The development of sustainability criteria to facilitate the selection of sanitation technologies within the Buffalo City Municipality (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa)
- Authors: Hoossein, Shafick
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Water quality -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Environmental health -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Environmental management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:32275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004595
- Description: Two and a half billion people mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia remain without improved sanitation facilities despite the Millennium Development Goal 7's target to halve this number by 2015. While it might be tempting for developing countries such as South Africa to implement the cheapest and most rapidly constructed sanitation services simply to meet the desired target, this could have significant negative implications on human health and the environment over the long-term. As a result, there is a need to ensure that the most appropriate sustainable sanitation technologies are selected during the planning stage. The purpose of this research was therefore to document the development and pilot application of a flexible context-specific decision-support tool for sustainable sanitation technology selection within Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The first step in the development process was to ascertain the current status of sanitation within the municipality, with a specific focus on the main challenges related to the provision, maintenance and performance of these technologies. Thereafter, a participatory approach was employed involving BCM stakeholders to develop a series of sustainability criteria and indicators that took into consideration economic, social, environmental and technical concerns as well as legal requirements. The development process resulted in a list of 38 BCM sustainable sanitation selection criteria that were applied in a pilot study involving rural, urban and peri-urban communities within BCM. Certain criteria related to topographical features and the availability of piped water and land were considered useful for 'coarse screening' while others were applied during 'fine screening'. In order to enhance the context specificity of criteria, each was weighted, through consultation with key BCM stakeholders. This research confirmed that the sanitation situation in BCM was poor and preliminary evidence indicated that sanitation systems were negatively impacting on the quality of water resources within BCM justifying the need for a sustainable sanitation decision support tool. Based on the pilot application of the BCM Sustainability Selection Criteria List, the urine diversion technology was considered the most sustainable technology option in each study site. There were however, certain social criteria that received relatively low sustainability scores and these would need to be addressed prior to the approval of this technology for implementation. The approach adopted in this thesis was considered highly context-specific yet flexible and appropriate for adoption not only by BCM but other municipalities on a range of spatial scales.
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The development of the stock market and its effect on economic growth: the case of SADC
- Authors: Elliott, Kevin Andrew
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Stocks -- Africa, Southern , Stock exchanges -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002701 , Stocks -- Africa, Southern , Stock exchanges -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern
- Description: Using a pooled panel data set from nine developing countries within the SADC region from 1992 to 2004, this paper empirically examines; firstly, the relationship between stock market development and long-term economic growth, and secondly, the macroeconomic determinants of stock market development, particularly market capitalisation as a percentage of GDP. The results suggest that there is a strong link between stock market development and economic growth, particularly through the liquidity provided by the market. The evidence obtained lends support to the view that a well-developed and functioning stock market can boost economic growth by enhancing faster capital accumulation and allowing for better resource allocation, particularly in developing countries. In terms of the macroeconomic determinants of stock market development, the results support those of Garcia and Liu (1999), in that we found the indicators of financial intermediary development, the value of shares traded as a percentage of GDP and the macroeconomic instability variable to be important determinants of stock market development.
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The economic potential of small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands
- Authors: Reynolds, Kian Andrew
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic geography -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007492
- Description: Small town economic decline has been experienced in many countries across the globe and can be explained through Geographical Economics, particularly the New Economic Geography, which suggests that agglomeration occurs as a natural outcome of high transportation and transactional costs. Yet despite the economic rationale behind their decline it is not an economic inevitability and there is evidence of towns in the United States, New Zealand and Canada that have reversed their economic fortunes. [n South Africa approximately 5 million people live in the 500 small towns and many more live in their rural hinterlands where povelty levels are extremely high within a national context. Within this context the thesis examines the current economic status and potential growth prospects of small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands in South Africa in order to identify critical growth dri vers within small town economies. Five small towns were selected for the study via means of a purposive sample and were subjected to two regional modelling techniques, namely Shift-Share Analysis and Economic Base Theory to determine their current economic trends and past growth patterns, while a Social Accounting Matrix was utilised to identify important sectoral linkages, potential avenues for growth and evident leakages within small town economies. The sampled towns experienced negative economic growth trends between 1996 and 200 I, the primary loss in employment being accounted for by regional economic changes as opposed to national or industrial trends. The decline was more severely felt in primary/industrial sectors of the economy; evidence was found that manufacturing activities declined in all of the centres, despite the industry growing nationally. The Social Accounting Matrix highlighted strong links between the agricultural and services sectors within the national economy. Thus, considering that agriculture was identified as the primary economic driver within the region and the services sector the largest employer in all of the towns it is evident that the economic potential of the towns is to a certain extent linked to the success of agriculture in their hinterlands. Seven growth drivers, namely size, local economic development, existing markets, existing industries, infrastructure, municipal leadership and local entrepreneurs and were linked via means of a scoring framework to the sampled towns' economic potential. Whilst the results of actually determining a towns economic potential are not definitive the study does provide useful insights about the impact and potential role played by these drivers. Linked to this scoring framework and to Cook's (1971) hierarchy of places in the Eastern Cape Midlands four categories of towns were identified in the commercial falming areas and recommendations were made about appropriate developmental interventions at a municipal level, such as the need to retain local entrepreneurs and to invest in social amenities. Considering the evident need for development in rural areas the study provides critical insights into how to prioritise development strategies within small rural towns in commercial farming areas. In addition it would enable municipalities to critically reflect on their municipal Local Economic Development strategies and the relevance within the context of small towns. