African wildcats on unprotected land in the Northern Cape, South Africa: potential prey and conflict status
- Authors: Stadler, Cindy
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African wildcat South Africa Northern Cape , African wildcat Effect of human beings on South Africa Northern Cape , Predation (Biology) South Africa Northern Cape , Livestock Predators of South Africa Northern Cape , Human-animal relationships South Africa Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191012 , vital:45049
- Description: The African wildcat (Felis lybica cafra) is the most common and widely distributed of all wildcats. The southern Kalahari in South Africa offers favourable conditions for African wildcats and supports high wildcat densities on protected and unprotected land. African wildcats have been reported as livestock predators on South African farms, however wildcat-livestock predation is usually reported as infrequent and to have a low financial impact on the farmer. The aim of this study was, firstly, to determine what natural prey species were available for African wildcats on unprotected land and, secondly, to determine the extent of human-wildcat conflict on unprotected land in the southern Kalahari. The frequency of occurrence of potential African wildcat prey was determined through small mammal trapping, camera trap surveys and direct observations. The results indicated that a variety of the African wildcat’s natural prey species occurred on unprotected land and that the dune and adjacent ‘street' habitats most likely supported the majority of small mammals which are preferred prey for African wildcats. The African wildcat’s human-predator conflict status was determined through interview questionnaires (n = 22) with participants who owned or managed farms in the southern Kalahari. African wildcats were perceived to occur on 100% of farms, to be common in the region, to be the top livestock predator on 68% of farms and to be responsible for 46% (n = 1542 newborn lambs) of all livestock deaths in 2020. African wildcats were, however, not viewed in the same negative light as black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and caracals (Caracal caracal), who received more negativity from participants and who had the highest persecution rates in my study area. This result could potentially be explained by a combination of generationally taught hatred towards certain species and due to the perceived livestock loss (e.g. livestock size and species) caused by each predator species. It is important to research and monitor wildcats outside protected areas to obtain a deeper knowledge of wildcat behaviour, abundance, population dynamics and other aspects of their ecology. By doing this, specific conservation and management questions can be addressed and through the knowledge of the natural history of a species, conservation failures can be avoided. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Stadler, Cindy
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African wildcat South Africa Northern Cape , African wildcat Effect of human beings on South Africa Northern Cape , Predation (Biology) South Africa Northern Cape , Livestock Predators of South Africa Northern Cape , Human-animal relationships South Africa Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191012 , vital:45049
- Description: The African wildcat (Felis lybica cafra) is the most common and widely distributed of all wildcats. The southern Kalahari in South Africa offers favourable conditions for African wildcats and supports high wildcat densities on protected and unprotected land. African wildcats have been reported as livestock predators on South African farms, however wildcat-livestock predation is usually reported as infrequent and to have a low financial impact on the farmer. The aim of this study was, firstly, to determine what natural prey species were available for African wildcats on unprotected land and, secondly, to determine the extent of human-wildcat conflict on unprotected land in the southern Kalahari. The frequency of occurrence of potential African wildcat prey was determined through small mammal trapping, camera trap surveys and direct observations. The results indicated that a variety of the African wildcat’s natural prey species occurred on unprotected land and that the dune and adjacent ‘street' habitats most likely supported the majority of small mammals which are preferred prey for African wildcats. The African wildcat’s human-predator conflict status was determined through interview questionnaires (n = 22) with participants who owned or managed farms in the southern Kalahari. African wildcats were perceived to occur on 100% of farms, to be common in the region, to be the top livestock predator on 68% of farms and to be responsible for 46% (n = 1542 newborn lambs) of all livestock deaths in 2020. African wildcats were, however, not viewed in the same negative light as black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and caracals (Caracal caracal), who received more negativity from participants and who had the highest persecution rates in my study area. This result could potentially be explained by a combination of generationally taught hatred towards certain species and due to the perceived livestock loss (e.g. livestock size and species) caused by each predator species. It is important to research and monitor wildcats outside protected areas to obtain a deeper knowledge of wildcat behaviour, abundance, population dynamics and other aspects of their ecology. By doing this, specific conservation and management questions can be addressed and through the knowledge of the natural history of a species, conservation failures can be avoided. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A Framework for DNS Based Detection of Botnets at the ISP Level
- Stalmans, Etienne, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Stalmans, Etienne , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427984 , vital:72478 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/327622932_A_Framework_for_DNS_Based_Detection_of_Botnets_at_the_ISP_Level/links/5b9a14e1458515310583fc19/A-Framework-for-DNS-Based-Detection-of-Botnets-at-the-ISP-Level.pdf
