A sustainable water quality framework for South Africa towards 2050
- Authors: Osmond, Christopher John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Water resources development -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3255 , vital:20417
- Description: There are a wide range of issues that stem from inadequate access to, and the unsustainable management of water resources, which can lead to ecological and human crises (Gleik, 1998: 571). With the increasing demand for clean water for drinking and sanitation, coupled with population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change, many countries face a complex set of threats when dealing with their water resources and the management thereof (Environmental Protection Agency, 2012: 4). South Africa‟s challenges are no different, if current trends in water management continue and government does not intervene with what has been an unequal society even in terms of the division of water, it will continue to lose ground in its development and sustaining of water resources (Ukwandu, 2009: 24 - 30). “The objective of managing the quantity, quality and reliability of the nation‟s water resources is to achieve optimum, long-term, environmentally sustainable social and economic benefit for society from their use.” (Principle 7 of the National Water Policy, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 1997: 20). The primary objective of this research is to develop a framework for water management and sustainable development by utilising a Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to develop strategies for innovation in South Africa towards 2050. New rules and regulations have been adopted by local municipal divisions in South Africa to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly buildings and methods. It is therefore the aim of the research to establish ways in which water can be harvested and saved in a simple and innovative yet sustainable manner. The complexity of erecting structures has also increased with some sustainable measures in water management taking place, however the water issues in South Africa continue to grow and cause concern. Government therefore plays a pivotal role in ensuring that water is managed sustainably at not only harvesting and infrastructure level but also re-cycling level, where simple innovative strategies can be adopted. This paper further seeks to highlight the positive and negative impacts of implementing water management methods and strategies that can be adopted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Osmond, Christopher John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Water resources development -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3255 , vital:20417
- Description: There are a wide range of issues that stem from inadequate access to, and the unsustainable management of water resources, which can lead to ecological and human crises (Gleik, 1998: 571). With the increasing demand for clean water for drinking and sanitation, coupled with population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate change, many countries face a complex set of threats when dealing with their water resources and the management thereof (Environmental Protection Agency, 2012: 4). South Africa‟s challenges are no different, if current trends in water management continue and government does not intervene with what has been an unequal society even in terms of the division of water, it will continue to lose ground in its development and sustaining of water resources (Ukwandu, 2009: 24 - 30). “The objective of managing the quantity, quality and reliability of the nation‟s water resources is to achieve optimum, long-term, environmentally sustainable social and economic benefit for society from their use.” (Principle 7 of the National Water Policy, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 1997: 20). The primary objective of this research is to develop a framework for water management and sustainable development by utilising a Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to develop strategies for innovation in South Africa towards 2050. New rules and regulations have been adopted by local municipal divisions in South Africa to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly buildings and methods. It is therefore the aim of the research to establish ways in which water can be harvested and saved in a simple and innovative yet sustainable manner. The complexity of erecting structures has also increased with some sustainable measures in water management taking place, however the water issues in South Africa continue to grow and cause concern. Government therefore plays a pivotal role in ensuring that water is managed sustainably at not only harvesting and infrastructure level but also re-cycling level, where simple innovative strategies can be adopted. This paper further seeks to highlight the positive and negative impacts of implementing water management methods and strategies that can be adopted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A water footprint assessment of primary citrus production in the Lower Sundays River Valley Citrus Farms, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Munro, Samantha Alanna
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Water efficiency -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Water consumption -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017558
- Description: With the current implementation of the South African National Water Act (NWA) underway, comprehensive tools to assist in the efficient, fair and sustainable management of water resources are needed. Water footprints (WFs) are increasingly being recognised as a meaningful way to represent human appropriation of water resources and provide a framework for assessing the sustainability of water use. The study calculated blue, green and grey WFs for the lower Sundays River Valley (LSRV) citrus sector across dry, humid and long-term average climates for a number of cultivars. The sustainability of both the LSRV and the production process of citrus were examined through the adoption of a number of environmental, social and economic indicators. The study revealed that there was no water scarcity in the area because of an inter-basin transfer and that water pollution levels attributed to citrus production required a more comprehensive indicator than the grey WF. Results showed that navels, despite being the dominant cultivar, had the highest WF and the lowest water productivity and technical efficiency. It also provided lower benefits of income and employment in terms of water use in comparison to other cultivars. Conversely, cultivars such as lemons, which required a greater amount of water and fertiliser, were the most productive cultivar with the lowest blue, green and grey WF. The study demonstrated the complexity of decisions regarding water management and the need to assess accurately the environmental, social and economic implications of strategies to increase efficiency of water. The importance of incorporating local data and verifying WFs was also illustrated. The analysis highlighted that WF assessments could be useful for the South African government and agricultural sectors to assist in future water management decisions and promote increased collaboration between stakeholders. The study found that the adoption of local benchmarks could be useful in aiding the promotion of more efficient water use and could factor in sensitive economic and social attributes. WFs in conjunction with other economic and social indicators could also be used to evaluate the sustainability of current and future allocations pertaining to the implementation of the NWA. It was however noted that this requires vast amounts of accurate data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Munro, Samantha Alanna
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Water efficiency -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Water consumption -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017558
