Investigation of the effects of 2000 & 2007 flooding on food security in two East African countries
- Authors: Albertsen, Jo-Anne Rose
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/916 , Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Description: Flooding has been identified as the predominant, environmental generator of food emergencies. Climate change and climate variability have been blamed for these extreme weather events, which are envisioned to affect the future food security and nutritional status of populations across the African continent. It is thus expected that these weather phenomena will continue to increase in frequency and intensity as climate change progresses. Already, climate change has had a dramatic effect on the natural world with increased desertification, warming oceans, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. In turn, this has affected agriculture and fishing, which subsequently determines the availability of food. On the contrary, weather alone, is not the sole contributing factor to problems that are associated with food security/insecurity. Elements embedded within a political, social, economical, and/or other, context also serve to contribute to how a population or individual experiences food security. It is therefore imperative that these aspects from the social or developmental arena are considered in conjunction with aspects from the natural or environmental sciences. Such a holistic approach to subjects relating to climate change and development will eventually lead to the realisation of sustainable development, which in turn serves to protect human security in the long-term. The research was primarily directed at examining how flooding affects food security and what can be done to avoid, or cope with, a potential food crisis. The above-mentioned social and developmental features shaped the scope of this research, giving rise to an investigation which transcended the confines of flooding as an independent cause and consequence of food insecurity. With East Africa as a focal point, Mozambique and Zambia emerged as the most affected countries with millions of people affected by these devastating waters in 2000 and 2007, respectively. Due to the past nature of the events, it was most appropriate to utilise statistics from sources such as existing databases, reports and articles. Some of the topics that were included in the investigation examined the causes and consequences of the flooding and the management of these disasters. These topics were scrutinised using both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of research, so that an interesting and viable study could be undertaken. ii The research found that frequent and severe flood disasters increase a population‟s vulnerability to food insecurity, as a wide variety of assets, structures and infrastructures are destroyed. However, with careful management, planning and adaptation, many of these unwanted consequences can be avoided or swiftly overcome. Both Mozambique and Zambia were found to be countries that were determined to overcome the barriers associated with climate change and its subsequent extreme weather events. This positively indicated that they were committed to the development process and the wellbeing of their populations. Apart from introducing the topic surrounding the influence of flooding on food security in East Africa, one of the main goals of this research was to gather recommendations and suggestions for avoiding or managing issues that could hamper food security. This ultimately forms an important source of reference for governmental and non-governmental institutions dealing with flooding and food security. Even though Mozambique and Zambia were chosen as the cases for investigation, many of the recommendations can be adapted and applied to countries world-wide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Albertsen, Jo-Anne Rose
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/916 , Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Description: Flooding has been identified as the predominant, environmental generator of food emergencies. Climate change and climate variability have been blamed for these extreme weather events, which are envisioned to affect the future food security and nutritional status of populations across the African continent. It is thus expected that these weather phenomena will continue to increase in frequency and intensity as climate change progresses. Already, climate change has had a dramatic effect on the natural world with increased desertification, warming oceans, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. In turn, this has affected agriculture and fishing, which subsequently determines the availability of food. On the contrary, weather alone, is not the sole contributing factor to problems that are associated with food security/insecurity. Elements embedded within a political, social, economical, and/or other, context also serve to contribute to how a population or individual experiences food security. It is therefore imperative that these aspects from the social or developmental arena are considered in conjunction with aspects from the natural or environmental sciences. Such a holistic approach to subjects relating to climate change and development will eventually lead to the realisation of sustainable development, which in turn serves to protect human security in the long-term. The research was primarily directed at examining how flooding affects food security and what can be done to avoid, or cope with, a potential food crisis. The above-mentioned social and developmental features shaped the scope of this research, giving rise to an investigation which transcended the confines of flooding as an independent cause and consequence of food insecurity. With East Africa as a focal point, Mozambique and Zambia emerged as the most affected countries with millions of people affected by these devastating waters in 2000 and 2007, respectively. Due to the past nature of the events, it was most appropriate to utilise statistics from sources such as existing databases, reports and articles. Some of the topics that were included in the investigation examined the causes and consequences of the flooding and the management of these disasters. These topics were scrutinised using both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of research, so that an interesting and viable study could be undertaken. ii The research found that frequent and severe flood disasters increase a population‟s vulnerability to food insecurity, as a wide variety of assets, structures and infrastructures are destroyed. However, with careful management, planning and adaptation, many of these unwanted consequences can be avoided or swiftly overcome. Both Mozambique and Zambia were found to be countries that were determined to overcome the barriers associated with climate change and its subsequent extreme weather events. This positively indicated that they were committed to the development process and the wellbeing of their populations. Apart from introducing the topic surrounding the influence of flooding on food security in East Africa, one of the main goals of this research was to gather recommendations and suggestions for avoiding or managing issues that could hamper food security. This ultimately forms an important source of reference for governmental and non-governmental institutions dealing with flooding and food security. Even though Mozambique and Zambia were chosen as the cases for investigation, many of the recommendations can be adapted and applied to countries world-wide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigation of the microstructure of nuclear grade matrix graphite
- Authors: Downey, Justin Michael
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Graphite -- South Africa , Microstructure , Nanostructured materials -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/944 , Graphite -- South Africa , Microstructure , Nanostructured materials -- South Africa
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the investigation of the microstructures of two nuclear grade matrix graphites. These graphites were intended for use in the core components of a high temperature test reactor (HTTR) of the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR) design. The graphites were provided in the form of fuel spheres and a reflector block. The techniques used in the analysis of the materials include fracturing, etching, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nano-indentation, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructures of the materials were characterized successfully. The fuel sphere material consisted of a high concentration of curved graphite flakes and grains in contact with turbostratic matrix graphite. The well graphitized flakes and grains were polycrystalline in nature. Delamination cracks were prevalent in the graphite crystallites. There was no significant difference in the microstructures of the center, interior and surface regions of the fuel sphere material. No evidence of amorphous carbon or resin residues was found. The reflector material consisted of a low concentration of graphite crystallites embedded within turbostratic matrix graphite. Delamination cracks were observed within the graphite crystallites, and many cavities were present in the material. TEM observation also revealed the presence of diamond crystallites. It was concluded that the fuel sphere graphite was most probably suitable for use as is, provided that the material also possessed other required properties for use in a HTTR. The reflector material however was considered to be unsuitable for use in a HTTR. It was thus suggested that the reflector material could be made more suitable by sufficient graphitization of the turbostratic graphite which formed the bulk of the material.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Downey, Justin Michael
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Graphite -- South Africa , Microstructure , Nanostructured materials -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/944 , Graphite -- South Africa , Microstructure , Nanostructured materials -- South Africa
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the investigation of the microstructures of two nuclear grade matrix graphites. These graphites were intended for use in the core components of a high temperature test reactor (HTTR) of the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR) design. The graphites were provided in the form of fuel spheres and a reflector block. The techniques used in the analysis of the materials include fracturing, etching, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nano-indentation, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructures of the materials were characterized successfully. The fuel sphere material consisted of a high concentration of curved graphite flakes and grains in contact with turbostratic matrix graphite. The well graphitized flakes and grains were polycrystalline in nature. Delamination cracks were prevalent in the graphite crystallites. There was no significant difference in the microstructures of the center, interior and surface regions of the fuel sphere material. No evidence of amorphous carbon or resin residues was found. The reflector material consisted of a low concentration of graphite crystallites embedded within turbostratic matrix graphite. Delamination cracks were observed within the graphite crystallites, and many cavities were present in the material. TEM observation also revealed the presence of diamond crystallites. It was concluded that the fuel sphere graphite was most probably suitable for use as is, provided that the material also possessed other required properties for use in a HTTR. The reflector material however was considered to be unsuitable for use in a HTTR. It was thus suggested that the reflector material could be made more suitable by sufficient graphitization of the turbostratic graphite which formed the bulk of the material.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Is HIV/AIDS jeopardizing biodiversity?
