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Economic inclusion: green finance and the SDGs
(MDPI, 2024) van Niekerk, Arno J.
Persistent economic exclusion and the high levels of natural resource depletion are alarming. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are among a few global initiatives aimed at bringing a turnaround in both of these areas of concern. Giving action to productive economic inclusion and transitioning towards a circular, regenerative economy is challenging for countries, particularly because of a lack of economic incentives. Green finance has emerged in the last few decades as a valuable mechanism that has the potential to meet this challenge. In answering the question of how to facilitate the necessary transition to a green, inclusive economy, the paper attempts to bring green finance and economic inclusion together as a possible means (like a bridge) to address economic exclusion and resource degeneration. That is the primary aim of the study, and it is investigated through an analysis of theoretical literature. The key findings include: a strong synergy exists between green finance and economic inclusion; different forms of green finance are able to facilitate economic inclusion; and green finance can be instrumental in attracting investors to fast-track SDG attainment. A key conclusion is that green finance can play a vital role in activating and prolonging broad-based benefit sharing in an eco-conscious way.
Combination treatment with EGFR inhibitor and doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation of MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells In Vitro
(MDPI, 2024) Abrahams, Beynon; Gerber, Anthonie; Hiss, Donavon C.
The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor progression and survival is often underplayed. Its expression and/or dysregulation is associated with disease advancement and poor patient outcome as well as drug resistance in breast cancer. EGFR is often overexpressed in breast cancer and particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which currently lacks molecular targets. We examined the synergistic potential of an EGFR inhibitor (EGFRi) in combination with doxorubicin (Dox) in estrogen-positive (ER+) MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell lines. The exposure of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 to EGFRi produced an IC₅₀ₛ of 6.03 µM and 3.96 µM, respectively. Dox induced MDA-MB-231 (IC₅₀ 9.67 µM) and MCF-7 (IC₅₀ 1.4 µM) cytotoxicity. Combinations of EGFRi-Dox significantly reduced the IC₅₀ in MCF-7 (0.46 µM) and MBA-MB 231 (0.01 µM). Synergistic drug interactions in both cell lines were confirmed using the Bliss independence model. Pro-apoptotic Caspase-3/7 activation occurred in MCF-7 at 0.1–10 µM of EGFRi and Dox single treatments, whilst 1 μM Dox yielded a more potent effect on MDA-MB-231. EGFRi and Dox individually and in combination downregulated the EGFR gene expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates EGFRi’s potential for eliciting synergistic interactions with Dox, causing enhanced growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, and downregulation of EGFR in both cell lines.
Characterisation of apparent mismatches detected during routine short tandem repeat analysis in parentage investigations
(University of the Free State, 2023) Soldati, Afika; de Kock, André; Kloppers, Jean F.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis has proven effective for establishing parentage and biological relatedness. There are commercially available STR kits that allow for reliable PCR amplification and genotyping of STR loci. However, one or two STR loci mismatches may be identified in non-exclusion cases. In routine analysis, these discrepancies are classified as apparent STR loci mismatches. The mismatches result from various mutational mechanisms. However, the mechanisms that drive these mutations are poorly understood. Several STR loci mismatches have previously been reported to impact parentage analysis. The alleles involved in the mismatch affect the interpretation of genetic profiles and can sometimes lead to false parentage exclusions. As such, it is essential to identify and characterise the underlying cause of STR loci mismatches for further validation of the genotypic data produced within a specific DNA profiling laboratory.