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Sabbatian influences on the Chassidic and Mitnagdic movements : an excursion into messianic Kabbalah and its disseminators in the aftermath of Shabbatai Tzvi
(University of Pretoria, 2024-08-30) Human, Dirk J.; baalshem@global.co.za; Michal, Gavin
This study hypothesises that as a result of a thorough analysis of the context and content of rabbinic texts, including the known associations of their authors − spanning the periods of Shabbatai Tzvi, the Baal Shem Tov and the Vilna Gaon − the conclusion can be reasonably drawn that the Chassidic and Mitnagdic movements had been fundamentally subjected to multiple Sabbatian influences and that a causal doctrinal and rabbinic link between Sabbatianism and both the Chassidic and Mitnagdic movements can be demonstrated.
Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2024-09) Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim); bernardprinsloo@yahoo.com; Prinsloo, Christoffel Bernardus
This research critically examines the transformative potential of adopting a contextual and missional ecclesiology to enhance the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika's (NHKA) engagement with poverty alleviation in South Africa. Against the country’s severe socio-economic challenges, the study seeks to redefine the church's mission in addressing this pervasive issue more effectively.
Central to this investigation is the hypothesis that a shift towards missional ecclesiology – rooted in the Trinitarian mission of God - can significantly empower the NHKA to respond more effectively to poverty. This approach calls for moving beyond traditional ecclesiology models to embrace responsive, contextually informed practices that align with the missio Dei.
The research integrates historical reflections on the NHKA's involvement in poverty alleviation, theoretical explorations of missional ecclesiology, and practical considerations for the church's societal engagement. It aims to bridge the gap between ecclesiological theory and the practical realities of addressing socio-economic challenges in contemporary South Africa.
Key concepts such as missional ecclesiology, diaconal ministry, and contextual theology are foundational to understanding the proposed shift in the NHKA’s approach to its mission. The study posits that by re-envisioning its mission and practices in light of these concepts, the NHKA—and other ecclesial bodies—can significantly enhance their impact on poverty alleviation.
Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader ecclesiology and social engagement discourse in South Africa. It highlights the church's potential as a transformative force in society, emphasising the importance of theological reflection, historical awareness, and actionable strategies in driving its mission forward. This thesis advocates for a missional reorientation of the church’s role in society, suggesting that deeper engagement with the gospel's transformative power can lead to more effective responses to the urgent challenge of poverty in South Africa.
Religious (in)tolerance in digital narratives : a critical analysis of how religious studies professionals can play a role in the responsible use of digital narratives
(University of Pretoria, 2024-08) Beyers, Jaco; marykestryds@gmail.com; Strydom, Maryke
This thesis was focused on the complex relationship between religion, tolerance, religious
education, and narrative. The digital world is lending a steady stream of narratives toward
humanity on a daily basis. Narratives are not just a mere form of entertainment but form part
of the information received by humans. The thesis explored how narratives can potentially
impact the human mind through narrative theories. Narrative theories showcase why narratives
may help increase the effectiveness of fact-based learning. The constant availability of
narratives leads to questions about the accuracy of the information found within the narratives.
Narratives contain information on a myriad of topics and disciplines.
This thesis focused on religious people and phenomena as portrayed in narratives. Although
not all narratives are concerned with religion, a large amount of information on religion can be
found within narratives. This thesis was based on a quantitative literature review. The main
concern was how the responsible use of narratives can be encouraged through religious
education settings (non-confessional). The thesis is not a curriculum for a specific context but
rather considers the use of digital narratives within religious education settings in a global
technology and narrative-forward context. The thesis showcased why digital narratives and the
information found therein are important.
As many different geographical spaces are becoming more multireligious, propagating tolerant
multireligious societies is important. Narratives can have accurate and valuable information
that people can learn from throughout their lives. This can partly be achieved through para-
social interaction with narrative characters, building curiosity about phenomena found in
narratives and practising a conscious retrospective reflection. However, many narratives have
inaccurate, stereotypical, or dehumanising views on religious constructs and the people who
adhere to them. These types of depictions can lead to an increase in intolerance if digital
narrative users do not view the information critically. Therefore, there is a duality of
(in)tolerance within the information found within digital narratives. As narratives may create
or inhibit tolerance, it is of great importance for religious studies specialists to take note of the
dualistic nature of narratives. Therefore, the large number of digital narratives within the public
sphere has implications for religious education.