- McGarry, Dylan K, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006871
- Description: The scourge of HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is most prevalent in southern Africa. South Africa has the highest number of people in the world living with HIV/AIDS and a prevalence rate of over 30 % for females presenting at antenatal clinics. There are now almost five million orphans within southern Africa, as a result of AIDS deaths of one or more or their parents. AIDS-related mortality and morbidity of care-givers may lead to increased reliance on wild sources of animal protein by surviving children. This increase in hunting pressure has unknown, but potentially important impacts on local animal populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006871
- Description: The scourge of HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is most prevalent in southern Africa. South Africa has the highest number of people in the world living with HIV/AIDS and a prevalence rate of over 30 % for females presenting at antenatal clinics. There are now almost five million orphans within southern Africa, as a result of AIDS deaths of one or more or their parents. AIDS-related mortality and morbidity of care-givers may lead to increased reliance on wild sources of animal protein by surviving children. This increase in hunting pressure has unknown, but potentially important impacts on local animal populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Is inflation targeting a viable option for a developing country?: the case of Malawi
- Hompashe, Dumisani MacDonald
- Authors: Hompashe, Dumisani MacDonald
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- Malawi -- Case studies , Banks and banking, Central -- Malawi , Monetary policy -- Malawi , Finance -- Developing countries , Debts, External -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002676 , Inflation (Finance) -- Malawi -- Case studies , Banks and banking, Central -- Malawi , Monetary policy -- Malawi , Finance -- Developing countries , Debts, External -- Developing countries
- Description: The distinctive features of inflation targeting include the publishing of the formal (official) target band or point target for the rate of inflation at one or more time horizons and the explicit confirmation that low and steady inflation is the long-run objective of monetary policy. There are four main preconditions of inflation targeting: 1) an independent central bank that is free from fiscal and political pressures; 2) a central bank that has both the ability to forecast inflation and the capability to model inflation data; 3) the presence of fully deregulated prices and an economy that is affected by changes of commodity prices, as well as exchange rates; and 4) the presence of sound banking system and well developed capital markets. In most developing countries, the use of seigniorage revenues as a source of financing government debts, the lack of commitment by monetary authorities to low inflation as a primary goal, the absence of the central bank’s functional independence, and of powerful models to make domestic inflation forecasts, prevent the satisfaction of these preconditions. This dissertation investigates the extent to which Malawi meets the preconditions for inflation targeting by comparing the situation in that country to other developing countries, which have already adopted the framework. Malawi is committed to the central bank’s functional independence as well as the pursuit of prudent fiscal policy measures for the attainment of low inflation. Despite the failure to meet all the preconditions, this study recommends that Malawi should adopt an inflation targeting framework due to the strength of commitment of the monetary authorities in satisfying these preconditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hompashe, Dumisani MacDonald
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- Malawi -- Case studies , Banks and banking, Central -- Malawi , Monetary policy -- Malawi , Finance -- Developing countries , Debts, External -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002676 , Inflation (Finance) -- Malawi -- Case studies , Banks and banking, Central -- Malawi , Monetary policy -- Malawi , Finance -- Developing countries , Debts, External -- Developing countries
- Description: The distinctive features of inflation targeting include the publishing of the formal (official) target band or point target for the rate of inflation at one or more time horizons and the explicit confirmation that low and steady inflation is the long-run objective of monetary policy. There are four main preconditions of inflation targeting: 1) an independent central bank that is free from fiscal and political pressures; 2) a central bank that has both the ability to forecast inflation and the capability to model inflation data; 3) the presence of fully deregulated prices and an economy that is affected by changes of commodity prices, as well as exchange rates; and 4) the presence of sound banking system and well developed capital markets. In most developing countries, the use of seigniorage revenues as a source of financing government debts, the lack of commitment by monetary authorities to low inflation as a primary goal, the absence of the central bank’s functional independence, and of powerful models to make domestic inflation forecasts, prevent the satisfaction of these preconditions. This dissertation investigates the extent to which Malawi meets the preconditions for inflation targeting by comparing the situation in that country to other developing countries, which have already adopted the framework. Malawi is committed to the central bank’s functional independence as well as the pursuit of prudent fiscal policy measures for the attainment of low inflation. Despite the failure to meet all the preconditions, this study recommends that Malawi should adopt an inflation targeting framework due to the strength of commitment of the monetary authorities in satisfying these preconditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer : a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Chéze, Eldon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1221 , Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Serial crime is an element of society that continues to disturb and fascinate scholars. There is thus a need to understand the uniqueness of serial murderers and their psychological development. The field of psychobiography is a qualitative approach to uncover the story of an individual life through greater understanding of psychological concepts. Psychobiographical research is invaluable in the application of theory to the finished lives of exemplary or enigmatic individuals to develop and test theories of human development. Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (1960 – 1994), a cannibalistic serial killer who killed 17 young men, served as the single psychobiographical subject in this study. Dahmer was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. A qualitative psychobiographical research method was utilized in this study. The primary aim of the research was to explore and describe Jeffrey Dahmer’s personality development across his lifespan. This was achieved by applying Erikson’s (1950) psychosocial theory of staged developmental crises to the lifespan developmental process and Adler’s (1929) dynamic individual psychology to provide a more comprehensive idiographic interpretation of Dahmer as an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer’s life history was uncovered in this psychobiographical case study research through the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, which highlighted five significant historical periods: (a) Childhood of Fantasy, (b) The Quiet Loner, (c) Hiatus – or Build-up, (d) Seeking a Compliant Partner and (e) Arrest, Trial and Death. The two theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyze data for analytical generalization (Yin, 1994). A conceptual framework derived from the two theoretical perspectives was constructed to organize and integrate data and to guide the presentation and discussion of the findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggested that both theoretical perspectives considered the biopsychosocial as well as cultural and historical influences of situations and experiences in Dahmer’s personality development throughout the lifespan. Adlerian theory indicated that Dahmer held a socially useless lifestyle whose movement was guided purposively towards a fictional goal xxii of godlikeness through creative, concrete expressions of personal superiority. Eriksonian theory held that Dahmer remained in role confusion, which was viewed as a functional, fragmented identity to survive in society and achieve a fantasy. Thus, both theories indicated, despite their different conceptualizations, that Dahmer’s personality development was ultimately not socially beneficial. The study of Dahmer’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of both Erikson (1950) and Adler’s (1929) theories to understand the processes of personality development in an individual life. It has further highlighted the uniqueness of individual responses to life tasks and consequently unlocked the possibility of perceiving people and their actions differently. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings that utilize a psychobiographical research design and methodology to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of enigmatic personalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chéze, Eldon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1221 , Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Serial crime is an element of society that continues to disturb and fascinate scholars. There is thus a need to understand the uniqueness of serial murderers and their psychological development. The field of psychobiography is a qualitative approach to uncover the story of an individual life through greater understanding of psychological concepts. Psychobiographical research is invaluable in the application of theory to the finished lives of exemplary or enigmatic individuals to develop and test theories of human development. Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (1960 – 1994), a cannibalistic serial killer who killed 17 young men, served as the single psychobiographical subject in this study. Dahmer was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. A qualitative psychobiographical research method was utilized in this study. The primary aim of the research was to explore and describe Jeffrey Dahmer’s personality development across his lifespan. This was achieved by applying Erikson’s (1950) psychosocial theory of staged developmental crises to the lifespan developmental process and Adler’s (1929) dynamic individual psychology to provide a more comprehensive idiographic interpretation of Dahmer as an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer’s life history was uncovered in this psychobiographical case study research through the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, which highlighted five significant historical periods: (a) Childhood of Fantasy, (b) The Quiet Loner, (c) Hiatus – or Build-up, (d) Seeking a Compliant Partner and (e) Arrest, Trial and Death. The two theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyze data for analytical generalization (Yin, 1994). A conceptual framework derived from the two theoretical perspectives was constructed to organize and integrate data and to guide the presentation and discussion of the findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggested that both theoretical perspectives considered the biopsychosocial as well as cultural and historical influences of situations and experiences in Dahmer’s personality development throughout the lifespan. Adlerian theory indicated that Dahmer held a socially useless lifestyle whose movement was guided purposively towards a fictional goal xxii of godlikeness through creative, concrete expressions of personal superiority. Eriksonian theory held that Dahmer remained in role confusion, which was viewed as a functional, fragmented identity to survive in society and achieve a fantasy. Thus, both theories indicated, despite their different conceptualizations, that Dahmer’s personality development was ultimately not socially beneficial. The study of Dahmer’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of both Erikson (1950) and Adler’s (1929) theories to understand the processes of personality development in an individual life. It has further highlighted the uniqueness of individual responses to life tasks and consequently unlocked the possibility of perceiving people and their actions differently. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings that utilize a psychobiographical research design and methodology to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of enigmatic personalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Jimmy Riadore: organ-builder, bell-ringer and hanger of the bells at St George's Cathedral, Cape Town
