ResearchSpace
ResearchSpace is the institutional repository of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, unlocking knowledge, empowering impact, and preserving UKZN's research legacy.
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Teachers’ experiences of teaching history using english as a language of teaching and learning in the intermediate phase.
(2023) Biyela, Rosemary Nokuthula.; Shoba, Makhosi.
The prime purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ experiences of teaching History using English as the language teaching and learning intermediate phase (Grades 4 -6). Six History teachers were purposely selected using convenience sampling and data was generated using a focus group and semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using a thematic analysis. The conceptual Framework, Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), was also used to analyse teachers’ experiences. More so, ethical considerations and trustworthiness issues were adequately addressed during the study. The findings of the study indicate that History teachers’ experiences illuminated using innovative methods and traditional methods to teach complex History concepts. While the factors that influence teachers’ experiences were shortage of resources, code-switching, teachers’ knowledge, and language barrier. The findings of this study further revealed that teaching History using English language in rural schools has been a challenging experience for many teachers and learners in the townships’ schools. In it, the results demonstrate that the experiences of language barrier, lack of resources, and the need to follow the curriculum as prescribed by the department have been particularly detrimental for teachers and learners thereby affective the outcomes of teaching History. In conclusion, the study recommends teaching English across curriculum, and that History teachers must be both History and English specialists. Curriculum managers such as Departmental Head must be proactive and initiate development support group system within the schools.
Characterisation of faecal material waste from rural schools’ onsite sanitation systems for its safe disposal and optimal valorisation.
(2023) Ramruthan, Yuri.; Santiago, Septien Stringel.; Mercer, Edwina.
Poor sanitation facilities in South African rural schools are barricading youth from their education, due to an unsafe learning environment. Inadequate sanitation facilities in South African rural schools not only pose severe health risks but also hinder progress towards achieving the 4th and 6th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to assess the optimal valorisation of faecal material derived from rural school sanitation systems, including ventilated improved pit latrines (VIPs), mobile toilets (MTs), and septic tanks (STs) in Durban, South Africa. Faecal material, defined as the combination of solid waste, urine, and other gastrointestinal excretions, underwent a thorough analysis of its physico-chemical, thermal, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties. Analytical tests for characterizing faecal material were conducted in line with standard methods utilized by the WASH R&D Centre and the Methods for Faecal Sludge Analysis by Velkushanova et al. (2021). The findings were used to formulate decision matrices for determining the most efficient treatment and emptying strategies based on the characteristics of the faecal material. Notably, all containment systems exhibited comparable energy and nutrient potential suitable for the production of fuels and fertilizers, respectively.Particularly, fresh faeces from MTs exhibited the highest solids concentration (~18% TS), organic fraction (~78.37%) Volatile Solids, and calorific value (23.24 MJ/kg dry solids). The opposite was observed for VIPs (~45.47% VS, ~8.5% TS) with a calorific value of (18.4 MJ/kg dry solids). MTs illustrated the highest mean nutrient composition and improved treatability - a lower shear yield stress at the same solid’s concentration to the more degraded faecal sludge from VIPs and STs. This inadvertently improved flowability and reduced the pump head requirement for emptying technologies and treatment processes.. Ultimately faeces from MTs were considered to have high strength. VIPs demonstrated the highest TSS, TDS and lowest SVI at 3,6 g/L, 1422 mg/L and 75 ml/g respectively. Together faecal material from all On Site Sanitation systems, exhibited a water activity of ~1, suggesting good dewaterability potential, with results signifying the moisture in the sludge is unbound, so less difficult to remove. Particle size for school toilets ranged between 0,7- 2046,7 μm 0,6 -1202,3 μm and 0,7-1492,5 μm for VIPs, MTs, and STs, respectively. Thermal conductivity for each OSS (MTs, VIPs, STs) represented a narrow range for faecal sludge and faeces ranging between 0,48-0,59 (W/K/m), which were in close approximation to the thermal conductivity of water.
Overall, this study guides engineers and regulators in establishing safe, equitable and sustainable rural school sanitation systems, by promoting resource recovery options such as biochar, fertilizers, and biogas. High strength faecal material from MTs offered the greatest potential for resource recovery, however, requires multiple treatment stages to ensure safe environmental discharge standards are met. They also act as a temporary containment solution, with limited maintenance and negative user perception. The large presence of trash, high TS% and denser faecal material within MTs rendered it most applicable to manual emptying methods (MAPET and manual diaphragm). Consequently, the preferable direction for advancing rural school sanitation, is the adoption of water-borne systems where possible. A transition towards these systems will minimize the spread of diseases associated with non-flush systems (MTs and VIPs). Additionally, it will enhance the overall comfort of female students using school toilets, subsequently reducing the fatalities that have occurred from children drowning in pit latrines. Water-borne sanitation systems, such as STs better facilitate the use mechanical emptying methods, providing a wider array of mechanical emptying options. Furthermore, STs demonstrated viable treatment options owing to its better stabilized waste, like composting and vermicomposting. Moreover, progressive options for areas with no water access, include, contained-based sanitation or
re-invented toilets such as composting toilets. This will allow for faeces to be valorised relatively fresh, obtaining direct resource recovery, for high quality end-use products like biogas, and biochar for a fuel source.
Production of high-value Dissolving Wood Pulp (DWP) from sawdust waste.
(2023) Balkissoon, Simiksha.; Sithole, Bishop Bruce.; Andrew, Jerome Edward.
This study adopts a circular economy framework, aiming to divert waste from landfills and channel it towards more lucrative value chains. A novel approach for producing dissolving wood pulp from wood sawdust waste, focusing on three sawdust species: hardwood, softwood, and a mixture of hardwood species was undertaken. The two-step low-temperature chemical process (60-80℃) involved delignification using ammonium persulphate and subsequent bleaching to remove residual lignin, and hemicellulose, and enhance pulp brightness. This approach provides a more environmentally friendly alternative with reduced chemical, water, and energy intensity compared to complex traditional processes involving several stages.
