Giving effect to the rights of remand detainees
- Authors: Africa, Nicole Kristy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Prisoners--Civil rights
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51205 , vital:43216
- Description: Remand detainees make up a considerable amount of the total prison population in South Africa’s correctional system. Inmates are considered a vulnerable group in our society and the majority have suffered unfavourable life circumstances. Correctional centres are not open establishments and the public is not always aware of the human rights violations that occur in these establishments. The crime rate in South Africa is high and effective means must be taken to ensure the safety of its citizens. Time spent on remand is not viewed as punishment, however it is often met with appalling conditions including severe overcrowding, violence, gangsterism, drug usage, illness, the spread of disease and inadequate infrastructure and resources. This is the reality despite South Africa having one of the most progressive Bill of Rights in the world which guarantees human rights and in addition having a comprehensive Correctional Services legislative framework. Remand detainees are entitled to all rights and protections save for those legally restricted for the purpose of their detention. The court process to determine guilt or innocence is riddled with delays and clogged court rolls which sees matters taking a long time to finalise with time spent on remand regarded as dead time with no opportunities for productive activity. The Canadian position regarding remand detainees was investigated and many similarities were detected with the conditions experienced on remand detention in South Africa. It was found that these challenges are a global issue. This study investigates methods for improvement to the South African remand detainee landscape and highlights reforms that can be undertaken to make South Africa a leader in this arena. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Africa, Nicole Kristy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Prisoners--Civil rights
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51205 , vital:43216
- Description: Remand detainees make up a considerable amount of the total prison population in South Africa’s correctional system. Inmates are considered a vulnerable group in our society and the majority have suffered unfavourable life circumstances. Correctional centres are not open establishments and the public is not always aware of the human rights violations that occur in these establishments. The crime rate in South Africa is high and effective means must be taken to ensure the safety of its citizens. Time spent on remand is not viewed as punishment, however it is often met with appalling conditions including severe overcrowding, violence, gangsterism, drug usage, illness, the spread of disease and inadequate infrastructure and resources. This is the reality despite South Africa having one of the most progressive Bill of Rights in the world which guarantees human rights and in addition having a comprehensive Correctional Services legislative framework. Remand detainees are entitled to all rights and protections save for those legally restricted for the purpose of their detention. The court process to determine guilt or innocence is riddled with delays and clogged court rolls which sees matters taking a long time to finalise with time spent on remand regarded as dead time with no opportunities for productive activity. The Canadian position regarding remand detainees was investigated and many similarities were detected with the conditions experienced on remand detention in South Africa. It was found that these challenges are a global issue. This study investigates methods for improvement to the South African remand detainee landscape and highlights reforms that can be undertaken to make South Africa a leader in this arena. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating Bayesian tolerance intervals for a two - factor factorial model
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The concurrent jurisdiction of the high court and labour court
- Authors: Beyleveld, Dominique
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Labor laws and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51191 , vital:43218
- Description: The words “concurrent jurisdiction” essentially means that there is more than one court which has the power to hear a matter and therefore, a party may choose which forum to approach.1 The High Court (hereinafter referred to as “HC”) may exercise jurisdiction, together with the Labour Court (hereinafter referred to as “LC”), in enforcing purely contractual and other common law claims as well as for breach of fundamental rights to which the Labour Relations Act (LRA)2 (or other labour statutes) do not give effect to.3 However, this is not without limitations. The HC and the LC have concurrent jurisdiction over claims relating to the lawfulness of dismissal or other conduct by the parties, whereas all claims based on fairness falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the LC.4 The practical implication of the approach taken by the Constitutional Court (hereinafter referred to as “CC”)5 is that jurisdiction may, to a certain extent,6 be based on the pleadings, and a litigant may in fact have simultaneous claims arising from the same circumstances.7 However, where the basis of the action and the relief sought is clearly identifiable as being part of the machinery of the Labour Relations Act (hereinafter referred to as the “LRA”) or other labour legislation, then the HC will not have jurisdiction and it is up to the LC to remedy the wrong and give effect to the primary objects of the LRA , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Beyleveld, Dominique
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Labor laws and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51191 , vital:43218
- Description: The words “concurrent jurisdiction” essentially means that there is more than one court which has the power to hear a matter and therefore, a party may choose which forum to approach.1 The High Court (hereinafter referred to as “HC”) may exercise jurisdiction, together with the Labour Court (hereinafter referred to as “LC”), in enforcing purely contractual and other common law claims as well as for breach of fundamental rights to which the Labour Relations Act (LRA)2 (or other labour statutes) do not give effect to.3 However, this is not without limitations. The HC and the LC have concurrent jurisdiction over claims relating to the lawfulness of dismissal or other conduct by the parties, whereas all claims based on fairness falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the LC.4 The practical implication of the approach taken by the Constitutional Court (hereinafter referred to as “CC”)5 is that jurisdiction may, to a certain extent,6 be based on the pleadings, and a litigant may in fact have simultaneous claims arising from the same circumstances.7 However, where the basis of the action and the relief sought is clearly identifiable as being part of the machinery of the Labour Relations Act (hereinafter referred to as the “LRA”) or other labour legislation, then the HC will not have jurisdiction and it is up to the LC to remedy the wrong and give effect to the primary objects of the LRA , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An investigation into the effects of nano-carbons on the negative electrode morphology of lead acid batteries under high rate partial state of capacity cycling
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Linking agrochemical pollution with the aquatic ecological integrity of the Twee River Catchment, Western Cape
- Authors: Brink, Zanné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ecological integrity
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52326 , vital:43588
- Description: This study was initiated in the Twee River system due to the threat posed by agrochemicals on the occurrence of the endemic and endangered fish species found within the catchment. Poor knowledge and understanding of the environmental effects of fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals among small and large commercial farmers within the study area, in combination with their intensive use may have resulted in chemical contamination above environmentally safe concentrations. Numerous studies have highlighted the fact that more research needs to be conducted to identify the key threats to the continued existence of specifically the Critically Endangered Sedercypris erubescens. The overall aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal patterns in aquatic ecosystem diversity in the Twee River catchment as indicated by macroinvertebrate and native fish distribution and abundance. It was further investigated if there was a link between agrochemical pollution and the aquatic ecological integrity of the Twee River catchment. Selected sampling sites were identified and sampled to determine the presence and concentration of pesticides entering the water of the Twee River system during run-off and event-based spraying. Furthermore, the effect of these pesticides on the distribution and abundance of the aquatic biota were determined using SASS5 for the macroinvertebrate populations and visually sampling the distribution of the native and non-native fish in the Twee River catchment. This study supports suggestions made by previous studies, that sub-lethal to lethal concentrations of insecticides could be a threat to the long-term survival of benthic macroinvertebrates and potentially the more sensitive endemic fish species within the Twee River system. More focussed research is needed to address impacts of pesticides within this catchment. Agricultural and conservation efforts should be aimed at developing of a shared vision amongst stakeholders, to allow for the longterm conservation of the endemic fish of the Twee River. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brink, Zanné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ecological integrity