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012396
- Description: Born in Lewes, Sussex, Jimmy Riadore came to South Africa in 1958. Organs, bells and clocks have been the focus of his life, and he has tuned, built, repaired and restored them all over southern Africa. Recently he has extended his careful ministrations to St Helena. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012396
- Description: Born in Lewes, Sussex, Jimmy Riadore came to South Africa in 1958. Organs, bells and clocks have been the focus of his life, and he has tuned, built, repaired and restored them all over southern Africa. Recently he has extended his careful ministrations to St Helena. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Job satisfaction of public sector pharmacists in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Matshotyana, Kidwell
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1006 , Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: There is a severe shortage of pharmacists in the Nelson Mandela Metropole with a current vacancy rate of over 50 percent on the approved posts for pharmacists (PERSAL 31 December 2007). The metropole has struggled to retain pharmacists in spite of the urban setting. The aim of this research was to measure the level of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists working in the public sector of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research objective was to conduct a questionnaire-based survey of pharmacists working in public sector facilities in the Nelson Mandela Metropole in order to assess their levels of job satisfaction, and report the findings with appropriate recommendations to management. For this study, the modified JDI Index survey was used focusing on the subscales; work, pay, promotion, supervision, co-workers and patient interaction. Possible retention strategies were also investigated through the use of open ended questions. The questionnaire was administered to 30 pharmacists in full time employment within the public sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned giving an 83.3 percent response rate. The pharmacists were generally satisfied with the job, their pharmacy co-workers, patient interaction and supervision but were not satisfied with salary and promotion opportunities in the public sector. Using a score from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating a level of high satisfaction, the mean scores for the six subscales were, job (3.2), income (2.1), patient interaction (3.3), promotion (2.0), co-workers (3.4) and supervision (3.7). Financial packages (23, n=25) and fringe benefits (22, n=25) were indicated as the most effective strategies in attracting and retaining pharmacists into the public service. The majority of respondents (15, n=25) agreed that the favourable working hours, flexibility of work, regular working hours with no weekend duties were the most vii positive aspects about their job. The negative aspects mentioned by the majority of the respondents (15, n=25) included poor remuneration, unrealistic notch increases and salaries that were not market-related and uncompetitive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matshotyana, Kidwell
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1006 , Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: There is a severe shortage of pharmacists in the Nelson Mandela Metropole with a current vacancy rate of over 50 percent on the approved posts for pharmacists (PERSAL 31 December 2007). The metropole has struggled to retain pharmacists in spite of the urban setting. The aim of this research was to measure the level of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists working in the public sector of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research objective was to conduct a questionnaire-based survey of pharmacists working in public sector facilities in the Nelson Mandela Metropole in order to assess their levels of job satisfaction, and report the findings with appropriate recommendations to management. For this study, the modified JDI Index survey was used focusing on the subscales; work, pay, promotion, supervision, co-workers and patient interaction. Possible retention strategies were also investigated through the use of open ended questions. The questionnaire was administered to 30 pharmacists in full time employment within the public sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned giving an 83.3 percent response rate. The pharmacists were generally satisfied with the job, their pharmacy co-workers, patient interaction and supervision but were not satisfied with salary and promotion opportunities in the public sector. Using a score from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating a level of high satisfaction, the mean scores for the six subscales were, job (3.2), income (2.1), patient interaction (3.3), promotion (2.0), co-workers (3.4) and supervision (3.7). Financial packages (23, n=25) and fringe benefits (22, n=25) were indicated as the most effective strategies in attracting and retaining pharmacists into the public service. The majority of respondents (15, n=25) agreed that the favourable working hours, flexibility of work, regular working hours with no weekend duties were the most vii positive aspects about their job. The negative aspects mentioned by the majority of the respondents (15, n=25) included poor remuneration, unrealistic notch increases and salaries that were not market-related and uncompetitive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Journalism takes flight developments
- Authors: Berger, Guy J E Gough
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455026 , vital:75397 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC139933
- Description: A kind of bird flu is back, albeit in different guise. It's afflicting millions with addiction and dizziness. It's converting otherwise sane people into an ever-expanding flock of Twitterers whizzing around like the swallows of an eve at Durban's new airport. Maybe now, as swine flu gains ground, we'll start to see the media piggies heaving into the air, leaving their pokes to be prodded on Facebook.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Berger, Guy J E Gough
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455026 , vital:75397 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC139933
- Description: A kind of bird flu is back, albeit in different guise. It's afflicting millions with addiction and dizziness. It's converting otherwise sane people into an ever-expanding flock of Twitterers whizzing around like the swallows of an eve at Durban's new airport. Maybe now, as swine flu gains ground, we'll start to see the media piggies heaving into the air, leaving their pokes to be prodded on Facebook.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Key factors required to be classified as a world-class supplier from a South African automotive industry perspective
- Authors: Cook, Gavin Trevor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/935 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Over and above the fact that South African automotive business firms do not have the advantages of a major domestic market and are far removed from the major world markets, they face the challenges of operating in a tough and ever-changing environment. This environment is characterised by a global recession, aggressive global competition, high inflation and more demanding customers. To overcome these obstacles and to ensure their continuous success and existence, these domestic firms need to create a competitive advantage. The establishment of such a competitive advantage is dependent on a number of factors which mainly include sourcing from a world-class supplier base in terms of price, quality and service delivery. The main objective and central theme of this study is to determine the factors that are required by a supplier in the South African automotive industry to be classified as a world-class supplier. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why a firm would find it important to trade with a world-class supplier base, and to determine whether the current levels of supplier performance as experienced by buying firms in the Eastern Cape automotive industry, could be regarded as world-class. Furthermore, the study set out to determine the consequences to customer firms of inferior supplier performance, as well as the actions currently taken and support programmes in place to bring suppliers in line with world-class standards. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed the definite interdependence between a business firm and the environment in which it operates. The review underlined the need for environmental scanning as a means to proactively manage the impact of environmental changes on a firm. Porter’s value chain and business process re-engineering, as discussed in the study, are also perceived as means to manage environmental changes. The literature study further revealed some of the latest business trends followed by automotive business firms, as well as the expected supplier buy-in to ensure success. A statistical analysis on the quantitative data gathered, grouped specific items (questions) that relate to the study’s main objective with three respective individual supplier performance areas. A confirmatory factor analysis which focused on the three factors, namely quality, pricing and service delivery was carried out to assess the validity of the questions used for gathering the research data. The Cronbach Alphas determined for the three factors portrayed the reliability of the research instrument as acceptable. The empirical study revealed a few main factors that automotive business firms strongly perceive as being key to the establishment of a world-class supplier base. These factors are: a culture of continuous improvement; consistently meeting delivery deadlines by being able to respond to customer schedule changes; quoting fair prices and having respect for business ethics; as well as the consistent application of a quality policy which leads to conformance to specifications and subsequent high levels of product reliability. The empirical study also identified the following benefits enjoyed by customer business firms when trading with a world-class supplier base: Firms are able to be more flexible to customer schedule changes; they receive products that meet specifications; and they are able to operate at lower costs. The empirical findings with regard to the current level of supplier performance in the Eastern Cape Province automotive industry highlighted mainly three problem areas. These are late deliveries; the inability of suppliers to respond to customer schedule changes; as