Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Alexandra (Johannesburg)'

M.A. (Industrial Psychology)
South Africa is a diverse country with people from different races, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Yet the differences that exist amongst its citizens are neither embraced nor accepted by all its people. Alexandra Township was chosen as the research site to investigate the xenophobic attacks of May 2008 as this was where the attacks first started. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of Alexandra residents towards the attacks of May 2008 in order to determine their attitudes towards black foreigners. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted in different sections of Alexandra. Interviews were conducted with twelve males and eight females. The findings revealed that lack of service delivery and competition for scarce resources was the major factors that contributed to xenophobic attacks on foreigners. Other factors that played a role included frustration and anger by residents about a feeling of entitlement, i.e. things they felt were owing to them but they had not received such as houses and employment. The study found the views differed between perpetrators of the attacks and observers of the violence. It is clear that xenophobic sentiments are rooted in multiple factors.

Tourism has increasingly been viewed as an important means to challenge poverty, especially in developing countries. Since the beginning of democracy in South Africa, the ANC government has emphasised the importance of overcoming poverty, and identified tourism as an important intervention in pursuit of this objective. The study will assess “pro-poor” tourism initiatives in Alexandra Township since 1994, with particular focus on the arts and crafts at St Michaels Church and SA Jewel. It will investigate whether projects similar to bead craft, initiated at the same time with the same objectives have benefited the residents of Alexandra. Finally, the study will consider if tourism initiatives being implemented in Alexandra conform to ‘sustainable development’ objectives. The research report reviews the literature on Tourism Development domestically and Local Economic Development. Furthermore the report extends to literature reviews specifically in Sustainable Tourism and Pro-Poor Tourism, its definitions and its examples in the tourism industry. It examines the various arguments for tourism development and alleviating poverty through these initiatives. The research findings that follow provide my opinion and those of the different stakeholders involved in tourism in Alexandra and those who were affected by the initiatives in Alexandra.

M.Tech. ( Architecture)
With a lack of recreational and sporting facilities in Alexandra, the lkasi Gym (founded by local resident Tumi Masite) is one of very few establishments which promote health, in a variety of ways, in a setting where space is valuable and, heart disease is a serious concern 1. The gym has become a strong focal point for Alexandra residents in recent years. Adjacent to the lkasi Gym sits the Alexandra Interpretation Centre, designed by South African architect Peter Rich, incomplete and un-used in this prime township location ...

A research report submitted to the School of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Urban Studies in the field of Urban Management, 2020
This study explores the practice of spatial justice in Alexandra, a township in Johannesburg, South Africa, by examining why there is a perpetuation of post-apartheid spatial injustices. It stems from the fact that, despite implementation of various programmes, Alexandra continues to be a deprived area where perpetuation of spatial injustices is evident. I designed the research within the exploratory case study paradigm. The key findings are that spatial injustice in housing in Alexandra speaks to a myriad of general and context-specific factors. These factors include failure to take a regional approach in addressing Alexandra’s challenges, institutional dysfunctionality, land claims, migration, economic marginalisation and the alleged negative externalities from surrounding affluent areas. This study concludes that the manifestation of spatial injustice does need to be addressed, but at the same time, the difficult task of coming to grips with the causes and processes reproducing spatial injustices should be tackled. It is suggested that all spheres of government strive to take control of injustice of spatiality through the disruption of places of privilege and addressing the causes and effects of urbanisation
CK2021

M.Tech. (Architectural Technology)
Alexandra's Far East Bank, formerly an apartheid buffer zone, is caught up in a reactive process by government to provide both housing and public transport. This process has resulted in a segregated relationship between the Marlboro Gautrain Station and the adjacent Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing scheme. The station is completely cut off from the immediate community by a perimeter fence with 24-hour security. This further entrenches the division between the Gautrain commuters and surrounding community. This forced physical relationship sets up an opportunity to design and create a space that aims to straddle the current socioeconomic gap. After on-site investigation and research, a This project would be the first catalytic response to the City of Johannesburg’s Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF) for Region E (CoJ 2009/10: 149). The

