The biology and movement patterns of non-native common carp, cyprinus carpio (l) in Groenvlei, South Africa
- Authors: Mukhari, Dinah Lorraine
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Carp South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Introduced fishes South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Carp Behavior South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Carp South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve Growth , Carp Habitat South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Carp South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve Reproduction , Habitat conservation South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Aquatic resources conservation South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291233 , vital:56834
- Description: The common carp, Cyprinus carpio is a highly invasive fish species, first introduced into South Africa in the late nineteen century, and now widely spread throughout the country. In 1991 carp were illegally introduced to Groenvlei, within the Goukamma Nature Reserve in the Western Cape Province. Decreases in water quality and declines in biota have been attributed to the now large numbers of carp. Management measures have commenced to reduce the carp population, however these are not underpinned by science as little is known about the biology and movement patterns of resident carp. The age, growth and maturity of carp within the lake was determined using oxytetracycline hydrochloride marked asteriscus otoliths and macroscopic gonad development staging methods. The results showed that carp in Groenvlei had similar growth characteristics to the invasive populations in North America and Australia; fast growth during the first three to five years and reproductive maturity attained between the ages of two to three years, and are long lived (maximum age of 20 years old). Their growth however differed from the only other study on a South African population. Six acoustically tagged carp were manually tracked in order to report on their movement patterns and habitat use. Carp moved much greater distances in February compared to October and November, and occupied different areas of the lake. In November they were found to aggregate in backwaters which corresponds with their breeding activities. Literature on global carp control shows that whilst eradication of this fish can be achieved in small isolated waters using icthyocides and water drawdowns, in conservation priority areas such as Groenvlei where this is not possible, mechanical removal using multiple gears targeting vulnerable life stages can most efficient at controlling carp. This study identified where and when these methods could be focused to optimise control efforts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Mukhari, Dinah Lorraine
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Carp South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Introduced fishes South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Carp Behavior South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Carp South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve Growth , Carp Habitat South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Carp South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve Reproduction , Habitat conservation South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve , Aquatic resources conservation South Africa Goukamma Nature Reserve
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291233 , vital:56834
- Description: The common carp, Cyprinus carpio is a highly invasive fish species, first introduced into South Africa in the late nineteen century, and now widely spread throughout the country. In 1991 carp were illegally introduced to Groenvlei, within the Goukamma Nature Reserve in the Western Cape Province. Decreases in water quality and declines in biota have been attributed to the now large numbers of carp. Management measures have commenced to reduce the carp population, however these are not underpinned by science as little is known about the biology and movement patterns of resident carp. The age, growth and maturity of carp within the lake was determined using oxytetracycline hydrochloride marked asteriscus otoliths and macroscopic gonad development staging methods. The results showed that carp in Groenvlei had similar growth characteristics to the invasive populations in North America and Australia; fast growth during the first three to five years and reproductive maturity attained between the ages of two to three years, and are long lived (maximum age of 20 years old). Their growth however differed from the only other study on a South African population. Six acoustically tagged carp were manually tracked in order to report on their movement patterns and habitat use. Carp moved much greater distances in February compared to October and November, and occupied different areas of the lake. In November they were found to aggregate in backwaters which corresponds with their breeding activities. Literature on global carp control shows that whilst eradication of this fish can be achieved in small isolated waters using icthyocides and water drawdowns, in conservation priority areas such as Groenvlei where this is not possible, mechanical removal using multiple gears targeting vulnerable life stages can most efficient at controlling carp. This study identified where and when these methods could be focused to optimise control efforts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The challenges and opportunities in ESG integration in investment activities for private equity firms/funds in South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Cuma Velile
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business South Africa , Investments Moral and ethical aspects South Africa , Private equity South Africa , Investments Environmental aspects South Africa , Investments Social aspects South Africa , Investments Law and legislation South Africa , United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284493 , vital:56068