well as a lack of continuous improvement. Late deliveries which lead to production stoppages, with its resultant high costs, as well as the receipt of below-par quality products, were revealed as the main consequences when dealing with suppliers whose performance are not world-class. The main actions taken and programmes or incentives offered by automotive business firms to bring inferior suppliers more in line with world-class performance, include the rewarding of good suppliers by granting them more business; applying formal supplier performance evaluations; and having regular supplier audits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cook, Gavin Trevor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/935 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Over and above the fact that South African automotive business firms do not have the advantages of a major domestic market and are far removed from the major world markets, they face the challenges of operating in a tough and ever-changing environment. This environment is characterised by a global recession, aggressive global competition, high inflation and more demanding customers. To overcome these obstacles and to ensure their continuous success and existence, these domestic firms need to create a competitive advantage. The establishment of such a competitive advantage is dependent on a number of factors which mainly include sourcing from a world-class supplier base in terms of price, quality and service delivery. The main objective and central theme of this study is to determine the factors that are required by a supplier in the South African automotive industry to be classified as a world-class supplier. In support of the main objective, it was necessary to source the reasons why a firm would find it important to trade with a world-class supplier base, and to determine whether the current levels of supplier performance as experienced by buying firms in the Eastern Cape automotive industry, could be regarded as world-class. Furthermore, the study set out to determine the consequences to customer firms of inferior supplier performance, as well as the actions currently taken and support programmes in place to bring suppliers in line with world-class standards. As a starting point to the study, a literature review was undertaken which revealed the definite interdependence between a business firm and the environment in which it operates. The review underlined the need for environmental scanning as a means to proactively manage the impact of environmental changes on a firm. Porter’s value chain and business process re-engineering, as discussed in the study, are also perceived as means to manage environmental changes. The literature study further revealed some of the latest business trends followed by automotive business firms, as well as the expected supplier buy-in to ensure success. A statistical analysis on the quantitative data gathered, grouped specific items (questions) that relate to the study’s main objective with three respective individual supplier performance areas. A confirmatory factor analysis which focused on the three factors, namely quality, pricing and service delivery was carried out to assess the validity of the questions used for gathering the research data. The Cronbach Alphas determined for the three factors portrayed the reliability of the research instrument as acceptable. The empirical study revealed a few main factors that automotive business firms strongly perceive as being key to the establishment of a world-class supplier base. These factors are: a culture of continuous improvement; consistently meeting delivery deadlines by being able to respond to customer schedule changes; quoting fair prices and having respect for business ethics; as well as the consistent application of a quality policy which leads to conformance to specifications and subsequent high levels of product reliability. The empirical study also identified the following benefits enjoyed by customer business firms when trading with a world-class supplier base: Firms are able to be more flexible to customer schedule changes; they receive products that meet specifications; and they are able to operate at lower costs. The empirical findings with regard to the current level of supplier performance in the Eastern Cape Province automotive industry highlighted mainly three problem areas. These are late deliveries; the inability of suppliers to respond to customer schedule changes; as well as a lack of continuous improvement. Late deliveries which lead to production stoppages, with its resultant high costs, as well as the receipt of below-par quality products, were revealed as the main consequences when dealing with suppliers whose performance are not world-class. The main actions taken and programmes or incentives offered by automotive business firms to bring inferior suppliers more in line with world-class performance, include the rewarding of good suppliers by granting them more business; applying formal supplier performance evaluations; and having regular supplier audits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Knowledge production in a think tank: a case study of the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)
- Authors: Muzondo, Shingirirai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Knowledge management -- South Africa , Knowledge representation (Information theory) , Knowledge, Sociology of , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: vital:11569 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/252 , Knowledge management -- South Africa , Knowledge representation (Information theory) , Knowledge, Sociology of , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Description: The study sought to investigate the system of knowledge production at AISA and assess the challenges of producing knowledge at the institution. The objectives of the study were to: identify AISA‟s main achievements in knowledge production; determine AISA‟s challenges in producing knowledge; find out how AISA‟s organizational culture impacts on internal knowledge production; and suggest ways of improving knowledge production at AISA. A case study was used as a research method and purposive sampling used to select 50 cases out of a study population of 70. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed to AISA employees and where possible face-to-face interviews were conducted. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data which were collected. Findings of the study may be used by governments across sub-Saharan Africa to produce relevant knowledge for formulating and implementing economic, social and technological policies. It is also important in identifying challenges that may hinder the successful production of knowledge. The study revealed that AISA has a well defined system of knowledge production and has had many achievements that have contributed to its relevance as a think tank today. The study found out that AISA has faced different challenges with the main one being organizational culture. From the findings, the researcher recommended that AISA should establish itself as a knowledge-based organization. It should also create a knowledge friendly culture as a framework for addressing the issue of organizational culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Muzondo, Shingirirai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Knowledge management -- South Africa , Knowledge representation (Information theory) , Knowledge, Sociology of , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: vital:11569 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/252 , Knowledge management -- South Africa , Knowledge representation (Information theory) , Knowledge, Sociology of , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Description: The study sought to investigate the system of knowledge production at AISA and assess the challenges of producing knowledge at the institution. The objectives of the study were to: identify AISA‟s main achievements in knowledge production; determine AISA‟s challenges in producing knowledge; find out how AISA‟s organizational culture impacts on internal knowledge production; and suggest ways of improving knowledge production at AISA. A case study was used as a research method and purposive sampling used to select 50 cases out of a study population of 70. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed to AISA employees and where possible face-to-face interviews were conducted. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data which were collected. Findings of the study may be used by governments across sub-Saharan Africa to produce relevant knowledge for formulating and implementing economic, social and technological policies. It is also important in identifying challenges that may hinder the successful production of knowledge. The study revealed that AISA has a well defined system of knowledge production and has had many achievements that have contributed to its relevance as a think tank today. The study found out that AISA has faced different challenges with the main one being organizational culture. From the findings, the researcher recommended that AISA should establish itself as a knowledge-based organization. It should also create a knowledge friendly culture as a framework for addressing the issue of organizational culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Labour hire: the impact of labour broking on employee job satisfaction and commitment in a number of Namibian organizations
- Shivangulula, Shirley Euginia
- Authors: Shivangulula, Shirley Euginia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Temporary employment -- Namibia , Industrial relations -- Namibia , Employee motivation , Labor market -- Namibia , Labor policy -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:3054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002563 , Temporary employment -- Namibia , Industrial relations -- Namibia , Employee motivation , Labor market -- Namibia , Labor policy -- Namibia
- Description: Over decades, job satisfaction has generated active empirical research. Similarly, organizational commitment, another attitudinal variable in the work domain, strongly related to, but distinctly different from job satisfaction, received comparatively equal research scrutiny. However, research on the impact of labour broking on employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment is nonexistent in Namibia. Using a quantitative approach, within a positivist paradigm, the purpose of this thesis was to examine the impact of labour broking on employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment as well as to determine the dynamics that mediate such experiences. These experiences were examined through a 5-dimensional, 72-item Job Descriptive Index and a 3-dimensional, 12-item Organizational Commitment Questionnaire over a sample size of 108 temporary and permanent employees, drawn through random probability sampling in a number of Namibian organizations that make use of labour hire services. These experiences were further amplified by face-to-face interviews over a sub sample of 20 employees. Data analysis was carried out using the chi-square, correlation, t-tests and multiple regression techniques of the STATISTICA software. Drawing on the principles of the multi dimensional theory of organizational commitment, the Cornell dispositional theory of job satisfaction and the temporary employee stigmatization model, results revealed that variables of employment status, tenure, inadequate income, inappropriate supervision and fear of job losses ahead of a newly proposed piece of legislat st labour hire ractices significantly influenced job satisfaction and organizational commitment of employees. Estimates indicate that for a mere change in tenure, job satisfaction levels will significantly rise by 0.26 units, whereas organizational commitment will augment by 0.03 units. However, for every N$ fall in employees’ pay, we can expect job satisfaction levels to decrease by 26%, but with significant effects. The study recommends that organizations must adopt policies that grant permanent tenure to all their employees, position them in respected and challenging jobs in which they will grow skills and ensure that all employees are remunerated with pay that signals their contribution to the organizations. In doing so, the negative effects of labour broking will disappear and employees will be satisfied with their jobs and Tommitted to their organizations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Shivangulula, Shirley Euginia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Temporary employment -- Namibia , Industrial relations -- Namibia , Employee motivation , Labor market -- Namibia , Labor policy -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:3054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002563 , Temporary employment -- Namibia , Industrial relations -- Namibia , Employee motivation , Labor market -- Namibia , Labor policy -- Namibia