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52326 , vital:43588
- Description: This study was initiated in the Twee River system due to the threat posed by agrochemicals on the occurrence of the endemic and endangered fish species found within the catchment. Poor knowledge and understanding of the environmental effects of fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals among small and large commercial farmers within the study area, in combination with their intensive use may have resulted in chemical contamination above environmentally safe concentrations. Numerous studies have highlighted the fact that more research needs to be conducted to identify the key threats to the continued existence of specifically the Critically Endangered Sedercypris erubescens. The overall aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal patterns in aquatic ecosystem diversity in the Twee River catchment as indicated by macroinvertebrate and native fish distribution and abundance. It was further investigated if there was a link between agrochemical pollution and the aquatic ecological integrity of the Twee River catchment. Selected sampling sites were identified and sampled to determine the presence and concentration of pesticides entering the water of the Twee River system during run-off and event-based spraying. Furthermore, the effect of these pesticides on the distribution and abundance of the aquatic biota were determined using SASS5 for the macroinvertebrate populations and visually sampling the distribution of the native and non-native fish in the Twee River catchment. This study supports suggestions made by previous studies, that sub-lethal to lethal concentrations of insecticides could be a threat to the long-term survival of benthic macroinvertebrates and potentially the more sensitive endemic fish species within the Twee River system. More focussed research is needed to address impacts of pesticides within this catchment. Agricultural and conservation efforts should be aimed at developing of a shared vision amongst stakeholders, to allow for the longterm conservation of the endemic fish of the Twee River. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Large mammalian fauna of the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain: predicting habitat use and range distribution
- Authors: Brooke, Christopher F
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Herbivores
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52332 , vital:43590
- Description: Understanding the variations in structure and abundance of animals and what leads to their distribution within the landscape has captured the attention of ecologists for centuries. Importantly, knowledge of current behaviour of large mammals can be used to inform historic population dynamics and is essential to understanding how early humans used large mammals as a foraging resource. Central to this thesis and improving our understanding of large herbivores is the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain (PAP) where large mammalian herbivores formed a key food resource for early humans. The PAP, now submerged off the southern Cape of South Africa, formed a novel ecosystem during lower sea levels. Characterised by large expanses of nutrient rich grasslands and large grazing herbivores, the PAP stands in stark contrast to the nutrient poor fynbos ecosystems that is in the southern Cape today. In this thesis I focus on the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~20 ka) when the PAP was last fully exposed to answer questions relating to the habitat use and range distribution of large herbivores. Importantly, through the Paleoscape Project, modelled climate, soil and vegetation have made these recreations of large mammals possible. Using modelled climate and vegetation this thesis aims to model the large herbivore communities and understand the influence of early humans on the PAP during the LGM for successful integration into the PaleoscapeABM (the PAP agent-based model). To improve our understanding of large mammals on the PAP I identified five large herbivores that became extinct on the PAP since the LGM and modelled their behavioural and physical traits using k-Nearest Neighbour imputation. I predicted the biomass of large herbivores across the PAP using actual biomass of large herbivores from 39 protected areas across South Africa (spanning five functional groups to include the extinct species) across a rainfall gradient and different biomes. The distribution of large herbivores would likely have been driven by similar top-down and bottom-up drivers we see in large herbivore ecology today. Knowing this, I created a predictive model for large mammals by predicting the probability of occurrence of functional groups of large herbivores in relation to environmental drivers and humans. Results showed that all species (except Antidorcas australis) were adapted to the grassy environment of the PAP and these specialisations likely contributed to their extinction along with changing climates and intensified hunting from humans. When predicting herbivore viii biomass, biome was the most important factor influencing the relationship between herbivores and rainfall. In general, large herbivore biomass increased with rainfall across biomes, except for grassland. Finally, I showed the probability of occurrence of large herbivores was influenced by early humans, water availability and a landscape of fear on the PAP. Through this thesis I have successfully provided detailed accounts of the biomass and probability of occurrence of large herbivores on the PAP. Importantly, this information can be seamlessly integrated into the PaleoscapeABM. Finally, I highlight the importance of this knowledge in understanding early humans, the potential shortcomings of this study and resulting areas where research needs to be focused. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brooke, Christopher F
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Herbivores
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52332 , vital:43590
- Description: Understanding the variations in structure and abundance of animals and what leads to their distribution within the landscape has captured the attention of ecologists for centuries. Importantly, knowledge of current behaviour of large mammals can be used to inform historic population dynamics and is essential to understanding how early humans used large mammals as a foraging resource. Central to this thesis and improving our understanding of large herbivores is the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain (PAP) where large mammalian herbivores formed a key food resource for early humans. The PAP, now submerged off the southern Cape of South Africa, formed a novel ecosystem during lower sea levels. Characterised by large expanses of nutrient rich grasslands and large grazing herbivores, the PAP stands in stark contrast to the nutrient poor fynbos ecosystems that is in the southern Cape today. In this thesis I focus on the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~20 ka) when the PAP was last fully exposed to answer questions relating to the habitat use and range distribution of large herbivores. Importantly, through the Paleoscape Project, modelled climate, soil and vegetation have made these recreations of large mammals possible. Using modelled climate and vegetation this thesis aims to model the large herbivore communities and understand the influence of early humans on the PAP during the LGM for successful integration into the PaleoscapeABM (the PAP agent-based model). To improve our understanding of large mammals on the PAP I identified five large herbivores that became extinct on the PAP since the LGM and modelled their behavioural and physical traits using k-Nearest Neighbour imputation. I predicted the biomass of large herbivores across the PAP using actual biomass of large herbivores from 39 protected areas across South Africa (spanning five functional groups to include the extinct species) across a rainfall gradient and different biomes. The distribution of large herbivores would likely have been driven by similar top-down and bottom-up drivers we see in large herbivore ecology today. Knowing this, I created a predictive model for large mammals by predicting the probability of occurrence of functional groups of large herbivores in relation to environmental drivers and humans. Results showed that all species (except Antidorcas australis) were adapted to the grassy environment of the PAP and these specialisations likely contributed to their extinction along with changing climates and intensified hunting from humans. When predicting herbivore viii biomass, biome was the most important factor influencing the relationship between herbivores and rainfall. In general, large herbivore biomass increased with rainfall across biomes, except for grassland. Finally, I showed the probability of occurrence of large herbivores was influenced by early humans, water availability and a landscape of fear on the PAP. Through this thesis I have successfully provided detailed accounts of the biomass and probability of occurrence of large herbivores on the PAP. Importantly, this information can be seamlessly integrated into the PaleoscapeABM. Finally, I highlight the importance of this knowledge in understanding early humans, the potential shortcomings of this study and resulting areas where research needs to be focused. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The impact of the minimum wage in South Africa
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A study of the airflow on the windward slope of a transverse dune in the Alexandria coastal dunefield
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of different methods for measuring mammal diversity in two Southern African arid ecosystems.
