Graduation - 8 July - 09:30

Date: xxxxxxxx PhD

Graduation Ceremony

Date:08 July 2024

Time:09 30

GRADUATION CEREMONY

A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE CHANCELLOR

A hearty congratulations to the class of 2024! You survived a global pandemic and never gave up on your pursuit of excellence. That shows character and grit.

This is the year where no less than 60 countries and more than 1.3 billion people globally go to vote, including South Africa. Our country continues to experience a plethora of challenges that threaten our economic stability and social cohesion, further deepening inequality and hopelessness. The unrest of 2021 gave us a glimpse into the impact of hopelessness.

It is in this century that, as one of the member states of the UN that approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we intend to eradicate inequality, achieve peace, prosperity, and dignity for all, through partnerships while preserving the planet for future generations. We cannot achieve these lofty ambitions without your wisdom and servant leadership as you embark on your careers.

Your hard work to reach the pinnacle of your academic achievement, under immense challenges, is a true reflection of your resilience and commitment. It is this resilience that makes us confident that you have what it takes to build a better future that is equal and just. History has proven time and again that it is the weakest amongst us that determine our strength as a nation. The highly educated have the responsibility to enlighten and fight for social justice for the marginalised, for the good of humankind.

As you venture into the world, take time to expand the depth and breath of your knowledge. Read outside your specialisation, engage with people outside your comfort zone. Understand the plight of people less fortunate than yourself. Be the change you want to see in your country first then the world. Leaders who leave footprints worth emulating, are not only the brightest but also those who take time to learn from others, who are accountable for their actions and omissions, who use what they know and what they have, to make the world a better place. Leaders who care. Those leaders do this consistently with Integrity, always. May you be those

Dr Judy Dlamini Chancellor Wits University

Wits for Good is about using all human capacity to find Innovative solutions to our challenges, with integrity!

A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

AND PRINCIPAL

Dear Wits Graduate,

Congratulations on successfully completing your academic programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, the premier University on the continent.

You are now a member of an elite group of graduates of this august institution. More than 200 000 alumni at the cutting edge of excellence, both locally and internationally in business, the public sector, the academy, and in civil society have trodden this path.

Today, you become a member of this illustrious community. Over the past 100 years, Wits has grown into one of the leading universities on the continent and a globally respected institution for its teaching and learning, knowledge creation and generation, and social impact. It has shaped the lives of many and changed society for good. You are now an integral part of this proud and enduring legacy. Here at Wits, we actively pursue excellence and societal relevance in everything we do. From the abstract to the practical, our focus is on creating a space for the best thought, knowledge, and expertise to be unearthed and nurtured. Wits is renowned for its intellectual leadership and for nurturing critical thinkers, creative innovators, problem-posers, and problem solvers. We have strived to match your ambition and drive to overcome the challenges thrown our way by the pandemic. Together we have reached the crest of the hill and proven, once again that excellence is achievable, even in times of uncertainty and adversity.

Your success has furthered our commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and determination that you will need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing problems of the 21st Century.

As a Wits graduate, you had access to an exceptional educational experience. You have been exposed to a world-class academic and research programme and a vibrant community that makes you a true global citizen. You have been part of an institution that generates cutting-edge knowledge and innovation for South Africa and the world. It is now time for you to step into the world and use that experience, for good. We know that you will enter the next stage of your journey with the determination to build a better society tomorrow. I want to encourage you to remain a part of the Wits family by participating in our alumni programme and by further advancing the reputation of your alma mater.

Best wishes for the next steps of your journey and congratulations on being such a big part of the history of this illustrious institution.

Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, FRS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Wits University

A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CONVOCATION

Dear Wits Graduate,

There are a few defining moments in life – and it is without doubt that graduation is one of them!

Today, you enter the world as a graduate from one of the top universities on the African continent. You enter into a world filled with many challenges, but a world that is also filled with limitless possibilities. May you meet all the challenges and opportunities that await you with pride, drive, passion, innovation, social-conscience and positive-purpose.

In addition to earning the degree conferred upon you today, you have also earned the right to be associated with a special group of individuals – the Convocation of Wits University. Convocation represents all the degreed graduates of Wits and forms a vital link between the University and the global community in which it operates. Membership to Convocation is free and serves as an official channel, allowing you, the members, to convey to the University management your views about the University. This membership comes with several unique privileges, which include nominating the Chancellor of the University. The Convocation Executive has two members on the Wits Council (the governing body of the University) and maintains other regular contact with the University to ensure the voice of the Convocation is represented at the highest levels of The University.

There are approximately 200 000 Wits alumni worldwide. The distinction of our university is important to the prestige of our collective qualifications. We call upon you to nurture and enhance the value of your degree by promoting Wits’ image, preserving our values, and contributing towards our ongoing development, ensuring that we grow in stature as a globally competitive, proudly South African institution of higher learning. Please engage with us via our numerous social media channels and keep connected with us so you can access career support, receive invitations to events and reunions and have sight of all the latest news about Wits and prominent Witsies: www.wits.ac.za/alumni/updateyourdetails/

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you – you are now a #Witsie4Life!

Ms Kgomotso Mufamadi President of Convocation Wits University

Convocation is a statutory body that includes all graduates of the University. Convocation is the largest constituency of the University (since the founding of the University in 1922, graduates number over 200 000). Its statutory mandate is to “… discuss and state its opinion upon any matters relating to the University including matters referred to it by the Council” and allows for the views of graduates to be represented at the highest levels of governance of the University.

ORDER OF PROCEDURE

The audience will rise as the academic procession enters the hall and will remain standing until the Chancellor is in place

The Chancellor will constitute the congregation

The Chancellor will welcome the graduands and guests

Address to the congregation

Conferment of degrees

The Acting President of Convocation will address the graduates

The Chancellor will dissolve the congregation

The audience will stand while Ihele is played

Members of the audience are requested to stand while the academic procession leaves the hall and not to leave the hall before the end of the ceremony.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

In the event of load-shedding or power cuts, the Great Hall may become totally dark until the generator comes into operation. 08 JULY 2024 AT 09:30

EMERGENCY AND FIRE PLANS DURING GRADUATIONS

1. In the event of an emergency and/or fire:

• The presiding official (Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor/Deputy Vice-Chancellor) will make an announcement requesting guests, graduands and staff to keep calm and remain seated;

• The Ushers will assist guests to proceed to the nearest Emergency exits in order to evacuate the Great Hall in an orderly fashion;

• Emergency exit signs are visible, in red, above all exit doors situated on your left and right hand sides, as well as the back of the Hall;

• The Ushers will assist the elderly and disabled guests out of the building;

• The academic procession on stage must exit through the back stage door;

• Once outside the Great Hall, all guests, graduands and staff must proceed to the main assembly point on the piazza.

2. In the event of a Bomb threat

All bomb threats will be treated as real in order to protect lives and property and the premises will be evacuated immediately.

FACULTY OF COMMERCE, LAW AND MANAGEMENT

Doctor of Philosophy

DEAN: PROFESSOR J COHEN BCom Hons PhD (Witwatersrand)

AYODELE, Ademola Emmanuel

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Essay on agricultural finance, financial development and economic growth in Nigeria

The thesis examined essays on agricultural finance, financial development, and economic growth in Nigeria by focusing mainly on the individual and joint effects of agricultural finance and financial development on output growth in Nigeria. Also, the threshold of agricultural finance at which financial development optimizes inclusive growth in Nigeria is computed. Importantly, the study investigated the response of economic growth to shocks in agricultural finance and financial development, as well as their direction of causality.

Supervisor: Dr G Tweneboah

BOB-MILLIAR, Gloria Kafui

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Development Aid, NGOs and the North-South divide in Ghana

This research examined the yawning development gap between the north and the south of Ghana and the role of development aid and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in bridging the gaps. Using grounded theory and phenomenological analysis the empirical evidence established ‘poverty dance’ and ‘red herring’ of aid implementation. Among others, the study showed that interventions by NGOs in northern Ghana has not succeeded in alleviating poverty, and in some instances aid fungibility heightens the divide between the north and the south.

Supervisor: Professor P Alagidede

BUTHELEZI, Norbert Sfiso Economics

THESIS: Essays on inflation targeting and macroeconomic performance

Many central banks have adopted inflation targeting as their monetary policy framework. However, the effect of this framework on macroeconomic performance remains uncertain. The thesis finds that there is a non-linear relationship between inflation and economic activity. This relationship differs across economies. This makes “one size fits all” approach to monetary policy inappropriate. Furthermore, existing inflation targets lead to suboptimal outcomes. Therefore, policy makers ought to consider raising their inflation targets.

Supervisor: Professor C Malikane

CHIKANE, Rekgotsofetse

Wits School of Governance

THESIS: Using Complexity to Unlock Emergent-Decolonial Development

This thesis argues the need for a theoretical and philosophical understanding of emergentdecolonial development within development studies and decolonial thinking to formulate the notion of decolonisation within both fields as an ongoing developmental practice. As both a theoretical and philosophical framework, emergentdecolonial development functions as an economic, policy and philosophical analytic exercise to unravel the complex nature of the entanglement of political and economic notions of decolonisation that create an epistemological quagmire within developmental discourse, currently understood as coloniality.

Supervisor: Professor D Everatt

CHIPATO, Ngonidzashe

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Understanding corporate social investments’ results measurement in South Africa: the case of three foundations

This qualitative study investigates how three corporate foundations in South Africa measure results of their activities. Findings show that foundations activities are linked to business operations. It recommends using social statements for integrated reporting and results management for businesses’ competitiveness and sustainability.

Supervisors: Dr B Moyo and Dr A Fowler

ESHUN, Richard

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Essays on the proposed monetary integration in the Ecowas region

This PhD thesis used the optimal currency area criteria (OCA) to examine the feasibility of the introduction of ex-post monetary integration in the ECOWAS region since ex-ante introduction of the single currency in the subregion has witnessed several postponement because of non-convergence of macroeconomic variables. Using several econometric techniques, we established that ex-post monetary integration is the best approach for the region because members’ macroeconomic variables converge in the long run.

Supervisor: Dr G Tweneboah

FRANKLYN, Claire Susan Law

THESIS: Courting an intervention: conceptualising the judicial role in matters relating to section 139 of the South African Constitution

This thesis conceptualises and evaluates the developing judicial role in matters concerning intervention by provincial or national executives in the affairs of dysfunctional municipalities, under section 139 of the South African Constitution. Through comprehensive content analysis of relevant judgments, it considers the judicial role in relation to justiciability, intensity of scrutiny, and remedial prescriptiveness.

Supervisor: Professor M Pieterse

GEORGE, Lucie Marie Law

THESIS: Gender and transitional justice in the Central African Republic

This thesis proposes to assess whether the transitional justice mechanisms created in the Central African Republic can combat Gender Based Violence by challenging the unequal gender norms and structures preexisting the conflicts and, therefore, bring about a significant change in the life of women in the country. The thesis studies three different modes of justice through the lens of transitional justice: interactional justice, distributive justice, and normative justice from the perspective of a feminist analysis of transitional justice.

Supervisor: Professor M Swart

GURUWO, Paul Tarisayi

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Entrepreneurial marketing orientation adoption and youth entrepreneurial performance: examining the mediating factors

This study explores the complex interconnections between entrepreneurial marketing orientation (EMO) and youth entrepreneurial performance (YEP). By pioneering the examination of organisational structure (OS), knowledge of business (KoB), and managerial skills (MS) as mediating factors, the study reveals critical pathways through which EMO and its integrated dimensions impact YEP. The research highlights the significant role of EMO in shaping youth entrepreneurship, providing actionable insights for policymakers and educators to enhance entrepreneurial success through strategic EMO integration.

Supervisor: Professor F Saruchera

INWEREGBU, Cynthia Ngozi

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Diversity management in the Ghanaian Health Sector: a case study of the NHIA

Diversity management has become a critical tool for ensuring efficiency and productivity in organisations and societies. The concept of diversity management has assumed a global dimension, and a context-specific approach is required to make it effective. This calls for an approach that suits the African and, particularly, the Ghanaian context. To this effect, this thesis explores the concept, policies, and challenges of diversity management from a Ghanaian perspective to assist in fashioning a context-specific strategy for diversity management.

Supervisor: Dr C Maier

IROHA, George Chikwado

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: The impact of technology innovation on higher education institution: a case study of a Private and Public University in Johannesburg

This study explores technology’s innovation role in higher education amid Industry 4.0 and its impact in South African institutions. Findings reveal a notable correlation between technology innovation and the Moodle learning method, students’ attitude, and satisfaction. These findings hold implications for policymakers and educators aiming to equip students for the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. Utilising a positivist paradigm and quantitative methodology, the study contributes valuable insights to educational innovation and technological advancement.

Supervisor: Dr R Horne

KAGONDO, Brian Victor Tinashe

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Dynamic capabilities in strategy formation and knowledge conversion in Zimbabwean organisations

Adopting a strategy-as-practice approach, this qualitative study explored the intraorganisational dynamics between people, processes and systems in strategy formation and knowledge conversion in the developing nation of Zimbabwe. Using the theoretical lenses of contingency theory and institutional, resource, and knowledge-based views, it was established that strategy formation, purported to be formal and structured, was, in reality, often chaotic, motivated by desire for political and procedural correctness and based on tacit, informal knowledge sources within organisations rather than established frameworks.

