Social needs as a driver of social innovation
- Authors: Dunn, Nicole Luciélle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social change , Social evolution Social entrepreneurship Community development -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21823 , vital:29782
- Description: Social innovation has been contextualised as a new way of resolving deeply entrenched development issues. The identification and resolution of social needs is said to be the driving force of social innovation. With features such as sustainability and scalability, social innovation has the potential to change the way we perceive and engage with development in the future. This research takes a critical look at how the social needs as a means to an end of social innovation, is identified. Previous research did not investigate the methodology of how these needs were identified and the question then arose as to how responsive the corresponding resolutions could be in resolving the need. Interviews were conducted with the founders of organisations that were considered socially innovative. Each founder was asked to detail the processes that took place in the social need identification that their respective organisation sought to resolve along with their personal journey towards becoming a founder, to gain a rich understanding of what shaped their approach to need identification. Organisations that were most critically responsive to the social needs identified were those that either 1) personally experienced deprivation of a social need in their own lives, or 2) had extensive engagement and exposure to individuals who had personally experienced the deprivation of a social need. It was evident that both the identification and corresponding resolution of social needs for social innovation require an approach that holds experiencers of the deprivation at the nucleus of the resolution. This methodology needs to be incorporated in the theory of social innovation and implemented in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dunn, Nicole Luciélle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social change , Social evolution Social entrepreneurship Community development -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21823 , vital:29782
- Description: Social innovation has been contextualised as a new way of resolving deeply entrenched development issues. The identification and resolution of social needs is said to be the driving force of social innovation. With features such as sustainability and scalability, social innovation has the potential to change the way we perceive and engage with development in the future. This research takes a critical look at how the social needs as a means to an end of social innovation, is identified. Previous research did not investigate the methodology of how these needs were identified and the question then arose as to how responsive the corresponding resolutions could be in resolving the need. Interviews were conducted with the founders of organisations that were considered socially innovative. Each founder was asked to detail the processes that took place in the social need identification that their respective organisation sought to resolve along with their personal journey towards becoming a founder, to gain a rich understanding of what shaped their approach to need identification. Organisations that were most critically responsive to the social needs identified were those that either 1) personally experienced deprivation of a social need in their own lives, or 2) had extensive engagement and exposure to individuals who had personally experienced the deprivation of a social need. It was evident that both the identification and corresponding resolution of social needs for social innovation require an approach that holds experiencers of the deprivation at the nucleus of the resolution. This methodology needs to be incorporated in the theory of social innovation and implemented in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Social work management tasks : the experiences of frontline social workers in the nonprofit organisation sector in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Perumal, Nevashnee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social service Non-governmental organizations -- Eastern Cape -- Social services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9756 , vital:34912
- Description: In South Africa, social workers learn how to operationalise the management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling “on the job” by modelling and following existing managers and/or senior social workers. This points to the use of predictive knowledge, where management decisions are made based on patterns from past experiences, educated guesses and observations, which are limited to individual, personal experiences. For the frontline social worker responding to the dynamic demands of developmental social work, with limited work experience and no formal management training and support, there are several consequences for the Nonprofit Organisation sector and the frontline social worker executing these management tasks. Therefore, this study aimed to gain an understanding of the range of management tasks that frontline social workers undertake in the Nonprofit Organisation sector in operationalising the management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling. This study employed a descriptive case study design, within the qualitative approach, and was exploratory in nature. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with nineteen frontline social workers from three established Nonprofit Organisations in Port Elizabeth. Qualitative thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis strategy. One focus group was conducted with five middle managers from the same three NPOs. Both phases of data collection were guided by interview themes, which were aligned to the objectives of the study. The major findings indicated that management tasks ranged from workload management, relationship management, information management, human resource management to self-management, and that all these tasks led to frontline social workers developing innovative management strategies as a consequence of undertaking management tasks. Predictive knowledge was magnified as a positive tool as compared to prescriptive knowledge. In light of these findings, it is recommended that organisational support and adjustments are made by the boards of management and directors of the relevant Nonprofit Organisations by specifically providing support to frontline social workers so as to enhance their execution of management tasks. Hence, this study proposes a framework with strategies to support frontline social workers as well as practice guidelines for Nonprofit Organisations’ boards of management and frontline social workers in undertaking their daily management tasks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Perumal, Nevashnee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social service Non-governmental organizations -- Eastern Cape -- Social services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9756 , vital:34912
- Description: In South Africa, social workers learn how to operationalise the management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling “on the job” by modelling and following existing managers and/or senior social workers. This points to the use of predictive knowledge, where management decisions are made based on patterns from past experiences, educated guesses and observations, which are limited to individual, personal experiences. For the frontline social worker responding to the dynamic demands of developmental social work, with limited work experience and no formal management training and support, there are several consequences for the Nonprofit Organisation sector and the frontline social worker executing these management tasks. Therefore, this study aimed to gain an understanding of the range of management tasks that frontline social workers undertake in the Nonprofit Organisation sector in operationalising the management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling. This study employed a descriptive case study design, within the qualitative approach, and was exploratory in nature. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with nineteen frontline social workers from three established Nonprofit Organisations in Port Elizabeth. Qualitative thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis strategy. One focus group was conducted with five middle managers from the same three NPOs. Both phases of data collection were guided by interview themes, which were aligned to the objectives of the study. The major findings indicated that management tasks ranged from workload management, relationship management, information management, human resource management to self-management, and that all these tasks led to frontline social workers developing innovative management strategies as a consequence of undertaking management tasks. Predictive knowledge was magnified as a positive tool as compared to prescriptive knowledge. In light of these findings, it is recommended that organisational support and adjustments are made by the boards of management and directors of the relevant Nonprofit Organisations by specifically providing support to frontline social workers so as to enhance their execution of management tasks. Hence, this study proposes a framework with strategies to support frontline social workers as well as practice guidelines for Nonprofit Organisations’ boards of management and frontline social workers in undertaking their daily management tasks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Social-ecological systems as complex adaptive systems
- Preiser, Rika, Biggs, Reinette, de Vos, Alta, Folke, Carl
- Authors: Preiser, Rika , Biggs, Reinette , de Vos, Alta , Folke, Carl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416410 , vital:71346 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-10558-230446"
- Description: The study of social-ecological systems (SES) has been significantly shaped by insights from research on complex adaptive systems (CAS). We offer a brief overview of the conceptual integration of CAS research and its implications for the advancement of SES studies and methods. We propose a conceptual typology of six organizing principles of CAS based on a comparison of leading scholars’ classifications of CAS features and properties. This typology clusters together similar underlying organizing principles of the features and attributes of CAS, and serves as a heuristic framework for identifying methods and approaches that account for the key features of SES. These principles can help identify appropriate methods and approaches for studying SES. We discuss three main implications of studying and engaging with SES as CAS. First, there needs to be a shift in focus when studying the dynamics and interactions in SES, to better capture the nature of the organizing principles that characterize SES behavior. Second, realizing that the nature of the intertwined social-ecological relations is complex has real consequences for how we choose methods and practical approaches for observing and studying SES interactions. Third, engagement with SES as CAS poses normative challenges for problemoriented researchers and practitioners taking on real-world challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Preiser, Rika , Biggs, Reinette , de Vos, Alta , Folke, Carl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416410 , vital:71346 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-10558-230446"
- Description: The study of social-ecological systems (SES) has been significantly shaped by insights from research on complex adaptive systems (CAS). We offer a brief overview of the conceptual integration of CAS research and its implications for the advancement of SES studies and methods. We propose a conceptual typology of six organizing principles of CAS based on a comparison of leading scholars’ classifications of CAS features and properties. This typology clusters together similar underlying organizing principles of the features and attributes of CAS, and serves as a heuristic framework for identifying methods and approaches that account for the key features of SES. These principles can help identify appropriate methods and approaches for studying SES. We discuss three main implications of studying and engaging with SES as CAS. First, there needs to be a shift in focus when studying the dynamics and interactions in SES, to better capture the nature of the organizing principles that characterize SES behavior. Second, realizing that the nature of the intertwined social-ecological relations is complex has real consequences for how we choose methods and practical approaches for observing and studying SES interactions. Third, engagement with SES as CAS poses normative challenges for problemoriented researchers and practitioners taking on real-world challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sociocultural and sociomaterial mediation of children’s connectedness-with-nature: a case study of Hobbiton
- Authors: Ward-Smith, Chesney Fenella
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental psychology South Africa Eastern Cape , Experiential learning South Africa Eastern Cape , Environmental education Activity programs South Africa Eastern Cape , Nature study Activity programs South Africa Eastern Cape , Outdoor education South Africa Eastern Cape , Ethnoecology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61918 , vital:28083