Ehrlichia ruminantium (Ehrlichiaceae) infection rates and genotyping in Amblyomma species from southern Africa
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Smit, Andeliza; Mulandane, Fernando C.; Wojcik, Stephane H; Malabwa, Choolwe; Sili, Gourgelia; Mandara, Stephen; Pineau, Kaissa Plaisir; Lecollinet, Sylvie; Exbrayat, Antoni; Rodrigues, Valerie; Vineer, Hannah Rose; Dlamkile, Zinathi; Stoltsz, Wilhelm Heinrich; Meyer, Damien F.; Morar-Leather, Darshan; Makepeace, Benjamin L.; Neves, L.C.B.G.D. (Luís); u14023190@tuks.co.za
Ticks are haematophagous ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals. With their vast geographical distribution and aptitude as vectors of a large variety of pathogens, they are ranked amongst the top two arthropod families of veterinary and medical concern. Amblyomma, the third largest genus in the Ixodidae, is important in southern Africa due to its vector competence for Ehrlichia ruminantium and other pathogens. Ehrlichia ruminantium, the causative agent of heartwater, a potentially lethal disease in ruminants, is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Amblyomma species ticks were collected in five southern African countries from livestock and wildlife. They were morphologically identified to species level with taxonomic keys, and species identity was confirmed with molecular assays. Preliminary screening for E. ruminantium was conducted by targeting the pCS20 gene fragment. Genotyping of 39 E. ruminantium positives was obtained using Ampliseq technology. In total, 7,734 Amblyomma ticks were collected and identified as belonging to four species: Amblyomma eburneum, Amblyomma hebraeum, Amblyomma pomposum and Amblyomma variegatum. Ehrlichia ruminantium infection rates per country ranged from 7.1 % to 34.1 %. The genotyping analysis indicated the clustering of our sequences with strains Gardel, Welgevonden, Um Banein, Springbokfontein 4 and 2, Kwanyanga, and Blaauwkrans. The Ampliseq analysis was not effective in differentiating between strains found in southern Africa. This large study documents the genetic diversity and prevalence of E. ruminantium in ticks across southern Africa, highlighting implications for disease control and vaccine development.
Efficacy, safety and interval from end of treatment to estrus in cats treated with an ultra-low dose megestrol acetate protocol for suppression of reproductive activity
(Elsevier, 2025-10) Pereira, Maria; Grassi, Anna; Pipan, Maja Zakosek; Contato, Giulia; Dal Ponte, Giada; Ghezzo, Anna; De Cramer, Kurt Guido Mireille; Romagnoli, Stefano
Cat breeders need safe, predictable and fully reversible temporary control of reproduction in queens. Megestrol acetate (MA), a short-acting progestogen was investigated in this study designed to determine whether low-dose treatment is both effective and safe in cats for periods up to 6 months. Twenty-eight queens were treated orally with 11.5 μg/kg/day of MA for one to six months. A physical examination, vaginal cytology, and reproductive ultrasound were performed before, during and after treatment, whilst urinalysis and hematological/biochemical tests, including progesterone assay, were performed before and after treatment. MA suppressed reproductive function effectively in 27/28 queens. Transient mammary and uterine hyperplasia were detected in four (14 %) and three (11 %) queens, respectively, treated for more than four months, without associated clinical signs. Pyometra was observed in only one queen following her first estrus cycle post-treatment. Significant but reversible weight gain was observed in 85 % of the animals. The resumption of cyclicity occurred on average 6 weeks after the end of treatment but was influenced by the duration of treatment and seasonality. An ultra-low dose MA treatment was effective in suppressing estrus in queens treated up to 6 months. Close monitoring should be paid to queens treated for longer than 4 months as the incidence of side effects, albeit minor and manageable, increases thereafter. Mammary gland assessment and progesterone assay are indispensable before treatment. Fertility is preserved, making MA a valuable option for temporary control of reproductive activity in queens, who otherwise cycle continuously leading to both unwanted behavior and pregnancies.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Megestrol acetate (11.5 μg/kg/day) is safe and effective for suppression of reproductive activity in queens up to 4 months.
• Mammary gland health assessment and a progesterone assay < 2 ng/ml are necessary before initiating treatment.
• Queens increase body weight during treatment, but return to pre-treatment weight shortly after the end treatment.
• Reproductive activity resumes on average in 6 weeks but is influenced by the duration of treatment and seasonality.