The delignification process was optimised on a benchtop level for reaction time, chemical concentrations, liquid-to-wood ratios, and temperature following respective benchtop bleaching treatments. The resulting bleached sawdust pulp, with yields ranging from 38-46% and an ISO brightness of 86-88%, proved unsuitable for viscose production due to the low intrinsic viscosity (180-310 ml/g). However, microcrystalline cellulose production remained viable requiring a final acid hydrolysis step to modify the degree of polymerization. Scaling up to a pilot-scale operation, the study included characterisation of the final microcrystalline cellulose using various analytical techniques such as wet chemistry, thermogravimetric analysis, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, chromatographic and mass spectrometry methods, particle size analysis and colourimetric methods of analysis. Characterization using these methods showed some close similarities between the prepared microcrystalline cellulose samples and commercially available microcrystalline cellulose.
Microcrystalline cellulose yields varied between 30-42%, the degree of polymerisation ranged between 257-398, brightness ranged between 79-86%, pH between 5-7 and the crystallinity index between 76-84%, with physical attributes like particle size requiring further modification for commercial applications. By-product recovery explored the potential of ammonium sulphate, benefiting both agricultural and non-agricultural applications. A techno-economic assessment, incorporating recovery methods, indicated a return on revenue of 78-84%, an internal rate of return of 67-70%, and a payback period of 1-2 years, with marginal effects from acid (hydrochloric) recovery.
The study highlighted the highest potential in microcrystalline cellulose derived from hardwood, with bleached softwood sawdust showing promise for lyocell production due to its high degree of polymerization. Overall, the methodology not only demonstrated environmental benefits but also economic viability, making it a promising avenue for sustainable wood waste utilization.
Developing a framework for the growing and commercialisation of Stevia in Kenya.
(2025) Zulu, Thandi Jane.; Kanyangale, MacDonald.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
While there is great potential for the commercialisation of Stevia, small and medium enterprises in many countries, including Kenya, are not clear on the cultivation and process of bringing new products, services, or innovations to the market with the goal of generating sustained revenue. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and develop a framework for the commercialisation of Stevia in Kenya. The critical questions in this study were the crucial factors influencing Stevia's commercial viability and how farmers surmounted these to achieve sustainable development. The qualitative study involved ten experienced Kenyan Stevia farmers (six females, four males) selected using purposive sampling in Nyeri, Nakuru, and Thika. Data were collected from ten experienced Kenyan Stevia farmers using semi-structured interviews using an interview guide to get an in-depth understanding of the commercialisation of Stevia. The collected interview data were analysed using thematic analysis to reveal key themes related to Stevia commercialisation. The themes in this study reveal a complex interplay of opportunities, such as increased revenue and job creation, against challenges like high costs, financial barriers, and environmental risks. The success of Stevia farming depends on access to quality seedlings, water, and modern farming technology. While demand grows and sustainable practices are encouraged, industry growth faces limitations due to inadequate infrastructure and land availability. This study revealed that providing financial and market-readiness support to Stevia farmers is essential. The study underscores the necessity of specific financial support, the impact of environmental and technological progress on yields, and management's critical role in upholding quality. Collaboration, dedication to sustainability, and forward-thinking are critical for the success of the Stevia industry. The study has contributed a comprehensive Stevia value chain framework for the Stevia sector in Kenya, highlighting the critical role of government support, market access, and sustainable practices. It emphasises the importance of a multifaceted approach, integrating financial aid, technological advancements, and market expansion to bolster the industry's growth. The findings advocate for strategic interventions to strengthen the Stevia supply chain, which could catalyse economic progress and food security within the region. This research serves as a cornerstone for policy formulation, offering a blueprint for sustainable agricultural development and reinforcing the significance of empowering Stevia farmers in the global market.
Pre-service teacher education lecturers’ constructions and enactment of critical thinking.
(2025) Trim, Carolyn Faye.; Samuel, Michael Anthony.
Critical thinking (CT) is mandated in South African education policy as essential for educational transformation, yet its implementation relies heavily on individual practitioners. While extensive literature explores CT's theoretical value, limited empirical research examines how lecturers actually understand and practice CT in their everyday teaching contexts. This study investigated how Pre-Service Teacher Education (P-STE) lecturers construct and enact critical thinking, and the factors influencing their practices. The research employed an interpretive single-site case study design at one independent higher
education institution in eThekwini, South Africa. Six P-STE lecturers participated through lecture observations and semi-structured interviews. The study used currere as a theoretical lens to examine curriculum and policy documents mandating CT, while the Forcefield Model of Teacher Development helped identify influences on lecturers' CT constructions. Thematic analysis was applied to generate findings addressing the research questions. Key findings revealed that education policy mandated CT implementation without providing conceptual clarity about what CT entails or how it should be taught and learned. This gap left lecturers with limited practical guidance for implementation. Lecturers' understanding of CT was primarily shaped by their disciplinary backgrounds, which drew heavily from Western university traditions encountered during their own undergraduate education. Their CT enactments reflected these experiential encounters, with additional minor influences from home environments and high school experiences. The study concluded that in South Africa's complex educational context, lecturers draw from diverse sources, including disciplinary knowledge, higher education experiences, schooling, and personal backgrounds, to create their own approaches to CT. These self-constructed assemblages reflect lecturers' ingenuity in addressing the absence of clear implementation guidance. The research recommends that CT development would benefit from more deliberate national and institutional support that clarifies not only CT's theoretical importance but also provides practical implementation strategies, thereby better supporting P-STE lecturers in fostering critical thinking skills.