Successful management of Environmental Education (EE) projects in schools is essential as it enhances teaching and learning in different subjects. The fact that EE is not a subject on its own, but is integrated into other subjects, has many detrimental effects with regard to the management of EE projects in schools. There are several barriers attached to the poor management of EE globally, in Africa and in South Africa. This study explored barriers to managing EE projects in Alexandra Township primary and secondary schools. This study was underpinned by total quality management theory. The research method used in the study followed a qualitative interpretative approach and data collection methods included a literature study, Participatory observation and open-ended questionnaires in order to examine the barriers to managing EE projects. Participants in the study were school principals, educators, subject facilitators and Institutional Development Support Officers (IDSOs). Findings indicated that, although school have EE projects, but there is a lack of competency and expertise in managing EE projects in schools. Non-governmental organisations are key role plays with expertise and competency in managing EE projects in schools. The study further indicated limited support offered by subject facilitators and IDSOs on how to manage EE projects in schools. However, there are number of factors that hinder successful management of EE projects in schools: these include lack of integration of EE into other subjects, lack of funds and other required resources, lack of time, and inadequate training. It was concluded that there were no systems in place that acted as a guideline for school principals and educators to overcome the barriers in EE project management in schools. It was concluded that school principals, educators and stakeholders, including subject facilitators and IDSO’s should work together in managing EE projects in schools. Hence, this study calls attention to the provision of in-service training for EE project management for school principals, educators, subject facilitators and IDSOs. Further, more relevant resources should be provided to schools in order to manage EE projects.
Science and Technology Education
D. Ed. (Didactics)

Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture (Applied Design)-- Tshwane University of Technology, 2009.
The proposed E-Waste Intersection is located in Marlboro Gardens, Johannesburg. This lost space (unused land) was discovered at the edge of Alexandra, which is one of the oldest townships in Johannesburg. It has a strong architectural and urban background. The development is envisaged as an approach to promoting an eco friendly E-Waste centre for recycling hazardous material. This will create a new economic node for Alexandra. The development will prove that economic and environmental concerns can coexist. The centre fosters economic growth by means of repairing or recycling E-Waste. The activity makes people aware of the importance of waste in order to maintain our environment. The E-Waste Intersection contains an environmental exhibition hall, an E-Waste recycling depot, an amphitheatre, the repair workshops, a second hand showroom, a community hall, workshops, shops and second hand store. The shops and store areas will be rented by those community members who wish to establish their small businesses within the facility. This business opportunity, which does not call for a large capital outlay, can be created from the recycling of people’s unwanted or thrown away E-Waste such as cellphones, computers, TVs etc. Goods repaired in the workshops will sell in the second hand showroom. Non repairable E-Waste will be collected and sold to specific recyclers. The centre is intended to form a part of an economic corridor to fight poverty since it creates job opportunities. It generates a second life for the E-Waste and also attempts to save the environment. The E-Waste centre is on the doorstep of Africa’s largest office node, and bridges the divide between poverty and wealth, between the so called Third World and the First World.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, 1995
This thesis presents an analysis of the relationship between social processes, cognitive understandings and the organisation of space, as this pertains to local-level politics in a section of Alexandra township, South Africa, during 1991 and 1992. The context of the thesis is the attempts by the Alexandra Civic Organisation and the Alexandra branch of the African National Congress to elicit support from people living in formal and inform~i housing during a period of intense violence. The focus of the ethnographylis on local-level civic structures and political leadership, which in some ways support and in others contradict the aims and objectives of these two organisations. The reason for this internal political diversity is that local-level politics is embedded within social maps - cognitive orderings of space that represent patterns of social relations and structures of power. This points to the main theoretical focus of the thesis: the interrelationship of space, culture and society in an urban context. Urbanism is conventionally defined in sociological and geographical terms as the articulation between social process and urban spatial form. The thesis shows how anthropology can make a contribution to this field of study by incorporating a concern with culture. The mutually constitutive relationship of urban space, culture and society presents a way of looking at urbanism that does not depend on a rural-urban dichotomy; a social. and cultural dualism which is conventionally fitted into a modernist narrative of urbanisation. The ethnography in the thesis demonstrates the inapplicability of this narrative, and the categories of rural tradition and urban modernity which it implies. Keywords: anthropology, urbanism, urbanisation, rural-urban dichotomy, space, Alexandra, politics, civic organisation, informal housing.
AC2017

