ResearchSpace
ResearchSpace is the institutional repository of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, unlocking knowledge, empowering impact, and preserving UKZN's research legacy.
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Development and testing of a faecal sludge greenhouse solar dryer.
(2023) Naidoo, Pareshin.; Stringel, Santiago Septien.; McGregor, Craig.
Faecal sludge poses a significant global challenge, contributing to pollution and disease transmission if not managed appropriately. Thermal drying presents a viable treatment method, reducing sludge mass and eliminating pathogens. However, the high energy requirements associated with conventionally powered methods of thermal drying raise operating costs, and to address this issue, solar drying was evaluated as an efficient and sustainable alternative for this process. This project aims to develop and test a solar thermal drying system for the treatment of faecal sludge, measure its performance characteristics, and identify areas of improvement and optimization. This project presents an adaptation of a greenhouse-type solar dryer developed by the WASH R&D Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the treatment of faecal sludge. Greenhouse solar dryers utilise solar thermal energy and ventilation to dry a product. This dryer consists of seven subsystems: an enclosure, absorber wall, ventilation and circulation system, sludge mixing system, drainage system, drying tray, and testing instrumentation. Polymethyl methacrylate and aluminium were used in the construction of the enclosure, which measures 2 × 1.5 × 2 m (length × width × height). A ventilation and circulation system were installed in the greenhouse to remove moisture from the dryer and to improve moisture evaporation by enhancing external mass transfer at high air velocities. A rake system was designed to mix sludge and promote homogenous drying. The sludge was placed in a suspended grid where it could be dried from the top and bottom. A temperature and humidity control system was developed to record both the humidity and temperature at seven different areas in the dryer. The dryer was tested in Durban during the winter season of 2022 using feedstock consisting of water, wet soil, and synthetic sludge as a proxy of real faecal sludge, at UKZN, Howard College campus on the roof of the Chemical Engineering building. Temperatures higher than 40 °C were recorded inside the dryer with ambient outside temperatures lower than 30 °C were recorded, leading to relative humidity lower than 40 %. Functionality tests were conducted to ensure the various subsystems were operating correctly, after which, the system was tested with feedstock. During the water tests, 7 small crucibles filled with water were used in the greenhouse dryer to determine how well water evaporated. Adjustments of both the ventilation and circulation fan speeds were made to determine the best airflow rates for the drying of water. Lower fan speeds proved more effective for water evaporation so the lowest fan speed combinations, ventilation speed 1 (V1) and circulation speed 1 (C1) were used in the wet soil tests and synthetic sludge. Tests with soil and sludge were conducted at these speeds. A large reduction of the moisture content of wet soil was observed during a single day from around 70 % moisture content to less than 20 % in the space of 5 hours. Synthetic sludge was made and tested during the winter season. Synthetic sludge has very similar properties and texture to faecal sludge and therefore is an effective feedstock for measuring the dryer's performance. A 10 kg sample of synthetic sludge was tested in the greenhouse solar dryer between the dates of 05-08-2022 and 08-08-2022. Synthetic sludge with an 80 % moisture content was reduced to 6.5 % over 4 days. Drying times ranged from 5 to 6 hours a day, with an overall drying rate of 0.36 kg/h on average, a specific energy consumption (SEC) of approximately 655 kWh/t and an overall dryer efficiency of 9.6 %. A second test was conducted on the dates of 14-08-2022 and 15-08-2022. Better weather conditions on the second test enabled the dryer to dry 80 % moisture content sludge to 12 % in 2 days. The overall dryer efficiency of approximately 18 % and average SEC of 363 kWh/t were calculated over the two days of testing. The greenhouse solar dryer research and testing indicated that solar thermal dryers can potentially address the drying and disposal of faecal sludge, a matter that is a major problem in developing countries. Further steps to conclude the study include tests with real faecal. sludge, improvement and optimization of the system, and the development of a techno-economic analysis.
Teaching and learning support received by teenage mothers during the coronavirus disease lockdown in Makhado Municipality, Vhembe district.
(2023) Makaleng, Kepse Christina.; Mudau , Tshimangadzo Selina.
