DSpace Repository

Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Recent Submissions

God's transformational engagement with His chosen people for the sake of His global Mission
(North-West University., 2025) Ferreira, I.W
A significant crisis has emerged in the current discourse on challenges facing Western culture. This crisis, often referred to as 'the mother of all crises' and Western culture's 'civilisational moment,' is also characterised by a shift from Western Christendom to Global Christianity. This marks the ‘dechristianisation of the West and the Christianization of the non-Western world’. This study addresses the incomplete understanding within Western theological circles regarding this historical transformation. Christianity has profoundly influenced Western culture by providing a moral framework and shaping education. However, through secularisation and the Enlightenment, Christianity became compromised as it adapted to cultural influences. This led to a gradual decline into what is now referred to as Christendom. The rejection of faith by intellectual elites further contributed to this crisis. The culmination of this growing confusion was evident after the World Wars, which eroded the Christian identity of Western civilisation. Missiological research during this period exposed inadequacies within Western theology that contributed to the current crisis in Western culture. This study argues that the crisis is not only due to external circumstances but also represents a providential work of God rescuing Christianity from its compromised state. A biblical perspective on religious delusion throughout history may reveal the valid reason for Christendom's dissolution. Western Christians must awaken from their complacency and engage with the evolving global Christian landscape. Only then can they actively contribute to furthering God's mission. In conclusion, this study seeks to illuminate the crisis in Western Christianity and urges theological scholars to reassess their perspectives. It emphasises understanding historical context and divine providence and encourages active participation in God's mission for a fresh beginning aligned with the foundation of the Church.
Exploring financial practices and church growth in selected Pentecostal churches in Ghana: A practical theological study
(North-West University., 2025) Agyei, Samuel Nana Yaw
The financial management practices of Pentecostal churches play a crucial role in their growth and sustainability. This study examines the effectiveness of financial strategies employed by three major Ghanaian Pentecostal churches—The Church of Pentecost, The Apostolic Church of Ghana, and Assemblies of God, Ghana—in fostering church growth while adhering to biblical principles. These churches primarily depend on tithing, fundraising events, and member donations as key financial strategies. Their practices are guided by theological principles of stewardship, accountability, and God’s ownership, ensuring ethical and transparent financial management. The study aims to explore how financial management contributes to the sustainability of Ghanaian Pentecostal churches. It specifically identifies effective financial strategies, assesses their alignment with biblical teachings, and evaluates their impact on church operations, outreach programmes, and community development. Data were gathered through interviews, structured surveys, document analysis, and participant observation, with 225 respondents, including senior pastors, associate pastors, elders, treasurers, and church members. Interviews provided qualitative insights into financial practices, while surveys captured grassroots perspectives. Document analysis of financial reports, policy manuals, and constitutions further validatedfindings. Key findings highlight that tithing, fundraising, and donations are the most effective financial strategies. Tithing serves as the foundation, providing financial stability for operational and mission related expenses. Fundraising events, often tied to evangelism and church planting, generate resources for specific projects while fostering unity among congregants. Member donations, including freewill offerings, demonstrate personal commitment to the church’s mission. Transparency and accountability emerged as crucial factors in maintaining trust and encouraging participation. Regular financial reporting and audits ensure ethical fund management, aligning with biblical stewardship principles. The study underscores the importance of aligning financial management practices with biblical teachings to promote institutional and spiritual growth. Integrating stewardship, accountability, and transparency fosters ethical financial practices, trust, and active member participation. By prioritising tithing, fundraising, and donations, these churches establish a stable financial foundation for expansion, missions, and community outreach. The findings emphasise that financial strategies rooted in theology not only sustain church operations but also advance the broader mission of spreading the gospel and serving communities.
Antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Proteus mirabilis isolated from broiler chickens at abattoir in South Africa
(2024) Ramatla, Tsepo; Ramaili, Taole; Lekota, Kgaugelo; Mileng, Kealeboga; Ndou, Rendani; Mphuthi, Malekoba; Khasapane, Ntelekwane; Syakalima, Michelo; Thekisoe, Oriel
Background: Proteus mirabilis has been identified as an important zoonotic pathogen, causing several illnesses such as diarrhoea, keratitis and urinary tract infections. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of P. mirabilis in broiler chickens, its antibiotic resistance (AR) patterns, ESBL-producing P. mirabilis and the presence of virulence genes. Methods: A total of 26 isolates were confirmed as P. mirabilis from 480 pooled broiler chicken faecal samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The disk diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial susceptibility test, while nine virulence genes and 26 AR genes were also screened by PCR. Results: All 26 P. mirabilis isolates harboured the ire A (siderophore receptors), ptA, andzapA (proteases), ucaA, pmfA, atfA, and mrpA (fimbriae), hlyA and hpmA (haemolysins)virulence genes. The P. mirabilis isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (62%) and lev-ofloxacin (54%), while 8 (30.7%) of the isolates were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). PCR analysis identified the blaCTX-M gene (62%), blaTEM (58%) and blaCTX-M-2(38%). Further screening for AMR genes identified mcr-1, cat1, cat2, qnrA, qnrDand mecA, 12%, 19%, 12%, 54%, 27% and 8%, respectively for P. mirabilis isolates. The prevalence of the integron integrase intI1 and intI2 genes was 43% and 4%, respectively. Conclusions: The rise of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin resistance, as well as MDRstrains, is a public health threat that points to a challenge in the treatment of infections caused by these zoonotic bacteria. Furthermore, because ESBL-producing P. mirabilishas the potential to spread to humans, the presence of blaCTX-M -producing P. mirabilisin broilers should be kept under control. This is the first study undertaken to isolate P.mirabilis from chicken faecal samples and investigate its antibiotic resistance status as well as virulence profiles in South Africa.
Using the Theory of Learning Organisations to Understand the Role of Principals in School Health Promotion: A Case Study
(Noyam Journals, 2024) Mtimkulu, Melody; Kwatubana, Siphokazi
The role of principals is increasingly recognised as important in school health promotion. There is a significant body of literature regarding school health promotion and its benefits for learners and the school community, but little is known about the role of principals. Using Senge’s theory of learning organisations as a framework, this study qualitatively sought to understand the roles of principals in promoting healthy school environments. The study used a combination of semi structured individual interviews and focus groups to gather data from six school management team members; seven teachers; and three school governing body members from a high school in Fezile Dabi District of the Free State. Individual interview data was obtained and focus group discussions were conducted to confirm the findings. The data gathered was analysed using a combination of inductive classification and theory analysis. The study’s main findings demonstrate that principals should (i) provide leadership in health promotion activities within their schools and in collaborations and partnerships with the external community and (ii) have personal mastery, vision, knowledge and thinking skills to be able to play their role effectively. Furthermore, it was found that all five principles of the theory of learning organisation can be used to understand the role of principals in school health promotion. Based on these findings it is recommended that a learning culture be created in schools. The findings of this research suggest implications regarding both the practice of providing leadership in school health promotion and practices in the preparation of principals and teachers for the task of School Health Promotion.
The School Principal as a Systems Thinker: A Case of School Health Promotion in a Public School in South Africa
(OpenED Network, 2024) Kwatubana, Siphokazi; Mtimkulu, Melody
Systems thinking is often recommended in educational institutions to improve quality and increase learning outcomes. However, a shared understanding of this concept in the promotion of school health and the role of school principals in its application is limited. The education system in general and schools in particular, have been described as complex, where often human adaptation to localised circumstances is necessary to achieve success. This research focused on two important factors: the role of a principal as systems thinker in school health promotion; and the importance of systems thinking in school health promotion. Qualitative research using a single case study of a high school in the Free State province was conducted with six school management team members including one principal, one deputy and four heads of department, and seven teachers, who were interviewed individually and in a group. The findings revealed that systems thinking has a potential for capacity building and strengthening of programmes through the accessing of systems knowledge, provision of systems leadership and the establishment of a collaborative culture.