The conservation, ecology, and distribution of the critically endangered Encephalartos latifrons Lehm
- Authors: Swart, Carin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Encephalartos , Cycadaceae , Cycads -- Conservation -- South Africa , Botany, Economic -- South Africa , Rare plants -- South Africa , Endangered plants -- South Africa , Wild plant trade -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94483 , vital:31049
- Description: Cycads have attracted global attention both as horticulturally interesting and often valuable plants; but also as some of the most threatened organisms on the planet. In this thesis I investigate the conservation management, biology, reproductive ecology and distribution of Encephalartos latifrons populations in the wild and draw out conclusions on how best to conserve global cycad biodiversity. I also employ computer-modelling techniques in some of the chapters of this thesis to demonstrate how to improve conservation outcomes for E. latifrons and endangered species in general, where information on the distribution, biology and habitat requirements of such species are inherently limited, often precluding robust conservation decision-making. In Chapter 1 of this thesis I introduce the concept of extinction debt and elucidate the importance of in situ cycad conservation. I explain how the concept of extinction debt relates to single species, as well as give details on the mechanisms causing extinction debt in cycad populations. I introduce the six extinction trajectory threshold model and how this relates to extinction debt in cycads. I discuss the vulnerability of cycads to extinction and give an overview of biodiversity policy in South Africa. I expand on how national and global policies contribute to cycad conservation and present various global initiatives that support threatened species conservation. I conclude Chapter 1 by explaining how computer-based models can assist conservation decision-making for rare, threatened, and endangered species in the face of uncertainty. Chapter 2 of this thesis illustrates how a modelling approach, using limited available historical and present day locality information, is a feasible method to determine areas of suitable habitat for E. latifrons and other critically endangered cycad species where locality information is inherently uncommon. Results from this chapter show that conservation planning through structured decision-making may be improved by the use of computer models, even when locality data are limited. These results may be incorporated into biodiversity conservation plans or used to assist conservation-decision makers when undertaking recovery efforts for E. latifrons and may provide guidance to conservation planners and policy makers when undertaking conservation plans to improve cycad biodiversity both nationally and globally. There was limited information available in the biology and ecological requirements of E. latifrons. This information is important when making policy decisions such as the publication of non-detriment findings and compiling biodiversity management plans for this and other cycad species. Chapter 3 investigates the life-history, population structure, fire response and survival of an in situ E. latifrons population. A demographic census was undertaken between 2013 and 2017 on a previously undiscovered population. Population characteristics of the “new” population were compared to the demographics of a well-known and intensively managed population. Results of this chapter show that at least one in situ E. latifrons population is stable and increasing under current environmental conditions. Importantly, the population is naturally recruiting seedlings without the need for artificial pollination. Demographic information described in this chapter is a necessary precursor to undertaking a Population Viability Assessment for the species. This will assist conservation decision-makers when determining the best conservation management strategy for E. latifrons. It may also be useful to apply generalisatons to other cycad species (with similar life-histories and habitat requirements) where there is limited information available on the species biological and ecological requirements, restricting robust policy conservation decision-making. It was important for this study to determine the extent and variety of cone fauna within existing E. latifrons wild populations. Previous anecdotal evidence suggested that E. latifrons is functionally extinct as a species, but evidence to the contrary was found when a healthy, self-sustaining wild population was discovered to be naturally recruiting. It was important to establish the existence and diversity of male cone faunal species (an important breeding site for weevil pollinators) within wild populations. Chapter 4 set out to determine if potential pollinators exist in the wild and if so, how diverse are they and in what numbers. This is the first comprehensive analysis of cone fauna present in wild E. latifrons populations. Equally important was the need to determine if wild populations are capable of producing viable seeds under conditions conducive to natural pollination. Results of this chapter show that there is a relatively high diversity of insect fauna in the male cones of some wild E. latifrons populations. Furthermore, some wild populations are capable of producing viable seeds through natural pollination; even though they may not be naturally recruiting seedlings into the population. A staggered germination pattern displayed by one of the wild E. latifrons populations was studied, suggesting the evolution of an adaptive trait given the stochastic environment (climatically and disturbances such as fire) within which E. latifrons populations may be found. Species recovery (restoration and/or population augmentation) may be the only conservation solution remaining to save endangered species such as E. latifrons from extinction in the wild. Chapter 5 involves the return of 25 seedlings germinated as part of a seed viability experiment (see Chapter 4) back into a wild population from where they originated. The primary threat to seedling survival at the site was livestock activity (grazing/trampling). The population was subsequently fenced off to mitigate this threat and seedlings planted both inside and outside a fenced area to establish if there was a difference in seedling survival between the unprotected and protected sites. A high percentage (92%) of seedlings planted perished in total. None of the seedlings planted outside the fenced area survived over the monitoring period, while only two seedlings planted within the fenced area survived. Survival of the seedlings inside the fenced area was only after placing individual cages on the seedlings to prevent further losses. The primary causes of death for all seedlings included uprooting, and defoliation with some of the seedlings missing completely. This chapter found that the lack of natural seedling recruitment at the site was as a result of livestock activity. Grazing by livestock poses a significant threat to natural recruitment in some E. latifrons populations. Alternative restoration methods are suggested and protection of seedlings while undertaking a restoration/augmentation programme is emphasised. Developing conservation management plans for rare and/or endangered species is often met with high levels of uncertainty, particularly if there is limited information available on the biology and ecological requirements for the species concerned. Population viability analysis (PVA) is often suggested as a tool to determine conservation management scenarios that may enhance wild population persistence. The standard PVA approach is however problematic as it is a time-consuming process requiring the collection of demographic data over long time periods. In addition, the PVA approach does not take in to account non-biological factors which may impede the effective implementation of conservation plans. Chapter 6 of this thesis makes use of a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach called the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to decide on the best conservation management strategy for an E. latifrons population. Sensitivity analysis was completed to test the robustness of the decision and to identify which criteria influenced the original results. In this study, the development of the decision tree and criteria judgements, were made solely by the researcher. It is emphasised that the decision outcome may be biased if not conducted as part of a multi-stakeholder workshop using the same approach. Nevertheless, it is recommended that a Population Viability Risk Management (PVRM) assessment be undertaken for E. latifrons using an MCDM approach such as AHP as a prestudy, before the revision of the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for E. latifrons. This method is particularly useful when non-biological criteria are to be incorporated into the decision-making process. It is also a viable and holistic alternative to the standard PVA approach when developing conservation management plans for rare and endangered species. In Chapter 7 I review the concept of extinction debt in cycads using E. latifrons as an example. I assimilate historical information to understand mechanisms that may have impacted on E. latifrons populations in the past. This was done to understand the scale of extinction time lags on E. latifrons and to relate this to its present position on the exitinction trajectory. I recommend aligning South African policies and biodiversity assessments with international initiatives and draw out general conclusions for the conservation of global cycad biodiversity. I conclude by recommending further research for E. latifrons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Swart, Carin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Encephalartos , Cycadaceae , Cycads -- Conservation -- South Africa , Botany, Economic -- South Africa , Rare plants -- South Africa , Endangered plants -- South Africa , Wild plant trade -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94483 , vital:31049
- Description: Cycads have attracted global attention both as horticulturally interesting and often valuable plants; but also as some of the most threatened organisms on the planet. In this thesis I investigate the conservation management, biology, reproductive ecology and distribution of Encephalartos latifrons populations in the wild and draw out conclusions on how best to conserve global cycad biodiversity. I also employ computer-modelling techniques in some of the chapters of this thesis to demonstrate how to improve conservation outcomes for E. latifrons and endangered species in general, where information on the distribution, biology and habitat requirements of such species are inherently limited, often precluding robust conservation decision-making. In Chapter 1 of this thesis I introduce the concept of extinction debt and elucidate the importance of in situ cycad conservation. I explain how the concept of extinction debt relates to single species, as well as give details on the mechanisms causing extinction debt in cycad populations. I introduce the six extinction trajectory threshold model and how this relates to extinction debt in cycads. I discuss the vulnerability of cycads to extinction and give an overview of biodiversity policy in South Africa. I expand on how national and global policies contribute to cycad conservation and present various global initiatives that support threatened species conservation. I conclude Chapter 1 by explaining how computer-based models can assist conservation decision-making for rare, threatened, and endangered species in the face of uncertainty. Chapter 2 of this thesis illustrates how a modelling approach, using limited available historical and present day locality information, is a feasible method to determine areas of suitable habitat for E. latifrons and other critically endangered cycad species where locality information is inherently uncommon. Results from this chapter show that conservation planning through structured decision-making may be improved by the use of computer models, even when locality data are limited. These results may be incorporated into biodiversity conservation plans or used to assist conservation-decision makers when undertaking recovery efforts for E. latifrons and may provide guidance to conservation planners and policy makers when undertaking conservation plans to improve cycad biodiversity both nationally and globally. There was limited information available in the biology and ecological requirements of E. latifrons. This information is important when making policy decisions such as the publication of non-detriment findings and compiling biodiversity management plans for this and other cycad species. Chapter 3 investigates the life-history, population structure, fire response and survival of an in situ E. latifrons population. A demographic census was undertaken between 2013 and 2017 on a previously undiscovered population. Population characteristics of the “new” population were compared to the demographics of a well-known and intensively managed population. Results of this chapter show that at least one in situ E. latifrons population is stable and increasing under current environmental conditions. Importantly, the population is naturally recruiting seedlings without the need for artificial pollination. Demographic information described in this chapter is a necessary precursor to undertaking a Population Viability Assessment for the species. This will assist conservation decision-makers when determining the best conservation management strategy for E. latifrons. It may also be useful to apply generalisatons to other cycad species (with similar life-histories and habitat requirements) where there is limited information available on the species biological and ecological requirements, restricting robust policy conservation decision-making. It was important for this study to determine the extent and variety of cone fauna within existing E. latifrons wild populations. Previous anecdotal evidence suggested that E. latifrons is functionally extinct as a species, but evidence to the contrary was found when a healthy, self-sustaining wild population was discovered to be naturally recruiting. It was important to establish the existence and diversity of male cone faunal species (an important breeding site for weevil pollinators) within wild populations. Chapter 4 set out to determine if potential pollinators exist in the wild and if so, how diverse are they and in what numbers. This is the first comprehensive