- Description: Over decades, job satisfaction has generated active empirical research. Similarly, organizational commitment, another attitudinal variable in the work domain, strongly related to, but distinctly different from job satisfaction, received comparatively equal research scrutiny. However, research on the impact of labour broking on employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment is nonexistent in Namibia. Using a quantitative approach, within a positivist paradigm, the purpose of this thesis was to examine the impact of labour broking on employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment as well as to determine the dynamics that mediate such experiences. These experiences were examined through a 5-dimensional, 72-item Job Descriptive Index and a 3-dimensional, 12-item Organizational Commitment Questionnaire over a sample size of 108 temporary and permanent employees, drawn through random probability sampling in a number of Namibian organizations that make use of labour hire services. These experiences were further amplified by face-to-face interviews over a sub sample of 20 employees. Data analysis was carried out using the chi-square, correlation, t-tests and multiple regression techniques of the STATISTICA software. Drawing on the principles of the multi dimensional theory of organizational commitment, the Cornell dispositional theory of job satisfaction and the temporary employee stigmatization model, results revealed that variables of employment status, tenure, inadequate income, inappropriate supervision and fear of job losses ahead of a newly proposed piece of legislat st labour hire ractices significantly influenced job satisfaction and organizational commitment of employees. Estimates indicate that for a mere change in tenure, job satisfaction levels will significantly rise by 0.26 units, whereas organizational commitment will augment by 0.03 units. However, for every N$ fall in employees’ pay, we can expect job satisfaction levels to decrease by 26%, but with significant effects. The study recommends that organizations must adopt policies that grant permanent tenure to all their employees, position them in respected and challenging jobs in which they will grow skills and ensure that all employees are remunerated with pay that signals their contribution to the organizations. In doing so, the negative effects of labour broking will disappear and employees will be satisfied with their jobs and Tommitted to their organizations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Land occupation and the limits of party politics
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008565
- Description: In the recent election the DA, together with COPE, made much of their intention to defend the rule of the law. But while the dust thrown up in that election is still settling, the City of Cape Town is already engaged in violent and unlawful behaviour towards its most vulnerable citizens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008565
- Description: In the recent election the DA, together with COPE, made much of their intention to defend the rule of the law. But while the dust thrown up in that election is still settling, the City of Cape Town is already engaged in violent and unlawful behaviour towards its most vulnerable citizens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Land reform in South Africa: effects on land prices and productivity
- Authors: Van Rooyen, Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Right of property -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , Agricultural prices -- South Africa , Land tenure -- Government policy -- South Africa , Land reform -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Real property -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002721
- Description: South Africa’s land redistribution policy (1994-2008) has been widely publicised, and has come under scrutiny of late from the public, private and government spheres, highlighting a need for research in this area. The research examines progress in South Africa’s land redistribution programme in two of KwaZulu-Natal’s district municipalities, Uthungulu and iLembe. Specifically the research investigates whether the government has paid above market prices when purchasing sugarcane farmland for redistribution in these districts. Moreover, it is illustrated how productivity on redistributed farms has been affected with the changes in ownership. To investigate the research questions, reviews of theories pertaining to property rights, land reform and market structures were conducted. Moreover, two cases studies were conducted in the districts of Uthungulu and iLembe, with assistance from the Department of Land Affairs, Inkezo Land Company and the South African Cane Growers Association. The case study data indicate that above ordinary market prices have been paid (2004-2006) by the government for sugarcane farmland in the districts concerned, and further that productivity has been negatively impacted ‘during’ and ‘post‘ transfer, in the majority of cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Van Rooyen, Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Right of property -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , Agricultural prices -- South Africa , Land tenure -- Government policy -- South Africa , Land reform -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Real property -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002721
- Description: South Africa’s land redistribution policy (1994-2008) has been widely publicised, and has come under scrutiny of late from the public, private and government spheres, highlighting a need for research in this area. The research examines progress in South Africa’s land redistribution programme in two of KwaZulu-Natal’s district municipalities, Uthungulu and iLembe. Specifically the research investigates whether the government has paid above market prices when purchasing sugarcane farmland for redistribution in these districts. Moreover, it is illustrated how productivity on redistributed farms has been affected with the changes in ownership. To investigate the research questions, reviews of theories pertaining to property rights, land reform and market structures were conducted. Moreover, two cases studies were conducted in the districts of Uthungulu and iLembe, with assistance from the Department of Land Affairs, Inkezo Land Company and the South African Cane Growers Association. The case study data indicate that above ordinary market prices have been paid (2004-2006) by the government for sugarcane farmland in the districts concerned, and further that productivity has been negatively impacted ‘during’ and ‘post‘ transfer, in the majority of cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Language shift in Grahamstown: A case study of selected Xhosa-speakers
- Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158106 , vital:40149 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1515/ijsl.2000.146.87
- Description: A number of scholars (Fasold 1984; Aitchison 1991; Denison 1977; Dorian 1980; Gal 1979) have examined the issue of language maintenance and shift, trying to discover why certain languages (or language variants) sometimes replace each other among some Speakers, particularly in certain domains of linguistic behaviour under some conditions or intergroup contact. This article provides an overview of the main factors that have been identified as playing an important role in influencing language shift and then reports on the relative importance of these factors in a survey that examined the experiences and attitudes of Xhosa-speaking parents who have recently chosen to send their children to English-medium schools in Grahamstown (Eastern Cape, South Africa). The research was carried out during 1998, and the project was a multifaceted quantitative and qualitative longitudinal study involving responses to a postal questionnaire sent to all non-English parents at English-medium schools in the town, and follow-up Interviews with 26 parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158106 , vital:40149 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1515/ijsl.2000.146.87
- Description: A number of scholars (Fasold 1984; Aitchison 1991; Denison 1977; Dorian 1980; Gal 1979) have examined the issue of language maintenance and shift, trying to discover why certain languages (or language variants) sometimes replace each other among some Speakers, particularly in certain domains of linguistic behaviour under some conditions or intergroup contact. This article provides an overview of the main factors that have been identified as playing an important role in influencing language shift and then reports on the relative importance of these factors in a survey that examined the experiences and attitudes of Xhosa-speaking parents who have recently chosen to send their children to English-medium schools in Grahamstown (Eastern Cape, South Africa). The research was carried out during 1998, and the project was a multifaceted quantitative and qualitative longitudinal study involving responses to a postal questionnaire sent to all non-English parents at English-medium schools in the town, and follow-up Interviews with 26 parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Lead-radium dating of two deep-water fishes from the southern hemisphere, Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus)
- Authors: Andrews, Allen Hia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fishes -- Age determination , Fishes -- Southern hemisphere -- Longevity , Fishes -- Growth , Radioactive dating , Patagonian toothfish , Patagonian toothfish -- Fisheries , Orange roughy , Orange roughy -- Fisheries , Deep-sea fishes -- Southern hemisphere , Deep-sea fisheries , Deep-sea fisheries -- Southern hemisphere
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005140