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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The effect of load and technique on biomechanical and perceptual responses during dynamic pushing and pulling
- Authors: Desai, Sheena Dhiksha
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Work -- Physiological aspects , Biomechanics , Human engineering , Lifting and carrying
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005187 , Work -- Physiological aspects , Biomechanics , Human engineering , Lifting and carrying
- Description: Changes in the industrial job profile, from lifting and lowering to repetitive dynamic pushing and pulling have been facilitated through the use of manual vehicles, aimed at minimising the workload. Yet, the demands of pushing and pulling have not been well documented. Using measures of the horizontal component of the hand forces, spinal kinematics, muscle activity at various sites on the upper body and body discomfort ratings, this study aimed at quantifying the biomechanical and perceptual demands of various dynamic push/pull techniques. 36 healthy male participants performed two-handed forward pushing, two-handed backward pulling and one-handed forward pulling, employing an industrial pallet jack supporting two loads of 250kg or 500kg. While no single technique was definitively identified as preferable regarding hand forces, pushing at 500kg elicited higher initial and sustained forces (p<0.05) than one- and two-handed pulling respectively. Increments in load mass from 250kg to 500kg resulted in significant differences in the initial, sustained and ending forces. With regard to spinal kinematics in the sagittal plane, two-handed pulling elicited the highest trunk flexion, and may therefore expose individuals to prolonged forward bending. Generally this technique was found to evoke the highest sagittal responses. Spinal kinematic measures in the lateral and transverse planes suggested that one-handed pulling was accompanied by the highest measures, and hence the greatest risk of developing lower back disorders related to this plane. Although various combinations of muscles were active during each technique, one-handed pulling and pushing, most often induced the highest muscle activation levels and two-handed pulling, the lowest. While erector spinae evidenced no significant differences between techniques at each load or between loads for the same technique, activation levels were high under all conditions. Perceptual ratings of body discomfort revealed that not only is the upper body susceptible to injuries during pushing and pulling, but also that the lower extremities may have a considerable role to play in these tasks, with the calves being a particular area of concern. Findings concluded that symmetrical pushing and pulling tasks are preferable.
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The effect of load and technique on biomechanical and psychophysical responses to level dynamic pushing and pulling
- Authors: Bennett, Anthea Iona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Work -- Physiological aspects , Human engineering -- Case studies , Lifting and carrying -- Case studies , Biomechanics -- Case studies , Musculoskeletal system -- Wounds and injuries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005188 , Work -- Physiological aspects , Human engineering -- Case studies , Lifting and carrying -- Case studies , Biomechanics -- Case studies , Musculoskeletal system -- Wounds and injuries
- Description: Pushing and pulling research has yet to fully elucidate the demands placed on manual workers despite established epidemiological links to musculoskeletal disorders. The current study therefore aimed to quantify biomechanical and perceptual responses of male operators to dynamic pushing and pulling tasks. Three common push/pull techniques (pushing, one handed and two handed pulling) were performed at loads of 250kg and 500kg using an industrial pallet jack in a laboratory environment. Thirty six healthy male subjects (age: 21 ±2 years, stature: 1791 ±43 mm and body mass: 77 ±10 kg) were required to perform six loaded experimental and two unloaded control conditions. Hand force exertion, muscle activity and gait pattern responses were collected during 10m push/pull trials on a coefficient controlled walkway; body discomfort was assessed on completion of the condition. Horizontal hand force responses were significantly (p<0.05) affected by load, with a linear relationship existing between the two. This relationship is determined by specific environmental and trolley factors and is context specific, depending on factors such as trolley maintenance and type of flooring. Hand force exertion responses were tenuously affected by technique at higher loads in the initial and sustained phases, with pushing inducing the greatest hand forces. Comparison of the motion phases revealed significant differences between all three phases, with the initial phase evidencing the greatest hand forces. Muscle activity responses demonstrated that unloaded backward walking evoked significantly higher muscle activation than did unloaded forward walking whilst increased muscular activity during load movement compared to unloaded walking was observed. However increasing load from 250kg to 500kg did not significantly impact the majority of muscle activity responses. When considering technique effects on muscle activity, of the significant differences found, all indicated that pushing imposed the least demand on the musculoskeletal system. Gait pattern responses were not significantly affected by load/technique combinations and were similar to those elicited during normal, unloaded walking. Perceptually, increased load led to increased perception of discomfort while pushing resulted in the least discomfort at both loads. From these psychophysical responses, the calves, shoulders and biceps were identified as areas of potential musculoskeletal injury, particularly during one and two handed pulling. Pushing elicited the highest hand forces and the lowest muscle activity responses in the majority of the conditions whilst psychophysical responses identified this technique as most satisfactory. Current results advocate the use of pushing when moving a load using a wheeled device. Suitability of one and two handed pulling remains contradictory, however results suggest that one handed pulling be employed at lower loads and two handed pulling at higher loads.
