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Now showing 1 - 5 of 13

Recent Submissions

Building the foundation for efficient monitoring of mesophotic fishes to support management of the uThukela Banks marine protected area
(Rhodes University, 2026-03-27) Dube, Thembelihle; Bernard, Anthony (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0482-6283); De Vos, Lauren (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5369-5481); Lombard, Amanda Talita (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4323-1170)
Long-term monitoring (LTM) is essential to assess the ecological benefits of marine protected areas (MPAs), and baseline data are required as a foundation of an effective monitoring programme. However, to be successful, LTM programmes must be feasible, in terms of costs and resources, and rigorous, to ensure statistical trends are detectable. The uThukela Banks MPA is a relatively new (established in 2019) large conservation area on the North-East coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. uThukela Banks MPA protects important demersal fisheries species found on mesophotic reef systems in the mid- and outer-continental shelf (30-150 m depth). Mesophotic reefs are particularly important for larger sexually mature fish that undertake ontogenetic habitat shifts from shallow nursery grounds. Few studies, especially in the context of South Africa, have investigated fish population and community structure on mesophotic reefs or on method optimization for LTM of mesophotic reef ecosystems. As such, this study aimed to provide a description of the fish communities and propose a feasible and robust LTM programme for the mesophotic reef fishes in the uThukela Banks MPA. To do this, 11 mesophotic reefs were mapped with multi-beam echo-sounder and fish were surveyed with baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) following a stratified random sampling approach, informed by the reef maps. Fish assemblage structure on the mesophotic reefs was significantly influenced by depth, benthic habitat type and habitat complexity. Reef habitats hosted higher species richness and abundance than adjacent sand habitats. Slinger Chrysoblephus puniceus abundance was greatest on moderate-depth reefs with higher structural complexity. Multivariate analyses identified distinct fish assemblages among the management zones, with restricted and controlled-pelagic zones supporting different assemblages than adjacent fished sites. However, this was driven by habitat and depth gradients rather than management measures. Species accumulation curves, power analysis and cost-benefit analysis were used to identify the sampling parameters for a feasible and robust LTM programme. Species accumulation curves had very high variability with between 8 and 38 samples required to detect 90 % of the observed fish species. The power analysis showed that 36 samples per location are required to detect a 10 % annual increase in slinger abundance over five years. Sample size requirements to detect the same changes in the abundance of all fish, biomass of all fish and abundance of species caught by commercial fisheries (sexually mature fisheries targets) was 16, 28, and 32, respectively. The results from the cost-benefit analysis showed that the costs for collecting stereo-BRUVs data per reef was R42 450 including boat fuel, bait, consumables, skipper, accommodation etc. The cost per stereo-BRUVs sample was R1 180.56 and the cost of surveying one mesophotic reef in each of the four zones of the uThukela Banks MPA and an adjacent fished reef site would be R212 500. A cost of R467 500 was estimated to survey the 11 reef systems originally included in this study. These results highlighted the importance of cost-considerations in an LTM programme. The priorities of a LTM programme must be refined and predetermined, because financial constraints tend to restrict the scope of monitoring. The study’s outcome is an optimally designed LTM that can be used by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (the management authority for the uThukela Banks MPA). These comprehensive baseline data and their inclusion into a monitoring framework will help them to monitor changes in fish assemblages in the study area. The study also serves as a template that can be used to inform mesophotic fish population monitoring throughout the KwaZulu-Natal MPA network.
Expanding the leadership of learning support teachers in resource schools
(Rhodes University, 2025-10-10) Steenkamp, Sanet Lentrud (https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1016-1696); Grant, C (Carolyn) (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4188-7408)
Embargo applied. Embargo period to expire in October of 2027.
