I want to sincerely thank the following people for their support:• Professor Pranitha Maharaj, for supervising me, and always providing me with great opportunities to learn from and develop myself and my career.• My parents Special Mazibuko and Phindile Gama, as well as my sisters Ntombenhle Mazibuko, Nelisiwe Mazibuko, and Bongiwe Mazibuko, as well as my nephew Nkanyezi Mazibuko and niece Lisakhanya Mazibuko, for their compassion with me during my illness and during my degree.