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The effect of progressive resistance training on the blood lipid profile in post-menopausal women
- Authors: Viljoen, Janet Erica
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Weight training for women -- Physiological aspects , Weight training -- Physiological aspects , Exercise for women -- Physiological aspects , Physical fitness for women -- Physiological aspects , Energy metabolism , Middle aged women -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005191 , Weight training for women -- Physiological aspects , Weight training -- Physiological aspects , Exercise for women -- Physiological aspects , Physical fitness for women -- Physiological aspects , Energy metabolism , Middle aged women -- Health and hygiene
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of progressive resistance training on the blood lipid profile in post-menopausal women. Thirty-four female subjects aged 50 to 75 years were selected from the population of Grahamstown, South Africa. All participants were previously sedentary and possessed at least one lipid profile abnormality but were otherwise healthy. Pre-tests included a sub-maximal stress Electrocardiogram, measures of stature, mass, central and limb girths as well as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a total blood lipid profile. Participants took part in a 24-week progressive resistance training programme, consisting of three supervised sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes and were not permitted to lose more than 10% of initial body mass during the 24-week study. All pre-test measures, excluding the stress ECG and the OGTT, were repeated every four weeks for the duration of the study. Results were that body mass, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio did not change. Girth measures at mid-humerus, chest, waist, hip, mid-quadricep and mid-gastrocnemius all decreased significantly (p=0.05). LDL-cholesterol increased significantly over the course of 24 weeks (3.61mmol.L-1 to 4.07mmol.L-1) as did total cholesterol (5.81mmol.L-1 to 6.24mmol.L-1). Triglyceride concentration remained unchanged and HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly between the pre-test measure (1.55mmol.L-1) and the measure after six months (1.42mmol.L-1). It can be concluded that the blood lipid profile in a sample of post-menopausal women was not positively affected by a progressive resistance training programme over a 24 week period. , Maiden name: Kelly, Janet Erica
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The evolving image of the German Democratic republic as reflected in the works of Jurek Becker and Christa Wolf
- Authors: Williams, Alison Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Becker, Jurek, 1937-1997 Wolf, Christa German fiction -- Germany (East) -- 20th Century Germany (East) -- History -- 20th Century Germany (East) In literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002159
- Description: The primary objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the direct relationship between history and literature, with particular reference to literature published in the German Democratic Republic. It explores the period of history from 1945 to 1990 describing the collapse of National Socialist Germany after World War Two; the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East in 1949; the historical, political and cultural evolution of East Germany until the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and finally the absorption of the German Democratic Republic into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990.
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The geological framework and depositional environments of the coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin, Botswana
- Authors: Segwabe, Tebogo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Coal -- Geology -- Botswana , Sedimentation and deposition -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005567 , Coal -- Geology -- Botswana , Sedimentation and deposition -- Botswana
- Description: The investigation of the geological history (i.e., stratigraphy and sedimentology) and the dynamics of coal depositional environments, in particular, the forces responsible for changes in the accommodation space (e.g., subsidence vs. sedimentation rates) in the Permian coal-bearing Karoo strata in the Central Kalahari Karoo Basin (Botswana) revealed new details about the depositional processes and environments. Detailed review of the temporal and spatial stratigraphic variation of the coal-bearing Ecca Group successions via the analysis of facies changes based on core descriptions, gamma logs, field observations and palaeo-current measurements, lead to the identification of two main informal stratigraphic units, namely the Basal and Upper Units. The Basal Unit is characterised by an upward-coarsening succession, and it is interpreted as a product of a progradational deltaic setting (i.e., regressive deltaic cycle). This is followed by five sequences of fining-upward successions of sandstones and siltstones in the Upper Unit, interpreted as deposits of distributary channels (the basal arenaceous member) capped by finer argillaceous sequences of the deltaic floodplains (the upper coal-bearing member). The Upper Unit thus is interpreted as a delta plain facies association which was formed during transgressive phases when conditions for coal-quality peat accumulation (e.g., high water table) were present and the available accommodation space was partly controlled by tectonic uplift (repeated?) at basin margins. Limited palaeo-current analysis indicates deposition by channels flowing from the east, south-east and north-east. The lack of good quality exposures hampers the reconstruction of the plan form of the channel patterns. However, the little available evidence indicates a high-energy fluvio-deltaic system with irregular discharge and a high proportion of bedload sediments. Coal-seam thickness in the upper coal-bearing member reflect the complex control of the geological processes associated with and following peat formation, such as differential compaction of the underlying lithology, and the erosive or protective nature of the immediately overlying lithology.