A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Development Planning in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
The failure of government to provide social services to the people has become an opportunity for the NGOs. NGOs entrance into the development arena was not to take over the work of the government but to assist the government in improving the living condition of the people. NGOs were able to develop various development programmes at grassroots level. These programmes were developed to empower the people and provide them with skills that will enable them gain employment or become self-reliant or entrepreneurial. Irrespective of the successes and failures of NGOs programme in the development arena, they are still faced with challenges of skills scarcity and unemployment. This report is interrogating the role NGOs play in Johannesburg and Alexandra in particular. This is in the context of technical skills development. It assesses the impact of NGO’s on the youth in Alexandra. Various methods are used in the gathering of data ─ these include written materials, case study, structured and semi-structured Interviews, in-depth Interviews, purposive sampling, focus groups, and sampling methods. We also look at various areas such as, youth attitude towards skills development, and problems faced by the NGOs in the study area. These include lack of NGO autonomy; difficulty of access; lack of finance and the rate of crime. In the end the research demonstrates that the programmes implemented by the NGOs have not had any significant impact.

Thesis (B.A. (Hons.))--University of the Witwatersrand, Arts Faculty (Political Science), 1988
This study examines state reform policy and popular township response from 1976 to 1987 in Alexandra, a black township bordering Johannesburg and Sandton's richest white suburbs.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem worldwide, and particularly in South Africa. Micronutrient deficiency (malnutrition) is caused by insufficient supply of vitamins and minerals for normal cell function in the body. Nutritional deficiencies in minerals, vitamins and diets rich in carbohydrates have been implicated in the pathogenesis of oral candidal infections. Malnutrition and wasting are associated with TB, and HIV/TB co-infection may potentially worsen the wasting that occurs in TB or HIV infection alone. Aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between micronutrient deficiency and Oral Candidiasis (OC) in adult TB patients. The prevalence of OC and its association with malnutrition in terms of Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Albumin, Selenium (Se),Vitamin A (Vit A) and Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiencies were evaluated in a cross sectional study among eighty eight (n=88) TB adult patients. Patients underwent a complete oral examination for presence and type of OC and blood collection was done for serum nutritional assessment for levels of the micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Albumin, Se, Vit A and Vit D). Results: The mean age was 36 years of age, with the majority being females (60%) and HIV positive (69.3%). The prevalence of OC was 60% with pseudomembranous OC (48%) being the most common. Serum concentrations for Zn deficiency (< 8.2 μmol/L) was 69.4%, Vit A deficiency (< 1.05 μmol/L) was 52.3%, Albumin deficiency (< 35 g/L) was 69%, Se deficiency (< 46 μg/L) was 93.2%, Fe deficiency (< 9 μmol/L) was 53.7% and Vit D deficiency (< 49 nmol/L) was 45.1%. OC was prevalent in 40% (Zn deficiency), 25% (Vit A deficiency), 32% (Albumin deficiency), 33% (Se deficiency), 31% (Fe deficiency) and 36% (Vit D deficiency). However, there was no significant association between micronutrient deficiency and OC (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These data demonstrate that OC in TB adult patients is not associated with micronutrient malnutrition. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate the relationship between micronutrient deficiency and OC in adult TB patients further.

Julius Sello Malema has persistently presented himself through his statements and actions as a significant voice for the economically disenfranchised in South Africa, particularly the youth. As a former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President, Malema’s popularity was once uncontested, both in the political and public landscape of South Africa, and in 2013 when this research was conducted – that is, after his expulsion from the ANC and before the establishment of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – he seemed to be a man descending from the height of his powers. This study unpacks the predicament of unemployed township youth in Johannesburg and how they understand their circumstances against the backdrop of and in relation to broader politics, in particularly the politics and political vision of Malema. Drawing on research material from four sets of focus groups, two conducted in Alexandra and two in Orlando (Soweto), involving 32 participants in total, this study reveals that the discourse of unemployed township youth is not fully usurped by Malema’s programme and extends beyond his politics. Malema’s discourse is relevant to young people in Johannesburg townships in so far as poverty and lack of opportunity is a South African reality for township youth. The unemployed black youth of Alexandra and Orlando craft and present their own explanations and solutions to their everyday lived experience of unemployment and poverty as they reflect on themselves as a collective with no economic power but as one with legitimate voting power. The study illuminates the battered self-esteem of unemployed black youth. It is argued that the injury to their self-esteem seems to provide a source of sufficient agency in that they express ideas that entail attempts to restore dignity by means of collective action.
Mini Dissertation (MSocSci)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
tm2016
Sociology
MSocSci
Unrestricted