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀: A laboratory-based descriptive-comparative study was conducted. This study consisted of 100 parentage cases with one or two STR loci mismatches from the DNA testing facility, Universitas Academic Unit, National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) Bloemfontein from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2022. The following 15 STR autosomal loci were included in the analysis: CSF1PO, FGA, vWA, D2S1338, D3S1358, D5S818, D6S1043, D7S820, D8S1179, D10S1248, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, and D21S11. Both published and designed study primers were used to optimise the PCR assay conditions for the amplification of the selected STR loci using commercially available control DNA. The optimised PCR assay conditions were used to screen the samples across the 15 STR loci. Sanger sequencing and sequence analysis was conducted for each parentage case to identify and characterise the underlying cause of the observed apparent STR mismatches. Furthermore, the sequence-based alleles were evaluated for concordance with genotypes determined by Capillary Electrophoresis-based (CE-based) STR typing previously reported by the facility.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: An average concordance of 82% was observed between STR profiling and Sanger sequencing across the 15 STR loci studied. In 11 of the loci, a 100% concordance was obtained. In contrast, no concordance was observed for the D19S433 locus. The stepwise mutations observed at the various loci were 70% more frequent than other mutation models; these were attributed to DNA polymerase slippage. In comparison, 30% of the mutations were as a result of allelic dropouts, accounted for by primer-binding site sequence variants. It was observed that there were more mutations originating from paternal (n=76) rather than maternal (n=26) lineages.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: The observation of one or two STR loci mismatches in parentage analysis should not be overlooked; all the studied allelic mismatches between the parent and child were characterised successfully. The findings revealed that most of the apparent mismatches occurred due to DNA polymerase slippage. The results of this study provide evidence that sequencing of the core STR repeat and the flanking regions can provide valuable information to characterise STR loci mutational events when inconclusive parentage or kinship results are obtained. Because of the limited sample size, the findings of this study provide evidence that STR mutations are more prevalent in males than females. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the need for DNA testing facilities to have a method in place to characterise and confirm inconclusive genotypic data obtained using the available commercial STR kits.
Development of a clinical hand rehabilitation guideline for second to fifth metacarpal fractures in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Keller, Monique Marié; Barnes, Roline Yvette; Brandt, Corlia
In countries, such as South Africa, with limited resources and inequities in their healthcare delivery services optimal hand rehabilitation is essential in their quest to enable individuals sustaining second-to-fifth metacarpal fractures to return without delay to pre-injury functioning and to work safely. Sub-optimal hand rehabilitation service delivery impacts the already strained South African healthcare system, where individuals may return to hospitals or clinics with associated complications leading to time off from work and thus negative socioeconomic consequences (Poolman et al, 2005). Second to fifth metacarpal fractures are generally sustained as a result of motor vehicle accidents, trauma and violence, and in most cases, where the hand makes contact with an object. A fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal is one of the most frequent of the hand injuries to be sustained. The problem is that there are no guidelines and best-evidence information available to guide clinical practice which leaves a gap in the knowledge base in this respect. The result is that owing to the individual’s hand not being optimally managed, there would then be a possible delay in returning to work, and more seriously, disability and dysfunction. Three research phases were undertaken to achieve the aim of developing a clinical hand rehabilitation guideline for adults, male and female, between the ages of 20 and 59 years, after conservative and surgical management following a single or multiple second to fifth metacarpal fractures. The first phase included a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) principles.