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The governance and management of commonages in three small towns in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Martens, Claire
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Commons -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa Land reform -- South Africa Property -- South Africa Property rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007142
- Description: Commonage is land that is usually found adjacent to a town, which is owned by the local municipality and acquired through state grants or, historically, through the church. Since the new government dispensation in 1994, poor and previously disadvantaged residents have acquired access rights to commonage for agricultural purposes. Through the Department of Land Affair’s Commonage Programme, local municipalities are acquiring more commonage land for purposes of agriculture and grazing livestock. Commonages are increasingly being recognised as an important livelihood asset for the poor and unemployed residents’ of towns and rapid urbanisation is contributing to the increasing use of commonage for livelihood provisioning. Some municipalities view commonage as a key asset to promote Local Economic Development, while others are finding it difficult to manage the land effectively, to the extent that some analysts see tragic ecological consequences occurring due to over-grazing. This has been likened to the “tragedy of the commons” as advocated by Hardin in 1968. Commonage and common property resource systems have many similarities and co-management has been advocated as a potential management regime for commonage. Researching the policy framework, institutional structures and management bodies involved in commonage, gave a better understanding of the governance and management of the commonages in Grahamstown, Fort Beaufort and Bathurst. Current management attempts are not ensuring the efficient, equitable and sustainable use of these commonages. The governance framework is not adequately supporting proper management. In an environment of resource-poor institutional bodies, adaptive co-management could prove to be the most effective system to ensure the sustainable use and development of this natural resource. Furthermore, commonage is no longer contributing to the Land Reform Programme. Commonage should be better integrated into agrarian reform through lease schemes and an efficient Emerging Farmer Programme.
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The ichthyofauna associated with Taylor's salt marsh, Kariega estuary (Eastern Cape), South Africa
- Authors: Booth, Tara Loren
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eelgrass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gray mullets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005396 , Fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eelgrass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gray mullets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The spatial and temporal patterns in the ichthyofaunal community composition and structure in Taylor’s salt marsh and adjacent eelgrass beds (Zostera capensis) in the Kariega Estuary, was investigated every two months between May 2006 and March 2007. Total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass in the salt marsh ranged between 0.55 and 21.7 ind.10m-2 and between 0.03 and 1.9 g.wwt.10m⁻², respectively. There were no significant spatial patterns in the values evident (P > 0.05 in all cases) although seasonal trends were marked, with highest values consistently recorded during the warmer summer months. Investigations into the community structure showed that the ichthyofaunal community within salt marsh was composed almost exclusively of juveniles of estuarine dependant (category II) species, mainly juvenile Mugilidae (<20mm SL) that comprised up to 83% of all fish sampled. Hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling did not identify any distinct spatial patterns in the ichthyofaunal community within the salt marsh. The absence of any spatial patterns in the community structure could be related to the absence of any significant spatial patterns in the physico-chemical (temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations) and biological (water column and microphytobenthic algal concentrations) variables within the salt marsh (P > 0.05 in all cases). Temporal shifts in the ichthyofaunal community structure within the salt marsh were, however, evident largely reflecting the breeding cycles of individual species within the sub-region. Within the adjacent eelgrass beds, total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass ranged between 8.4 and 49.4 ind.10m⁻² and between 2.9 and 94.5 g.wwt.10m⁻², respectively. Once again there were no distinct spatial patterns in the abundance and biomass values evident although seasonal patterns were marked. In contrast to the salt marsh, within the in the eelgrass community, there were a large number of adult individuals recorded. Again category II species, the estuarine dependent species, were numerically and gravimetrically dominant. The dominance of category II species reflects the marine dominance of Kariega Estuary. The remaining estuarine utilisation categories did not contribute significantly to abundance or standing stock totals. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the salt marsh and eelgrass beds represented two distinct habitats within the Kariega Estuary. Within the salt marsh, the family Mugilidae were numerically dominant contributing 83% of the total catch. Within the eelgrass beds, the sparid, Rhabdosargus holubi and representatives of the family Gobidae contributed 36.3% and 33.9% respectively to the total catch. Estuaries with a wide range of microhabitats have been demonstrated to support a more diverse ichthyofaunal community. Shallow water habitats in general are important areas for juvenile fish within estuaries. Taylor’s salt marsh provides an alternative shallow water habitat, occupied by a distinct ichthyofaunal community composition, with increased food availability and decreased predation pressure, for a wide range of fish species.