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Fragmentation of the Albany Thicket Biome: consequences for the biodiversity and health of thicket vegetation
- Authors: Carvalho, Shandon Luke
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Fragmented landscapes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52344 , vital:43599
- Description: The dense impenetrable vegetation of the Albany Thicket Biome is highly resistant to a wide variety of disturbances but, once disturbed, lacks the regenerative qualities that allow it to return to a stable state. Agricultural development is the main cause of degradation in this biome, creating a landscape consisting of patches of thicket vegetation scattered throughout land cleared for crops or transformed through grazing by domestic livestock. The main objective of this study is to determine the health, status and biodiversity of thicket fragments as it relates to elephant impacts. The level of fragmentation and the remaining extent of intact thicket were investigated as its current status is unknown. The findings suggest that the Thicket Biome is highly fragmented as almost 50% of solid thicket has been cleared, transformed or degraded by agricultural or urban development. For Arid Thicket, the level of fragmentation and the remaining extent of intact thicket could not be determined and both could potentially be greater. For the intact thicket of Dune, Mesic and Valley Thicket types, patch sizes ranged between almost 6 and 876 km2 while the weighted mean was between 2 and 251 km2 . Remote sensing methods (NDVI) were used to determine whether the health of thicket could be remotely assessed. The thicket within and beyond the extent of piospheres around watering holes is subjected to different levels of herbivory. These different levels were compared to corresponding NDVI values with the latter accurately measuring the impact of herbivores along a gradient and providing a method to assess the health of thicket vegetation. Ground surveys of the edge effect, along thicket fragments adjacent to open pastures and separated by cut lines, were conducted. Based on these surveys, the extent of the edge effect was established at a distance of 7 m into thicket fragments separated by cut lines but could not be determined for thicket fragments adjacent to open pastures. Ground surveys were also conducted to assess the health of thicket vegetation exposed to different levels of herbivory, including the impact of elephants (Loxodonta africana). Results showed that different elephant densities produced different levels of impact that could be described in terms of changes in species richness, species diversity, plant height and cover, and growth form composition. Lastly, the findings of the health-based assessments were combined with elephant densities to develop a model that could assess the health of thicket vegetation using a range of ecological variables and relate it to an ideal range of elephant densities. This assessment method was tested at the Addo Elephant National Park and results showed that an elephant density of 1 elephant/km2 would maintain the appropriate diversity, structure and composition of thicket. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Carvalho, Shandon Luke
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Fragmented landscapes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52344 , vital:43599
- Description: The dense impenetrable vegetation of the Albany Thicket Biome is highly resistant to a wide variety of disturbances but, once disturbed, lacks the regenerative qualities that allow it to return to a stable state. Agricultural development is the main cause of degradation in this biome, creating a landscape consisting of patches of thicket vegetation scattered throughout land cleared for crops or transformed through grazing by domestic livestock. The main objective of this study is to determine the health, status and biodiversity of thicket fragments as it relates to elephant impacts. The level of fragmentation and the remaining extent of intact thicket were investigated as its current status is unknown. The findings suggest that the Thicket Biome is highly fragmented as almost 50% of solid thicket has been cleared, transformed or degraded by agricultural or urban development. For Arid Thicket, the level of fragmentation and the remaining extent of intact thicket could not be determined and both could potentially be greater. For the intact thicket of Dune, Mesic and Valley Thicket types, patch sizes ranged between almost 6 and 876 km2 while the weighted mean was between 2 and 251 km2 . Remote sensing methods (NDVI) were used to determine whether the health of thicket could be remotely assessed. The thicket within and beyond the extent of piospheres around watering holes is subjected to different levels of herbivory. These different levels were compared to corresponding NDVI values with the latter accurately measuring the impact of herbivores along a gradient and providing a method to assess the health of thicket vegetation. Ground surveys of the edge effect, along thicket fragments adjacent to open pastures and separated by cut lines, were conducted. Based on these surveys, the extent of the edge effect was established at a distance of 7 m into thicket fragments separated by cut lines but could not be determined for thicket fragments adjacent to open pastures. Ground surveys were also conducted to assess the health of thicket vegetation exposed to different levels of herbivory, including the impact of elephants (Loxodonta africana). Results showed that different elephant densities produced different levels of impact that could be described in terms of changes in species richness, species diversity, plant height and cover, and growth form composition. Lastly, the findings of the health-based assessments were combined with elephant densities to develop a model that could assess the health of thicket vegetation using a range of ecological variables and relate it to an ideal range of elephant densities. This assessment method was tested at the Addo Elephant National Park and results showed that an elephant density of 1 elephant/km2 would maintain the appropriate diversity, structure and composition of thicket. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Review of the rehabilitation and integration of offenders
- Authors: Darries, Share-Leigh
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Criminals--Rehabilitation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51199 , vital:43219
- Description: “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones – and South Africa treated its imprisoned African citizens like animals”.1 The constitutional mandate to ensure the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society, upon eventual release falls on the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS).2 In terms of this mandate, the Department is encumbered with the responsibility to develop programmes which not only addresses criminal conduct but results in the eventual drop of recidivism rates.3 Notwithstanding the Department’s inordinate efforts to discharge its constitutional mandate, recidivism rates continue to be on the rise.4 Built to digress from innate retributive traditions and the concept of punishment, the Department of Correctional Services proffered to alter our realities through the creation of an environment which essentially births different behaviours.5 A task rendered unattainable, as inordinate efforts become frustrated by the realities of prisons and the myth of rehabilitation. Despite having one of the most progressive criminal justice systems in the world, obstinate challenges in South African prisons and an overwhelming prison population make managing and translating its policies into practice all the more difficult.6 With high crime and recidivism rates inundating an already saturated criminal justice 1 Mandela Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (1994) 174-175. 2 Murhula and Singh “A Critical Analysis on Offenders Rehabilitation Approach in South Africa: A Review of the Literature” 2019 12 African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies 21 21. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Department of Correctional Services “White Paper on Corrections in South Africa” (November 2004) (Republic of South Africa, Minister of Correctional Services)” http://wwww.dcs.gov.za/wpcontent/uploads/2016/08/WHITE-PAPER-8.pdf (accessed 2019-05-6) 5; Wainio “Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 3 premiere recap: Costa Rica: Prison on a Knife-Edge” https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/showsnob.com/2018/12/24/inside-the-worlds-toughest-prisonsseason-3-premiere/amp (accessed 2019-05-6). 6 McAree “Prisoner Rehabilitation in South Africa: A case study of Phoenix Zululand’s work in Eshowe Correctional Facilities” 2011 School for International Training 7. ix system, and exposure of minor offenders to hardened criminals become all the more common,7 the vision of translating every offender who walks through the prison gate into corrigible and law-abiding citizens8 become a far-kept dream. Instead, South African prisons become nothing but breeding grounds of criminality, 9 and temporary vessels of human right violations, as an inmates try to come to terms with the fact that their eventual release into society is met with ostracization, destabilized community relations and collateral consequences.10 Since offenders are usually detained for long periods on remand, prisons are innately prevented from becoming correctional centers despite this being a stated aim in the White Paper on Corrections.11 Against this backdrop, the researcher proffers to broaden the perpetual desire to construct a transformed and developed system; one which charts a course from innate retributive traditions to one which births rehabilitated offenders into society. Mindful of the obstinate penal system which undeniably perpetuates colonial structures through dichotomization, this treatise offers an altered reality, a system which respects and promotes the values and rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.12 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Darries, Share-Leigh