Supervisors: Dr C van der Hoven and Professor T Carmichael

KHOZA, Fhatani

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Examining antecedents, mediators and moderators of consumer behavioural outcomes of mobile banking

This research advances the understanding of mobile banking by examining the antecedents, mediators, and moderators of consumer behavioural outcomes. Integrating theoretical constructs with empirical analysis from 453 South African bank customers, the research validated a comprehensive framework identifying key quality dimensions and performance expectancy drivers. The study highlights the pivotal role of customer satisfaction in driving behavioural loyalty and provides strategic insights for enhancing user engagement. This contribution enriches the academic discourse and offers practical frameworks for industry application.

Supervisor: Professor F Saruchera

KRUGER, Petronell Law

THESIS: When less is more-tiny housing as “adequate” housing

This thesis investigates the evolving legal concept of housing adequacy amidst persistent housing crises and climate change impacts. It examines the potential of tiny housing movements to challenge conventional standards, considering affordability, sustainability, and community values. Through comparative legal analysis and policy evaluation, it explores pathways for integrating tiny housing into public and private housing frameworks, aiming to broaden access to adequate housing for all.

Supervisor: Professor M Pieterse

MAGIDA, Ayanda

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: The nexus between the digital divide, income inequality and social cohesion in South Africa

This study examined the relationship between the digital divide, social cohesion, and socioeconomic drivers in South Africa. It used ecological systems theory as its primary theoretical framework and social categorisation and resource appropriation theories as secondary frameworks. A concurrent mixed-method research design was implemented to collect in-depth data. The results showed that the digital divide affects social cohesion and is shaped by socioeconomic factors. The study has provided valuable insights into the digital divide, social cohesion, and socioeconomic drivers, contributing to our understanding of these complex issues.

Supervisor: Professor B Armstrong

MOKUENA, Medi Moira Law

THESIS: Good corporate governance in State-Owned Entities in South Africa: challenges and compliancet

This research argues that good corporate governance is a critical determinant and fundamental for the success of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa. Mokuena, employing qualitative research methods posits that lack of appreciation of, and noncompliance with good governance practices fail SOEs. The antithesis of good corporate governance is corruption and financial burden on the state. The private sector’s role in floundering SOEs cannot be ignored and minimized. Boards espousing accountability, ethics, responsibility and transparency is an answer for SOEs.

Supervisor: Professor H Kawadza

MOTI,

Mahad Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: The relevance of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, social networking and the institutional environment on immigrant entrepreneurship in South Africa

The thesis examined the degree to which entrepreneurial self-efficacy and social networking influence the performance of Pakistani immigrant entrepreneurs in South Africa, while accounting for the regulatory environment as a moderator to this relationship. The impact of the negative influence of the local regulatory environment is highlighted which encourages greater unproductive entrepreneurial activities such as corruption. By statistically testing complex theories and social relationships the thesis make a unique contribution to the growing body of knowledge on immigrant entrepreneurship.

Supervisor: Professor B Urban

MUDAU, Fungai Paul Law

THESIS: The role of local government in achieving spatial equity through the realisation of the right to housing in South Africa

This thesis considers whether the constitutional and legal powers of local government match its rights-related responsibilities and its statutory role in achieving spatial equity. Focusing on access to housing and well-located urban land, the thesis illustrates the related challenges experienced by South African municipalities through case studies of the metropolitan municipalities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and eThekwini.

Supervisor: Professor M Pieterse

MUDIMBA, Prisca Chipo Law

THESIS: Re-defining gender equality in the formal mining industry: a case of select categories of women in South Africa

This thesis focuses on gender equality in the South African formal mining sector. The study focuses on understanding and interpreting the concept of equality in relation to three groups of women, namely, women in ownership of mining related businesses, women mine employees and women resident in mine hosting communities. Through the lens of different ideas of equality, the thesis evaluates the extent to which these groups of women enjoy substantive gender equality. The study uses a socio-legal approach comprising of mixed methods, including an empirical study of women’s experiences in the sector.

Supervisor: Professor C Albertyn

MUKONOWESHURO, Tonderai Fadzai Wits School of Governance

THESIS: Policymaking and institutional crisis: Formalising artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe

This thesis investigates how politics, power, and institutions shaped Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold mining (ASM) policy trajectories from 2005 to 2017. The findings demonstrated that while politics influenced ASM informalisation, state actors in positions of power in shadow networks drove policy to maximise self-interest. Local policy implementation involved transitory actors like small-scale artisanal miners, gold dealers, and traders. As gold miners, these networked actors set their own unwritten norms and policies.

Supervisor: Dr N Pophiwa

NGCOBO, Makhosazana Nomcebo

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: The ripple effect of demographics on the entrepreneurial behaviour-performance relationship in the South African tech sector

This thesis delves into the intricate interplay of race and age in shaping entrepreneurial strategies and their effects on firm success within South Africa’s technology sector. Analyzing quantitative data from tech start-up founders, the study confirms hypotheses on the significance of entrepreneur behaviour and intangible assets. It proposes a pioneering ‘entrepreneur means’ framework, highlighting the pivotal role of intangible resources and offering new insights into firm performance in South Africa’s diverse business environment.

Supervisor: Dr M Murimbika

NJOROGE, Stephen Chege Law

THESIS: Land rights in Kenya: the role of law in protection against forced evictions

The candidate’s thesis examines the role of the law, policies and institutions in protecting individuals and communities against forced evictions in Kenya. It evaluates the prevalence of forced evictions and highlights the inadequacies of the extant legal framework in forestalling the scourge of forced evictions. The thesis draws best practices from international law and comparative normative regimes, and significantly, provides a series of recommendations that, if properly implemented, will play a pivotal role in ushering security of tenure in Kenya.

Supervisor: Dr K Moyo

NSIAH, Anthony Yaw

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Financial inclusion, institutional quality and poverty reduction in Africa

The thesis investigated the impact of financial inclusion on poverty reduction in Africa. Using Financial Intermediation, Kuznets, Competition-stability, and Neo Institutional theories, the study established double threshold levels where financial inclusion will stimulate poverty reduction in Africa, moderated by institutional quality. Financial stability was established to be key, hence must not be compromised when advocating for financial inclusion. Policy must therefore target the level of inclusion that will inspire poverty reduction as well as strengthen institutions operating within the economies.

Supervisor: Dr G Tweneboah

OPPONG, Priscilla Boafowaa

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Interconnectedness of global competitiveness, logistic performance, and global value chain in Africa

The emergence of the global value chain as a standard pillar in international trade dynamics has triggered an empirical investigation into the nexus between global competitiveness, logistic performance, and global value chain participation in SSA countries. The research highlights the significance of logistic efficiency in bolstering global value chain involvement and economic prosperity. The thesis emphasizes the imperative for governments to foster conducive environments for global value chain participation and illuminates pathways for SSA countries to amplify competitiveness in the global trade landscape.

Supervisor: Dr G Tweneboah

RATHOGWA, Belinda

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: The cognitive process of entrepreneurs seeking access to external finance to drive SMME growth

Inspired by sector reports which estimate that up to 80% of South African entrepreneurs do not apply for external finance, this study explores how the cognitive process of entrepreneurs promotes or limits SMME access to external finance. The study develops an integrated model of the cognitive process of entrepreneurs seeking external finance to drive SMME growth (MCPESEF). An in-depth understanding of entrepreneurs’ financing decisions supports efforts to improve SMME access to the external finance needed to drive growth.

Supervisor: Dr J Msimango-Galawe

ZHUWAO, Patrick

Graduate School of Business Administration

THESIS: Harnessing digital transformation to build social-ecological-systems resilience into institutional arrangements of agricultural transformation

Agricultural transformation is failing to address South Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment because, as an aspirational concept steeped in historical analyses, it downplays current realities especially farmers’ small-scale. To address those scale and currency challenges, this thesis proposes reconceptualising agricultural transformation as digitally enabled agricultural transformation which utilises platform business models to develop architectures for hybrid agricultural industry multi-sided marketplace super-app platforms that can be built through the study’s proposed digital agriculture disruption framework.

Supervisors: Professor B Armstrong and Dr J Zuwarimwe

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEAN: PROFESSOR T MAJOZI

BScEng(UND) MScEng(UND) PhD (UMIST) CEng PrEng FIChemE FAAS MASSAf FWISA

FSAAE

Doctor of Philosophy

ALADE, Jimmy Joanah

School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

THESIS: Optimization of the mineral grading wind sifter separator for coal beneficiation

A novel dry coal separator with potential for beneficiating other minerals was designed and fabricated using the concept of wind-sifting, which is used in wood, food, and waste separation processes. The separator was designed based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method, along with the data obtained from simulation tests performed for different particle sizes at different airstream velocities. According to the data obtained from the pilot test, clean coal products of different qualities were obtained for various applications.

Supervisor: Dr S Bada

DOERMANN, Kirsten

School of Architecture and Planning

THESIS: Urban Compounds: Investigating aspects of rapid urbanisation and densification in Sub-Saharan Africa and the effect on the physical morphology of selected suburbs in Johannesburg

The candidate’s thesis is a remarkable architectural practice-led research project which investigates the quite recently emerging “compound” housing based on the widespread Edwardian bungalows across various parts of the early urban expansion of Johannesburg. The study investigates re-adaptation and the flexibility of the typology in detail, both physically, economically, socially and culturally and uncovers a vibrant housing sub-market that defies city ideals of urbanism yet delivers city objectives of densification, mixed use, economic growth and transformation. As such, it paves the way for further research on its subject - and also the wider use of practice-led methodologies of architecture research in South Africa.

Supervisor: Professor P Jenkins

FADELE, Oluwadamilola Adepeju

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

THESIS: Assessment of the performance of corn cob ash as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete

While contributing to reducing the negative environmental impact of concrete, the use of corn cob ash as a partial replacement for Portland cement was found to not only have a negative impact the strength of concrete but also increased the risk of alkali-silica reaction.

Supervisor: Professor M Otieno

GOVENDER, Neil

School of Construction Economics and Management

THESIS: Determinants of professional service output quality in the construction industry

To address the causes of the decline in quality of documents produced by built environment professionals, the candidate systematically investigated the factors influencing professional service quality in construction, and the extent to which the quality of documents produced by construction professionals is specifically determined by the amount of fees.

Supervisors: Professor S Laryea and Professor R Watermeyer

IKPESU, Jasper Ejovwokoghene School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

THESIS: Performance evaluation of reduced graphene oxide incorporated dye-sensitized solar cells for stable power generation

In this study, performance evaluation of reduced graphene oxide incorporated dyesensitized solar cells (DSSC) for stable power generation has been investigated. Titanium dioxide-reduced Graphene Oxide (TiO2-rGO) composite was synthesized at the photoanode, and inserted into DSSCs. The power conversion efficiency of DSSCs improved cell performance and outdoor stability from 2.75 - 11.52%. Confirming TiO2 - rGO as a good material for solar application.

Supervisors: Professor M Daramola and Professor S Iyuke

MADAHANA, Milka Cynthia Ijunga

School of Electrical and Information Engineering

THESIS: Port Hamiltonian modelling of an integrated mechanical ventilator-human respiratory system

This research work presents a comprehensive modelling of an integrated mechanical ventilator-human respiratory system using an energy-based technique known as Port Hamiltonian. The application of the technique results in the extension of the modelling approach to include the effects of fluid flow using incompressible Navier Stokes equations, resulting in a multi physics generalized Port Hamiltonian model. This model can be used to investigate the influence of airway secretion on airflow dynamics in the mechanicalhuman respiratory system.

Supervisor: Dr O Nyandoro

MAHBOOB, Muhammad Ahsan

School of Mining Engineering

THESIS: A data science framework for mineral resource exploration and estimation using remote sensing and machine learning

This research innovatively combines data science, satellite imagery, and machine learning to revolutionize mineral exploration. By swiftly identifying prospective mineral-rich sites, especially in remote areas, it accelerates critical mineral extraction. This contributes significantly to green technology production, advancing global sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Supervisors: Professor T Celik and Professor B Genc

MANDA, Tamala Amelia

THESIS: Intrinsic valuation of REITs

School of Construction Economics and Management

In order to ascertain the intrinsic value of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) and comprehend their financial standing, the candidate examined the beta profiles, bankruptcy forecasts, and dynamic cash flows of REITs.

Supervisor: Dr T Sebehela

MCDONALD, André Martin

School of Electrical and Information Engineering

THESIS: Constrained solutions to IFPP’s by finite-dimensional approximation

Radar and communications systems must adhere to strict performance specifications under a range of probabilistic situations. For engineering certification purposes, current test and evaluation procedures necessarily require costly extended field trials. This research developed novel solution methodologies to the foundational inverse Frobenius-Perron problem in abstract ergodic theory, enabling development of low-cost test infrastructure that will reduce field trials to those absolutely necessary.

Supervisor: Professor A Van Wyk

NGHIPULILE, Titus

School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

THESIS: Modelling the comminution process in the rotary offset crusher

This started as a Masters Research topic that involved development of an innovative crusher that exploits cyclic variation in the comminution space between two rotating offcentre disks, hence the name, Rotary Offset Crusher (ROC). Despite an indication of great capacity potential, the driving principles were not clear. The numerical particle simulation incorporated at PhD level has helped us gain a better understanding of the dominant factors influencing the capacity of this crusher.

Supervisors: Professor M Bwalya and Professor H Simonsen

SANGWENI, Nondumiso Zamangwane

School of Construction Economics and Management

THESIS: Retention of professional female talent within the construction industry

With experience and a hunger for solutions, the candidate completed a thesis on strategies to retain female talent and developed the Female Talent Retention Framework, an adaptable hybrid model for the retention of female talent in the construction industry.