analysis of cone fauna present in wild E. latifrons populations. Equally important was the need to determine if wild populations are capable of producing viable seeds under conditions conducive to natural pollination. Results of this chapter show that there is a relatively high diversity of insect fauna in the male cones of some wild E. latifrons populations. Furthermore, some wild populations are capable of producing viable seeds through natural pollination; even though they may not be naturally recruiting seedlings into the population. A staggered germination pattern displayed by one of the wild E. latifrons populations was studied, suggesting the evolution of an adaptive trait given the stochastic environment (climatically and disturbances such as fire) within which E. latifrons populations may be found. Species recovery (restoration and/or population augmentation) may be the only conservation solution remaining to save endangered species such as E. latifrons from extinction in the wild. Chapter 5 involves the return of 25 seedlings germinated as part of a seed viability experiment (see Chapter 4) back into a wild population from where they originated. The primary threat to seedling survival at the site was livestock activity (grazing/trampling). The population was subsequently fenced off to mitigate this threat and seedlings planted both inside and outside a fenced area to establish if there was a difference in seedling survival between the unprotected and protected sites. A high percentage (92%) of seedlings planted perished in total. None of the seedlings planted outside the fenced area survived over the monitoring period, while only two seedlings planted within the fenced area survived. Survival of the seedlings inside the fenced area was only after placing individual cages on the seedlings to prevent further losses. The primary causes of death for all seedlings included uprooting, and defoliation with some of the seedlings missing completely. This chapter found that the lack of natural seedling recruitment at the site was as a result of livestock activity. Grazing by livestock poses a significant threat to natural recruitment in some E. latifrons populations. Alternative restoration methods are suggested and protection of seedlings while undertaking a restoration/augmentation programme is emphasised. Developing conservation management plans for rare and/or endangered species is often met with high levels of uncertainty, particularly if there is limited information available on the biology and ecological requirements for the species concerned. Population viability analysis (PVA) is often suggested as a tool to determine conservation management scenarios that may enhance wild population persistence. The standard PVA approach is however problematic as it is a time-consuming process requiring the collection of demographic data over long time periods. In addition, the PVA approach does not take in to account non-biological factors which may impede the effective implementation of conservation plans. Chapter 6 of this thesis makes use of a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach called the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to decide on the best conservation management strategy for an E. latifrons population. Sensitivity analysis was completed to test the robustness of the decision and to identify which criteria influenced the original results. In this study, the development of the decision tree and criteria judgements, were made solely by the researcher. It is emphasised that the decision outcome may be biased if not conducted as part of a multi-stakeholder workshop using the same approach. Nevertheless, it is recommended that a Population Viability Risk Management (PVRM) assessment be undertaken for E. latifrons using an MCDM approach such as AHP as a prestudy, before the revision of the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for E. latifrons. This method is particularly useful when non-biological criteria are to be incorporated into the decision-making process. It is also a viable and holistic alternative to the standard PVA approach when developing conservation management plans for rare and endangered species. In Chapter 7 I review the concept of extinction debt in cycads using E. latifrons as an example. I assimilate historical information to understand mechanisms that may have impacted on E. latifrons populations in the past. This was done to understand the scale of extinction time lags on E. latifrons and to relate this to its present position on the exitinction trajectory. I recommend aligning South African policies and biodiversity assessments with international initiatives and draw out general conclusions for the conservation of global cycad biodiversity. I conclude by recommending further research for E. latifrons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The construction and positioning of pregnant learners within contemporary South African legislation and policy
- Authors: Naidoo, Tashmin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers Educational law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16517 , vital:40727
- Description: In South Africa, nearly a third of women have children before they reach the age of 20, and basic education is compulsory until the age of 16. Many learners within the South African context continue to attend school until they are at least 20. Of all those teenage girls who fall pregnant, it is estimated that only around a third stay in school during their pregnancy and return following childbirth, with the highest return rate among those in Grade 12. As a result the government is committed to enforcing legislation and policy that protects and allows for pregnant learners to exercise their rights. The rationale of the study focuses on the fact that, rights-based documents are often at odds with the hierarchical spaces within schools. In practice, teachers and school managers continue to have the power to exclude pregnant learners. Although there is excellent legislation and progressive policy, these documents do not address the larger ideological landscape that impacts on the successful implementation of policy. Often policy is contradictory, ambiguous and draws on very conservative discourse. The aims of this study were to analyze the positioning of the pregnant learner within legislation and policy. A qualitative framework utilizing positioning theory was adopted in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and constructed within relevant policy and legislation. This was accomplished by critically analyzing the discourses used within policy in order to tease out various themes or discourses, for example the pregnant learner as an ‘unfit mother’, as responsible, or as rights bearing etc. This was done in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and what the implications of this positioning impose upon her life. The analysis suggests that pregnant learners are positioned as shifting ‘subjects’ in order to achieve very specific aims. The study established that their rights are not always absolute but contingent on other factors, that she is positioned as transitional, vulnerable, and rights-bearing and expected to be responsible. It is recommended that these policies be amended through a process of engagement with teachers and school management in order to ensure the rights of pregnant learners in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Naidoo, Tashmin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers Educational law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16517 , vital:40727
- Description: In South Africa, nearly a third of women have children before they reach the age of 20, and basic education is compulsory until the age of 16. Many learners within the South African context continue to attend school until they are at least 20. Of all those teenage girls who fall pregnant, it is estimated that only around a third stay in school during their pregnancy and return following childbirth, with the highest return rate among those in Grade 12. As a result the government is committed to enforcing legislation and policy that protects and allows for pregnant learners to exercise their rights. The rationale of the study focuses on the fact that, rights-based documents are often at odds with the hierarchical spaces within schools. In practice, teachers and school managers continue to have the power to exclude pregnant learners. Although there is excellent legislation and progressive policy, these documents do not address the larger ideological landscape that impacts on the successful implementation of policy. Often policy is contradictory, ambiguous and draws on very conservative discourse. The aims of this study were to analyze the positioning of the pregnant learner within legislation and policy. A qualitative framework utilizing positioning theory was adopted in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and constructed within relevant policy and legislation. This was accomplished by critically analyzing the discourses used within policy in order to tease out various themes or discourses, for example the pregnant learner as an ‘unfit mother’, as responsible, or as rights bearing etc. This was done in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and what the implications of this positioning impose upon her life. The analysis suggests that pregnant learners are positioned as shifting ‘subjects’ in order to achieve very specific aims. The study established that their rights are not always absolute but contingent on other factors, that she is positioned as transitional, vulnerable, and rights-bearing and expected to be responsible. It is recommended that these policies be amended through a process of engagement with teachers and school management in order to ensure the rights of pregnant learners in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The contribution of land tenure diversity to the spatial resilience of protected area networks
- de Vos, Alta, Cumming, George S
- Authors: de Vos, Alta , Cumming, George S
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416421 , vital:71347 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.29"
- Description: The relationship between diversity and resilience is relatively well‐established for ecological systems, but remains much less explored for socio‐economic systems. Institutional diversity can have particular relevance for protected areas, whose managerial responses to environmental change depend on their legal basis, ability to make and enforce rules and socio‐political acceptance and endorsement. 2. Protected area expansion strategies are increasingly turning to private land con‐ servation to increase the configuration and connectivity of national protected area networks. Yet, we know little about the relative role of privately owned pro‐ tected areas in protecting threatened and poorly protected (under‐represented) habitats, and in the overall connectivity of the national protected area network. 3. We present an empirical assessment of protected area tenure diversity across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: de Vos, Alta , Cumming, George S
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416421 , vital:71347 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.29"
- Description: The relationship between diversity and resilience is relatively well‐established for ecological systems, but remains much less explored for socio‐economic systems. Institutional diversity can have particular relevance for protected areas, whose managerial responses to environmental change depend on their legal basis, ability to make and enforce rules and socio‐political acceptance and endorsement. 2. Protected area expansion strategies are increasingly turning to private land con‐ servation to increase the configuration and connectivity of national protected area networks. Yet, we know little about the relative role of privately owned pro‐ tected areas in protecting threatened and poorly protected (under‐represented) habitats, and in the overall connectivity of the national protected area network. 3. We present an empirical assessment of protected area tenure diversity across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The contribution of NTFPs to rural livelihoods in different agro-ecological zones of South Africa
- Mugido, Worship, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177488 , vital:42826 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2019.101983
- Description: Although many studies have examined the contributions of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to rural livelihoods, relatively few consider the context in which income shares are shaped. A core one is the local agro-ecological potential because it moulds possible land use options and the potential balance between agricultural and NTFP activities. Using income surveys of 1200 households, this paper examined the absolute and relative contribution of NTFP income at six sites each paired across a gradient of differing agro-ecological potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177488 , vital:42826 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2019.101983
- Description: Although many studies have examined the contributions of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to rural livelihoods, relatively few consider the context in which income shares are shaped. A core one is the local agro-ecological potential because it moulds possible land use options and the potential balance between agricultural and NTFP activities. Using income surveys of 1200 households, this paper examined the absolute and relative contribution of NTFP income at six sites each paired across a gradient of differing agro-ecological potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The contribution of NTFPs to rural livelihoods in different agro-ecological zones of South Africa
- Mugido, Worship, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182308 , vital:43819 , xlink:href="Commonwealth Forestry Association"
- Description: In South Africa, there is extensive NTFP trade within communities and via external markets. However, there is a limited indication of the proportion of all households trading one or more NTFPs, and how it varies in relation to local context. Therefore, this study sought to establish the proportion of households trading in NTFPs in sites of different distances to urban markets and agro-ecological zones of South Africa. The results showed that about 6.4% households reported selling NTFPs for various reasons, with many (22%) citing the need to earn cash income and limited employment opportunities (16.9%). Even though the returns from trading NTFPs are relatively low, every earning is very important to many cash-strapped rural households. This was demonstrated by the fact that many sellers of NTFPs used their earnings to augment household income and cover their living expenses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182308 , vital:43819 , xlink:href="Commonwealth Forestry Association"