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The impact of angling on smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, labeobarbus aeneus and labeobarbus kimberleyensis, in Lake Gariep, South Africa
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005133 , Barbus aeneus , Largemouth bass , Labeobarbus , Fishing -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Description: A large sportfishery that targets both smallmouth (Labeobarbus aeneus) and largemouth (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) yellowfish exists in South Africa. Both species have high conservation priority, and no assessments documenting the effect of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis have been undertaken. The overall aim of this study was to provide an assessment of the impact of angling on L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The specific objectives of this study were to characterise the sectors utilising Lake Gariep, document catch, effort and total catch for the fishery as well as the locality specific biology of L. aeneus and L. kimberleyensis. The study was undertaken on Lake Gariep, South Africa's largest impoundment, situated on the Orange River system in central South Africa. Subsistence fishers were the dominant user group, constituting 60 % of the fishery, the remainder constituted recreational anglers. Angler catches were dominated by carp (Cyprinus carpio; 74 %), followed by mudfish (Labeo capensis; 13 %) and smallmouth yellowfish (8 %). Catches of largemouth yellowfish contributed < 0.5 % to the total catch. The relative abundance of species by weight differed by area (χ² test of independence: χ² = 182, df = 4, p ≤ 0.05). On any sampling day time fished was the best predictor for differences in probability of capture (PC) (Wald X²(1) = 7.169, p = 0.007). The probability of capturing L. aeneus differed significantly between month (Wald X²(5) = 20.690, p = 0.000) and region (Wald X²(3) = 46.755, p = 0.000). The single best predictor of differences in log abundance and non-zero CPUE was region (Factorial ANOVA p ≤ 0.05). Mean CPUE ranged from 0.21 ± 0.06 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 0.82 ± 0.11 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the OV region and 0.42 ± 0.10 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ to 1.17 ± 0.24 kg. man⁻¹.hr⁻¹ in the GD region. Angler effort was higher in OV than in GD and ranged from 17 ± 3 anglers/day to 45 ± 9 anglers/day and 6 ± 1 anglers/day to 41 ± 8 anglers/day, respectively. Total catch was higher in the GD 46.0 [95 % CI = 15:102.6] t. period⁻¹ than the OV region 40.0 [95 % CI = 13.9:89.6] t. period⁻¹. The total catch from the Lake Gariep fishery between March and December 2007 was estimated to be 86.0 [95 % CI = 40.4:154.8] t. period⁻¹. Age and growth was determined using whole otoliths. The growth of L. aeneus was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 481.80 (1- e⁻°·²²⁽t⁺°·⁶¹⁾). Gonadal development for L. aeneus was seasonal, with the gonadosomatic index peaking in January, revealing a distinct spawning season. The length at 50 % maturity for female L. aeneus was attained at a fork length of 354.7 mm. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.55 year⁻¹. The growth of L. kimberleyensis was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 763.22 (1- e⁻°·¹¹⁽t⁺°·⁶³⁾). Only 6 mature female and 15 mature male L. kimberleyensis were recorded during the study period. The smallest mature female was a 390 mm FL stage four female and the earliest recorded mature male was a 337 mm FL, ripe running male. Natural mortality (M) was estimated at 0.08 year⁻¹ for L. kimberleyensis. Per recruit analysis indicated that current fishing mortality reduces the L. aeneus spawner biomass by 7 %, which is considered negligible. Labeobarbus kimberleyensis forms an insignificant proportion of anglers catches and stock status is currently considered pristine.
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The impact of HIV and AIDS on household food security and food acquisition strategies in South Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, S A H
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa Food supply -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa Chronically ill -- Economic conditions -- South Africa Chronically ill -- Social conditions -- South Africa Food -- Social aspects -- South Africa Food -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007137
- Description: How should the impact of HIV and AIDS on rural livelihoods be factored into efforts to monitor and stabilise household food security? With both HIV and AIDS and food security at the top of the global development agenda, this is a question posed by many scholars, practitioners, donor agencies and government departments. However, while there is an excess of discourse outlining the theoretical bases for how HIV and AIDS can, and is, radically transforming household food acquisition; there is a lack of empirical evidence from the South African context that demonstrates if, and how, HIV and AIDS changes household-level strategies of food acquisition and intake. This thesis explores the association of household-level mortality, chronic illness and additional child-dependent fostering with household experience of food security and food acquisition strategies, in three rural villages in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data-collection were applied to 307 households in the three sites. For twelve months, both HIV and AIDS-afflicted and non-afflicted households were repeatedly visited at 3-month intervals, in order to be assessed for levels of food security, dietary intake and method of food procurement (purchased, cultivated, wild or donated). Overall, HIV and AIDS-afflicted households showed a significantly higher experience of food insecurity, probably attributable to shortages in food quantity. Dietary composition and overall diversity, however, was not significantly different. Although households with chronic illness and recent mortality showed a heightened investment in cultivation sources, the success of these strategies were to a great extent mediated by household income, and the level of medical treatment received by those who were chronically ill. Chronic illness was also associated with more donations, but these required considerable investments in social capital networks. Finally, use of wild leafy vegetables was not associated with household HIV and AIDS status, despite the financial, nutritional and labour-saving properties of these foods. Overall, the study suggests that there was little evidence of long-term planning and strategy in household food security responses. There was no evidence for shifts to labour-saving crops or foods and, in some instances, child labour was being used to ameliorate prime-adult labour deficits. Moreover, given that the vast majority (89.2%) of food groups were sourced through purchase, it is questionable whether investing in diverse food acquisition strategies would be advisable. Unless supported by medical treatment and steady earned household income, policies to promote intensified household agricultural subsistence production in the wake of HIV and AIDS are unlikely to provide households with anything more than short-term safety-nets, rather than long-term, sustainable food security solutions.