The second phase involved a two-staged feasibility study and a cross-sectional study, and included healthy adult participants who met the inclusion criteria. The participants donned two gloves with force sensing resistors (FSR) attached with glue to the finger pads which allowed the finger and grasp forces to be measured. The basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) were performed in a laboratory. The FSR testing phase allowed for the inclusion of grasp types in the guideline, as well as the categorisation of ADL tasks into light, moderate and heavy task categories. The categorisation of ADL tasks allowed the clinicians to give advice, according to the timelines for bone healing, about returning to pre-injury tasks. The third phase involved an eDelphi method, with consideration being given to the Conducting and Reporting of DElphi Studies (CREDES), with recommendations included. In this case, the experts participated in a three-round eDelphi method to reach consensus and to further develop and finalise the clinical hand rehabilitation guideline. The guideline methodology was developed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. After three phases of the study, with the final phase being the eDelphi method, expert consensus was reached on 32 recommendations. A hand rehabilitation guideline consisting of the 32 recommendations was developed by the researcher to inform this research’s clinical guideline which is presented in the format of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Developing an improved seizure diary as a monitoring tool for epileptic patients in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Egenasi, Chika Kennedy; Moodley, A. A.; Steinberg, W. J.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Epilepsy is a debilitating disease with a high risk of morbidity and mortality globally. A seizure diary is one of the methods described in the literature that can be used to manage patients living with epilepsy. These diaries are available in two formats, paper-based and electronic diaries. This study aimed to develop an improved seizure diary and determine patients’ perception of its use in the management of patients with epilepsy in South Africa.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀
In the first phase of this study, a scoping review of literature was performed. An extensive search of appropriate literature was conducted using online databases, such as MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane and EBSCOhost. Key phrases, such as seizure diary, paper diary, and seizure tracker, were used to identify and retrieve relevant themes, categories, and subcategories of literature for examination. In the second phase of the study (a cross-sectional study), cohorts of patients with epilepsy were identified at the casualty and local clinics of a hospital in Kimberley, and the neurology specialist epilepsy clinic in Bloemfontein. Questionnaires were distributed to patients, to gather data on their perceptions of and attitudes to the epilepsy diary, and their opinions on what must be included in a seizure diary. The third phase of the study involved a modified Delphi survey with a panel of 10 local and two international experts, who deliberated on what they believed were the required contents of a seizure diary. In the fourth phase, a longitudinal study, a new seizure diary was developed, based on the suggestions of the expert Delphi panel and the recommendations of patients living with epilepsy. The new seizure diary was distributed to patients who had completed the initial questionnaire, and they were requested to use it for six months. In phase 5a (cross-sectional study), patients, relatives, and caregivers (participants) were requested to complete a questionnaire about their experiences of the new seizure diary. Finally, in phase 5b, a final version of the new seizure diary was designed.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
In phase 1, 1 125 articles were identified from the database search, of which 23 were selected for review by the study. In phase 2, 182 patients with epilepsy were recruited for the study, 65 were patients who had previous exposure to a seizure diary, and 117 were unexposed. Of the patients who had previous exposure to the seizure diary, 64 (98.5%) found the diary useful, but 15 (23.1%) reported facing various challenges with using the seizure diary. In phase 3, the modified Delphi survey had three rounds, with 12 expert panellists completing each round. Consensus for any item was set at 70%. Eighteen items were suggested as the required contents of a seizure diary. The seizure diary, designed in phase 4, was distributed to 139 patients (81 previously diary-unexposed and 58 who had previous exposure to a seizure diary) to use for six months. In phase 5a, of the 139 patients who received the new seizure diary,100 (67 previously diary-unexposed participants and 33 participants who had previous exposure to a seizure diary) completed questionnaire 2. Participants who had previous exposure to a seizure diary were predominantly very positive about the new diary because it had more information. However, 21.2% preferred the old one, because it was easier to complete. In phase 5b of the study, the final draft of the new seizure diary was designed for use by patients with epilepsy.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
An expert panel of specialists, patients, caregivers, and relatives participated in developing a new seizure diary. Despite a few patients reporting that they preferred the old seizure diary, most participants preferred the new seizure diary and were willing to use it.
The 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 effects of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 on chaperone-mediated autophagy in human HepG₂ liver cancer cells
(University of the Free State, 2023) Bopape, Matlola Abel; Ntsapi, Matlakala Claudia; Tiloke, Charlette
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most significant in developing countries, including South Africa. Emerging evidence suggests that the cell survival mechanism, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), promotes HCC tumour progression and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Current treatment approach for HCC is guided by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Treatment Strategy (BCLTS), which recommends different treatment approaches depending on the level of tumour progression. Despite their efficacy, currently available chemotherapeutic options have numerous limitations such acquired resistance, recurrence, and hypertension. To address these limitations, phytochemical extracts are increasingly being investigated for the anti-cancer potential. The phytochemical extracts of the medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera (MO) have been shown to induce apoptosis of HCC cells. MO leaves have the greatest abundance of phytochemicals displaying anticancer potential. Investigating the interplay between all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a potential inhibitor of CMA, and MO regarding their effects on CMA holds potential in identifying adjuvant therapeutic approaches for treatment modalities for HCC.