- Description: In South Africa, there is extensive NTFP trade within communities and via external markets. However, there is a limited indication of the proportion of all households trading one or more NTFPs, and how it varies in relation to local context. Therefore, this study sought to establish the proportion of households trading in NTFPs in sites of different distances to urban markets and agro-ecological zones of South Africa. The results showed that about 6.4% households reported selling NTFPs for various reasons, with many (22%) citing the need to earn cash income and limited employment opportunities (16.9%). Even though the returns from trading NTFPs are relatively low, every earning is very important to many cash-strapped rural households. This was demonstrated by the fact that many sellers of NTFPs used their earnings to augment household income and cover their living expenses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The contribution of the citrus sub-sector to the economy of Sundays River Valley Local Municipality
- Authors: Smith, Siphelele Ricardo
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18861 , vital:42878
- Description: Neither the South African government, nor organised agriculture, nor the research community, has an accurate understanding of the role that the citrus sub-sector plays in the local economy of the main producing areas. There are in fact few studies in South Africa on the linkages between agriculture and other economic sectors at the local level. Through understanding the backward and forward linkages in the citrus sub-sector in Sundays River Valley, one of South Africa’s main citrus areas, it is possible to obtain a better understanding of how investment and expenditure in this sub-sector might influence other related subsectors. The main objective of the study is to assess and understand the citrus industry's contribution to the local economy of Sundays River Valley Local Municipality. This is done through the estimation of an input-output table which differentiates local from non-local economic linkages, and which also, given the labour intensity of the citrus subsector, is closed with respect to households, i.e. households are treated as an endogenous sector with interrelationships with the other sectors captured. The other sectors captured include agroprocessing, utilities, transport and retail. The input-out table, which is estimated based on primary surveys as well as secondary data, is thereafter used to perform input-output analysis on the basis of which the impact of different types of sectoral development are simulated. Results show that jobs can be created through expansion of area under citrus. In addition, more income to farm workers translates into higher income into the local retail sector. However, labour-saving technology could lead to job losses in both citrus and agroprocessing sectors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Smith, Siphelele Ricardo
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18861 , vital:42878
- Description: Neither the South African government, nor organised agriculture, nor the research community, has an accurate understanding of the role that the citrus sub-sector plays in the local economy of the main producing areas. There are in fact few studies in South Africa on the linkages between agriculture and other economic sectors at the local level. Through understanding the backward and forward linkages in the citrus sub-sector in Sundays River Valley, one of South Africa’s main citrus areas, it is possible to obtain a better understanding of how investment and expenditure in this sub-sector might influence other related subsectors. The main objective of the study is to assess and understand the citrus industry's contribution to the local economy of Sundays River Valley Local Municipality. This is done through the estimation of an input-output table which differentiates local from non-local economic linkages, and which also, given the labour intensity of the citrus subsector, is closed with respect to households, i.e. households are treated as an endogenous sector with interrelationships with the other sectors captured. The other sectors captured include agroprocessing, utilities, transport and retail. The input-out table, which is estimated based on primary surveys as well as secondary data, is thereafter used to perform input-output analysis on the basis of which the impact of different types of sectoral development are simulated. Results show that jobs can be created through expansion of area under citrus. In addition, more income to farm workers translates into higher income into the local retail sector. However, labour-saving technology could lead to job losses in both citrus and agroprocessing sectors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The contribution of tourism in local economic development: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Tshobeni, Yolanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43732 , vital:37039
- Description: The primary aim of the study was to analyse the contribution of tourism to Local economic development in BCMM. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy and an extremely lucrative business. The industry is growing and carries great potential of contributing to a country and/or local areas’ economy and development. What motivated the study is that there are no published studies on the contribution of tourism to LED in BCMM. Therefore, is a lack of information on the importance of tourism activities on promoting the local communities’ economies and social well-being by helping to reduce poverty. Even though, the municipality gives some information on activities that are being done by the municipality to work with the local communities that have tourist attraction hubs, the information does not delve into economic issues that are needed to ensure that there is promotion of development in areas that are around the tourist attraction hubs. The study was qualitative and it used secondary data to achieve its objectives. Data was sourced from journals, municipal documents, newspapers and many other secondary sources. Results showed that tourism in BCCM has led to economic development in that there are quite a number of attractions and tourism products in the city i.e. museums, theatres, beautiful beaches, conference, restaurants, and accommodation facilities, and this is where job opportunities are created. The tourism sector is one of the key areas with great potential for poverty alleviation and has been taken as a key portfolio to be appropriately monitored to foster its growth and development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tshobeni, Yolanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43732 , vital:37039
- Description: The primary aim of the study was to analyse the contribution of tourism to Local economic development in BCMM. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy and an extremely lucrative business. The industry is growing and carries great potential of contributing to a country and/or local areas’ economy and development. What motivated the study is that there are no published studies on the contribution of tourism to LED in BCMM. Therefore, is a lack of information on the importance of tourism activities on promoting the local communities’ economies and social well-being by helping to reduce poverty. Even though, the municipality gives some information on activities that are being done by the municipality to work with the local communities that have tourist attraction hubs, the information does not delve into economic issues that are needed to ensure that there is promotion of development in areas that are around the tourist attraction hubs. The study was qualitative and it used secondary data to achieve its objectives. Data was sourced from journals, municipal documents, newspapers and many other secondary sources. Results showed that tourism in BCCM has led to economic development in that there are quite a number of attractions and tourism products in the city i.e. museums, theatres, beautiful beaches, conference, restaurants, and accommodation facilities, and this is where job opportunities are created. The tourism sector is one of the key areas with great potential for poverty alleviation and has been taken as a key portfolio to be appropriately monitored to foster its growth and development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The cultivation of Gracilaria gracilis in the Swartkops estuary, South Africa
- Authors: Blewett, Alec
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gracilaria -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Marine algae Algae -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31446 , vital:31391
- Description: Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) M. Steentoft, L. M. Irvine & W. F. Farnham is a species of red macroalgae which occurs naturally within the Swartkops Estuary in South Africa. Bunches of the species were inserted into the lay of ropes, which were then either suspended in the water column at the Tiger Bay Marina, or staked at the surface of the sediment in the mudflats where the initial material was harvested from. The first site was used for the suspended growth trial, while the second site was for the bottom grown trial. Both of the growth trials ran for the same time period, which was approximately three weeks per season. This study examined three facets of the G. gracilis material that was grown. The growth rate and biomass were recorded in order to examine the potential for the growth of the species on longlines within the estuary. Secondly, the crude nutritional content of the species was determined in order to assess its potential for use as an abalone feed, specifically the dry and ashed weights, and the protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents. Lastly, the cultivated biomass was examined in terms of its agar gel yield and properties, which included the gel strength and the gel –melting and –forming temperatures. The growth rates for the cultivated G. gracilis were poor, and the largest positive growth rate of 1.17 ± 3.2% was found in spring, for the bottom grown trial. This season also saw the only increase in biomass above that which was seeded onto the line, and the final average weight after 22 days was 354.28 ± 68.04 g. All other growth rates were negative, and biomass declined in both growth trials across all the seasons. The suspended growth trials showed more extreme declines, and were heavily contaminated with epiphytic material, while the bottom grown trial had more gradual decrease, and it is likely that conditions associated with the culture systems were not ideal. The largest percentage of protein was found in autumn, where the bottom grown trial had a value of 88 ± 2.32%. For all the seasons, the lipid content had an average percentage of 1.80 ± 0.75% for the bottom grown trial, while the suspended trial was very similar, and had a value of 1.74 ± 0.58%. The nutritional composition of the cultivated biomass was not found to be a good abalone feed in comparison to other studies in land-based aquaculture facilities. Agar characteristics extracted in the present study showed the greatest potential for use as a valuable economic resource. The native agar extracted from the cultivated material was very close to the standards set by United States Pharmacopeia for all the characteristics, and has the potential to possibly be improved further by using an alkali treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Blewett, Alec
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gracilaria -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Marine algae Algae -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31446 , vital:31391
- Description: Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) M. Steentoft, L. M. Irvine & W. F. Farnham is a species of red macroalgae which occurs naturally within the Swartkops Estuary in South Africa. Bunches of the species were inserted into the lay of ropes, which were then either suspended in the water column at the Tiger Bay Marina, or staked at the surface of the sediment in the mudflats where the initial material was harvested from. The first site was used for the suspended growth trial, while the second site was for the bottom grown trial. Both of the growth trials ran for the same time period, which was approximately three weeks per season. This study examined three facets of the G. gracilis material that was grown. The growth rate and biomass were recorded in order to examine the potential for the growth of the species on longlines within the estuary. Secondly, the crude nutritional content of the species was determined in order to assess its potential for use as an abalone feed, specifically the dry and ashed weights, and the protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents. Lastly, the cultivated biomass was examined in terms of its agar gel yield and properties, which included the gel strength and the gel –melting and –forming temperatures. The growth rates for the cultivated G. gracilis were poor, and the largest positive growth rate of 1.17 ± 3.2% was found in spring, for the bottom grown trial. This season also saw the only increase in biomass above that which was seeded onto the line, and the final average weight after 22 days was 354.28 ± 68.04 g. All other growth rates were negative, and biomass declined in both growth trials across all the seasons. The suspended growth trials showed more extreme declines, and were heavily contaminated with epiphytic material, while the bottom grown trial had more gradual decrease, and it is likely that conditions associated with the culture systems were not ideal. The largest percentage of protein was found in autumn, where the bottom grown trial had a value of 88 ± 2.32%. For all the seasons, the lipid content had an average percentage of 1.80 ± 0.75% for the bottom grown trial, while the suspended trial was very similar, and had a value of 1.74 ± 0.58%. The nutritional composition of the cultivated biomass was not found to be a good abalone feed in comparison to other studies in land-based aquaculture facilities. Agar characteristics extracted in the present study showed the greatest potential for use as a valuable economic resource. The native agar extracted from the cultivated material was very close to the standards set by United States Pharmacopeia for all the characteristics, and has the potential to possibly be improved further by using an alkali treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The delivery of low-income housing in Sarah Baartman District from 2012 to 2017