- Description: Responsible Investing (RI) is an investment strategy that considers not only the economic but also the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in the investment analysis and post-investment activities. The consideration of ESG issues is aimed at generating long-term risk-adjusted financial returns and a positive social and environmental impact. This research seeks to contribute to the study of responsible investment (RI), as it relates to private equity investments, an area not well researched. This research also seeks to contribute to the academic literature on responsible institutional investment in South Africa; the opportunities it presents to optimise portfolios, as well as the means with which the challenges faced in integrating ESG factors in investment activities may be overcome. More specifically, the challenges and opportunities for the integration of ESG factors in the investment process were investigated through the experiences of a small sample of South African private equity firms. The sample of private equity firms that participated in this research are signatories of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI). Representatives of the participating firms were interviewed in line with the qualitative research design and the post-positivist paradigm of this research. The research design and paradigm are chosen to explore the experiences of practitioners in their integration of ESG issues in the investment process. This research shows that the challenges to ESG integration for the private equity firms considered have remained largely consistent over the last ten years. The challenges include industry skills and knowledge gap and the lack of reliable and comparable ESG data at the portfolio company level. The Opportunities presented, by adopting responsible investing as an investment strategy, are rooted in protecting the downside (risk management) and in finding new value creation opportunities. In summary, it was found that the participating firms continue to face significant capacity challenges in overcoming the challenges to mainstreaming ESG in investment processes. Further research may explore whether the challenges and opportunities that persist from the findings of this research are pervasive throughout the entire sector and whether innovative ways have been found to overcome the challenges have been found by private equity firms that are not signatories of the UNPRI. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Dube, Cuma Velile
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business South Africa , Investments Moral and ethical aspects South Africa , Private equity South Africa , Investments Environmental aspects South Africa , Investments Social aspects South Africa , Investments Law and legislation South Africa , United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284493 , vital:56068
- Description: Responsible Investing (RI) is an investment strategy that considers not only the economic but also the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in the investment analysis and post-investment activities. The consideration of ESG issues is aimed at generating long-term risk-adjusted financial returns and a positive social and environmental impact. This research seeks to contribute to the study of responsible investment (RI), as it relates to private equity investments, an area not well researched. This research also seeks to contribute to the academic literature on responsible institutional investment in South Africa; the opportunities it presents to optimise portfolios, as well as the means with which the challenges faced in integrating ESG factors in investment activities may be overcome. More specifically, the challenges and opportunities for the integration of ESG factors in the investment process were investigated through the experiences of a small sample of South African private equity firms. The sample of private equity firms that participated in this research are signatories of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI). Representatives of the participating firms were interviewed in line with the qualitative research design and the post-positivist paradigm of this research. The research design and paradigm are chosen to explore the experiences of practitioners in their integration of ESG issues in the investment process. This research shows that the challenges to ESG integration for the private equity firms considered have remained largely consistent over the last ten years. The challenges include industry skills and knowledge gap and the lack of reliable and comparable ESG data at the portfolio company level. The Opportunities presented, by adopting responsible investing as an investment strategy, are rooted in protecting the downside (risk management) and in finding new value creation opportunities. In summary, it was found that the participating firms continue to face significant capacity challenges in overcoming the challenges to mainstreaming ESG in investment processes. Further research may explore whether the challenges and opportunities that persist from the findings of this research are pervasive throughout the entire sector and whether innovative ways have been found to overcome the challenges have been found by private equity firms that are not signatories of the UNPRI. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The effectiveness of networking and collaboration in creative hubs: a case of Hub@Goethe
- Authors: De Beer, Magdalena Gertruda
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Cultural industries South Africa , Cultural industries Economic aspects South Africa , Economic development projects South Africa , Social entrepreneurship South Africa , Creative ability Economic aspects South Africa , Social capital (Sociology) South Africa , Social networks South Africa , Hub@Goethe
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284504 , vital:56069
- Description: This research took the form of a case study investigating the effectiveness of a single hub in South Africa, namely Hub@Goethe in Johannesburg. The context of the creative economy and creative industries provided insight into the experiences of creative cultural labourers in the new economic model. The context emphasised the research problem which considered the difficulties experienced by creative and cultural entrepreneurs and their career paths who, through labour precarity, remain isolated from the market, without access to physical spaces, network connections and business knowledge to realise their business ideas. The literature reviewed revealed how co-working office spaces, creative spaces and hubs provide creative entrepreneurs with the spatial infrastructure, amenities, and network access to mitigate challenges in the creative cultural sectors. These spaces offer a multitude of different amenities which is specific to their community’s needs. Guided by the theory of social capital and structural holes reviewed in the literature, the effectiveness was assessed by the hub’s ability to provide network access benefits or resource endowments. The research looked at whether the hub could provide creative cultural entrepreneurs with resource benefits such as a) access to social interactions, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, b) access to business or professional skills-based education programmes and mentorship, c) access to market and d) generation both social and economic benefit. The research adopted a qualitative approach, seeking insights into the creative entrepreneurs’ experiences at the hub utilising one-to-one interviews. The thematic analysis confirmed that the hub was effective overall in providing entrepreneurs with access to benefits or resource endowments embedded in the network, confirming that hubs may be an effective tool in mitigating difficulties experienced by creative entrepreneurs in the creative industries. The research also showed areas of improvement where the hub could increase its experienced effectiveness, especially in reference to routes to market. The research findings inferred the importance of physical space, proximity and accessibility has on collaborative practices amongst creative entrepreneurs within the hub space. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: De Beer, Magdalena Gertruda