Supervisor: Professor A Ozumba

SCHEKMAN, Sjouke Willem School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering

THESIS: Internal cooling at the trailing edge of a high-pressure gas turbine blade

Gas turbine aero-engines require specialized cooling techniques due to extremely high operating temperatures, as high as 2000 ºC. The candidate’s research considered a specific cooling technique that combines perforated blockages and cylindrical short pinfin structures. This configuration was previously considered to be ineffective and discounted from future consideration. However, the candidate hypothesized and then verified that this cooling technique had been originally misrepresented. Based on the results of the candidate’s PhD thesis, this specific cooling technique can be now seen to be a viable alternative for gas turbine aero-engine cooling.

Supervisor: Professor T Kim

SIWAWA, Vincent School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

THESIS: A bottom-up smart city approach to solid waste management: the case of ICTenabled waste reclaimers system in two South African cities

The candidate submitted a thesis on waste reclaimers in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The study draws on the socio-technical transition theory to sustainability and the Multi-Level Perspective as conceptual frameworks to analyse the digital transformation of the informal waste sector. His findings underscore the potential of the ICT-enabled system to foster symbiotic connections between stakeholders.

Supervisor: Professor A Fitchett

TEIMOURI, Samaneh School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

THESIS: Hydrometallurgical extraction of metals from secondary resources using various reagents

The candidate explored new and novel extraction methods to obtain scarce and critical metals from secondary resources. Gold encapsulate in pyrite in old mine tailings require a breakdown of the pyrite material to release it for recovery. This was one of the aspects investigated in this thesis, and new insights were gained into the process via electrochemical studies. Another area of interest was the recovery of gallium and indium, two metals of great value in the electronic industry, from waste electrical arc furnace dust, a waste generated by the steel industry. This was accomplished through a theoretical modelling approach and novel ionic liquid extraction.

Supervisors: Professor C Billing and Professor J Potgieter

MBBCh

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEAN: PROFESSOR SA MADHI

MMed PhD (Witwatersrand) FCPaeds(SA) MASSAf RSSAf TWAS CBE

Doctor of Philosophy

ABEASI, Doreen Asantewa Nursing Education

THESIS: A psychosocial support programme for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Ghana

The complex and continuous nature of caregiving for children with developmental disabilities leads to stress and adverse health effects. Using a multi-method design, the Caregiver Well-being Improvement [CaWELLIS] programme was developed for Ghanaian caregivers. The study showed that the CaWELLIS programme positively impacted stress, anxiety, depression, burden, and blood pressure, ultimately improving their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This comprehensive, context-specific programme effectively addresses the needs of caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.

Supervisor: Dr N Nkosi

ALAOUNA, Mohammed Internal Medicine

THESIS: The effects of indigenous South African plant extracts (Cotyledon orbiculata and Tulbaghia. Violacea) on triple negative breast cancer cells

This dissertation investigated C. orbiculata and Tulbaghia violacea extracts for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Cytotoxicity assays, extensive chemical profiling, and docking studies demonstrated significant effects, especially from T. violacea. Changes in signaling pathways were identified by whole transcriptome sequencing, which highlights the therapeutic potential of T. violacea for TNBC and the importance of investigating natural plant extracts for cancer treatment.

Supervisors: Professor Z Dlamini, Dr R Hull and Dr C Penny

DIX-PEEK, Therese Internal Medicine

THESIS: Association of genetic variants with breast cancer intrinsic subtypes and splice variants of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 in a South African Population

The genetics and molecular subtyping of breast cancer has not been well studied in Sub-Saharan African women. This study investigated concordance between molecular subtyping and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of breast cancer, and the association of genetic variants of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, with breast cancer in African women. The subtyping informs diagnostic and treatment options, and investigation of genetic variants can increase our understanding of breast cancer in Africa.

Supervisors: Associate Professor R Duarte and Associate Professor T Augustine

ERUMEDA, Neetha Joe Family Medicine

THESIS: An evaluation of the postgraduate Family Medicine decentralised training programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, using the logic model

This parallel-convergent mixed-methods case study evaluated the resources, supervision, feedback, work-based learning opportunities and assessments in the registrar training programme using a complex logic model. The study was conducted with supervisors and registrars from five training districts in Gauteng and the North-West province. The final logic model identified, among others, the need for a supportive learning environment with improved resources and faculty development, all of which require more effective keystakeholder support at institutional, national and provincial levels.

Supervisors: Dr A George and Professor L Jenkins

HAMOONGA, Twaambo Euphemia Public Health

THESIS: Salient beliefs, preferences, and intention to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zambia

Pregnant and breastfeeding women at substantial risk for HIV infection could benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Despite its proven efficacy and safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, PrEP uptake remains low in this population. This study investigated salient beliefs about PrEP, preferences for PrEP delivery and intention to use PrEP among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zambia. Male partner support, positive health-care provider attitudes and multi-month scripting of PrEP, among others, could improve demand for PrEP in antenatal and postnatal settings.

Supervisors: Associate Professor J Igumbor, Professor B Chi and Professor W Mutale

HULLEY, Michaella Robyn

Human Genetics

THESIS: Differential gene expression in exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma in the conjunctiva of Black South Africans

This thesis reports the first documented use of a specific cell impression device for whole transcriptome sequencing. Using this device, gene expression profiling in exfoliation glaucoma was carried out. This study both validated the involvement of known genes and genetic pathways identified in other populations, while also identifying a potential new contributory pathway.

Supervisors: Associate Professor S Williams, Professor M Ramsay and Dr T Ngcungu

KAMP, Michelle Human Genetics

THESIS: The development and value assessment of an Integrated Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score in an African setting

This thesis developed and evaluated an integrated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score for African populations, incorporating both genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Ancestryaligned polygenic scores (PGS) for cardiometabolic traits were included with conventional risk factors in prediction modelling. The results showed that genetic information significantly enhanced disease risk prediction, outperforming models based on non-genetic factors only. This research highlights the value of integrating genetic and non-genetic factors to improve CVD management and treatment in African populations.

Supervisors: Professor M Ramsay, Professor C Lewis and Dr O Pain

LUBAKI, Jean-Pierre Fina Family Medicine

THESIS: Developing a framework to improve glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Glycaemic control is critical in the management of type 2 diabetes. This study employed a mixed methods approach to explore drivers of poor glycaemic control and perspectives of patients and healthcare providers on potential interventions to optimize glycaemic control in Kinshasa. The study recommended an urgent need for an improved management framework for diabetes care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Specifically, the Government needs to increase the investment in the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases including diabetes.

Supervisors: Associate Professor O Omole and Professor J Francis

MALATJI, Hlologelo Public Health

THESIS: Community-orientated primary health care: Exploring the interface between community health workers, the healthcare system and communities in South Africa

Using qualitative research methods, this thesis investigated the application of communityorientated primary healthcare and supportive supervision approaches to strengthen the performance of community health workers in South Africa. The thesis provides insights into how these two approaches were used to encourage communities to participate in the implementation of community health worker programmes. Further, to improve the knowledge and performance of junior supervisors and community health workers in core activities such as household registration, medication delivery and patient follow-ups.

Supervisors: Professor J Goudge and Professor F Griffiths

MALATJI, Kanyane Bridgett Virology

THESIS: Development of a multiplex HIV/TB point-of-care diagnostic assay based on the microarray technology

There is currently no diagnostic test for the simultaneous detection of HIV and TB; thus, this project sought to develop a point-of-care (POC) multiplex microarray-based technology for the detection of HIV/TB. The study showed that the technology is sensitive and specific and can detect HIV and TB antibodies in human serum at low concentrations. The test is destined for use as a low-cost, fast, and user-friendly assay at POC without the need for sophisticated equipment and highly trained personnel.

Supervisors: Dr C Thobakgale, Dr A Singh and Dr K Alexandre

MANYIKE-MODAU, Amukelani Portia Public Health

THESIS: Characterisation of emission and exposure to diesel engine exhaust from trackless mobile machinery in underground South African Platinum Mines: Evaluating strategies to prevent and control exposure

This thesis characterised the exhaust (of diesel-powered machines (DDE) operating in underground mines. It evaluated how engine maintenance, installation of diesel particulate filters (DPF), and increased workplace ventilation impacted the levels of exposure to DEE in various scenarios. The study demonstrated that only a combination of maintenance and retrofitting with DPF would reduce the concentration of DEE to acceptable levels. his study strategically assists the South African Mining Industry with policy to regulate and reduce DEE exposure to underground miners.

Supervisor: Professor D Brouwer

MASEME, Mantombi Rebecca Bioethics and Health Law

THESIS: An ethico-legal analysis of broad consent for biobank research in South Africa: Towards an enabling framework

Broad consent is permitted by the South African National Department of Health Ethics Guidelines but appears to be prohibited by section 13(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. Additionally, the Act mandates that all personal data (including biobank sample data) be collected for legitimate, definite, and clearly stated purposes. There is room for several interpretations of the Act because of this discord between the two instruments.

Supervisors: Dr J Gardner and Professor S Mahomed

MASHATOLA, Thabo Rhine Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

THESIS: Development of an Anopheles arabiensis sex separation strain and optimisation of mosquito handling, packaging and transport conditions for the South African Mosquito Sterile Insect Technique programme

This thesis addresses the challenges of separating females from males during development of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for malaria vector control. Additionally, the researcher optimised handling, transportation and release procedures of sterile males to ensure that these males remain competitive under natural field conditions. The researcher’s findings significantly advance the SIT as a supplementary vector control approach in South Africa. Moreover, his research offers essential insights for the future of genetic-based vector control methods, crucial for addressing challenges in malaria elimination.

Supervisors: Dr G Munhenga and Professor L Koekemoer

MOKHACHANE, Mantoa Health Sciences Education

THESIS: Medical Students’ professional identity formation during a social upheaval: a qualitative study

This phenomenological qualitative study, with an autoethnographic aspect, explored the University of the Witwatersrand’s medical students’ experiences of professionalism and professional identity formation amidst #FeesMustFall protests. Thirteen participants were interviewed. An African lens, Ubuntu, allowed the use of metaphors to reorientate professional identity formation, what professionalism means to contemporary students and how professionalism is weaponised against those who do not fit the western ideals of a medical professional. The study adds an African voice to the western professional identity theories.

Supervisors: Dr A George, Associate Professor L Green-Thompson, Professor A Kuper and Professor T Wyatt

MOLATOLI, Mhlekazi Cathrine Human Genetics

THESIS: The role of small genetic variants in the aetiology of developmental disorders in South Africa - a whole exome sequencing study

Whole exome sequencing (WES) is the recommended first-line genetic test for patients with developmental disorders due to higher diagnostic yields. However, in South Africa and other resource-poor settings, it has not been implemented. This study investigated the clinical utility of WES in an African setting. Additionally, it made recommendations for variant filtering and prioritization. Of the 117 patients from 115 families analysed, a positive molecular diagnosis was achieved for 29 families, resulting in a diagnostic yield of 25.2%. Our findings resulted in both recommendations for improving patient clinical management, and for variant filtering and prioritization strategies for research and diagnostics.

Supervisors: Dr N Carstens and Associate Professor Z Lombard

MOTSOENENG, Boitumelo Madika Virology

THESIS: Defining Fc-mediated functions in people living with HIV during respiratory viral infection and vaccination

People living with HIV who have impaired immunity are burdened with severe respiratory diseases and respond poorly to vaccination. This thesis described the differential antibody cytotoxic functions in people living with HIV after influenza vaccination and showed these were protective against influenza-illness. SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination resulted in delayed but comparable humoral response kinetics in these participants. These findings provide insights for future vaccine strategies, informing correlates of protection and supporting vaccination in this population.

Supervisors: Professor P Moore and Dr S Richardson

MUDZI, Patricia Yeukai

Nursing Education

THESIS: Public nursing colleges’ readiness for integration into the higher education sector in South Africa using an Organisational Development Framework

Integrating nursing colleges into higher education is crucial for global alignment and advancing nursing science. In South Africa, public nursing colleges offer accredited programmes yet governance and capacity constraints persist amid changing to higher education. Using an organisational development lens within a multi-method research design this study investigated the readiness for change of nursing colleges. Data from a scoping review, and quantitative and qualitative studies were triangulated to identify key organisational inputs and priorities relating to infrastructure, funding, technology, policies, human resources, and organisational culture. An intervention strategy was developed to guide nursing education institutions through the change process.

Supervisors: Professor J Bruce and Dr S Mabizela

MUREREREHE, Julienne Community Dentistry

THESIS: Risk factors for caries and periodontal diseases: a comparative study among HIVPositive and HIV-Negative adults in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda

The study assessed caries, periodontal status, and associated risk factors among HIVpositive compared to HIV-negative adults in Rwanda. A higher prevalence of caries and periodontal diseases was among HIV-positive persons than HIV-negative participants. In addition to shared risk factors, increased CD4 counts, and HIV-medication was associated with oral diseases. Poorer Oral Health-Related Quality of Life was among HIV-positive adults than HIV-negative individuals. The study results are important to inform a multidisciplinary oral care strategy for HIV-positive persons in Rwanda.

Supervisors: Professor V Yengopal and Professor Y Malele-Kolisa

MUTI, Monica Paediatrics and Child Health

THESIS: Relationship of diet and physical activity with genetic susceptibility to obesity: a longitudinal analysis in adults in South Africa

The thesis demonstrated geographical, male and female differences between physical activity and adiposity across African populations. Furthermore, a genetic risk score was developed, which revealed higher risk of developing severe obesity over time in women compared to men. Novel gene-environment interactions were also identified between diet, physical activity and adiposity, illustrating the complex interplay of factors influencing obesity in African populations.