The exploratory study investigated school related factors responsible for high matriculaion failure rates in physical science in public high schools of Alexandra Township in South Africa. The target population included all Further Education and Training (FET) science educators and learners in Alexandra Township. An extreme-case sampling method was used to select a sample of two schools. Data was collected through two different closed questionnaires, one for educators (n=10) and the other for learners (n=250). The results were analyzed using mainly descriptive tatistics. The results, according to the views and opinions of educators and learners showed that the main causes of high failure rates are poor educator qualifications, outdated teaching methods, massive workloads, high levels of absenteeism and acute deficiencies in aspects related to: resources, subject content, classroom management skills, proficiency in language of instruction and assessment, motivation and perseverance. Recommendations for practice and policy are suggested.
Further Teacher Education
M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

A research proposal submitted to the faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment for the degree of Masters of Architecture (Professional). 09 February 2018
This dissertation proposes a humanistic (people oriented) approach to architectural design, placing its residents at the focal point of the design process. It is strongly believed that Alex is highly characterized by its people. They create the animated cultural character of the place and should play a vital role in the design of the new facility being proposed. It suggests a humanistic (people orientated) approach to architectural design, placing residents at the focal point of the design process. The researcher holds that Alexandra Township in north-east Johannesburg is highly characterized by its people who create the animated cultural character of the place and who should therefore play a vital role in the design of the new facility being proposed. Architecture should be able to acknowledge and draw inspiration from its surroundings and provide solutions efficient and flexible enough for interaction between the space created and the end-user. As such, in identifying potential public space, one needs to look at variables and attributes with substantial information for concise interrogation of the chosen area. This proposed research paper (dissertation) will be looking at how a well-designed public space can be of importance within a township characterized by a high population density, crime, poverty and social issues. A need for an efficient and adaptable public space with recreational qualities becomes pertinent in addressing the above-mentioned social issues. The problems of contested space and insufficient land for creation of such public space form part of the two core variables necessary for site selection of this endeavour. At No.3 Square Grounds, located in Alexandra Township, there is an existing under-utilised facility identified as a site for this exercise. To facilitate the spatial design of the required programme a comprehensive and context-driven analysis is used to start the design dialogue between this facility and another empty site located to the south of it. In response to the theories investigated in driving the design of a sport and recreational facility, the possibilities are explored of sport as a tool for social inclusion and integration, adaptive re-use of existing space and response to contextual needs, as well as understanding of the built environment in informal and kinetic cities. The design of the facility aims to provide programmes that will redress social and cultural issues, along with those of academic development. The key to the success of the project includes the promotion of health and wellness for residents of the township, physical activity, social interaction, skills transfer, and recreational amenities. Hence, the potential of sport and recreation as a means of Peace-keeping and self-actualisation within a crime-stricken society is an additional variable to the success of the project as an effective social interactive node. Consequently, the proposed design intervention creates a publicly accessible facility, and a user-friendly environment that promotes urban integration in the civic, educational and residential fabric of Alexandra Township.
MT 2018