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Cultural industries South Africa , Cultural industries Economic aspects South Africa , Economic development projects South Africa , Social entrepreneurship South Africa , Creative ability Economic aspects South Africa , Social capital (Sociology) South Africa , Social networks South Africa , Hub@Goethe
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284504 , vital:56069
- Description: This research took the form of a case study investigating the effectiveness of a single hub in South Africa, namely Hub@Goethe in Johannesburg. The context of the creative economy and creative industries provided insight into the experiences of creative cultural labourers in the new economic model. The context emphasised the research problem which considered the difficulties experienced by creative and cultural entrepreneurs and their career paths who, through labour precarity, remain isolated from the market, without access to physical spaces, network connections and business knowledge to realise their business ideas. The literature reviewed revealed how co-working office spaces, creative spaces and hubs provide creative entrepreneurs with the spatial infrastructure, amenities, and network access to mitigate challenges in the creative cultural sectors. These spaces offer a multitude of different amenities which is specific to their community’s needs. Guided by the theory of social capital and structural holes reviewed in the literature, the effectiveness was assessed by the hub’s ability to provide network access benefits or resource endowments. The research looked at whether the hub could provide creative cultural entrepreneurs with resource benefits such as a) access to social interactions, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, b) access to business or professional skills-based education programmes and mentorship, c) access to market and d) generation both social and economic benefit. The research adopted a qualitative approach, seeking insights into the creative entrepreneurs’ experiences at the hub utilising one-to-one interviews. The thematic analysis confirmed that the hub was effective overall in providing entrepreneurs with access to benefits or resource endowments embedded in the network, confirming that hubs may be an effective tool in mitigating difficulties experienced by creative entrepreneurs in the creative industries. The research also showed areas of improvement where the hub could increase its experienced effectiveness, especially in reference to routes to market. The research findings inferred the importance of physical space, proximity and accessibility has on collaborative practices amongst creative entrepreneurs within the hub space. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The effects of temperature and exploitation on the behaviour of red roman Chrysoblephus laticeps (Sparidae) at baited video stations
- Authors: Mataboge, Bontle Boitumelo
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Marine resources conservation South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Effect of temperature on South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Climatic factors South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Effect of fishing on South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Effect of human beings on South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Behavior South Africa Agulhas , Overfishing South Africa Agulhas , Underwater videography in wildlife monitoring South Africa Agulhas , Red roman (Chrysoblephus laticeps)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291140 , vital:56823
- Description: Marine environments are experiencing rapidly increasing temperatures, sea levels and acidification and higher frequencies and magnitudes of extreme weather events as a result of climate change. In the Agulhas Ecoregion of South Africa, there has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of upwelling events. Upwelling events result in rapid and large decreases in water temperature which can persist for several days. Variation in water temperature is known to impact the metabolic rate of fish (which are ectotherms) and in turn their activity patterns. To promote fitness related traits, the metabolic rate of fish is maximised at a specific temperature range. Outside of this optimal temperature range, the capacity of fish to perform aerobically declines. Therefore, it is expected that an increase in upwelling may place the fish under significant physiological stress. The effects of climate change can be compounded by the effects of fisheries-induced evolution; the microevolution of a fish population due to the artificial selection of certain biological traits by fishing practices. Passive fishing gears preferentially remove large (older) and bold individuals, causing reductions in population size, genetic diversity and fecundity as well as size and age truncation and the loss of large, bold and dominant phenotypes in fish populations. These demographic changes affect the adaptive capacity of fish and exploited populations are expected to be less resilient to climate variability and long-term temperature change. The resilience of fish is largely dependent on their physiological attributes, particularly their metabolic rate. Theoretically, fish with broader aerobic scope (defined as the difference between an individual’s maximum metabolic rate and standard metabolic rate) will be more tolerant to the impacts of climate change as they have energy available for adaptation. Recent respirometry and accelerometry studies suggest that populations of the endemic southern African linefish Chrysoblephus laticeps (red roman) from inside marine protected areas (MPAs) have higher metabolic rates and broader aerobic scope compared to those found outside of MPAs, particularly at thermal extremes. As C. laticeps