Supervisors: Dr T Chikowore, Dr L Ware and Professor S Norris

MWEENE, Morgan Dimakweenda

Internal Medicine

THESIS: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury biomarker profile and outcome

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The thesis examined a selection of novel biomarkers in patients with AKI diagnosed by creatinine and urine output, to assess their value in the diagnosis of SA-AKI, and their ability to predict mortality at 90 days in patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care units at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Urine Neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin was the strongest discriminator associated with SA-AKI among the novel biomarkers tested with reasonable accuracy in the prediction of mortality at 90 days.

Supervisors: Dr C Dickens, Professor G Paget and Professor G Richards

NAIDOO, Vivash

Internal Medicine

THESIS: An in-silico analysis of the glycosylation inhibitors Brefeldin A and Tunicamycin C in colorectal cancer; characterization of novel targets

This is a novel in-silico investigation of the therapeutic role of the glycosylation inhibitors Tunicamycin and Brefeldin in colorectal cancer. Thymidine kinase 1, Protein Kinase C, and Map Kinase 1, promoters of cell proliferation, were computationally identified as key target proteins. Dynamic molecular modelling simulations indicate that both drugs induce conformational changes in these protein targets, to inhibit their activity. These findings will lead to developing novel inhibitors against Thymidine kinase 1 and Protein Kinase C, blocking glycosylation and cell growth, thus providing therapeutic strategies against this cancer.

Supervisors: Dr C Penny, Dr S Mirza and Dr R Hull

NSINGWANE, Zanele

Surgery

THESIS: Identification of (novel) immune targets with potential roles in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)

This thesis investigated the expression profile of immune response-related genes in patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Complement pathway components C3 and C5 were shown to be elevated in early-stage disease but reduced as the tumour progressed. In vitro experiments revealed that blocking the complement pathway intensified tumour aggression, stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, and migration, shedding light on the potential involvement of the complement pathway in PDAC. These findings could pave the way for targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.

Supervisors: Dr E Nweke, Associate Professor T Augustine and Professor G Candy

NTAMATUNGIRO, Alex John Public Health

THESIS: Trend of Pre-antiretroviral therapy HIV-1 drug resistance in Kilombero and Ulanga antiretroviral cohort, South-Western Tanzania, for over 15 years (2005-2020)

Pretreatment HIV drug resistance can limit the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. This thesis investigated the trends and patterns of pretreatment HIV drug resistance in the Kilombero and Ulanga antiretroviral cohort in rural Tanzania. The study highlights the benefit of programmatic uptake of dolutegravir- based antiretroviral therapy in low- and middleincome countries. Moreover, emphasises the necessity of stepping up routine surveillance of HIV drug resistance prior to therapy, particularly for those with recently acquired HIV.

Supervisors: Associate Professor J Kagura, Professor J Francis and Professor M Weisser

OBIMAKINDE, Abimbola Margaret Family Medicine

THESIS: Children on the streets of Ibadan, Nigeria: Experiences, family dynamics and health status

Mixed-methods explored family dynamics, lived experiences, health, and needs of children-on-the-streets. Participants included children-on-the-streets, child welfare-officers, street shop- owners, and parental figures. Analysis (Atlas-Ti & SPSS) revealed the children averaged 15.8years, averaged 4years street dweller, were from broken large-sized poor families with poor filial relationships. Health problems included injuries, dental problems, lower BMI, household hunger, sexual, verbal and substance abuse. Many experienced school failures, adverse street events and their unmet needs stemmed from governmental and parental child’s rights neglect.

Supervisor: Associate Professor S Moosa

PHASWANA, Merling Biokinetics

THESIS: Sedentary behaviour in a sample of South African office-based workers

This thesis examined the effectiveness of 12 weeks height-adjustable sit-to-stand desk intervention on sedentary behaviour and health outcomes in office-based workers. It also explored workers’ experiences and early withdrawal in a sedentary behaviour intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour at work. The findings indicate that short-term use of heightadjustable desks effectively decreases sedentary behaviour in the workplace and shows potential for enhancing cardiometabolic health outcomes. This thesis concludes that prolonged implementation of such interventions could lead to notable long-term benefits.

Supervisor: Associate Professor P Gradidge

SCHWALBE, Nina Rebecca

Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

THESIS: Equitable access to vaccines: Exploring the role of the acceptability, accessibility, affordability, availability with a focus on COVID-19

Building on previous access to medicines definitions, this thesis focuses on the practical application of the “4A’s” framework (Availability, Affordability, Acceptability, Accessibility), exploring associated successes (and failures) of supply-side policy interventions for each. The research combines various methods, including narrative review, expert knowledge, website and document review, and data and statistical analysis. It explores the role of incentives for vaccine uptake and develops a novel proof-of-concept model assessing equity in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines rollout in New York City.

Supervisors: Professor M Nunes and Dr C Cultand

SEABI, Tshegofatso Martha

Public Health

THESIS: Adolescent health in rural South Africa: Building an evidence-base to inform a health promotion intervention supporting healthier lifestyles

In South Africa, rural adolescents face a double burden of malnutrition marked by both undernutrition and overnutrition. This thesis examined changes in adolescents’ BMI between 2007 and 2018; explored adolescents’ perceptions of obesity; and assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a community health worker-led intervention to promote healthier lifestyles among adolescents. Findings from this work highlight the need for more adolescent-focused interventions and provide insights into the importance of context specific health promotion strategies.

Supervisors: Professor K Kahn and Dr R Wagner

SHOKO, Mercy Public

Health

THESIS: Exploring the relationship between orphanhood status, living arrangements and sexual and reproductive health outcomes among female adolescents in Southern Africa

The thesis uses comparable data from nine Southern Africa countries to show the complex interplay between non-coresidency with parents, whether due to orphanhood or general absence, and heightened risk of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. It underscores the central role of parent-child coresidency in fostering positive adolescent health, a departure from exclusive focus on orphanhood or parental absence.

Supervisors: Professor K Kahn and Dr C Ginsburg

SHONGWE, Sithembile Siphiwe Nursing Education

THESIS: A Framework for integrating simulation into the Bachelor of Nursing Science programme in Eswatini

A mixed method approach was used to develop a framework for guiding the integration of simulation in the preparation of undergraduate nursing students in Eswatini, guided by the NLN Jeffries simulation theory. A scoping review identified best practices, and an audit identified the current state of simulation use in nursing education in Eswatini. The framework was developed together with simulation experts and validated by means of a Delphi study. It provides a step-by-step approach for the successful integration of simulation.

Supervisors: Dr S Armstrong and Dr CH Thurling

SILAULE, Olindah Mkhonto Occupational Therapy

THESIS: Developing strategies for alleviating caregiver burden among informal caregivers of persons with severe mental disorders in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province

Informal caregivers of persons with severe mental disorders are faced with high levels of distress. This study employed a mixed method approach to explore the extent of the burden of care and develop strategies for alleviating this burden among informal caregivers of persons with severe mental disorders in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province. The findings informed the development of a multilevel conceptual framework for alleviating caregiver burden in low-resourced settings with strategies at the individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and policy levels.

Supervisors: Dr N Nkosi and Dr F Adams

SODO, Pumla Pamella Public Health

THESIS: Attrition in the dental therapy profession: an exploration of the contributing factors and solutions

This mixed-methods thesis examines the attrition rate and factors contributing to attrition in the South African dental therapy profession using Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory and the Human Resources for Health System Development framework. The thesis significantly contributes to existing knowledge on attrition by offering valuable insights into an underresearched area, enhancing the understanding of factors influencing workforce retention and attrition, and providing practical recommendations to address these issues.

Supervisors: Dr SJ Nieuwoudt, Professor MS Nemutandani and Professor V Yengopal

VAN STORMBROEK, Kirsty Occupational Therapy

THESIS: Contextually responsive support and development strategies for generalist occupational therapists delivering hand-injury care in South Africa

Hand injuries are common and hand rehabilitation is essential for hand-injured patients to return to participating in life and earning a livelihood. The therapists responsible for this rehabilitation typically have limited expertise, in complex settings with limited support, supervision and resources. The evidence generated from four studies within this PhD was synthesised to develop evidence-based guidelines for the support and development of these therapists towards strengthening quality hand rehabilitation in the public sector.

Supervisors: Professor L O’Brien, Dr T Rauch-van der Merwe and Professor H Myezwa

XELWA, Ntombikayise Hendrietta Marcia Surgery

THESIS: Gene expression patterns of signalling pathways in PDAC: Towards inhibiting metastases

This project aimed to discover potential novel therapeutic targets for PDAC in cohort of South African patients. Using targeted gene expression arrays, SPP1 was demonstrated to be highly expressed in PDAC tumours. By using RNA interference to knockdown SPP1 in MIA PaCa-2 cells and combining it with gemcitabine, the study discovered that it enhanced the apoptotic response and reduced cell migration and invasion. Proteomic analyses revealed the cellular processes affected by SPP1 downregulation, suggesting that SPP1 could be a promising therapeutic target for PDAC treatment, especially as a combination therapy.

Supervisors: Dr E Nweke, Professor G Candy and Associate Professor T Augustine

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

DEAN: PROFESSOR M MUSEMWA

BA Hons (Zimbabwe) MA (Cape Town) PhD (Minnesota, USA) MASSAf

Doctor of Philosophy

BENNIE, Andrew Govan

Sociology

THESIS: Food sovereignty and the agrarian question in South Africa: Class dynamics and collective agency from below

The thesis explores the domestication of the global food sovereignty discourse and politics in the South African context, through the theoretical frame of the agrarian question. It explores the intersections between food, agrarian change, and political organising for more just food system alternatives. It finds that the agrarian question remains important in understanding South Africa’s food movement, which has been shaped through conjunctural, contingent and contextual relationships, and open up opportunities for its further evolution and significance through articulatory processes

Supervisor: Professor M Williams

BRUCHHAUSEN, Sarah Lynn History

THESIS: Women and emancipatory politics in the Former Lebowa Bantustan of South Africa, 1940s to Present

Using a gendered and subaltern historical lens, Bruchhausen traces women’s emancipatory politics in South Africa’s former Lebowa Bantustan from the 1940s to the present. Her study contributes to the scholarship on liberation struggles and the Bantustans, providing a new vantage point from which to theorise politics, subjectivity and ideas of freedom. She argues that the creation of autonomous spaces of the common and the defence of subsistence lifestyles have been defining characteristics of black rural women’s everyday praxes of resistance

Supervisors: Professor M Nieftagodien and Dr A Lissoni

CANIN, Nicole Psychology

THESIS: The experience of premature infancy within the mother-infant dyad in neo-natal high care unit: a psychoanalytic exploration.

This study makes an important contribution to the study of the impact of traumatic premature birth on the developing intersubjectivity between mother and infant, highlighting the influence of the mother’s pre-existing trauma. In addition to filling a notable gap in psychoanalytic studies of prematurity, this study makes a significant contribution to the use of psychoanalytically informed methodologies in health and social science research, successfully taking infant observation out of the clinical training setting and applying it adaptively to hospital-based research.

Supervisor: Professor K Bain

CHAKAWODZA, Josphine Munyaradzi Education

THESIS: Effectiveness of blended teaching on learning engagement and academic achievement in organic chemistry: a case study of South Africa grade 12 learners

Rooted in Vygotsky’s sociocultural and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theoretical concepts, the candidate used a mixed methods design to evaluate the efficacy of blended teaching in promoting learning engagement and academic achievement of grade 12 learners in one of the most underprivileged South African schools, focusing on Organic Chemistry. This study took place at the climax of COVID-19, enriching the thesis’ contribution in education field on use of blended teaching in limiting contexts that characterise most of South African schools truly valuable.

Supervisors: Dr E Nakedi and Professor R Kizito

DE VILLIERS, Phillippa Yaa Creative Writing

THESIS: Riding out the Water and The Making of a Writer: Keorapetse Kgositsile through the Lens of Adoption

The candidate has written a PhD comprising an epic poem called Riding Out the Water and a thesis entitled The Making of a Writer. Together these make a significant contribution to South African literature. The poem examines belonging, violence, loss and transformation through language and imagery both original and compelling. The thesis considers the work of Keorapetse Kgositsile, and the becoming of a writer, with a focus on exile and adoption, demonstrating that intellectual and creative generosity are vital aspects of a dynamic poetic community.

Supervisor: Associate Professor B Law Viljoen

DLADLA, Celimpilo Piety

African Languages and Linguistics

THESIS: An analysis of domain-specific terminology for pedagogical lexicographic resources: Towards a comprehensive English-IsiZulu life sciences dictionary

This study examined pedagogical lexicographic practices in South Africa through an analysis of terminology equivalents plus definitions provided in English/isiZulu dictionaries. The researcher identified a gap in the microstructure of these dictionaries in terms of satisfying pedagogical needs of users and developed a digital bilingualised dictionary with a comprehensive microstructure, a first of its kind in isiZulu, for Life Sciences. This resource provides a microstructure with etymological traits, definitions, and extra-lexicographic data that provides for pedagogical lexicographic needs of users.

Supervisor: Dr E Zungu

DLAMINI, Gabby Sipho Anthropology

THESIS: YouTube: Video Commercialization, Value Creation and Identity

The digitalisation of life is one of the most profound changes of our times. The candidate explores ethnographically how this remakes traditional categories of work, value, and personal identity. Drawing on her fieldwork among vloggers and viewers on YouTube, she shows how digital platforms afford conversions of life into money, and how online publics work through the ethical questions that these affordances create.