Background: In the wake of the Coronavirus disease lockdown, schools, creches and higher education institutions worldwide closed their doors, disrupting teaching and learning. All learners, including teenage mothers were forced to study from home due to a shift from traditional classrooms to online learning platforms, increasing the probability of school dropouts. Home learning became overwhelming to teenage mothers as they had to balance motherhood and learning while studying from home. The sudden shift worsened education inequality, thus negatively impacting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3; namely, Good Health and Wellbeing since quality education promotes health. Learners from poor provinces such as Limpopo, specifically those living in rural areas such as the Makhado municipality, face obstacles such as poor connectivity and limited access to the internet.
Purpose: The purpose of the study, therefore, is to explore and describe teaching and learning support received by teenage mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Vhembe district, Makhado municipality, Limpopo province. Research methodology: The study employed qualitative, participatory action reseach (PAR) through community engagement since the latter is community driven, ensuring that teenage mothers and stakeholders are included in an enquiry that seeks to promote social justice. The participatory arts-based action research created a safe space for the teenage mothers to share their stories. Data were generated from 11 participants through unstructured individual and group interviews.
Findings: The study revealed that teenage mothers were supported by families, community members and teachers during the coronavirus school closures and rotational classes. However, the support was not adequate and consistent to promote the continuity of teaching and learning. The teenage mothers were further supported emotionally thus promoting their self-concept. Remote learning has proven to be a challenge to most teenage mothers due to the inaccessibility of online resources. It was difficult for teenage mothers to balance motherhood and learning due to frequent interruptions such as taking care of the baby resulting in poor concentration.
Conclusion: The teenage mothers were socially, emotionally and financially supported by their families and some teachers, however, the support provided was insufficient and inconsistent to promote continuity of teaching and learning, resulting in teenage mothers not having access to quality education. Due to the frequent interruptions by crying babies, teenage mothers had difficulty balancing motherhood and learning.
Investigating factors associated with absconding behaviours amongst hospitalised mental health care users within Harry Gwala District Kwazulu-Natal Province.
(2024) Malunga, Seluleko.; Ngcobo, Winnie Baphumelele.
Introduction: Absconding of hospitalized mental health care users is a significant concern, compromising treatment adherence and safety. Further investigation is needed to identify potential absconders and also gain insights from nurses' perspectives on the reasons behind this problem absconding. The aim of the study was to investigate factors associated with absconding behaviours amongst Hospitalized Mental Health Care Users in Harry Gwala District KwaZulu-Natal Province. Methods: As such the study used a positivist paradigm and a non-experimental descriptive exploratory survey to investigate factors leading to inpatient mental health care absconding. Data was collected from 51 participants and analyzed using Predictive Analysis Software, focusing on the impact and characteristics of absconding. Theoretical framework Research objective Questionnaire item was applied in this section to prove the validity of the instrument. To explore and describe the factors associated with absconding and impact of absconding on treatment as well as the characteristics of absconding and the motive or reasoning being the absconding behavior. The reliability of the instrument was tested by administering the questionnaire to five (10) mental health professionals of the population, and then administering the same questionnaire to the same respondents after two weeks later. The two rounds of the questionnaire from these respondents were then checked to see if the results remained consistent, which would indicate the reliability and trustworthiness of the questionnaire to elicit the necessary information. The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Research and Ethics Committee approved the study proposal, ensuring human subjects' rights and adhering to ethics principles such as respect, beneficence, justice, and autonomy. Results: The results indicated that hospital environment, particularly seclusion rooms, can be distressing and dehumanizing, contributing to a desire to escape to regain a sense of freedom and dignity. Additionally, the study showed that severity and type of mental health symptoms played a significant role. Individuals with psychotic disorders, especially those experiencing exacerbations of symptoms, were more likely to abscond. The desire to escape, distressing symptoms or delusional thoughts were identified as supporting the prevalence of absconding behaviours. In terms of experiences with Caregivers study results showed that mixed emotions regarding caregivers influenced absconding. While some patients felt overly controlled and infantilized, leading to a desire for independence, others felt burdened by the emotional and financial strain their care imposed on their families. This complex dynamic thus motivated patients to abscond in order to relieve perceived burdens on their caregivers. Also, study findings showed that in terms of hospital resources and services, poor hospital conditions, including inadequate facilities and lack of engaging activities led to feelings of boredom and frustration among patients and this prompted them to abscond. Conclusion: This study realized that by enhancing hospital resources and providing more therapeutic activities these feelings could be mitigated. The study concluded that in order to reduce absconding behaviours, a comprehensive approach involving hospital environment improvements, caregiver-patient dynamics enhancement, resource allocation, and structured leave processes can be implemented.