The purpose of this research study was to explore successes and challenges of Vhutshilo 2 HIV Prevention Programme in reducing HIV Infections amongst Adolescent Girls and Young Women [AGYW] in Alexandra. Qualitative, narrative research design was conducted to explore the experiences of the adolescent girls and young women in the Vhutshilo 2 programme. In order to obtain the data for this research the researcher used focus group interviews. Since the current study did not seek to generalize findings, a purposive sampling approach was seen as appropriate to use for this study. Two groups of respondents participated in the study. The first group of 7 participants were from Ratang Bana Organisation from Alexandra and the second group of 12 participants was from Friends for Life from the Mayibuye site. The data of this research project was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that Vhutshilo was successful in achieving its desired results of helping adolescents to adopt healthy sexual behavior, developing positive values and behavior through exploring options, promoting assertiveness, understanding different influences on their lives and coming to their own views and decisions, rather than being told what to do. Recommendations made included taking the Vhutshilo 2 to other places like rural areas as the adolescent girls in the rural areas are at high risk of getting infected by HIV mostly due to cultural practices that expose them to such risks together with ignorance and limited access to health facilities.
Health Studies
M.P.H.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for Master of Science in Physiotherapy. Johannesburg, 2016
Introduction: Obesity and overweight in childhood is a global concern. The increased surge in prevalence of overweight and obesity in low-and middle-income countries, particularly in childhood, has been the reason for many studies including this. In Africa, childhood overweight and obesity is seen to be at par with what was obtainable in developed countries just over a decade ago, and figures from South Africa are reported to be among the highest in Sub Saharan Africa. The growing concern for childhood overweight and obesity has necessitated the introduction of various forms of intervention programs. School-based intervention programs therefore may be used to engage learners in more physical activities than they would normally partake of. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity and evaluate the effect of such school-based physical activity program on selected anthropometric indices and fitness among primary school children, albeit short-term. Methodology: This study was divided into 2 parts. Part A - Prevalence study: cross sectional descriptive study was used among learners in grades1 and 2 in 4 schools in Johannesburg East District. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio, and skin-fold thicknesses) were taken once-off. The Global School-based Health Survey was administered. Part B - Intervention study: a longitudinal study that compared the effect of physical activities on overweight/obesity and fitness for a 6 weeks period at 2 schools. Forty six learners chosen by convenience participated in the study. Pre- and post- intervention anthropometric measures and the 20m shuttle run test were taken at 6 weeks and 3 months. Independent and Paired samples t-tests were used to analyse data. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Part A – Prevalence study: The participants were 580, 25.6% were overweight (obesity included) boys = 30.6% and girls = 21%.Underweight was recorded at 7.5%. A combination of fast-foods and food security were the major nutritional contribution to overweight/obesity in this population. Majority of participants spent more than 2hours in sedentary activities (56.2%), less than one day of Physical Education (71.7%) and active for less than one day of 60mins/week (55.7%) Part B – Intervention study: Total numbers of participants were 46 for the intervention study. There was a significant difference in BMI between groups (p=0.001) at 6 weeks with no significant improvement in fitness levels between groups at 6 weeks (p=0.947). At 3 months, results indicate that the intervention group maintained the improvements gained in BMI just immediately after the intervention period. Conclusion: Among participants, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity was 25.6% and underweight was 7.5%. Also, the study indicates the benefits of school based intervention programmes in improving the health of school going children and the need for intervention programs that are tailored to address the growing concern of childhood overweight and obesity. Keywords: Childhood obesity, Overweight, Prevalence, School-based intervention, physical fitness, South Africa
MT2016

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Built Environment in the field of Housing, 2020
This study looked into the extent of coordination between municipalities and communities in preparing for and mitigating disasters. Using qualitative methods in key informant interviews, it compiled a case study of Stjwetla informal settlement in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The study was motivated by the fact that despite South Africa having been one of the first countries in Africa to adopt legislation on Disaster Risk Management (DRM), and despite the legislation having been praised as significant and progressive, the response to disasters on the ground has been characterised by reactionary rather that proactive measures. As such, the study identified the gap between what the DRM legislation sought to achieve and what transpires on the ground. The findings of this study suggest that collaboration between communities, municipal officials and non-governmental organisation plays a huge role in disaster and risk management in Informal settlements
CK2021

Introduction The association between tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition is well known. Malnutrition also weakens the immune system increasing the chance of latent TB progressing to active disease. Nutritional interventions can help improve overall quality of life and can reduce susceptibility to opportunistic infections including all forms of Oral Candidiasis (OC) which includes: (1) pseudomembranous candidiasis (oral thrush), (2) atrophic (erythematous) candidiasis, (3) hyperplastic candidiasis, and (4) angular cheilitis. This secondary data analysis of a longitudinal follow-up study evaluates the impact of a fortified supplementary food on OC among adult TB patients over a three month period. Results At baseline, an overall prevalence of 33% of OC (27 out of 83) was found in 83 adult TB patients; (pseudo-membranous 46% (16 out of 35), erythematous 26% (9 out 35), angular chelitis 20% (7 out 35) and hyperplastic 8% (3 out of 35). Thirty five different types of OC were found in 27 of the subjects some of whom manifested with more than one type of OC. Almost 89% of these TB patients had low levels of malnutrition (8% for selenium, 55% for iron, 62% for Vit-A, 42% for albumin, 47% for Vit-D and 34% for zinc). Their p values related to OC were (p=0.64 for selenium, p=0.74 for iron, p=0.19 for Vit-A, p=1 for albumin, p=1 for Vit-D and p=0.09 for zinc) showing no statistically significant difference for malnutrition in each different type of micronutrient related to OC at baseline. However, there was a statistically significant difference in HIV status (p=0.01) related to OC among factors such as sex (p=0.34), employment status (p=0.74), ARV status (p=0.46) and wellbeing (p=0.18) at baseline. OC was statistically significant at both 2nd and 3rd visits using univariate analysis p=0.04 (95%CI 0.22 to 0.97) and p=0.00 (95%CI 0.06 to 0.43) and also multivariate analysis p=0.01(95%CI 0.17 to 0.85) and p=0.00 (95%CI 0.04 to 0.34) with reference to the 1st visit (the prevalence of OC was significantly decreased in both 2nd and 3rd visits). For different types of clinical OC, pseudomembranous candidiasis was the only type of OC that showed statistically significant difference at the 3rd visit in both univariate analysis (p= 0.01, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.46) and multivariate analysis (p= 0.00, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.38) with reference to 1st visit. Discussion and Conclusions This study found no significant association between overall micronutrient level and the presence of OC at baseline. However, micronutrient interventions to the 83 adult TB patients receiving treatment at Johannesburg city clinics located in Alexandra showed a decrease in prevalence of different types of OC in both 2nd and 3rd visits. This analysis showed encouraging results which indicated a beneficial effect of e’Pap in adult TB patients.