are highly resident it is possible that fish populations protected within well-established MPAs may be more resilient to the physiological stresses caused by upwelling if they are able to maintain their activity levels despite changing temperatures. Behaviour is a proxy that can be used to infer metabolism as behaviours have associated metabolic costs and benefits. Behaviour is also a trait that can be altered by passive fishing practices which preferentially extract more active and bold individuals. Given this context, the aim of this thesis was to determine the effects of short-term thermal variability on the population structure and behaviour of C. laticeps and whether these effects differed between protected and exploited populations. Baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) were used to observe C. laticeps inside two MPAs (Tsitsikamma and Goukamma) and at two exploited sites (Port Elizabeth and Cape St. Francis) over the temperature range 10-18 °C. The relative abundance, size and relevant behaviours of C. laticeps were recorded. The relative abundance (MaxN) of C. laticeps was not significantly higher inside the MPAs compared to the exploited sites. The size of C. laticeps did not vary significantly by protection level either. However, the mean size of C. laticeps was considerably smaller at Port Elizabeth compared to the three other locations. There was a notable absence of large C. laticeps size classes at Port Elizabeth. The effect of water temperature on relative abundance was only seen in the exploited areas, where temperature and abundance were positively correlated. This was not the case in the protected areas where C. laticeps abundance remained roughly consistent. Generally, the effect of temperature on all measured behaviours was consistent across protection levels. An exception was that the feeding rate at Tsitsikamma MPA was significantly higher than at Cape St. Francis at temperatures below 11.5 °C. Temperature had a significant effect on the time taken for the first individual to appear in the field of view. This time shortened with increasing temperature, regardless of protection level. This was likely a result of the metabolic constraints placed on individuals by low waters temperatures and individuals would be able to pursue the bait more readily at higher temperatures. However, there was no evidence of greater metabolic scope from the C. laticeps individuals observed in the MPAs, relative to the exploited areas. Individual size and the presence of conspecifics were also found to significantly influence behaviour. Generally, size had a positive relationship with behaviour, with larger individuals more likely to feed on the bait, chase other fish from the bait (only in the MPAs) and spend more time in the field of view. The higher displays of aggression in MPAs may be an indication of fishing practices having removed bold and dominant individuals at the exploited sites. The probability of fleeing and the feeding rates of individuals increased with increasing numbers of conspecifics, suggesting that C. laticeps behaviour is influenced by intraspecific competition. Overall, this thesis did not find strong evidence that C. laticeps from MPAs performed better than C. laticeps from exploited areas, even at low temperatures. Behavioural responses to temperature were highly variable across locations and this may be attributed to high behavioural phenotypic diversity among individuals. Environmental stressors, such as temperature changes, can illicit very different behavioural responses among individuals in a population. It is also possible that C. laticeps from the exploited areas have the same genetic predispositions to physiological stress as the individuals in the MPAs due to spillover and larval recruitment from the MPAs. Indeed, genetic studies find that all C. laticeps population in South African represent a single well-mixed genetic stock. It is likely that greater sampling effort is required to resolve the patterns in behaviour between exploited and protected populations. Nonetheless, given the influence of size on behaviour, the smaller size of C. laticeps at Port Elizabeth may be cause for concern regarding the vulnerability of future populations to ongoing climate change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Mataboge, Bontle Boitumelo
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Marine resources conservation South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Effect of temperature on South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Climatic factors South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Effect of fishing on South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Effect of human beings on South Africa Agulhas , Sparidae Behavior South Africa Agulhas , Overfishing South Africa Agulhas , Underwater videography in wildlife monitoring South Africa Agulhas , Red roman (Chrysoblephus laticeps)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291140 , vital:56823
- Description: Marine environments are experiencing rapidly increasing temperatures, sea levels and acidification and higher frequencies and magnitudes of extreme weather events as a result of climate change. In the Agulhas Ecoregion of South Africa, there has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of upwelling events. Upwelling events result in rapid and large decreases in water temperature which can persist for several days. Variation in water temperature is known to impact the metabolic rate of fish (which are ectotherms) and in turn their activity patterns. To promote fitness related traits, the metabolic rate of fish is maximised at a specific temperature range. Outside of this optimal temperature range, the capacity of fish to perform aerobically declines. Therefore, it is expected that an increase in upwelling may place the fish under significant physiological stress. The effects of climate change can be compounded by the effects of fisheries-induced evolution; the microevolution of a fish population due to the artificial selection of certain biological traits by fishing practices. Passive fishing gears preferentially remove large (older) and bold individuals, causing reductions in population size, genetic diversity and fecundity as well as size and age truncation and the loss of large, bold and dominant phenotypes in fish populations. These demographic changes affect the adaptive capacity of fish and exploited populations are expected to be less resilient to climate variability and long-term temperature change. The resilience of fish is largely dependent on their physiological attributes, particularly their metabolic rate. Theoretically, fish with broader aerobic scope (defined as the difference between an individual’s maximum metabolic