- Description: An increasingly large body of literature sees disconnection from nature as central to the convergent social-ecological crisis, rooted in anthropocentric ontologies. This study explored the potential for embodied, sociomaterial nature-based activities to engender shifts in children’s perceptions of, and sense of connectedness with, nature. Equally it explored how children’s socio-cultural-historical value positionings (SCHVP) mediated their perceptions of, and connectedness with, nature. The nature-based activities, spread over five-day camps, were located at Hobbiton-on-Hogsback, a centre that has existed for decades to provide experiential learning and graded exposure to natural spaces, aiming to increase environmental knowledge and nature-connection. The experiences of two groups of children from wide-ranging socioeconomic and socio-cultural backgrounds in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were explored using interpretive case study methodology. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with selected children (aged 10-14) and the Hobbiton staff members who worked with them, as well as participant observation, data were collected and analysed thematically. This study was guided by a layered theoretical framework that included Deep Ecology as an under-labourer, and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as a substantive, analytical framework. Interactions between participants’ SCHVP and the sociomateriality of the nature- based activities were analysed in relation to the children’s nature-perceptions and sense of Connectedness-With-Nature. The findings highlight both the importance of the children’s SCHVP and the sociomateriality of the nature-based activities in mediating their prior perceptions of, and connectedness with nature. The nature-based activities acted as a primary stimulus for developing environmental empathy, awareness and pro-environmental intentions. In essence, Hobbiton acted as a primary ‘seed planter’ towards greater feelings of Connectedness-With-Nature. However, recommendations are put forward for more decolonised, ethics-oriented and sociomaterial design of Hobbiton’s nature-based activities, with an emphasis on integrating children’s SCHVP into the pedagogical-design process in relation to the sociomaterial elements of the nature-based activities. Emically integrating the children’s multiplicities of knowing, doing, valuing and being into the pedagogical-design process could contribute to the decolonisation of nature-based experiences in such contexts cultural, socio and political diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ward-Smith, Chesney Fenella
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental psychology South Africa Eastern Cape , Experiential learning South Africa Eastern Cape , Environmental education Activity programs South Africa Eastern Cape , Nature study Activity programs South Africa Eastern Cape , Outdoor education South Africa Eastern Cape , Ethnoecology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61918 , vital:28083
- Description: An increasingly large body of literature sees disconnection from nature as central to the convergent social-ecological crisis, rooted in anthropocentric ontologies. This study explored the potential for embodied, sociomaterial nature-based activities to engender shifts in children’s perceptions of, and sense of connectedness with, nature. Equally it explored how children’s socio-cultural-historical value positionings (SCHVP) mediated their perceptions of, and connectedness with, nature. The nature-based activities, spread over five-day camps, were located at Hobbiton-on-Hogsback, a centre that has existed for decades to provide experiential learning and graded exposure to natural spaces, aiming to increase environmental knowledge and nature-connection. The experiences of two groups of children from wide-ranging socioeconomic and socio-cultural backgrounds in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were explored using interpretive case study methodology. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with selected children (aged 10-14) and the Hobbiton staff members who worked with them, as well as participant observation, data were collected and analysed thematically. This study was guided by a layered theoretical framework that included Deep Ecology as an under-labourer, and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as a substantive, analytical framework. Interactions between participants’ SCHVP and the sociomateriality of the nature- based activities were analysed in relation to the children’s nature-perceptions and sense of Connectedness-With-Nature. The findings highlight both the importance of the children’s SCHVP and the sociomateriality of the nature-based activities in mediating their prior perceptions of, and connectedness with nature. The nature-based activities acted as a primary stimulus for developing environmental empathy, awareness and pro-environmental intentions. In essence, Hobbiton acted as a primary ‘seed planter’ towards greater feelings of Connectedness-With-Nature. However, recommendations are put forward for more decolonised, ethics-oriented and sociomaterial design of Hobbiton’s nature-based activities, with an emphasis on integrating children’s SCHVP into the pedagogical-design process in relation to the sociomaterial elements of the nature-based activities. Emically integrating the children’s multiplicities of knowing, doing, valuing and being into the pedagogical-design process could contribute to the decolonisation of nature-based experiences in such contexts cultural, socio and political diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Solar thermal performance of a conical helix receiver tube mounted on a parabolic dish
- Nandjembo, Frans Nelongo Pandeni
- Authors: Nandjembo, Frans Nelongo Pandeni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar energy , Power resources Energy conversion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32860 , vital:32379
- Description: This report presents the investigation of a conical helix receiver tube with a zero shading factor to achieve optimal performance of a small concentrating solar thermal collector. In order to understand the working performance of the conical helix receiver tube, it was compared to that of a flat spiral receiver tube. This was done by measuring temperatures at various points as well as the volume airflow rate. Optical studies were achieved using SolTrace to quantify spillage losses and optical efficiency of the dish used in the study from the parabolic dish using a simulation in SolTrace. Comparative tests were conducted between the conical receiver tube and equivalent flat receiver tube at volume air flow rates between 30 m3.h−1 and 45 m3.h−1. The conical helix receiver tube showed a linear temperature distribution, from the outer surface tube towards the inner surface tube in an ascending order, while the flat spiral receiver tube showed a non-linear temperature distribution, its temperature increased in the middle section and decreased towards the inner surface tube. The research showed that an optimally configured helical receiver tube with linear temperature change along its length outperformed the flat receiver tube.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nandjembo, Frans Nelongo Pandeni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar energy , Power resources Energy conversion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32860 , vital:32379
- Description: This report presents the investigation of a conical helix receiver tube with a zero shading factor to achieve optimal performance of a small concentrating solar thermal collector. In order to understand the working performance of the conical helix receiver tube, it was compared to that of a flat spiral receiver tube. This was done by measuring temperatures at various points as well as the volume airflow rate. Optical studies were achieved using SolTrace to quantify spillage losses and optical efficiency of the dish used in the study from the parabolic dish using a simulation in SolTrace. Comparative tests were conducted between the conical receiver tube and equivalent flat receiver tube at volume air flow rates between 30 m3.h−1 and 45 m3.h−1. The conical helix receiver tube showed a linear temperature distribution, from the outer surface tube towards the inner surface tube in an ascending order, while the flat spiral receiver tube showed a non-linear temperature distribution, its temperature increased in the middle section and decreased towards the inner surface tube. The research showed that an optimally configured helical receiver tube with linear temperature change along its length outperformed the flat receiver tube.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
South African national reconciliation discourse and isiXhosa written poetry: 1994–2004
- Mona, Godfrey V, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mona, Godfrey V , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174690 , vital:42501 , DOI: 10.1080/02572117.2018.1429867
- Description: The main thesis put forward in this article is that during the first ten years of democracy in South Africa, 1994–2004, isiXhosa poetry contributed thematically to the goal of reconciliation. Furthermore, this poetry demonstrates how an aspect of culture can be employed to advance the sociopolitical process of reconciliation. IsiXhosa writers, through their poetry, exposed the on-the-ground endeavours that contributed to the broader and deepening reconciliation process, thereby making a meaningful contribution towards the interpretation and building of a fair, democratic and inclusive South African society. The article analyses a number of poems against the backdrop of the post-1994 reconciliation process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mona, Godfrey V , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174690 , vital:42501 , DOI: 10.1080/02572117.2018.1429867
- Description: The main thesis put forward in this article is that during the first ten years of democracy in South Africa, 1994–2004, isiXhosa poetry contributed thematically to the goal of reconciliation. Furthermore, this poetry demonstrates how an aspect of culture can be employed to advance the sociopolitical process of reconciliation. IsiXhosa writers, through their poetry, exposed the on-the-ground endeavours that contributed to the broader and deepening reconciliation process, thereby making a meaningful contribution towards the interpretation and building of a fair, democratic and inclusive South African society. The article analyses a number of poems against the backdrop of the post-1994 reconciliation process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe: a gravity model analysis
- Authors: Muronda, Francis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa , Foreign trade promotion -- South Africa Foreign trade promotion -- Zimbabwe International finance South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22375 , vital:29964
- Description: This study sets out to explore South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe as explained by the exchange rates, distance, the two countries’ GDPs and populations. The underlying international trade theories as well as relevant empirical literature are discussed in order to put the study into perspective. Panel data methodology was used to estimate respective gravity models per product category using the log linear specification of the Random effects model. The resultant regression parameters are elasticities. Distance being a proxy to transport costs and the exchange rates retard SA’s exports to Zimbabwe. The GDP of Zimbabwe is found to play a positive and significant role in determining SA’s export flows. The other variables had varying effects from one product category to another. The objectives of the research were threefold: firstly, to apply the gravity model to determine South Africa’s export potential to Zimbabwe; secondly, to determine the gap between the actual and potential flows of exports from South Africa to Zimbabwe and thirdly to apply the speed of convergence tests between the actual and the potential flows of SA’s exports to Zimbabwe. To estimate the gravity models for each product category the study used panel data on South Africa’s exports to SADC countries covering a period of eight years from 2009 when Zimbabwe dollarized to 2016. The parameters obtained were then simulated to provide the point estimates of potential export flows from South Africa to Zimbabwe for each product category. Simple point estimate comparisons between potential flows and the actual flows indicated that most of the product categories portrayed untapped potential; for example, 2017 point estimates showed unutilized potential in 14 product categories. The speed of convergence tests which provide a more efficient measure of expandable opportunities were then carried out between the actual and potential flows for each product category. The results of the speed of convergence tests indicated 10 product categories that presented unutilized potential for South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe with product category C11 (Textiles and textile articles) at the top of the ranking. Thus the study established that there exists unutilized potential for SA’s exports in Zimbabwe in several product categories despite the prevailing economic hardships that the latter country is facing. Negotiating better bi-lateral trade arrangements specific to product categories; implementation of a one stop border control point and improved international marketing; product quality and disease control strategies are the policy recommendations that the study makes in order for untapped potential to be utilized to realize symbiotic benefits for the two nations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Muronda, Francis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa , Foreign trade promotion -- South Africa Foreign trade promotion -- Zimbabwe International finance South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22375 , vital:29964