- Description: Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) or "Chilean sea bass" support a valuable and controversial fishery, but the life history is little known and longevity estimates range from ~20 to more than 40 or 50 yr. In this study, lead-radium dating provided validated age estimates from juveniles to older adults, supporting the use of otoliths as accurate indicators of age. The oldest age groups were near 30 yr, which provided support for age estimates exceeding 40 or 50 yr from grow zone counts in otolith sections. Hence, scale reading, which rarely exceeds 20 years, has the potential for age underestimation. Lead-radium dating revealed what may be minor differences in age interpretation between two facilities and findings may provide an age-validated opportunity for the CCAMLR Otolith Network to reassess otolith interpretations. Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) support a major deep-sea fishery and stock assessments often depend on age analyses, but lifespan estimates range from ~20 to over 100 yr and validation of growth zone counts remained unresolved. An early application of lead-radium dating supported centenarian ages, but the findings were met with disbelief and some studies have attempted to discredit the technique and the long lifespan. In this study, an improved lead-radium dating technique used smaller samples than previously possible and circumvented assumptions that were previously necessary. Lead-radium dating of otolith cores, the first few years of growth, provided ratios that correlated well with the ingrowth curve. This provided robust support for age estimates from otolith thin sections. Use of radiometric ages as independent age estimates indicated the fish in the oldest group were at least 93 yr. Lead-radium dating has validated a centenarian lifespan for orange roughy. To date, radium-226 has been measured in otoliths of 39 fish species ranging from the northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to the Southern Ocean. In total, 367 reliable radium-226 measurements were made in 36 studies since the first lead-radium dating study on fish in 1982. The activity of radium-226 measurements ranged over 3 orders of magnitude (<0.001 to >1.0 dpm.g⁻¹). An analysis revealed ontogenetic differences in radium-226 uptake that may be attributed to changes in habitat or diet. Radiometric age from otolith core studies was used to describe a radium-226 uptake time-series for some species, which revealed interesting patterns over long periods. This synopsis provides information on the uptake of radium-226 to otoliths from an environmental perspective, which can be used as a basis for future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Andrews, Allen Hia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fishes -- Age determination , Fishes -- Southern hemisphere -- Longevity , Fishes -- Growth , Radioactive dating , Patagonian toothfish , Patagonian toothfish -- Fisheries , Orange roughy , Orange roughy -- Fisheries , Deep-sea fishes -- Southern hemisphere , Deep-sea fisheries , Deep-sea fisheries -- Southern hemisphere
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005140
- Description: Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) or "Chilean sea bass" support a valuable and controversial fishery, but the life history is little known and longevity estimates range from ~20 to more than 40 or 50 yr. In this study, lead-radium dating provided validated age estimates from juveniles to older adults, supporting the use of otoliths as accurate indicators of age. The oldest age groups were near 30 yr, which provided support for age estimates exceeding 40 or 50 yr from grow zone counts in otolith sections. Hence, scale reading, which rarely exceeds 20 years, has the potential for age underestimation. Lead-radium dating revealed what may be minor differences in age interpretation between two facilities and findings may provide an age-validated opportunity for the CCAMLR Otolith Network to reassess otolith interpretations. Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) support a major deep-sea fishery and stock assessments often depend on age analyses, but lifespan estimates range from ~20 to over 100 yr and validation of growth zone counts remained unresolved. An early application of lead-radium dating supported centenarian ages, but the findings were met with disbelief and some studies have attempted to discredit the technique and the long lifespan. In this study, an improved lead-radium dating technique used smaller samples than previously possible and circumvented assumptions that were previously necessary. Lead-radium dating of otolith cores, the first few years of growth, provided ratios that correlated well with the ingrowth curve. This provided robust support for age estimates from otolith thin sections. Use of radiometric ages as independent age estimates indicated the fish in the oldest group were at least 93 yr. Lead-radium dating has validated a centenarian lifespan for orange roughy. To date, radium-226 has been measured in otoliths of 39 fish species ranging from the northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to the Southern Ocean. In total, 367 reliable radium-226 measurements were made in 36 studies since the first lead-radium dating study on fish in 1982. The activity of radium-226 measurements ranged over 3 orders of magnitude (<0.001 to >1.0 dpm.g⁻¹). An analysis revealed ontogenetic differences in radium-226 uptake that may be attributed to changes in habitat or diet. Radiometric age from otolith core studies was used to describe a radium-226 uptake time-series for some species, which revealed interesting patterns over long periods. This synopsis provides information on the uptake of radium-226 to otoliths from an environmental perspective, which can be used as a basis for future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Learning about sustainability through experiencing complex, adverse conditions typical of the South : reflections from the African Catchment Games played in Finland 2008
- Fraenkel, Linda A, Fox, Roddy C
- Authors: Fraenkel, Linda A , Fox, Roddy C
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6666 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006678
- Description: The African Catchment Game is an innovative role playing game which was played twice in Finland in 2008 as part of the CIMO funded collaboration between Finland Futures Research Centre and Rhodes University. It simulates a "real imaginary country" and enables participants to explore and experience how southern countries may or may not develop scenarios of sustainable resource extraction and consumption. New processes modelling climatic variability, water management and consumption were introduced for these two game runs. This imaginary country has roles for an urban/industrial sector, the informal sector, trading intermediaries, overseas trade, a government comprised of a president and two ministers, peasant and commercial farmers. Chapman's original game, Green Revolution Game/Exaction, is based on systems and complexity theories from the 1970s and 1980s. Our modifications to Chapman’s game are underpinned by theories of Complex Adaptive Systems and educational approaches based on constructivist, active/experiential learning models. The paper presents an analysis of the two Finnish games from the perspectives of the participants and the game managers. Participants’ information came from pre and post game questionnaires and the focus group discussions that were part of the debriefing pro-cess. These two methods enabled us to examine the local and network processes which de-veloped during the games. Global scale processes of production, consumption, resource utilization, trading and water provision was collected by the game managers as part of their management processes throughout each game run. Our analysis shows that the par-ticipants’ understanding altered and deepened as a result of playing the game. The nature of the game, as a Complex Adaptive System, and the constructivist learning approach through which the game is experienced means that lessons of a more universal nature cannot be extrapolated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Fraenkel, Linda A , Fox, Roddy C
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6666 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006678
- Description: The African Catchment Game is an innovative role playing game which was played twice in Finland in 2008 as part of the CIMO funded collaboration between Finland Futures Research Centre and Rhodes University. It simulates a "real imaginary country" and enables participants to explore and experience how southern countries may or may not develop scenarios of sustainable resource extraction and consumption. New processes modelling climatic variability, water management and consumption were introduced for these two game runs. This imaginary country has roles for an urban/industrial sector, the informal sector, trading intermediaries, overseas trade, a government comprised of a president and two ministers, peasant and commercial farmers. Chapman's original game, Green Revolution Game/Exaction, is based on systems and complexity theories from the 1970s and 1980s. Our modifications to Chapman’s game are underpinned by theories of Complex Adaptive Systems and educational approaches based on constructivist, active/experiential learning models. The paper presents an analysis of the two Finnish games from the perspectives of the participants and the game managers. Participants’ information came from pre and post game questionnaires and the focus group discussions that were part of the debriefing pro-cess. These two methods enabled us to examine the local and network processes which de-veloped during the games. Global scale processes of production, consumption, resource utilization, trading and water provision was collected by the game managers as part of their management processes throughout each game run. Our analysis shows that the par-ticipants’ understanding altered and deepened as a result of playing the game. The nature of the game, as a Complex Adaptive System, and the constructivist learning approach through which the game is experienced means that lessons of a more universal nature cannot be extrapolated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Learning, governance and livelihoods : toward adaptive co-management under resource poor conditions in South Africa
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Natural resources -- Co-management -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4747 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006961
- Description: Through collaborative monitoring and case study comparison, this thesis explores conceptual and methodological approaches to monitoring transitions toward adaptive co-management. In so doing, a number of knowledge gaps are addressed. Firstly, conceptual and methodological frameworks are developed for monitoring transitions toward adaptive co-management. Secondly, a conceptual and practical approach to monitoring the processes of collaboration and learning is developed and tested. Thirdly, a conceptual and practical approach to monitoring the governance outcomes of adaptive co-management is developed and tested. Fourthly, a conceptual and practical approach to monitoring the livelihood outcomes of adaptive co-management is developed and tested. Based on the outcomes from these four components of the study, this thesis explores the ways in which transitions toward adaptive co-management might be initiated under the resource poor conditions that characterise South Africa's communal areas. The four case studies explored in the study are described as 'resource poor' in terms of institutional capacity, ecosystem productivity and social vulnerability. From a resilience perspective these case studies can be described as being in the re-organisation phase of the adaptive cycle following multiple disturbances over time, largely due to South Africa's historical 'separate development' policies. Scholars have suggested that it is in this re-organisation phase that innovation and novelty might occur. The lens of social learning is applied to analyse collaborative processes within these contexts. Results indicate that the institutional innovation necessary for transitions toward adaptive co-management relies on careful facilitation by an 'honest broker'. Equally important is finding a balance between maintaining key individuals and knowledge holders within decision making networks, and preventing rigidity and vulnerability within communities of practice. The results point to an over simplification in the rhetoric that currently surrounds the learning outcomes of multi level networks. The governance outcomes of the initiatives are explored through the lenses of adaptive governance, social capital, adaptive capacity and self-organisation. Results indicate that under resource poor conditions creating the conditions that facilitate self-organisation is the major challenge facing transformations toward adaptive governance. Long term access to reliable information and capacity and financial support for adaptive management are key constraining variables. The livelihood outcomes of the initiatives are analysed through the lens of resilience and diversification. Results suggest that flexibility, rather than livelihood diversity, is the key livelihood strategy employed by households in situations were options are limited. Interventions that enhance opportunities for households to specialise in situ by actively dealing with structural constraints, such as access to markets and credit, is vital to encouraging innovation during transitions toward adaptive co-management. Based on the results from monitoring, this study identifies key focus areas that require a great deal more attention if transitions toward adaptive co-management are to be initiated under resource poor conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Natural resources -- Co-management -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4747 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006961
