Strength and conditioning practices of high school rugby coaches: a South African context
- Authors: Robinson, Bradley Charles
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rugby football coaches South Africa , Rugby football Coaching , Rugby football Physiological aspects , Rugby football Training , High school students Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63459 , vital:28413
- Description: Although the sport of rugby union is well established, the strength and conditioning practices of high school level players are not well known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the current strength and conditioning practices that coaches implement at South African high school level rugby. A secondary purpose was to compare practices between different types of schooling systems available in South Africa. An online survey or in person interview (depending on the school), adapted from previous strength and conditioning questionnaires, was conducted with 43 responses; including 28 schools among the top 100 rugby schools in South Africa for 2016 and 15 no-fee paying public schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Results indicated that the top 100 rugby schools implement conditioning practices similar to the best-known international practices compared to no-fee paying schools who lacked the knowledge and skills in various strength and conditioning principles. It was found that all no-fee paying school coaches had insufficient qualifications to administer the correct training techniques. Coaches at all schools lacked the appropriate knowledge on injury prevention and scientifically based training programmes. It was concluded that education and skills around the best strength and conditioning practices for school level coaches needs to be improved and particularly in less privileged schools. The main goal being to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance across all sectors of the rugby playing population within the country. This was deemed crucial to the transformation goals set out by the South African Rugby Union, which would benefit from player development in lower socioeconomic schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Robinson, Bradley Charles
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rugby football coaches South Africa , Rugby football Coaching , Rugby football Physiological aspects , Rugby football Training , High school students Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63459 , vital:28413
- Description: Although the sport of rugby union is well established, the strength and conditioning practices of high school level players are not well known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the current strength and conditioning practices that coaches implement at South African high school level rugby. A secondary purpose was to compare practices between different types of schooling systems available in South Africa. An online survey or in person interview (depending on the school), adapted from previous strength and conditioning questionnaires, was conducted with 43 responses; including 28 schools among the top 100 rugby schools in South Africa for 2016 and 15 no-fee paying public schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Results indicated that the top 100 rugby schools implement conditioning practices similar to the best-known international practices compared to no-fee paying schools who lacked the knowledge and skills in various strength and conditioning principles. It was found that all no-fee paying school coaches had insufficient qualifications to administer the correct training techniques. Coaches at all schools lacked the appropriate knowledge on injury prevention and scientifically based training programmes. It was concluded that education and skills around the best strength and conditioning practices for school level coaches needs to be improved and particularly in less privileged schools. The main goal being to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance across all sectors of the rugby playing population within the country. This was deemed crucial to the transformation goals set out by the South African Rugby Union, which would benefit from player development in lower socioeconomic schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Stress, resiliency and coping of hostel housemothers caring for children on the autistic spectrum
- Authors: Thiart, Sarita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Patients -- Home care , Caregivers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23272 , vital:30510
- Description: Autism is a life-long neurological disease that manifests differently in every autistic person. Children with autism have difficulties with four developmental areas, namely: language and communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues. These behaviours make it extremely difficult to care for, or teach, autistic children as these children often present with behaviours that are psychologically, cognitively and physically challenging. As there is only one government subsidised school with the expertise and support structures to teach and care for autistic children in the Eastern Cape, parents often have no option, but to place such children in residential care in order for the children to receive the expert teaching they need. As a result, hostel housemothers are often placed in parental roles as they provide much of the parenting on a daily basis. Many of these caregivers have their own families that also need support and care. This may place additional burdens on these employees that could lead to a variety of psychological and physical conditions, depending on their resilience, and ability to handle frequent stressful situations. It is for this reason that this study is imperative, as it will uncover the stressors experienced by the hostel housemothers who play such a pivotal role in the lives of autistic children. The results of the study will serve to inform possible future interventions. This is a qualitative study. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, and data was analysed through a thematic analysis approach. The Salutogenesis theory of Antonovsky was used, which particularly looks at stressors, tension, breakdown, and Salutogenesis. The study has generated, in the researcher, an understanding of how hostel housemothers cope with the stressors of caring for autistic children, and intends to do the same for readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Thiart, Sarita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Patients -- Home care , Caregivers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23272 , vital:30510
- Description: Autism is a life-long neurological disease that manifests differently in every autistic person. Children with autism have difficulties with four developmental areas, namely: language and communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues. These behaviours make it extremely difficult to care for, or teach, autistic children as these children often present with behaviours that are psychologically, cognitively and physically challenging. As there is only one government subsidised school with the expertise and support structures to teach and care for autistic children in the Eastern Cape, parents often have no option, but to place such children in residential care in order for the children to receive the expert teaching they need. As a result, hostel housemothers are often placed in parental roles as they provide much of the parenting on a daily basis. Many of these caregivers have their own families that also need support and care. This may place additional burdens on these employees that could lead to a variety of psychological and physical conditions, depending on their resilience, and ability to handle frequent stressful situations. It is for this reason that this study is imperative, as it will uncover the stressors experienced by the hostel housemothers who play such a pivotal role in the lives of autistic children. The results of the study will serve to inform possible future interventions. This is a qualitative study. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, and data was analysed through a thematic analysis approach. The Salutogenesis theory of Antonovsky was used, which particularly looks at stressors, tension, breakdown, and Salutogenesis. The study has generated, in the researcher, an understanding of how hostel housemothers cope with the stressors of caring for autistic children, and intends to do the same for readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Striping patterns may not influence social interactions and mating in zebra: Observations from melanic zebra in South Africa
- Caputo, Michelle, Rubenstein, Daniel I, Froneman, P William, Bouveroux, Thibaut N
- Authors: Caputo, Michelle , Rubenstein, Daniel I , Froneman, P William , Bouveroux, Thibaut N
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479363 , vital:78294 , https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12463
- Description: Colouration serves many functions in animals including crypsis, aposematism, mimicry, intraspecific communication, communication between species and thermoregulation (Caro, Caswell Stoddard, and Stuard-Fox, 2017). On occasions, abnormalities or discontinuous variations in colouration and/or patterning of an individual within a population can occur, leading to albinism (Osinga, ‘t Hart, and Vader, 2010), leucism (Reisinger, Mufanadzo, de Bruyn, and Bester, 2009) or melanism (Eizirik et al., 2003; Majerus, 1998). Melanism, a rare condition occurring when a group of pigments (pheomelanin or eumelanin) is overproduced, has been reported in a variety of mammal species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Caputo, Michelle , Rubenstein, Daniel I , Froneman, P William , Bouveroux, Thibaut N
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479363 , vital:78294 , https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12463
- Description: Colouration serves many functions in animals including crypsis, aposematism, mimicry, intraspecific communication, communication between species and thermoregulation (Caro, Caswell Stoddard, and Stuard-Fox, 2017). On occasions, abnormalities or discontinuous variations in colouration and/or patterning of an individual within a population can occur, leading to albinism (Osinga, ‘t Hart, and Vader, 2010), leucism (Reisinger, Mufanadzo, de Bruyn, and Bester, 2009) or melanism (Eizirik et al., 2003; Majerus, 1998). Melanism, a rare condition occurring when a group of pigments (pheomelanin or eumelanin) is overproduced, has been reported in a variety of mammal species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Students’ experiences of hunger at an institution of higher learning in South Africa
- Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Authors: Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hunger , College students -- Social aspects Universities and colleges -- Students College students -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30353 , vital:30933
- Description: Student hunger is a violation of the right to sufficient food guaranteed in the Constitution section 7(2) (1996). The State must respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right in addition to all other rights in the Bill Rights. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of hunger, as experienced by students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), furthermore the study sought to generate student-centred recommendations on sustainable ways to address student hunger. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method from sixteen, registered NMU students who were purposively selected. Collected data were analysed using the eight steps suggested by Tesch (1990), in Creswell, (2009). Guba's model of trustworthiness was applied for data verification. Findings of the study suggest that student hunger is a multifaceted concept which includes both physical, material hunger as well as lack of basic needs. Food insecurity, structural poverty and structural inequalities (colonisation and dispossession) are some of the factors contributing to student hunger. Research results show that hunger negatively affects students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants recommend the use of alternative funding models that can address student hunger; a new policy should be formulated to inform interventions to eradicate student hunger. Among these suggested interventions is the creation of employment opportunities for students, provision of food parcels, meal subsidy and meal cards. Ending student hunger requires a wide range of approaches that consider both the contributing factors as well as its adverse impact on students. The depth of hunger as experienced by students requires institutions of higher learning, in collaboration with students, government, NGO’s and the private sector to be proactive in enhancing the wellbeing of students suffering from hunger, through empowerment initiatives. In order to eradicate hunger and restore the dignity and well-being of students, a student-driven social justice, multi-disciplinary approach that is developmental in nature is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hunger , College students -- Social aspects Universities and colleges -- Students College students -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30353 , vital:30933
- Description: Student hunger is a violation of the right to sufficient food guaranteed in the Constitution section 7(2) (1996). The State must respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right in addition to all other rights in the Bill Rights. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of hunger, as experienced by students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), furthermore the study sought to generate student-centred recommendations on sustainable ways to address student hunger. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method from sixteen, registered NMU students who were purposively selected. Collected data were analysed using the eight steps suggested by Tesch (1990), in Creswell, (2009). Guba's model of trustworthiness was applied for data verification. Findings of the study suggest that student hunger is a multifaceted concept which includes both physical, material hunger as well as lack of basic needs. Food insecurity, structural poverty and structural inequalities (colonisation and dispossession) are some of the factors contributing to student hunger. Research results show that hunger negatively affects students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants recommend the use of alternative funding models that can address student hunger; a new policy should be formulated to inform interventions to eradicate student hunger. Among these suggested interventions is the creation of employment opportunities for students, provision of food parcels, meal subsidy and meal cards. Ending student hunger requires a wide range of approaches that consider both the contributing factors as well as its adverse impact on students. The depth of hunger as experienced by students requires institutions of higher learning, in collaboration with students, government, NGO’s and the private sector to be proactive in enhancing the wellbeing of students suffering from hunger, through empowerment initiatives. In order to eradicate hunger and restore the dignity and well-being of students, a student-driven social justice, multi-disciplinary approach that is developmental in nature is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Students’ intentions and attitudes towards using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the purpose of counselling.