- Description: This study sets out to explore South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe as explained by the exchange rates, distance, the two countries’ GDPs and populations. The underlying international trade theories as well as relevant empirical literature are discussed in order to put the study into perspective. Panel data methodology was used to estimate respective gravity models per product category using the log linear specification of the Random effects model. The resultant regression parameters are elasticities. Distance being a proxy to transport costs and the exchange rates retard SA’s exports to Zimbabwe. The GDP of Zimbabwe is found to play a positive and significant role in determining SA’s export flows. The other variables had varying effects from one product category to another. The objectives of the research were threefold: firstly, to apply the gravity model to determine South Africa’s export potential to Zimbabwe; secondly, to determine the gap between the actual and potential flows of exports from South Africa to Zimbabwe and thirdly to apply the speed of convergence tests between the actual and the potential flows of SA’s exports to Zimbabwe. To estimate the gravity models for each product category the study used panel data on South Africa’s exports to SADC countries covering a period of eight years from 2009 when Zimbabwe dollarized to 2016. The parameters obtained were then simulated to provide the point estimates of potential export flows from South Africa to Zimbabwe for each product category. Simple point estimate comparisons between potential flows and the actual flows indicated that most of the product categories portrayed untapped potential; for example, 2017 point estimates showed unutilized potential in 14 product categories. The speed of convergence tests which provide a more efficient measure of expandable opportunities were then carried out between the actual and potential flows for each product category. The results of the speed of convergence tests indicated 10 product categories that presented unutilized potential for South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe with product category C11 (Textiles and textile articles) at the top of the ranking. Thus the study established that there exists unutilized potential for SA’s exports in Zimbabwe in several product categories despite the prevailing economic hardships that the latter country is facing. Negotiating better bi-lateral trade arrangements specific to product categories; implementation of a one stop border control point and improved international marketing; product quality and disease control strategies are the policy recommendations that the study makes in order for untapped potential to be utilized to realize symbiotic benefits for the two nations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Spatial and seasonal variations of water quality determinants and pollutants as fitness-for-use and compliance assessments of the Mzimvubu catchment water resources for the proposed Mzimvubu Water Project, South Africa
- Authors: Mutingwende, Nhamo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water quality -- South Africa Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9308 , vital:34320
- Description: The Department of Water Affairs as of late reported plans to build two substantial stockpiling dams in the Mzimvubu Catchment. The Mzimvubu stream basin is probably one of most prominent and undeveloped basin in South Africa. This is notwithstanding high yearly rainfall, high ecological status, high tourism potential, and appropriateness for afforestation, dryland/rainfed and water system agribusiness. Hence, the Department of Water Affairs researched the capability of building a multipurpose dam in the Mzimvubu catchment to catalyse financial and social improvement. The proposed dam will be based on the Tsitsa River. Often, scientific studies related to dam construction concentrate more on discovering the most, in fact, accessible place to construct it, than on the long haul socio-natural issues that come in its preparation. The water quality of the Tsitsa River, its tributaries and the underground drinking water sources within the Mzimvubu catchment are most likely to change once the dam wall is completed. Surface water resources are susceptible to chemical, physical, microbiological contamination and the so-called emerging pollutants either, through human or natural activities. A comprehensive baseline study on the water quality of the Mzimvubu water resources regarding traces of emerging pollutants and water quality determinants (physical, chemical and microbial) pre-dam construction is therefore essential. The objective of the water quality section of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of water quality in the study area to form a baseline for future studies on how the built dam may affect these. The approach was to assess the spatial and seasonal variations of the pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pesticides) and water quality determinants for all water sources most likely to be affected by the development of the dam. The fitness-for-use and compliance assessments were conducted to assess if the current water resources are fit-for-use for various categories of use and if they comply with various water quality standards and guidelines as determined by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is the overseer of South Africa's water assets, and its central goal is to keep up the fitness-for-use of water on a sustained basis. Water samples (500ml) were collected from sixteen (16) sample points, ranging from the proposed mouth of the dam to the N2 bridge point of the Tsitsa River. Points were selected where the Tsitsa River was accessible using the dam project development roads or where tributaries to the Tsitsa River were accessible using dam development roads. Taps/groundwater sources were sampled from the five selected villages. Monthly samples were collected upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, from June 2015 to April 2017.Seventeen (17) water quality indices were therefore analysed at sixteen sampling sites, over a two year period. The AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS was used to screen for pharmaceutical and pesticide pollutants. All the water quality indices were analysed using the AL400 Aqua lytic photometer, and the microbial analysis was done using the Rand Water Method Number 1.2.2.09.1 for enumerating the amount of E. coli and coliforms in the water samples (Rand Water, 2010f). The South African Water Quality Guidelines, Volumes 1 to 7 (DWS, 1996a-g) were used to assess the fitness-for-use of the water sources. To confirm the compliance of the water resources to various standards and guidelines, the water quality data were assessed against international and national guidelines and standards i.e. the WHO guideline, South African water quality guidelines (domestic, irrigation, livestock and watering, aquaculture, and aquatic ecosystems), and the SANS: 241 (2015) standard for drinking water. Non-parametric statistics were utilised to ascertain the changeability, which is a measure of how water quality may vary after some time. With non-parametric insights, the interquartile extent, which lies between the 25th and the 75th percentile, was utilised to depict inconstancy. The median value (50th percentile) was used as an indication of the central tendency or average. The 90th percentile was included as it can be used to assess the frequency of excursions into higher and possibly unacceptable water quality conditions. 3D Sigma plot was used to graphical present the spatial and seasonal variations of water quality indices and emerging pollutants against their concentrations. Fundamental statistical properties and correlations of water quality variables from the Tsitsa River, Tsitsa River tributaries and the drinking water sources were examined using SAS descriptive statistics. The water quality was determined to be of relatively sound quality, based on the comparison with guidelines and standards for the various intended uses, even though some of the water quality determinants were non-compliant and were “unacceptable” regarding fitness for purpose. The water quality of the Ntabalenga dam would most probably be affected by natural influences (for example rainfall, weathering and geological composition) and anthropogenic factors through non-point source pollution from agriculture activities, human settlements (pit latrines and open defecation) as well as industrial activities in the Maclear and Tsolo towns (wastewater treatments plants effluent, hospital effluent). The Tsitsa River had the highest number of non-compliances, especially to the World Health Organisation and Department of Water and Sanitation aquaculture guidelines. Therefore, the Tsitsa River’s water quality would be a significant factor that could compromise the water quality of the water collected in the dam. The human settlement conditions and agricultural inputs seem to be the factors contributing most to contamination of the surface water of the catchment area. The lack of sanitation systems and facilities means that community members have to use the bush and rivers for ablutions, thus contributing to microbial contamination of the environment. The direct application of manure and fertilisers on the fields by farmers further exacerbates microbial contamination and high nutrient inputs into the environment as observed in elevated microbial and phosphate contaminants during the study period. The data obtained from the analysis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals confirmed the contamination of the drinking water sources, the Tsitsa River and its tributaries with pesticides and pharmaceuticals through non-point source pollution. The origins of these pharmaceutical contaminants were identified as the pit latrines, open defecation and wastewater treatment plant effluent, while agricultural application of pesticides was identified as the source of pesticides in surface waters. If not monitored closely, the presence of these emerging pollutants will negatively affect the quality of the dam water both at spatial and temporal scales once the dam wall is completed. Pit latrines and wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of non-point source pollution. The results of this study will add to the ongoing efforts on water quality remediation by recording the spatial and seasonal variations in water quality across various water sources within the study area. The study also provides a baseline for future water quality fitness-for-use and compliance assessments. By these findings and conclusions, it is recommended that a long-term continuous monitoring programme be implemented, especially in areas where increased agricultural activities have been observed. Monitoring should be implemented for the Tsitsa River, its tributaries, and selected drinking water sources which showed the highest number of non-compliances and microbial contamination. All anthropogenic activities in the catchment areas of these sources, both upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, must be monitored and strictly managed to prevent and mitigate their possible impacts. Specific emphasis should be placed on agricultural development, which should be controlled to ensure sustainable livestock and cropping practises. Sanitation facilities, systems and community programmes should be put in place to minimise microbial contamination. It would be beneficial for the Department of Water and Sanitation office responsible for the Mzimvubu water resources to establish a central database for all information concerning the water quality of their water resources including the findings in this report. The database must be freely accessible to the residents of the Mzimvubu catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mutingwende, Nhamo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water quality -- South Africa Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9308 , vital:34320
- Description: The Department of Water Affairs as of late reported plans to build two substantial stockpiling dams in the Mzimvubu Catchment. The Mzimvubu stream basin is probably one of most prominent and undeveloped basin in South Africa. This is notwithstanding high yearly rainfall, high ecological status, high tourism potential, and appropriateness for afforestation, dryland/rainfed and water system agribusiness. Hence, the Department of Water Affairs researched the capability of building a multipurpose dam in the Mzimvubu catchment to catalyse financial and social improvement. The proposed dam will be based on the Tsitsa River. Often, scientific studies related to dam construction concentrate more on discovering the most, in fact, accessible place to construct it, than on the long haul socio-natural issues that come in its preparation. The water quality of the Tsitsa River, its tributaries and the underground drinking water sources within the Mzimvubu catchment are most likely to change once the dam wall is completed. Surface water resources are susceptible to chemical, physical, microbiological contamination and the so-called emerging pollutants either, through human or natural activities. A comprehensive baseline study on the water quality of the Mzimvubu water resources regarding traces of emerging pollutants and water quality determinants (physical, chemical and microbial) pre-dam construction is therefore essential. The objective of the water quality section of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of water quality in the study area to form a baseline for future studies on how the built dam may affect these. The approach was to assess the spatial and seasonal variations of the pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pesticides) and water quality determinants for all water sources most likely to be affected by the development of the dam. The fitness-for-use and compliance assessments were conducted to assess if the current water resources are fit-for-use for various categories of use and if they comply with various water quality standards and guidelines as determined by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is the overseer of South Africa's water assets, and its central goal is to keep up the fitness-for-use of water on a sustained basis. Water samples (500ml) were collected from sixteen (16) sample points, ranging from the proposed mouth of the dam to the N2 bridge point of the Tsitsa River. Points were selected where the Tsitsa River was accessible using the dam project development roads or where tributaries to the Tsitsa River were accessible using dam development roads. Taps/groundwater sources were sampled from the five selected villages. Monthly samples were collected upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, from June 2015 to April 2017.Seventeen (17) water quality indices were therefore analysed at sixteen sampling sites, over a two year period. The AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS was used to screen for pharmaceutical and pesticide pollutants. All the water quality indices were analysed using the AL400 Aqua lytic photometer, and the microbial analysis was done using the Rand Water Method Number 1.2.2.09.1 for enumerating the amount of E. coli and coliforms in the water samples (Rand Water, 2010f). The South African Water Quality Guidelines, Volumes 1 to 7 (DWS, 1996a-g) were used to assess the fitness-for-use of the water sources. To confirm the compliance of the water resources to various standards and guidelines, the water quality data were assessed against international and national guidelines and standards i.e. the WHO guideline, South African water quality guidelines (domestic, irrigation, livestock and watering, aquaculture, and aquatic ecosystems), and the SANS: 241 (2015) standard for drinking water. Non-parametric statistics were utilised to ascertain the changeability, which is a measure of how water quality may vary after some time. With non-parametric insights, the interquartile extent, which lies between the 25th and the 75th percentile, was utilised to depict inconstancy. The median value (50th percentile) was used as an indication of the central tendency or average. The 90th percentile was included as it can be used to assess the frequency of excursions into higher and possibly unacceptable water quality conditions. 