- Description: Through collaborative monitoring and case study comparison, this thesis explores conceptual and methodological approaches to monitoring transitions toward adaptive co-management. In so doing, a number of knowledge gaps are addressed. Firstly, conceptual and methodological frameworks are developed for monitoring transitions toward adaptive co-management. Secondly, a conceptual and practical approach to monitoring the processes of collaboration and learning is developed and tested. Thirdly, a conceptual and practical approach to monitoring the governance outcomes of adaptive co-management is developed and tested. Fourthly, a conceptual and practical approach to monitoring the livelihood outcomes of adaptive co-management is developed and tested. Based on the outcomes from these four components of the study, this thesis explores the ways in which transitions toward adaptive co-management might be initiated under the resource poor conditions that characterise South Africa's communal areas. The four case studies explored in the study are described as 'resource poor' in terms of institutional capacity, ecosystem productivity and social vulnerability. From a resilience perspective these case studies can be described as being in the re-organisation phase of the adaptive cycle following multiple disturbances over time, largely due to South Africa's historical 'separate development' policies. Scholars have suggested that it is in this re-organisation phase that innovation and novelty might occur. The lens of social learning is applied to analyse collaborative processes within these contexts. Results indicate that the institutional innovation necessary for transitions toward adaptive co-management relies on careful facilitation by an 'honest broker'. Equally important is finding a balance between maintaining key individuals and knowledge holders within decision making networks, and preventing rigidity and vulnerability within communities of practice. The results point to an over simplification in the rhetoric that currently surrounds the learning outcomes of multi level networks. The governance outcomes of the initiatives are explored through the lenses of adaptive governance, social capital, adaptive capacity and self-organisation. Results indicate that under resource poor conditions creating the conditions that facilitate self-organisation is the major challenge facing transformations toward adaptive governance. Long term access to reliable information and capacity and financial support for adaptive management are key constraining variables. The livelihood outcomes of the initiatives are analysed through the lens of resilience and diversification. Results suggest that flexibility, rather than livelihood diversity, is the key livelihood strategy employed by households in situations were options are limited. Interventions that enhance opportunities for households to specialise in situ by actively dealing with structural constraints, such as access to markets and credit, is vital to encouraging innovation during transitions toward adaptive co-management. Based on the results from monitoring, this study identifies key focus areas that require a great deal more attention if transitions toward adaptive co-management are to be initiated under resource poor conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Legal access to our musical history: an investigation into the copyright implications of archived musical recordings held at the International Library of African Music (ILAM) in South Africa
- Authors: McConnachie, Boudina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Tracey, Hugh International Library of African Music South Africa. Copyright Act 1978 Copyright -- Music -- South Africa Music -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002313
- Description: This thesis explores the South African Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978 as it pertains to the archived holdings at the International Library of African Music (ILAM) situated at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. The purpose of analysing this law is to advise and assist ILAM in fulfilling royalty payment obligations as stipulated in a contract signed between ILAM and the Smithsonian Global Sound (formally Global Sound Network) in 2001. In order to clearly comprehend the scope of the royalty payment clause in the Smithsonian Institution’s contract with ILAM, this research includes an examination of: the history and nature of South African copyright as a sub-structure of intellectual property; specific internationally documented copyright infringement cases; the recording and documentation practices of Hugh Tracey (ILAM’s founder and director from 1954 to 1977); the contract between Global Sound Network and ILAM; and contentious issues surrounding collective ownership and indigenous knowledge. In conclusion, this research suggests equitable solutions to ILAM’s copyright concerns and proposes the Eastern Cape Music Archiving Project (ECMAP) as a practical vehicle to assist the South African Department of Trade and Industry in implementation of the South African Intellectual Property Amendment Bill (2008) if, and when, it is passed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: McConnachie, Boudina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Tracey, Hugh International Library of African Music South Africa. Copyright Act 1978 Copyright -- Music -- South Africa Music -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002313
- Description: This thesis explores the South African Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978 as it pertains to the archived holdings at the International Library of African Music (ILAM) situated at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. The purpose of analysing this law is to advise and assist ILAM in fulfilling royalty payment obligations as stipulated in a contract signed between ILAM and the Smithsonian Global Sound (formally Global Sound Network) in 2001. In order to clearly comprehend the scope of the royalty payment clause in the Smithsonian Institution’s contract with ILAM, this research includes an examination of: the history and nature of South African copyright as a sub-structure of intellectual property; specific internationally documented copyright infringement cases; the recording and documentation practices of Hugh Tracey (ILAM’s founder and director from 1954 to 1977); the contract between Global Sound Network and ILAM; and contentious issues surrounding collective ownership and indigenous knowledge. In conclusion, this research suggests equitable solutions to ILAM’s copyright concerns and proposes the Eastern Cape Music Archiving Project (ECMAP) as a practical vehicle to assist the South African Department of Trade and Industry in implementation of the South African Intellectual Property Amendment Bill (2008) if, and when, it is passed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Liberalisation and regulation of trade in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) : a critical analysis of the SADC trade protocol's provisions and its implementation
- Authors: Dube, Memory
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Organization) World Trade Organization Customs unions Foreign trade regulation Free trade -- Africa, Southern Southern African Development Community International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008204
- Description: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) declared a Free Trade Area on 17 August 2008. The Free Trade Area is the ultimate objective of the Trade Protocol on trade cooperation in SADC, signed in 1996. The Protocol is supported and complemented by the ambitious Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The idea behind the SADC Trade Protocol was to counter the developmental challenges facing SADC member states and to improve the productive and trade capacity of SADC countries. The implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area has been guided by the WTO/GATT regulatory framework on regional trade agreements, particularly GATT Article XXIV, the Understanding on the Interpretation of GATT Article XXIV, as well as the Decision on Differential and More Favourable Treatment, Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developing Countries (Enabling Clause). This research seeks to analyse the SADC Trade Protocol's provisions and the implementation of such provisions. To facilitate an understanding of factors that affect the implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol, SADC's institutional and operational framework is discussed from a legal-historical perspective. The provisions of the Trade Protocol are analysed for compliance with WTO/GA TT rules as well as for applicability within the SADC context. The provisions of the WTO/GA TT regulatory framework on regional trade agreements are also analysed with a view to determining whether they are applicable in developing country situations such as SADC. The Free Trade Area is seen as the first step towards regional economic integration in the region and is to be followed by a Customs Union, a Common Market and then eventually an Economic Community with its own central bank and regional currency. It is envisaged that the region will proceed through all these traditional theoretical phases of economic integration between 2008 and 2018. The implementation of the Trade Protocol has been beset with institutional, administrative and infrastructural challenges which pose obstacles to the attainment of the other stages of economic integration in the time frames prescribed in the RISDP. These challenges are assessed for impact on the regional economic integration of SADC by evaluating the progress towards implementing the Trade Protocol provisions and the implementation of measures taken towards the launch of the Free Trade Area. Emerging issues are also identified and analysed for their effect on the Free Trade Area and the general economic agenda of SADC. Of particular note is the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) being negotiated with the European Union where SADC countries are negotiating in four different configurations. An analysis of this EPA situation reveals that it compounds a pre-existing problem: that of overlapping membership of regional trade agreements. Prior to the EPAs and the intensified drive towards the creation of the Customs Union, there was largely no need to rationalise the overlap in regional trade agreement memberships, but it is now a matter of urgency. The overlap in membership has complicated EPA negotiations and places serious doubts on the prospects of complete regional integration in SADC.This research concludes with observations on South Africa's complicated relationship with her SADC neighbours. South Africa's trade policies, as regards both the SADC region and the world, are discussed. Because of its political and economic dominance, South Africa's policies have a ripple effect on the rest of SADC; hence the need for South Africa to be vigilant in formulating and implementing its trade policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Dube, Memory