- Authors: Mazondwa, Sivuyile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Housing development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41537 , vital:36502
- Description: Access to basic housing for the poor is one of the Government’s key focus areas. Housing delivery started to decline in Sarah Baartman, leading to total non-delivery in the local municipalities within the district. This has led to community unrest, in which the national and regional roads will be blocked, due to the demand for houses. The study seeks to find the causes of the situation; since it cannot be an issue to be tackled by the Department of Human Settlements alone. There are certain sector departments or municipalities which ought to have done certain roles or tasks prior to the delivery of houses. The study aimed at establishing the factors that affect the delivery trends of Human Settlements projects between 2012 and 2017. It further sought to suggest possible solutions; to factors that negatively affected the delivery, mainly focusing on the alignment of sector department plans, project planning, procurement and contract administration. The research design followed is a qualitative research; since it sought opinions rather than figures. The study was conducted in the Sarah Baartman District, which covers seven local municipalities as a population. The sampling frame comprised officials that were likely to be involved in housing delivery – from initiation to the close-out of projects. A total of 33 questionnaires were distributed electronically; but only 23 were returned fully completed, thereby representing 69, 8% response rate. The key findings or revelations of the study indicated that there is a disjuncture that exists between the sector departments’ plans and the municipal plans. There is lack of technical oversight during project planning, leading to the unavailability of land and bulk services and a lack of budget. In as much as there are Supply-Chain Management (SCM) committees for procurement, there is an issue of commitment and the availability of members for the sittings of the committees. Contract administration is affected by poor performance monitoring and inexperienced staff. The key recommendations in response to the above challenges are that municipalities need to revisit and rework all the integrated human settlements project plans, together with other sector departments that play a pivotal role in the delivery of human settlements. There is a need for provincial government sector departments and municipalities to interact and have employees with the planning expertise and technical capacity to guide them in the right direction, when conducting strategic and project planning. Supply-Chain Management (SCM) committees should be prioritised by members nominated to serve in them; and members must be accountable; and they need to understand the bigger picture of how the meetings/sittings affect project delivery. A proper procurement plan and procurement schedule should be created and revised quarterly, so that members can align their working schedules to the procurement schedule. Employees must be constantly capacitated and their performance must be constantly monitored; so that there can be some sense of accountability for each and every action taken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mazondwa, Sivuyile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Housing development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41537 , vital:36502
- Description: Access to basic housing for the poor is one of the Government’s key focus areas. Housing delivery started to decline in Sarah Baartman, leading to total non-delivery in the local municipalities within the district. This has led to community unrest, in which the national and regional roads will be blocked, due to the demand for houses. The study seeks to find the causes of the situation; since it cannot be an issue to be tackled by the Department of Human Settlements alone. There are certain sector departments or municipalities which ought to have done certain roles or tasks prior to the delivery of houses. The study aimed at establishing the factors that affect the delivery trends of Human Settlements projects between 2012 and 2017. It further sought to suggest possible solutions; to factors that negatively affected the delivery, mainly focusing on the alignment of sector department plans, project planning, procurement and contract administration. The research design followed is a qualitative research; since it sought opinions rather than figures. The study was conducted in the Sarah Baartman District, which covers seven local municipalities as a population. The sampling frame comprised officials that were likely to be involved in housing delivery – from initiation to the close-out of projects. A total of 33 questionnaires were distributed electronically; but only 23 were returned fully completed, thereby representing 69, 8% response rate. The key findings or revelations of the study indicated that there is a disjuncture that exists between the sector departments’ plans and the municipal plans. There is lack of technical oversight during project planning, leading to the unavailability of land and bulk services and a lack of budget. In as much as there are Supply-Chain Management (SCM) committees for procurement, there is an issue of commitment and the availability of members for the sittings of the committees. Contract administration is affected by poor performance monitoring and inexperienced staff. The key recommendations in response to the above challenges are that municipalities need to revisit and rework all the integrated human settlements project plans, together with other sector departments that play a pivotal role in the delivery of human settlements. There is a need for provincial government sector departments and municipalities to interact and have employees with the planning expertise and technical capacity to guide them in the right direction, when conducting strategic and project planning. Supply-Chain Management (SCM) committees should be prioritised by members nominated to serve in them; and members must be accountable; and they need to understand the bigger picture of how the meetings/sittings affect project delivery. A proper procurement plan and procurement schedule should be created and revised quarterly, so that members can align their working schedules to the procurement schedule. Employees must be constantly capacitated and their performance must be constantly monitored; so that there can be some sense of accountability for each and every action taken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The design of a building linking central and the Baakens river mouth
- Authors: De Klerk, Paul
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- 21st century , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43138 , vital:36746
- Description: This treatsie focuses around the reationship of the Baakens Valley and the historical core and their respective declined states that has been affected through shifts in urban development and urban sprawl. Urban centres are moving away from the core decentralizing activity affecting the central areas allowing people-orientated environments to decline as an outcome of urbanism. Settlement expansion was forced along the coast due to topography Decentralised city growth with urban sprawl far from the historical core. New centres developed within residential realms detracted from people returning to the historical core Increased major arterial routes diminished density through vehicular orientated living spaces vs the density of the historical core orientated to the pedestian and mixed use activity City centre deteriorated due to Urban expansion and activity centres leaving the CBD resulting in a dilapidated city core.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: De Klerk, Paul
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- 21st century , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43138 , vital:36746
- Description: This treatsie focuses around the reationship of the Baakens Valley and the historical core and their respective declined states that has been affected through shifts in urban development and urban sprawl. Urban centres are moving away from the core decentralizing activity affecting the central areas allowing people-orientated environments to decline as an outcome of urbanism. Settlement expansion was forced along the coast due to topography Decentralised city growth with urban sprawl far from the historical core. New centres developed within residential realms detracted from people returning to the historical core Increased major arterial routes diminished density through vehicular orientated living spaces vs the density of the historical core orientated to the pedestian and mixed use activity City centre deteriorated due to Urban expansion and activity centres leaving the CBD resulting in a dilapidated city core.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The design of a learning resource centre in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Henderson, Lauren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: School buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Elementary school buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction School buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42705 , vital:36683
- Description: Streets and sidewalks should be seen as public spaces within themselves (Flositz, 2010,iii) this thought triggered an interest in public spaces and what they offer the users and community in which they are placed. This research will examine not only the impacts of the colonialist regime’s planning on Port Elizabeth, but more specifically the segregation and planning of public spaces affecting New Brighton, a predominantly “Black” suburb along the periphery of the city that came to be as a result of forced removals from the city centre (Pettman, 1913: 298). The main argument being carried through this treatise is the significant role that public spaces play in the lives of the urban poor (Dewar & Uytenbogaardt, 1995: 10) especially looking at South Africa and the impact apartheid had on public spaces. It looks at the potential and the ability of the design of public architecture to develop community spaces for all that contributes to a sense of place and pride for the community of New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. This treatise uses the understandings and information gathered throughout the research conducted to develop a suitable design response that generated a significant educational community hub inclusive of a Learning Resource Centre. It will strengthen not only the connection between the various users (races, religions, genders or ages) but also the current segregated and isolated schools within New Brighton’s community. The intention was to bridge not only street and building together but also school and community as a cohesive environment that works together to create a unique experience, exclusive to that area impacted by the context and community in which it sits. Ideas of public space, the in-between and Montessori’s schooling together with the notions of place-making is what ultimately influenced many of the design decisions and the authors theoretical stance. Looking at streets as more than just movement routes or thoroughfares from point A to point B, we can see them as places within a space, where one can experience the world that moves around them. Ultimately the design developed as a response to the identified issues and challenges and created a facility that not only meets the need of the under-resourced secondary schools in New Brighton but also contributes to the development of the public realm of those schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Henderson, Lauren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: School buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Elementary school buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction School buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42705 , vital:36683
- Description: Streets and sidewalks should be seen as public spaces within themselves (Flositz, 2010,iii) this thought triggered an interest in public spaces and what they offer the users and community in which they are placed. This research will examine not only the impacts of the colonialist regime’s planning on Port Elizabeth, but more specifically the segregation and planning of public spaces affecting New Brighton, a predominantly “Black” suburb along the periphery of the city that came to be as a result of forced removals from the city centre (Pettman, 1913: 298). The main argument being carried through this treatise is the significant role that public spaces play in the lives of the urban poor (Dewar & Uytenbogaardt, 1995: 10) especially looking at South Africa and the impact apartheid had on public spaces. It looks at the potential and the ability of the design of public architecture to develop community spaces for all that contributes to a sense of place and pride for the community of New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. This treatise uses the understandings and information gathered throughout the research conducted to develop a suitable design response that generated a significant educational community hub inclusive of a Learning Resource Centre. It will strengthen not only the connection between the various users (races, religions, genders or ages) but also the current segregated and isolated schools within New Brighton’s community. The intention was to bridge not only street and building together but also school and community as a cohesive environment that works together to create a unique experience, exclusive to that area impacted by the context and community in which it sits. Ideas of public space, the in-between and Montessori’s schooling together with the notions of place-making is what ultimately influenced many of the design decisions and the authors theoretical stance. Looking at streets as more than just movement routes or thoroughfares from point A to point B, we can see them as places within a space, where one can experience the world that moves around them. Ultimately the design developed as a response to the identified issues and challenges and created a facility that not only meets the need of the under-resourced secondary schools in New Brighton but also contributes to the development of the public realm of those schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The design of an office headquarters for SAMSUNG in the foreshore, Cape Town