- Authors: Dlaza, Zikhona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet -- Psychological aspects Internet users -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17553 , vital:41090
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming popular especially within a university campus setting not only as a learning tool but also for the purpose of communication. Internationally there is an acknowledgement of the popularity of ICT in delivering mental health services. This study is built on that premise which indicates that ICT could serve as a viable tool for counselling interventions within a university setting. However, limited research has been done in this area and conflicting results have been reported especially related to gender. This study therefore aimed at exploring the intentions and attitudes of male and female students towards using ICT for counselling at a South African university. A quantitative research approach was employed to collect and analyze data. Data was collected amongst students using self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 266 (N = 266) respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The main findings of the study indicate that students have an intention to seek psychological help through the use of ICT counselling, which consequently positively influenced attitudes towards the utilization of ICT counselling. Results further indicate that gender and age differences amongst university students is significantly related to the intention to use ICT counselling. The information generated from this study has contributed to the limited body of literature on ICT in counselling psychology, more specifically in a university setting in South Africa. Overall, it encourages critical reflection on modern psychological practice to meet student’s needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dlaza, Zikhona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet -- Psychological aspects Internet users -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17553 , vital:41090
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming popular especially within a university campus setting not only as a learning tool but also for the purpose of communication. Internationally there is an acknowledgement of the popularity of ICT in delivering mental health services. This study is built on that premise which indicates that ICT could serve as a viable tool for counselling interventions within a university setting. However, limited research has been done in this area and conflicting results have been reported especially related to gender. This study therefore aimed at exploring the intentions and attitudes of male and female students towards using ICT for counselling at a South African university. A quantitative research approach was employed to collect and analyze data. Data was collected amongst students using self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 266 (N = 266) respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The main findings of the study indicate that students have an intention to seek psychological help through the use of ICT counselling, which consequently positively influenced attitudes towards the utilization of ICT counselling. Results further indicate that gender and age differences amongst university students is significantly related to the intention to use ICT counselling. The information generated from this study has contributed to the limited body of literature on ICT in counselling psychology, more specifically in a university setting in South Africa. Overall, it encourages critical reflection on modern psychological practice to meet student’s needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Students’ perceptions towards the influences of social media on students’ academic engagement at a tertiary institution: a case study on the use of Facebook and Twitter at Rhodes University
- Authors: Moongela, Harry
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facebook (Firm) , Twitter (Firm) , Social media in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Motivation in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Education, Higher -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60730 , vital:27823
- Description: The use of social media has become an integral part of student’s academic lives and has had an impact on students’ academic engagement in tertiary institutions. Subsequently, researchers have shown an interest in investigating the impact of social media on students’ academic engagement. Despite the fact that researcher have shown interest, there still remains a limited number of studies that have discussed the effects of social media on students’ academic engagement, particularly within a South African context. Also, studies that have been carried have revealed limited and mixed findings. This study then aims to further investigate whether the exposure of students to social media has an effect on their academic engagement and how tertiary institutions together with students can use social media to improve students’ academic engagement. A qualitative research method using an interpretive (inductive) approach is carried out to find out students’ perceptions towards the use of social media and its influence on students’ academic engagement. The study then reveals recommendations from students’ perceptions on the effective ways of using social media to benefit students’ academic engagement in tertiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Moongela, Harry
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facebook (Firm) , Twitter (Firm) , Social media in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Motivation in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Education, Higher -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60730 , vital:27823
- Description: The use of social media has become an integral part of student’s academic lives and has had an impact on students’ academic engagement in tertiary institutions. Subsequently, researchers have shown an interest in investigating the impact of social media on students’ academic engagement. Despite the fact that researcher have shown interest, there still remains a limited number of studies that have discussed the effects of social media on students’ academic engagement, particularly within a South African context. Also, studies that have been carried have revealed limited and mixed findings. This study then aims to further investigate whether the exposure of students to social media has an effect on their academic engagement and how tertiary institutions together with students can use social media to improve students’ academic engagement. A qualitative research method using an interpretive (inductive) approach is carried out to find out students’ perceptions towards the use of social media and its influence on students’ academic engagement. The study then reveals recommendations from students’ perceptions on the effective ways of using social media to benefit students’ academic engagement in tertiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Studies in leaf domatia-mite mutualism in South Africa
- Authors: Situngu, Sivuyisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Insect-plant relationships , Mites , Mutualism (Biology) , Biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63334 , vital:28394
- Description: Plants have various traits which allow them to cope and resist their enemies including both insects and fungi . In some cases such traits allow plants to build mutualistic relationships with natural enemies of plant pests. This is the case in many dicotyledonous plants which produce leaf domatia. Leaf domatia are plant cavities usually found in the axils of major veins in the abaxial side of leaves. They are usually associated with mites and often mediate mutualistic relationships with predacious mites. Mites use leaf domatia primarily for shelter, to reproduce, and to develop. In turn, plants benefit from having predaceous mites on their leaves, because mites act as plant “bodyguards” and offer defence against pathogens and small arthropod herbivores. This phenomenon has been well documented all over the world, but Africa remains disproportionally understudied. The aim of this study was to fill the gap that exists in our knowledge of the extent of the distribution of leaf domatia-mite mutualisms and generate a better understanding of the diversity of mites found within leaf domatia from an African perspective. This was done by surveying plant species that bear leaf domatia from different vegetation types in South Africa. The plants with leaf domatia were examined for the presence of mites in order to determine patterns of mite abundance and diversity and, in so doing, address the following questions: • Does each tree species host have a specific mite or mite assemblage? • Do some mites prefer certain types of leaf domatia? • Do mites prefer a specific place in the tree canopy and does the microclimate in the tree canopy affect the distribution of mites? • Do different vegetation sites and types differ in their mite diversity and species composition? • Does mite abundance and diversity vary with seasons? Do coffee plantations have a different suite of mites than the adjacent forest? The anatomical structures of leaf domatia from six selected plant species(Coffea arabica, Gardenia thunbergia, Rothmannia capensis, Rothmannia globosa (Rubiaceae), Ocotea bullata (Lauraceae) and Tecoma capensis (Bignoniaceae) with different types of leaf domatia were also studied. The results from this study suggested that the key futures which distinguish domatia are the presence of an extra layer of tissue in the lower epidermis, a thick cuticle, cuticular folds, the presence of trichomes and an invagination. This study provides a better understating of the structure of leaf domatia. Leaf domatia bearing plants are widely distributed in South Africa, and species and vegetation-specific associations were assessed. Over 250 plant specimens with leaf domatia were collected and examined and more than 60 different mite species were found in association with the sampled plant species. The majority of mites found within the domatia of these tree species were predaceous and included mites from Stigmatidae, Tydeidae and Phytoseiidae. Furthermore, 15 new species were collected, suggesting that mites are understudied in South Africa. This study showed that the different vegetation types sampled did not differ markedly in terms of their mite biota and that similar mites were found across the region, and the association between leaf domatia and mites was found to be opportunistic and that mites had no preference for any particular domatia types. No host specificity relationship was observed between plants and mites. The assessment of mites associated with Coffea arabica showed that indigenous mites are able to colonise and establish a beneficial mutualism on exotic species. This is important as it ascertains that economically important plants that are cultivated outside their area of natural distribution can still benefit from this mutualism. This study also found that mite abundance and diversity in plants with leaf domatia were influenced by factors such as temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Mite communities found in association with domatia changed as the year progressed and over the seasons. The seasonal fluctuations varied between the sampled plant species. In addition, this study found that mites were sensitive to extreme environmental conditions, and thus, mites preferred leaves found in the lower parts of the tree canopy and avoided exposed leaves. This study provides a better understanding of the distribution of domatia bearing plants in South Africa and their associated mites and contributes to our knowledge of the biodiversity of mites in the region. Furthermore, this study also adds to our understanding of the leaf domatia - mite mutualism in Africa. The applied example looking at the plant-mite mutualism in Coffea arabica highlights the importance of this mutualism in commercial plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Situngu, Sivuyisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Insect-plant relationships , Mites , Mutualism (Biology) , Biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63334 , vital:28394