- Description: With the current implementation of the South African National Water Act (NWA) underway, comprehensive tools to assist in the efficient, fair and sustainable management of water resources are needed. Water footprints (WFs) are increasingly being recognised as a meaningful way to represent human appropriation of water resources and provide a framework for assessing the sustainability of water use. The study calculated blue, green and grey WFs for the lower Sundays River Valley (LSRV) citrus sector across dry, humid and long-term average climates for a number of cultivars. The sustainability of both the LSRV and the production process of citrus were examined through the adoption of a number of environmental, social and economic indicators. The study revealed that there was no water scarcity in the area because of an inter-basin transfer and that water pollution levels attributed to citrus production required a more comprehensive indicator than the grey WF. Results showed that navels, despite being the dominant cultivar, had the highest WF and the lowest water productivity and technical efficiency. It also provided lower benefits of income and employment in terms of water use in comparison to other cultivars. Conversely, cultivars such as lemons, which required a greater amount of water and fertiliser, were the most productive cultivar with the lowest blue, green and grey WF. The study demonstrated the complexity of decisions regarding water management and the need to assess accurately the environmental, social and economic implications of strategies to increase efficiency of water. The importance of incorporating local data and verifying WFs was also illustrated. The analysis highlighted that WF assessments could be useful for the South African government and agricultural sectors to assist in future water management decisions and promote increased collaboration between stakeholders. The study found that the adoption of local benchmarks could be useful in aiding the promotion of more efficient water use and could factor in sensitive economic and social attributes. WFs in conjunction with other economic and social indicators could also be used to evaluate the sustainability of current and future allocations pertaining to the implementation of the NWA. It was however noted that this requires vast amounts of accurate data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Accommodation and job assignment for impaired workers:
- Authors: Pearson, Jessie
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143661 , vital:38271 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Some compensation systems do not encourage permanently restricted workers disabled due to work-related injuries, to return to work. However, appropriate job placement of impaired workers has been shown to result in feelings of independence, usefulness and responsibility, as well as financial security. Physically impaired employees in many workplaces have experienced job discrimination because colleagues and supervisors assume that their work performance will be affected by physical limitations resulting from their disability. This theoretical paper discusses the possibilities of assigning workers to appropriate jobs based on their specific capabilities and limitations. The option of providing certain job accommodations in the form of workplace restructuring is also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Pearson, Jessie
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143661 , vital:38271 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Some compensation systems do not encourage permanently restricted workers disabled due to work-related injuries, to return to work. However, appropriate job placement of impaired workers has been shown to result in feelings of independence, usefulness and responsibility, as well as financial security. Physically impaired employees in many workplaces have experienced job discrimination because colleagues and supervisors assume that their work performance will be affected by physical limitations resulting from their disability. This theoretical paper discusses the possibilities of assigning workers to appropriate jobs based on their specific capabilities and limitations. The option of providing certain job accommodations in the form of workplace restructuring is also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Adaptive realities : effects of merging physical and virtual entities
- Authors: Fletcher, Lauren Jean
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Virtual reality in art , Reality in art , Art, Modern -- 21st century , Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Themes, motives , Perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2509 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018557
- Description: In the worlds of virtual reality, whole objects and bodies are created in an immaterial manner from lines, ratios and light pixels. When objects are created in this form they can easily be manipulated, edited, multiplied and deleted. In addition, technological advances in virtual reality development result in an increased merging of physical and virtual elements, creating spaces of mixed reality. This leads to interesting consequences where the physical environment and body, in a similar vein to the virtual, also becomes increasingly easier to manipulate, distort and change. Mixed realities thus enhance possibilities of a world of constantly changing landscapes and adjustable, interchangeable bodies. The notions of virtual and real coincide within this thesis, reflecting on a new version of reality that is overlapped and ever-present in its mixing of virtual and physical. These concepts are explored within my exhibition Immaterial - a creation of simulated nature encompassing a mix of natural and artificial, tangible and intangible. Within the exhibition space, I have created a scene of mixed reality, by merging elements of both a virtual and physical forest. This generates a magical space of new experiences that comes to life through the manipulated, edited, morphed and re-awakened bodies of trees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fletcher, Lauren Jean
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Virtual reality in art , Reality in art , Art, Modern -- 21st century , Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Themes, motives , Perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2509 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018557
- Description: In the worlds of virtual reality, whole objects and bodies are created in an immaterial manner from lines, ratios and light pixels. When objects are created in this form they can easily be manipulated, edited, multiplied and deleted. In addition, technological advances in virtual reality development result in an increased merging of physical and virtual elements, creating spaces of mixed reality. This leads to interesting consequences where the physical environment and body, in a similar vein to the virtual, also becomes increasingly easier to manipulate, distort and change. Mixed realities thus enhance possibilities of a world of constantly changing landscapes and adjustable, interchangeable bodies. The notions of virtual and real coincide within this thesis, reflecting on a new version of reality that is overlapped and ever-present in its mixing of virtual and physical. These concepts are explored within my exhibition Immaterial - a creation of simulated nature encompassing a mix of natural and artificial, tangible and intangible. Within the exhibition space, I have created a scene of mixed reality, by merging elements of both a virtual and physical forest. This generates a magical space of new experiences that comes to life through the manipulated, edited, morphed and re-awakened bodies of trees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Addressing local level food insecurity amongst small-holder communities in transition
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Hamer, Nicholas G, Swallow, Brent M, Ncube, K
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Hamer, Nicholas G , Swallow, Brent M , Ncube, K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/50090 , vital:25958
- Description: Food insecurity affects as significant proportion of the world's population and hence it typically receives priority attention in global policies associated with poverty, equity and sustainable development. For example, it is the first of the Millennium Development Goals and the second of their successor, the Sustainable Development Goals. Access to sufficient and nutritious food is deemed a basic human right. The latest FAO analysis of the “State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014” reports that 805 million people (approximately 11-12% of the world's population) are chronically undernourished (i.e. do not have sufficient energy intake over a period of at least one year). In sub-Saharan Africa the prevalence remains stubbornly high at 24%, the highest in the world. Whilst most interpret food insecurity to mean an insufficient quantity of food (as measured by the number of calories consumed), the widely accepted FAO definition considers four dimensions of food security, namely quantity, quality or diversity, access and use. Provision of enough calories on a daily basis is not sufficient if the diet lacks diversity and appropriate balance to provide the full range of minerals and vitamins necessary for proper health, or if the food available is culturally unacceptable. Thus, there is a pressing need for more nuanced analyses of food security against all four of the dimensions embedded in the concept. Additionally, it is important that these be measured at more local or regional levels because national statistics can mask alarming regional discrepancies in food security, or amongst particular sectors of society, such as recent migrants, refugees, female- or child-headed households, those vulnerable to HIV/AIDS or the landless, to mention just a few. For example, at a national level South Africa is considered a food secure nation with respect to staple requirements, and access to sufficient food is enshrined in the Constitution (Section 27, subsection 1b), but nationally one in twenty (i.e. approx. 2.5 million people) go to bed hungry most nights, and 23% of children below the age of 15 are physically stunted, severely stunted or wasted, due to the long-term ill effects of insufficient food or of inadequate diversity and quality. At a subnational level, there are marked differences between rural and urban populations and even between geographic areas (for example, the prevalence of stunting amongst boys less than 15 years old is 23% in the Eastern Cape, compared to 12% in Gauteng). Once again, despite being a food secure nation, nationally 40% of the population have a dietary diversity score of four or less, which is a cut-off point signifying poor dietary diversity which makes people more vulnerable to malnutrition and ill health, and in Limpopo and Northwest provinces it is as high as 66% and 61%, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Hamer, Nicholas G , Swallow, Brent M , Ncube, K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/50090 , vital:25958