𝗔𝗶𝗺: This study aimed to investigate the 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 effects of MO aqueous leaf extract on CMA activity in human HepG₂ cancer cells.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀: HepG₂ cells were cultured and exposed to MO and ATRA for 24 hours. Thereafter, a cell viability assay was performed and an inhibition concentration 50 (IC50) was determined which was used for all subsequent experiments. The cells were allocated to three treatment groups: MO, ATRA and a combination group of MO and ATRA. A Caspase-Glo™ cell death assay and western blot analysis were also conducted to evaluate changes in lysosome-associated membrane protein type 2A (LAMP2A) and hexokinase II (HK2) protein expression levels.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: The cell viability assay results displayed a concentration-dependent decline in reductive capacity following MO and ATRA exposures. An IC₅₀ of 1415 μM (ATRA) and 2198 μg/mL (MO) were observed. The cell death assay revealed decreased caspase-9 activity following the respective treatment exposures. There was a corresponding decline in caspase-3/7 activity following respective treatment exposures, except for MO, where an increase in caspase-3/7 activity was observed. Western blot analysis showed a decline in the expression of LAMP2A and a corresponding increase in the expression of the CMA cargo protein HK2.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: The results revealed that MO and ATRA could inhibit the growth and proliferation of HCC cells, offering a promising adjuvant therapeutic approach against HCC. Further investigation into these compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action may contribute to developing novel treatment modalities for HCC.
The hepatoprotective effects of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 against antiretroviral-induced cytotoxicity in HepG₂ cells
(University of the Free State, 2023) Saki, Mbasakazi; Tiloke, Charlette; Ntsapi, Matlakala Claudia; De Villiers, Helena Catharina
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a lentivirus species that attacks immune cells, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV/AIDS is managed by Antiretroviral therapy (ART). The ART regimen contains nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) associated with oxidative stress. Medicinal plants are often combined with ART to diminish the side effects of ART use. The 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 (MO) tree extracts have been shown to contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects.
𝗔𝗶𝗺: This 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 study evaluated the cytotoxicity of an NRTI (tenofovir) and its potential amelioration by MO leaf extract.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀: HepG₂ cells were exposed to tenofovir, MO, and combination (tenofovir and MO) treatment groups for 24 and 120 hours. MO aqueous leaf extract was prepared, and cytotoxicity was assessed. Markers for oxidative stress and antioxidant response were assessed using spectrophotometry, luminometry, ELISA, qPCR, and western blotting experimental techniques.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: At 24 hours, tenofovir decreased MDA 𝘕𝘙𝘍2, 𝘚𝘖𝘋2, 𝘊𝘈𝘛 mRNA, and NRF2, SOD2, and CAT protein expression. It then increased GSH, 𝘎𝘊𝘓𝘊 mRNA and p-NRF2 protein expression. MO decreased GSH levels, NRF2, 𝘎𝘊𝘓𝘊, and 𝘚𝘖𝘋2 mRNA expression and increased 𝘊𝘈𝘛 mRNA, as well as NRF2, p-NRF2, SOD2, and CAT protein expression. At 120 hours, tenofovir increased MDA, NRF2 mRNA, NRF2, p-NRF2, and SOD2 protein expression. It then decreased GSH levels, 𝘎𝘊𝘓𝘊, 𝘚𝘖𝘋2, 𝘊𝘈𝘛 mRNA and CAT protein expression. MO decreased MDA and GSH levels, NRF2 and CAT protein expression. It then increased 𝘕𝘙𝘍2, 𝘎𝘊𝘓𝘊, 𝘚𝘖𝘋2, 𝘊𝘈𝘛 mRNA, p-NRF2, and SOD2 protein expression. The combination treatment group downregulated MDA and upregulated the expression of NRF2, 𝘎𝘊𝘓𝘊, 𝘚𝘖𝘋2, 𝘊𝘈𝘛 mRNA and NRF2, p-NRF2, SOD2, and CAT proteins.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Adding MO to tenofovir downregulates reactive oxygen species by upregulating the NRF2-antioxidant pathway to reduce oxidative stress. Therefore, MO has the potential to ameliorate toxicity induced by tenofovir.