- Description: The rapid expansion of networks and increase in internet connected devices has lead to a large number of hosts susceptible to virus infec-tion. Infected hosts are controlled by attackers and form so called bot-nets. These botnets are used to steal data, mask malicious activity and perform distributed denial of service attacks. Traditional protection mechanisms rely on host based detection of viruses. These systems are failing due to the rapid increase in the number of vulnerable hosts and attacks that easily bypass detection mechanisms. This paper pro-poses moving protection from the individual hosts to the Internet Ser-vice Provider (ISP), allowing for the detection and prevention of botnet traffic. DNS traffic inspection allows for the development of a lightweight and accurate classifier that has little or no effect on network perfor-mance. By preventing botnet activity at the ISP level, it is hoped that the threat of botnets can largely be mitigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Stalmans, Etienne , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427984 , vital:72478 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/327622932_A_Framework_for_DNS_Based_Detection_of_Botnets_at_the_ISP_Level/links/5b9a14e1458515310583fc19/A-Framework-for-DNS-Based-Detection-of-Botnets-at-the-ISP-Level.pdf
- Description: The rapid expansion of networks and increase in internet connected devices has lead to a large number of hosts susceptible to virus infec-tion. Infected hosts are controlled by attackers and form so called bot-nets. These botnets are used to steal data, mask malicious activity and perform distributed denial of service attacks. Traditional protection mechanisms rely on host based detection of viruses. These systems are failing due to the rapid increase in the number of vulnerable hosts and attacks that easily bypass detection mechanisms. This paper pro-poses moving protection from the individual hosts to the Internet Ser-vice Provider (ISP), allowing for the detection and prevention of botnet traffic. DNS traffic inspection allows for the development of a lightweight and accurate classifier that has little or no effect on network perfor-mance. By preventing botnet activity at the ISP level, it is hoped that the threat of botnets can largely be mitigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An Exploratory Framework for Extrusion Detection
- Stalmans, Etienne, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Stalmans, Etienne , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428027 , vital:72481 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/327622736_An_Exploratory_Framework_for_Extrusion_Detection/links/5b9a12ba299bf14ad4d6a3d7/An-Exploratory-Framework-for-Extrusion-Detection.pdf
- Description: Modern network architecture allows multiple connectivity options, increasing the number of possible attack vectors. With the number of internet enabled devices constantly increasing, along with employees using these devices to access internal corporate networks, the attack surface has become too large to monitor from a single end-point. Traditional security measures have focused on securing a small number of network endpoints, by monitoring inbound con-nections and are thus blind to attack vectors such as mobile internet connections and remova-ble devices. Once an attacker has gained access to a network they are able to operate unde-tected on the internal network and exfiltrate data without hindrance. This paper proposes a framework for extrusion detection, where internal network traffic and outbound connections are monitored to detect malicious activity. The proposed framework has a tiered architecture con-sisting of prevention, detection, reaction and reporting. Each tier of the framework feeds into the subsequent tier with reporting providing a feedback mechanism to improve each tier based on the outcome of previous incidents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Stalmans, Etienne , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428027 , vital:72481 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/327622736_An_Exploratory_Framework_for_Extrusion_Detection/links/5b9a12ba299bf14ad4d6a3d7/An-Exploratory-Framework-for-Extrusion-Detection.pdf
- Description: Modern network architecture allows multiple connectivity options, increasing the number of possible attack vectors. With the number of internet enabled devices constantly increasing, along with employees using these devices to access internal corporate networks, the attack surface has become too large to monitor from a single end-point. Traditional security measures have focused on securing a small number of network endpoints, by monitoring inbound con-nections and are thus blind to attack vectors such as mobile internet connections and remova-ble devices. Once an attacker has gained access to a network they are able to operate unde-tected on the internal network and exfiltrate data without hindrance. This paper proposes a framework for extrusion detection, where internal network traffic and outbound connections are monitored to detect malicious activity. The proposed framework has a tiered architecture con-sisting of prevention, detection, reaction and reporting. Each tier of the framework feeds into the subsequent tier with reporting providing a feedback mechanism to improve each tier based on the outcome of previous incidents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The assessment of socio – economic policy affecting Makana municipality development
- Authors: Stamper, Lindelwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Rural development , Local government -- services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58201 , vital:58695
- Description: The aim was to assess the development policies affecting the development of Makana Municipality. Development policies exist to foster and improve the lives of the people, for example through job creation, poverty alleviation, improvement of infrastructure. Therefore, the neglect of Makana Municipality to deliver such services is a denial of basic human development and opportunities for people to lead a long healthy life and get to enjoy a decent level of dignity, freedom, self-esteem, respect inter alia. The municipality has played a role in how development has been delayed. The recent court ruling is the evidence of that. The high court in Grahamstown dissolved the municipality in January and the judgement was perceived as a historical verdict in the history of local government. Makana municipality has deteriorating service levels and it has been like that for few years now. The livelihoods of the people of Makana have been affected as the dissatisfaction with services continues. This study highlighted the importance of good governance and appropriate policies to respond to issues are for development and to address different challenges. Moreover, one of the strong bases for successful local government is good leadership, that responds to people’s needs strategically and technically. The research has found the slow pace in development has a negative impact in the fight against poverty and unemployment in the municipality. Therefore, serious interventions strategies to improve the pace of service delivery in the local municipality needs to enforce responsibility and accountability. Local Government is the sphere that is the closest to the people and responsible for delivering services as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). Thus, when a municipality fails to provide services, the citizens are the ones who should hold the government accountable and demand services. Municipalities have a developmental role that they need to play and fulfil, and this is stated in the Constitution as follows. “Developmental local government is local government committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, vi economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives” (Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 153). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Stamper, Lindelwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Rural development , Local government -- services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58201 , vital:58695
- Description: The aim was to assess the development policies affecting the development of Makana Municipality. Development policies exist to foster and improve the lives of the people, for example through job creation, poverty alleviation, improvement of infrastructure. Therefore, the neglect of Makana Municipality to deliver such services is a denial of basic human development and opportunities for people to lead a long healthy life and get to enjoy a decent level of dignity, freedom, self-esteem, respect inter alia. The municipality has played a role in how development has been delayed. The recent court ruling is the evidence of that. The high court in Grahamstown dissolved the municipality in January and the judgement was perceived as a historical verdict in the history of local government. Makana municipality has deteriorating service levels and it has been like that for few years now. The livelihoods of the people of Makana have been affected as the dissatisfaction with services continues. This study highlighted the importance of good governance and appropriate policies to respond to issues are for development and to address different challenges. Moreover, one of the strong bases for successful local government is good leadership, that responds to people’s needs strategically and technically. The research has found the slow pace in development has a negative impact in the fight against poverty and unemployment in the municipality. Therefore, serious interventions strategies to improve the pace of service delivery in the local municipality needs to enforce responsibility and accountability. Local Government is the sphere that is the closest to the people and responsible for delivering services as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). Thus, when a municipality fails to provide services, the citizens are the ones who should hold the government accountable and demand services. Municipalities have a developmental role that they need to play and fulfil, and this is stated in the Constitution as follows. “Developmental local government is local government committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, vi economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives” (Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 153). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Talk in online video games: study of how the use of jargon, social interaction, and representation in Overwatch affects the ability of women to immerse themselves in these spaces
- Authors: Stander, Emily
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Internet games Social aspects , Video gamers Language , Women video gamers , Cyberbullying , Online hate speech , Online trolling , Online chat groups , Women Social conditions , Women Sociological aspects , Overwatch (Video game) , Internet games Sex differences , Sex discrimination against women
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232477 , vital:49995
- Description: This thesis investigates the impact on women of aggressive, demeaning and blaming talk in the online video game* space. The objective is to understand how players talk to each other and how this kind of talk presents issues for women trying to enter the online gaming sphere and become recognised as players. The main method was participatory observation and interviews with women who have experienced such talk. Key results which came from this research is that the process of keeping specific people out of communities through different means of talk - gatekeeping, women being viewed as objects of sexual gratification for men through bad representation in video games and media and using women as scapegoats for frustration and blame in the competitive online video game space, are the main issues which arise from the way players communicate with each other. In conclusion, the research presented that there needs to be an effective system of unlearning and relearning these behaviours in communities and a change in the way women are represented and seen in media is necessary in order to change the behavioural patterns which exist in gaming culture. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
- Authors: Stander, Emily
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Internet games Social aspects , Video gamers Language , Women video gamers , Cyberbullying , Online hate speech , Online trolling , Online chat groups , Women Social conditions , Women Sociological aspects , Overwatch (Video game) , Internet games Sex differences , Sex discrimination against women
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232477 , vital:49995
- Description: This thesis investigates the impact on women of aggressive, demeaning and blaming talk in the online video game* space. The objective is to understand how players talk to each other and how this kind of talk presents issues for women trying to enter the online gaming sphere and become recognised as players. The main method was participatory observation and interviews with women who have experienced such talk. Key results which came from this research is that the process of keeping specific people out of communities through different means of talk - gatekeeping, women being viewed as objects of sexual gratification for men through bad representation in video games and media and using women as scapegoats for frustration and blame in the competitive online video game space, are the main issues which arise from the way players communicate with each other. In conclusion, the research presented that there needs to be an effective system of unlearning and relearning these behaviours in communities and a change in the way women are represented and seen in media is necessary in order to change the behavioural patterns which exist in gaming culture. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