3D Sigma plot was used to graphical present the spatial and seasonal variations of water quality indices and emerging pollutants against their concentrations. Fundamental statistical properties and correlations of water quality variables from the Tsitsa River, Tsitsa River tributaries and the drinking water sources were examined using SAS descriptive statistics. The water quality was determined to be of relatively sound quality, based on the comparison with guidelines and standards for the various intended uses, even though some of the water quality determinants were non-compliant and were “unacceptable” regarding fitness for purpose. The water quality of the Ntabalenga dam would most probably be affected by natural influences (for example rainfall, weathering and geological composition) and anthropogenic factors through non-point source pollution from agriculture activities, human settlements (pit latrines and open defecation) as well as industrial activities in the Maclear and Tsolo towns (wastewater treatments plants effluent, hospital effluent). The Tsitsa River had the highest number of non-compliances, especially to the World Health Organisation and Department of Water and Sanitation aquaculture guidelines. Therefore, the Tsitsa River’s water quality would be a significant factor that could compromise the water quality of the water collected in the dam. The human settlement conditions and agricultural inputs seem to be the factors contributing most to contamination of the surface water of the catchment area. The lack of sanitation systems and facilities means that community members have to use the bush and rivers for ablutions, thus contributing to microbial contamination of the environment. The direct application of manure and fertilisers on the fields by farmers further exacerbates microbial contamination and high nutrient inputs into the environment as observed in elevated microbial and phosphate contaminants during the study period. The data obtained from the analysis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals confirmed the contamination of the drinking water sources, the Tsitsa River and its tributaries with pesticides and pharmaceuticals through non-point source pollution. The origins of these pharmaceutical contaminants were identified as the pit latrines, open defecation and wastewater treatment plant effluent, while agricultural application of pesticides was identified as the source of pesticides in surface waters. If not monitored closely, the presence of these emerging pollutants will negatively affect the quality of the dam water both at spatial and temporal scales once the dam wall is completed. Pit latrines and wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of non-point source pollution. The results of this study will add to the ongoing efforts on water quality remediation by recording the spatial and seasonal variations in water quality across various water sources within the study area. The study also provides a baseline for future water quality fitness-for-use and compliance assessments. By these findings and conclusions, it is recommended that a long-term continuous monitoring programme be implemented, especially in areas where increased agricultural activities have been observed. Monitoring should be implemented for the Tsitsa River, its tributaries, and selected drinking water sources which showed the highest number of non-compliances and microbial contamination. All anthropogenic activities in the catchment areas of these sources, both upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, must be monitored and strictly managed to prevent and mitigate their possible impacts. Specific emphasis should be placed on agricultural development, which should be controlled to ensure sustainable livestock and cropping practises. Sanitation facilities, systems and community programmes should be put in place to minimise microbial contamination. It would be beneficial for the Department of Water and Sanitation office responsible for the Mzimvubu water resources to establish a central database for all information concerning the water quality of their water resources including the findings in this report. The database must be freely accessible to the residents of the Mzimvubu catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of plant flammability
- Authors: Calitz, Wynand
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Forest plants , Forest ecology Plants -- Adaptation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23500 , vital:30572
- Description: Heterogeneity in the natural environment has led to plants adapting traits to fit a niche. Within natural systems, fire has been a major driver of vegetation across the globe. Flammability has been suggested by many to be a trait adapted to reoccurring fire events. Much of the literature on flammability is theoretical and little has been done to cement it as a functional trait. In this thesis, I explore flammability across a wide range of plant species from both fire-free and -driven communities and compare observed results to other functional traits to identify if any link may exist between fire and being flammable. I further focus on the impact moisture availability may have on flammability as fire regimes are often correlated to rainfall season. Lastly, I investigate how different vegetation types respond to seasonal climate in terms of flammability. As a functional trait, flammability does correlate with traits associated with fire-driven system (e.g. small leaves in dense twig matrix). However, fire associated traits were also observed in fire-free species (Forest, Thicket, and Nama-Karoo), and in some cases traits not associated to fire proved flammable (e.g. large leaves on trees). I find that at a regional scale, plant moisture only correlates to flammability when rainfall amounts are well above or below average (e.g. drought). I also identify that species have different responses to moisture fluctuations and that inherent or accidental responses may influence observed flammability (e.g. trichomes). Lastly, I note that some biomes indicate strong association to season or climate (Fynbos and Thicket), while others indicate plasticity towards weather with species having different responses (Grassland). The study is the first to present estimates of flammability across a large number of species sampled at different times of the year. Future research will have to approach flammability as a meta-analysis by experimenting on different scales, particularly temporal and spatial scales.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Calitz, Wynand
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Forest plants , Forest ecology Plants -- Adaptation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23500 , vital:30572
- Description: Heterogeneity in the natural environment has led to plants adapting traits to fit a niche. Within natural systems, fire has been a major driver of vegetation across the globe. Flammability has been suggested by many to be a trait adapted to reoccurring fire events. Much of the literature on flammability is theoretical and little has been done to cement it as a functional trait. In this thesis, I explore flammability across a wide range of plant species from both fire-free and -driven communities and compare observed results to other functional traits to identify if any link may exist between fire and being flammable. I further focus on the impact moisture availability may have on flammability as fire regimes are often correlated to rainfall season. Lastly, I investigate how different vegetation types respond to seasonal climate in terms of flammability. As a functional trait, flammability does correlate with traits associated with fire-driven system (e.g. small leaves in dense twig matrix). However, fire associated traits were also observed in fire-free species (Forest, Thicket, and Nama-Karoo), and in some cases traits not associated to fire proved flammable (e.g. large leaves on trees). I find that at a regional scale, plant moisture only correlates to flammability when rainfall amounts are well above or below average (e.g. drought). I also identify that species have different responses to moisture fluctuations and that inherent or accidental responses may influence observed flammability (e.g. trichomes). Lastly, I note that some biomes indicate strong association to season or climate (Fynbos and Thicket), while others indicate plasticity towards weather with species having different responses (Grassland). The study is the first to present estimates of flammability across a large number of species sampled at different times of the year. Future research will have to approach flammability as a meta-analysis by experimenting on different scales, particularly temporal and spatial scales.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Spatial and temporal variability in the nutritional quality of basal resources along a temperate river/estuary continuum
- Richoux, Nicole B, Bergamino, Leandro, Moyo, Sydney, Dalu, Tatenda
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Bergamino, Leandro , Moyo, Sydney , Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454375 , vital:75339 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2017.11.009"
- Description: The nature and quality of basal resources within aquatic food webs are complex and have the potential to shift over space and time. We used fatty acid analysis to assess variations in the nutritional structure of the suspended and basal pools along an entire river system, and to assess the contributions of vascular plant (i.e., mainly of terrestrial origin, but could include aquatic macrophytes) vs algal (i.e., aquatic origin) sources to the suspended particulate matter (SPM) pools. Samples were collected in a temperate South African river on four occasions between September 2012 and June 2013. We found orderly patterns in the fatty acid composition of the basal resources at the sites during most seasons. Regardless of site or season, the benthic algal pools (epiphyton, epipelon and epilithon) were the most nutritionally rich resources based on essential fatty acid contents and diatom indices. During early and late spring, proportions of essential fatty acids in the epiphyton decreased downstream where increased light was available, consistent with predictions from the light:nutrient hypothesis (but inconsistent with epilithon and epipelon results). There were substantial changes in vascular plant contributions to the SPM pools along the river, but the same patterns were not produced in all seasons. Of all the river models considered, the data were more consistent with the riverine productivity model, which particularly emphasises the importance of autotrophic production in rivers. Our study provides new detail on the complexity of basal resource nutritional quality and how it can shift along a lotic system over time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Bergamino, Leandro , Moyo, Sydney , Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454375 , vital:75339 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2017.11.009"
- Description: The nature and quality of basal resources within aquatic food webs are complex and have the potential to shift over space and time. We used fatty acid analysis to assess variations in the nutritional structure of the suspended and basal pools along an entire river system, and to assess the contributions of vascular plant (i.e., mainly of terrestrial origin, but could include aquatic macrophytes) vs algal (i.e., aquatic origin) sources to the suspended particulate matter (SPM) pools. Samples were collected in a temperate South African river on four occasions between September 2012 and June 2013. We found orderly patterns in the fatty acid composition of the basal resources at the sites during most seasons. Regardless of site or season, the benthic algal pools (epiphyton, epipelon and epilithon) were the most nutritionally rich resources based on essential fatty acid contents and diatom indices. During early and late spring, proportions of essential fatty acids in the epiphyton decreased downstream where increased light was available, consistent with predictions from the light:nutrient hypothesis (but inconsistent with epilithon and epipelon results). There were substantial changes in vascular plant contributions to the SPM pools along the river, but the same patterns were not produced in all seasons. Of all the river models considered, the data were more consistent with the riverine productivity model, which particularly emphasises the importance of autotrophic production in rivers. Our study provides new detail on the complexity of basal resource nutritional quality and how it can shift along a lotic system over time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Spatial variation in modelled hydrodynamic characteristics associated with valley confinement in the Krom River wetland: implications for the initiation of erosional gullies
- Authors: Schlegel, Philippa Kirsten
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Soil erosion South Africa Eastern Cape , Wetland management South Africa Kromme River (Eastern Cape) , Wetland conservation South Africa Kromme River (Eastern Cape)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58684 , vital:27356
