWU). The article is based on documentary research and three personal visits to the university; in the process a joint research project was initiated between the VU University of Amsterdam (VUUA) and NWU. This paper attempts to shed some early light on how efficiency and social equity goals are met within NWU’s institutional merger, beginning from a cultural perspective that focuses on the construction of ‘merger narratives’. The paper also gives a voice to critical reactions, narratives of resistance that have emerged from the university shop floor.

scholarly journals Editorial:New partnerships in publishing and politics

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Faull ◽  
Chandre Gould
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
University Of Cape Town ◽  
The University

In this editorial the editors anounce a new partnership between the ISS and the Centre of Criminology at the University of Cape Town, to co-edit and publish future issues of SACQ. The editorial also reviews recent developments in politics, law and accountability in South Africa.

scholarly journals Academic integration of libraries at Universities of Technology (UoTs) in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Shirlene Neerputh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Integration ◽  
Reading And Writing ◽  
Process Learning ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University

Academic libraries should lead in the instructional change process by being at the nexus of teaching, learning and research in the university. This study was set in the context of the current higher educational landscape of South Africa. In particular, it focused on the emerging role of the University of Technology (UoT) library to enhance academic success. This was an exploratory study juxtaposed with a literature review pertinent to national and international library integration programmes and practices. Justification for this study stemmed from the current local and international trend for academic libraries to become proactive partners in teaching and learning through academic integration and leadership in promoting the university’s mission and goals. Underpinned by the process learning theoretical framework, the aim of this study was to explore the extent to which academic integration has been adopted by UoT libraries in South Africa. Process learning was chosen by the researcher because it is considered a learner-centred teaching technique for student engagement and it is consistent with the constructivist theory postulated and applicable to UoT libraries. The specific objectives of the survey were to determine: what academic integration programmes are offered by UoT libraries to enhance teaching, learning and research in South Africa; existing information literacy programmes and assessment practices in UoT libraries; what postgraduate/research programmes are offered by the library to academics and students and how they are represented in strategy or policy documents; and the similarities and differences in academic integration programmes in all six UoTs in SA. A mixed methods approach (quantitative and qualitative methodologies) were used to collect data regarding programmes and practices prevalent in UoT libraries across all six UoTs in South Africa. An online questionnaire was administered using SurveyMonkey. Forty-two subject librarians participated in the survey, yielding a sixty- two percent response rate. The objectives of the study were achieved by the identification of the following key academic integration programmes: embedded information literacy programmes; resource collection and development; faculty collaboration and partnerships to promote academic success; research scholarship and open access initiatives; social media networking; and reading and writing programmes. This study found that while academic integration has gained momentum in UoTs in South Africa, greater effort should be made in collaboration with academics in: embedded information literacy and blended learning; open access and scholarship; reading and writing programmes; and collaboration in postgraduate interventions. The findings also revealed that while most libraries internationally have embraced reading and writing programmes, libraries offering reading and writing programmes to enhance academic success are relatively scarce in UoTs in South Africa. It is recommended that the subject librarians engage in academic integration practices by: supporting the curricula and research programmes; improving institutional outcomes; improving collaborations; building intellectual or knowledge centres and providing relevant information to students and staff within a knowledge society.

scholarly journals Editorial:New partnerships in publishing and politics

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Faull ◽  
Chandre Gould
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
University Of Cape Town ◽  
The University

In this editorial the editors anounce a new partnership between the ISS and the Centre of Criminology at the University of Cape Town, to co-edit and publish future issues of SACQ. The editorial also reviews recent developments in politics, law and accountability in South Africa.

scholarly journals Recent trends in South African water historiography

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johann Tempelhoff
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Environmental History ◽  
South African ◽  
Water History ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
South African Water

The discipline of water history is relatively young but since the 1990s there has been growing interest in the field. In this article an exposition is provided on the origins of the discipline of water history as a subdivision of environmental history. The discussion then turns to an outline of recent developments in the historiography of water history in South Africa. Attention is also given to the possibility of extending the study of this discipline into a number of allied fields.

SEM and TEM observations of sperm development in the testis of the freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 58-59
Author(s):  
Daryl A. Cornish ◽  
George L. Smit
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Oreochromis Mossambicus ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Sem And Tem ◽  
Sperm Development ◽  
Ultrastructural Characteristics ◽  
The University

Oreochromis mossambicus is currently receiving much attention as a candidater species for aquaculture programs within Southern Africa. This has stimulated interest in its breeding cycle as well as the morphological characteristics of the gonads. Limited information is available on SEM and TEM observations of the male gonads. It is known that the testis of O. mossambicus is a paired, intra-abdominal structure of the lobular type, although further details of its characteristics are not known. Current investigations have shown that spermatids reach full maturity some two months after the female becomes gravid. Throughout the year, the testes contain spermatids at various stages of development although spermiogenesis appears to be maximal during November when spawning occurs. This paper describes the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the testes and spermatids.Specimens of this fish were collected at Syferkuil Dam, 8 km north- west of the University of the North over a twelve month period, sacrificed and the testes excised.

ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN TEACHING INFORMATION LITERACY IN ZIMBABWEAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinashe Mugwisi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Information And Communications Technologies ◽  
Communications Technologies ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
The University

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet have to a large extent influenced the way information is made available, published and accessed. More information is being produced too frequently and information users now require certain skills to sift through this multitude in order to identify what is appropriate for their purposes. Computer and information skills have become a necessity for all academic programmes. As libraries subscribe to databases and other peer-reviewed content (print and electronic), it is important that users are also made aware of such sources and their importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the teaching of information literacy (IL) in universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the role played by librarians in creating information literate graduates. This was done by examining whether such IL programmes were prioritised, their content and how frequently they were reviewed. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 12 university libraries in Zimbabwe and 21 in South Africa. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned. The findings revealed that IL was being taught in universities library and non-library staff, was compulsory and contributed to the term mark in some institutions. The study also revealed that 44 per cent of the total respondents indicated that the libraries were collaborating with departments and faculty in implementing IL programmes in universities. The study recommends that IL should be an integral part of the university programmes in order to promote the use of databases and to guide students on ethical issues of information use.

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