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The impact of macroeconomic and financial factors on the performance of the housing property market in South Africa
- Authors: Kwangware, Debra
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Microeconomics , Housing -- South Africa , Housing -- Prices -- South Africa , Real property -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1042 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005641 , Microeconomics , Housing -- South Africa , Housing -- Prices -- South Africa , Real property -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: This study exammes the impact of macroeconomic and financial variables on the performance of the housing property market in South Africa using monthly data for the period January 1996 to June 2008. Orthogonalised and non-orthogonalised house price returns and real estate returns are utilised as proxies for the housing property market in separate models. Three main issues were empirically analysed in relation to the linkage between selected variables and the housing property market. The first aspect examined the relationship between selected macroeconomic and financial factors and property returns. Secondly, the study examined the influence that a unit shock to each variable has on property returns over a period of time. The third aspect focused on determining the proportion of property returns variation that results from changes in the macroeconomic and financial variables. VAR modelling was thus adopted to empirically analyse these three aspects. The results reveal that house price returns are influenced by most of the macroeconomic and financial variables used in this study. Specifically, the real effective exchange rate, interest rate spread and manufacturing production positively impact on house price returns while the domestic interest rate, the dividend yield and expected inflation have a negative effect. Furthermore, manufacturing production has a lagged effect on house price returns while the real effective exchange rate and domestic interest rate have a contemporaneous effect. Real estate returns are not influenced by most of the variables except for the domestic interest rate and dividend yield which have a negative effect.
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The impact on biodiversity, and integrated control, of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae) on the Lake Nsezi - Nseleni River system
- Authors: Jones, Roy William
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Control -- South Africa , Eichhornia crassipedes , Pontederiaceae , Aquatic plants -- South Africa -- Nsezi, Lake , Aquatic weeds -- South Africa -- Nsezi, Lake , Invasive plants -- South Africa -- Nsezi, Lake
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5711 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005397 , Water hyacinth -- Control -- South Africa , Eichhornia crassipedes , Pontederiaceae , Aquatic plants -- South Africa -- Nsezi, Lake , Aquatic weeds -- South Africa -- Nsezi, Lake , Invasive plants -- South Africa -- Nsezi, Lake
- Description: Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae), a free floating aquatic plant was discovered by C. von Martius in 1823 in Brazil. It is believed to have been introduced into South Africa, as an ornamental plant, in 1908 to the Cape Province and Natal. Since its introduction, water hyacinth has spread throughout South Africa to the detriment of all aquatic systems that it has been introduced to directly or indirectly. The weed was first positively identified on the Nseleni and Mposa rivers on the Nseleni Nature Reserve which is a protected area near Richards Bay in KwaZulu- Natal in 1982 and formed a 100% cover of the river by 1983. An integrated management plan was implemented in 1995 and resulted in a reduction of the weed from a 100% cover to less than 20% cover in 5 years. The keys to success of the water hyacinth integrated management plan, presented here, were finding the source of the weed, mapping the extent of the water hyacinth infestation, identifying sources of nutrient pollution, appointing a champion to drive the programme, dividing the river into management units, consultation with interested and affected parties, judicious use of herbicides and biological control and a commitment to follow-up. This study further showed that water hyacinth on the Nseleni and Mposa river systems had a negative impact on the biodiversity of the protected area and the control of water hyacinth resulted in the recovery of the benthic invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, fish and avian fauna. The implementation of this integrated management plan was very cost-effective and serves as a model approach to the control of water hyacinth in both South Africa and the rest of the world.