- Authors: Wiese, Andre
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Office buildings -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Office layout -- South Africa -- Cape Town Office buildings -- Design and construction Office buildings -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40413 , vital:36159
- Description: This treatise developed through an interest in 21st century office buildings and most particularly, their impact on productivity, employee wellness and corporate culture. The conventional office of the mid-20th century disregarded employee health and well-being and was geared toward increasing productivity and production. The retrofitting of these buildings is very costly, and it is almost impossible to ensure compliance with modern-day environmental and efficiency standards to ultimately create a good office environment conducive to productivity and employee well-being. The nature of office has shifted to a more collaborative, socially interactive, open and flexible working environment because of the mobility technology offers the workplace. The current office building typology is concerned with the health and well-being of employees, active design, sustainability and environmental awareness. The treatise takes a qualitative research approach that is exploratory in nature and through careful analysis and interpretation, site constraints and informants are identified that inform the design of an office headquarters for Samsung. Pure research is based on the readings of Richard Sennett, Jane Jacobs, Stephen Kellert and Judith Heerwagen. An understanding is developed around factors that positively impact employee health and well-being in the workplace. Research determines that social interaction, human nature connectivity and the designed environment significantly impact the health and well-being of office user. Social interaction is scalable from the urban network to internal workspaces and is essential to create a seamless connection between the office environment and immediate urban context to stimulate serendipitous moments of interaction. The design of a Samsung Headquarters in Foreshore Cape Town uses Building Information Management (BIM) among other strategies to respond to its immediate environmental conditions and to create an environment conducive to the health and well-being of the office user and effectively increase productivity. The design is situated along a prominent pedestrian corridor that connects the CBD to the waterfront.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wiese, Andre
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Office buildings -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Office layout -- South Africa -- Cape Town Office buildings -- Design and construction Office buildings -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40413 , vital:36159
- Description: This treatise developed through an interest in 21st century office buildings and most particularly, their impact on productivity, employee wellness and corporate culture. The conventional office of the mid-20th century disregarded employee health and well-being and was geared toward increasing productivity and production. The retrofitting of these buildings is very costly, and it is almost impossible to ensure compliance with modern-day environmental and efficiency standards to ultimately create a good office environment conducive to productivity and employee well-being. The nature of office has shifted to a more collaborative, socially interactive, open and flexible working environment because of the mobility technology offers the workplace. The current office building typology is concerned with the health and well-being of employees, active design, sustainability and environmental awareness. The treatise takes a qualitative research approach that is exploratory in nature and through careful analysis and interpretation, site constraints and informants are identified that inform the design of an office headquarters for Samsung. Pure research is based on the readings of Richard Sennett, Jane Jacobs, Stephen Kellert and Judith Heerwagen. An understanding is developed around factors that positively impact employee health and well-being in the workplace. Research determines that social interaction, human nature connectivity and the designed environment significantly impact the health and well-being of office user. Social interaction is scalable from the urban network to internal workspaces and is essential to create a seamless connection between the office environment and immediate urban context to stimulate serendipitous moments of interaction. The design of a Samsung Headquarters in Foreshore Cape Town uses Building Information Management (BIM) among other strategies to respond to its immediate environmental conditions and to create an environment conducive to the health and well-being of the office user and effectively increase productivity. The design is situated along a prominent pedestrian corridor that connects the CBD to the waterfront.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The determinants of economic growth in BRICS Countries
- Authors: Nyirenda, Chimwemwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , BRIC countries -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42946 , vital:36713
- Description: One of the key goals of the formation of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) was to promote stability in trade and investment which would boost growth as the five BRICS countries recovered from the 2009 global financial crisis. This however has not been the case for all BRICS countries where only certain members have experienced a substantial increase in growth while others have experienced declining growth rates. The objective of this study was to analyse the determinants of economic growth in BRICS countries in order to investigate the causes of growth rates varying amongst the BRICS economies. This paper considered various economic theories for proximate and fundamental determinants of growth which included: The Harrod-Domar model, The Neoclassical Growth Theory, The Endogenous Growth Model, The New Growth Theory, Institutions and Economic Growth, Democracy, The Quality of Governance and Growth, Finance and Growth, Trade and Economic Growth and lastly Financial Openness and Growth. The study was conducted for a period covering from 1995 to 2016 and made use of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model for the single-country analysis and Pooled Mean Group (PMG) was used for the panel analysis. In the single-country analysis, the descriptive statistics indicated that individually all of the BRICS members on average experienced positive GDP growth, positive investment (capital formation) and trade openness between 1995 to 2016. The single-country analysis made use of the ARDL Bounds test to investigate cointegration in each country and a long-run relationship was established in all BRICS countries except for China. The augmented Solow model was extended to incorporate both proximate and fundamental determinants of growth. The estimated results for the ARDL model found that capital and trade openness were significant in determining GDP growth for all of the BRICS countries except for China. FDI was insignificant in determining growth in BRICS countries except for India and the remaining variables gave mixed results between the countries. The error correction term (ECT) was significant and negative in all of the BRICS countries (except for China) which indicated that there was convergence. In the panel analysis, a long-run relationship was established using the KAO Residual cointegration test. The panel correlations test for BRICS revealed that GDP growth had a positive correlation with all the variables under analysis except for inflation which was in line with the anticipated correlations. The PMG estimated results for BRICS found that the proximate determinants (capital and labour) were both significant in determining growth in the long-run where capital had a positive relationship and labour had a negative relationship with growth. Trade openness, inflation and FDI were significant in determining growth in the long-run, though government expenditure was insignificant in determining growth. The error correction term for BRICS illustrated that there was convergence and 92% of the disequilibrium in the short-run is corrected each year. The analysis revealed that BRICS economies should adopt more policies that encourage domestic investment and trade in order to boost growth. Policies such as relaxing local corporation taxes can encourage domestic investment which will aid local businesses in competing against foreign competition. Countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa can adopt more policies that encourage the development and growth of SMME’s. An area for future research would be to incorporate a location variable into the fundamental determinants of growth where the analysis could be conducted per region in each of the BRICS countries, which would give a broader view on which regions are determining growth in BRICS countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nyirenda, Chimwemwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , BRIC countries -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42946 , vital:36713
- Description: One of the key goals of the formation of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) was to promote stability in trade and investment which would boost growth as the five BRICS countries recovered from the 2009 global financial crisis. This however has not been the case for all BRICS countries where only certain members have experienced a substantial increase in growth while others have experienced declining growth rates. The objective of this study was to analyse the determinants of economic growth in BRICS countries in order to investigate the causes of growth rates varying amongst the BRICS economies. This paper considered various economic theories for proximate and fundamental determinants of growth which included: The Harrod-Domar model, The Neoclassical Growth Theory, The Endogenous Growth Model, The New Growth Theory, Institutions and Economic Growth, Democracy, The Quality of Governance and Growth, Finance and Growth, Trade and Economic Growth and lastly Financial Openness and Growth. The study was conducted for a period covering from 1995 to 2016 and made use of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model for the single-country analysis and Pooled Mean Group (PMG) was used for the panel analysis. In the single-country analysis, the descriptive statistics indicated that individually all of the BRICS members on average experienced positive GDP growth, positive investment (capital formation) and trade openness between 1995 to 2016. The single-country analysis made use of the ARDL Bounds test to investigate cointegration in each country and a long-run relationship was established in all BRICS countries except for China. The augmented Solow model was extended to incorporate both proximate and fundamental determinants of growth. The estimated results for the ARDL model found that capital and trade openness were significant in determining GDP growth for all of the BRICS countries except for China. FDI was insignificant in determining growth in BRICS countries except for India and the remaining variables gave mixed results between the countries. The error correction term (ECT) was significant and negative in all of the BRICS countries (except for China) which indicated that there was convergence. In the panel analysis, a long-run relationship was established using the KAO Residual cointegration test. The panel correlations test for BRICS revealed that GDP growth had a positive correlation with all the variables under analysis except for inflation which was in line with the anticipated correlations. The PMG estimated results for BRICS found that the proximate determinants (capital and labour) were both significant in determining growth in the long-run where capital had a positive relationship and labour had a negative relationship with growth. Trade openness, inflation and FDI were significant in determining growth in the long-run, though government expenditure was insignificant in determining growth. The error correction term for BRICS illustrated that there was convergence and 92% of the disequilibrium in the short-run is corrected each year. The analysis revealed that BRICS economies should adopt more policies that encourage domestic investment and trade in order to boost growth. Policies such as relaxing local corporation taxes can encourage domestic investment which will aid local businesses in competing against foreign competition. Countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa can adopt more policies that encourage the development and growth of SMME’s. An area for future research would be to incorporate a location variable into the fundamental determinants of growth where the analysis could be conducted per region in each of the BRICS countries, which would give a broader view on which regions are determining growth in BRICS countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a framework to assess the economic viability of thoroughbred breeding in South Africa
- Authors: Keevy, Julia Merle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Thoroughbred horse -- Breeding -- South Africa , Race horses -- Breeding -- South Africa Horse industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40632 , vital:36203