- Description: Plants have various traits which allow them to cope and resist their enemies including both insects and fungi . In some cases such traits allow plants to build mutualistic relationships with natural enemies of plant pests. This is the case in many dicotyledonous plants which produce leaf domatia. Leaf domatia are plant cavities usually found in the axils of major veins in the abaxial side of leaves. They are usually associated with mites and often mediate mutualistic relationships with predacious mites. Mites use leaf domatia primarily for shelter, to reproduce, and to develop. In turn, plants benefit from having predaceous mites on their leaves, because mites act as plant “bodyguards” and offer defence against pathogens and small arthropod herbivores. This phenomenon has been well documented all over the world, but Africa remains disproportionally understudied. The aim of this study was to fill the gap that exists in our knowledge of the extent of the distribution of leaf domatia-mite mutualisms and generate a better understanding of the diversity of mites found within leaf domatia from an African perspective. This was done by surveying plant species that bear leaf domatia from different vegetation types in South Africa. The plants with leaf domatia were examined for the presence of mites in order to determine patterns of mite abundance and diversity and, in so doing, address the following questions: • Does each tree species host have a specific mite or mite assemblage? • Do some mites prefer certain types of leaf domatia? • Do mites prefer a specific place in the tree canopy and does the microclimate in the tree canopy affect the distribution of mites? • Do different vegetation sites and types differ in their mite diversity and species composition? • Does mite abundance and diversity vary with seasons? Do coffee plantations have a different suite of mites than the adjacent forest? The anatomical structures of leaf domatia from six selected plant species(Coffea arabica, Gardenia thunbergia, Rothmannia capensis, Rothmannia globosa (Rubiaceae), Ocotea bullata (Lauraceae) and Tecoma capensis (Bignoniaceae) with different types of leaf domatia were also studied. The results from this study suggested that the key futures which distinguish domatia are the presence of an extra layer of tissue in the lower epidermis, a thick cuticle, cuticular folds, the presence of trichomes and an invagination. This study provides a better understating of the structure of leaf domatia. Leaf domatia bearing plants are widely distributed in South Africa, and species and vegetation-specific associations were assessed. Over 250 plant specimens with leaf domatia were collected and examined and more than 60 different mite species were found in association with the sampled plant species. The majority of mites found within the domatia of these tree species were predaceous and included mites from Stigmatidae, Tydeidae and Phytoseiidae. Furthermore, 15 new species were collected, suggesting that mites are understudied in South Africa. This study showed that the different vegetation types sampled did not differ markedly in terms of their mite biota and that similar mites were found across the region, and the association between leaf domatia and mites was found to be opportunistic and that mites had no preference for any particular domatia types. No host specificity relationship was observed between plants and mites. The assessment of mites associated with Coffea arabica showed that indigenous mites are able to colonise and establish a beneficial mutualism on exotic species. This is important as it ascertains that economically important plants that are cultivated outside their area of natural distribution can still benefit from this mutualism. This study also found that mite abundance and diversity in plants with leaf domatia were influenced by factors such as temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Mite communities found in association with domatia changed as the year progressed and over the seasons. The seasonal fluctuations varied between the sampled plant species. In addition, this study found that mites were sensitive to extreme environmental conditions, and thus, mites preferred leaves found in the lower parts of the tree canopy and avoided exposed leaves. This study provides a better understanding of the distribution of domatia bearing plants in South Africa and their associated mites and contributes to our knowledge of the biodiversity of mites in the region. Furthermore, this study also adds to our understanding of the leaf domatia - mite mutualism in Africa. The applied example looking at the plant-mite mutualism in Coffea arabica highlights the importance of this mutualism in commercial plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sub-volcanic intrusions and the link to global climatic and environmental changes:
- Svensen, Henrik H, Planke, Sverre, Neumann, Else-Ragnhild, Aarnes, Ingrid, Marsh, Julian S, Polteau, Stéphane, Harstad, Camilla H, Chevallier, Luc
- Authors: Svensen, Henrik H , Planke, Sverre , Neumann, Else-Ragnhild , Aarnes, Ingrid , Marsh, Julian S , Polteau, Stéphane , Harstad, Camilla H , Chevallier, Luc
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145166 , vital:38414 , ISBN 9783319140841 , https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/11157_2015_10
- Description: Most of the Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) formed during the last 260 million years are associated with climatic changes, oceanic anoxia, or extinctions in marine and terrestrial environments. Current hypotheses involve (1) degassing of carbon from either oceans or shallow sea-bed reservoirs, (2) degassing from flood basalts, or from (3) sedimentary basins heavily intruded by LIP-related sills. These hypotheses are based on detailed geological and geochemical studies from LIPSs or relevant proxy data sequences. Here we present new data on gas generation and degassing from a LIP, based on the LA1/68 borehole north of the Ladybrand area in the Karoo Basin, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Svensen, Henrik H , Planke, Sverre , Neumann, Else-Ragnhild , Aarnes, Ingrid , Marsh, Julian S , Polteau, Stéphane , Harstad, Camilla H , Chevallier, Luc
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145166 , vital:38414 , ISBN 9783319140841 , https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/11157_2015_10
- Description: Most of the Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) formed during the last 260 million years are associated with climatic changes, oceanic anoxia, or extinctions in marine and terrestrial environments. Current hypotheses involve (1) degassing of carbon from either oceans or shallow sea-bed reservoirs, (2) degassing from flood basalts, or from (3) sedimentary basins heavily intruded by LIP-related sills. These hypotheses are based on detailed geological and geochemical studies from LIPSs or relevant proxy data sequences. Here we present new data on gas generation and degassing from a LIP, based on the LA1/68 borehole north of the Ladybrand area in the Karoo Basin, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Subjective measurements of persistence of time series
- Authors: Poswayo, Sihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Time-series analysis , Space and time Time -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34372 , vital:33361
- Description: In this paper we suggest the use of subjective judgements to measure persistence in time series by comparing pairs of graphs with different Hurst exponents. The group of respondents consisted of 40 volunteers who were asked to identify the more jagged out of two graphs presented to them (that is, less persistent). The respondents were approached as a group and requested to work independently in the completion of ques- tionnaires administered to them. The respondents were supervised by the researchers. The graphs were simulated using time series package of Mathematica R [26]. The re- sponses were processed using an algorithm based on the Thurstone-Mosteller model for paired comparisons [29]. The results of the analysis show that the human eye is capable of distinguishing graphs of time series with Hurst exponent difference as small as only 0.02.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Poswayo, Sihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Time-series analysis , Space and time Time -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34372 , vital:33361
- Description: In this paper we suggest the use of subjective judgements to measure persistence in time series by comparing pairs of graphs with different Hurst exponents. The group of respondents consisted of 40 volunteers who were asked to identify the more jagged out of two graphs presented to them (that is, less persistent). The respondents were approached as a group and requested to work independently in the completion of ques- tionnaires administered to them. The respondents were supervised by the researchers. The graphs were simulated using time series package of Mathematica R [26]. The re- sponses were processed using an algorithm based on the Thurstone-Mosteller model for paired comparisons [29]. The results of the analysis show that the human eye is capable of distinguishing graphs of time series with Hurst exponent difference as small as only 0.02.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Substance over form in the context of general anti-avoidance provisions in the income tax act
- Authors: Saba, Ncumisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax evasion -- South Africa Tax planning -- South Africa Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35049 , vital:33610