- Description: Gully erosion is a significant and widespread feature of southern African wetlands, including the wetlands of the Krom River, Eastern Cape. Gully erosion in wetlands is consistently being viewed as a major contributing factor to wetland degradation and eventual collapse. Many gullies exist in the Krom River and Working for Wetlands has spent large sums of money to stabilise head-cuts with the expectation that further erosion would be halted and possibly avoided altogether. Observations in the Krom River wetlands have revealed that most gullies in the wetland are initiated where the width of the trunk valley has been reduced as a consequence of deposition by tributary alluvial fans that impinge on the trunk valley and reduce its width. The aim of this study was to examine variation in hydrodynamic characteristics for a range of discharges, as flow in the broad Kompanjiesdrif basin (~250 meters wide) is confined in a downstream direction to a width of less than 50 meters by a combination of a large impinging left bank tributary alluvial fan that coincides with a resistant bedrock lithology. The study was done by collecting topographical survey data using a Differential Global Positioning System in order to create a Digital Terrain Model with a suitable resolution. Flow was recorded using a Marsh-McBirney Model 2000 Flo-Mate as well as recording the flood extent for each flow condition; this was used in the calibration process of the model. Vegetation measurements were conducted in order to calculate a roughness value across the valley floor. A two-dimensional raster based flood inundation model, CAESAR-Lisflood and a one-dimensional hydraulic analysis model, HEC-RAS, were then used to simulate different parameters associated with variation in discharge, including flow velocity, water depth and stream power, thereby creating a better understanding of the hydraulic characteristics that may promote the formation of gullies in the wetland. Based on these hydraulic analyses it is evident that the effect of impinging alluvial fans on hydraulic characteristics such as flow velocity, water depth and stream power, may lead to the initiation of gullies within the Krom River wetland. This work improves understanding of the collapse of palmiet wetlands in steep-sided valleys within the Cape Fold Mountains of South Africa, and can aid in wetland management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Schlegel, Philippa Kirsten
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Soil erosion South Africa Eastern Cape , Wetland management South Africa Kromme River (Eastern Cape) , Wetland conservation South Africa Kromme River (Eastern Cape)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58684 , vital:27356
- Description: Gully erosion is a significant and widespread feature of southern African wetlands, including the wetlands of the Krom River, Eastern Cape. Gully erosion in wetlands is consistently being viewed as a major contributing factor to wetland degradation and eventual collapse. Many gullies exist in the Krom River and Working for Wetlands has spent large sums of money to stabilise head-cuts with the expectation that further erosion would be halted and possibly avoided altogether. Observations in the Krom River wetlands have revealed that most gullies in the wetland are initiated where the width of the trunk valley has been reduced as a consequence of deposition by tributary alluvial fans that impinge on the trunk valley and reduce its width. The aim of this study was to examine variation in hydrodynamic characteristics for a range of discharges, as flow in the broad Kompanjiesdrif basin (~250 meters wide) is confined in a downstream direction to a width of less than 50 meters by a combination of a large impinging left bank tributary alluvial fan that coincides with a resistant bedrock lithology. The study was done by collecting topographical survey data using a Differential Global Positioning System in order to create a Digital Terrain Model with a suitable resolution. Flow was recorded using a Marsh-McBirney Model 2000 Flo-Mate as well as recording the flood extent for each flow condition; this was used in the calibration process of the model. Vegetation measurements were conducted in order to calculate a roughness value across the valley floor. A two-dimensional raster based flood inundation model, CAESAR-Lisflood and a one-dimensional hydraulic analysis model, HEC-RAS, were then used to simulate different parameters associated with variation in discharge, including flow velocity, water depth and stream power, thereby creating a better understanding of the hydraulic characteristics that may promote the formation of gullies in the wetland. Based on these hydraulic analyses it is evident that the effect of impinging alluvial fans on hydraulic characteristics such as flow velocity, water depth and stream power, may lead to the initiation of gullies within the Krom River wetland. This work improves understanding of the collapse of palmiet wetlands in steep-sided valleys within the Cape Fold Mountains of South Africa, and can aid in wetland management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Special section on urbanisation and ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa: Current status and scenarios
- Pauleit, Stephan, Lindley, Sarah, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Pauleit, Stephan , Lindley, Sarah , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183082 , vital:43910 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.09.008"
- Description: The African continent is facing unprecedented population growth in the 21st century. Most of this growth will be absorbed by urban areas where the overall population is projected to triple from presently appr. 400 people to 1.3 billion people in 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2014). In sub-Saharan Africa, which is the focus of this Special Issue, not only the number of megacities with more than 10 million such as Lagos will rise, but smaller or medium sized cities will attract most of this growth (UN-Habitat, 2014). The majority of this increase is taking place in the form of informal settlements where people are living in poverty and where basic facilities and services such as a secure supply of clean drinking water and safe waste water disposal are missing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pauleit, Stephan , Lindley, Sarah , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183082 , vital:43910 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.09.008"
- Description: The African continent is facing unprecedented population growth in the 21st century. Most of this growth will be absorbed by urban areas where the overall population is projected to triple from presently appr. 400 people to 1.3 billion people in 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2014). In sub-Saharan Africa, which is the focus of this Special Issue, not only the number of megacities with more than 10 million such as Lagos will rise, but smaller or medium sized cities will attract most of this growth (UN-Habitat, 2014). The majority of this increase is taking place in the form of informal settlements where people are living in poverty and where basic facilities and services such as a secure supply of clean drinking water and safe waste water disposal are missing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Specific service level expectations that automotive manufacturers have of third party logistics service providers in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Pillay, Shandran
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Delivery of goods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Physical distribution of goods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23108 , vital:30422
- Description: Very few business enterprises, whether as a service provider or manufacturer, operate in isolation. Most business enterprises have suppliers from whom they acquire their resource inputs (inbound processes), and customers to whom they supply (outbound processes) their outputs. These processes include logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing, information technology, packaging and design activities. In an effort to reduce costs, both these inbound and outbound processes are often outsourced to a third party when the business enterprise finds it too costly to do the processes by itself. Logistics outsourcing refers to an arrangement whereby a logistics service provider, called a third party logistics (3PL) service providers, performs services for a firm that could be, or have previously been, provided in-house. 3PL service providers have a strategic role to play especially in the business of automotive manufacturing firms. They act as external suppliers of logistical services that ensure the efficient and effective flow of resource inputs into the firm as well as final products to the end customer. Low cost, despite being a critical success factor, is not the only expectation. 3PL service providers are also expected to be flexible and versatile in its operations, and to cater for the needs of the manufacturing business strategy. Millions of Rands are spent on 3PL service providers, with the hope and belief that they will streamline business processes. Outsourcing of the logistics division to 3PL service providers reduces the costs of getting the right product to the right place for the consumer. Automotive manufacturing firms are not willing to add any costly service to the commodity which is not perceived as value-adding by the customer. Customers have always been classified as value conscious, but in recent times of economic difficulty and uncertainty, this has become even more apparent. This trend has caused many automotive manufacturing firms to prioritise cost saving, and logistics is no exception. The main objective of this study was to investigate the specific service level expectations that automotive manufacturing firms have of third party logistics (3PL) service providers in the Eastern Cape Province. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why automotive manufacturing firms in the Eastern Cape Province find it important to trade with 3PL service providers and to determine whether or not 3PL service providers are meeting the expectations of automotive manufacturing firms in the Province. Furthermore, the study set out to highlight the major problems currently associated with 3PL service providers, as well as to determine the consequences of unacceptable performance levels provided by 3PL service providers. Lastly, to identify the action plans that automotive manufacturing firms have to bring 3PL service providers in line with their expectations. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed that the supply chain philosophy is an important operation in any manufacturing environment. In order to satisfy the end customer, business organisations need to ensure that all supply chain operations are completed in the most efficient and effective manner. In addition, modern business strategies, also referred to as international trends, need to be practiced by principal manufacturing organisations in their quest to be more efficient, effective, competitive and successful in an ever-changing business environment. In order to achieve supply chain success, principal organisations need to ensure that all supply chain partners, particularly 3PL service providers, are aligned with the goals of the principal organisation’s supply chain. The review highlighted that business organisations need to review their selection methods for 3PL service providers on a continuous basis and only select providers that can tailor their service offerings according to the principal organisation’s needs. Therefore, in order for automotive manufactures to realise more potential from their 3PL service providers in the future, issues such as early 3PL service provider involvement, cost saving initiatives from 3PL service providers and 3PL service provider development, will become more crucial. Lastly, the review showed that the automotive industry plays a key role in developing countries as it is a significant contributor to GDP and provides a source of employment, which is much needed in South Africa. However, automotive logistics is a highly complex field, demanding considerable capital resources. One of the most important roles of 3PL service providers in the automotive industry is the management of cargos of goods within the supply chain. As a result, the automotive industry is becoming more based on a system of modularity, through a system of modular production. Logistics outsourcing is receiving increased attention, since it is a sector in which productivity and efficiency improvements are possible in order to lower operating costs, while improving customer services. However, 3PL service providers face significant barriers in developing countries such as stringent legal regulations, poor infrastructure and equipment, as well as a lack of competent manpower for efficient operations. This research was performed mainly within the positivist research paradigm of causality, since it was held by the researcher that there should be a clear causal relationship between the variables that may be observed to answer the research questions of this study. A simple random probability sample of participants from the research population of automotive manufacturing firms in the Eastern Cape Province was gathered, and the questions posed in the questionnaire of this study were structured using both Likert-scale and open-ended questions. In order to analyse the data, two popular quantitative data analysis techniques of descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis were employed, with particular techniques of Correlation Analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and tests for normality being performed. The empirical study revealed that the largest group was employed in the assembly sector, and the vast majority of the respondents made use of 3PL service providers for both sending and receiving components and parts. Almost all of the respondents outsourced transportation services to 3PL service providers. Most respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their transportation 3PL service providers; but fewer were satisfied, and some were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, with warehousing and VAS 3PL service providers. The range of mean values across all of the ‘consequences’ that had been caused due to inferior 3PL performance was concisely grouped, indicating that no single issue stood out as far more or less of a problem than the others; though three common problems noted were that respondents had not received parts and components on time, experienced production stoppages; and higher costs had impacted their organisations negatively. The Cronbach alphas of each of the transportation, warehousing, VAS and consequences data sets, combined, indicated that the data was reliable, and had suitable internal consistencies. The main corrective actions to be taken by automotive manufactures against 3PL service providers who fail to perform as promised are to impose a penalty as per the terms and conditions of the contract signed between the automotive manufacturing firm and the 3PL service provider or to cancel the contract and look for an alternative 3PL service provider if they do not have a back-up service provider.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pillay, Shandran