Prime time geographies: dancehall performance, visual communication and the philosophy of ‘Boundarylessness'
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145930 , vital:38479 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1080/00086495.2019.1565218
- Description: What is Dancehall, and how does it employ visual technologies? Dancehall is not just a musical genre. It is Jamaica’s premier popular street theatre, a celebration of the entire spectrum of life from birth to death, expressed at events that combine dance and music, where consenting adults leave their troubles behind just for a moment to revel in the deep and old rhythmic structures that transport them into scape beyond the urban, beyond the inner city, into spaces of fulfilment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145930 , vital:38479 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1080/00086495.2019.1565218
- Description: What is Dancehall, and how does it employ visual technologies? Dancehall is not just a musical genre. It is Jamaica’s premier popular street theatre, a celebration of the entire spectrum of life from birth to death, expressed at events that combine dance and music, where consenting adults leave their troubles behind just for a moment to revel in the deep and old rhythmic structures that transport them into scape beyond the urban, beyond the inner city, into spaces of fulfilment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Humor, innovation, and competition in Jamaican music:
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146398 , vital:38522 , ISBN 9781351266628
- Description: Book abstract. An essential part of human expression, humor plays a role in all forms of art, and humorous and comedic aspects have always been part of popular music. For the first time, The Routledge Companion to Popular Music and Humor draws together scholarship exploring how the element of humor interacts with the artistic and social aspects of the musical experience. Discussing humor in popular music across eras from Tin Pan Alley to the present, and examining the role of humor in different musical genres, case studies of artists, and media forms, this volume is a groundbreaking collection that provides a go-to reference for scholars in music, popular culture, and media studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146398 , vital:38522 , ISBN 9781351266628
- Description: Book abstract. An essential part of human expression, humor plays a role in all forms of art, and humorous and comedic aspects have always been part of popular music. For the first time, The Routledge Companion to Popular Music and Humor draws together scholarship exploring how the element of humor interacts with the artistic and social aspects of the musical experience. Discussing humor in popular music across eras from Tin Pan Alley to the present, and examining the role of humor in different musical genres, case studies of artists, and media forms, this volume is a groundbreaking collection that provides a go-to reference for scholars in music, popular culture, and media studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Of sacred crossroads: cultural studies and the Sacred A special issue edited by Sonjah Stanley Niaah
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146066 , vital:38492 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1515/culture-2019-0047
- Description: The Seventh International Association for Cultural Studies Crossroads Conference, held in 2008 at the University of the West Indies, in Mona, Jamaica, was staged for the first time with an overarching theme. Based on the cultural, spiritual and geographical diversity of the Caribbean region, the local conference organizing team insisted that the conference needed to reflect key aspects of the space. Consequently, the theme selected was “Of Sacred Crossroads”. The conference call for papers asked for a consideration of issues surrounding the dialogue between humanity and spirituality. In the face of increasing materialism and consumerism, as well as the prevailing emphasis on science and technology in contemporary society, participants celebrated the intangible heritage of humankind--that found in religion, art, dance, song, oratory, healing, re-creation, performance, ritual, belief systems, ethics, globalization and communication, among others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Of sacred crossroads: cultural studies and the Sacred A special issue edited by Sonjah Stanley Niaah
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146066 , vital:38492 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1515/culture-2019-0047
- Description: The Seventh International Association for Cultural Studies Crossroads Conference, held in 2008 at the University of the West Indies, in Mona, Jamaica, was staged for the first time with an overarching theme. Based on the cultural, spiritual and geographical diversity of the Caribbean region, the local conference organizing team insisted that the conference needed to reflect key aspects of the space. Consequently, the theme selected was “Of Sacred Crossroads”. The conference call for papers asked for a consideration of issues surrounding the dialogue between humanity and spirituality. In the face of increasing materialism and consumerism, as well as the prevailing emphasis on science and technology in contemporary society, participants celebrated the intangible heritage of humankind--that found in religion, art, dance, song, oratory, healing, re-creation, performance, ritual, belief systems, ethics, globalization and communication, among others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Can Jamaica put music first?: a comment
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145941 , vital:38480 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1080/00086495.2018.1480319
- Description: Many development programmes fail because they don’t account for cultural contexts. In a context where cultural and creative industries represent 10% of the GNP in economies such as Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia, there is no doubt that culture is vital for their sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Stanley Niaah, Sonjah
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145941 , vital:38480 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1080/00086495.2018.1480319