- Description: The provisions of GAAR are contained in sections 80A to 80L of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. The main objective of the GAAR is to prohibit impermissible tax avoidance. One of the main purposes of the GAAR is to identify the true nature of a transaction and therefore the provisions of the GAAR focus on the substance of the transaction rather than its form. There can be however difficulty in determining the true substance of a transaction and the intention of the taxpayer when applying the substance over form principle. The substance over form principle is not defined in the GAAR, therefore it is critical that an understanding of this principle is obtained. The purpose of the research was to critically analyse the principle of substance over form in the context of the GAAR. This analysis assessed whether the GAAR is able to effectively identify substance over form in complex tax avoidance arrangements that have been formulated by the taxpayer. The GAAR has provided the Commissioner which tests to apply in order to identify the substance of the transaction over its form and its seeks to remove the façade that is created by tax avoidance schemes however it was submitted that there were areas of the GAAR that require improvement in order to ensure transparency and consistent application of the GAAR. The research also analysed the tests applied by the courts in determining substance over form in different instances. It was determined that the courts apply the abnormality test and the lack of commercial purpose test when determining the substance of a transaction. A contrast of the principles applied the GAAR and the courts was also performed in order to ascertain whether there are any similarities and/or differences when determining the substance of a transaction. It was determined that the principles of the GAAR are not vastly different to the principles applied by the case law when determining substance of a transaction. In order to for the GAAR to be effective in determining substance of a transaction, it will have to be used with reference to case law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Saba, Ncumisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax evasion -- South Africa Tax planning -- South Africa Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35049 , vital:33610
- Description: The provisions of GAAR are contained in sections 80A to 80L of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. The main objective of the GAAR is to prohibit impermissible tax avoidance. One of the main purposes of the GAAR is to identify the true nature of a transaction and therefore the provisions of the GAAR focus on the substance of the transaction rather than its form. There can be however difficulty in determining the true substance of a transaction and the intention of the taxpayer when applying the substance over form principle. The substance over form principle is not defined in the GAAR, therefore it is critical that an understanding of this principle is obtained. The purpose of the research was to critically analyse the principle of substance over form in the context of the GAAR. This analysis assessed whether the GAAR is able to effectively identify substance over form in complex tax avoidance arrangements that have been formulated by the taxpayer. The GAAR has provided the Commissioner which tests to apply in order to identify the substance of the transaction over its form and its seeks to remove the façade that is created by tax avoidance schemes however it was submitted that there were areas of the GAAR that require improvement in order to ensure transparency and consistent application of the GAAR. The research also analysed the tests applied by the courts in determining substance over form in different instances. It was determined that the courts apply the abnormality test and the lack of commercial purpose test when determining the substance of a transaction. A contrast of the principles applied the GAAR and the courts was also performed in order to ascertain whether there are any similarities and/or differences when determining the substance of a transaction. It was determined that the principles of the GAAR are not vastly different to the principles applied by the case law when determining substance of a transaction. In order to for the GAAR to be effective in determining substance of a transaction, it will have to be used with reference to case law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Substantive fairness in dismissals based on operational requirements
- Authors: Hokwana, Tina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor discipline -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30331 , vital:30931
- Description: This treatise interrogates the concept of substantive fairness in dismissals based on operational requirements and commences with the background and rationale to the study. It intends to achieve by virtue of specific research questions identified in the first chapter. The second chapter focuses on a discussion defining the term operational requirements and the circumstances in which employers have sought to justify dismissals based on operational requirements together with the courts’ interpretation of the term. Following an in-depth look at the South African courts’ interpretation of operational requirements, the third chapter analyses the jurisprudential development of the law of substantive fairness and assesses how the courts have applied statutory provisions relevant to operational requirement dismissals. The third chapter is then followed by a discussion on the aspects relating to selection criteria as pronounced by South African labour-law jurisprudence and deals specifically with the concept of LIFO and the employment universe. The fourth chapter also raises the various forms of fair and objective selection criteria, as well as the concept of bumping in light of the Employment Equity Act. The final chapter concludes that the primary areas requiring reform relate to the test for substantive fairness that does not include a proportionality analysis to weigh up the competing interests of the employer and the employees. The treatise further concludes with recommendations in dealing with dismissals based on operational requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hokwana, Tina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor discipline -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30331 , vital:30931
- Description: This treatise interrogates the concept of substantive fairness in dismissals based on operational requirements and commences with the background and rationale to the study. It intends to achieve by virtue of specific research questions identified in the first chapter. The second chapter focuses on a discussion defining the term operational requirements and the circumstances in which employers have sought to justify dismissals based on operational requirements together with the courts’ interpretation of the term. Following an in-depth look at the South African courts’ interpretation of operational requirements, the third chapter analyses the jurisprudential development of the law of substantive fairness and assesses how the courts have applied statutory provisions relevant to operational requirement dismissals. The third chapter is then followed by a discussion on the aspects relating to selection criteria as pronounced by South African labour-law jurisprudence and deals specifically with the concept of LIFO and the employment universe. The fourth chapter also raises the various forms of fair and objective selection criteria, as well as the concept of bumping in light of the Employment Equity Act. The final chapter concludes that the primary areas requiring reform relate to the test for substantive fairness that does not include a proportionality analysis to weigh up the competing interests of the employer and the employees. The treatise further concludes with recommendations in dealing with dismissals based on operational requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Substantive fairness in the context of dismissal for team misconduct
- Authors: Gcayi, Siziwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Labour Relations Act, 1995 , Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Unfair labor practices -- South Africa Labor discipline -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22134 , vital:29852
- Description: Employees have inherent common law duties towards their employers. These duties include: obedience, care, competency and good faith.1 An employee has a duty to act in good faith towards the employer. For purposes of this treatise, focus will be on competency and good faith. Section 188(1) of the Labour Relations Act,2 provides three grounds on which dismissal can be considered to be fair. These grounds are: misconduct, capacity and an employer’s operational requirements. For purposes of this research paper, focus will be on misconduct. Capacity and employer’s operational requirements will not be discussed. For purposes of the present discussion misconduct can be divided into two broad categories namely, individual misconduct and group misconduct. Individual misconduct refers to transgression by a single employee who by his or her conduct violates the company policy or valid rule in the workplace. When the employer contemplates dismissing the employee for misconduct, it has to prove on the balance of probabilities that the employee concerned is guilty of misconduct and that the misconduct concerned justified a dismissal in the sense that it had irretrievably destroyed the requisite trust element in the employment relationship. Group misconduct refers to transgression that has been committed by group of employees. The following forms part of what can be categorised as falling within group misconduct: collective guilt, derivative misconduct, common purpose and team misconduct. Ideally the manner in which group misconduct is dealt with should be different from the way individual misconduct is handled. Individual misconduct refers to a single employee or misconduct of more than one employee who can be isolated and charged/handled as individuals, whereas group misconduct refers to a number of employees, whose conduct has offended the rules of the employer. In respect of group misconduct, the employer does not have to prove individual liability for each of the 1 Module 8 CCMA candidate commissioner notes. 2 66 of 1995. affected employees. An employer may after fulfilling certain requirements penalize them as a group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gcayi, Siziwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Labour Relations Act, 1995 , Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Unfair labor practices -- South Africa Labor discipline -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22134 , vital:29852