- Description: Food insecurity affects as significant proportion of the world's population and hence it typically receives priority attention in global policies associated with poverty, equity and sustainable development. For example, it is the first of the Millennium Development Goals and the second of their successor, the Sustainable Development Goals. Access to sufficient and nutritious food is deemed a basic human right. The latest FAO analysis of the “State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014” reports that 805 million people (approximately 11-12% of the world's population) are chronically undernourished (i.e. do not have sufficient energy intake over a period of at least one year). In sub-Saharan Africa the prevalence remains stubbornly high at 24%, the highest in the world. Whilst most interpret food insecurity to mean an insufficient quantity of food (as measured by the number of calories consumed), the widely accepted FAO definition considers four dimensions of food security, namely quantity, quality or diversity, access and use. Provision of enough calories on a daily basis is not sufficient if the diet lacks diversity and appropriate balance to provide the full range of minerals and vitamins necessary for proper health, or if the food available is culturally unacceptable. Thus, there is a pressing need for more nuanced analyses of food security against all four of the dimensions embedded in the concept. Additionally, it is important that these be measured at more local or regional levels because national statistics can mask alarming regional discrepancies in food security, or amongst particular sectors of society, such as recent migrants, refugees, female- or child-headed households, those vulnerable to HIV/AIDS or the landless, to mention just a few. For example, at a national level South Africa is considered a food secure nation with respect to staple requirements, and access to sufficient food is enshrined in the Constitution (Section 27, subsection 1b), but nationally one in twenty (i.e. approx. 2.5 million people) go to bed hungry most nights, and 23% of children below the age of 15 are physically stunted, severely stunted or wasted, due to the long-term ill effects of insufficient food or of inadequate diversity and quality. At a subnational level, there are marked differences between rural and urban populations and even between geographic areas (for example, the prevalence of stunting amongst boys less than 15 years old is 23% in the Eastern Cape, compared to 12% in Gauteng). Once again, despite being a food secure nation, nationally 40% of the population have a dietary diversity score of four or less, which is a cut-off point signifying poor dietary diversity which makes people more vulnerable to malnutrition and ill health, and in Limpopo and Northwest provinces it is as high as 66% and 61%, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Africa in global International relations: emerging approaches to theory and practice: an introduction
- Bischoff, Paul, 1954-, Aning, Kwesi, Acharya, Amitav
- Authors: Bischoff, Paul, 1954- , Aning, Kwesi , Acharya, Amitav
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161662 , vital:40651 , ISBN 9781317437536
- Description: This book investigates why Africa has been marginalised in IR discipline and theory and how this issue can be addressed in the context of the emerging Global IR paradigm. To have relevance for Africa, a new IR theory needs to be more inclusive, intellectually negotiated and holistically steeped in the African context. In this innovative volume, each author takes a critical look at existing IR paradigms and offers a unique perspective based on the African experience. Following on from Amitav Acharya and Barry Buzan’s work, Non-Western International Relations Theory, it develops and advances non-Western IR theory and the idea of Global IR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bischoff, Paul, 1954- , Aning, Kwesi , Acharya, Amitav
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161662 , vital:40651 , ISBN 9781317437536
- Description: This book investigates why Africa has been marginalised in IR discipline and theory and how this issue can be addressed in the context of the emerging Global IR paradigm. To have relevance for Africa, a new IR theory needs to be more inclusive, intellectually negotiated and holistically steeped in the African context. In this innovative volume, each author takes a critical look at existing IR paradigms and offers a unique perspective based on the African experience. Following on from Amitav Acharya and Barry Buzan’s work, Non-Western International Relations Theory, it develops and advances non-Western IR theory and the idea of Global IR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Agathis bishopi (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a potential tool for detecting oranges infested with Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
- Zimba, Kennedy J, Hill, Martin P, Moore, Sean D, Heshula, Unathi
- Authors: Zimba, Kennedy J , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D , Heshula, Unathi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423955 , vital:72108 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-015-9526-0"
- Description: In South Africa, Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a key pest of citrus impacting its production and trade. Detection of newly infested fruit by visual inspection is challenging and poses a risk of packing infested with healthy fruit for export. Agathis bishopi is a larval endoparasitoid of T. leucotreta, attacking early larval instars. Understanding how A. bishopi parasitoids locate fruit infested with their host is of interest for developing an efficient detector for T. leucotreta infested fruit. The response of female adult A. bishopi parasitoids to olfactory and visual cues associated with T. leucotreta infested fruit were evaluated using a Y-tube olfactometer and flight tunnel. Agathis bishopi parasitoids were strongly attracted to infested fruit over healthy fruit, either when only olfactory or combinations of visual and olfactory cues were offered. Among the four synthetic compounds tested, D-limonene and ocimene elicited a strong attraction to parasitoids with response rates of 92 % and 72 % respectively. A blend of four synthetic compounds simulating T. leucotreta infested fruit odour equally elicited strong attraction to parasitoids (84 % response rate). Attraction of parasitoids to infested fruit cues was heightened by prior experience, suggesting the occurrence of associative learning. Results from this study indicate that A. bishopi parasitoids mainly rely on olfactory cues in host habitat location and that D-limonene and ocimene are the major attractants in infested fruit volatiles. These findings and the potential for manipulating A. bishopi for detection of infested fruit in the packhouse are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Zimba, Kennedy J , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D , Heshula, Unathi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423955 , vital:72108 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-015-9526-0"
- Description: In South Africa, Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a key pest of citrus impacting its production and trade. Detection of newly infested fruit by visual inspection is challenging and poses a risk of packing infested with healthy fruit for export. Agathis bishopi is a larval endoparasitoid of T. leucotreta, attacking early larval instars. Understanding how A. bishopi parasitoids locate fruit infested with their host is of interest for developing an efficient detector for T. leucotreta infested fruit. The response of female adult A. bishopi parasitoids to olfactory and visual cues associated with T. leucotreta infested fruit were evaluated using a Y-tube olfactometer and flight tunnel. Agathis bishopi parasitoids were strongly attracted to infested fruit over healthy fruit, either when only olfactory or combinations of visual and olfactory cues were offered. Among the four synthetic compounds tested, D-limonene and ocimene elicited a strong attraction to parasitoids with response rates of 92 % and 72 % respectively. A blend of four synthetic compounds simulating T. leucotreta infested fruit odour equally elicited strong attraction to parasitoids (84 % response rate). Attraction of parasitoids to infested fruit cues was heightened by prior experience, suggesting the occurrence of associative learning. Results from this study indicate that A. bishopi parasitoids mainly rely on olfactory cues in host habitat location and that D-limonene and ocimene are the major attractants in infested fruit volatiles. These findings and the potential for manipulating A. bishopi for detection of infested fruit in the packhouse are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Agathis bishopi, a larval parasitoid of false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta: laboratory rearing and effect of adult food on parasitism and longevity