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Criminals--Rehabilitation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51199 , vital:43219
- Description: “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones – and South Africa treated its imprisoned African citizens like animals”.1 The constitutional mandate to ensure the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society, upon eventual release falls on the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS).2 In terms of this mandate, the Department is encumbered with the responsibility to develop programmes which not only addresses criminal conduct but results in the eventual drop of recidivism rates.3 Notwithstanding the Department’s inordinate efforts to discharge its constitutional mandate, recidivism rates continue to be on the rise.4 Built to digress from innate retributive traditions and the concept of punishment, the Department of Correctional Services proffered to alter our realities through the creation of an environment which essentially births different behaviours.5 A task rendered unattainable, as inordinate efforts become frustrated by the realities of prisons and the myth of rehabilitation. Despite having one of the most progressive criminal justice systems in the world, obstinate challenges in South African prisons and an overwhelming prison population make managing and translating its policies into practice all the more difficult.6 With high crime and recidivism rates inundating an already saturated criminal justice 1 Mandela Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (1994) 174-175. 2 Murhula and Singh “A Critical Analysis on Offenders Rehabilitation Approach in South Africa: A Review of the Literature” 2019 12 African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies 21 21. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Department of Correctional Services “White Paper on Corrections in South Africa” (November 2004) (Republic of South Africa, Minister of Correctional Services)” http://wwww.dcs.gov.za/wpcontent/uploads/2016/08/WHITE-PAPER-8.pdf (accessed 2019-05-6) 5; Wainio “Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 3 premiere recap: Costa Rica: Prison on a Knife-Edge” https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/showsnob.com/2018/12/24/inside-the-worlds-toughest-prisonsseason-3-premiere/amp (accessed 2019-05-6). 6 McAree “Prisoner Rehabilitation in South Africa: A case study of Phoenix Zululand’s work in Eshowe Correctional Facilities” 2011 School for International Training 7. ix system, and exposure of minor offenders to hardened criminals become all the more common,7 the vision of translating every offender who walks through the prison gate into corrigible and law-abiding citizens8 become a far-kept dream. Instead, South African prisons become nothing but breeding grounds of criminality, 9 and temporary vessels of human right violations, as an inmates try to come to terms with the fact that their eventual release into society is met with ostracization, destabilized community relations and collateral consequences.10 Since offenders are usually detained for long periods on remand, prisons are innately prevented from becoming correctional centers despite this being a stated aim in the White Paper on Corrections.11 Against this backdrop, the researcher proffers to broaden the perpetual desire to construct a transformed and developed system; one which charts a course from innate retributive traditions to one which births rehabilitated offenders into society. Mindful of the obstinate penal system which undeniably perpetuates colonial structures through dichotomization, this treatise offers an altered reality, a system which respects and promotes the values and rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.12 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Incidence of parasitic trematodes effects on the energetics and behaviour of Coryogalops sordidus (Family: Gobiidae) resident in microbialite pools, warm temperate South Africa
- Authors: Du Toit, Hendrik Daniël
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Gobiidae -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52458 , vital:43666
- Description: Coryogalops sordidus(Epaulette goby), is a cryptobenthic species of the Family Gobiidae that iscommonly foundoccupying turbulent surf zones, calm rock pools, and sand and mud flats, where they are generally carnivorous predators. The distribution of C. sordidushas been recorded for Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. The species is also resident in the microbialite pools on the temperate south east coast of South Africa. Recent reports indicated these gobies to be covered in numerous dark lesions, possibly suggesting that the microbialite pools are a sub-optimal habitat. Preliminary analyses have indicated that the dark lesions are a result of encysted metacercaria of a digenetic trematode (fluke). There werehowever,no current recorded parasiticspecies occurring within microbialite pool nor any records of any parasitic species utilizingC. sordidus as a host in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate parasite-host interactions and parasite presence in and around themicrobialite pool systems of Algoa Bay using C. sordidusas a study species. Coryogalops sordiduswas identified to be parasitised by digenetic trematode metacercaria of the Family Diplostomidae Poirier, 1886, localised primarily to the host musculature, fins, eyes, and integument with no settlement on any of the visceral organs. Furthermore, C. sordidus was found additionally parasitised by a green leech (Class: Hirundinea) of the Family Piscicolidae Johnston, 1865, localised exclusively to the ventral body surface, underneath the pelvic fin of the host. Further investigation into the life cycle of the trematode, suggested that the most probable final hosts wereherons,namely Ardea cinereaand Egretta garzetta garzetta, and intermediate host likely being the freshwater gastropod Assimineacf.capensis, present inthe upper microbialite pools. In both the microbialite and neighbouring rock pools trematode prevalence was found to oscillate in response to seasonal chemical and climatic conditions, whereas the secondary piscicolid leech parasite was influencedmoreby host presence than environmental conditions. Greater prevalence and intensity were measured in the microbialite pools suggesting that these systems likely contained a suit of favourable conditions that allowed for greater trematode loads to be maintained as compared to neighbouring rock pools. As parasites often have deleterious effects on their hosts, the response can manifest as an altered host behaviour or an increased energetic debt due to elevated immune response activity and the associated cost of tissue repair at sites of parasite aggregation.This study further investigatedifgobies (C. sordidus) infected with metacercarial cysts display higher metabolic ratesordifferent swimming behaviour compared to non-infected individuals. The results indicated that the metacercarial load carried by infected hosts had on average no significant impact on energetics, swimming ability, or swimming behaviour, concluding that the average metacercarial intensity present on the gobies is therefore below the threshold of an altered host response. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Du Toit, Hendrik Daniël
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Gobiidae -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52458 , vital:43666