- Description: Many development programmes fail because they don’t account for cultural contexts. In a context where cultural and creative industries represent 10% of the GNP in economies such as Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia, there is no doubt that culture is vital for their sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sculpting with fire: celebrating ephemerality at AfrikaBurn 2015 in the Tankwa Karoo, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/957 , vital:30075
- Description: Land art, and some installation art, is usually aimed at relatively temporarily manipulating the surface of the earth. AfrikaBurn takes place annually in the near-desert of the Tankwa Karoo, South Africa. It is a communal event unique to Africa, and manifests as a fleeting week-long series of interventions in the natural environment, partially aimed at creating and then actively destroying free-standing public sculptures, some of which are huge and intricate. AfrikaBurn gives any one of the thousands of participants an opportunity to be inspired on any scale to generate artworks that take into account a principle that no debris whatsoever is left behind on the surface of the earth after a week-long celebration of creative energies. Unlike, for instance, an artwork built on the edge of the Indian Ocean in the Eastern Cape, where rough tidal seas would ensure gradual destruction, at AfrikaBurn, the sacrificial method of choice is controlled rapid burning, under the direction of a specified firemaster. This paper seeks to unbundle some aspects of land and installation art in Southern Africa with specific reference to AfrikaBurn 2015 events and anti-fracking initiatives. This is within a context that takes into account recognition that even seemingly durable public sculptures are subject to change and may even physically disappear with the passing of time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/957 , vital:30075
- Description: Land art, and some installation art, is usually aimed at relatively temporarily manipulating the surface of the earth. AfrikaBurn takes place annually in the near-desert of the Tankwa Karoo, South Africa. It is a communal event unique to Africa, and manifests as a fleeting week-long series of interventions in the natural environment, partially aimed at creating and then actively destroying free-standing public sculptures, some of which are huge and intricate. AfrikaBurn gives any one of the thousands of participants an opportunity to be inspired on any scale to generate artworks that take into account a principle that no debris whatsoever is left behind on the surface of the earth after a week-long celebration of creative energies. Unlike, for instance, an artwork built on the edge of the Indian Ocean in the Eastern Cape, where rough tidal seas would ensure gradual destruction, at AfrikaBurn, the sacrificial method of choice is controlled rapid burning, under the direction of a specified firemaster. This paper seeks to unbundle some aspects of land and installation art in Southern Africa with specific reference to AfrikaBurn 2015 events and anti-fracking initiatives. This is within a context that takes into account recognition that even seemingly durable public sculptures are subject to change and may even physically disappear with the passing of time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Finding the best clay: experiences of rural potter Alice Gqa Nongebeza contextualised
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1023 , vital:30216
- Description: When creating artefacts that belong in the material world artists choose specific raw materials for particular reasons, including that selected resources are accessible and well suited to fitness for purpose and expression of intentions. Many potters in Africa are engaged in zero electricity usage ceramics practice, and each creative cycle usually starts with extracting clay from local sites according to preferences and well established procedures that may sometimes include certain rituals. Ways in which some potters who source their own clay are particular about certain factors that are thought to be capable of influencing the effectiveness of physical properties of that raw material are explored, with particular reference to what is known about the practices of Eastern Cape potter Alice Gqa Nongebeza, of Nkonxeni Village [31°37‘59.66“S, 29°23‘22.26“E], Tombo, near Port St Johns. Specific choices enacted by potters when gathering and using clayey raw materials are considered in order to better understand some aspects of conceptual and social frameworks that may influence clay extraction procedures. Thus, by means of comparisons between particular potter’s practices, as well as through analysis of interview material and observed events, this paper aims to contextualise how it transpired, inter alia, that clay seams close to the Nongebeza homestead were ignored by her in favour of a relatively distant and almost inaccessible site that yielded a particular clay well suited to her unique firing style of placing raw ware onto an already roaring bonfire, thereby effectively creating pots for daily use and enjoyment
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1023 , vital:30216
- Description: When creating artefacts that belong in the material world artists choose specific raw materials for particular reasons, including that selected resources are accessible and well suited to fitness for purpose and expression of intentions. Many potters in Africa are engaged in zero electricity usage ceramics practice, and each creative cycle usually starts with extracting clay from local sites according to preferences and well established procedures that may sometimes include certain rituals. Ways in which some potters who source their own clay are particular about certain factors that are thought to be capable of influencing the effectiveness of physical properties of that raw material are explored, with particular reference to what is known about the practices of Eastern Cape potter Alice Gqa Nongebeza, of Nkonxeni Village [31°37‘59.66“S, 29°23‘22.26“E], Tombo, near Port St Johns. Specific choices enacted by potters when gathering and using clayey raw materials are considered in order to better understand some aspects of conceptual and social frameworks that may influence clay extraction procedures. Thus, by means of comparisons between particular potter’s practices, as well as through analysis of interview material and observed events, this paper aims to contextualise how it transpired, inter alia, that clay seams close to the Nongebeza homestead were ignored by her in favour of a relatively distant and almost inaccessible site that yielded a particular clay well suited to her unique firing style of placing raw ware onto an already roaring bonfire, thereby effectively creating pots for daily use and enjoyment