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Organization) World Trade Organization Customs unions Foreign trade regulation Free trade -- Africa, Southern Southern African Development Community International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008204
- Description: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) declared a Free Trade Area on 17 August 2008. The Free Trade Area is the ultimate objective of the Trade Protocol on trade cooperation in SADC, signed in 1996. The Protocol is supported and complemented by the ambitious Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The idea behind the SADC Trade Protocol was to counter the developmental challenges facing SADC member states and to improve the productive and trade capacity of SADC countries. The implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area has been guided by the WTO/GATT regulatory framework on regional trade agreements, particularly GATT Article XXIV, the Understanding on the Interpretation of GATT Article XXIV, as well as the Decision on Differential and More Favourable Treatment, Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developing Countries (Enabling Clause). This research seeks to analyse the SADC Trade Protocol's provisions and the implementation of such provisions. To facilitate an understanding of factors that affect the implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol, SADC's institutional and operational framework is discussed from a legal-historical perspective. The provisions of the Trade Protocol are analysed for compliance with WTO/GA TT rules as well as for applicability within the SADC context. The provisions of the WTO/GA TT regulatory framework on regional trade agreements are also analysed with a view to determining whether they are applicable in developing country situations such as SADC. The Free Trade Area is seen as the first step towards regional economic integration in the region and is to be followed by a Customs Union, a Common Market and then eventually an Economic Community with its own central bank and regional currency. It is envisaged that the region will proceed through all these traditional theoretical phases of economic integration between 2008 and 2018. The implementation of the Trade Protocol has been beset with institutional, administrative and infrastructural challenges which pose obstacles to the attainment of the other stages of economic integration in the time frames prescribed in the RISDP. These challenges are assessed for impact on the regional economic integration of SADC by evaluating the progress towards implementing the Trade Protocol provisions and the implementation of measures taken towards the launch of the Free Trade Area. Emerging issues are also identified and analysed for their effect on the Free Trade Area and the general economic agenda of SADC. Of particular note is the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) being negotiated with the European Union where SADC countries are negotiating in four different configurations. An analysis of this EPA situation reveals that it compounds a pre-existing problem: that of overlapping membership of regional trade agreements. Prior to the EPAs and the intensified drive towards the creation of the Customs Union, there was largely no need to rationalise the overlap in regional trade agreement memberships, but it is now a matter of urgency. The overlap in membership has complicated EPA negotiations and places serious doubts on the prospects of complete regional integration in SADC.This research concludes with observations on South Africa's complicated relationship with her SADC neighbours. South Africa's trade policies, as regards both the SADC region and the world, are discussed. Because of its political and economic dominance, South Africa's policies have a ripple effect on the rest of SADC; hence the need for South Africa to be vigilant in formulating and implementing its trade policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Lithostratigraphy sedimentology and provenance of the Balfour Formation Beaufort Group in the Fort Beaufort Alice area Eastern Cape Province South Africa
- Authors: Katemaunzanga, David
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11521 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/274 , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: A traverse through the Balfour Formation was chosen in the area around the towns of Fort Beaufort and Alice in the Eastern Cape Province. The main objectives of the study were to map the lithological variations within the Balfour Formation and to distinguish it from the underlying Middleton Formation and the overlying Katberg Formation. A combined desktop, field and laboratory approach was used in this study. Aerial photographs, satellite images and digital topographical maps formed the basis of the desktop work. After desktop mapping, a number of field traverses were measured through the study area. Sedimentary structures were observed, photomosaics were done, stratigraphic sections were measured and samples were collected for thin sectioning, heavy mineral separation and major, trace and REE analysis. Sedimentological development of the Balfour Formation has been outlined in relation to its provenance during the Late Permian. Lithological variation of the Balfour Formation is characterised by alternating sandstone-dominated and mudstone-dominated members. Arenaceous Oudeberg and Barberskrans Members are contain facies ranging from intraformational conglomerates (Gmm), massive sandstones (Sm & Ss), horizontally laminated sandstones (Sh), planar and trough cross-bedded sandstones (Sp, Sl & St), trough cross-laminated sandstones (Sr) and fine-grained sediments (Fm & Fl), whereas the mudstone dominated members are characterised by the facies Fm and Fl. Lithofacies together with bedforms observed in the Balfour Formation were used in architecturalelement analysis. Sandstone–rich members are dominated by channel fill elements such as LS, DA, SB, LA and CH, whereas the fine-grained component consists of mainly, FF iii element. The mudstone-dominated members contain FF, CS and LV elements, with LA, SB and CH in the subordinate sandstones. Petrography, geochemistry and palaeocurrent analysis indicated that the source of the Balfour Formation was to the south-east and the rocks had a transitional/dissected magmatic arc signature. This led to the postulation of the Karoo Basin to have developed in a retro-arc foreland basin where there was supralithospheric loading in the Cape Fold Belt due to a compressional regime initiated by the subduction of Palaeo-Pacific plate underneath the Gondwana plate. The tectonic loading was episodic with eight major paroxysms affecting the Karoo Supergroup. The Balfour Formation coincides with the fourth paroxysm, this paroxysm in turn consists of two third-order paroxysm that initiated the deposition of the Oudeberg and Barberskrans Members in low sinuosity streams. Each paroxysm was followed by a period of quiescence and these resulted in the deposition of the Daggaboersnek, Elandsberg and Palingkloof Members in meandering streams. Depositional environments were determined mainly from the sedimentary structures and 3D architecture of the rock types. Sandstone rich members were formed by seasonal and ephemeral high energy low sinuous streams whereas the fine-grained rich members were formed by ephemeral meandering streams. Palaeoclimates have been equated to the present temperate climates; they were semi-arid becoming arid towards the top of the Balfour Formation. This has been determined geochemistry (CIA), sedimentary structures and other rock properties like colour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Katemaunzanga, David
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11521 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/274 , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: A traverse through the Balfour Formation was chosen in the area around the towns of Fort Beaufort and Alice in the Eastern Cape Province. The main objectives of the study were to map the lithological variations within the Balfour Formation and to distinguish it from the underlying Middleton Formation and the overlying Katberg Formation. A combined desktop, field and laboratory approach was used in this study. Aerial photographs, satellite images and digital topographical maps formed the basis of the desktop work. After desktop mapping, a number of field traverses were measured through the study area. Sedimentary structures were observed, photomosaics were done, stratigraphic sections were measured and samples were collected for thin sectioning, heavy mineral separation and major, trace and REE analysis. Sedimentological development of the Balfour Formation has been outlined in relation to its provenance during the Late Permian. Lithological variation of the Balfour Formation is characterised by alternating sandstone-dominated and mudstone-dominated members. Arenaceous Oudeberg and Barberskrans Members are contain facies ranging from intraformational conglomerates (Gmm), massive sandstones (Sm & Ss), horizontally laminated sandstones (Sh), planar and trough cross-bedded sandstones (Sp, Sl & St), trough cross-laminated sandstones (Sr) and fine-grained sediments (Fm & Fl), whereas the mudstone dominated members are characterised by the facies Fm and Fl. Lithofacies together with bedforms observed in the Balfour Formation were used in architecturalelement analysis. Sandstone–rich members are dominated by channel fill elements such as LS, DA, SB, LA and CH, whereas the fine-grained component consists of mainly, FF iii element. The mudstone-dominated members contain FF, CS and LV elements, with LA, SB and CH in the subordinate sandstones. Petrography, geochemistry and palaeocurrent analysis indicated that the source of the Balfour Formation was to the south-east and the rocks had a transitional/dissected magmatic arc signature. This led to the postulation of the Karoo Basin to have developed in a retro-arc foreland basin where there was supralithospheric loading in the Cape Fold Belt due to a compressional regime initiated by the subduction of Palaeo-Pacific plate underneath the Gondwana plate. The tectonic loading was episodic with eight major paroxysms affecting the Karoo Supergroup. The Balfour Formation coincides with the fourth paroxysm, this paroxysm in turn consists of two third-order paroxysm that initiated the deposition of the Oudeberg and Barberskrans Members in low sinuosity streams. Each paroxysm was followed by a period of quiescence and these resulted in the deposition of the Daggaboersnek, Elandsberg and Palingkloof Members in meandering streams. Depositional environments were determined mainly from the sedimentary structures and 3D architecture of the rock types. Sandstone rich members were formed by seasonal and ephemeral high energy low sinuous streams whereas the fine-grained rich members were formed by ephemeral meandering streams. Palaeoclimates have been equated to the present temperate climates; they were semi-arid becoming arid towards the top of the Balfour Formation. This has been determined geochemistry (CIA), sedimentary structures and other rock properties like colour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009