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The implementation of project work by selected grade 10 life science teachers in Namibia
- Authors: Angula, Alina Hambelela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Project method in teaching -- Namibia School improvement programs -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003449
- Description: Prior to independence in Namibia in 1990 the education system of the day did not encourage the majority of Namibian learners to explore and investigate the wonder of the natural and physical world. The post independence education system has nurtured the study of the sciences and has emphasized participation, problem solving and independent studies. The inclusion of projects and other independent studies has been regarded as a key vehicle to develop scientific understanding and competencies related to this understanding. However, very few studies have hitherto investigated the teachers’ understanding and implementation of projects in the Namibian context. This study investigates how Grade 10 Life Science teachers understand and implement projects in selected schools in Namibia. The study focused on two teachers in two schools, a combined and a senior secondary school in the Oshikoto educational region of Namibia. The research was conducted through an interpretive case study aiming to gain a better understanding about the implementation of projects in schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observation and document analysis. The findings indicate that despite the focus on projects in the Life Science syllabus and broad curriculum, policy documents do not give detailed guidelines on how projects should be planned, organized and assessed. The results revealed that knowledge about projects and their implementation is primarily informed by practical activities rather than the critical enquiries or investigations required by the Life Science curriculum policy. The study also revealed that despite the in-service training received by the two teachers participating in this study on syllabus interpretation, it is apparent from the findings that project work in these in-service programmes was neglected. This has further hampered teachers’ understanding and implementation of projects. The findings of this study point to a need for project guidelines as well as in-service programmes in this area if the stated nature and role of projects in the context of Namibian education policy is to be achieved.
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The implementation of the new capital accord (BASEL II) : a comparative study of South Africa, Switzerland, Brazil and the United States
- Authors: Makwiramiti, Anthony Munyaradzi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Basel II (2004) , Banks and banking, International , Banks and banking, International -- State supervision , Capital market -- Government policy , Bank capital , Banking law , Financial institutions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002717 , Basel II (2004) , Banks and banking, International , Banks and banking, International -- State supervision , Capital market -- Government policy , Bank capital , Banking law , Financial institutions
- Description: The international banking environment has become potentially riskier because of the recent developments in financial services and products which have changed the way banks do their day to day business. Imposing minimum capital adequacy regulations is one way of fostering stability in the global banking system. A number of countries have started to implement the new capital adequacy rules (Basel II) following the worldwide consensus among central bankers that bank‟s capital levels should be regulated to enhance global financial stability. In this study, through the comparative analysis of the general implementation issues it was established that emerging countries apply all Basel II rules uniformly across all the banking institutions that operate in their territories. Developed countries apply these rules only to large and internationally active banks and because of the diversity of their banking industries, they also apply domestically modified rules to the domestically based banks. For the successful implementation of Basel II, properly planning, devoting bank resources and making necessary legislative amendments are prerequisites for incorporating Basel II into the regulatory framework for any country. The study concludes that the current global financial turmoil continues to pose a threat to the effectiveness of the Basel II rules which are aimed at achieving global financial stability.
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The investigation of novel marine microorganisms for the production of biologically active metabolites
- Authors: Sunkel, Vanessa Ann
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Antibiotics , Drugs -- Research , Metabolites , Marine biotechnology , Marine metabolites -- Therapeutic use , Microorganisms -- Effect of drugs on , Penicillium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004579 , Antibiotics , Drugs -- Research , Metabolites , Marine biotechnology , Marine metabolites -- Therapeutic use , Microorganisms -- Effect of drugs on , Penicillium
- Description: New drugs, particularly antibiotics, are urgently required to combat the increasing problem of antibiotic resistant human pathogens. Due to the scarcity of products available today, the pharmaceutical industry is now under pressure to reassess compounds derived from plants, soil and marine organisms. Pharmaceutical companies are showing renewed interest in marine biotechnology as the oceans represent a rich source of both biological and chemical diversity of novel molecular structures with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. Formerly unexplored locations, such as deep ocean sediments, show great potential as a source of genetically novel microorganisms producing structurally unique secondary metabolites. In this research, a metabolite producing marine Pseudoalteromonas strain, known as AP5, was initially used to develop methods for the detection, optimisation of production and extraction of bioactive metabolites from other potentially novel marine isolates. Two hundred and seventy six (276) marine isolates from water and sediment samples from the Antarctic Ocean and Marion Island were isolated. Ten visually different isolates were screened for bioactivity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fungi and yeast. Three out of the 10 isolates, WL61 , WL 114 and WL 136, appeared to be novel Streptomyces spp. showing activity against different test organisms. Many of these marine microorganisms are difficult to culture in the laboratory, particularly when they are cultivated continuously in shake flasks as they can stop producing bioactive compounds. The cultivation of marine isolates in bioreactors may be a more beneficial process for the optimisation of metabolite production compared to conventional liquid fermentation techniques whereby the solid-liquid-air interface of membrane bioreactors can imitate the natural environment of microbes. The membrane bioreactor system is a stable growth environment with low shear