rate and standard metabolic rate) will be more tolerant to the impacts of climate change as they have energy available for adaptation. Recent respirometry and accelerometry studies suggest that populations of the endemic southern African linefish Chrysoblephus laticeps (red roman) from inside marine protected areas (MPAs) have higher metabolic rates and broader aerobic scope compared to those found outside of MPAs, particularly at thermal extremes. As C. laticeps are highly resident it is possible that fish populations protected within well-established MPAs may be more resilient to the physiological stresses caused by upwelling if they are able to maintain their activity levels despite changing temperatures. Behaviour is a proxy that can be used to infer metabolism as behaviours have associated metabolic costs and benefits. Behaviour is also a trait that can be altered by passive fishing practices which preferentially extract more active and bold individuals. Given this context, the aim of this thesis was to determine the effects of short-term thermal variability on the population structure and behaviour of C. laticeps and whether these effects differed between protected and exploited populations. Baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) were used to observe C. laticeps inside two MPAs (Tsitsikamma and Goukamma) and at two exploited sites (Port Elizabeth and Cape St. Francis) over the temperature range 10-18 °C. The relative abundance, size and relevant behaviours of C. laticeps were recorded. The relative abundance (MaxN) of C. laticeps was not significantly higher inside the MPAs compared to the exploited sites. The size of C. laticeps did not vary significantly by protection level either. However, the mean size of C. laticeps was considerably smaller at Port Elizabeth compared to the three other locations. There was a notable absence of large C. laticeps size classes at Port Elizabeth. The effect of water temperature on relative abundance was only seen in the exploited areas, where temperature and abundance were positively correlated. This was not the case in the protected areas where C. laticeps abundance remained roughly consistent. Generally, the effect of temperature on all measured behaviours was consistent across protection levels. An exception was that the feeding rate at Tsitsikamma MPA was significantly higher than at Cape St. Francis at temperatures below 11.5 °C. Temperature had a significant effect on the time taken for the first individual to appear in the field of view. This time shortened with increasing temperature, regardless of protection level. This was likely a result of the metabolic constraints placed on individuals by low waters temperatures and individuals would be able to pursue the bait more readily at higher temperatures. However, there was no evidence of greater metabolic scope from the C. laticeps individuals observed in the MPAs, relative to the exploited areas. Individual size and the presence of conspecifics were also found to significantly influence behaviour. Generally, size had a positive relationship with behaviour, with larger individuals more likely to feed on the bait, chase other fish from the bait (only in the MPAs) and spend more time in the field of view. The higher displays of aggression in MPAs may be an indication of fishing practices having removed bold and dominant individuals at the exploited sites. The probability of fleeing and the feeding rates of individuals increased with increasing numbers of conspecifics, suggesting that C. laticeps behaviour is influenced by intraspecific competition. Overall, this thesis did not find strong evidence that C. laticeps from MPAs performed better than C. laticeps from exploited areas, even at low temperatures. Behavioural responses to temperature were highly variable across locations and this may be attributed to high behavioural phenotypic diversity among individuals. Environmental stressors, such as temperature changes, can illicit very different behavioural responses among individuals in a population. It is also possible that C. laticeps from the exploited areas have the same genetic predispositions to physiological stress as the individuals in the MPAs due to spillover and larval recruitment from the MPAs. Indeed, genetic studies find that all C. laticeps population in South African represent a single well-mixed genetic stock. It is likely that greater sampling effort is required to resolve the patterns in behaviour between exploited and protected populations. Nonetheless, given the influence of size on behaviour, the smaller size of C. laticeps at Port Elizabeth may be cause for concern regarding the vulnerability of future populations to ongoing climate change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The geology, mineralogy, structure and economic aspects of the pegmatite-hosted Swanson Tantalum Deposit, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia
- Authors: Pepler, Laubser
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Tantalum South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Geology South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Mineralogy South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) Structure , Pegmatites Economic aspects South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pofadder Shear Zone , Tantalite Valley Complex , Orange River Pegmatite Belt , Lower Fish River/Onseepkans Thrust Zone
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291303 , vital:56843
- Description: This study presents the geology, mineralogy, structure, and economic aspects of the recently explored Swanson Tantalum Deposit occurring within the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia. It is an LCT-type pegmatite hosted (microlitetantalite- tapiolite ± spodumene – lepidolite - zinnwaldite) tantalum deposit forming part of a highly localised sill-and-dyke swarm comprised of 15 shallow dipping and significantly mineralised pegmatites. This deposit forms part of the western portions of the regionally developed∼ 1040 – 950 Ma Orange River Pegmatite Belt (ORPB) which was locally emplaced syn-tectonically into competent host rocks in the core zone of the late-stage crustal scale transcurrent dextral, ductile to brittle-ductile D4 Marshall Rocks – Pofadder Shear Zone (MRPSZ), where it crosscuts the rocks of the D2 Lower Fish River - Onseepkans Thrust Zone (LFROTZ). A JORC Maiden Mineral Resource of 1.2 Mt @ 412 ppm Ta2O5 + 76 ppm Nb2O5 + 0.29 wt. % Li2O (with an applied cut-off grade of 236 ppm Ta2O5 and a minimum thickness of 1 m) has recently been estimated for the deposit. The deposit is currently being advanced to feasibility stage with the aim of outlining economic Mineral Reserves. It currently hosts a globally significant and