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Starways Arts: a built environment expressing holistic lifestyles dedicated to visual and performing arts in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/990 , vital:30179
- Description: In 1992, Anton van der Merwe and his life partner Gwyneth Lloyd moved from Randjesfontein Pottery in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, to an undeveloped smallholding in the densely forested rural village of Hogsback. The past 22 years have seen an ongoing process of settling down and construction of necessary buildings. This paper seeks to explore aspects of philosophical and architectural influences that served as some of the foundation stones for creation of an eclectic series of buildings, including their home, visual arts studios, a gallery, a community theatre and guest accommodation. A review of these buildings will show that Van der Merwe and Lloyd have developed an idiosyncratic construction style that incorporates alternative technology with empathetic use of natural resources, which results in organically flowing living and working spaces that are fit for purpose, have substantial presence and have minimal environmental impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/990 , vital:30179
- Description: In 1992, Anton van der Merwe and his life partner Gwyneth Lloyd moved from Randjesfontein Pottery in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, to an undeveloped smallholding in the densely forested rural village of Hogsback. The past 22 years have seen an ongoing process of settling down and construction of necessary buildings. This paper seeks to explore aspects of philosophical and architectural influences that served as some of the foundation stones for creation of an eclectic series of buildings, including their home, visual arts studios, a gallery, a community theatre and guest accommodation. A review of these buildings will show that Van der Merwe and Lloyd have developed an idiosyncratic construction style that incorporates alternative technology with empathetic use of natural resources, which results in organically flowing living and working spaces that are fit for purpose, have substantial presence and have minimal environmental impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Some reflections on two rural potter's cooperatives in the Port St Johns region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1001 , vital:30181
- Description: Two potters in the Port St Johns region of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have been founder members of different visual arts producer’s cooperatives during the 1980s as part of development initiatives aimed at sustainable economic empowerment. These potters are Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya of Qhaka village in the Caguba area and Alice Gqa Nongebeza of Nkonxeni village in the Tombo area. They both engaged in zero electricity, using ceramics praxis and used variants of open bonfiring techniques to finish off their works. This article looks at aspects of formation and administration of such potter’s cooperatives, as well as at types of ceramics technology used and resulting works, and also at some marketing strategies and outcomes. It will be seen that these are factors that impact directly on why some such cooperatives are successful for long stretches of time, and others become defunct or dormant. Furthermore, Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya is now largely retired from clayworking, and Alice Gqa Nongebeza passed away in 2012, so a question arises as to whether their ceramic traditions will be continued in the years to come.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1001 , vital:30181
- Description: Two potters in the Port St Johns region of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have been founder members of different visual arts producer’s cooperatives during the 1980s as part of development initiatives aimed at sustainable economic empowerment. These potters are Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya of Qhaka village in the Caguba area and Alice Gqa Nongebeza of Nkonxeni village in the Tombo area. They both engaged in zero electricity, using ceramics praxis and used variants of open bonfiring techniques to finish off their works. This article looks at aspects of formation and administration of such potter’s cooperatives, as well as at types of ceramics technology used and resulting works, and also at some marketing strategies and outcomes. It will be seen that these are factors that impact directly on why some such cooperatives are successful for long stretches of time, and others become defunct or dormant. Furthermore, Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya is now largely retired from clayworking, and Alice Gqa Nongebeza passed away in 2012, so a question arises as to whether their ceramic traditions will be continued in the years to come.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Potter's fingerprints: some prehistoric southern African utilityware in an intimate light.
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/945 , vital:30070
- Description: Extensive archaeological excavations in southern Africa during the past century have revealed a richly described heritage of widely distributed First-Millennium (C.E.) Agriculturist ceramics. In viewing both artefacts and assessments thereof it can be observed that ways of thinking shape ways of seeing, and explanations ofwhat is seen. Thus, because conceptual frameworks are inseparable from what is observed and explanations that result, consideration is given to some particular mindsets that have led to recent theories concenring local prehistoric material culture. In conclusion, a brief look at dialogues initiated by some contemporary potters who interrogate cherished lifeways and belief systems serve to elucidate current trends towards finding meaning in prehistoric southern African ceramics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2003
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/945 , vital:30070
- Description: Extensive archaeological excavations in southern Africa during the past century have revealed a richly described heritage of widely distributed First-Millennium (C.E.) Agriculturist ceramics. In viewing both artefacts and assessments thereof it can be observed that ways of thinking shape ways of seeing, and explanations ofwhat is seen. Thus, because conceptual frameworks are inseparable from what is observed and explanations that result, consideration is given to some particular mindsets that have led to recent theories concenring local prehistoric material culture. In conclusion, a brief look at dialogues initiated by some contemporary potters who interrogate cherished lifeways and belief systems serve to elucidate current trends towards finding meaning in prehistoric southern African ceramics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Maximum firepower: Vale van der Merwe, an emergent ceramic artist at Starways Arts, Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/979 , vital:30078