- Description: Employees have inherent common law duties towards their employers. These duties include: obedience, care, competency and good faith.1 An employee has a duty to act in good faith towards the employer. For purposes of this treatise, focus will be on competency and good faith. Section 188(1) of the Labour Relations Act,2 provides three grounds on which dismissal can be considered to be fair. These grounds are: misconduct, capacity and an employer’s operational requirements. For purposes of this research paper, focus will be on misconduct. Capacity and employer’s operational requirements will not be discussed. For purposes of the present discussion misconduct can be divided into two broad categories namely, individual misconduct and group misconduct. Individual misconduct refers to transgression by a single employee who by his or her conduct violates the company policy or valid rule in the workplace. When the employer contemplates dismissing the employee for misconduct, it has to prove on the balance of probabilities that the employee concerned is guilty of misconduct and that the misconduct concerned justified a dismissal in the sense that it had irretrievably destroyed the requisite trust element in the employment relationship. Group misconduct refers to transgression that has been committed by group of employees. The following forms part of what can be categorised as falling within group misconduct: collective guilt, derivative misconduct, common purpose and team misconduct. Ideally the manner in which group misconduct is dealt with should be different from the way individual misconduct is handled. Individual misconduct refers to a single employee or misconduct of more than one employee who can be isolated and charged/handled as individuals, whereas group misconduct refers to a number of employees, whose conduct has offended the rules of the employer. In respect of group misconduct, the employer does not have to prove individual liability for each of the 1 Module 8 CCMA candidate commissioner notes. 2 66 of 1995. affected employees. An employer may after fulfilling certain requirements penalize them as a group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Success factors of social enterprises in the education sector
- Authors: Makgato, Noko Leonard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22629 , vital:30034
- Description: Social entrepreneurship is a complex concept with many dimensions that is not well understood in South Africa. The purpose of this research is to contribute to the limited body of knowledge leading to a better understanding of various factors of success that are at play within social enterprises in the education sector in South Africa, including characteristics of the social entrepreneurs at the helm of these ventures. For the purpose of this research, social entrepreneurship is treated as a phenomenon that occurs at the intersection of for-profit, non-profit and non-governmental organisations, without being limited to any single organisational format. Data analysed was obtained through in-depth interviews with persons in the top leadership of FIVE social enterprises, including founders and executives. From this data a composite set of success factors was developed, with the findings presented according to emerging themes and topics. The study reveals a core set of attributes related to environmental, organisational, leadership, financial and stakeholder factors that manifest in successful social enterprises. Research conclusions and recommendations based on this study were made, opportunities for further research were identified and shortcomings of this study were acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Makgato, Noko Leonard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22629 , vital:30034
- Description: Social entrepreneurship is a complex concept with many dimensions that is not well understood in South Africa. The purpose of this research is to contribute to the limited body of knowledge leading to a better understanding of various factors of success that are at play within social enterprises in the education sector in South Africa, including characteristics of the social entrepreneurs at the helm of these ventures. For the purpose of this research, social entrepreneurship is treated as a phenomenon that occurs at the intersection of for-profit, non-profit and non-governmental organisations, without being limited to any single organisational format. Data analysed was obtained through in-depth interviews with persons in the top leadership of FIVE social enterprises, including founders and executives. From this data a composite set of success factors was developed, with the findings presented according to emerging themes and topics. The study reveals a core set of attributes related to environmental, organisational, leadership, financial and stakeholder factors that manifest in successful social enterprises. Research conclusions and recommendations based on this study were made, opportunities for further research were identified and shortcomings of this study were acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Suicide and the South African business cycle: a time series approach, 2006-2015
- Authors: Pitot, Amaury
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Suicide -- South Africa , Business cycles -- South Africa , Autoregression (Statistics) , Divorce -- South Africa , AutoRegressive Distributed Lagged model (ARDL)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62286 , vital:28150
- Description: Suicide is a major public health issue and imposes substantial economic cost on society every year. For example, the World Health Organisation has estimated that there are over one million completed suicides every year, of which about 75% occur in middle and low income countries. In South Africa, suicide is one of the leading causes of non-natural death, but remains under-researched from an economic point of view due to limited data availability. Using monthly data for the period 2006-2015, this study explores whether there is a relationship between suicide and the South African business cycle. This is further broken down to examine how, if at all, this relationship with the business cycle differs across age-, gender-, and racial groups. The primary source of data for suicide and demographic groups were obtained from Statistics South Africa’s Mortality and Causes of Death Data from Death Notification released since 2006. The coincident indicator was used as a proxy for the business cycle as it represents the business cycle in real time. Using an autoregressive distributed lagged model (ARDL), a long run relationship was established with suicide being a function of the coincident indicator, divorce and fertility rate. The findings of this paper show that the overall suicide rate moves with the South African business cycle (i.e. pro-cyclical relationship) in the long run. This relationship holds for males, the black population group and the 15-29 and 30-44 age categories. In addition, the divorce rate had a positive and significant relationship with the overall suicide rate, as well as suicide among the black population group and for the 30-44 age category, whereas fertility rates had no significant relationship with suicide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pitot, Amaury
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Suicide -- South Africa , Business cycles -- South Africa , Autoregression (Statistics) , Divorce -- South Africa , AutoRegressive Distributed Lagged model (ARDL)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62286 , vital:28150
- Description: Suicide is a major public health issue and imposes substantial economic cost on society every year. For example, the World Health Organisation has estimated that there are over one million completed suicides every year, of which about 75% occur in middle and low income countries. In South Africa, suicide is one of the leading causes of non-natural death, but remains under-researched from an economic point of view due to limited data availability. Using monthly data for the period 2006-2015, this study explores whether there is a relationship between suicide and the South African business cycle. This is further broken down to examine how, if at all, this relationship with the business cycle differs across age-, gender-, and racial groups. The primary source of data for suicide and demographic groups were obtained from Statistics South Africa’s Mortality and Causes of Death Data from Death Notification released since 2006. The coincident indicator was used as a proxy for the business cycle as it represents the business cycle in real time. Using an autoregressive distributed lagged model (ARDL), a long run relationship was established with suicide being a function of the coincident indicator, divorce and fertility rate. The findings of this paper show that the overall suicide rate moves with the South African business cycle (i.e. pro-cyclical relationship) in the long run. This relationship holds for males, the black population group and the 15-29 and 30-44 age categories. In addition, the divorce rate had a positive and significant relationship with the overall suicide rate, as well as suicide among the black population group and for the 30-44 age category, whereas fertility rates had no significant relationship with suicide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sulphur isotope study of pyrite from the Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt, (South Kivu, DRC): a proxy of gold provenance
- Moloto, Thapelo Refiloe Patience
- Authors: Moloto, Thapelo Refiloe Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Isotope geology -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Pyrites -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Gold mines and mining -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Sulfur -- Isotopes -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Hydrothermal deposits -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt, (South Kivu, DRC)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60552 , vital:27793
- Description: Gold in the highly prospective Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt (TNGB) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its four main deposits at Twangiza, Kamituga, Lugushwa and Namoya, appears to be correlated with the presence of sulphide minerals. Sulphur isotopic compositions of pyrite in the metasedimentary host rocks and in hydrothermal veins are used to identify the possible primary sources of hydrothermal sulphur and, by proxy, hydrothermal gold. The sulphur isotope signatures of the pyrites from the TNGB deposits show an overall range from -18.4%o to +22.6%o. S34 values in host rock pyrite are: -2.2%o to +3.0%o (Twangiza deposit), -4.2%o to -0.6% (Kamituga deposit), -18.4% to -12.7% (Lugushwa deposit), and +12.4% to +22.6% (Namoya deposit). The sulphur isotopic signature of vein pyrite is -5.2% to +3.0% (Twangiza deposit), -9.1% to -7.4% (Kamituga deposit), -0.3% to +3.2% (Lugushwa deposit) and +1.3% to +20.4% (Namoya deposit). The isotopic data indicate a primary sedimentary to evaporitic source of sulphur in the host rock pyrite. Pyrite from metadiorites shows magmatic S isotope compositions. Native gold was found in both sedimentary host rock and vein samples. This indicates that native gold was present in the primary metasedimentary sequence of the TNGB. Some vein pyrites in the TNGB have isotopic signatures that are similar to that of the host rock pyrite. These veins have formed from fluids extracted from the hosting metasedimentary sequence. Conversely, other vein pyrite shows different S34S values compared to the host rock pyrite, suggesting a fluid source that is different from the sedimentary source. Possibly, particularly in the Lugushwa deposit, an igneous source may have released sulphur and possibly gold bearing fluids in addition to those extracted from the sedimentary sequences in the TNGB. However, there is abundant evidence for sulphur and gold mobilised in the sedimentary host rocks and precipitated in the hydrothermal system of the TNGB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Moloto, Thapelo Refiloe Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Isotope geology -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Pyrites -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Gold mines and mining -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Sulfur -- Isotopes -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Hydrothermal deposits -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt, (South Kivu, DRC)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60552 , vital:27793