- Description: Coryogalops sordidus(Epaulette goby), is a cryptobenthic species of the Family Gobiidae that iscommonly foundoccupying turbulent surf zones, calm rock pools, and sand and mud flats, where they are generally carnivorous predators. The distribution of C. sordidushas been recorded for Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. The species is also resident in the microbialite pools on the temperate south east coast of South Africa. Recent reports indicated these gobies to be covered in numerous dark lesions, possibly suggesting that the microbialite pools are a sub-optimal habitat. Preliminary analyses have indicated that the dark lesions are a result of encysted metacercaria of a digenetic trematode (fluke). There werehowever,no current recorded parasiticspecies occurring within microbialite pool nor any records of any parasitic species utilizingC. sordidus as a host in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate parasite-host interactions and parasite presence in and around themicrobialite pool systems of Algoa Bay using C. sordidusas a study species. Coryogalops sordiduswas identified to be parasitised by digenetic trematode metacercaria of the Family Diplostomidae Poirier, 1886, localised primarily to the host musculature, fins, eyes, and integument with no settlement on any of the visceral organs. Furthermore, C. sordidus was found additionally parasitised by a green leech (Class: Hirundinea) of the Family Piscicolidae Johnston, 1865, localised exclusively to the ventral body surface, underneath the pelvic fin of the host. Further investigation into the life cycle of the trematode, suggested that the most probable final hosts wereherons,namely Ardea cinereaand Egretta garzetta garzetta, and intermediate host likely being the freshwater gastropod Assimineacf.capensis, present inthe upper microbialite pools. In both the microbialite and neighbouring rock pools trematode prevalence was found to oscillate in response to seasonal chemical and climatic conditions, whereas the secondary piscicolid leech parasite was influencedmoreby host presence than environmental conditions. Greater prevalence and intensity were measured in the microbialite pools suggesting that these systems likely contained a suit of favourable conditions that allowed for greater trematode loads to be maintained as compared to neighbouring rock pools. As parasites often have deleterious effects on their hosts, the response can manifest as an altered host behaviour or an increased energetic debt due to elevated immune response activity and the associated cost of tissue repair at sites of parasite aggregation.This study further investigatedifgobies (C. sordidus) infected with metacercarial cysts display higher metabolic ratesordifferent swimming behaviour compared to non-infected individuals. The results indicated that the metacercarial load carried by infected hosts had on average no significant impact on energetics, swimming ability, or swimming behaviour, concluding that the average metacercarial intensity present on the gobies is therefore below the threshold of an altered host response. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Bayesian tolerance intervals and their application to ballistic grouping consistency in competitive shooting
- Authors: Gardiner, Marcell
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Bayesian statistical decision theory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52456 , vital:43662
- Description: Competitive shooting has become immensely popular since the first modern Games held in 1896. Competitive shooting remains the fastest growing segment in the firearm industry, catering to individuals of all ages. Elite shooters are capable of reaching extreme levels of precision and accuracy, despite many factors existing that affect performance in Olympic shooting. One such factor is speed variability, which is dependent on the mass of the bullet, how constant is the lead being used, and, how constant the gunpowder is. The study focusses on the Bayesian simulation method proposed by Wolfinger (1998) for determining three kinds of tolerance intervals when applied to competitive shooting data, particularly examining speed variability. These tolerance intervals included the (𝛼𝛼,𝛿𝛿) tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the content and 𝛿𝛿 is the confidence), the 𝛼𝛼 - expectation tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the expected coverage of the interval) and the fixed-in advance tolerance interval in which the interval is held fixed and the proportion of process measurements it contains, is estimated. Speed measurements of individual shots fired were measured with either an Oeler 35P or Magneto Speed V3 chronograph and the data was fitted to a one-way random effects model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Gardiner, Marcell
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Bayesian statistical decision theory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52456 , vital:43662
- Description: Competitive shooting has become immensely popular since the first modern Games held in 1896. Competitive shooting remains the fastest growing segment in the firearm industry, catering to individuals of all ages. Elite shooters are capable of reaching extreme levels of precision and accuracy, despite many factors existing that affect performance in Olympic shooting. One such factor is speed variability, which is dependent on the mass of the bullet, how constant is the lead being used, and, how constant the gunpowder is. The study focusses on the Bayesian simulation method proposed by Wolfinger (1998) for determining three kinds of tolerance intervals when applied to competitive shooting data, particularly examining speed variability. These tolerance intervals included the (𝛼𝛼,𝛿𝛿) tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the content and 𝛿𝛿 is the confidence), the 𝛼𝛼 - expectation tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the expected coverage of the interval) and the fixed-in advance tolerance interval in which the interval is held fixed and the proportion of process measurements it contains, is estimated. Speed measurements of individual shots fired were measured with either an Oeler 35P or Magneto Speed V3 chronograph and the data was fitted to a one-way random effects model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Synthesis of coumarin based fluorescent chemosensors for the detection of metal ions.
- Authors: Hamukoshi, Simeon Shiweda
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Organic compounds--Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52041 , vital:43422
- Description: The study focused on the synthesis of three coumarin-based chemosensors; hydrazone fluorescent chemosensor , azo-benzothiazole dye and azo-quinoline dye. The hydrazone fluorescent chemosensor was synthesised through multiple reaction steps were the azide functionality at position 8 of the coumarin backbone was replaced with the hydrazone group in the last reaction step. The azo dyes were synthesised through a two step reaction process. The photophysical properties of all three chemosensors were investigated. The hydrazone chemosensor and azo-benzothiazole dye presented high absorption and emission, while the azo-quinoline only presented absorption properties. The chemosensing ability of the three products were investigated through absorption and emission. The hydrazone chemosensor was found to be highly selective towards Fe3+ in water and the dyes were found to be selective towards Hg2+. The mechanisms of interaction between the chemosensors and their selective metal ions were investigated via computational analysis and 1H NMR analysis. All of the chemosensors where characyerised using 1H NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and the X Ray Chrystal structure for the hydrazone chemosensor was obtained via X ray Chrystallography. Finally, the electron density distribution of the all synthesised compounds their predicted stable metal ion complexes was determined using Density Functionaly Theory (DFT). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hamukoshi, Simeon Shiweda
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Organic compounds--Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52041 , vital:43422
- Description: The study focused on the synthesis of three coumarin-based chemosensors; hydrazone fluorescent chemosensor , azo-benzothiazole dye and azo-quinoline dye. The hydrazone fluorescent chemosensor was synthesised through multiple reaction steps were the azide functionality at position 8 of the coumarin backbone was replaced with the hydrazone group in the last reaction step. The azo dyes were synthesised through a two step reaction process. The photophysical properties of all three chemosensors were investigated. The hydrazone chemosensor and azo-benzothiazole dye presented high absorption and emission, while the azo-quinoline only presented absorption properties. The chemosensing ability of the three products were investigated through absorption and emission. The hydrazone chemosensor was found to be highly selective towards Fe3+ in water and the dyes were found to be selective towards Hg2+. The mechanisms of interaction between the chemosensors and their selective metal ions were investigated via computational analysis and 1H NMR analysis. All of the chemosensors where characyerised using 1H NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and the X Ray Chrystal structure for the hydrazone chemosensor was obtained via X ray Chrystallography. Finally, the electron density distribution of the all synthesised compounds their predicted stable metal ion complexes was determined using Density Functionaly Theory (DFT). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Thiazole derivatives as potential hiv-1 protease inhibitors
- Authors: Hlongwe, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Enzyme kinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52116 , vital:43427