- Description: Vale van der Merwe has been working as a ceramic artist for the past five years, and in that time has developed a remarkably diverse repertoire of both thrown and handbuilt works. These include rapidly thrown utilityware as well as carefully conceived sculptural works that engage with ideas rather than primarily with function. She also makes full use of opportunities offered by high-temperature woodburn firings, and despite works collapsing while being made, breaking while being carried to the kiln and slumping during firing, she has used such occasions as opportunities for learning rather than despondency. Van der Merwe is also an actively hands-on ceramic artist who engages with all levels of tasks associated with studio ceramics in a village setting, so has found herself, for example, both creating a new chimney for the kiln, and simultaneously leading discussion around concepts for new collaborative exhibitions. There is a seriousness of intent combined with infectious confidence evident in both her daily presence and ceramics, and it is hoped that she will develop her repertoire and thinkings even further in forthcoming years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/979 , vital:30078
- Description: Vale van der Merwe has been working as a ceramic artist for the past five years, and in that time has developed a remarkably diverse repertoire of both thrown and handbuilt works. These include rapidly thrown utilityware as well as carefully conceived sculptural works that engage with ideas rather than primarily with function. She also makes full use of opportunities offered by high-temperature woodburn firings, and despite works collapsing while being made, breaking while being carried to the kiln and slumping during firing, she has used such occasions as opportunities for learning rather than despondency. Van der Merwe is also an actively hands-on ceramic artist who engages with all levels of tasks associated with studio ceramics in a village setting, so has found herself, for example, both creating a new chimney for the kiln, and simultaneously leading discussion around concepts for new collaborative exhibitions. There is a seriousness of intent combined with infectious confidence evident in both her daily presence and ceramics, and it is hoped that she will develop her repertoire and thinkings even further in forthcoming years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Revisiting nomenclature: 'Early Iron Age', 'First-Millennium Agriculturist', or what?
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/934 , vital:30067
- Description: As an art historian who has recently become fascinated by First-Millennium Agriculturist ceramics, I have come across several attempts at dealing with an issue of appropriate nomenclature for desigrrating this era. Conceptual frameworks are articulated using words, yet an apparent discomfort with the term Early Iron Age has seemingly not led to a consistently used altemative. I have been wondering about this and, with respect, offer my thoughts on the matter in a hope that debate will be furthered. Hereunder I utilise aspects of the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastem Cape first millennium ceramic sequence to address some significances associated with such artefacts in interpretations of the past, and then discuss some ways in which ideas of particular social contexts are embedded in language. Thereafter introduction of the term Iron Age into South African archaeology is referred to with reference to past and current usage, and advantages/disadvantages of alternatives are suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/934 , vital:30067
- Description: As an art historian who has recently become fascinated by First-Millennium Agriculturist ceramics, I have come across several attempts at dealing with an issue of appropriate nomenclature for desigrrating this era. Conceptual frameworks are articulated using words, yet an apparent discomfort with the term Early Iron Age has seemingly not led to a consistently used altemative. I have been wondering about this and, with respect, offer my thoughts on the matter in a hope that debate will be furthered. Hereunder I utilise aspects of the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastem Cape first millennium ceramic sequence to address some significances associated with such artefacts in interpretations of the past, and then discuss some ways in which ideas of particular social contexts are embedded in language. Thereafter introduction of the term Iron Age into South African archaeology is referred to with reference to past and current usage, and advantages/disadvantages of alternatives are suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Outside city limits: introducing Anton van der Merwe of Starways Arts, in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1012 , vital:30191
- Description: Certain contemporary artists in South Africa choose to live in rural areas rather than in cities. This paper explores some reasons for this preference, and also looks at countercultural back-to-the-earth trends and other factors that may have encouraged some of these artists to prefer to live and work in rural settings. It is against this background that artist Anton van der Merwe is introduced and his early choices of spaces in which to work, both as a potter and painter, are examined. This background serves to contextualise his decision, made in 1992, to move home and studio from Midrand in Gauteng to Hogsback village, in rural Eastern Cape. Hardships were faced, artistic growth has been experienced, and a flourishing visual arts practice has been established by him at Starways Arts. In conclusion, it is noted that involvement in aspects of local community affairs have resulted in widespread mutual benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1012 , vital:30191