Genetic assessment and performance evaluation of Lixus carinerostris Boheman (Curculionidae)
(Rhodes University, 2026-03-27) Mukhawana, Jackey; Paterson, Iain D (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0406-7945); Sandenbergh, Emma (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5658-1084); Van Steenderen, Clarke (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4219-446X)
Invasive alien plant species present a major threat to global biodiversity, ecosystem function, and economic stability. Cryophytum crystallinum L. (Aizoaceae) (Crystalline ice-plant), native to South Africa, has become invasive in California (U.S.A.), Mexico, Australia, and the Mediterranean, where it causes ecosystem degradation by increasing environmental salt concentration, displacing native species, and altering habitat structure. Classical biocontrol could offer a sustainable management strategy, but success depends on the proper characterisation of potential biocontrol agents. This thesis evaluated Lixus carinerostris Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a stem mining weevil associated with C. crystallinum in its native range, as a potential biocontrol agent. This thesis addressed three main objectives: 1. Determine whether L. carinerostris represents a single oligophagous species or a cryptic species complex across its four known Cryophytum host plant species (C. crystallinum, C. guerichianum, C. pellitum, and C. barklyi); 2. Characterise the genetic structure of L. carinerostris populations; and 3. Assess weevil performance across all four host plant species. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I analyses (69 specimens, 11 localities, 4 host plant species) revealed that L. carinerostris was a single panmictic species with low genetic diversity (0.77% nucleotide diversity) and no host plant species-specific or geographic structuring. Nuclear Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats analyses revealed that weevils associated with C. pellitum are genetically distinct from the other populations, while populations collected off other host plants showed significant genetic admixture. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed L. carinerostris to be a single species while also highlighting taxonomic inconsistencies within the broader Lixus genus. The absence of isolation by distance and high gene flow demonstrates strong dispersal capabilities across the three Cape provinces. The field performance assessments revealed a mismatch between genetic homogeneity and developmental success across the four weevil/plant associations. Adult L. carinerostris demonstrated non-discriminatory feeding and oviposition behaviour. However, developmental outcomes varied considerably. Cryophytum crystallinum supported significantly higher pupal densities and adult emergence, C. guerichianum exhibited intermediate success, while C. pellitum and C. barklyi showed significantly reduced developmental success despite supporting larval establishment. This pattern exemplifies a partial evolutionary trap phenomenon, where oviposition efforts do not predict offspring performance. The genetic differentiation observed in weevils associated with C. pellitum suggests that source populations for biocontrol should be collected preferentially from C. crystallinum, with C. guerichianum-associated populations serving as an alternative if needed, while C. pellitum-associated populations should be completely avoided. The results suggest that C. crystallinum is L. carinerostris’s primary reproductive host plant species, supporting its potential as a biocontrol agent. The absence of other Cryophytum species in invaded regions minimises potential non-target risks to congeners. However, the resilience on a single host plant species in invaded regions necessitates careful consideration of plant phenology for successful weevil establishment. This research provides important baseline data for evidence-based biocontrol decision-making and emphasises the importance of integrating population genetics with ecological performance assessments in agent evaluation programs.
Love in confusion
(Rhodes University, 2026-03-27) Sihiya, Sanelisiwe; Wessels, Paul (http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n2015068931 )
In my novella, I explore love, intimacy, obsession, sex and how we think with regards to conceptualising gender, in all its diverse forms. These four concepts are guided by gender which then impacts gender performance or that which is expected by society. We can further state that, these four concepts relate to gender and gender narrations of which, the novella navigates through. It does this by presenting and engaging various scenarios, which seek to afford the reader, an analysis of their own. While I draw some inspiration from romance novels which present the platform to paint love in a fantastical and romanticised light, the thesis approaches it from, a more realistic and critical perspective in simple, everyday language. Love in my story can be magical and wonderful at times but it can also be ugly, violent and not returned. The central character is a strong young woman who is navigating her own gender and sexuality. Much of the narrative unfolds in an urban setting, moving from the city to the township as the protagonist searches for love and excitement. The work is inspired by many writers. Aimee Parkison and Diane Williams inspire me because, they use creative forms to show unique feminists’ perspectives of the world. Amanda Michalopoulou reveals what goes on in minds of female characters and connects everyday life with important political problems. I have also drawn from Marguerite Duras, who uses simple and poetic writing to explore love and desire in a thoughtful and deep manner. Lastly, I am influenced by Jordan Castro, who points a dark and clever picture of city life and explores the complicated nature of love in a world driven by technology.
The impact of multidimensional financial inclusion on welfare outcomes
(Rhodes University, 2026-03-26) Xhakaza, Bonolo Naledi (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6982-2318); Phakathi, Sandie
This study investigates the factors influencing financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in Makhanda, South Africa, and assesses its impact on household welfare. To provide a more comprehensive understanding than traditional single-indicator measures, the study employs a Multidimensional Financial Inclusion Index (MFII) constructed across five key domains including access, usage, quality, financial literacy, and resilience. Data were gathered from 100 smallholder farmers through a structured questionnaire using a simple random sampling. Analytical methods included Poisson and Probit models to identify determinants of financial inclusion, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to evaluate its effects on welfare. Findings reveal that overall financial inclusion among these farmers remains low due to challenges such as limited access to credit, inadequate financial literacy, dependency on informal financial systems, and insufficient institutional support. Key factors positively influencing financial inclusion include extension services, education, access to markets, farming experience, and participation in farmer groups. The PSM analysis indicated that financial included farmers tend to experience better welfare outcomes, such as higher dietary diversity, increased ownership of livestock and assets, and improved food security compared financially excluded farmers. The study suggests enhancing extension services with tailored financial awareness programs, expanding access to microcredit and microinsurance tailored for smallholder farmers, and introducing targeted financial literacy initiatives. These strategies could enhance resilience, encourage investments in productive activities, and contribute to improved welfare for smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape region.