market-relevant “high grade – low tonnage” tantalum Mineral Resource. Recent litho-structural mapping of this deposit has shown that its structural setting encompasses a locally developed lower strain extensional quadrant associated with the mega-scale shear zone bound competent mantle porphyroclast: the mafic-ultramafic Tantalite Valley Complex (TVC), or TVC megaclast. A succession of syn-D4 MRPSZ-hosted granitic melts comprising earlier leucogranite intrusions and later mineralised pegmatites of the Swanson Tantalum Deposit have variably utilised this extensional structure. The earlier leucogranites have clearly exploited mylonitic foliations associated with the development of core zone of the MRPSZ, while the mineralised pegmatites have utilised later-stage shallow-dipping Riedel fractures developed within more competent host rock. The tantalum tenor of pegmatites comprising the Swanson Tantalum Deposit is clearly structurally controlled, with tantalum tenor increasing from NW towards the SE over relatively short distances, toward the TVC megaclast. Although highly speculative without robust geochronological and petrographic investigation, field observations from this study highlights that the host rocks to the Swanson Tantalum Deposit, namely the mottled hybrid metagabbro (HMG), usually described as being syn-D2 in age (∼ 1200 – 1100 Ma), may possibly be syn-D4 in age (∼ 1040 – 950 Ma). If this is proven to be true, it may represent the earliest syn-D4 melt known for the MRPSZ. The Swanson Tantalum Deposit area therefore represents a prime area for studying and potentially constraining the upper and lower age limits of the MRPSZ. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Pepler, Laubser
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Tantalum South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Geology South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Mineralogy South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pegmatites South Africa Pofadder (Region) Structure , Pegmatites Economic aspects South Africa Pofadder (Region) , Pofadder Shear Zone , Tantalite Valley Complex , Orange River Pegmatite Belt , Lower Fish River/Onseepkans Thrust Zone
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291303 , vital:56843
- Description: This study presents the geology, mineralogy, structure, and economic aspects of the recently explored Swanson Tantalum Deposit occurring within the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province, Tantalite Valley area, southern Namibia. It is an LCT-type pegmatite hosted (microlitetantalite- tapiolite ± spodumene – lepidolite - zinnwaldite) tantalum deposit forming part of a highly localised sill-and-dyke swarm comprised of 15 shallow dipping and significantly mineralised pegmatites. This deposit forms part of the western portions of the regionally developed∼ 1040 – 950 Ma Orange River Pegmatite Belt (ORPB) which was locally emplaced syn-tectonically into competent host rocks in the core zone of the late-stage crustal scale transcurrent dextral, ductile to brittle-ductile D4 Marshall Rocks – Pofadder Shear Zone (MRPSZ), where it crosscuts the rocks of the D2 Lower Fish River - Onseepkans Thrust Zone (LFROTZ). A JORC Maiden Mineral Resource of 1.2 Mt @ 412 ppm Ta2O5 + 76 ppm Nb2O5 + 0.29 wt. % Li2O (with an applied cut-off grade of 236 ppm Ta2O5 and a minimum thickness of 1 m) has recently been estimated for the deposit. The deposit is currently being advanced to feasibility stage with the aim of outlining economic Mineral Reserves. It currently hosts a globally significant and market-relevant “high grade – low tonnage” tantalum Mineral Resource. Recent litho-structural mapping of this deposit has shown that its structural setting encompasses a locally developed lower strain extensional quadrant associated with the mega-scale shear zone bound competent mantle porphyroclast: the mafic-ultramafic Tantalite Valley Complex (TVC), or TVC megaclast. A succession of syn-D4 MRPSZ-hosted granitic melts comprising earlier leucogranite intrusions and later mineralised pegmatites of the Swanson Tantalum Deposit have variably utilised this extensional structure. The earlier leucogranites have clearly exploited mylonitic foliations associated with the development of core zone of the MRPSZ, while the mineralised pegmatites have utilised later-stage shallow-dipping Riedel fractures developed within more competent host rock. The tantalum tenor of pegmatites comprising the Swanson Tantalum Deposit is clearly structurally controlled, with tantalum tenor increasing from NW towards the SE over relatively short distances, toward the TVC megaclast. Although highly speculative without robust geochronological and petrographic investigation, field observations from this study highlights that the host rocks to the Swanson Tantalum Deposit, namely the mottled hybrid metagabbro (HMG), usually described as being syn-D2 in age (∼ 1200 – 1100 Ma), may possibly be syn-D4 in age (∼ 1040 – 950 Ma). If this is proven to be true, it may represent the earliest syn-D4 melt known for the MRPSZ. The Swanson Tantalum Deposit area therefore represents a prime area for studying and potentially constraining the upper and lower age limits of the MRPSZ. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The host specificity and efficacy of Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a candidate biological control agent of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) in Australia
- Authors: Dixon, Elizabeth Anne
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Chrysomelidae Australia , Pereskia Australia , Pereskia Biological control Australia , Invasive plants Biological control Australia , Insects as biological pest control agents Australia , Cactus Biological control Australia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290826 , vital:56789