- Description: Series of compounds were screened using Schrodinger suite (Maestro). The DFT calculations were used for geometry optimization of the ligands using the B3YLYP functional and 6-31G basis set, and these structures were used for docking studies. Maestro was used to predict the activity of thiazole derivatives against HIV-1 protease. The range of estimated inhibition constants for these thiazole derivatives (65 nM-5 μM) indicate moderate to weak activity against HIV-1 protease, given that the activity of current protease inhibitors is typically found have experimental inhibition constants around 0.1-2.0 nM. Twenty compounds were selected based on the docking results and they were synthesized and characterized by NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity studies were done at two different concentrations (100 μM and 10 μM), using the brine shrimp bioassay. All compounds were highly toxic at 100 μM, with the percentage mortality between 20 to 75%. Eight compounds were selected for the enzyme bioassay based on the results obtained from lower concentration (10 μM). In the enzyme inhibition studies, the profile of HIV-1 activity was done at different inhibitor concentrations (800 μM – 10 μM) by measuring the cleavage of the synthetic substrate (Abz-Thr-lle-PNO2Phe=Gln-Arg-NH2) at excitation wavelength of 345/490 nm using fluorescence. Ligands 5 (unsubstituted derivative), 7 (4-nitro derivative) and 16 (4-methoxy derivative) gave percentage inhibition of 39, 45 and 42%, and this activity was very low compared to the activity of the positive control ritonavir (85% enzyme inhibition). Ligands 8 (4-methoxy derivative) and 12 (4-methoxy derivative) gave enzyme inhibition of 70% and 75%. These results suggest that the presence of the methoxy substituents ii increases activity of these compounds against HIV-1 protease. Most of the compounds gave good IC50 values between 12.5-42.7 nM. The bromo-substituted ligand 7 gave the lowest IC50 (12.5 nM). Ligand 11 also gave a good IC50 value of 14.86 nM. The bromo-substituted derivatives showed to be very active compared to other types of thiazole derivatives. Enzyme kinetics were carried out to compare the inhibition constants obtained via computational modelling. Ligand 7 (4-methoxy derivatives) binds better in the active site of HIV-1 protease than other compounds in Class B, with Ki = 50 nM, Km = 23.8 Nm and Vmax = 83.3 nM/min. The unsubstituted (L5), 4-bromo (L7) and 4-nitro (L8) substituted compounds gave inhibition constants of 100 to 112 nM. The in vitro testing yielded higher activity than that determined in silico. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hlongwe, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Enzyme kinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52116 , vital:43427
- Description: Series of compounds were screened using Schrodinger suite (Maestro). The DFT calculations were used for geometry optimization of the ligands using the B3YLYP functional and 6-31G basis set, and these structures were used for docking studies. Maestro was used to predict the activity of thiazole derivatives against HIV-1 protease. The range of estimated inhibition constants for these thiazole derivatives (65 nM-5 μM) indicate moderate to weak activity against HIV-1 protease, given that the activity of current protease inhibitors is typically found have experimental inhibition constants around 0.1-2.0 nM. Twenty compounds were selected based on the docking results and they were synthesized and characterized by NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity studies were done at two different concentrations (100 μM and 10 μM), using the brine shrimp bioassay. All compounds were highly toxic at 100 μM, with the percentage mortality between 20 to 75%. Eight compounds were selected for the enzyme bioassay based on the results obtained from lower concentration (10 μM). In the enzyme inhibition studies, the profile of HIV-1 activity was done at different inhibitor concentrations (800 μM – 10 μM) by measuring the cleavage of the synthetic substrate (Abz-Thr-lle-PNO2Phe=Gln-Arg-NH2) at excitation wavelength of 345/490 nm using fluorescence. Ligands 5 (unsubstituted derivative), 7 (4-nitro derivative) and 16 (4-methoxy derivative) gave percentage inhibition of 39, 45 and 42%, and this activity was very low compared to the activity of the positive control ritonavir (85% enzyme inhibition). Ligands 8 (4-methoxy derivative) and 12 (4-methoxy derivative) gave enzyme inhibition of 70% and 75%. These results suggest that the presence of the methoxy substituents ii increases activity of these compounds against HIV-1 protease. Most of the compounds gave good IC50 values between 12.5-42.7 nM. The bromo-substituted ligand 7 gave the lowest IC50 (12.5 nM). Ligand 11 also gave a good IC50 value of 14.86 nM. The bromo-substituted derivatives showed to be very active compared to other types of thiazole derivatives. Enzyme kinetics were carried out to compare the inhibition constants obtained via computational modelling. Ligand 7 (4-methoxy derivatives) binds better in the active site of HIV-1 protease than other compounds in Class B, with Ki = 50 nM, Km = 23.8 Nm and Vmax = 83.3 nM/min. The unsubstituted (L5), 4-bromo (L7) and 4-nitro (L8) substituted compounds gave inhibition constants of 100 to 112 nM. The in vitro testing yielded higher activity than that determined in silico. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The decision to stay or go: study of generation y chartered accountants in South Africa
- Authors: Hluyo, Fungai
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53031 , vital:44878
- Description: Having deduced from literature that millennials have a very high employee turnover, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of what factors would make millennial Chartered Accountants in South Africa, or (CA)s, stay with or leave organisations. This is a case study within a qualitative research paradigm and followed an interpretivistic approach. A purposeful sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of seven millennial CAs for data collection. The sample constituted millennials who had changed jobs at least once in the past five years as these fell within the scope of this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually using an interview guide as a data collecting instrument. Data saturation was reached after the interview of the sixth participant. The interview process provided a good blance of subjective views, opinions, emotions, and values of all participants. Having transcribed the interview transcripts, a manually detailed coding process was completed. Eight main emerging themes were identified which ultimately provided responses to the research questions. The data analysis revealed that millennial CA(SA)s prioritise, and in fact, demand flexibility coupled with a work-life balance. They expect their employers to understand and be supportive of these expectations. Other important retaining factors for this cohort of employees include, amongst others; training and development opportunities, growth, diversity, obtaining performance feedback, and coaching. An important issue that participants highlighted is the importance of ethics at work and or ethical leadership. The researcher could not probe more into this due to time constraints. This is recommended for further research. Having interviewed only six participants, this relatively small number poses a limitation to this study as these findings cannot be generalised to apply to all millennial CAs in South Africa. The data collected however, provided useful recommendations to employers looking for ways to retain millennial Chartered Accountants. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hluyo, Fungai
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53031 , vital:44878
- Description: Having deduced from literature that millennials have a very high employee turnover, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of what factors would make millennial Chartered Accountants in South Africa, or (CA)s, stay with or leave organisations. This is a case study within a qualitative research paradigm and followed an interpretivistic approach. A purposeful sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of seven millennial CAs for data collection. The sample constituted millennials who had changed jobs at least once in the past five years as these fell within the scope of this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually using an interview guide as a data collecting instrument. Data saturation was reached after the interview of the sixth participant. The interview process provided a good blance of subjective views, opinions, emotions, and values of all participants. Having transcribed the interview transcripts, a manually detailed coding process was completed. Eight main emerging themes were identified which ultimately provided responses to the research questions. The data analysis revealed that millennial CA(SA)s prioritise, and in fact, demand flexibility coupled with a work-life balance. They expect their employers to understand and be supportive of these expectations. Other important retaining factors for this cohort of employees include, amongst others; training and development opportunities, growth, diversity, obtaining performance feedback, and coaching. An important issue that participants highlighted is the importance of ethics at work and or ethical leadership. The researcher could not probe more into this due to time constraints. This is recommended for further research. Having interviewed only six participants, this relatively small number poses a limitation to this study as these findings cannot be generalised to apply to all millennial CAs in South Africa. The data collected however, provided useful recommendations to employers looking for ways to retain millennial Chartered Accountants. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating the population size of three large carnivore species and the diet of six large carnivore species, in Madikwe Game Reserve