- Zimba, Kennedy J, Moore, Sean D, Heshula, LU, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Zimba, Kennedy J , Moore, Sean D , Heshula, LU , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406985 , vital:70328 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC185849"
- Description: Agathis bishopi (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a koinobiont larval endoparasitoid of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a pest of economic importance on citrus in South Africa. In the field Agathis bishopi was found to parasitise up to 34 % of FCM larvae in fruit, reflecting reasonable biocontrol potential. Improving the rearing of A. bishopi would therefore complement the existing biocontrol strategies for FCM. In several parasitic wasps, sugar concentration and feeding duration has been shown to influence parasitism and longevity. However, their effect on parasitism and longevity of A. bishopi is unknown. In the present study a rearing protocol for A. bishopi is described, including evaluation of the effects of honey concentration on parasitoid longevity. On average, 18.2%of FCM larvae in rearing containers were parasitised under the rearing protocol described. Cotton wool, instead of paper towelling, as honey carrier for feeding parasitoids in rearing containers significantly increased parasitism and yield of offspring. Furthermore, longevity significantly increased with higher concentrations of honey. Maximum lifespan duration for male and female parasitoids was achieved when parasitoids were fed on 36 % (w/v) honey. Results from this study indicate that A. bishopi requires a sufficient concentration of sugar, coupled with frequent and prolonged feeding on a cotton wool substrate, in order to achieve maximum parasitism and longevity. Such information provides a basis for optimising mass-rearing and longevity of A. bishopi and parasitism of FCM in orchards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Zimba, Kennedy J , Moore, Sean D , Heshula, LU , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406985 , vital:70328 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC185849"
- Description: Agathis bishopi (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a koinobiont larval endoparasitoid of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a pest of economic importance on citrus in South Africa. In the field Agathis bishopi was found to parasitise up to 34 % of FCM larvae in fruit, reflecting reasonable biocontrol potential. Improving the rearing of A. bishopi would therefore complement the existing biocontrol strategies for FCM. In several parasitic wasps, sugar concentration and feeding duration has been shown to influence parasitism and longevity. However, their effect on parasitism and longevity of A. bishopi is unknown. In the present study a rearing protocol for A. bishopi is described, including evaluation of the effects of honey concentration on parasitoid longevity. On average, 18.2%of FCM larvae in rearing containers were parasitised under the rearing protocol described. Cotton wool, instead of paper towelling, as honey carrier for feeding parasitoids in rearing containers significantly increased parasitism and yield of offspring. Furthermore, longevity significantly increased with higher concentrations of honey. Maximum lifespan duration for male and female parasitoids was achieved when parasitoids were fed on 36 % (w/v) honey. Results from this study indicate that A. bishopi requires a sufficient concentration of sugar, coupled with frequent and prolonged feeding on a cotton wool substrate, in order to achieve maximum parasitism and longevity. Such information provides a basis for optimising mass-rearing and longevity of A. bishopi and parasitism of FCM in orchards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Alexandra Fuller of Southern Africa: a white woman writer goes west
- Garman, Anthea, Rennie, Gillian
- Authors: Garman, Anthea , Rennie, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159924 , vital:40356 , https://ialjs.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/134-147-LJS_v7n1.pdf
- Description: In terms of nationality, Alexandra Fuller is difficult to pigeonhole. She was born in England but from age two was brought up in Southern Africa (mostly Rhodesia). She married an American working in Zambia and then moved to Wyoming to raise a family. She has written three books about her family, their peripatetic life, and the violence of decolonizing Africa. The success of these works has made her one of the few African female nonfction writers to gain an international audience. Fuller’s longform journalism has been published in Granta and the Guardian in the United Kingdom, and in the New Yorker, Harper’s, National Geographic, Byliner, and Vogue in the United States. This paper traces the arc of a writer transcending her continent to break into the competitive American magazine market, portraying the complex land from which she has come for a foreign audience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Garman, Anthea , Rennie, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159924 , vital:40356 , https://ialjs.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/134-147-LJS_v7n1.pdf
- Description: In terms of nationality, Alexandra Fuller is difficult to pigeonhole. She was born in England but from age two was brought up in Southern Africa (mostly Rhodesia). She married an American working in Zambia and then moved to Wyoming to raise a family. She has written three books about her family, their peripatetic life, and the violence of decolonizing Africa. The success of these works has made her one of the few African female nonfction writers to gain an international audience. Fuller’s longform journalism has been published in Granta and the Guardian in the United Kingdom, and in the New Yorker, Harper’s, National Geographic, Byliner, and Vogue in the United States. This paper traces the arc of a writer transcending her continent to break into the competitive American magazine market, portraying the complex land from which she has come for a foreign audience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
All about the abs: discourse of health in the negotiation of masculine body-image
- Authors: Plüg, Simóne
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143793 , vital:38283 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: This paper explores contemporary South African masculinities and how aspects of consumer culture interweave the self and body-image where “the prime purpose of the maintenance of the inner body becomes the enhancement of the appearance of the outer body” (Featherstone, 1991, p. 171). It details a study of young men in Durban, using a qualitative research design and a social constructionist theoretical framework to explore the discourses participants use when discussing their own and other male bodies. It highlights the ways in which consumerism, the media, and other social dynamics promote and silence different discourses around what constitutes a desirable man in 21st century South Africa. The paper presents a detailed exploration of the ‘healthy body’ discourse, discussing how it shaped men’s engagement in self-sculpting practices and provided a means by which the participants came to understand and manage their gendered identities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Plüg, Simóne
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143793 , vital:38283 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: This paper explores contemporary South African masculinities and how aspects of consumer culture interweave the self and body-image where “the prime purpose of the maintenance of the inner body becomes the enhancement of the appearance of the outer body” (Featherstone, 1991, p. 171). It details a study of young men in Durban, using a qualitative research design and a social constructionist theoretical framework to explore the discourses participants use when discussing their own and other male bodies. It highlights the ways in which consumerism, the media, and other social dynamics promote and silence different discourses around what constitutes a desirable man in 21st century South Africa. The paper presents a detailed exploration of the ‘healthy body’ discourse, discussing how it shaped men’s engagement in self-sculpting practices and provided a means by which the participants came to understand and manage their gendered identities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Amber : a aero-interaction honeypot with distributed intelligence