- Description: The thoroughbred horseracing industry in Southern Africa has reported a declining trend in industry participants in recent years with pressure being experienced from external sources as well as from within. The industry is reliant on the thoroughbred breeding sector to supply quality horses for the purpose of racing. This, coupled with the challenges faced in exporting horses to global markets, has diminished the demand for thoroughbred horses locally. The economic viability of the breeding sector, as the foundation of the broader thoroughbred industry, is pivotal for its future sustainability. This has served as the motivation for this study. The sport of thoroughbred horse racing in South Africa contributes over R2,7 billion to the estimated R4500,0 billion South African GDP in the form of gambling revenue alone. The industry is particularly labour intensive and employs over 15 000 people in South Africa which include breeding, racing and betting industry participants. In this study, a broad analysis of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa was conducted with the intention of developing a framework within which to assess the perceived economic viability of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an economic impact on the thoroughbred breeding sector in terms of how these factors influence perceived economic viability. The empirical section of the study tested thoroughbred breeders‘ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influenced the economic viability of the breeding sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that the industry is not exploiting marketing avenues that are available, creating information shortages that affect perceptions of the sector and that the equine export system from South Africa is inefficient and costly. Amidst political uncertainty and general economic decline in South Africa, the future of the industry and the people that it supports is questionable. The relevance and scope of the breeding sector in support of the broader thoroughbred industry in South Africa is pivotal, without it there will be no industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keevy, Julia Merle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Thoroughbred horse -- Breeding -- South Africa , Race horses -- Breeding -- South Africa Horse industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40632 , vital:36203
- Description: The thoroughbred horseracing industry in Southern Africa has reported a declining trend in industry participants in recent years with pressure being experienced from external sources as well as from within. The industry is reliant on the thoroughbred breeding sector to supply quality horses for the purpose of racing. This, coupled with the challenges faced in exporting horses to global markets, has diminished the demand for thoroughbred horses locally. The economic viability of the breeding sector, as the foundation of the broader thoroughbred industry, is pivotal for its future sustainability. This has served as the motivation for this study. The sport of thoroughbred horse racing in South Africa contributes over R2,7 billion to the estimated R4500,0 billion South African GDP in the form of gambling revenue alone. The industry is particularly labour intensive and employs over 15 000 people in South Africa which include breeding, racing and betting industry participants. In this study, a broad analysis of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa was conducted with the intention of developing a framework within which to assess the perceived economic viability of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an economic impact on the thoroughbred breeding sector in terms of how these factors influence perceived economic viability. The empirical section of the study tested thoroughbred breeders‘ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influenced the economic viability of the breeding sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that the industry is not exploiting marketing avenues that are available, creating information shortages that affect perceptions of the sector and that the equine export system from South Africa is inefficient and costly. Amidst political uncertainty and general economic decline in South Africa, the future of the industry and the people that it supports is questionable. The relevance and scope of the breeding sector in support of the broader thoroughbred industry in South Africa is pivotal, without it there will be no industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a larval feeding regimen for dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, with a specific focus on the effect of weaning period on larval development and survival
- Authors: Keet, Thomas
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96897 , vital:31344
- Description: One of the biggest limiting factors in marine finfish aquaculture is the low survival rate of early-stage larvae. Most mortalities can be ascribed to the poor nutritional value of live feeds, sibling cannibalism, and various stressors that result in swim bladder hyperinflation and/or starvation during the larval stage. Research results vary on the best timing for the introduction of artificial feed for good survival and growth rate in dusky kob larvae. The main objective of this experiment was to improve survival and growth rate. The experiment focused on a new feeding regime that sought to wean larvae onto an artificial diet earlier than the current Argyrosomus japonicus standard (weaning commenced at 16 days after hatch (DAH) versus 20 days after hatch), based on findings and recommendations made by Musson & Kaiser (2014). Three trials were conducted, each with five replicates of the two treatments, namely the new feeding regime and the standard feeding regime in a fully randomised design. Samples from each tank were collected every two days for the duration of the trial. Morphometric measurements (standard length; body depth; eye diameter) obtained from these sample larvae were used to compare growth rates between treatments. The ratio of BD:SL was used to assess larval condition throughout each trial. Tank survival rates were calculated on the last day of each trial.The study indicated that in mean water temperatures ranging from 24.3 – 25.2 °C, dusky kob larvae can be weaned onto an artificial pellet diet from 16 - 21 DAH without any negative effects on growth, condition and survival. Results from the highest mean temperatures of Trial 2 show a better mean condition in the treatment group during the weaning period (p < 0.05). In Trial 3, with its lower mean water temperatures of 23.2 °C, larvae in both treatments showed stunted absolute growth rates of all biometrics when compared to results from the higher mean temperatures of Trials 1 and 2. During the first 6 days of Trial 3 larvae were in relatively poor condition, BD:SL ≤ 0.30. During this same period in Trials 1 and 2, mean BD:SL ≥ 0.31, suggesting that a BD:SL ratio of ≤ 0.30 in non-weaned dusky kob larvae is an indicator of a degree of starvation. A future study on the morphology and histology of the larval gastrointestinal tract, specifically the liver and intestines, and how this early weaning regime affects their ontogeny under differing temperature conditions this needed to investigate the validity of these initial data on dusky kob larvae condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keet, Thomas
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96897 , vital:31344
- Description: One of the biggest limiting factors in marine finfish aquaculture is the low survival rate of early-stage larvae. Most mortalities can be ascribed to the poor nutritional value of live feeds, sibling cannibalism, and various stressors that result in swim bladder hyperinflation and/or starvation during the larval stage. Research results vary on the best timing for the introduction of artificial feed for good survival and growth rate in dusky kob larvae. The main objective of this experiment was to improve survival and growth rate. The experiment focused on a new feeding regime that sought to wean larvae onto an artificial diet earlier than the current Argyrosomus japonicus standard (weaning commenced at 16 days after hatch (DAH) versus 20 days after hatch), based on findings and recommendations made by Musson & Kaiser (2014). Three trials were conducted, each with five replicates of the two treatments, namely the new feeding regime and the standard feeding regime in a fully randomised design. Samples from each tank were collected every two days for the duration of the trial. Morphometric measurements (standard length; body depth; eye diameter) obtained from these sample larvae were used to compare growth rates between treatments. The ratio of BD:SL was used to assess larval condition throughout each trial. Tank survival rates were calculated on the last day of each trial.The study indicated that in mean water temperatures ranging from 24.3 – 25.2 °C, dusky kob larvae can be weaned onto an artificial pellet diet from 16 - 21 DAH without any negative effects on growth, condition and survival. Results from the highest mean temperatures of Trial 2 show a better mean condition in the treatment group during the weaning period (p < 0.05). In Trial 3, with its lower mean water temperatures of 23.2 °C, larvae in both treatments showed stunted absolute growth rates of all biometrics when compared to results from the higher mean temperatures of Trials 1 and 2. During the first 6 days of Trial 3 larvae were in relatively poor condition, BD:SL ≤ 0.30. During this same period in Trials 1 and 2, mean BD:SL ≥ 0.31, suggesting that a BD:SL ratio of ≤ 0.30 in non-weaned dusky kob larvae is an indicator of a degree of starvation. A future study on the morphology and histology of the larval gastrointestinal tract, specifically the liver and intestines, and how this early weaning regime affects their ontogeny under differing temperature conditions this needed to investigate the validity of these initial data on dusky kob larvae condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a larval feeding regimen for dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, with a specific focus on the effect of weaning period on larval development and survival
- Authors: Keet, Thomas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Argyrosomus japonicus , Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Larvae , Argyrosomus -- Larvae , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Larvae -- Nutrition , Argyrosomus -- Larvae -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146577 , vital:38538
- Description: One of the biggest limiting factors in marine finfish aquaculture is the low survival rate of early-stage larvae. Most mortalities can be ascribed to the poor nutritional value of live feeds, sibling cannibalism, and various stressors that result in swim bladder hyperinflation and/or starvation during the larval stage. Research results vary on the best timing for the introduction of artificial feed for good survival and growth rate in dusky kob larvae. The main objective of this experiment was to improve survival and growth rate. The experiment focused on a new feeding regime that sought to wean larvae onto an artificial diet earlier than the current Argyrosomus japonicus standard (weaning commenced at 16 days after hatch (DAH) versus 20 days after hatch), based on findings and recommendations made by Musson & Kaiser (2014). Three trials were conducted, each with five replicates of the two treatments, namely the new feeding regime and the standard feeding regime in a fully randomised design. Samples from each tank were collected every two days for the duration of the trial. Morphometric measurements (standard length; body depth; eye diameter) obtained from these sample larvae were used to compare growth rates between treatments. The ratio of BD:SL was used to assess larval condition throughout each trial. Tank survival rates were calculated on the last day of each trial.The study indicated that in mean water temperatures ranging from 24.3 – 25.2 °C, dusky kob larvae can be weaned onto an artificial pellet diet from 16 - 21 DAH without any negative effects on growth, condition and survival. Results from the highest mean temperatures of Trial 2 show a better mean condition in the treatment group during the weaning period (p < 0.05). In Trial 3, with its lower mean water temperatures of 23.2 °C, larvae in both treatments showed stunted absolute growth rates of all biometrics when compared to results from the higher mean temperatures of Trials 1 and 2. During the first 6 days of Trial 3 larvae were in relatively poor condition, BD:SL ≤ 0.30. During this same period in Trials 1 and 2, mean BD:SL ≥ 0.31, suggesting that a BD:SL ratio of ≤ 0.30 in non-weaned dusky kob larvae is an indicator of a degree of starvation. A future study on the morphology and histology of the larval gastrointestinal tract, specifically the liver and intestines, and how this early weaning regime affects their ontogeny under differing temperature conditions this needed to investigate the validity of these initial data on dusky kob larvae condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keet, Thomas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Argyrosomus japonicus , Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Larvae , Argyrosomus -- Larvae , Argyrosomus japonicus -- Larvae -- Nutrition , Argyrosomus -- Larvae -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146577 , vital:38538
- Description: One of the biggest limiting factors in marine finfish aquaculture is the low survival rate of early-stage larvae. Most mortalities can be ascribed to the poor nutritional value of live feeds, sibling cannibalism, and various stressors that result in swim bladder hyperinflation and/or starvation during the larval stage. Research results vary on the best timing for the introduction of artificial feed for good survival and growth rate in dusky kob larvae. The main objective of this experiment was to improve survival and growth rate. The experiment focused on a new feeding regime that sought to wean larvae onto an artificial diet earlier than the current Argyrosomus japonicus standard (weaning commenced at 16 days after hatch (DAH) versus 20 days after hatch), based on findings and recommendations made by Musson & Kaiser (2014). Three trials were conducted, each with five replicates of the two treatments, namely the new feeding regime and the standard feeding regime in a fully randomised design. Samples from each tank were collected every two days for the duration of the trial. Morphometric measurements (standard length; body depth; eye diameter) obtained from these sample larvae were used to compare growth rates between treatments. The ratio of BD:SL was used to assess larval condition throughout each trial. Tank survival rates were calculated on the last day of each trial.The study indicated that in mean water temperatures ranging from 24.3 – 25.2 °C, dusky kob larvae can be weaned onto an artificial pellet diet from 16 - 21 DAH without any negative effects on growth, condition and survival. Results from the highest mean temperatures of Trial 2 show a better mean condition in the treatment group during the weaning period (p < 0.05). In Trial 3, with its lower mean water temperatures of 23.2 °C, larvae in both treatments showed stunted absolute growth rates of all biometrics when compared to results from the higher mean temperatures of Trials 1 and 2. During the first 6 days of Trial 3 larvae were in relatively poor condition, BD:SL ≤ 0.30. During this same period in Trials 1 and 2, mean BD:SL ≥ 0.31, suggesting that a BD:SL ratio of ≤ 0.30 in non-weaned dusky kob larvae is an indicator of a degree of starvation. A future study on the morphology and histology of the larval gastrointestinal tract, specifically the liver and intestines, and how this early weaning regime affects their ontogeny under differing temperature conditions this needed to investigate the validity of these initial data on dusky kob larvae condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a socio-economic model to promote women empowerment initiatives in the renewable energy sector of South Africa