- Description: Gold in the highly prospective Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt (TNGB) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its four main deposits at Twangiza, Kamituga, Lugushwa and Namoya, appears to be correlated with the presence of sulphide minerals. Sulphur isotopic compositions of pyrite in the metasedimentary host rocks and in hydrothermal veins are used to identify the possible primary sources of hydrothermal sulphur and, by proxy, hydrothermal gold. The sulphur isotope signatures of the pyrites from the TNGB deposits show an overall range from -18.4%o to +22.6%o. S34 values in host rock pyrite are: -2.2%o to +3.0%o (Twangiza deposit), -4.2%o to -0.6% (Kamituga deposit), -18.4% to -12.7% (Lugushwa deposit), and +12.4% to +22.6% (Namoya deposit). The sulphur isotopic signature of vein pyrite is -5.2% to +3.0% (Twangiza deposit), -9.1% to -7.4% (Kamituga deposit), -0.3% to +3.2% (Lugushwa deposit) and +1.3% to +20.4% (Namoya deposit). The isotopic data indicate a primary sedimentary to evaporitic source of sulphur in the host rock pyrite. Pyrite from metadiorites shows magmatic S isotope compositions. Native gold was found in both sedimentary host rock and vein samples. This indicates that native gold was present in the primary metasedimentary sequence of the TNGB. Some vein pyrites in the TNGB have isotopic signatures that are similar to that of the host rock pyrite. These veins have formed from fluids extracted from the hosting metasedimentary sequence. Conversely, other vein pyrite shows different S34S values compared to the host rock pyrite, suggesting a fluid source that is different from the sedimentary source. Possibly, particularly in the Lugushwa deposit, an igneous source may have released sulphur and possibly gold bearing fluids in addition to those extracted from the sedimentary sequences in the TNGB. However, there is abundant evidence for sulphur and gold mobilised in the sedimentary host rocks and precipitated in the hydrothermal system of the TNGB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sustainability challenges and community broadcasting media in Eastern Cape : a comparative study of Forte FM and Vukani FM
- Authors: Mbombo, Nothemba
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community radio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Radio stations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Radio in community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9330 , vital:34325
- Description: This study is a qualitative study focusing on the sustainability challenges affecting the performance of community radio stations in Eastern Cape using Forte FM and Vukani FM as case studies. For the purpose of this study, in-depth interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data and the researcher had in-depth interviews with the station managers of both radio stations. Another interview was conducted with the programme manager of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA). In addition, this study conducted one focus group interview with purposively selected participants for each community radio station to get their views on the functioning and sustainability challenges facing each of the radio station and how they see them helping their communities. The findings of the study revealed that the major sustainability challenges faced by the stations are finances and lack of resources. The lack of resources is a major problem as it reflects a lack of political will and policies that have failed to recognize the importance of communication as a social process that can help to bring change and development (Fraser & Estrada, 2003:3). As revealed by the findings of this study, the most serious challenge that both stations face is financial sustainability as they had said they struggle to function because they do not have money to pay their staff, and to pay the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) in order to be kept on air and to deliver their content to the targeted audiences. This study also found out that the stations are not able to train their reporters while they are not getting a regular assistance from the Minister of Communications. The radio stations noted that the Department of Communications used to assist them some years ago but now support only comes from the MDDA. On the other hand, the study also revealed that the MDDA do assist the community radio stations by providing them with necessary broadcasting and transmission equipment and facilities to make sure that they stay on air. This study therefore, concludes that despite the several sustainability challenges faced by these community radio stations, they are still able to contribute to the development of their communities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbombo, Nothemba
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community radio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Radio stations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Radio in community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9330 , vital:34325
- Description: This study is a qualitative study focusing on the sustainability challenges affecting the performance of community radio stations in Eastern Cape using Forte FM and Vukani FM as case studies. For the purpose of this study, in-depth interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data and the researcher had in-depth interviews with the station managers of both radio stations. Another interview was conducted with the programme manager of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA). In addition, this study conducted one focus group interview with purposively selected participants for each community radio station to get their views on the functioning and sustainability challenges facing each of the radio station and how they see them helping their communities. The findings of the study revealed that the major sustainability challenges faced by the stations are finances and lack of resources. The lack of resources is a major problem as it reflects a lack of political will and policies that have failed to recognize the importance of communication as a social process that can help to bring change and development (Fraser & Estrada, 2003:3). As revealed by the findings of this study, the most serious challenge that both stations face is financial sustainability as they had said they struggle to function because they do not have money to pay their staff, and to pay the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) in order to be kept on air and to deliver their content to the targeted audiences. This study also found out that the stations are not able to train their reporters while they are not getting a regular assistance from the Minister of Communications. The radio stations noted that the Department of Communications used to assist them some years ago but now support only comes from the MDDA. On the other hand, the study also revealed that the MDDA do assist the community radio stations by providing them with necessary broadcasting and transmission equipment and facilities to make sure that they stay on air. This study therefore, concludes that despite the several sustainability challenges faced by these community radio stations, they are still able to contribute to the development of their communities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sustainable competitive tourism in South Africa
- Authors: Ferreira, Daniel Petrus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , Sustainable development Competition -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22464 , vital:29972
- Description: Tourism is one of the major economic industries in the world and is one of the main income sources for many developing countries such as South Africa (SA). The South African tourism industry contributes approximately R309 billion to the country‘s Gross Domestic Product, and is considered the country‘s fastest growing industry. Although, in comparison to 2016 SA experienced a 2% growth rate of international tourist arrivals in 2014, the increase is considerably lower than the global average of 7%. In 2018, SA also dropped five rankings to number 61, as compared to the previous year according to the Global Competitiveness 2017 to 2018 report. Consequently, SA is not considered a competitive global tourism economy. To increase the country‘s position in the global ranking, it must develop policies and marketing strategies that include both competitive and sustainable aspects. The primary objective of this study is to develop a sustainable- and competitive tourism model for SA. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables (tourism driving forces) influence sustainable- and competitive tourism (dependent variables). From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothetical model was developed to determine tourism driving forces that might influence sustainable- and competitive tourism. Twenty-two hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between the eleven tourism driving forces and two dependent variables, namely sustainable- and competitive tourism. This quantitative research approach study sought the perceptions of various tourism stakeholders in SA. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured web-based questionnaire, distributed via e-mail, and posted on various tourism-specific Facebook pages. A combination of convenience- and snowball sampling was utilised. A final sample of 512 respondents was obtained. The items in the questionnaire were validated by conducting exploratory factor analysis, thereafter the Cronbach‘s alpha values were calculated for each of the valid constructs to confirm inter-item reliability. The results of the Pearson product-moment correlation tests between the various independent and dependent variables revealed mostly moderate to strong correlations. For this reason, multi-collinearity diagnostics testing was conducted prior to multiple regression analysis to confirm that there is no evidence of collinearity between the tourism driving forces, as well as between the dependent variables. The multiple regression analysis reveals three statistically significant relationships between the enabling country conditions (market conditions, technological conditions and tourism policy development) and sustainable tourism. In addition, four statistically significant relationships were found between the destination appeal forces (enablers, enhancers, infrastructure and political conditions) and competitive tourism. The empirical findings further confirmed natural attraction promotional tactics as a destination appeal driving force had a statistically significant relationship with both competitive tourism and sustainability tourism. The inter-relationship between sustainable- and competitive tourism was also confirmed, however, competitive tourism was shown to influence sustainable tourism to a larger extent. Multivariate analysis of variance calculations was used to identify whether the demographic profiles of respondents (classification data) occupy a role in how they view the tourism forces (destination appeal and enabling country conditions) important to create tourism demand in South Africa. A total of 69 statistically significant relationships were found between the classification data and the tourism forces. Post-hoc Tukey tests identified numerous significant means differences within the different classification data categories. The Cohen‘s D analysis revealed 135 practically significant relationships, of which twenty had large practical significance. The five key aspects relevant to increase tourism demand were to have a discrimination-free country regarding race, religion and sexual preference, as well as a safe and stable tourism environment without xenophobic violence. For this reason, the SA government must work actively towards providing a peaceful, safe and discrimination-free tourism environment to attract tourists. Based on the multiple regression results, the marketing of SA‘s natural attractions as a destination appeal factor is essential for competitive tourism to enhance the tourism experience, while it is also imperative for sustainable tourism to increase tourism demand. It is thus suggested that SA Tourism update relevant information regarding the country‘s wildlife and national parks monthly to remain competitive in its quest to towards sustainability. As the destination appeal factors (enablers, enhancers, infrastructure and political conditions) had statistically significant relationships with competitive tourism, these destination appeal factors require consideration. It is therefore recommended that SA should ensure its visa regulations are easily understood, and consider introducing a Tourist Visa On Arrival system to increase the country‘s global tourism competitiveness. In addition, SA should consider creating business- and paleo-tourism niche markets for tourism sustainability. Furthermore, the marketing material must outline the favourable infrastructure available and contain visuals to capture the tourists‘ experiences when selecting SA as a travel destination. The SA government should act responsibly in addressing politically-related unrest through public condemnation of xenophobic violence and showing the severe consequences to those involved in it. Based on the empirical results, enabling country condition factors such as market- and technological conditions, as well as paying attention to the development of the tourism policy, are essential in striving towards sustainable tourism in SA. It is thus suggested that tourism companies promote SA‘s current (2018) favourable exchange rate to potential foreign tourists originating from developed countries. Furthermore, the SA government should adopt globally acceptable online travel application technology to provide travellers with access to reliable and accurate information and enable easy and swift online bookings. This study can be considered one of the first in SA to compile a comprehensive model to confirm empirically which tourism driving forces bring about sustainable- and competitive tourism in the country. This model can now be used by other researchers as a framework for further testing within their respective countries. The study is also the first to identify the major role the demographic profiles of tourists can play in how they view the tourism forces by clearly indicating the differences in thinking of the different demographic groups. The recommendations are tailored for different stakeholder groups such as the government, SA Tourism and travel companies to market SA aptly in their quest towards increasing the country‘s tourism competitiveness and striving towards sustainable tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ferreira, Daniel Petrus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , Sustainable development Competition -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22464 , vital:29972
- Description: Tourism is one of the major economic industries in the world and is one of the main income sources for many developing countries such as South Africa (SA). The South African tourism industry contributes approximately R309 billion to the country‘s Gross Domestic Product, and is considered the country‘s fastest growing industry. Although, in comparison to 2016 SA experienced a 2% growth rate of international tourist arrivals in 2014, the increase is considerably lower than the global average of 7%. In 2018, SA also dropped five rankings to number 61, as compared to the previous year according to the Global Competitiveness 2017 to 2018 report. Consequently, SA is not considered a competitive global tourism economy. To increase the country‘s position in the global ranking, it must develop policies and marketing strategies that include both competitive and sustainable aspects. The primary objective of this study is to develop a sustainable- and competitive tourism model for SA. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables (tourism driving forces) influence sustainable- and competitive tourism (dependent variables). From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothetical model was developed to determine tourism driving forces that might influence sustainable- and competitive tourism. Twenty-two hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between the eleven tourism driving forces and two dependent variables, namely sustainable- and competitive tourism. This quantitative research approach study sought the perceptions of various tourism stakeholders in SA. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured web-based questionnaire, distributed via e-mail, and posted on various tourism-specific Facebook pages. A combination of convenience- and snowball sampling was utilised. A final sample of 512 respondents was obtained. The items in the questionnaire were validated by conducting exploratory factor analysis, thereafter the Cronbach‘s alpha values were calculated for each of the valid constructs to confirm inter-item reliability. The results of the Pearson product-moment correlation tests between the various independent and dependent variables revealed mostly moderate to strong correlations. For this reason, multi-collinearity diagnostics testing was conducted prior to multiple regression analysis to confirm that there is no evidence of collinearity between the tourism driving forces, as well as between the dependent variables. The multiple regression analysis reveals three statistically significant relationships between the enabling country conditions (market conditions, technological conditions and tourism policy development) and sustainable tourism. In addition, four statistically significant relationships were found between the destination appeal forces (enablers, enhancers, infrastructure and political conditions) and competitive tourism. The empirical findings further confirmed natural attraction promotional tactics as a destination appeal driving force had a statistically significant relationship with both competitive tourism and sustainability tourism. The inter-relationship between sustainable- and competitive tourism was also confirmed, however, competitive tourism was shown to influence sustainable tourism to a larger extent. Multivariate analysis of variance calculations was used to identify whether the demographic profiles of respondents (classification data) occupy a role in how they view the tourism forces (destination appeal and enabling country conditions) important to create tourism demand in South Africa. A total of 69 statistically significant relationships were found between the classification data and the tourism forces. Post-hoc Tukey tests identified numerous significant means differences within the different classification data categories. The Cohen‘s D analysis revealed 135 practically significant relationships, of which twenty had large practical significance. The five key aspects relevant to increase tourism demand were to have a discrimination-free country regarding race, religion and sexual preference, as well as a safe and stable tourism environment without xenophobic violence. For this reason, the SA government must work actively towards providing a peaceful, safe and discrimination-free tourism environment to attract tourists. Based on the multiple regression results, the marketing of SA‘s natural attractions as a destination appeal factor is essential for competitive tourism to enhance the tourism experience, while it is also imperative for sustainable tourism to increase tourism demand. It is thus suggested that SA Tourism update relevant information regarding the country‘s wildlife and national parks monthly to remain competitive in its quest to towards sustainability. As the destination appeal factors (enablers, enhancers, infrastructure and political conditions) had statistically significant relationships with competitive tourism, these destination appeal factors require consideration. It is therefore recommended that SA should ensure its visa regulations are easily understood, and consider introducing a Tourist Visa On Arrival system to increase the country‘s global tourism competitiveness. In addition, SA should consider creating business- and paleo-tourism niche markets for tourism sustainability. Furthermore, the marketing material must outline the favourable infrastructure available and contain visuals to capture the tourists‘ experiences when selecting SA as a travel destination. The SA government should act responsibly in addressing politically-related unrest through public condemnation of xenophobic violence and showing the severe consequences to those involved in it. Based on the empirical results, enabling country condition factors such as market- and technological conditions, as well as paying attention to the development of the tourism policy, are essential in striving towards sustainable tourism in SA. It is thus suggested that tourism companies promote SA‘s current (2018) favourable exchange rate to potential foreign tourists originating from developed countries. Furthermore, the SA government should adopt globally acceptable online travel application technology to provide travellers with access to reliable and accurate information and enable easy and swift online bookings. This study can be considered one of the first in SA to compile a comprehensive model to confirm empirically which tourism driving forces bring about sustainable- and competitive tourism in the country. This model can now be used by other researchers as a framework for further testing within their respective countries. The study is also the first to identify the major role the demographic profiles of tourists can play in how they view the tourism forces by clearly indicating the differences in thinking of the different demographic groups. The recommendations are tailored for different stakeholder groups such as the government, SA Tourism and travel companies to market SA aptly in their quest towards increasing the country‘s tourism competitiveness and striving towards sustainable tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sustainable livelihood adaptation strategies to climate change in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Nzante, Ekiyie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Global warming -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22924 , vital:30146