- Authors: Schoeman, Adam
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Security systems -- Security measures , Computer viruses , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017938
- Description: For the greater part, security controls are based on the principle of Decision through Detection (DtD). The exception to this is a honeypot, which analyses interactions between a third party and itself, while occupying a piece of unused information space. As honeypots are not located on productive information resources, any interaction with it can be assumed to be non-productive. This allows the honeypot to make decisions based simply on the presence of data, rather than on the behaviour of the data. But due to limited resources in human capital, honeypots’ uptake in the South African market has been underwhelming. Amber attempts to change this by offering a zero-interaction security system, which will use the honeypot approach of decision through Presence (DtP) to generate a blacklist of third parties, which can be passed on to a network enforcer. Empirical testing has proved the usefulness of this alternative and low cost approach in defending networks. The functionality of the system was also extended by installing nodes in different geographical locations, and streaming their detections into the central Amber hive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Schoeman, Adam
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Security systems -- Security measures , Computer viruses , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017938
- Description: For the greater part, security controls are based on the principle of Decision through Detection (DtD). The exception to this is a honeypot, which analyses interactions between a third party and itself, while occupying a piece of unused information space. As honeypots are not located on productive information resources, any interaction with it can be assumed to be non-productive. This allows the honeypot to make decisions based simply on the presence of data, rather than on the behaviour of the data. But due to limited resources in human capital, honeypots’ uptake in the South African market has been underwhelming. Amber attempts to change this by offering a zero-interaction security system, which will use the honeypot approach of decision through Presence (DtP) to generate a blacklist of third parties, which can be passed on to a network enforcer. Empirical testing has proved the usefulness of this alternative and low cost approach in defending networks. The functionality of the system was also extended by installing nodes in different geographical locations, and streaming their detections into the central Amber hive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Amoxicillin removal from aqueous media using multi-walled carbon nanotubes
- Mohammadi, Ali, Kazemipour, Maryam, Walker, Roderick B, Ansari, Mehdi
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Kazemipour, Maryam , Walker, Roderick B , Ansari, Mehdi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183861 , vital:44076 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1536383X.2013.866944"
- Description: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were used to separate amoxicillin from aqueous media. The parameters affecting amoxicillin adsorption such as pH, temperature, time, interferences of similar molecules, and the amount of adsorbent used were studied. Amoxicillin adsorption using MWCNT was compared to that using Fullerene C60 and activated carbon (AC). The adsorption efficiency of 0.1 and 0.2 g of MWCNT using in a continuous mode were 86.5% and 87.9%, respectively. Evaluation of the adsorbent capacity showed that each gram of MWCNT can absorb 22.9 mg amoxicillin. The effect of pH was studied over the range 2–8 and revealed that adsorption of the amoxicillin at the initial pH of 4.6 was more effective than any other pH. The adsorption of amoxicillin on MWCNT was much greater than Fullerene C60 and AC. Adsorption data showed that they were best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Kazemipour, Maryam , Walker, Roderick B , Ansari, Mehdi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183861 , vital:44076 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1536383X.2013.866944"
- Description: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were used to separate amoxicillin from aqueous media. The parameters affecting amoxicillin adsorption such as pH, temperature, time, interferences of similar molecules, and the amount of adsorbent used were studied. Amoxicillin adsorption using MWCNT was compared to that using Fullerene C60 and activated carbon (AC). The adsorption efficiency of 0.1 and 0.2 g of MWCNT using in a continuous mode were 86.5% and 87.9%, respectively. Evaluation of the adsorbent capacity showed that each gram of MWCNT can absorb 22.9 mg amoxicillin. The effect of pH was studied over the range 2–8 and revealed that adsorption of the amoxicillin at the initial pH of 4.6 was more effective than any other pH. The adsorption of amoxicillin on MWCNT was much greater than Fullerene C60 and AC. Adsorption data showed that they were best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of "self-determination" in international law : the case of South Sudan
- Authors: Zimuto, Prince Charles
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Self-determination, National Decolonization -- South Sudan Sudan -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5697 , vital:29364
- Description: This research intends to investigate the scope and applicability of the concept of ‘self-determination’ outside the context of decolonisation using South Sudan as a case study. Demands for the exercise of the right to self-determination are widespread. These are vehemently resisted by states who view the concept of ‘self-determination’ as a potential source of territorial disintegration. International instruments which provide for the right to self-determination also discourage the impairment of the territorial integrity of states in the name of self-determination. The problem faced in international law is therefore how to balance the right to self-determination with the principle of territorial integrity. The study reveals that the general understanding is that outside the context of decolonisation the right to self-determination may be exercised within the territorial boundaries of a state without compromising the territorial integrity of a state. The internal exercise of the right to self-determination entails human rights protection, participation in the political affairs of the state and autonomy arrangements. This general understanding is however problematic where a state systemically violates the rights of its people and denies them political participation in the affairs of the state. The people of South Sudan found themselves in such a situation from the time when Sudan gained independence from British colonial rule. Despite a number of negotiations with the government of Sudan, the people of South Sudan continued to be marginalised and their rights violated with impunity. They then demanded to exercise their right to self-determination externally and eventually they seceded from Sudan through the framework created by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005. In the light of the secession of South Sudan from Sudan this study proposes a remedial self-determination approach to the understanding of post-colonial self-determination. In terms of this approach when people are denied the right to exercise their right to self-determination internally, or their rights are deliberately and systemically violated, they may exercise their right to self-determination externally and secede.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Zimuto, Prince Charles
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Self-determination, National Decolonization -- South Sudan Sudan -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5697 , vital:29364