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Delivery of goods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Physical distribution of goods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23108 , vital:30422
- Description: Very few business enterprises, whether as a service provider or manufacturer, operate in isolation. Most business enterprises have suppliers from whom they acquire their resource inputs (inbound processes), and customers to whom they supply (outbound processes) their outputs. These processes include logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing, information technology, packaging and design activities. In an effort to reduce costs, both these inbound and outbound processes are often outsourced to a third party when the business enterprise finds it too costly to do the processes by itself. Logistics outsourcing refers to an arrangement whereby a logistics service provider, called a third party logistics (3PL) service providers, performs services for a firm that could be, or have previously been, provided in-house. 3PL service providers have a strategic role to play especially in the business of automotive manufacturing firms. They act as external suppliers of logistical services that ensure the efficient and effective flow of resource inputs into the firm as well as final products to the end customer. Low cost, despite being a critical success factor, is not the only expectation. 3PL service providers are also expected to be flexible and versatile in its operations, and to cater for the needs of the manufacturing business strategy. Millions of Rands are spent on 3PL service providers, with the hope and belief that they will streamline business processes. Outsourcing of the logistics division to 3PL service providers reduces the costs of getting the right product to the right place for the consumer. Automotive manufacturing firms are not willing to add any costly service to the commodity which is not perceived as value-adding by the customer. Customers have always been classified as value conscious, but in recent times of economic difficulty and uncertainty, this has become even more apparent. This trend has caused many automotive manufacturing firms to prioritise cost saving, and logistics is no exception. The main objective of this study was to investigate the specific service level expectations that automotive manufacturing firms have of third party logistics (3PL) service providers in the Eastern Cape Province. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why automotive manufacturing firms in the Eastern Cape Province find it important to trade with 3PL service providers and to determine whether or not 3PL service providers are meeting the expectations of automotive manufacturing firms in the Province. Furthermore, the study set out to highlight the major problems currently associated with 3PL service providers, as well as to determine the consequences of unacceptable performance levels provided by 3PL service providers. Lastly, to identify the action plans that automotive manufacturing firms have to bring 3PL service providers in line with their expectations. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed that the supply chain philosophy is an important operation in any manufacturing environment. In order to satisfy the end customer, business organisations need to ensure that all supply chain operations are completed in the most efficient and effective manner. In addition, modern business strategies, also referred to as international trends, need to be practiced by principal manufacturing organisations in their quest to be more efficient, effective, competitive and successful in an ever-changing business environment. In order to achieve supply chain success, principal organisations need to ensure that all supply chain partners, particularly 3PL service providers, are aligned with the goals of the principal organisation’s supply chain. The review highlighted that business organisations need to review their selection methods for 3PL service providers on a continuous basis and only select providers that can tailor their service offerings according to the principal organisation’s needs. Therefore, in order for automotive manufactures to realise more potential from their 3PL service providers in the future, issues such as early 3PL service provider involvement, cost saving initiatives from 3PL service providers and 3PL service provider development, will become more crucial. Lastly, the review showed that the automotive industry plays a key role in developing countries as it is a significant contributor to GDP and provides a source of employment, which is much needed in South Africa. However, automotive logistics is a highly complex field, demanding considerable capital resources. One of the most important roles of 3PL service providers in the automotive industry is the management of cargos of goods within the supply chain. As a result, the automotive industry is becoming more based on a system of modularity, through a system of modular production. Logistics outsourcing is receiving increased attention, since it is a sector in which productivity and efficiency improvements are possible in order to lower operating costs, while improving customer services. However, 3PL service providers face significant barriers in developing countries such as stringent legal regulations, poor infrastructure and equipment, as well as a lack of competent manpower for efficient operations. This research was performed mainly within the positivist research paradigm of causality, since it was held by the researcher that there should be a clear causal relationship between the variables that may be observed to answer the research questions of this study. A simple random probability sample of participants from the research population of automotive manufacturing firms in the Eastern Cape Province was gathered, and the questions posed in the questionnaire of this study were structured using both Likert-scale and open-ended questions. In order to analyse the data, two popular quantitative data analysis techniques of descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis were employed, with particular techniques of Correlation Analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and tests for normality being performed. The empirical study revealed that the largest group was employed in the assembly sector, and the vast majority of the respondents made use of 3PL service providers for both sending and receiving components and parts. Almost all of the respondents outsourced transportation services to 3PL service providers. Most respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their transportation 3PL service providers; but fewer were satisfied, and some were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, with warehousing and VAS 3PL service providers. The range of mean values across all of the ‘consequences’ that had been caused due to inferior 3PL performance was concisely grouped, indicating that no single issue stood out as far more or less of a problem than the others; though three common problems noted were that respondents had not received parts and components on time, experienced production stoppages; and higher costs had impacted their organisations negatively. The Cronbach alphas of each of the transportation, warehousing, VAS and consequences data sets, combined, indicated that the data was reliable, and had suitable internal consistencies. The main corrective actions to be taken by automotive manufactures against 3PL service providers who fail to perform as promised are to impose a penalty as per the terms and conditions of the contract signed between the automotive manufacturing firm and the 3PL service provider or to cancel the contract and look for an alternative 3PL service provider if they do not have a back-up service provider.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Spectral study of radioluminescence in carbon-doped aluminium oxide
- Nyirenda, Angel N, Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Authors: Nyirenda, Angel N , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110067 , vital:33220 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radmeas.2018.06.026
- Description: The spectral emission study of the radioluminescence (RL) measured from carbon-doped aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3:C) at various temperatures between 30 and 300∘C is reported. The energy-resolved RL emission spectra measured at room temperature show seven gaussian emission bands centred at 1.75, 1.79, 1.85, 2.22, 2.96, 3.72 and 4.44 eV. The 2.96-eV emission, associated with F-centres, is the primary RL emission whereas the narrow (R-line) emission centred at 1.79 eV, associated with Cr3+ impurity ions, is the most intense secondary emission. However, the intensity of 1.79-eV emission decreases with repeated RL measurements. The central emission energy for F-centres is constant throughout the temperature range of investigation. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) for the F-centre emission band increases with temperature whereas the F-centre peak intensity exhibits thermal quenching behaviour at temperatures above 160∘C. On the other hand, the emission energy for the R-line emission of Cr3+ is constant for temperatures between 30 and 160∘C, whereas its peak intensity generally decreases with temperature. F-centres experience strong-coupling in their crystallographic sites with estimated electron-lattice coupling parameters of S = 5.0 ± 0.9, Ep = 0.079 ± 0.008 eV and ν = 1.91 × 1013 Hz where S, Ep and ν are the Huang-Rhys factor, the phonon energy and the phonon frequency, respectively. The RL spectra recorded while ramping the temperature of a sample at a constant rate have been compared against conventional TL spectra.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nyirenda, Angel N , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110067 , vital:33220 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radmeas.2018.06.026
- Description: The spectral emission study of the radioluminescence (RL) measured from carbon-doped aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3:C) at various temperatures between 30 and 300∘C is reported. The energy-resolved RL emission spectra measured at room temperature show seven gaussian emission bands centred at 1.75, 1.79, 1.85, 2.22, 2.96, 3.72 and 4.44 eV. The 2.96-eV emission, associated with F-centres, is the primary RL emission whereas the narrow (R-line) emission centred at 1.79 eV, associated with Cr3+ impurity ions, is the most intense secondary emission. However, the intensity of 1.79-eV emission decreases with repeated RL measurements. The central emission energy for F-centres is constant throughout the temperature range of investigation. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) for the F-centre emission band increases with temperature whereas the F-centre peak intensity exhibits thermal quenching behaviour at temperatures above 160∘C. On the other hand, the emission energy for the R-line emission of Cr3+ is constant for temperatures between 30 and 160∘C, whereas its peak intensity generally decreases with temperature. F-centres experience strong-coupling in their crystallographic sites with estimated electron-lattice coupling parameters of S = 5.0 ± 0.9, Ep = 0.079 ± 0.008 eV and ν = 1.91 × 1013 Hz where S, Ep and ν are the Huang-Rhys factor, the phonon energy and the phonon frequency, respectively. The RL spectra recorded while ramping the temperature of a sample at a constant rate have been compared against conventional TL spectra.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
Spermatophore dimorphism in the chokka squid Loligo reynaudii associated with alternative mating tactics
- Sato, Noriyosi, Iwata, Yoko, Shaw, Paul W, Sauer, Warwick H H
- Authors: Sato, Noriyosi , Iwata, Yoko , Shaw, Paul W , Sauer, Warwick H H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127070 , vital:35952 , https://doi.10.1093/mollus/eyy002
- Description: Chokka squid (Loligo reynaudii) have characteristic alternative mating tactics: ‘consort’ males temporarily pair with and guard a female and transfer spermatophores onto her oviduct opening inside the mantle cavity, whereas ‘sneaker’ males rush towards a mating pair and transfer spermatophores onto the female’s buccal membrane near her sperm storage organ. Differences in mating behaviours and their related sperm-storage sites clearly constrain the fertilization process and can drive dimorphism between consort and sneaker males. The presence and character of male dimorphism has not yet been fully examined in this species, but consort males are commonly much larger than sneaker males. We observed clear dimorphism in spermatangia (the sperm mass ejaculated from the spermatophore), consistently associated with the two alternative sperm storage sites on the female’s body. Observations of spermatophores stored in the Needham’s sac of mature males confirmed that small males produce ‘sneaker-type’ spermatangia whereas larger males produce ‘consort-type’ spermatangia, and no individuals possessed both types. Therefore, by association, the mating tactic adopted (including the sperm deposition site used) by individual males can be determined from observation of their spermatangial type, without requiring direct behavioural observation of mating. This ability to infer information about mating tactic will improve our understanding of the reproductive system and mating dynamics in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sato, Noriyosi , Iwata, Yoko , Shaw, Paul W , Sauer, Warwick H H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127070 , vital:35952 , https://doi.10.1093/mollus/eyy002