The climate change-urban planning nexus in a mountain environment: the case of the Eastern Free State Region of South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Shezi, Ntombizodumo; Mukwada, Geofrey; Adagbasa, Efosa G.
Thabo Mofutsanyana District is a rugged and mountainous area located in the eastern part of the Free State Province, South Africa. The area owes its ruggedness to the Drakensberg and Maloti Mountains. Mountain areas have been reported to be more sensitive and vulnerable to climate change, making it necessary to assess climate change in such areas and the surrounding urban areas. This study aimed to identify the negative impacts of climate change in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District and assess how urban planners responded to these impacts. This study used mixed-research methods, including climate data collected from the Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut (KNMI) Climate Earth Explorer analysed using Microsoft Excel. It used social data from formal interviews with local urban planners and survey questionnaires distributed to urban residents. The social data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. Lastly, the study used spatial data from Google Earth Explorer, and PlanetScope analysed using ArcGIS (ArcMap 10.7.1). The results revealed a statistically significant increase in monthly mean temperature (from 1990 to 2020) experienced in Thabo Mofutsanyana District towns, while the decrease in annual total precipitation (from 1990 to 2020) was not statistically significant. This implies that the increase in temperature results from climate change, while the decrease in precipitation is only climate variability. The results further revealed that the urban planners’ strategies implemented to alleviate the impact of climate change were ineffective due to the magnitude of the effects of climate change, especially flooding during heavy rains and extreme temperatures. Furthermore, it was discovered that the exclusion of climate change during urban planning led to a decline in the protection of Green and Blue Urban Ecological Infrastructure (UEI). The increasing Grey UEI is not sustainable as the blocking of drainage systems and the limited porosity of roads do not reduce the effects of climate change, such as flooding. If not effectively maintained, the Green and Blue UEI will continue to decrease in Thabo Mofutsanyana District, affecting the area’s sustainability. The study concluded that sustainable urban planning could mitigate the effects of climate change in cities and small towns, and help communities adapt to these effects effectively. Incorporating climate change during urban planning is necessary.
Moshweshwe's diplomatic relations with the indigenous chiefs of Southern Africa, 1822-1870
(University of the Free State, 1994) Seboni, Peter; Marais, A. H.
Moshweshwe's diplomatic relations and foreign policy with many of his contemporary Black chiefs emanated from a notion of being a great ruler and superior chief in and around the Caledon River valley. He entertained this notion in his early life. He wished to be acknowledged as a man of high status and be obeyed without being questioned. That was his ambition. At one stage while being a young boy he is reported to have killed five young boys who infuriated him by not obeying his command.¹ He wanted to command respect and be revered. But he later realized that respect based on fear does not last as it leads to enmity and challenges. It is generally believed that Moshweshwe was born in about 1786. His place of birth was Menkhoaneng near Butha Buthe in northern Lesotho. His father was Mokhachane the second son of Peete. Moshweshwe's people belonged to the Bamokotedi such as Mohlomi, to be blessed.³ Peete, (Moshweshwe's grandfather) took him there for blessings. The ceremony for passing blessings was conducted by uttering some words and rubbing of foreheads. Mohlomi did all these to young Moshweshwe. In about 1805 Moshweshwe was old enough to be sent to lebollong - an initiation school. Boys were sent to this school to undergo training for manhood and adulthood. Memories were tested to see how retentive they were by encouraging the initiates to recite long praise poems of their choice. Reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty were encouraged.