- Description: This research intends to investigate the scope and applicability of the concept of ‘self-determination’ outside the context of decolonisation using South Sudan as a case study. Demands for the exercise of the right to self-determination are widespread. These are vehemently resisted by states who view the concept of ‘self-determination’ as a potential source of territorial disintegration. International instruments which provide for the right to self-determination also discourage the impairment of the territorial integrity of states in the name of self-determination. The problem faced in international law is therefore how to balance the right to self-determination with the principle of territorial integrity. The study reveals that the general understanding is that outside the context of decolonisation the right to self-determination may be exercised within the territorial boundaries of a state without compromising the territorial integrity of a state. The internal exercise of the right to self-determination entails human rights protection, participation in the political affairs of the state and autonomy arrangements. This general understanding is however problematic where a state systemically violates the rights of its people and denies them political participation in the affairs of the state. The people of South Sudan found themselves in such a situation from the time when Sudan gained independence from British colonial rule. Despite a number of negotiations with the government of Sudan, the people of South Sudan continued to be marginalised and their rights violated with impunity. They then demanded to exercise their right to self-determination externally and eventually they seceded from Sudan through the framework created by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005. In the light of the secession of South Sudan from Sudan this study proposes a remedial self-determination approach to the understanding of post-colonial self-determination. In terms of this approach when people are denied the right to exercise their right to self-determination internally, or their rights are deliberately and systemically violated, they may exercise their right to self-determination externally and secede.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of barriers which affect women in leadership positions in Eastern Cape Municipalities : case study of Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Nyangiwe-Ndika, Welekazi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Leadership in women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Women executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2049 , vital:27601
- Description: The primary concern of the study is to examine leadership challenges confronted by women leaders in Eastern Cape municipalities. International organisations has made a number commitments encouraging gender parity and eliminating imbalance against women in the past three decades, through international platforms. In the World Summit held in 2005, it was recommended that a Platform for Action (1995) and the resolutions of the Twenty Third special session of the General Assembly as a crucial baseline in attaining then internationally agreed development goals, as well as those contained in the Millennium Declaration. (www.ilo.org) In the above forums national decision makers worldwide were urged to apply strategies and programmes which would improve gender fairness, in leadership positions, giving women complete and comparable share in economic, social, cultural and political decision-making as men. South Africa as a role player in the international space also joined the world in endorsing various programmes and strategies which seek to address gender parities and strive to eliminate women oppression especially in public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyangiwe-Ndika, Welekazi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Leadership in women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Women executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2049 , vital:27601
- Description: The primary concern of the study is to examine leadership challenges confronted by women leaders in Eastern Cape municipalities. International organisations has made a number commitments encouraging gender parity and eliminating imbalance against women in the past three decades, through international platforms. In the World Summit held in 2005, it was recommended that a Platform for Action (1995) and the resolutions of the Twenty Third special session of the General Assembly as a crucial baseline in attaining then internationally agreed development goals, as well as those contained in the Millennium Declaration. (www.ilo.org) In the above forums national decision makers worldwide were urged to apply strategies and programmes which would improve gender fairness, in leadership positions, giving women complete and comparable share in economic, social, cultural and political decision-making as men. South Africa as a role player in the international space also joined the world in endorsing various programmes and strategies which seek to address gender parities and strive to eliminate women oppression especially in public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of community-police partnerships: a case study of the Thornhill policing area
- Authors: Els, Deon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Community policing -- South Africa , Police-community relations , Crime prevention -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8617 , vital:26412
- Description: In this case study, an effective community-police partnership in the Thornhill area is described and explored as a function of the successful application of conflict management approaches. The partnership was implemented in a quest to solve the problem of increasing suicides at the Van Stadens Bridge. Indications are that partnership between government agencies and the community have generally failed in democratic South Africa with respect to the education, health and policing sectors. Partnerships between the community and policing system are challenging because the South African Police Service (SAPS) is continuously plagued by incidents of police brutality, police killings and leadership crises.In order to understand the context of the Thornhill community-police partnership and establish if the operation of the partnership is successful, a wide-ranging conflict management approach is taken to evaluate the partnership. The literature review includes the history of conflict in SA, SAPS and Community Policing, leadership in conflict management, theories of social conflict, and suicidology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Els, Deon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Community policing -- South Africa , Police-community relations , Crime prevention -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8617 , vital:26412
- Description: In this case study, an effective community-police partnership in the Thornhill area is described and explored as a function of the successful application of conflict management approaches. The partnership was implemented in a quest to solve the problem of increasing suicides at the Van Stadens Bridge. Indications are that partnership between government agencies and the community have generally failed in democratic South Africa with respect to the education, health and policing sectors. Partnerships between the community and policing system are challenging because the South African Police Service (SAPS) is continuously plagued by incidents of police brutality, police killings and leadership crises.In order to understand the context of the Thornhill community-police partnership and establish if the operation of the partnership is successful, a wide-ranging conflict management approach is taken to evaluate the partnership. The literature review includes the history of conflict in SA, SAPS and Community Policing, leadership in conflict management, theories of social conflict, and suicidology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of ethics and governance practices in the public sector: United Nations and African Union perspectives
- Authors: Shindika, Emmanuel Selemani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: United Nations , African Union , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26164 , vital:64946
- Description: Recent studies highlight the importance of improving governance and ethics in public entities, especially in Africa. However, doing so requires an understanding on what forms governance and ethics in public institutions, particularly at a national level. Such considerations necessitates that some focus on continental and world institutions, such as, the African Union and the United Nations. These institutions have been in existence for a number of years with mandates of improving member states governance and ethics, as well as, service delivery to the public. As such, this research primarily focuses on understanding the roles played by the AU and the UN in shaping governance and ethics to member states, as well as, of its employees. The focus of this inquiry was to understand individual narratives about how working for public institutions on a daily to day basis influences governance and ethics understanding and application. Therefore, in order to properly analyse the narratives from respondents, the study applied an inductive and qualitative approach in order to explore how the AU and UN systems influence governance and ethics for member s states and employees. Data was collected through semi structured interviews with UN and AU officials, as well as public servants of member states for those organisations. The study made use of a thematic analyses method of interpreting data. A total of six major themes emerged, they are as follows: ethics a part in governance; effectiveness of AU and UN systems; disciplinary role; ethical guidelines and standards influence on public sector; member states adherence to the UN/AU ethical conduct; and implementation gaps in ethical guidelines within member states. Interviews were conducted in four countries namely; South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius and Botswana. Findings from the study pointed that the AU and UN systems have loopholes in dealing with issues of governance and ethics. Moreover, member states respondents also pointed to the loopholes in those two organisations. The research suggests that member states should tighten their public entities ethical compliance assessments and follow suggestions from the UN and AU. Final recommendations and suggestions for further research are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shindika, Emmanuel Selemani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: United Nations , African Union , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26164 , vital:64946