- Description: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a primitive creeping cactus that originated from South America and has become an invasive alien plant in South Africa and Australia. Due to its vine-like growth form mechanical and chemical control are not feasible options for its control, therefore biological control is the best option for controlling this plant. Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Chrysomelidae) is a leaf-feeding flea beetle that has been released as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in South Africa and has been shown to be damaging at some sites in the country. In this thesis, further studies into the use of Ph. guerini as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata were conducted to determine whether the beetle should be released as an agent against the target weed in Australia. The host range of a potential biological control agent is important to determine as only monophagous agents, or agents with suitably restricted host ranges, should be considered for release. Host specificity testing was conducted to determine if Ph. guerini was suitably specific for release in Australia. Phenrica guerini larvae only fed and partially developed on three out of 25 test plants, but failed to pupate on any plants besides Pe. aculeata. Adult beetles did not feed on any test plants and only oviposited on one test plant species. Phenrica guerini did not develop on any plant other than the target weed and is therefore suitably host specific for release in Australia. The efficacy of a potential agent is also important to consider as the release of an ineffective agent can reduce the success of a biological control programme. A laboratory based pre-release efficacy assessment was done to determine the impact that Ph. guerini could have on Pe. aculeata. There was a significant difference between the control plants and those with larvae, with an average of 72 (S.E. ± 12.33) less leaves on plants with feeding and the main stem of the plant being 11.1 cm (S.E. ± 7.17) shorter. Although there were no significant differences observed in the number of additional stems, and weights of the different plant parts, this was not a long term study and many of these differences would not have been observed in a short period. Based on the impact observed on the leaves and the main stem, and various field studies that have been done to assess the impact of Ph. guerini on Pe. aculeata in the field in South Africa, Ph. guerini appears to be a potentially damaging agent. As Pe. aculeata is still in its early stages of invasion in Australia the beetle has the potential to be damaging and reduce the invasion trajectory of the plant. This study showed that the beetle is suitably host specific and potentially damaging enough to be recommended for release as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in Australia. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Dixon, Elizabeth Anne
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Chrysomelidae Australia , Pereskia Australia , Pereskia Biological control Australia , Invasive plants Biological control Australia , Insects as biological pest control agents Australia , Cactus Biological control Australia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290826 , vital:56789
- Description: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a primitive creeping cactus that originated from South America and has become an invasive alien plant in South Africa and Australia. Due to its vine-like growth form mechanical and chemical control are not feasible options for its control, therefore biological control is the best option for controlling this plant. Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Chrysomelidae) is a leaf-feeding flea beetle that has been released as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in South Africa and has been shown to be damaging at some sites in the country. In this thesis, further studies into the use of Ph. guerini as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata were conducted to determine whether the beetle should be released as an agent against the target weed in Australia. The host range of a potential biological control agent is important to determine as only monophagous agents, or agents with suitably restricted host ranges, should be considered for release. Host specificity testing was conducted to determine if Ph. guerini was suitably specific for release in Australia. Phenrica guerini larvae only fed and partially developed on three out of 25 test plants, but failed to pupate on any plants besides Pe. aculeata. Adult beetles did not feed on any test plants and only oviposited on one test plant species. Phenrica guerini did not develop on any plant other than the target weed and is therefore suitably host specific for release in Australia. The efficacy of a potential agent is also important to consider as the release of an ineffective agent can reduce the success of a biological control programme. A laboratory based pre-release efficacy assessment was done to determine the impact that Ph. guerini could have on Pe. aculeata. There was a significant difference between the control plants and those with larvae, with an average of 72 (S.E. ± 12.33) less leaves on plants with feeding and the main stem of the plant being 11.1 cm (S.E. ± 7.17) shorter. Although there were no significant differences observed in the number of additional stems, and weights of the different plant parts, this was not a long term study and many of these differences would not have been observed in a short period. Based on the impact observed on the leaves and the main stem, and various field studies that have been done to assess the impact of Ph. guerini on Pe. aculeata in the field in South Africa, Ph. guerini appears to be a potentially damaging agent. As Pe. aculeata is still in its early stages of invasion in Australia the beetle has the potential to be damaging and reduce the invasion trajectory of the plant. This study showed that the beetle is suitably host specific and potentially damaging enough to be recommended for release as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in Australia. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The impact of urban gardening on household food security: evidence from Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Authors: Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Food security South Africa Makhanda , Urban agriculture South Africa Makhanda , Urban gardening South Africa Makhanda , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Economic conditions , Subsistence farming South Africa Makhanda , Economic impact analysis South Africa Makhanda , Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263575 , vital:53640