- Authors: Honiball, Terry-Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Carnivores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52139 , vital:43421
- Description: Large carnivores play a vital role in ecosystems, providing ecosystem services such as herbivore regulation. If not properly monitored, carnivores could place significant pressure on certain prey species, and in extreme cases, result in the local extinction of certain species. A lack of demographic data can indirectly threaten carnivores, as policies and management decisions based on demographic data can result in the over harvesting or unsustainable hunting of large carnivores. Furthermore, their conservation is becoming confined to small, fenced, protected areas. Whereby species are intensively managed, making demographic and ecological data a fundamental part of conservation decisions. Therefore, it is essential for conservation practitioners to understand large carnivore demography and their role, to conserve them effectively. To provide Madikwe Game Reserve with the necessary data for effective long-term monitoring and management of the large carnivore guild, I estimated the population size of the cryptic carnivores. I then investigated the efficacy of different camera trap survey designs on improving the detection probability of leopard (Panthera pardus), brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea), and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta). I found that brown hyaena and spotted hyaena detection probability increased with a higher number of camera traps, whereas leopard detection probability did not increase with an increased number of camera traps. I further investigated the diet, prey preferences and dietary overlap of lion (Panthera leo), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), leopard, spotted hyaena and brown hyaena. I found that all species displayed a degree of dietary overlap, however the most notable level of competition occurred between leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs. This iv information will assist MGR to make informed decisions about large carnivore management in the reserve. I recommend continued long-term monitoring for the establishment of trends over time, allowing for holistic management of the entire large carnivore guild. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Honiball, Terry-Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Carnivores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52139 , vital:43421
- Description: Large carnivores play a vital role in ecosystems, providing ecosystem services such as herbivore regulation. If not properly monitored, carnivores could place significant pressure on certain prey species, and in extreme cases, result in the local extinction of certain species. A lack of demographic data can indirectly threaten carnivores, as policies and management decisions based on demographic data can result in the over harvesting or unsustainable hunting of large carnivores. Furthermore, their conservation is becoming confined to small, fenced, protected areas. Whereby species are intensively managed, making demographic and ecological data a fundamental part of conservation decisions. Therefore, it is essential for conservation practitioners to understand large carnivore demography and their role, to conserve them effectively. To provide Madikwe Game Reserve with the necessary data for effective long-term monitoring and management of the large carnivore guild, I estimated the population size of the cryptic carnivores. I then investigated the efficacy of different camera trap survey designs on improving the detection probability of leopard (Panthera pardus), brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea), and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta). I found that brown hyaena and spotted hyaena detection probability increased with a higher number of camera traps, whereas leopard detection probability did not increase with an increased number of camera traps. I further investigated the diet, prey preferences and dietary overlap of lion (Panthera leo), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), leopard, spotted hyaena and brown hyaena. I found that all species displayed a degree of dietary overlap, however the most notable level of competition occurred between leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs. This iv information will assist MGR to make informed decisions about large carnivore management in the reserve. I recommend continued long-term monitoring for the establishment of trends over time, allowing for holistic management of the entire large carnivore guild. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Score driven volatility models based on skewed-t distributions
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Stéfan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , GARCH Model
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52010 , vital:43425
- Description: Score driven (SD) conditional volatility models allow for rich volatility dynamics and realistic distributional assumptions. These models link the evolution of time-varying volatility to the shape of the predictive density, which often results in models that are robust against outliers. These models also allow for conditional skewness. The combination of skewness and robustness may improve in-sample fit, conditional volatility forecasts and tail-risk forecasts. Therefore, this study proposes novel SD conditional volatility models with Skewed-t distributed innovations. For some of these models, the formof skewness partially negates robustness against outliers. This result demonstrates that the formof skewness requires careful consideration in the specification of SD conditional volatility models. The study also expands upon earlier observations that the assumption of negative conditional skewness may induce a form of volatility asymmetry in SD conditional volatility models that is incompatible with the leverage effect typically observed in equity markets. A simulation experiment shows that neglected leverage, therefore, biases maximum likelihood estimates. Additionally, the study considers SD conditional volatility models that account for leverage effects and have Skewed-t distributed innovations. An empirical application to the daily Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) / Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) All Share Index returns demonstrates the utility of SD conditional volatility models with Skewed-t distributed innovations. Extensions of these models that account for leverage prove competitive with more traditional conditional volatility models in terms of in-sample fit and tail-risk forecasts. These results suggest that the models considered in this study are useful within the context of financial risk management. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Stéfan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , GARCH Model
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52010 , vital:43425
- Description: Score driven (SD) conditional volatility models allow for rich volatility dynamics and realistic distributional assumptions. These models link the evolution of time-varying volatility to the shape of the predictive density, which often results in models that are robust against outliers. These models also allow for conditional skewness. The combination of skewness and robustness may improve in-sample fit, conditional volatility forecasts and tail-risk forecasts. Therefore, this study proposes novel SD conditional volatility models with Skewed-t distributed innovations. For some of these models, the formof skewness partially negates robustness against outliers. This result demonstrates that the formof skewness requires careful consideration in the specification of SD conditional volatility models. The study also expands upon earlier observations that the assumption of negative conditional skewness may induce a form of volatility asymmetry in SD conditional volatility models that is incompatible with the leverage effect typically observed in equity markets. A simulation experiment shows that neglected leverage, therefore, biases maximum likelihood estimates. Additionally, the study considers SD conditional volatility models that account for leverage effects and have Skewed-t distributed innovations. An empirical application to the daily Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) / Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) All Share Index returns demonstrates the utility of SD conditional volatility models with Skewed-t distributed innovations. Extensions of these models that account for leverage prove competitive with more traditional conditional volatility models in terms of in-sample fit and tail-risk forecasts. These results suggest that the models considered in this study are useful within the context of financial risk management. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The feeding ecology and habitat selection of small antelopes in the Overberg Renosterveld, Western Cape
- Authors: Jansen van Vuuren, Amauréé
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Fynbos ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52014 , vital:43436