- Description: Recent studies highlight the importance of improving governance and ethics in public entities, especially in Africa. However, doing so requires an understanding on what forms governance and ethics in public institutions, particularly at a national level. Such considerations necessitates that some focus on continental and world institutions, such as, the African Union and the United Nations. These institutions have been in existence for a number of years with mandates of improving member states governance and ethics, as well as, service delivery to the public. As such, this research primarily focuses on understanding the roles played by the AU and the UN in shaping governance and ethics to member states, as well as, of its employees. The focus of this inquiry was to understand individual narratives about how working for public institutions on a daily to day basis influences governance and ethics understanding and application. Therefore, in order to properly analyse the narratives from respondents, the study applied an inductive and qualitative approach in order to explore how the AU and UN systems influence governance and ethics for member s states and employees. Data was collected through semi structured interviews with UN and AU officials, as well as public servants of member states for those organisations. The study made use of a thematic analyses method of interpreting data. A total of six major themes emerged, they are as follows: ethics a part in governance; effectiveness of AU and UN systems; disciplinary role; ethical guidelines and standards influence on public sector; member states adherence to the UN/AU ethical conduct; and implementation gaps in ethical guidelines within member states. Interviews were conducted in four countries namely; South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius and Botswana. Findings from the study pointed that the AU and UN systems have loopholes in dealing with issues of governance and ethics. Moreover, member states respondents also pointed to the loopholes in those two organisations. The research suggests that member states should tighten their public entities ethical compliance assessments and follow suggestions from the UN and AU. Final recommendations and suggestions for further research are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of interest deductions and other financial payments in terms of South African income tax legislation
- Authors: Kula, Xoliswa Beverley
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Tax planning -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8188 , vital:25945
- Description: Tax avoidance through interest deductions has been highlighted internationally as a concern with the effect of eroding tax revenues of countries, including South Africa (SA). The evident cause of this concern is what is termed base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) mainly orchestrated by multinational companies using aggressive tax planning schemes. Although the concern continues to exist, comprehensive measures are in place in SA such as the anti-avoidance rules and exchange control regulations to mitigate the concern. The study was undertaken to analyse the legislation on interest deductions in terms of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 (‘the Act’) with particular focus on anti-avoidance. A number of issues pertaining to the operation of the provisions in the Act; administrative challenges as well the possible exploitation of loopholes within the provisions were identified. Furthermore, a comparative analysis conducted against Australia and the United Kingdom indicated that the measures adopted in SA are relatively similar, if not ahead. The effect the anti-avoidance measures have on the economic growth was considered. The results were positive in that the measures do not counteract the pursuit of economic growth. Lastly, the study assessed the position of SA against the internationally recommended best practice on the subject matter and it became evident that opportunities exist to improve the current measures applied in SA to mitigate the BEPS risks through interest deductions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kula, Xoliswa Beverley
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Tax planning -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8188 , vital:25945
- Description: Tax avoidance through interest deductions has been highlighted internationally as a concern with the effect of eroding tax revenues of countries, including South Africa (SA). The evident cause of this concern is what is termed base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) mainly orchestrated by multinational companies using aggressive tax planning schemes. Although the concern continues to exist, comprehensive measures are in place in SA such as the anti-avoidance rules and exchange control regulations to mitigate the concern. The study was undertaken to analyse the legislation on interest deductions in terms of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 (‘the Act’) with particular focus on anti-avoidance. A number of issues pertaining to the operation of the provisions in the Act; administrative challenges as well the possible exploitation of loopholes within the provisions were identified. Furthermore, a comparative analysis conducted against Australia and the United Kingdom indicated that the measures adopted in SA are relatively similar, if not ahead. The effect the anti-avoidance measures have on the economic growth was considered. The results were positive in that the measures do not counteract the pursuit of economic growth. Lastly, the study assessed the position of SA against the internationally recommended best practice on the subject matter and it became evident that opportunities exist to improve the current measures applied in SA to mitigate the BEPS risks through interest deductions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of malware evasion techniques against modern AV engines
- Authors: Haffejee, Jameel
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:20979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5821
- Description: This research empirically tested the response of antivirus applications to binaries that use virus-like evasion techniques. In order to achieve this, a number of binaries are processed using a number of evasion methods and are then deployed against several antivirus engines. The research also documents the process of setting up an environment for testing antivirus engines, including building the evasion techniques used in the tests. The results of the empirical tests illustrate that an attacker can evade multiple antivirus engines without much effort using well-known evasion techniques. Furthermore, some antivirus engines may respond to the occurrence of an evasion technique instead of the presence of any malicious code. In practical terms, this shows that while antivirus applications are useful for protecting against known threats, their effectiveness against unknown or modified threats is limited.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Haffejee, Jameel
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:20979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5821
- Description: This research empirically tested the response of antivirus applications to binaries that use virus-like evasion techniques. In order to achieve this, a number of binaries are processed using a number of evasion methods and are then deployed against several antivirus engines. The research also documents the process of setting up an environment for testing antivirus engines, including building the evasion techniques used in the tests. The results of the empirical tests illustrate that an attacker can evade multiple antivirus engines without much effort using well-known evasion techniques. Furthermore, some antivirus engines may respond to the occurrence of an evasion technique instead of the presence of any malicious code. In practical terms, this shows that while antivirus applications are useful for protecting against known threats, their effectiveness against unknown or modified threats is limited.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of policy implementation on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women : a case study of Lukhanji sub-district Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