- Description: Chokka squid (Loligo reynaudii) have characteristic alternative mating tactics: ‘consort’ males temporarily pair with and guard a female and transfer spermatophores onto her oviduct opening inside the mantle cavity, whereas ‘sneaker’ males rush towards a mating pair and transfer spermatophores onto the female’s buccal membrane near her sperm storage organ. Differences in mating behaviours and their related sperm-storage sites clearly constrain the fertilization process and can drive dimorphism between consort and sneaker males. The presence and character of male dimorphism has not yet been fully examined in this species, but consort males are commonly much larger than sneaker males. We observed clear dimorphism in spermatangia (the sperm mass ejaculated from the spermatophore), consistently associated with the two alternative sperm storage sites on the female’s body. Observations of spermatophores stored in the Needham’s sac of mature males confirmed that small males produce ‘sneaker-type’ spermatangia whereas larger males produce ‘consort-type’ spermatangia, and no individuals possessed both types. Therefore, by association, the mating tactic adopted (including the sperm deposition site used) by individual males can be determined from observation of their spermatangial type, without requiring direct behavioural observation of mating. This ability to infer information about mating tactic will improve our understanding of the reproductive system and mating dynamics in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Staff perceptions of workplace bullying in a South African higher education institution
- Authors: Adesemowo, Bosede Olaitan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace , Harassment Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23404 , vital:30539
- Description: During the past decade bullying has received growing attention in organizational research. Workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon with a variety of situational, dispositional and systemic influences and it has been defined as “status-blind interpersonal hostility that is deliberate, repeated and sufficiently severe as to harm the targeted person's health or economic status” (Namie, 2003:3). A literature overview revealed the destructive consequences of bullying, such as trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lowered self-esteem, anger and a lessening of productivity for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. This study presents the perceptions of staff members, in the form of recognized trade union representatives, of workplace bullying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The theoretical framework that informed the study comprised the dispositional and the ecological model that emphasised Ubuntu and the cultural values of the University. The research approach was carried out through qualitative and exploratory methods. Through primary and secondary data collection, a purposive sample of semi-structured interviews was collected in the context of the aim and the objectives of the study. It analysed the importance of an anti-bullying policy, management styles, power imbalances, the impact of bullying on staff and institution health and explored the existing supportive systems that deal with grievances procedures. This study concludes with concrete evidence that workplace bullying existed in Nelson Mandela University and there were no policies to effect control over perpetrators’ acts. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made regarding a strategy on how management can effectively address bullying complaints without prejudice and discrimination, such as an anti-bullying policy, and creating continuous awareness of the phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adesemowo, Bosede Olaitan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace , Harassment Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23404 , vital:30539
- Description: During the past decade bullying has received growing attention in organizational research. Workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon with a variety of situational, dispositional and systemic influences and it has been defined as “status-blind interpersonal hostility that is deliberate, repeated and sufficiently severe as to harm the targeted person's health or economic status” (Namie, 2003:3). A literature overview revealed the destructive consequences of bullying, such as trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lowered self-esteem, anger and a lessening of productivity for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. This study presents the perceptions of staff members, in the form of recognized trade union representatives, of workplace bullying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The theoretical framework that informed the study comprised the dispositional and the ecological model that emphasised Ubuntu and the cultural values of the University. The research approach was carried out through qualitative and exploratory methods. Through primary and secondary data collection, a purposive sample of semi-structured interviews was collected in the context of the aim and the objectives of the study. It analysed the importance of an anti-bullying policy, management styles, power imbalances, the impact of bullying on staff and institution health and explored the existing supportive systems that deal with grievances procedures. This study concludes with concrete evidence that workplace bullying existed in Nelson Mandela University and there were no policies to effect control over perpetrators’ acts. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made regarding a strategy on how management can effectively address bullying complaints without prejudice and discrimination, such as an anti-bullying policy, and creating continuous awareness of the phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Stewardship and collaboration in multifunctional landscapes: a transdisciplinary enquiry
- Authors: Cockburn, Jessica Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental management -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Ecosystem management -- South Africa , Social ecology -- South Africa , Interdisciplinary research
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61267 , vital:27998
- Description: Social-ecological sustainability challenges, from the local to the global level, are of increasing concern. Stewardship has been proposed as a means of dealing with these challenges, but how can it be achieved in practice? In South Africa, the concept is put into practice by practitioners working with local stewards to facilitate more sustainable and equitable management of ecosystem services across landscapes. This landscape approach requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, as social-ecological processes function beyond the boundaries of individual farms or villages. The aim of this research was to investigate the practice of stewardship and collaboration in multifunctional landscapes in South Africa through a transdisciplinary enquiry. This was achieved using a methodological framework based on critical complexity, transdisciplinarity, and critical realism. This framework was applied through an inductive, mixed methods research design which involved stewardship practitioners, stewards, and other stakeholders in the research. Practitioners' understandings of the stewardship concept vary, yet they coalesce around the idea of responsible use and care of nature. Accordingly, the primary role of stewards is to interact with nature responsibly and carefully, balancing the use of ecosystem services for their own benefit with broader social- ecological interests and needs. Although the biodiversity stewardship tool dominates stewardship practice in South Africa, more integrated social-ecological initiatives are also emerging, often hand-in-hand with this approach. Practitioners working in these initiatives face multiple interacting and mutually reinforcing enablers and barriers that facilitate or hinder collaboration for stewardship. Individual and social-relational enablers are pivotal to long-term sustainability of initiatives, whilst deep-seated inequalities and mistrust are significant barriers to collaboration. Despite such challenges, practitioners are succeeding in fostering collaboration by operating as hubs in the landscape. They are actively building new relationships and networks among diverse stakeholders to address shared sustainability challenges. This results in a patchwork of collaborative stewardship activity across the landscape, suggesting that stewardship and collaboration are fundamentally relational processes and that pluralistic approaches to sustainability are needed in multifunctional landscapes. Moreover, by re-focusing stewardship on stewards, practitioners are finding innovative ways to enable farmers to appreciate and practice stewardship, addressing the conflict between agriculture and conservation. Drawing on these findings, a critical realist analysis revealed underlying generative mechanisms that help to explain the challenges encountered in collaborative efforts toward stewardship. These mechanisms included, amongst others: individual stewards' values, societal constraints on the ability of stewards to express care, conflict between agriculture and conservation due to dominant agricultural approaches and neoliberal economic policies, and the divided and unequal nature of South African society. Operationalising transdisciplinary research enabled meaningful engagement with practitioner partners, allowing for novel insights and unexpected findings to emerge from practice-based knowledge. Putting transdisciplinarity into practice revealed the dynamic and multi-faceted role that researchers can play in transdisciplinary research, highlighting the importance of relational knowledge and competencies. Existing support systems and incentives within universities need to be re-configured to enable postgraduate students to conduct engaged science in service of society. , Kuyanda ukuxhalatyiswa yimiceli mngeni yobudlewlane obuhlala buhleli bezentlalo nendalo, ekuhlaleni nakwihlabathi. Kuphakanyiswe umbono wobugosa-bumeli (ubuphathi bendalo, stewardship) ukuze kuhlangatyezwane nale miceli mngeni, kodwa iza kwenziwa njani le nto? EMzantsi Afrika le ngcamango iye yabekwa entsebenzweni ngabo banezakhono no bugcisa besebenza namagosa-bameli asekuhlaleni, benceda ekulawulweni ngendlela ehlala ihleli nelinganayo iinkonzo zobudlelwane nendalo kuyo yonke imihlaba. Le ndlela yokusebenzisa le mihlaba ifuna intsebenziswano phakathi kwabo bonke ababandakanyekayo, njengoko ubudlelwane bentlalo nendalo busebenza ngaphaya kwemida yomfama ngamnye okanye iilali. Injongo yoluhlolisiso ibikukuphanda ngoqheliselo lobugosa-bumeli nentsebenziswano yeemihlaba esebenza ngendlela ezininzi eMzantsi Afrika kubuzwa kumasebe olwazi ohlukeneyo olwazi(transdisciplinarity). Oku kwathi kwaphunyezwa ngenkqubo ehlola izinto ezahlukahlukeneyo kwimigangatho eyahlukeneyo, isekelwe kwingcamango enzulu kunoko kubonakala kuqondakalayo, kumasebe olwazi ohlukeneyo, nakulwazi lwesayensi nentlalo. Le nkqubo yenziwa kusetyenziswa inkqubo yokuqokelela ulwazi luze luhlalutywe, iintlobo ezahlukeneyo zokwenza uhlolisiso, ezazibandakandakanya abanezakhono zobugosa-bumeli, amagosa-bameli nabanye ababandakanyekileyo kolu hlolisiso. Ingcamango zabanezakhono zobubugosa-bumeli ziyohluka, kanti iingcamango zinye ngokuphathelele ukusetyenziswa nokukhathelela indalo yemvelo. Phofu ke, indima esisiseko yamagosa-bameli kukuphembelelana ngokufanelekileyo nangenkathalo nendalo, bethelekisa ukusebenzisa iinkonzo zobudlelwane nendalo ukuze zincede bona, kunye nomdla neemfuno eziphangaleleyo zobudlelwane bendalo nentlalo. Nakubeni isixhobo Sobugosa-Bumeli Bendalo Eyahlukeneyo Yezityalo Nezilwanyana (Biodiversity Stewardship) isesona sitshotsha phambili kuqheliselo lobugosa-bumeli eMzantsi Afrika, zikhona nezinye izixhobo ezivelayo eziqukwayo kwiphulo lobudlelwane bendalo nentlalo, ezisoloko zisebenza kakuhle neli lokuqala. Abanezakhono nabasebenza kula maphulo bajamelene neendidi zokuphembelelana, iingxaki ezahlukeneyo, izisombululo nezithinteli ezinceda okanye zonakalise intebenziswano yobugosa-bumeli. Isisombululo ngasinye nezo zayanyaniswa nentlalo zibaluleke gqitha kumaphulo azakuhlala ehleli, nakubeni ukungalingani okuzinze nzulu nokungathembani iyimiqobo ebelulekileyo kwintsebenziswano. Nangona ikhona le micelimngeni, abanezakhono bayaphumelela ekukhuliseni intsebenziswano ngokuthi basebenze kwiindawo ezithile kwimihlaba. Bakha unxulumano olutsha noqhagamishelwano nababandakanyekileyo ngokwahluka kwabo ukuze kusingathwe nemiceli mngeni yokugcina ubudlelwane bendalo nentlalo buhlale buhleli. Oku kuye kwaphumela kwintsebenziswano yobugosa-bumeli ethe yakho pha na pha kule mihlaba, nto leyo ebonisa ukuba ubugosa- bumeli nentsebenziswano ngokusisiseko yinkqubo enxulumeneyo, kwaye iindlela ezininzi zokwenza ubudlelwane bendalo nentlalo buhlale buhleli ziyimfuneko kwimihlaba ekwenziwa izinto ezininzi kuyo. Ngapha koko, ngokuthi kuphindwe kunikelwe ingqalelo kubugosa-bumeli isiya kumagosa bameli, abanezakhono bafumana iindlela ezintsha zokunceda amafama axabise aze aqhelisele ubugosa-bumeli, ngolu hlobo kusingathwa ingxabano phakathi kwezolimo nolondolozo lwendalo. Xa sifunda koku, ukucamngca nzulu ngako kutyhile enye indlela eye yanceda ekucaciseni imiceli mngeni ekuhlangatyezwane nayo kwimigudu yentsebenziswano yobugosa-bumeli. Ezi ndlela zibandakanya, phakathi kwezinye: indlela aziphatha ngayo amagosa-bameli, iingcinezelo yabahlali ekubeni amagosa-bameli abonakalise inkathalo, ukungavisisani phakathi kwezolimo nolondolozo lwendalo ngenxa yendlela ezongamelayo nezisetyenziswayo zolimo, nemigaqo-nkqubo yezoqoqosho elawulwa bucala, nokwahlukana, ukungalingani kwabantu baseMzantsi Afrika. Ukusebenzisa uhlolisiso lwamasebe olwazi ohlukeneyo kubangele ukufuthelana okunentsingiselo namaqabane abo banezakhono, oku kuvulele iingcamango ezinzulu nokufumana izinto ebezingalindelekanga kulwazi olusekelwe kuqheliselo. Ukubeka ulwazi lwamasebe ahlukeneyo entsebenzweni kutyhile iindima ezahlukeneyo okanye ezininzi ezidlalwa ngabahlolisisi kuhlolisiso lolwazi lwamasebe ohlukeneyo, kubalaseliswa ukubaluleka kolwazi olunxulunyaniswayo nozimiselo. Iinkqubo zenkxaso nezinye izinto ezincedayo ezikhoyo kwiyunivesiti kufuneka ziphinde zakhiwe ukuze zincede abafundi abenza uhlolisiso balwenze benomfutho wesayensi enceda abahlali.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Cockburn, Jessica Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental management -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Ecosystem management -- South Africa , Social ecology -- South Africa , Interdisciplinary research