- Description: Human impacts have altered natural ecosystems which required species to become resilient in order to survive the anthropogenic landscape. The study area is located in the highly fragmented Overberg area in the Western Cape of South Africa. The high degree of fragmentation of the area is as a result of the nutrient rich soils and favourable topography which makes the area highly suitable for agricultural practices. The agriculture practiced in the area is mainly grain crops and livestock farming and the remaining patches of natural vegetation consist of Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation. The patches of Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation acts as movement corridors to allow species movement through the anthropogenic landscape. The anthropogenic landscape requires species to be resilient and to adapt to a novel habitat which poses new threats as well as new resources. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of landscape transformation, resulting from agricultural practices, on the feeding and behavioural dynamics of five small specialist browser species in a fragmented lowland Fynbos and Renosterveld system. The objectives were to determine the forage preferences of each of the five specialist browser species and to determine which site-specific characteristics, drive the seasonal habitat use of the five specialist browser species. The five specialist browser species were bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus), Cape grysbok (Rhaphicerus melanotis), common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus) and steenbok (Rhaphicerus campestris). To determine the dietary selection of the five specialist browser species we collected dung samples and performed a histological analysis on the dung samples. To determine the habitat use of the five specialist browser species we used an occupancy analysis framework on camera trap data collected on each of the species. Some species appeared more dependent on the food resources from the anthropogenic landscape and spent more time in the crops but required close by cover of natural vegetation. Others appeared more dependent on the remaining pockets of natural vegetation for food resources and spent more time in the natural vegetation. These species would occasionally move into the crops to utilise the food resources. Both the anthropogenic as well as the natural landscape contributed to the diets of all of the species. These species have been resilient to changes in the landscape and appear to be benefiting from the resources presented in the novel landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Jansen van Vuuren, Amauréé
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Fynbos ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52014 , vital:43436
- Description: Human impacts have altered natural ecosystems which required species to become resilient in order to survive the anthropogenic landscape. The study area is located in the highly fragmented Overberg area in the Western Cape of South Africa. The high degree of fragmentation of the area is as a result of the nutrient rich soils and favourable topography which makes the area highly suitable for agricultural practices. The agriculture practiced in the area is mainly grain crops and livestock farming and the remaining patches of natural vegetation consist of Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation. The patches of Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation acts as movement corridors to allow species movement through the anthropogenic landscape. The anthropogenic landscape requires species to be resilient and to adapt to a novel habitat which poses new threats as well as new resources. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of landscape transformation, resulting from agricultural practices, on the feeding and behavioural dynamics of five small specialist browser species in a fragmented lowland Fynbos and Renosterveld system. The objectives were to determine the forage preferences of each of the five specialist browser species and to determine which site-specific characteristics, drive the seasonal habitat use of the five specialist browser species. The five specialist browser species were bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus), Cape grysbok (Rhaphicerus melanotis), common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus) and steenbok (Rhaphicerus campestris). To determine the dietary selection of the five specialist browser species we collected dung samples and performed a histological analysis on the dung samples. To determine the habitat use of the five specialist browser species we used an occupancy analysis framework on camera trap data collected on each of the species. Some species appeared more dependent on the food resources from the anthropogenic landscape and spent more time in the crops but required close by cover of natural vegetation. Others appeared more dependent on the remaining pockets of natural vegetation for food resources and spent more time in the natural vegetation. These species would occasionally move into the crops to utilise the food resources. Both the anthropogenic as well as the natural landscape contributed to the diets of all of the species. These species have been resilient to changes in the landscape and appear to be benefiting from the resources presented in the novel landscape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The regulation of renewable ocean energy
- Authors: Kekana, Lerato Caroline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51211 , vital:43217
- Description: Energy is one of the vital natural resources that contribute towards an improvement in social and economic development. Environmental issues such as climate change have resulted in the exploitation of renewable energy gaining momentum. Renewable ocean energy is one of the renewable sources that have the potential to assist South Africa to achieve its energy policy goals, which include economic development and the management of energy-related environmental and health impacts. The exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy in South Africa raise legal concerns. These concerns are the lack of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks and the possible conflicts among users in the marine environment that may occur as a result of the exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy. This dissertation, therefore, addresses these concerns by providing a critical assessment of the regulation of renewable ocean energy in South Africa. Firstly, it provides an introduction and legal background of renewable ocean energy. It proceeds by critically assessing the international requirements with which South Africa needs to comply regarding renewable ocean energy. Following that, the dissertation provides an analysis of the environment and energy legislation and the extent to which they regulate renewable ocean energy. Lastly, taking into account other existing and future activities in the marine environment, there is a discussion of the marine spatial planning (MSP) and other regulatory measures in so far as they relate to the resolution of the conflict in the context of renewable ocean energy. The conclusion is that the existing legislation does not appropriately regulate renewable ocean energy. As a result, the dissertation proposes how the existing legislation may adequately include renewable ocean energy. Furthermore, it makes recommendations. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Kekana, Lerato Caroline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51211 , vital:43217
- Description: Energy is one of the vital natural resources that contribute towards an improvement in social and economic development. Environmental issues such as climate change have resulted in the exploitation of renewable energy gaining momentum. Renewable ocean energy is one of the renewable sources that have the potential to assist South Africa to achieve its energy policy goals, which include economic development and the management of energy-related environmental and health impacts. The exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy in South Africa raise legal concerns. These concerns are the lack of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks and the possible conflicts among users in the marine environment that may occur as a result of the exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy. This dissertation, therefore, addresses these concerns by providing a critical assessment of the regulation of renewable ocean energy in South Africa. Firstly, it provides an introduction and legal background of renewable ocean energy. It proceeds by critically assessing the international requirements with which South Africa needs to comply regarding renewable ocean energy. Following that, the dissertation provides an analysis of the environment and energy legislation and the extent to which they regulate renewable ocean energy. Lastly, taking into account other existing and future activities in the marine environment, there is a discussion of the marine spatial planning (MSP) and other regulatory measures in so far as they relate to the resolution of the conflict in the context of renewable ocean energy. The conclusion is that the existing legislation does not appropriately regulate renewable ocean energy. As a result, the dissertation proposes how the existing legislation may adequately include renewable ocean energy. Furthermore, it makes recommendations. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04