Supervisor: Dr H White

DLAMINI, Tula Journalism and Media Studies

THESIS: Newsroom Culture and Journalistic Practice at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC): an Ethnographic study

With a focus on South African Broadcasting Corporation newsroom culture and journalism practices, this study aims to accomplish two primary goals. The first one is to understand the factors inside the SABC newsroom that impact the construction of news stories and current affairs. The second issue is to explore how the SABC programming mediate news. These objectives are addressed through the lens of field theory, together with the concept of the Public Sphere. This study becomes one of the first to conduct a longitudinal ethnography of the SABC newsroom.

Supervisor: Dr S Chiumbu

GCABASHE, Nduduzo Brian Education

THESIS: An exploration of business studies teachers’ integration of information and communication technologies to equip grade 12 learners with critical business skills

This study explored the ICT integration of six South African Business Studies teachers to enhance learners’ critical business skills. Data were collected through interviews and lesson observations. It emerged that teachers relied on their previous interaction with technology to integrate technology in their classrooms. Consequently, their integration was sometimes not always aligned with the objectives of the Business Studies curriculum. Therefore, the extent to which learners’ critical Business skills were nurtured, varied. Thus, a more tailored training on technology integration for business studies teachers is recommended.

Supervisor: Dr N Ndlovu

HLAKO, Mmachuene William Education

THESIS: Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) mathematics teachers` professional noticing of students` productive struggle in calculus tasks

The candidate investigated an innovative pedagogical technique in which the educator hermeneutically observed students’ calculus engagement with little educator direction. Students experienced impasses producing errors and misconceptions for which they were encouraged to resolve on their own. The study demonstrated the technique’s effectiveness in encouraging a deeper understanding of calculus principles and their applications in problem-solving compared to traditional teaching methods. A theory and data based pedagogical framework for teaching advanced calculus was produced.

Supervisor: Professor J Makonye

HLASANE, Mphapho Christian African Literature

THESIS: Kwaitoscapes: Reading the historio-graphic narratives in the visual cultures of black youth

This study traverses the remarkably broad terrain that kwaito music and its visual cultures has scripted over the past few decades. The interdiscursive methods included the making of two essayistic videos alongside site specific screening events that create a unique conversation with the dissertation. The study is empirically and theoretically enriching for both scholars and practitioners interested in South African youth cultures, popular culture, music, visual culture and their discursive and aesthetic interactions with the dynamic archive of indigenous cultures.

Supervisors: Dr K Mkhize and Associate Professor D Andrew

HLOPHE, Nkateko African Languages and Linguistics

THESIS: Invisibility of women’s voices, choices, and opinions in African traditional marriages: a case study of the Swati people in Kanyamazane

This study brings to the fore a plethora of issues that affect young makoti’s in the Swati community. The expectations of the in-law and their prescriptions about what a good makoti should be, puts unnecessary pressure on the young brides. They are faced with the double-edged sword of patriarchy and woman-on-woman oppression. The candidate did justice in unpacking the intricacies of traditional marriages and rituals that go with them and how young brides feel trapped and with limited choices due to the role of the living-dead and how they regulate family dynamics from beyond the graves. The Swati community is under-researched, which makes this thesis a pioneering contribution and a first of it’s kind.

Supervisor: Dr E Zungu

LEMBETHE, Nolwandle Ayanda Philosophy

THESIS: A study of African and Western Epistemic Intuitions and Implications for Decolonisation

Using the method of experimental philosophy as a bedrock for her dissertation, the candidate presents an account of epistemic intuitions, their connection to the decolonisation project, and significance for epistemology and the scientific enterprise, in general. The dissertation provides very useful and meaningful ways of broadening our understanding and use of epistemic intuitions, as well as their importance for decolonisation and Africanisation

Supervisor: Professor E Etieyibo

LOATE, Lesego Lester Geography

THESIS: Water Grabbing?: Water struggles over the Water Regulation of the Water Use

Licenses of Coal Mines in Delmas, South Africa

A case study approach is utilised to examine the role of water regulation in coal mining water struggles in Delmas, South Africa. Water regulatory practices unfairly, unequally and inequitably ordered the water use of coal mines whilst producing pollution and damage of water bodies that undermined the water use of agricultural water users. Contemporary practices of water regulation through allocation, recognition and participation; normalise the potential of future water scarcity key to present-day coal mining water struggles in Delmas, South Africa.

Supervisors: Dr A Wafer and Professor S Mnwana

MAGOGODI, Kgafela Golebane Creative Writing

THESIS: Mogaga: Play, Power and Purgation

The candidate’s PhD in Creative Writing comprises a play script called Chilahaebolae and a thesis that examines the relationship between activist theatre and ritual drama. The play enacts what Magogodi calls mogaga playmaking through poetic incantation, song, dance and spirit embodiment. The accompanying thesis traces the ‘blood line of resistance theatre’ and posits mogaga playmaking as a way to bring together political rebellion and spiritual elevation.

Supervisor: Dr N Maake

MALULEKE, Ntsako Precious Audiology

THESIS: Family-Centred EHDI Services: Caregivers’ experience and evaluation of the process and practices in the South African Context

The study investigated family-centred early hearing detection and intervention services, focusing on the caregivers’ experiences and evaluating the process and practices within the South African context. Her study was completed via publication, of which she produced 2 chapters, 6 peer reviewed accredited articles, with an additional 5 submitted. Through a mixed methods evaluation design, highly commended by her examiners, she established ground-breaking evidence that will lead to Afrocentric EHDI programmes that are contextually relevant and responsive; evidence-based; and are cognizant of child, caregiver, and family needs.

Supervisors: Professor K Khoza-Shangase and Professor A Kanji

MARIE, Zen Fine Art

THESIS: Paradise Fallen Xenoepistemics Stopgap Notes on Site-Specificity

This PhD in creative practice critically explores the concept or practice of site-specificity as a form of institutional critique. Paradise Fallen, an iterative video installation is proposed as a form of site-specificity or relational aesthetics. The research is a mobilisation of paratextuality as it offers an intervention that disavows the moment of exhibition or thesis writing as a finality. Rather, the work asserts these as moments in a continuum. They are sites in a procession of sites.

Supervisor: Associate Professor D Andrew

MATA, Songezo

Interdisciplinary Digital Knowledge Economy Studies

THESIS: Exploring early-stage digital transformation in secondary mathematics education

The thesis problematises technology enablement for secondary mathematics teaching and learning, theorising that current adoption is at an early stage in South Africa. It investigates factors that could shift digital transformation beyond the early stage. Using a social constructivist approach, this qualitative study proposes a holistic Digital Transformation in Secondary Mathematics Education (DTSME) framework that would promote the advanced digital skills of educators; formal digital leadership structures and approaches at district and school level; and applications of learning-centred dynamic software used in a transformational, not in a substitutional manner, to enable effective visualisation of mathematics problems and solutions.

Supervisor: Professor L Abrahams

MATEE, Hopolang Nnete Moipone Psychology

THESIS: The experience of attempting to become a present father: Perspectives of absent Black South African fathers

Using a framework that combines psychoanalytic and social constructionist theory, this thesis makes a novel and important contribution through an in-depth examination of Black South African fathers’ attempts to reconnect with their children, their motivations and the consequences of these attempts. This study reveals valuable insights into the tensions between social, cultural, relational, and gender expectations, and the economic and psychological realities experienced by these fathers, filling a critical gap in the literature on father absence

Supervisor: Professor K Bain

MNYAMANA, Nzukiso Theophillus Education

THESIS: Family- based adverse childhood experiences as a determinant of learner drug abuse in Soweto high schools: implications for early intervention

This PhD thesis examined the effect of family based adverse childhood experiences and drug abuse among learners in township high schools in Soweto, South Africa. Within the mixed methods paradigm, the concurrent triangulation research design was adopted. The sample size comprised 80 learners. The study findings led to the development of structural equation model on psychological, social factors and learner drug abuse. The study proposes a 6-stage intervention model which could assist to address drug abuse among learners in high schools.

Supervisor: Dr P Aloka

MOYO, Beatrice Psychology

THESIS: Black Parents’ and Caregivers’ perceptions and decision-making regarding an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis: Implications for Intervention Pursuits

Through hermeneutic phenomenological discourse, this thesis explored Black parents’ and caregivers’ perceptions of the etiology and nature of ADHD within the South African context. It unpacked parental meaning-making associated with an ADHD diagnosis for their children based on multiple, complex, and interconnected factors. The study also explored influences shaping parental decision-making on ADHD intervention pursuits and preferences, adherence, and non-compliance. The study offers practical recommendations to the healthcare sector, education department, and the relevant governmental policy-making entities

Supervisors: Dr M Hara and Dr M Mathebula

MSANI, Sindisiwe Cynthia

Education

THESIS: Ukusetshenziswa kokuxutshwa kwezilimi kusukwa Esingisini kuyiwa Esizulwini emagunjini okufundela anabafundi abakhuluma izilimi ezehlukene ezikoleni zaKwaZuluNatal, esiyingini ugu

The candidate is the first PhD student to write in isiZulu at WSoE. She explored codeswitching as a teaching strategy where English teachers in deep rural areas teach black learners who speak different languages, including languages from other countries. One of her findings is that teachers in rural areas have not yet accepted the change caused by immigration, they deny multilingualism as they still code-switch from English to isiZulu. Thus, her research is timely and essential for educational strategies in multilingual contexts.

Supervisor: Dr S Ntombela

NGOAKETSI, Mairomola Joseph History

THESIS: Shifts, Changes, and Continuities in Heritage Commemoration and Memorialisation of the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville Massacre: 1960-2010

The study examines shifts and continuities in the ways that the Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960 has been memorialised and commemorated from 1960 to 2010. Using archival materials, oral history interviews, as well as secondary sources and participants observation, the study shows how the Sharpeville shootings have been memorialised and commemorated under different political conditions, the contestations between different political organisations, the distortion of history, the silencing of certain voices and the creation of a grand narrative by the ANC government post-1994.

Supervisor: Professor S Lekgoathi

PHIRI, Million Demography and Population Studies

THESIS: Contraceptive use Transition and Fertility Dynamics and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Zambia

The study examined contraceptive use transition and its effect on fertility dynamics and reproductive health outcomes among women of reproductive age in Zambia during the period 1992-2018. The study established that change in contraceptive use behaviour was a key driver of contraceptive use transition. Furthermore, improvement in the proportion of women attaining secondary education significantly contributed to increasing trend in contraceptive prevalence rate. Contraceptive use transition has had a positive effect on fertility dynamics in Zambia.

Supervisor: Professor C Odimegwu

PREM, Temara Film and Television

THESIS: Self-representations of Cultural Identity in South African Indian Filmmaking, 2004 -2017

The candidate’s research breaks new ground in its multifaceted interrogation of selfrepresentations in South African Indian filmmaking and the frequently under-visible cultural and socio-economic heterogeneity of South African Indians. Offering both contextual and textual analyses of three South African Indian films, the thesis offers an insightful deliberation on the intricate linkages between cinematic self-expressions of cultural identities and the political economy of film, which shape both opportunities and constraints in the ongoing project of cinematic self-representation of South African Indians.

Supervisor: Dr H Ebrahim

RAMODIBE, Refiloe Mmoti Psychology

THESIS: An exploration of Life and Career Narratives of Black Senior Managers: the Storied Habitus of Career Navigation

Based on life story narratives, this research located black senior managers within a temporal frame that knits them to their families of origin, childhoods, communities, sociopolitical and economic histories. Through a studied application of Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, this location illuminated their lives and careers in new ways that are grounded in history and context. The thesis created circuits of meaning-making that connect the seemingly disparate sites of the personal, historical, social, and organisational. The thesis decisively intervenes in organisational studies and equality, diversity, and inclusion theory and practice.

Supervisor: Professor H Canham

SANDNES, Charmaine Henrietta English

THESIS: The role of the fictional biographer in “The Aspern Papers” by Henry James, Summertime by J.M.Coetzee, Absolution by Patrick Flanery, The Biographer’s Tale and Possession by A.S.Byatt

This study focuses on key contributions from English fiction that utilise the biographer and interrogates her role in shaping and shifting our perceptions of the biographical subject. Studying key works by Henry James, AS Byatt, JM Coetzee and Patrick Flanery, it is the fictional iteration of this in fluential literary figure that is of signal interest, especially as it relates to matters of truth as it shapes identity, nationality, gender and storytelling within contemporary fiction.

Supervisor: Dr K Van Wyk

SHAYAMANO, Molly Social Work

THESIS: Social work role and interventions during climate change related disasters in Zimbabwe

This study explored the role and interventions of social work practitioners during climate change-induced disasters in Zimbabwe. The study highlights the gaps in social work training which limit the practitioners’ adequate involvement in addressing climate changerelated disasters and promoting environmental justice. Using the study findings, a training programme that could be implemented to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitude of social workers about disaster-oriented social work practice was developed and can be used as a reference framework in future social work interventions.

Supervisors: Dr K Mashego and Dr N Dube

SODEINDE, Mojisola Education

THESIS: Researching graduate employability and graduate employability skills of nontraditional graduates in Nigeria

The candidate’s thesis, ‘Researching graduate employability and graduate employability skills of non-traditional graduates in Nigeria,’ represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the impact of e-learning on employability in Nigeria. Under the expert guidance of Professor Emmanuel Ojo and co-supervision by Professor Timothy Hutton, this work addresses critical gaps and extends knowledge in the field of employability skills assessment. Her research offers valuable insights for both academia and industry, fostering a deeper understanding of graduate employment dynamics.