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61267 , vital:27998
- Description: Social-ecological sustainability challenges, from the local to the global level, are of increasing concern. Stewardship has been proposed as a means of dealing with these challenges, but how can it be achieved in practice? In South Africa, the concept is put into practice by practitioners working with local stewards to facilitate more sustainable and equitable management of ecosystem services across landscapes. This landscape approach requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, as social-ecological processes function beyond the boundaries of individual farms or villages. The aim of this research was to investigate the practice of stewardship and collaboration in multifunctional landscapes in South Africa through a transdisciplinary enquiry. This was achieved using a methodological framework based on critical complexity, transdisciplinarity, and critical realism. This framework was applied through an inductive, mixed methods research design which involved stewardship practitioners, stewards, and other stakeholders in the research. Practitioners' understandings of the stewardship concept vary, yet they coalesce around the idea of responsible use and care of nature. Accordingly, the primary role of stewards is to interact with nature responsibly and carefully, balancing the use of ecosystem services for their own benefit with broader social- ecological interests and needs. Although the biodiversity stewardship tool dominates stewardship practice in South Africa, more integrated social-ecological initiatives are also emerging, often hand-in-hand with this approach. Practitioners working in these initiatives face multiple interacting and mutually reinforcing enablers and barriers that facilitate or hinder collaboration for stewardship. Individual and social-relational enablers are pivotal to long-term sustainability of initiatives, whilst deep-seated inequalities and mistrust are significant barriers to collaboration. Despite such challenges, practitioners are succeeding in fostering collaboration by operating as hubs in the landscape. They are actively building new relationships and networks among diverse stakeholders to address shared sustainability challenges. This results in a patchwork of collaborative stewardship activity across the landscape, suggesting that stewardship and collaboration are fundamentally relational processes and that pluralistic approaches to sustainability are needed in multifunctional landscapes. Moreover, by re-focusing stewardship on stewards, practitioners are finding innovative ways to enable farmers to appreciate and practice stewardship, addressing the conflict between agriculture and conservation. Drawing on these findings, a critical realist analysis revealed underlying generative mechanisms that help to explain the challenges encountered in collaborative efforts toward stewardship. These mechanisms included, amongst others: individual stewards' values, societal constraints on the ability of stewards to express care, conflict between agriculture and conservation due to dominant agricultural approaches and neoliberal economic policies, and the divided and unequal nature of South African society. Operationalising transdisciplinary research enabled meaningful engagement with practitioner partners, allowing for novel insights and unexpected findings to emerge from practice-based knowledge. Putting transdisciplinarity into practice revealed the dynamic and multi-faceted role that researchers can play in transdisciplinary research, highlighting the importance of relational knowledge and competencies. Existing support systems and incentives within universities need to be re-configured to enable postgraduate students to conduct engaged science in service of society. , Kuyanda ukuxhalatyiswa yimiceli mngeni yobudlewlane obuhlala buhleli bezentlalo nendalo, ekuhlaleni nakwihlabathi. Kuphakanyiswe umbono wobugosa-bumeli (ubuphathi bendalo, stewardship) ukuze kuhlangatyezwane nale miceli mngeni, kodwa iza kwenziwa njani le nto? EMzantsi Afrika le ngcamango iye yabekwa entsebenzweni ngabo banezakhono no bugcisa besebenza namagosa-bameli asekuhlaleni, benceda ekulawulweni ngendlela ehlala ihleli nelinganayo iinkonzo zobudlelwane nendalo kuyo yonke imihlaba. Le ndlela yokusebenzisa le mihlaba ifuna intsebenziswano phakathi kwabo bonke ababandakanyekayo, njengoko ubudlelwane bentlalo nendalo busebenza ngaphaya kwemida yomfama ngamnye okanye iilali. Injongo yoluhlolisiso ibikukuphanda ngoqheliselo lobugosa-bumeli nentsebenziswano yeemihlaba esebenza ngendlela ezininzi eMzantsi Afrika kubuzwa kumasebe olwazi ohlukeneyo olwazi(transdisciplinarity). Oku kwathi kwaphunyezwa ngenkqubo ehlola izinto ezahlukahlukeneyo kwimigangatho eyahlukeneyo, isekelwe kwingcamango enzulu kunoko kubonakala kuqondakalayo, kumasebe olwazi ohlukeneyo, nakulwazi lwesayensi nentlalo. Le nkqubo yenziwa kusetyenziswa inkqubo yokuqokelela ulwazi luze luhlalutywe, iintlobo ezahlukeneyo zokwenza uhlolisiso, ezazibandakandakanya abanezakhono zobugosa-bumeli, amagosa-bameli nabanye ababandakanyekileyo kolu hlolisiso. Ingcamango zabanezakhono zobubugosa-bumeli ziyohluka, kanti iingcamango zinye ngokuphathelele ukusetyenziswa nokukhathelela indalo yemvelo. Phofu ke, indima esisiseko yamagosa-bameli kukuphembelelana ngokufanelekileyo nangenkathalo nendalo, bethelekisa ukusebenzisa iinkonzo zobudlelwane nendalo ukuze zincede bona, kunye nomdla neemfuno eziphangaleleyo zobudlelwane bendalo nentlalo. Nakubeni isixhobo Sobugosa-Bumeli Bendalo Eyahlukeneyo Yezityalo Nezilwanyana (Biodiversity Stewardship) isesona sitshotsha phambili kuqheliselo lobugosa-bumeli eMzantsi Afrika, zikhona nezinye izixhobo ezivelayo eziqukwayo kwiphulo lobudlelwane bendalo nentlalo, ezisoloko zisebenza kakuhle neli lokuqala. Abanezakhono nabasebenza kula maphulo bajamelene neendidi zokuphembelelana, iingxaki ezahlukeneyo, izisombululo nezithinteli ezinceda okanye zonakalise intebenziswano yobugosa-bumeli. Isisombululo ngasinye nezo zayanyaniswa nentlalo zibaluleke gqitha kumaphulo azakuhlala ehleli, nakubeni ukungalingani okuzinze nzulu nokungathembani iyimiqobo ebelulekileyo kwintsebenziswano. Nangona ikhona le micelimngeni, abanezakhono bayaphumelela ekukhuliseni intsebenziswano ngokuthi basebenze kwiindawo ezithile kwimihlaba. Bakha unxulumano olutsha noqhagamishelwano nababandakanyekileyo ngokwahluka kwabo ukuze kusingathwe nemiceli mngeni yokugcina ubudlelwane bendalo nentlalo buhlale buhleli. Oku kuye kwaphumela kwintsebenziswano yobugosa-bumeli ethe yakho pha na pha kule mihlaba, nto leyo ebonisa ukuba ubugosa- bumeli nentsebenziswano ngokusisiseko yinkqubo enxulumeneyo, kwaye iindlela ezininzi zokwenza ubudlelwane bendalo nentlalo buhlale buhleli ziyimfuneko kwimihlaba ekwenziwa izinto ezininzi kuyo. Ngapha koko, ngokuthi kuphindwe kunikelwe ingqalelo kubugosa-bumeli isiya kumagosa bameli, abanezakhono bafumana iindlela ezintsha zokunceda amafama axabise aze aqhelisele ubugosa-bumeli, ngolu hlobo kusingathwa ingxabano phakathi kwezolimo nolondolozo lwendalo. Xa sifunda koku, ukucamngca nzulu ngako kutyhile enye indlela eye yanceda ekucaciseni imiceli mngeni ekuhlangatyezwane nayo kwimigudu yentsebenziswano yobugosa-bumeli. Ezi ndlela zibandakanya, phakathi kwezinye: indlela aziphatha ngayo amagosa-bameli, iingcinezelo yabahlali ekubeni amagosa-bameli abonakalise inkathalo, ukungavisisani phakathi kwezolimo nolondolozo lwendalo ngenxa yendlela ezongamelayo nezisetyenziswayo zolimo, nemigaqo-nkqubo yezoqoqosho elawulwa bucala, nokwahlukana, ukungalingani kwabantu baseMzantsi Afrika. Ukusebenzisa uhlolisiso lwamasebe olwazi ohlukeneyo kubangele ukufuthelana okunentsingiselo namaqabane abo banezakhono, oku kuvulele iingcamango ezinzulu nokufumana izinto ebezingalindelekanga kulwazi olusekelwe kuqheliselo. Ukubeka ulwazi lwamasebe ahlukeneyo entsebenzweni kutyhile iindima ezahlukeneyo okanye ezininzi ezidlalwa ngabahlolisisi kuhlolisiso lolwazi lwamasebe ohlukeneyo, kubalaseliswa ukubaluleka kolwazi olunxulunyaniswayo nozimiselo. Iinkqubo zenkxaso nezinye izinto ezincedayo ezikhoyo kwiyunivesiti kufuneka ziphinde zakhiwe ukuze zincede abafundi abenza uhlolisiso balwenze benomfutho wesayensi enceda abahlali.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Still
- Authors: Hall, Leila
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63638 , vital:28450
- Description: This thesis is a novella in fragments set in contemporary Lesotho. It tells the story of a Mosotho woman in her 30s who has spent a long time living out of the country. She returns to search for a former lover who she hasn’t seen for 15 years. The nonlinear narrative follows her journey, exploring a range of themes, including sexuality, gender and class relations, memory and time, relationship to place, non-conformity and defiance in the face of societal pressure and conformism. The style of writing is inspired by a diverse range of writers, including Sonallah Ibrahim for his understated, sparse and minimalist prose, Tina May Hall for her ability to tell a story in fragmented vignettes, Noy Holland for her understanding of time as synchronous and non-linear, and Ayi Kwei Armah for his skill in evoking the feelings, textures and specificities of a place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hall, Leila
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63638 , vital:28450
- Description: This thesis is a novella in fragments set in contemporary Lesotho. It tells the story of a Mosotho woman in her 30s who has spent a long time living out of the country. She returns to search for a former lover who she hasn’t seen for 15 years. The nonlinear narrative follows her journey, exploring a range of themes, including sexuality, gender and class relations, memory and time, relationship to place, non-conformity and defiance in the face of societal pressure and conformism. The style of writing is inspired by a diverse range of writers, including Sonallah Ibrahim for his understated, sparse and minimalist prose, Tina May Hall for her ability to tell a story in fragmented vignettes, Noy Holland for her understanding of time as synchronous and non-linear, and Ayi Kwei Armah for his skill in evoking the feelings, textures and specificities of a place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Stories in watercolour
- Authors: Molefhe, Wame Miriam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63552 , vital:28436
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Molefhe, Wame Miriam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63552 , vital:28436
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Strangers “at home”: gay, lesbian and bisexual students’ strategies for resisting heteronormativity in university residence life
- Munyuki, Chipo L, Vincent, Louise
- Authors: Munyuki, Chipo L , Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141680 , vital:37996 , DOI: 10.20853/32-3-2521
- Description: Higher education in post-apartheid South Africa has been concerned with the establishment of non-discriminatory institutions. However, research continues to highlight various experiences of exclusionary practices across universities in South Africa. In this article, we demonstrate the various coping mechanisms that some students who self-identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual in the university residences adopt to deal with the exclusionary practices that the dominant heteronormative culture of the institution (re)produces which positions them as “sexual strangers” within the institutional “home”. We adopt Vangelisti and Crumley’s (1998) three categories of behaviour namely “acquiescence” which we term here as endeavours to “fit in”, “invulnerability” which we identify as “keeping one’s distance”, “verbal active” as “voicing” and a fourth category we identify as “turning the tables on heteronormativity” in our discussion. We also highlight the various forms of responses that the institution adopts in its attempts to create a conducive environment for all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Munyuki, Chipo L , Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141680 , vital:37996 , DOI: 10.20853/32-3-2521
- Description: Higher education in post-apartheid South Africa has been concerned with the establishment of non-discriminatory institutions. However, research continues to highlight various experiences of exclusionary practices across universities in South Africa. In this article, we demonstrate the various coping mechanisms that some students who self-identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual in the university residences adopt to deal with the exclusionary practices that the dominant heteronormative culture of the institution (re)produces which positions them as “sexual strangers” within the institutional “home”. We adopt Vangelisti and Crumley’s (1998) three categories of behaviour namely “acquiescence” which we term here as endeavours to “fit in”, “invulnerability” which we identify as “keeping one’s distance”, “verbal active” as “voicing” and a fourth category we identify as “turning the tables on heteronormativity” in our discussion. We also highlight the various forms of responses that the institution adopts in its attempts to create a conducive environment for all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018