- Description: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and is comprised of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Seaview, Despatch and Blue Horizon Bay. The municipality spans 100 km of coastline and is responsible for 44% of the province’s gross geographical product. In past years the NMBM has experienced problems related to severe climate change, such as storm surges, floods and droughts, which have affected the livelihood of the people. Generally, the NMBM is looked upon as a vulnerable region with regard to climate change because of environmental stressors compounded by recurrent droughts and floods that limit the community’s capacity to cope and adapt effectively. This research explored the existing livelihood strategies set to adapt to the effects of climate change in the municipal area and assessed how effective these strategies are. It proposed sustainable solutions to livelihood problems as climate change consequences were accentuated within the municipal area. The study employed a qualitative research approach whereby data was collected by means of strategic interviews, document analysis, participant observation, focus groups and a study of existing literature. A total of 38 respondents were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire and 5 focus groups participated in the study. The data was collected within the NMBM over a period of 9 months. The concept of sustainable livelihood (SL) was used to assess the effectiveness of the livelihood strategies implemented in the NMBM to adapt to climate change. The study findings primarily disclosed that certain livelihood strategies exist in the NMBM, such as the hydroponics projects. These strategies are ineffective due to the lack of capital and poor leadership within the municipality. Based on these findings several recommendations were made, for example, the implementation of a household credit system and the creation of a community environmental education programme, amongst others. These will speak not only to a short-term mitigation model of climate change, but would be capable of ensuring a long-term scenario and also create sustainable livelihoods for the people of the NMBM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nzante, Ekiyie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Global warming -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22924 , vital:30146
- Description: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and is comprised of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Seaview, Despatch and Blue Horizon Bay. The municipality spans 100 km of coastline and is responsible for 44% of the province’s gross geographical product. In past years the NMBM has experienced problems related to severe climate change, such as storm surges, floods and droughts, which have affected the livelihood of the people. Generally, the NMBM is looked upon as a vulnerable region with regard to climate change because of environmental stressors compounded by recurrent droughts and floods that limit the community’s capacity to cope and adapt effectively. This research explored the existing livelihood strategies set to adapt to the effects of climate change in the municipal area and assessed how effective these strategies are. It proposed sustainable solutions to livelihood problems as climate change consequences were accentuated within the municipal area. The study employed a qualitative research approach whereby data was collected by means of strategic interviews, document analysis, participant observation, focus groups and a study of existing literature. A total of 38 respondents were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire and 5 focus groups participated in the study. The data was collected within the NMBM over a period of 9 months. The concept of sustainable livelihood (SL) was used to assess the effectiveness of the livelihood strategies implemented in the NMBM to adapt to climate change. The study findings primarily disclosed that certain livelihood strategies exist in the NMBM, such as the hydroponics projects. These strategies are ineffective due to the lack of capital and poor leadership within the municipality. Based on these findings several recommendations were made, for example, the implementation of a household credit system and the creation of a community environmental education programme, amongst others. These will speak not only to a short-term mitigation model of climate change, but would be capable of ensuring a long-term scenario and also create sustainable livelihoods for the people of the NMBM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sylvia Bruinders, Parading Respectability: The Cultural and Moral Aesthetics of the Christmas Bands Movement in the Western Cape, South Africa
- Authors: McConnachie, Boudina E
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480735 , vital:78471 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.21504/amj.v10i4.2247"
- Description: In this book, Sylvia Bruinders, in her clear, articulate writing style intimately shares her personal experiences of, and research into, the Christmas Band Movement in the Western Cape of South Africa. Three interrelated disciplines (as referred to by the musicians themselves), namely, the Christmas Bands, the Malay choirs and the klopse (carnival troupes) take place during the summer months in the Western Cape each year. Although the Christmas band members are Christian and the Malay choirs predominantly Muslim, part of the ancestry of these performers can be traced back to the Southeast Asian slaves brought to the Cape during the rule of the Dutch East India Company. The klopse, influenced by the US blackface minstrelsy, consists of performers from both religious groups and are regarded in a more derogatory manner than the other performance cultures. As all three styles are characterised by a particular ghoema rhythm, Bruinders refers to the phenomenon as the “ghoema musical complex” (2017:2). Documented evidence suggests that Christmas Bands have been in existence since the mid-1800s but Bruinders writes that the 80, or so, bands that perform now emerged during the 1920s and 1930s, coinciding with the two worlds wars. This military influence had a major role in the developing character of the bands and is discussed throughout the book.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: McConnachie, Boudina E
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480735 , vital:78471 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.21504/amj.v10i4.2247"
- Description: In this book, Sylvia Bruinders, in her clear, articulate writing style intimately shares her personal experiences of, and research into, the Christmas Band Movement in the Western Cape of South Africa. Three interrelated disciplines (as referred to by the musicians themselves), namely, the Christmas Bands, the Malay choirs and the klopse (carnival troupes) take place during the summer months in the Western Cape each year. Although the Christmas band members are Christian and the Malay choirs predominantly Muslim, part of the ancestry of these performers can be traced back to the Southeast Asian slaves brought to the Cape during the rule of the Dutch East India Company. The klopse, influenced by the US blackface minstrelsy, consists of performers from both religious groups and are regarded in a more derogatory manner than the other performance cultures. As all three styles are characterised by a particular ghoema rhythm, Bruinders refers to the phenomenon as the “ghoema musical complex” (2017:2). Documented evidence suggests that Christmas Bands have been in existence since the mid-1800s but Bruinders writes that the 80, or so, bands that perform now emerged during the 1920s and 1930s, coinciding with the two worlds wars. This military influence had a major role in the developing character of the bands and is discussed throughout the book.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Synergies between research organisations and the wider community in enhancing weed biological control in South Africa
- Martin, Grant D, Hill, Martin P, Coetzee, Julie A, Weaver, Kim N, Hill, Jaclyn M
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Hill, Martin P , Coetzee, Julie A , Weaver, Kim N , Hill, Jaclyn M
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68452 , vital:29258 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9846-4
- Description: Biological control offers a cost effective and ecologically sustainable tool for the management of invasive alien plants. Its implementation, however, has historically been slow and poorly co-ordinated. In South Africa, as in many other countries, most aspects of biological control programmes were done by researchers, but from 1995 onwards, with the advent of the Working for Water Programme, a more inclusive approach to biological control has been adopted. In this paper, we report on the development of community-based biological control implementation programmes in South Africa, after 1995, and highlight a number of initiatives, including employing persons with disabilities at mass-rearing facilities and in particular, we outline a suite of educational and outreach programmes for the general public and for schools, which have increased capacity, education and employment in the field of weed biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Hill, Martin P , Coetzee, Julie A , Weaver, Kim N , Hill, Jaclyn M
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68452 , vital:29258 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9846-4
- Description: Biological control offers a cost effective and ecologically sustainable tool for the management of invasive alien plants. Its implementation, however, has historically been slow and poorly co-ordinated. In South Africa, as in many other countries, most aspects of biological control programmes were done by researchers, but from 1995 onwards, with the advent of the Working for Water Programme, a more inclusive approach to biological control has been adopted. In this paper, we report on the development of community-based biological control implementation programmes in South Africa, after 1995, and highlight a number of initiatives, including employing persons with disabilities at mass-rearing facilities and in particular, we outline a suite of educational and outreach programmes for the general public and for schools, which have increased capacity, education and employment in the field of weed biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018