Supervisors: Professor E Ojo and Professor T Hutton

SPENGLER-GATHERCOLE, Corey Sarana Political Studies

THESIS: Decriminalising Sex Work: the politics of policy making in South Africa 1994-2019

This theses explored the factors that have impeded the commitment and execution of sex work decriminalisation by the African National Congress (ANC) government in South Africa. Drawing upon the history of SA and its tumultuous past, including feminist theories of sex work, this research contends that sex work in SA cannot be fully understood without considering its historical and socio-economic dimensions.

Supervisor: Dr S Dube

TAPERA, Talent Demography and Population Studies

THESIS: Intersecting Epidemics: the Implications of COVID-19 in the utilisation of HIV treatment services among people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Zimbabwe

The study examined the implications of COVID-19 in the utilisation of HIV treatment services among people living with HIV on ART in Zimbabwe. The study established that COVID-19 restrictions impacted utilization of HIV care and treatment services among people living with HIV. Age, marital status, religion, education, being vaccinated for COVID-19, opportunistic infections, residence, type of health facility, fear of contracting COVID-19, and non-availability of community health services were significantly associated with utilization of one or more HIV services.

Supervisor: Professor C Odimegwu

THOMAS, Naomi Education

THESIS: Investigating how teacher educators create opportunities for preservice teachers to learn biology

This research investigated the nature of learning opportunities crafted by teacher educators within biology teacher education classrooms. Guided by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and the elaboration model, this multiple case study revealed that teacher educators utilised a diverse array of communicative approaches, to facilitate engagement with biology concepts for preservice teachers in large lecture settings. The study’s findings underscore the significance of these varied approaches and discuss their implications for university teachers in fostering meaningful learning experiences.

Supervisors: Professor E Nyamupangedengu and the late Professor A Msimanga

THOMAS-KEREEDITSE, Dumelang Lorato

Translation and Interpreting

THESIS: The effects of embracing multilingualism on the academic performance of learners in primary science education in Botswana

This thesis investigated the effects of embracing multilingualism on Batswana learners’ academic performance in science as a subject at primary level. She found that by employing a cognitive theory of communication in the translation of learning material, bilingual texts have the potential to create a safe translanguaging space in the classroom by activating engagement with science texts for enhanced comprehension and academic performance. Her thesis endorses the ostensive multilingualism pedagogy which supports the use of bilingual texts in education.

Supervisors: Professor J Inggs and Professor C Fotheringham

TIMLIN, Carrie-Leigh English

THESIS: In Search of Utopia: Sylvia Pankhurst, Ethel Mannin, Nancy Cunard, and International Socialist Woman Authors in Interwar Britain

This study centres on the utopian socialism of Sylvia Pankhurst, Ethel Mannin and Nancy Cunard. These author-activists have been largely neglected in scholarship, particularly within the field of modernist studies. Instead of urging their inclusion in the modernist canon, it convincingly argues for expanding the field to include its discontents. Additionally, the thesis recovers the socialist ideas that informed the three authors’ works. An intricate methodology brings together archival research, close reading, critical biography, cultural materialism, and the history of ideas.

Supervisors: Dr C Gordon and Dr S Kostelac

VAN DER MERWE, Denise Education

THESIS: The conceptualization of teacher professional knowledge for enabling digital pedagogical transformation of content using animations for the topic of electromagnetism

This research has established a conceptual framework known as Digital-TSPCK, specifically designed for science teachers creating digital lessons on e-learning platforms. Digital-TSPCK is a specialized form of knowledge that integrates teachers’ pedagogical knowledge for transforming content, digital proficiency, and the management of learners’ cognitive load within multimedia learning environments. The application of Digital-TSPCK in designing digital lessons on the topic of electromagnetism has proven effective, resulting in highquality, digitally transformed content for this topic.

Supervisor: Professor M Mavhunga

WORSTER, Starr Liane English

THESIS: The Heart Experience: a study of Poetry and Piety in Methodist Hymnody in the Eighteenth Century in Britain

The candidate presents a literary-critical examination of hymn-writing and performance during the Methodist revival in Britain, which shaped the intellectual, moral and spiritual culture of large numbers of people from every walk of life. She focuses on Charles Wesley and the Welsh writers William Williams and Ann Griffiths, analysing the relationships between performance, poetic form and the emotional appeal of the hymns. Her examiners commented, “the candidate has convincingly re-considered the landscape of eighteenth-century religious poetry”.

Supervisor: Professor V Houliston

ZIKHALI, Thulisile Migration and Displacement

THESIS: Migration, Motherhood and Subjective Wellbeing: Experiences of transnational mothers in Johannesburg

The thesis explores how migration, motherhood and wellbeing intersect in everyday lives of migrant mothers living in Johannesburg whose children remain in their home countries. Using semi-structured interviews, migrant women shared their experiences as cross-border migrants, their coping strategies and how these shape their sense of motherhood and subjective wellbeing.

Supervisors: Professor J Vearey and Dr R Walker

ZINDOGA, Lilian Education

THESIS: Using mnemonic and sub-lexic reinforcement techniques to enhance reading abilities among grade three learners with dyslexia in primary schools in Mpumalanga: Analysis of age and gender differences

This PhD thesis examined mnemonic and sub-lexical reinforcement techniques in enhancing reading abilities among grade three learners with dyslexia in two public schools in Mpumalanga. Skinner’s reinforcement and information processing theories were adopted. Within a mixed methods paradigm, the sequential triangulation design was utilized. The findings indicated that mnemonic and sub-lexical reinforcement is highly effective, and gender and age are critical. The department of basic education should train teachers on reinforcement strategies to enhance reading abilities of learners with dyslexia.

Supervisor: Dr P Aloka

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEAN: PROFESSOR N CHETTY

BSc Hons (Natal) MS PhD (Urbana-Champaign) MSAIP MASSAf

Doctor of Philosophy

ADELEYE, Oluwafunbi Christianah

Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: The effects of concurrent extreme temperature and water deficit on the phytochemical profile and phytopharmacological activities in Portulacaria afra Jacq

This thesis examines how extreme temperatures and water deficit impact phytochemical accumulation and pharmacological activities in Portulacaria afra. It explores the species’ phytochemical profiles and biological activities using various solvents, revealing diverse responses in different plant parts, including changes in secondary metabolites, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. It is evident that abiotic factors in combination influence the production of secondary metabolites, which could increase the output of phytomedicine and enhance the production of phytochemicals.

Supervisor: Dr I Risenga

AHMED, Mogahid Mamoon Abkar Mathematics

THESIS: The role of invariants in obtaining exact solutions of differential equations

Variational and gauge symmetries have additional applications to the integrability of differential equations. A study of invariance properties and conservation laws were used to `twice’ reduce differential equations to solutions. In some cases, variational and gauge symmetries have additional applications following a known Lagrangian in which case the first integral is obtained by Noether’s theorem. Generally, it is more convenient to adopt the `multiplier’ approach to find the first integrals.

Supervisor: Professor A Kara

BERNERT, Martin

Molecular and Cell Biology

THESIS: Investigating telomere dynamics using standard and AuNP-based assays and developing an LRP-based nanoparticle drug

A telomerase-enzyme activity assay was developed using DNA-modified gold nanoparticles, where telomerase activity is determined by a colour change in the nanoparticle solution. Additionally, a drug delivery system for the therapeutic protein, LRP, was developed using bio-compatible polymer nano-capsules, for treatment of age-related diseases. Therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in mammalian cells where treatment showed elevated telomerase activity and cell viability.

Supervisors: Professor S Weiss and Dr E Van der Merwe

COOK, Robin Michael

Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: The value of large trees and their protection where elephants and trees co-exist

The candidate’s thesis adds to our understanding of how elephant impact, when combined with environmental factors, negatively affects tree survival. Crucially, it focuses on how human stakeholders perceive elephant impact on trees, evaluates the efficacy of tree protection methods, and assesses elephant impact on trees containing white-backed vulture nests.

Supervisors: Professor E Witkowski and Dr M Henley

DALZIEL, Alexandra-Belle Mendes

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Moving towards landscape initiatives: an Analysis of environmental frameworks, protected areas, and community perspectives in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

This research delves into the potential of emerging landscape-centric conservation approaches in South Africa, particularly in the Vhembe District, Limpopo. The study presents a thorough literature and environmental legislation review, maps the region’s sites of ecological significance, and reveals community perceptions. The findings reveal significant shortcomings and highlight potential opportunities in conservation corridors and ecological networks. The study underscores the importance of supportive legislation and prioritising community engagement.

Supervisor: Associate Professor M Evans

DUMISA, Senamile Siyaya Geosciences

THESIS: Constraints on the genesis of orbicular granites and sulphide mineralisation in the Koperberg Suite, South Africa and the Diana’s Pool area, Zimbabwe

This research tackles the enduring problem in petrology: comprehending the formation of orbicular granitoids, found as distinct rocks or enriched zones within plutons. Despite a generally accepted magmatic origin, the specific conditions for orbicular formation remain unclear. The study, utilising petrographic and in-situ geochemical methods, examines Southern African examples to address this geological problem.

Supervisors: Professor G Bybee and Professor P Nex

GADU, Siyaxola Ernest

Geograph, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Shooting at a moving target the complexity of evaluating and monitoring the adaptive capacity to climate change of local government institutions in South Africa: a study of the Eastern Cape province

This study explored the complexities of evaluating the adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change of selected local municipalities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. The candidate argued that to develop comprehensive responses to climate change, local government institutions should themselves be adapted to climate change.

Supervisor: Professor MD Simatele

GATSI, Nyepudzai Charsline Physics

THESIS: Optimisation of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanomaterials for gas sensing applications

This study involved synthesis of Ga2O3 nanostructures by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and their optimisation for gas sensing application. Optimisation of sensor performance was through optimisation of crystal structure, morphology, and surface modification of the Ga2O3 nanostructures. Ga2O3 nanostructures presented capabilities for the precise, real-time, and economical detection of carbon monoxide, isopropanol, and ethylene gases, which could be beneficial for monitoring indoor air quality and fruit production/storage processes.

Supervisors: Professor OM Ntwaeaborwa, Associate Professor R Erasmus, Professor N Moloto and Professor G Mhlongo

GWAXA, Bongumusa Mathematics

THESIS: A symmetry perspective of third-order polynomial evolution equations

This study considered the Fujimoto-Watanabe equations - highly nonlinear third-order and fifth-order equations. Symmetry transformations of a one-dimensional system of optimal subalgebras, in combination with power series were applied to solve for exact solutions of the models. In addition, conservation laws were determined.

Supervisor: Associate Professor S Jamal

HASSAN, Buhari Arin

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Assessing livelihood vulnerability and adaptation to climate variability and change among farming households in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria

This study explores climate change adaptation strategies by smallholder subsistence farmers in Nigeria with data collected from farmers and other key stakeholders, using questionnaires, interviews, ethnographic observations and analysed statistically. Results show that household vulnerability is linked to low levels of financial, social, and physical assets. Farmers use many on-farm and off-farm adaptation strategies to enhance crop yield and diversify household income. However, farmers’ adaptive capacity is limited by social vulnerabilities, lack of training and institutional support, and poor community infrastructure.

Supervisor: Professor J Knight

ITZKIN, Adela

Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: An essential variable approach for integrated social-ecological systems monitoring to determine sustainability in a South African catchment

The research in South Africa’s Tsitsa River Catchment integrates systems thinking and participatory methods to develop an essential variable approach for monitoring socialecological systems. Through transdisciplinary collaboration, it identifies essential socialecological system variables for sustainable landscape management. The study’s findings highlight the importance of integrated monitoring and offer valuable insights for adaptive management, with broad applicability to diverse contexts.

Supervisors: Professor M Scholes, Dr J Clifford-Holmes and Dr K Coetzer

JAMES, Lucien Nicolas

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Perspectives on the role of stakeholder engagement and participation in river basin management in South Africa: a study of the Hennops River

This study investigated the role of communities and stakeholder engagement in River Basin Management in South Africa taking the Hennops River as a case study. It was particularly interested in developing a community and stakeholder mobilisation framework for engaged natural resource management of river basins.

Supervisor: Professor MD Simatele

JEJE, Olamide Adetomi

Molecular and Cell Biology

THESIS: Elucidating the structure-function relationships of Enterococcus faecium NicotinateNucleotide Adenylyltransferase through X-Ray crystallography, computational modelling and binding studies

The threats of drug-resistant pathogens justify the need to develop novel and effective antibacterial agents. In this study, nicotinate nucleotide adenylyltransferase from Enterococcus faecium was explored, particularly for its potential to disrupt the survival mechanisms of the bacteria. The enzyme was characterised, its 3D structure determined, and potential inhibitors identified using in silico and empirical approaches, offering insights for drug discovery efforts.

Supervisors: Associate Professor I Achilonu and Dr R Pandian

JOGEE, Bibi Ayesha Geosciences

THESIS: Trans-crustal and temporal perspectives of Palaeoproterozoic porphyry copper deposit formation (Haib deposit, Namibia)

The Haib copper deposit is a unique, Palaeoproterozoic porphyry copper deposit associated with mafic cumulates - the Kokerboom Intrusion. Various petrological and geochemical analyses particularly novel copper and iron isotope indicate that the Haib deposit represents the deeper parts of the porphyry copper system - a crucial finding for Cu exploration worldwide.

Supervisors: Professor G Bybee and Professor L Robb

KHANYILE, Samkelisiwe Ntandoyenkosi

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: A GIS framework for the integrated conceptualisation, analysis and visualisation of Gauteng’s complex historic and contemporary post-mining urban landscape

The research proposes a framework for integrating post-mining and urban landscape characteristics in Gauteng, South Africa, using assemblage theory, spatial and non-spatial data, MCDA and GIS. Findings reveal differences in landscapes, characterisation and spatial footprint based on literature and local expert input, challenging their separation. It recommends ongoing research into contextual landscape representation, emphasising community input and automated alignment with development plans.