that supports steady-state biofilm growth consisting of a high cell density due to a high mass transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. This approach was employed and isolates WL61, WL114 and WL136 were immobilised onto ceramic membranes using Quorus single fibre bioreactors (SFR). The SFRs were used to establish the most suitable growth medium for continuous secondary metabolite production. The best growth conditions were applied to the Quorus multifibre bioreactor (MFR) for scale up of biologically active metabolites, highlighting the potential of bioreactor technology for use in bioprospecting for isolating and screening novel and known organisms for new and interesting natural products. Furthermore, the Quorus MFR was shown to be suitable for the production of high yields of antimicrobial metabolites and is an efficient new fermentation production system. Purification by HPLC fractionation was used to characterise four major compounds from isolate WL 114 extracts. NMR structure elucidation identified one of the two primary compounds as Bisphenol A. The complete chemical structure for the second potent bioactive compound could not be determined due to the low concentration and volume of material. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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The phenomenolgoical experience of posttraumatic growth in the context of a traumatic bereavement
- Authors: Acheson, Kerry
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies Bereavement -- Psychological aspects Death -- Psychological aspects Phenomenological psychology Grief
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004456
- Description: The present study involves an exploration of the phenomenological expenence of posttraumatic growth in the context of a traumatic bereavement. An idiographic case study of a student who had witnessed her mother's death twelve years previously was conducted. Semi-structured interviews elicited data which was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IP A). Posttraumatic growth was found to have developed with regards to self-perception, relationships, and also in a broader spiritual and existential domain. The findings of this study shed light on the extant posttraumatic growth literature. In particular, findings were discussed in relation to the posttraumatic growth model as proposed by Calhoun and Tedeschi (2006). As posttraumatic growth is a relatively young concept, further research is needed in order to understand the meaning of reported growth more fully. While posttraumatic growth has been investigated in the context of bereavement, future research should distinguish more clearly between growth following traumatic and non-traumatic bereavement. Posttraumatic growth has received minimal empirical attention in South Africa, and therefore exploration of this area is suggested in the future. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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The popularity of tabloids: a reception analysis of the Daily Sun amongst Grahamstown readers
- Authors: Mapudzi, Hatikanganwi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Daily Sun Tabloid newspapers -- South Africa Tabloid newspapers -- South Africa -- Circulation Local mass media -- Research -- South Africa Readership surveys -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002911
- Description: Tabloid journalism has and continues to spark controversy. Scholarly considerations of tabloid journalism often question its contribution to democratic causes. However, little academic attention has been given to the question of how tabloids are understood and evaluated by their audiences. This study considered a range of audience responses to the Daily Sun by analysing the way some of its readers understand and evaluate it. The study examined the appeal of this popular tabloid to some Grahamstown readers. Reception analysis was employed to determine why these people read the Daily Sun. In particular, the active audience theory was used as a framework to conduct the research. To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative research methods such as focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews were employed. Looking at the findings, many of the respondents acknowledged they read the tabloid for interpersonal communication, diversion and entertainment. The results also revealed that their lived context plays a major role in their reading of stories. In a wider context, the research contributes to an understanding of the popularity of tabloid newspapers.
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The possibility of psychotherapeutic privilege in South Africa
- Authors: Gewald, Rieka Susan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychology -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Psychologists -- Professional ethics -- South Africa Psychotherapists -- Professional ethics -- South Africa Confidential communications -- South Africa Privileges and immunities -- South Africa Evidence (Law) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008208
- Description: Privilege is an evidential principle which, on the grounds of public policy, excludes evidence relevant and otherwise admissible. This thesis aims to discover whether privilege should be applied to the psychotherapeutic profession in South Africa. At present, the only profession in South Africa afforded privilege is the legal profession. There are two main theoretical justifications for privilege: the utilitarian and the individual/human rights approach. This thesis considers whether the psychotherapeutic profession warrants privilege under either theory, and recommends that the law of privilege integrate both theories rather than adopt one or the other. The impact of the Constitution and the right to privacy receive particular attention. Very little literature or case law on the question of psychotherapeutic privilege was found in South Africa. Consequently, extensive comparative research into the common-law systems of England, Canada and United States of America was done. This research yielded some interesting findings. The first is that case-by-case development of the law of privilege is uncel1ain and fragmented. The next is that psychotherapeutic privilege exists in almost absolute form in the United States of America, but is littered with lacunae causing as much uncertainty as the case-by-case approach to privilege law. The most helpful method of dealing with the problem was found in Canada, where a two-stage approach to protecting personal information, including psychotherapeutic records, has been developed. In light of this research, this thesis reassesses the original viability of psychotherapeutic privilege in South Africa. Privilege, it was found, is not the best solution to protecting psychotherapeutic communications. This thesis recommends legislative adoption of an amended two-stage approach based on the Canadian model for sexual offence trials as the best method of protecting psychotherapeutic communications in both civil and criminal proceedings. The thesis ends by suggesting draft legislative provisions.
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