- Authors: Keown, Harvey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women -- Employment -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa Equality -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 2000-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40621 , vital:36199
- Description: The objective of this research was, therefore, to evaluate and recommend new approaches to mainstream gender in the renewable energy sector. This objective would be achieved by introducing a model of the factors that contribute to the perceived success of the socio-economic empowerment of women within the renewable energy sector of the RSA. This study is equally beneficial to any Country that might be embarking on a Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program. Also, the research findings and recommendations are equally relevant to the mining, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors who wish to mainstream gender in their sectors. From the empirical evidence, Executive Leadership (ethical leadership) positively influences Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. Therefore, the inference can be made that the respondents deemed Executive Leadership to be a primary contributing factor to both Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. According to the empirical results, Social Investment (funding) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (policy) positively influence Successful Women’s Empowerment. Finally, the empirical results indicate that Sustainable Programmes are a positive contributing factor to Good Governance. The respondents did not consider Stakeholder Engagement statistically significant in relation to Good Governance or Successful Women’s Empowerment. This could be a case of misinterpretation, or lack of experience regarding the importance of Stakeholder Engagement. However, the literature indicates the criticality of Stakeholder Engagement, as well as Change Management. Further research should be conducted to establish the lack of appreciation by respondents for the importance of Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management. These findings shed light on the opportunities for the socio-economic empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector of the RSA, by developing women-led Independent Power Producers.The South African Constitution is lauded as one of the most progressive in the world, and in some respects considered better than the Constitution of the United States of America with regards to Human and Socio-Economic Rights. Yet, South Africa exhibits the highest incidence of recorded rape in the world, with an increase in femicides, violence against women and children, and even more barbaric acts of burning their victims, and cannibalism in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This research argues that if women were economically empowered, they would be able to extricate themselves from these perilous situations. The paradox between the South African Constitution and the reality, is indicative of deep structural challenges that will require exceptional solutions that will address the systemic issues that this study will discuss. The renewable energy sector, which is one of the fastest growing business sectors in South Africa, could be that catalyst for this change, and, more importantly, change the stereotypical paradigm of women entrepreneurs as owners of ‘chicken coops’ and ‘veggie patches’, to become owner-operators of their own power generation facilities, thereby making a meaningful contribution to women-led Independent Power Producers. However, it would be a lost opportunity if the renewable energy sector were to follow a similar trajectory to the mining sector in failing to mainstream gender, or if the renewable energy sector were to repeat the errors of the mining sector in attempting to empower women. Based on the literature review, guidance from subject matter experts, survey data, and personal field experience, I examine the primary research question: What are the main contributors and variables which can positively influence the socioeconomic empowerment of women initiatives in the renewable energy sector in the Republic of South Africa? In order to respond to this primary research question, a theoretical model was developed, which was informed by the academic literature, reports and studies from the public and private sectors, data garnered through a questionnaire, as well as face-to-face dialogue sessions. In order to address the primary objective of developing the theoretical model, several secondary goals were established by developing a conceptual model that comprised of variables determined through a detailed review of the related gender and renewable energy literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keown, Harvey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women -- Employment -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa Equality -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 2000-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40621 , vital:36199
- Description: The objective of this research was, therefore, to evaluate and recommend new approaches to mainstream gender in the renewable energy sector. This objective would be achieved by introducing a model of the factors that contribute to the perceived success of the socio-economic empowerment of women within the renewable energy sector of the RSA. This study is equally beneficial to any Country that might be embarking on a Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program. Also, the research findings and recommendations are equally relevant to the mining, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors who wish to mainstream gender in their sectors. From the empirical evidence, Executive Leadership (ethical leadership) positively influences Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. Therefore, the inference can be made that the respondents deemed Executive Leadership to be a primary contributing factor to both Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. According to the empirical results, Social Investment (funding) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (policy) positively influence Successful Women’s Empowerment. Finally, the empirical results indicate that Sustainable Programmes are a positive contributing factor to Good Governance. The respondents did not consider Stakeholder Engagement statistically significant in relation to Good Governance or Successful Women’s Empowerment. This could be a case of misinterpretation, or lack of experience regarding the importance of Stakeholder Engagement. However, the literature indicates the criticality of Stakeholder Engagement, as well as Change Management. Further research should be conducted to establish the lack of appreciation by respondents for the importance of Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management. These findings shed light on the opportunities for the socio-economic empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector of the RSA, by developing women-led Independent Power Producers.The South African Constitution is lauded as one of the most progressive in the world, and in some respects considered better than the Constitution of the United States of America with regards to Human and Socio-Economic Rights. Yet, South Africa exhibits the highest incidence of recorded rape in the world, with an increase in femicides, violence against women and children, and even more barbaric acts of burning their victims, and cannibalism in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This research argues that if women were economically empowered, they would be able to extricate themselves from these perilous situations. The paradox between the South African Constitution and the reality, is indicative of deep structural challenges that will require exceptional solutions that will address the systemic issues that this study will discuss. The renewable energy sector, which is one of the fastest growing business sectors in South Africa, could be that catalyst for this change, and, more importantly, change the stereotypical paradigm of women entrepreneurs as owners of ‘chicken coops’ and ‘veggie patches’, to become owner-operators of their own power generation facilities, thereby making a meaningful contribution to women-led Independent Power Producers. However, it would be a lost opportunity if the renewable energy sector were to follow a similar trajectory to the mining sector in failing to mainstream gender, or if the renewable energy sector were to repeat the errors of the mining sector in attempting to empower women. Based on the literature review, guidance from subject matter experts, survey data, and personal field experience, I examine the primary research question: What are the main contributors and variables which can positively influence the socioeconomic empowerment of women initiatives in the renewable energy sector in the Republic of South Africa? In order to respond to this primary research question, a theoretical model was developed, which was informed by the academic literature, reports and studies from the public and private sectors, data garnered through a questionnaire, as well as face-to-face dialogue sessions. In order to address the primary objective of developing the theoretical model, several secondary goals were established by developing a conceptual model that comprised of variables determined through a detailed review of the related gender and renewable energy literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of high-throughput assays to screen for potential anticancer and antimalarial compounds that target ADP-ribosylation factor 6 and its signalling machineries
- Authors: Khan, Farrah Dilshaad
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: ADP-ribosylation , Proteins -- Metabolism , Nucleoproteins , Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Cancer -- Chemotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92952 , vital:30810
- Description: ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) are small GTP-binding proteins that cycle between active GTP-bound forms and inactive GDP-bound forms. GDP/GTP cycling is regulated by large families of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). ArfGEFs activate Arfs by mediating the exchange of GDP for GTP, while ArfGAPs terminate Arf function by stimulating the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group of GTP. Arf6 is a major regulator of endocytic trafficking and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in eukaryotic organisms. Owing to its participation in wide range of fundamentally distinct cellular processes, Arf6 may be a drug target for cancer and malaria amongst other diseases. As with cancer cells, rapid growth and viability of eukaryotic pathogens likely places a heavy burden on their endocytic pathways and a critical reliance on Arf6 activity. A putative malarial homolog of Arf6 (PfArf6) localises to numerous puncta along the periphery of the parasite in the mature trophozoite life stage of the parasite (T. Swart, MSc dissertation). Owing to highly inefficient parasite transfection procedures and a relative shortage of well described and validated parasite organelle markers, the possible functions of PfArf6 were explored using HeLa cells as a surrogate model for parasites by fluorescence microscopy of cells transfected with GFP-tagged PfArf6. Partial co-localisation was observed with the mammalian markers HsArf6 and LC3, which suggested possible roles in Arf6-dependent endocytosis and autophagy, respectively. While these possible roles are currently under investigation in parasites, an overall long-term goal which was initiated in this study was to determine whether PfArf6 is a valid drug target. To chemically validate PfArf6 as a drug target, a potent inhibitor needs to be identified. This requires the development of assays that may be employed for high-throughput screening of compound libraries. To support this goal, a novel plate-based assay was developed using human Arf6. The assay relies on the selective binding of an Arf effector protein domain (GGA3) fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST), to His-tagged Arf6 immobilised on a nickel-coated plate. The assay format was developed and could robustly distinguish HsArf6-GDP (inactive) from HsArf6-GTP (active). Furthermore, it could be employed to detect the deactivation of Arf6 by ArfGAP1-stimualted GTP hydrolysis, but not Arf6 activation by ARNO-stimulated GDP/GTP exchange (ARNO is an ArfGEF). The ArfGAP1 deactivation assay was chemically validated using a known ArfGAP inhibitor, QS11. An improved assay was developed that employs JIP4 as an Arf6-specific binding partner instead of GGA3. In addition to superior performance, the alternative assay format could potentially be exploited for cancer drug discovery, since Arf6-JIP4 interaction has been implicated in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Both assays may be employed to explore alternative ArfGEFs and ArfGAPs that act on Arf6 and contribute to the advancement of cancer. In parallel experiments, where development of PfArf6 assays was the focus, several issues arose. Firstly, we could not prepare GDP- and GTP-bound forms of PfArf6 since EDTA-mediated nucleotide exchange appeared to irreversibly destabilise the protein. However, PfArf6 activation (i.e. the preparation of PfArf6-GTP) was possible when mediated by ARNO and assessed by tryptophan fluorescence kinetic assays, suggesting that PfArf6 may be expressed in GDP-bound form in E. coli. As with human Arf6, ARNO-mediated GDP/GTP exchange on PfArf6 was not detectable in the immobilised PfArf6-GGA interaction GST assay format. However, a more sensitive assay was developed which relies on the use of nickel-horseradish peroxidase to detect the binding of His-tagged PfArf6 to JIP4-GST immobilised on glutathione plates and could detect ARNO-mediated PfArf6 activation. Since we could not prepare PfArf6-GTP (that did not rely on the presence of the ArfGEF, ARNO), malarial ArfGAP deactivation studies were conducted using PfArf1 instead of PfArf6 in the GGA-GST interaction assay. Both PfArfGAP1and PfArfGAP2 stimulated GTP hydrolysis by PfArf1, but only the former was inhibited by the standard human ArfGAP inhibitor, QS11. The development of these simple, cost-effective assays can be used in the high-throughput screening of novel anticancer and antimalarial compounds that target Arf signalling machineries. In theory, the assay could be extended as a tool to identify novel inhibitors of the multitude of Arfs, ArfGEFs and ArfGAPs originating from any organism and hence has broad clinical significance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Khan, Farrah Dilshaad