Environmental Education is a foundation in strengthening learners and community awareness in all environmental issues, including water pollution-related diseases. This study aimed at investigating the level of environmental education awareness on water pollution-related diseases by learners who live in the informal settlement. And lastly, if possible and feasible, to propose solutions to the perceived water pollution-related diseases found in this informal settlement adjacent to the Jukskei river in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. The research focused on the introduction of the dissertation in Chapter 1 Theoretical foundations of the research in Chapter 2 Research methodology in Chapter 3 Data analysis, interpretation and discussion in Chapter 4 Conclusions and recommendations in Chapter 5 The study provided various definitions of environment, Environmental Education, The goal, Aims & Objective, Classification & Outcomes, Environmental literacy; water pollution-related diseases, the integration of Environmental education in the RNCS & water pollution-related diseases awareness; Education for Sustainable Development; and the relationship between the development of informal settlement and water pollution related diseases. The outcomes of the investigation indicated that the level of environmental education awareness on water pollution –related diseases by learners at the informal settlement is less at primary level and partially increases at the high schools. In order to increase learners’ awareness on water pollution-related diseases across the curricula there should be an adequate integration of Environmental Education in the RNCS.
Educational Studies
M.Ed. (Environmental Education)

This document is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree Master of Urban Design at the University of the Witwatersrand, 2016
The planned non-motorized transport (NMT) route in Sandton is part of the Corridors of Freedom project which seeks to change spatial patterns in Johannesburg. This research seeks to understand this route and how an alternative route would respond to the context and present an opportunity to create spatially equitable spaces between Alexandra and Sandton on the NMT priority space. This will be done using the mechanism of urban design tools. Urban design tools themselves face various challenges as the underlying institutional context is often not conducive to creating some of the urban design objectives of spatial equity and the prioritization of NMT. This research, through a design strategy, proposes an alternative mechanism of coding.
MT2017