Tolerance, patience and leadership qualities were identified.⁴ Circumcision was a rite that was performed here. The trainers or initiators were trusted men of the community. The initiates were given new names symbolizing a new social status.⁵ After returning from the lebollo Moshweshwe felt he was old enough to marry. He needed cattle of his own to enable him to pay the dowry - bohadi. He was proving to be innovative. Together with his lebollo mate, Makuanyane, (who later bacame a general of his warriors) he went for cattle raiding. They attacked the village of Ramonaheng at Kholelong. They captured almost all his cattle. Moshweshwe praised himself for his feat and praised himself in this way: "Ke 'na Moshoeshoe Moshoashoaila oa ha Kali Lebeola le beotseng Ramonaheng litelu."⁶ Literally translated it means: "I am Moshweshwe, the barber of Kali the shaver that shaved the beard of Ramonaheng." All along he was called Lepoqo and after the Ramonaheng incident the name "Moshweshwe" superceded Lepoqo and in the long run this name ceased to be used. With the cattle available his father and grandfather got him a woman to marry. It was the daughter of a man named Seepheephe and her name was Mabela. It is believed that his marriage took place in 1810. A son was born called Mohato and Mabela came to be called 'Mamohato'⁷ - the term means Mohato's mother. Moshweshwe appeared unhappy. He wished to be superior to all other men.
His grandfather again took him to Mohlomi who was at Maritoe - near the present day Ficksburg. His anxiety for megalomania made him appear as though he was mentally deranged. According to Peete and Mokhachane he was to be cured of his "madness". Both he and Peete expected the doctor, (Mohlomi) to give him medical treatment and a talisman. To their surprise they were told that Moshweshwe is to be cured psychologically. Mohlomi went on to say: "....it is truly his heart alone that we are changing, his mind that we are curing and resetting anew his medicine is his knowledge and pursuance of peace and justice in his service and relations with all men regardless of their status .... ". Moshweshwe's attitude had to change if he wished to be anything great. According to Mohlomi he was to look at life in a different perspective. Mohlomi had been a great traveller and had built affinal relationships with many chiefs whose daughters or sisters he married. In every country he visited he married somebody there. He had realized the advantage of such a relationship : it keeps countries in harmony. He was the first man in Southern Africa who had an opportunity to form political alliances had such an idea dawned on his mind. But whenever he left the place he had visited he left his newly married wife behind. He did not take any of the women he had married to his country. They, in turn, were free to re-marry and the children born belonged to him as he was the first man to have paid out the bohadi (lobola) cattle to consumate the first marriage.
Psychosocial factors influencing effective learning among Basotho learners during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural high school
(University of the Free State, 2023) Mofokeng, Mantwa M.; Mukuna, Kananga Robert
The learning process is built on decisions and constant assessments obtained from what is learned and how it is learned, the support given to access knowledge or concepts, and whether what is remembered by the learner is correct. However, this learning process was disrupted by the Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown regulations that were put in place under the auspices of the World Health Organization, in order to curb the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on teachers and learners’ mental health which prevented effective learning. The primary aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial factors that influenced effective learning among Basotho learners in a rural high school during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature review gave the background to an observed inquiry using a qualitative approach. Case study design was chosen for this study, since it permitted the researcher to explore the experiences of various stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic era of the Basotho learners within their real-world context and collect data on how they make sense of their experiences. A rural high school was purposively chosen as a research site, together with the four learners, four parents or guardians, four teachers, School Governing Body, School Based Support Team and School Management Team members. Data was generated through in-depth interviews and thoroughly analyzed. Narrative analysis was used to analyse the data collected through in-depth interviews. Data was organised through the use of thematic analysis. The study employed interpretivism paradigm. The Protection Motivation Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory constitute the theoretical frameworks of the study. The research concluded that psychosocial factors that influenced effective learning among Basotho learners in a rural high school during the COVID-19 pandemic era ranged from panic behaviour, or collective hysteria to pervasive feelings of hopelessness and desperation, which were associated with negative outcomes including suicidal behaviour. It also triggered a wide variety of psychological problems, such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression which disturbed effective learning. The research also concluded that learners' reactions to the challenges they faced in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District rural high school and their strategies and remedies to the challenges show that they value teaching and learning. The learners' strategies and efforts to solve the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the rural high school also enhanced teaching and learning.