Supervisors: Associate Professor A Esterhuysen, Dr C Kelso and Dr L Naidoo

KHUMALO, Thuthukile Charmane Physics

THESIS: Transfer reactions to populate the pygmy dipole resonance in 96Mo

The study examined the collective nature of the pygmy dipole resonance in 96Mo. An experiment was carried out at INFN-LNS, Italy using single-neutron transfer reactions on 95,97Mo with the MAGNEX spectrometer. Analysis of the data and QPM calculations showed strong single-particle excitations within the PDR energy range. However, limitations due to the odd-even nature of the target nuclei hindered a complete exploration of the single-particle wavefunction. This work assesses nuclear structure models and reaction theories, testing their predictability. Additionally, it is the first investigation to probe the excitation energy spectrum above 2.3 MeV in 96Mo through single-neutron transfer.

Supervisors: Dr L Pellegri and Dr M Wiedeking

KOSTAULI, Mzwabantu Richard Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Co-management implementation in protected areas: a study of the Silaka Nature Reserve Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

This study examined the sustainability outcomes of the land restitution programme embarked on post 1994 aimed at promoting community empowerment and the comanagement of natural resources. Of interest to the study, was understanding the nature of community engagement in decision making in the allocation of land resources. The findings of the study suggests that, while the land restitution programme was well conceptualised, its implementation has been marred by institutional weaknesses and high levels of corruption which have combined to disenfranchise vulnerable groups of people and poor households.

Supervisors: Professor MD Simatele and Dr T Mokotjomela

LESOTHO, Ntlama Francis Chemistry

THESIS: Design and synthesis of chronic wound healing collagen peptide mimics

The study involved the design, synthesis, and biological assessment of integrin-binding collagen type I peptide mimics intended for chronic wound healing. The peptides comprising of lipophilic moieties, growth factors and collagen-inducing tripeptides demonstrated an ability to induce migration of cells resulting in accelerated wound healing in mice.

Supervisor: Dr M Makatini

LEVIN, Jonathan Chaim

Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: Tracing multiple aquatic ecosystem stressors across a land-use intensification gradient: a multi-tooled environmental forensic approach

This research developed a novel forensic toolbox to disentangle pollution effects of different land users in South Africa’s rivers. The ecohydrological study involved spatio-temporal and statistical analyses of water quality parameters, dissolved and sediment-bound trace metals, as well as sulfur stable isotopes in organic samples. The toolbox enables catchment managers to pinpoint pollution sources in complex multi-user river catchments.

Supervisors: Associate Professor D Woodford and Professor C Curtis

MABUZA, Precious Gugulethu Babalwa Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: Understanding disturbance, vegetation density, seed banks and pollination for the conservation of Protea curvata

The candidate found that fire and hail affect survival fitness in Protea curvata, a serpentine endemic from Barberton. Bird pollination is effective, but seed banks are short-lived and dense surrounding woody vegetation reduces seed germination and seedling recruitment. These insights will guide the conservation of this rare and attractive tree.

Supervisor: Professor K Balkwill

MADUNA, Nombuso Gladys Geosciences

THESIS: 3D seismic constraints on the strato-structural evolution of the deep-water Orange Basin, South Africa

The analysis of high-resolution 3D reflection seismic data from the deep-water Orange Basin offshore western South Africa reveals valuable insights into the basin’s tectonic setting, depositional environment, and hydrocarbon potential. Key discoveries include a gravitational collapse system in the Late Cretaceous, natural gas and fluid escape features, an Oligocene slope-perpendicular canyon, Miocene slope-parallel channels, and seafloor mass flow features.

Supervisors: Dr Z Jinnah and Professor M Manzi

MAKGABUTLANE, Boitumelo Chemistry

THESIS: Development of eco-friendly building bricks derived from carbon nanotubereinforced coal ash and low-density polyethylene waste materials

The study focused on the innovative beneficiation of coal ash and plastic waste for the development of eco-friendly bricks. Carbon nanotubes were used as a reinforcement filler and imparted their superior properties such as high mechanical strength and thermal stability and ensured the bricks met the required standards. Finally, cost-effective bricks with reduced carbon footprint and resource conservation were produced.

Supervisors: Dr M Maubane-Nkadimeng and Professor N Coville

MAPHAKELA, Lesiba Joseph Mathematics

THESIS: Chromatic polynomials and certain classes of graphs

This study explores the chromatic polynomials of graphs. Starting with its cycle form, introducing formulas, algorithms for computations and examining the coefficients. Thereafter, chromatic polynomials of joins of graphs are studied in detail and the theory applied to chromatic equivalence and uniqueness of bivertex join of trees and cycles.

Supervisor: Professor E Mphako-Banda

MARAIS, Chantel Mathematics

THESIS: An essay on branching time logics: a comprehensive investigation into axiomatisations and decidability of the logics of different branching time structures

This study investigates the Priorian temporal logics of a range of classes of tree structures, including trees with branches isomorphic to the natural numbers, integers and rational numbers with their natural strict and non-strict orders. It establishes finite, sound and complete axiomatisations for the logics of these classes. It proves the algorithmic decidability of the majority of these logics.

Supervisors: Professor W Conradie and Professor V Goranko

MASHALE, Kedibone Nicholine Chemistry

THESIS: Quantitative analysis of gold in low-grade tailings from different matrices, coupled with a study into the associated uncertainties

The thesis covers the development and optimisation of methods for gold quantification in mine tailings together with the evaluation of the measurement uncertainty. The methods were: fire assay by gravimetry, acid digestion and wet chlorination with instrumental analysis. In this thesis, the gold from low-grade tailings was quantified successfully, with fire assay by gravimetry offering the least measurement uncertainties.

Supervisors: Professor L Chimuka and Dr J Tshilongo

MASHATOLA, Lebohang Happy

Molecular and Cell Biology

THESIS: A phenotype prediction framework for classifying colorectal cancer patients’ response to FOLFOX treatment: an integrated approach

The thesis proposes an integrated approach to predicting FOLFOX response in- CRC patients. Contributions include the utilisation of topological overlapping measures to enhance the identification of topological features. Furthermore, using bimodalities in deep learning offers transformative insights for phenotype prediction in cancer gene expression data.

Supervisor: Professor M Kaur

MASINA, Sikhumbuzo Mfanawemphi Chemistry

THESIS: Fast oxide ion conductors for solid oxide fuel cells: average and local structureproperty correlations in solid solutions of Bi2O3

The thesis has employed advanced methods of structural analysis such as pair distribution function, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and symmetry mode analysis to correlate structure and the physical property conductivity in solid electrolytes of Bi2O3. This work has resulted in a publication and numerous presentations in international and local conferences.

Supervisors: Professor D Billing and Associate Professor C Billing

MLALAZI, Nkanyiso

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Compost-assisted phytoremediation of gold mine tailings and tailings footprint areas using Chrysopogon zizanioides L Roberts enhanced with Moringa leaf extract biostimulant in the Witwatersrand, South Africa. a multidisciplinary approach

The study investigated the potential of Chrysopogon Zizanioides (vetiver grass) enhanced with Moringa leaf extract biostimulant for mine-tailing remediation using phytoremediation as an innovative technology. The findings suggest that in addition to the uptake of heavy metals from contaminated soils, Vetiver is highly tolerant to harsh climatic and substrate conditions and has a high carbon sequestration and bio-energy production potential.

Supervisors: Professor MD Simatele and Professor L Chimuka

MODUPE, Abiodun Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

THESIS: Regularised deep neural network for post-authorship attribution

The candidate developed a deep neural network model for post-authorship attribution, enabling forensic investigators to visualize author writing styles.

Supervisors: Professor T Celik and Professor V Marivate

MOL, Michael Molecular and Cell Biology

THESIS: Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius and the water-gas shift reaction: Investigating the influences of gas composition and H2-uptake hydrogenases

Influences of industrial syngas-mimetic feedstocks, oxygen perturbations and the activity of H2-uptake hydrogenases on the activity of the Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius water-gas shift reaction catalysed hydrogen gas production was evaluated. Subsequently, a pan-genomic and comparative-genomic analysis of the genera Parageobacillus and Saccharococcus was conducted to elucidate their distinct biotechnological potential.

Supervisor: Associate Professor P De Maayer

MORRISSEY, Peter

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Reassessing the stratigraphy and formation of the basal deposits at Klasies River Main Site with a multiscale and multiproxy approach

This geoarchaeological study of the basal deposits at Klasies River Main site utilised macroscopic field observations and an integrated microcontextual approach. The thesis provides greater insight into the depositional and diagenetic context of highly significant archaeological assemblages and human fossils and highlights the importance of anthropogenic site formation processes. A clearer understanding of the potential and limitations of the stratigraphic evidence has been developed, allowing the clarification of temporal relationships between some finds in different areas of the complex.

Supervisors: Professor S Wurz and Dr S Mentzer

MTINTSILANA, Onesimo Physics

THESIS: Search for new resonances in the four-lepton channel and implementation of the LED Integrator panel for the Prometeo system in the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter

This thesis explores new physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It searches for heavy resonances decaying to four leptons, constraining theories like the Randall-Sundrum model. It also investigates the possibility of dark matter production through heavy boson decays. Finally, it highlights advancements made to the ATLAS detector in preparation for the High-Luminosity LHC era.

Supervisors: Professor B Mellado and Dr M Kumar

MUDAU, Naledzani

Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Mapping and assessment of informal settlements using object-based image analysis, a case study of Mamelodi, Tshwane, South Africa

This thesis investigated informal settlement dynamics and spatial characteristics to generate an understanding of housing informality and environmental conditions for designing innovative sustainable solutions. The analysis used very high spatial resolution data and Unmanned Vehicle image products. The study generated new methodologies to detect informal settlements and assess their surface ecological surface and their location characteristics. Backyard shacks were detected by using UV and assessed their spatial properties against free-standing shacks and formal settlements.

Supervisor: Professor P Mhangara

MUTSHAFA, Ndamulelo Geosciences

THESIS: Utilising legacy seismics and non-seismic geophysical methods for deep mineral targeting and near-surface characterisation: implications for mine development planning

The thesis demonstrates the significance of reprocessing legacy reflection seismic data with advanced algorithms in enhancing gold exploration and mine development, particularly in hard-rock settings within the Witwatersrand Basin. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role of integrating seismic and non-seismic geophysical datasets for identifying nearsurface geological structures like boulders, fractures, and water seepage in mine workings on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex.

Supervisors: Professor M Manzi and Dr M Westgate

NGQINAYO, Ntombizanele Chemistry

THESIS: The design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship of Antitubercular Lassomycin Derivatives

The study involved the design and synthesis of lassomycin peptide derivatives targeting the caseinolytic protease found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The derivatives were successfully modified to withstand enzyme degradation and conjugated to lipophilic molecules and nanoparticles to improve drug delivery. The designed synthetic route yielded the desired active threaded `lasso’ conformation.

Supervisor: Dr M Makatini

NKALA, Gugulethu Charmaine Chemistry

THESIS: Structural characterisation of bimetal-phosphate based solid-state electrolytes: a PXRD, PDF and XAS study

This study has highlighted the importance of applying multiscale structural characterisation techniques such as PXRD, PDF and XAS in revealing information from the average, local and electronic structures that govern structure-property relationships, and influence material design for applications in Energy Materials.

Supervisors: Professor D Billing, Associate Professor C Billing and Dr R Forbes

OKORO, Franklin Chimaobi Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Social vulnerability in the adaptation of rural communities to climate change in Imo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the social vulnerability in rural communities in Imo State, Nigeria, and how households use their social capital and networks to adapt to climate change. Data was collected using household questionnaires, stakeholder interviews and focus groups. Results show that social vulnerability is a function of different societal and structural factors. Climate adaptation strategies and social resilience were enhanced through support from family members, neighbours and social groups.

Supervisor: Professor J Knight

OLATOYAN, Jerry Oluwatobi Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: Palynological insights into an 11,700-year sequence of vegetation change in Mashishing, Mpumalanga, Northeastern South Africa

Distinguishing between human-induced and climate influences on vegetation change is challenging. By analysing pollen, phytoliths and charred particles, subtle patterns of anthropogenic activities and Holocene climatic fluctuations were uncovered. These studies significantly enriched the understanding of how climate and/or human activities have impacted the vegetation landscapes over time.

Supervisors: Professor M Schoeman and Dr C Sievers

OOSTHUIZEN, Tasha Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: Effects and consequences of natural and artificial light at night on small mammals in peri-urban Johannesburg, South Africa

The candidate’s PhD considered the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on southern African small mammals, focusing on community composition, species abundance, locomotor activity, and foraging behaviour. Her findings highlight the varying effects of ALAN based on species’ temporal niches, revealing significant implications for biodiversity conservation amidst increasing urbanisation.

Supervisor: Professor N Pillay

PEEGA, Tebogo Chemistry

THESIS: Synthesis, characterisation and investigation of the mode of action in the anticancer activity of novel platinum complexes

This research addressed the global health challenge posed by cancer and the limitations of current platinum-based drugs. Alternative platinum(II) complexes bearing diimine and acylthiourea ligands were synthesised and characterised. These complexes showed higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin against colorectal and lung cancer cell lines. They induced intrinsic apoptosis via oxidative stress and DNA damage, highlighting their potential as promising cancer therapeutics.