- Description: Certain contemporary artists in South Africa choose to live in rural areas rather than in cities. This paper explores some reasons for this preference, and also looks at countercultural back-to-the-earth trends and other factors that may have encouraged some of these artists to prefer to live and work in rural settings. It is against this background that artist Anton van der Merwe is introduced and his early choices of spaces in which to work, both as a potter and painter, are examined. This background serves to contextualise his decision, made in 1992, to move home and studio from Midrand in Gauteng to Hogsback village, in rural Eastern Cape. Hardships were faced, artistic growth has been experienced, and a flourishing visual arts practice has been established by him at Starways Arts. In conclusion, it is noted that involvement in aspects of local community affairs have resulted in widespread mutual benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Anatomy of a pottery bonfiring in the Port St Johns region, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1034 , vital:30232
- Description: This paper seeks to document and contextualise the unique bonfiring methods of octogenarian potter Alice Gqa Nongebeza, who works from her homestead at Nkonxeni village in the Tombo area near Port St Johns. Her firing technique is compared with those of fellow local potters Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya and Nontwazana Dunjana. These three Mpondo potters, and their understudies, create ceramic utilityware and other items for a mainly local market that sometimes also appeals to collectors and tourists. Although they are aware of each other, they use their own clay sources and clayworking methods, and have evolved very different firing techniques. This paper, with reference also to potters in KwaZulu-Natal, shows that Nongebeza, in particular, has developed a rare approach to firing, and calls for the inclusion of her type of firing technique in African firing lexicons. It also calls for greater attention to sequential firing detail as practised by individual potters, in forthcoming reports that add to knowledge about zeroelectricity- usage ceramics production in southern Africa, and elsewhere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1034 , vital:30232
- Description: This paper seeks to document and contextualise the unique bonfiring methods of octogenarian potter Alice Gqa Nongebeza, who works from her homestead at Nkonxeni village in the Tombo area near Port St Johns. Her firing technique is compared with those of fellow local potters Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya and Nontwazana Dunjana. These three Mpondo potters, and their understudies, create ceramic utilityware and other items for a mainly local market that sometimes also appeals to collectors and tourists. Although they are aware of each other, they use their own clay sources and clayworking methods, and have evolved very different firing techniques. This paper, with reference also to potters in KwaZulu-Natal, shows that Nongebeza, in particular, has developed a rare approach to firing, and calls for the inclusion of her type of firing technique in African firing lexicons. It also calls for greater attention to sequential firing detail as practised by individual potters, in forthcoming reports that add to knowledge about zeroelectricity- usage ceramics production in southern Africa, and elsewhere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Anton and Vale van der Merwe: reinterpreting Afro-Oriental studio ceramics traditions in South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/968 , vital:30077
- Description: Growing awareness of ancient Chinese Song and Yuan ceramics, amongst other Oriental traditions, by people with western connections such as Bernard Leach and Michael Cardew, in conjunction with influences from Japanese associates such as Soyetsu Yanagi, Kenkichi Tomimoto, and Shoji Hamada, (De Waal 1997, Harrod 2012, Kikuchi 1977, Leach 1976) has had many consequences. It spread a consciousness idealizing self-sufficient pottery studios where potters were in touch with all aspects of creating utilityware, largely from local materials for local use. Out of this emerged an Anglo-Oriental studio ceramic philosophy of form and practice, associated mainly with hand-made high temperature reduction fired ceramics. These ideas spread to South Africa in the late 1950s, and by the early 1960s local studios were being established along these lines. This studio ceramics movement grew exponentially in South Africa, initiating a phase of Afro-Oriental ceramics that remains a powerful way of life and visual arts influence. This paper seeks to explore aspects of Afro- Oriental studio ceramics in South Africa, with particular reference to the Leach/Hamada/Cardew to Rabinowitz, and Van der Merwe lineage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/968 , vital:30077
- Description: Growing awareness of ancient Chinese Song and Yuan ceramics, amongst other Oriental traditions, by people with western connections such as Bernard Leach and Michael Cardew, in conjunction with influences from Japanese associates such as Soyetsu Yanagi, Kenkichi Tomimoto, and Shoji Hamada, (De Waal 1997, Harrod 2012, Kikuchi 1977, Leach 1976) has had many consequences. It spread a consciousness idealizing self-sufficient pottery studios where potters were in touch with all aspects of creating utilityware, largely from local materials for local use. Out of this emerged an Anglo-Oriental studio ceramic philosophy of form and practice, associated mainly with hand-made high temperature reduction fired ceramics. These ideas spread to South Africa in the late 1950s, and by the early 1960s local studios were being established along these lines. This studio ceramics movement grew exponentially in South Africa, initiating a phase of Afro-Oriental ceramics that remains a powerful way of life and visual arts influence. This paper seeks to explore aspects of Afro- Oriental studio ceramics in South Africa, with particular reference to the Leach/Hamada/Cardew to Rabinowitz, and Van der Merwe lineage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The influence of livelihood dependency, local ecological knowledge and market proximity on the ecological impacts of harvesting non-timber forest products
- Steele, Melita Z, Shackleton, Charlie M, Shaanker, Ramanan U, Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N, Radloff, Sarah E
- Authors: Steele, Melita Z , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shaanker, Ramanan U , Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180908 , vital:43669 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011"
- Description: It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steele, Melita Z , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shaanker, Ramanan U , Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180908 , vital:43669 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011"
- Description: It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015