- Authors: Sinyanya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2282 , vital:27747
- Description: This research was conducted with the aim to evaluate the policy interventions on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women in the Lukhanji sub district of Chris Hani District Municipality. The study would also propose policy improvement strategies towards curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS in pregnant women. In realizing these goals, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions which sought to evaluate policies and strategies relevant to HIV prevalence in pregnant women. The secondary research objectives were accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literature and theories. Qualitative research approach was used in determining the findings and conclusions from the study. Data was collected using qualitative research methods and in this case a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to the study participants. The Questionnaires were handed and discussed with each participant. Demographics, socioeconomic and cultural factors were considered in designing the data collection tool. These factors are known to have an impact on the prevalence of HIV. It has been shown through the study that demographic variables have an effect on HIV prevalence. Hence when considering policy interventions these should be taken into account. All the respondents were given enough time and they provided clear and comprehensive responses to the questionnaire and follow up discussions. The evaluation of the responses showed that various HIV prevention related policies are being implemented within the Lukhanji sub-district. Numerous programmes relating to HIV and AIDS, also specifically covering pregnant women are being rolled out across the sub-district. HIV prevalence in the study population is rated as average to low when comparing with the district, provincial and national statistics. Current data obtained from the study indicates that HIV prevalence stands at 17%. This finding demonstrates the heterogeneity of HIV prevalence when comparing this result with current provincial and national statistics. Evaluation of the different HIV and AIDS programmes that are aligned to provincial and national policy somehow explain the positive outcomes observed in the Lukhanji sub-district The study recommends that more work be done in reaching out to the communities using various communication channels and strategies. This could address the challenges associated with the lack of cooperation with local traditional leaders, because this has been found to have a negative impact on implementation of some programmes such as circumcision. One of the positive findings from the study is the accessibility of health care facilities to the local rural communities. Further research on the subject should be undertaken to ensure continuous evaluation as this topic is viewed as a continuous global issue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sinyanya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2282 , vital:27747
- Description: This research was conducted with the aim to evaluate the policy interventions on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women in the Lukhanji sub district of Chris Hani District Municipality. The study would also propose policy improvement strategies towards curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS in pregnant women. In realizing these goals, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions which sought to evaluate policies and strategies relevant to HIV prevalence in pregnant women. The secondary research objectives were accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literature and theories. Qualitative research approach was used in determining the findings and conclusions from the study. Data was collected using qualitative research methods and in this case a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to the study participants. The Questionnaires were handed and discussed with each participant. Demographics, socioeconomic and cultural factors were considered in designing the data collection tool. These factors are known to have an impact on the prevalence of HIV. It has been shown through the study that demographic variables have an effect on HIV prevalence. Hence when considering policy interventions these should be taken into account. All the respondents were given enough time and they provided clear and comprehensive responses to the questionnaire and follow up discussions. The evaluation of the responses showed that various HIV prevention related policies are being implemented within the Lukhanji sub-district. Numerous programmes relating to HIV and AIDS, also specifically covering pregnant women are being rolled out across the sub-district. HIV prevalence in the study population is rated as average to low when comparing with the district, provincial and national statistics. Current data obtained from the study indicates that HIV prevalence stands at 17%. This finding demonstrates the heterogeneity of HIV prevalence when comparing this result with current provincial and national statistics. Evaluation of the different HIV and AIDS programmes that are aligned to provincial and national policy somehow explain the positive outcomes observed in the Lukhanji sub-district The study recommends that more work be done in reaching out to the communities using various communication channels and strategies. This could address the challenges associated with the lack of cooperation with local traditional leaders, because this has been found to have a negative impact on implementation of some programmes such as circumcision. One of the positive findings from the study is the accessibility of health care facilities to the local rural communities. Further research on the subject should be undertaken to ensure continuous evaluation as this topic is viewed as a continuous global issue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of public equity offerings listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
- Authors: Van Heerden, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017546
- Description: The underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) and their subsequent low long-run performance represents one of the anomalies observed in primary markets worldwide. However, the depth and breadth of it varies from country to country, and sector to sector. Literature has documented that the phenomenon surrounding the long-run post issue performance of IPOs is not unique and that quite similar patterns can be found regarding firms making seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). This study is an empirical analysis of public equity offerings listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Using data for 141 South African IPOs that were listed on the JSE Mainboard from 2001 to 2010, significant short-run underpricing is found. A sector wise analysis of three broad sectors indicated that the ‘other’ sector had the largest IPO underpricing after the first few days of trading. The year-wise analysis is also documented. In the long-run this study showed that IPOs in South Africa underperformed two out of three benchmarks in 36 full months post listing. In contrast, using data for 50 South African SEOs during 2003 to 2010, superior SEO performance is found over a 36-month period when assessed using a size and industry adjusted benchmark. Various cross-sectional and time-series patterns in the aftermarket performance of IPO and SEO firms are also documented
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Van Heerden, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017546
- Description: The underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) and their subsequent low long-run performance represents one of the anomalies observed in primary markets worldwide. However, the depth and breadth of it varies from country to country, and sector to sector. Literature has documented that the phenomenon surrounding the long-run post issue performance of IPOs is not unique and that quite similar patterns can be found regarding firms making seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). This study is an empirical analysis of public equity offerings listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Using data for 141 South African IPOs that were listed on the JSE Mainboard from 2001 to 2010, significant short-run underpricing is found. A sector wise analysis of three broad sectors indicated that the ‘other’ sector had the largest IPO underpricing after the first few days of trading. The year-wise analysis is also documented. In the long-run this study showed that IPOs in South Africa underperformed two out of three benchmarks in 36 full months post listing. In contrast, using data for 50 South African SEOs during 2003 to 2010, superior SEO performance is found over a 36-month period when assessed using a size and industry adjusted benchmark. Various cross-sectional and time-series patterns in the aftermarket performance of IPO and SEO firms are also documented
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- Date Issued: 2015