Evaluating the impact of governance on service delivery in the Zululand District: towards a good governance efficiency model.
(2024) Zulu, Nkosenye Godfrey.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Municipalities in South Africa face significant governance challenges that undermine service delivery. These challenges arise despite an extensive legal framework that promotes good governance. The Zululand District Municipality exemplifies this local government crisis due to its inefficiencies in financial management, accountability, public participation, and provision of essential services such as water and sanitation. This study investigates how adherence to good governance principles can enhance service delivery efficiency by developing a governance efficiency model tailored to the realities of the Zululand District Municipality. The study employs a qualitative research design and draws on semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders, alongside an analysis of municipal reports and legislative frameworks. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and coding techniques to identify recurring governance challenges and best practices. This approach ensures a comprehensive examination of governance inefficiencies and their impact on service delivery outcomes. Findings reveal that governance failures such as inadequate financial oversight, lack of transparency, and political interference significantly hinder service delivery. The study also identifies public participation and accountability mechanisms gaps and explains how these impede service delivery. The study concludes that addressing these issues requires a structured governance framework that fosters collaboration among key stakeholders, strengthens institutional capacity, and ensures compliance with governance principles. This study makes a novel theoretical contribution by integrating good governance, public value, and agency theories to develop a governance efficiency model. The model proposes a collaborative governance approach that enhances accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation to improve municipal service delivery. Unlike existing governance frameworks, this model prioritises adaptive governance mechanisms to address the unique challenges of the Zululand District Municipality. The proposed governance efficiency model offers a structured approach for the municipality and its counterparts to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate governance risks, and improve service delivery outcomes. It provides policymakers with actionable insights on fostering accountability and civic engagement while ensuring compliance with governance standards. If adopted, this model has the potential to transform service delivery by promoting institutional resilience and governance sustainability.
Enhancing management and leadership systems in technical vocational education and training at selected colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2024) Sithole, Mandisa Dargricia.; Wissink, Henry Frank.
The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in South Africa faces systemic challenges that undermine its ability to produce a highly skilled workforce, implement effective management practices, and position itself as the preferred choice for students pursuing technical and vocational careers. The governance structures of the country’s 50 public TVET colleges are characterised by inefficiencies, inadequate resource allocation, and limited institutional capacity, impeding their ability to fulfil the National Development Plan (NDP) objective of enrolling 2.5 million students by 2030. These deficiencies further weaken the sector’s capacity to mitigate critical socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, inequality, and poverty. This study critically examines the management and leadership structures of three selected TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, Coastal TVET, Umfolozi TVET, and Mnambithi TVET. To identify strategies for improving institutional efficiency and governance. Anchored in an interpretative research paradigm and employing a phenomenological research strategy, the study adopts a qualitative methodological approach. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations, with a purposive and convenience sample of 41 participants, including senior managers, college council members, and student representatives. Findings reveal systemic deficiencies within TVET colleges, including inadequate infrastructure, constrained resources, weak industry linkages, limited stakeholder engagement, insufficient technological integration, governance challenges, and ineffective student support services. These barriers significantly impede institutional performance and the sector’s contribution to national development objectives. The findings reveal structural deficiencies, including inadequate infrastructure, financial and human resource constraints, weak industry partnerships, limited stakeholder engagement, insufficient technological integration, governance challenges, and ineffective student support services. These impediments significantly compromise institutional performance and the sector’s contribution to national development imperatives. To address these challenges, the study proposes an Integrated Management and Leadership Model designed to enhance governance, foster collaboration, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote transformational leadership within the TVET sector. This model advocates for strategic coordination, operational efficiency, and continuous institutional improvement. Its implementation would enable TVET colleges to improve governance, enhance educational outcomes, and increase graduate employability. Strengthening leadership and management structures within the TVET sector is imperative for advancing national workforce development, fostering economic growth, and promoting social equity in South Africa.