Supervisors: Dr I Kotze and Dr L Harmse

PERUMAL, Cardon Maria

Molecular and Cell Biology

THESIS: Investigating FOXP2 dynamics, stability, and DNA-binding capabilities

This PhD study provides crucial insights into the structural and functional intricacies of the FOXP2 transcription factor, specifically its forkhead domain and leucine zipper domain. It elucidates the cooperative interplay of these domains in DNA-binding, revealing novel mechanisms of protein folding and emphasising the essential role of the leucine zipper domain on protein stability. This work greatly advances our understanding of FOXP2’s structure and paves the way for future investigations in the field.

Supervisor: Dr S Fanucchi

PRATT, Lawrence Computer Science

THESIS: Solar cell defect detection: deep learning models for defect detection in electroluminescence images of solar PV modules

This thesis introduces multi-class solar cell defect detection (SCDD) in electroluminescence (EL) images of PV modules using semantic segmentation. The unique contributions from this work include two benchmark datasets for multi-class semantic segmentation in EL images of solar PV cells and published articles that document experimental results from various deep-learning models based on fully-supervised, semi-supervised, and self-supervised architectures.

Supervisor: Associate Professor R Klein

RAPETSOA, Moyagabo Kenneth Geosciences

THESIS: Innovative surface, tunnel, and in-pit geophysical methods for mineral exploration and mine planning: case studies from the Bushveld Complex mines, South Africa

The thesis focuses on integrating numerical modelling, physical property analyses, and geophysical methods (magnetics, electrical resistivity, ground penetrating radar and seismics) for mineral exploration in unconventional environments.

Supervisors: Professor M Manzi and Dr M Westgate

SEBELE, Temperance Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: From coal to renewable energy: perspectives on South Africa’s energy transition for a sustainable future

This study was interested in investigating optimal approaches for South Africa’s transition from a coal-dependent economy to one driven by renewable energies. It identified contemporary vertical and horizontal systems and processes which can spearhead the Just Transition of the country’s economy based on principles of sound socio-ecological and environmental sustainability.

Supervisor: Professor MD Simatele

SIBIYA, Nomfundo Patricia Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: The role of climate change governance in community adaptation in KwazuluNatal: a study of Umkhanyakude District Municipality

The study investigated the nature of how the climate change adaptation landscape in South Africa is formulated and mostly from an angle of understanding the role of government in influencing the propagation of a more engaged and transformative agenda. Of particular interest was to understand; `whose voices are locked in or out’ in climate change discussions, decision making processes and policy formulation.

Supervisor: Professor MD Simatele

SIHOYIYA, Mpofana Geosciences

THESIS: Cost-effective and novel seismic methods for mineral and coal exploration: examples from Witwatersrand goldfields and Bushveld Complex

The thesis demonstrates the effectiveness of cost-effective and novel reflection seismic acquisition and processing techniques for mineral and coal exploration in hardrock environment. It focuses on in-mine seismic exploration techniques, iterative static corrections, and comparing Kirchhoff-based migration techniques (e.g., PreStack time and depth migration as well as Fresnel volume and coherency migration) for complex structural imaging.

Supervisors: Professor M Manzi and Dr M Westgate

TAFT, Jody Mathew

Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

THESIS: Uncovering genetic changes underlying adaptation in southern African dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion)

This thesis provides insights into the genetic basis of adaptation in southern African dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion) using high-quality genome assemblies. It highlights the role of expanded gene families in adaptative phenotypes and explores evidence of rapid adaptation, particularly in response to urbanisation. The study identifies potential candidate loci as well as summarises the genetic pathways underlying adaptive traits.

Supervisors: Professor G Alexander and Professor K Tolley

VALLI

, Akeel

Molecular and Cell Biology

THESIS: Computational modelling approaches to validate the druggability of the 26- and 28-kDa Schistosoma glutathione transferase enzymes using bromosulfophthalein as a benchmark ligand

This study document a combined computational chemistry and molecular modelling approach to develop, deploy and evaluate pharmacophore models of the 26- and 28kDa Schistosoma. spp. glutathione transferase enzymes, which have been established as prominent drug targets in the treatment of human schistosomiasis.

Supervisor: Associate Professor I Achilonu

VAN DER MERWE, Renier Hendrik Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies

THESIS: The nineteenth century Matabele settlements on the South African Highveld

In this thesis, historical texts were used to predict the location of nineteenth century Matabele settlement between Zeerust and Mellvale in the North West Province. A subsequent survey of satellite imagery identified 667 potential sites for future ground exploration. This innovative combination of predictive modelling with the use of remote-sensing techniques will improve our understanding of Matabele history in this part of South Africa.

Supervisor: Professor K Sadr

Chancellor

OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

DR NJ DLAMINI MBChB (Natal) DOH (Free State) MBA (Witwatersrand) DBL (Unisa)

PGCE (Witwatersrand) IEC (Stanford-USA)

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

PROFESSOR Z VILAKAZI BSc (Manchester) MSc PhD (Witwatersrand) FRS, FAAS, MASSAf

Chairman of Council

MR I SHONGWE BA (Wesleyan) MPhil (Oxford)

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

PROFESSOR R OSMAN BA (Witwatersrand) HDipEd BEd (Unisa) MEd PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)

PROFESSOR L MORRIS BSc (Hons) (Witwatersrand) DPhil (Oxford) FRSSA FAAS MASSAf

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Systems and Operations)

PROFESSOR IR JANDRELL BSc (Eng) GDE PhD (Witwatersrand) IntPE(SA) PrEng FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People Development and Culture)

PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych Hons MPsych (Western Cape)

DLitt et Phil (Unisa), MASSAf

Registrar

MS CG CROSLEY BA HDipEd (Witwatersrand) BEd Hons (Unisa) MEd (Witwatersrand)

Chief Financial Officer

MS MM MANYAMA CA (SA) BCom (Cape Town) BCompt Hons (Unisa) BCom Hons (Pretoria) MBA (GIBS)

Dean of Student Affairs

MR JAP SEPTEMBER BA MPhil (Cape Town)

DEANS OF THE FACULTIES

Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management

PROFESSOR J COHEN BCom Hons PhD (Witwatersrand)

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

PROFESSOR T MAJOZI BScEng MScEng (Natal) PhD (UMIST) CEng PrEng FIChemE FAAS MASSAf FWISA FSAAE

Faculty of Health Sciences

PROFESSOR SA MADHI MBBCh MMed PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf, FCPaeds(SA)

Faculty of Humanities

PROFESSOR M MUSEMWA BA Hons (Zimbabwe) MA (Cape Town) PhD (Minnesota, USA) MASSAf

Faculty of Science

PROFESSOR N CHETTY BSc Hons (Natal) MS PhD (U. Illinois Urbana-Champaign) MASSAf, MSAIP

President of Convocation

Ms Kgomotso Mufamadi BA LLB LLM (Witwatersrand)

IHELE THE PROCESSION

IHELE

Words and music by S.B.P. Mnomiya

Anhom

Falalala

Obani labo?

Baphi Ahhom?

Ngibona beza

Beyikazela

Bathwel ‘ongiyane

Bavela kuphi na?

Obani labo?

Ongqondongqondo

Osibakhulu

Yibo labo hhom!

Yini na leyo?

Ihele

Ihele lezingwazi zakithi

Ahhom udwendwe

Ahhom

Udwendwe lwezingqwele zakithi

Nant’ ihele

Longqondongqondo

Nant’ ihele

Losibakhulu

Udwendwe

Udwendwe Iwezingqwele zakithi

THE PROCESSION

Who are those?

Which, Falalala?

I see them coming

Walking with swinging garments

They are wearing head rings

Where do they come from?

Who are those?

They are people with knowledge

They are people in authority

These are the ones

What is that?

It is a procession

A procession of our heroes

It is a procession

A procession of our champions

Here is a procession

Of people of knowledge

Here is a procession

Of people of knowledge

A procession

A procession of our heroes

Ihele is known as the ‘Black’ Gaudeamus Igitur. In song, the writer, Mnomiya uses very poetic language to describe a graduation ceremony. The soloist sings of the ‘strange’ procession of people in long robes and head gear. The choir responds by saying that these people are academics who read profound books of knowledge.

Mnomiya goes on to say that the graduates are an inspiration to all of us, and we will also graduate like them one day. The song goes on to wish the graduates well and it ends with a resounding “Halala” (well done!).

Gaudeamus igitur

Juvenes dum sumus

GAUDEAMUS

Post jucundum juventutem

Post molestam senectutem

Nos habebit humus.

Ubi sunt qui ante nos

In mundo fuere?

Vadite ad superos

Transite in inferos

Hos si vis videre.

Vita nostra brevis est Brevi finietur.

Venit mors velociter

Rapit nos atrociter

Nemini parcetur.

Vivat academia

Vivant professores

Vivat membrum quodlibet

Vivat membra quaelibet

Semper sint in flore.

Vivant omnes virgines

Faciles, formosae.

Vivant et mulieres

Tenerae amabiles

Bonae laboriosae.

Vivant et republica et qui illam regit.

Vivat nostra civitas, Maecenatum caritas

Quae nos hic protegit.

Pereat tristitia,

Pereant osores.

Pereat diabolus, Quivis antiburschius

Atque irrisores.

Let us rejoice therefore

While we are young.

After a pleasant youth

After a troublesome old age

The earth will have us.

Where are they

Who were in the world before us?

You may cross over to heaven

You may go to hell If you wish to see them.

Our life is brief

It will be finished shortly.

Death comes quickly Atrociously, it snatches us away. No one is spared.

Long live the academy!

Long live the teachers!

Long live each male student!

Long live each female student!

May they always flourish!

Long live all maidens

Easy and beautiful!

Long live mature women also,

Tender and loveable

And full of good labor.

Long live the State

And the One who rules it!

Long live our City

And the charity of benefactors

Which protects us here!

Let sadness perish!

Let haters perish!

Let the devil perish!

Let whoever is against our school Who laughs at it, perish!

ACADEMIC DRESS

The academic dress of this University is patterned on that of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with modifications based on the model of the University of London and certain individual features, particularly in the costumes of office bearers and the hoods of degreesof bachelor and master.

Dress for Office Bearers

• The Chancellor wears a scarlet silk gown with a broad facing of black velvet down each side, embroidered in gold and a black velvet cap with gold cord and tassels.

• The Vice-Chancellor and Principal wears a blue silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk down each side, embroidered in blue, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.

• The Chairman of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of red velvet down each side and around the neck, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.

• The academic dress of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and the Executive Directors is the same as that of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, except that the colour of the facing and sleeves of the gown and of the cord and tassels of the cap is silver-grey.

• The gown of the President of Convocation is of blue silk, with a broad facing of gold silk down each side, the sleeves being lined with white silk. The cap is the same as that of the Chancellor, but with a blue cord and tassels.

• The Registrar wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of blue silk down each side, bordered with gold braid. The cap is the same as that of the President of Convocation.

• A member of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk. The cap is the same as that of the Chancellor.

• The gown of the President of the Students’ Representative Council is black with a broad facing of blue satin.

Graduands’ Gowns

• The gowns for all degrees of bachelor and master of the University are black, of the same pattern as the gown for a Master of Arts at the University of Oxford.

• The gown for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is scarlet, after the University of London pattern.

• The gown for a senior doctorate is the same as that for the PhD, but with a gold satin facing on each side of the gown and with the sleeve button and cord in gold.

The Academic Hood

The academic hood is the principal feature of the costume for holders of our degrees of bachelor and master. The hood for the PhD is standard, regardless of the Faculty in which the degree was obtained. It is scarlet silk, lined with white silk.

Degree Colours

The hoods reflect the colour or colours of a particular degree or associated degrees.

THE UNIVERSITY MACE

Maces were originally weapons of defence, designed to break through armour. In medieval times, bishops carried a mace instead of a sword into battle to enable them to defend themselves in accordance with the canonical rule that forbade a priest to shed blood. In time, the mace has come to be regarded as a symbol of delegated authority vested in a person or an institution. At this University, it is a symbol of the authority vested in the Chancellor and a reminder of the mandate given by the legislature of this country to the University to grant degrees.

The University mace is the work of the Edinburgh designer, silversmith and engraver, William Kirk, who designed and made the mace of the University of Stirling and of other institutions. It is silver-and gold-plated, is 1070 millimetres long and 180 millimetres broad and weighs seven kilograms. The heraldic devices used in the decoration reflect the character of this University as an institution of learning, set in a mining centre within the Republic of South Africa.

The head of the mace with its spreading vertical blades is symbolic of the horns of a springbok. The central vertical spike is representative of a rock drill on the mine, and the amber stone set in the head is intended as a tribute to a past Chancellor through its association with his name, Bernstein, which in German means amber stone. The heavy quality of the head is consistent with the traditional concept of the mace as a weapon of defence. The collar repeats the shape of the head. It consists of eight cogs which symbolise the cog-wheel in the University coat of arms and represents mining and industry. The shaft is octagonal and divided into three sections. The coat of arms of the University is placed on the shaft under the collar. Below this the words Universitas Witwatersrandensis Johannesburgi: are inscribed, followed by the date in Roman numerals – MCMLXXVI (1977) – which signifies the year of the dedication of the mace.

The mace is a symbolic portrayal of this University, this city, the Witwatersrand and the Republic of South Africa. It is a constant reminder to members of Council and Senate to uphold at all times the rights, powers and privileges of the University and its governing bodies.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika

Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela

Thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa, South Afrika — South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom In South Africa our land.

The Wits Choir has been under the direction of conductor and trainer, Dalene Hoogenhout, since 1995. Their repertoire is colourful and vibrant. They perform regularly at graduations and important ceremonies. The Wits Choir has toured internationally as well as playing host to other choirs here. They are also active in the community, undertaking choral outreach programmes.

The Wits Choir