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: ADP-ribosylation , Proteins -- Metabolism , Nucleoproteins , Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Cancer -- Chemotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92952 , vital:30810
- Description: ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) are small GTP-binding proteins that cycle between active GTP-bound forms and inactive GDP-bound forms. GDP/GTP cycling is regulated by large families of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). ArfGEFs activate Arfs by mediating the exchange of GDP for GTP, while ArfGAPs terminate Arf function by stimulating the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group of GTP. Arf6 is a major regulator of endocytic trafficking and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in eukaryotic organisms. Owing to its participation in wide range of fundamentally distinct cellular processes, Arf6 may be a drug target for cancer and malaria amongst other diseases. As with cancer cells, rapid growth and viability of eukaryotic pathogens likely places a heavy burden on their endocytic pathways and a critical reliance on Arf6 activity. A putative malarial homolog of Arf6 (PfArf6) localises to numerous puncta along the periphery of the parasite in the mature trophozoite life stage of the parasite (T. Swart, MSc dissertation). Owing to highly inefficient parasite transfection procedures and a relative shortage of well described and validated parasite organelle markers, the possible functions of PfArf6 were explored using HeLa cells as a surrogate model for parasites by fluorescence microscopy of cells transfected with GFP-tagged PfArf6. Partial co-localisation was observed with the mammalian markers HsArf6 and LC3, which suggested possible roles in Arf6-dependent endocytosis and autophagy, respectively. While these possible roles are currently under investigation in parasites, an overall long-term goal which was initiated in this study was to determine whether PfArf6 is a valid drug target. To chemically validate PfArf6 as a drug target, a potent inhibitor needs to be identified. This requires the development of assays that may be employed for high-throughput screening of compound libraries. To support this goal, a novel plate-based assay was developed using human Arf6. The assay relies on the selective binding of an Arf effector protein domain (GGA3) fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST), to His-tagged Arf6 immobilised on a nickel-coated plate. The assay format was developed and could robustly distinguish HsArf6-GDP (inactive) from HsArf6-GTP (active). Furthermore, it could be employed to detect the deactivation of Arf6 by ArfGAP1-stimualted GTP hydrolysis, but not Arf6 activation by ARNO-stimulated GDP/GTP exchange (ARNO is an ArfGEF). The ArfGAP1 deactivation assay was chemically validated using a known ArfGAP inhibitor, QS11. An improved assay was developed that employs JIP4 as an Arf6-specific binding partner instead of GGA3. In addition to superior performance, the alternative assay format could potentially be exploited for cancer drug discovery, since Arf6-JIP4 interaction has been implicated in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Both assays may be employed to explore alternative ArfGEFs and ArfGAPs that act on Arf6 and contribute to the advancement of cancer. In parallel experiments, where development of PfArf6 assays was the focus, several issues arose. Firstly, we could not prepare GDP- and GTP-bound forms of PfArf6 since EDTA-mediated nucleotide exchange appeared to irreversibly destabilise the protein. However, PfArf6 activation (i.e. the preparation of PfArf6-GTP) was possible when mediated by ARNO and assessed by tryptophan fluorescence kinetic assays, suggesting that PfArf6 may be expressed in GDP-bound form in E. coli. As with human Arf6, ARNO-mediated GDP/GTP exchange on PfArf6 was not detectable in the immobilised PfArf6-GGA interaction GST assay format. However, a more sensitive assay was developed which relies on the use of nickel-horseradish peroxidase to detect the binding of His-tagged PfArf6 to JIP4-GST immobilised on glutathione plates and could detect ARNO-mediated PfArf6 activation. Since we could not prepare PfArf6-GTP (that did not rely on the presence of the ArfGEF, ARNO), malarial ArfGAP deactivation studies were conducted using PfArf1 instead of PfArf6 in the GGA-GST interaction assay. Both PfArfGAP1and PfArfGAP2 stimulated GTP hydrolysis by PfArf1, but only the former was inhibited by the standard human ArfGAP inhibitor, QS11. The development of these simple, cost-effective assays can be used in the high-throughput screening of novel anticancer and antimalarial compounds that target Arf signalling machineries. In theory, the assay could be extended as a tool to identify novel inhibitors of the multitude of Arfs, ArfGEFs and ArfGAPs originating from any organism and hence has broad clinical significance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of palladium nanoparticles for radiopharmaceutical application
- Authors: Gandidzanwa, Sendibitiyosi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Nanostructures Nanofluids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42163 , vital:36631
- Description: The dissertation describes an in-depth synthesis and optimisation of palladium(0) nanoparticles of three distinct size ranges, respective capping agents, and cellular uptake studies using a non-toxic concentration (10 μM), laying a foundation for the design of palladium-based folate receptor-targeted theranostic nanoradiopharmaceutical. In the preliminary selection to determine the optimal diamines for the study, ethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, 1,10-diaminodecane, 1,12-diaminododecane, 1,4- diaminobenzene, 4,4’-ethylenedianiline, 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-diaminoethane, and tetraaminophthalocyanine were employed. The characterisation of the nanoparticles obtained from the in situ reduction of palladium(II) salt at room temperature by either 1,2,3- trihydroxybenze (pyrogallol), citric acid, sodium metabisulphite, sodium borohydride, hydrazine hydrate, or formaldehyde was performed. Ethylenediamine and sodium borohydride were found to be the best diamine capping and reducing agent, respectively. Systematic investigations determined that the nanoparticle synthesis was dependent on various reaction parameters: such as reaction temperature, time, reductant reducing power, and capping agents. The parameters effects on the nanoparticle size, morphology, shape, stability, crystallinity, and surface charge were investigated. The optical properties, elemental composition, functional group, concentration and molecular weight for the synthesised nanoparticles or conjugates were determined. These properties were analysed using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with selective area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), zeta potential (ZP), dynamic light scattering (DLS), elemental analysis (EA), 1H and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- and 13CNMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The in vitro cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and internalisation studies of palladium nanoparticles (10 μM) ranging in size and different types of capping agent were performed using three breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-468 , MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 , and a non-tumorigenic MCF-10A breast cell line. The cell uptake and internalisation were investigated using ICP-OES and TEM. A high dependence between reduction rate and concentration of palladium precursor was observed for the room temperature synthesis of palladium nanoparticles, and the employed synthesis procedure will be applied to the hot palladium isotope (109Pd). A facile, green, aqueous synthesis route for palladium nanoparticles at room temperature was developed, and the synthesised nanoparticles indicated narrow size distributions. A concentration dependence between cytotoxicity and palladium nanoparticles was observed, with lower concentrations (10 μM) exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity relative to higher concentrations (100 μM). The cellular uptake of palladium nanoparticles was found to be concentration, folate-receptor, capping agent, and cell line proliferation-dependent. Well-defined, monodispersed, and negatively charged folate-ethylenediamine and folate-phthalocyanine capped palladium nanoparticles were taken up by cells, with higher nanoparticle internalisation in folate receptor positive tumorigenic cells relative to folate receptor negative non-tumorigenic cells. It can be concluded that palladium(0) nanoparticles can be synthesised from the reduction of palladium(II) by sodium borohydride at room temperature. The folate-conjugated palladium nanoparticles are non-cytotoxic at 10 μM and were successfully optimised and selectively delivered to folate receptor-positive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) relative to non-tumorigenic breast cells (MCF-10A) and folate receptor negative cancer cells (MDA-MB-468).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gandidzanwa, Sendibitiyosi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Nanostructures Nanofluids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42163 , vital:36631
- Description: The dissertation describes an in-depth synthesis and optimisation of palladium(0) nanoparticles of three distinct size ranges, respective capping agents, and cellular uptake studies using a non-toxic concentration (10 μM), laying a foundation for the design of palladium-based folate receptor-targeted theranostic nanoradiopharmaceutical. In the preliminary selection to determine the optimal diamines for the study, ethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, 1,10-diaminodecane, 1,12-diaminododecane, 1,4- diaminobenzene, 4,4’-ethylenedianiline, 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-diaminoethane, and tetraaminophthalocyanine were employed. The characterisation of the nanoparticles obtained from the in situ reduction of palladium(II) salt at room temperature by either 1,2,3- trihydroxybenze (pyrogallol), citric acid, sodium metabisulphite, sodium borohydride, hydrazine hydrate, or formaldehyde was performed. Ethylenediamine and sodium borohydride were found to be the best diamine capping and reducing agent, respectively. Systematic investigations determined that the nanoparticle synthesis was dependent on various reaction parameters: such as reaction temperature, time, reductant reducing power, and capping agents. The parameters effects on the nanoparticle size, morphology, shape, stability, crystallinity, and surface charge were investigated. The optical properties, elemental composition, functional group, concentration and molecular weight for the synthesised nanoparticles or conjugates were determined. These properties were analysed using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with selective area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), zeta potential (ZP), dynamic light scattering (DLS), elemental analysis (EA), 1H and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- and 13CNMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The in vitro cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and internalisation studies of palladium nanoparticles (10 μM) ranging in size and different types of capping agent were performed using three breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-468 , MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 , and a non-tumorigenic MCF-10A breast cell line. The cell uptake and internalisation were investigated using ICP-OES and TEM. A high dependence between reduction rate and concentration of palladium precursor was observed for the room temperature synthesis of palladium nanoparticles, and the employed synthesis procedure will be applied to the hot palladium isotope (109Pd). A facile, green, aqueous synthesis route for palladium nanoparticles at room temperature was developed, and the synthesised nanoparticles indicated narrow size distributions. A concentration dependence between cytotoxicity and palladium nanoparticles was observed, with lower concentrations (10 μM) exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity relative to higher concentrations (100 μM). The cellular uptake of palladium nanoparticles was found to be concentration, folate-receptor, capping agent, and cell line proliferation-dependent. Well-defined, monodispersed, and negatively charged folate-ethylenediamine and folate-phthalocyanine capped palladium nanoparticles were taken up by cells, with higher nanoparticle internalisation in folate receptor positive tumorigenic cells relative to folate receptor negative non-tumorigenic cells. It can be concluded that palladium(0) nanoparticles can be synthesised from the reduction of palladium(II) by sodium borohydride at room temperature. The folate-conjugated palladium nanoparticles are non-cytotoxic at 10 μM and were successfully optimised and selectively delivered to folate receptor-positive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) relative to non-tumorigenic breast cells (MCF-10A) and folate receptor negative cancer cells (MDA-MB-468).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of sustainability ratios for public listed companies
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019