Abstracts in English, Afrikaans and Zulu
Assessment is considered as integral to the teaching and learning process of Mathematics where various types of assessment are used to develop feedback for several purposes. Research has highlighted the challenge of the dominance of summative assessment in classroom assessment practices. In recent years, world countries have been acknowledging the use of assessment for learning (AfL) to enhance the learning process and thus improve learner performance. This research explored how Mathematics teachers applied AfL in their classrooms. A theoretical framework to support AfL was presented through an overview of constructivism theory, social justice theory, connectivism theory, TPACK theory and Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. A qualitative approach and a case study design were applied involving nine Mathematics teachers from nine primary schools. Data, collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation and document analysis, were thematically analysed. The findings show a positive understanding of what AfL is and its importance to the teaching and learning of Mathematics. However, the application of AfL was found to be inconsistent with its purpose of creating an environment conducive to develop feedback that supports the learning process. Challenges that inhibit its application were found to outweigh successes experienced by teachers. Lack of theoretical understanding of the use of AfL, overcrowding, the language of learning and teaching and lack of resources emerged as some of the major challenges. Teachers pleaded for more in-service training opportunities to assist them with managing assessment for learning practices in Mathematics.
Assessering is onlosmaaklik met die onderrig en leer van wiskunde verbind. Wiskunde word op verskeie maniere geassesseer sodat terugvoering om allerlei redes verkry word. Volgens navorsing oorheers summatiewe assessering in klaskamers. In die laaste jare word assessering vir leer (AvL) wêreldwyd aangewend om die leerproses en leerders se prestasie te verbeter. In hierdie studie is nagevors hoe wiskundeonderwysers AvL in die klaskamer toepas. ʼn Teoretiese raamwerk vir AvL is opgestel uit ʼn oorsig van die konstruktivistiese teorie, die sosialegeregtigheidsteorie, die konnektivismeteorie en die TPACK-teorie en Bloom se Hersiene Taksonomie. ʼn Kwalitatiewe benadering en ʼn gevallestudie-ontwerp is gevolg in die verkenning van nege wiskundeonderwysers by nege primêre skole se assessering. Data is deur halfgestruktureerde onderhoude, waarneming sonder deelname en dokumentontledings versamel en tematies geanaliseer. Daar is bevind dat die onderwysers geweet het wat AvL is en die belang daarvan in die onderrig en leer van wiskunde besef het. Die toepassing het egter nie met die oogmerk van AvL gestrook nie. Die oogmerk is om ʼn omgewing tot stand te bring wat assessering bevorder om leer te ondersteun. Die toepassingsprobleme van AvL oorskadu die welslae wat daarmee behaal word. ʼn Gebrekkige teoretiese begrip van hoe AvL gebruik word, oorvol klaskamers, die taal van onderrig en leer, en ʼn gebrek aan hulpbronne is van die grootste uitdagings. Onderwysers bepleit indiensopleiding sodat hulle die assessering van leerpraktyke in wiskunde beter kan bestuur.
Ukuhlola kuthathwa njengento esemqoka ohlelweni lokufundisa nokufunda imethamethiksi lapho izinhlobo ezahlukahlukene zokuhlola zisetshenziswa ukwakha umbiko wakamuva ngesizathu sezinhloso ezimbalwa. Ucwaningo selukhombise inselelo yokuhamba phambili kwenhlobo yokuhlola i-summative assessment lapho kuqhutshwa umsebenzi wokuhlola emagunjini okufunda. Eminyakeni esandakwedlula, amazwe omhlaba kade amukela ukusetshenziswa kohlelo lokuhlola ukufunda (AFL) ukuqinisa uhlelo lokufunda kanti lokhu kuthuthukisa izinga lokufunda lomfundi. Lolu cwaningo beluhlola indlela uthisha wesifundo semethamethiksi ebesebenzisa uhlelo lwe-AFL emagunjini abo okufundisa. Isakhiwo sethiyori esiqonde ukuxhasa uhlelo lwe-AFL lwethuliwe ngamafuphi ngomqondo phecelezi we- -constructivism theory, social justice theory, connectivism theory, TPACK theory kanye ne-Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. Indlela yocwaningo eyencike kwingxoxo (qualitative approach) kanye nedizayini yocwaningo lotho (case study design) zisetshenziswe kuxutshwa phakathi othisha bemethamethiksi abayisishiyagalolunye abavela ezikoleni zamabanga aphansi. Idatha iqoqwe ngokwenza inhlolovo eyakhiwe kancane, kanti kuye kwabhekisiswa imibono yalabo abangadlalindima kanye nokuhlaziywa kombhalo kuye kwahlaziywa ngokuthi kubhekwe indikimba. . Ulwazi olutholwe wucwaningo lukhombisa ukuthi uhlelo lwe-AFL kanye nokubaluleka kwalo kuzwisiseka kahle kakhulu ohlelweni lokufundisa nokufundwa kwemethamethiksi. . Yize kunjalo, ukusetshenziswa kohlelo lwe-AFL kuye kwatholakala ukuthi akuhambisani nenhloso yalo yokwakha isizinda esifanele sokwakha umbiko wakamuva oxhasa uhlelo lokufunda. Izinselelo eziqukethe ukusetshenziswa kwalo lolu hlelo ziye zatholakala ukuthi zedlula impumelelo eyenziwe ngothisha. Ukwentuleka kokuzwisisa umqondo wokusetshenziswa kohlelo lwe-AFL, inani eliphuphumayo labantwana, ulimi lokufunda nokufundisa kanye nokwentuleka kwemithombo yokufunda kuye kwavela njengezinye izinselelo. Othisha baye bacela ukunikezwa amathuba okuqeqeshwa basebenza ukuze lawo makhono abancede ukuqhuba izinhlelo zokuhlola imisebenzi yokufunda imethamethiksi.
Curriculum and Instructional Studies
D. Phil. (Education (Curriculum Studies))