- Description: Urban gardening in townships is a common coping strategy employed by poor inhabitants to improve food security, earn income through sales, and generate cost-savings through home consumption of fresh produce. Food security is a cornerstone of human development and welfare, and the achievement thereof remains a global challenge. The majority of academic research and policy documentation traditionally positions food insecurity as a rural phenomenon. However, recent trends point to an increase in food insecurity in urban areas, particularly in low-income areas such as townships. In South Africa, rapid urbanization has led to burgeoning townships and rapidly expanding low-income informal settlements characterised by poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Research concerned with the role that urban agricultural production plays in contributing to the food security of poor households is scarce and not well understood. This research, therefore, aimed to contribute to the limited research which specifically examines urban food security, and the role urban agriculture play in the achievement of household food security. The study employed collective action theory and utility theory to firstly provides an in-depth examination of the determinants of participation in urban gardening using Probit regression modeling. The second research objective was to perform an impact evaluation of participation in urban gardening on selected household food security indicators including Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and the Coping Strategy Index (CSI) using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to obtain a sample of 60 urban gardeners and a control group of 55 non-gardening households from Extension 6, 7 and 10 townships as well as Joza Location in Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province. Households were surveyed using a structured household food security questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with the Linomtha Community Garden members and key informant interviews were undertaken with important stakeholders such as the local extension officers. Descriptive analysis revealed that urban gardening households (UGs) had older household heads who were less educated, and that land and water availability were the dominant constraints to increases in agricultural production. Results from the probit and average marginal effects models showed that the likelihood of participation significantly increased when household unemployment and dependency increased and that households who were engaged in off-farm economic activity were more likely to participate in urban gardening. The impact evaluation was performed using PSM and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Analysis illustrated that participation in urban gardening does significantly reduce both the full CSI and Reduced CSI. Thus, participation in urban gardening improves the food security of participating households by significantly reducing the frequency of participating households (UGs) applying undesirable coping strategies such as sending children elsewhere other than the household, borrowing food from other households and reducing the number of meals eaten in a day due to food shortages. This study posits that urban gardening alone will not eradicate the rampant food insecurity and poverty which pervades in South Africa’s townships. However, urban gardening participation does contribute to the construction of a sustainable, urban livelihood by reducing the number and severity of the undesirable coping strategies that food insecure households employ by providing some nutritious produce as well improved social capital through gardening networks and supporting institutions. It is recommended that policy makers, at a national and municipal level, need to create a clearer directive for the integration of urban food production into the urban food marketplace thus increasing access to income generating channels for small-scale home, and community gardeners. Co-operation between private and public institutions for food security and urban gardeners needs to be fostered and awareness of opportunities to participate in urban gardens needs to be improved. Central to the developmental challenges that rapid increases in urbanization and food insecurity in poor urban areas, is the need for national and local governments to improve access to economic opportunities in township areas - both in urban agriculture and in other, skills intensive sectors. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Food security South Africa Makhanda , Urban agriculture South Africa Makhanda , Urban gardening South Africa Makhanda , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Economic conditions , Subsistence farming South Africa Makhanda , Economic impact analysis South Africa Makhanda , Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263575 , vital:53640
- Description: Urban gardening in townships is a common coping strategy employed by poor inhabitants to improve food security, earn income through sales, and generate cost-savings through home consumption of fresh produce. Food security is a cornerstone of human development and welfare, and the achievement thereof remains a global challenge. The majority of academic research and policy documentation traditionally positions food insecurity as a rural phenomenon. However, recent trends point to an increase in food insecurity in urban areas, particularly in low-income areas such as townships. In South Africa, rapid urbanization has led to burgeoning townships and rapidly expanding low-income informal settlements characterised by poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Research concerned with the role that urban agricultural production plays in contributing to the food security of poor households is scarce and not well understood. This research, therefore, aimed to contribute to the limited research which specifically examines urban food security, and the role urban agriculture play in the achievement of household food security. The study employed collective action theory and utility theory to firstly provides an in-depth examination of the determinants of participation in urban gardening using Probit regression modeling. The second research objective was to perform an impact evaluation of participation in urban gardening on selected household food security indicators including Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and the Coping Strategy Index (CSI) using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to obtain a sample of 60 urban gardeners and a control group of 55 non-gardening households from Extension 6, 7 and 10 townships as well as Joza Location in Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province. Households were surveyed using a structured household food security questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with the Linomtha Community Garden members and key informant interviews were undertaken with important stakeholders such as the local extension officers. Descriptive analysis revealed that urban gardening households (UGs) had older household heads who were less educated, and that land and water availability were the dominant constraints to increases in agricultural production. Results from the probit and average marginal effects models showed that the likelihood of participation significantly increased when household unemployment and dependency increased and that households who were engaged in off-farm economic activity were more likely to participate in urban gardening. The impact evaluation was performed using PSM and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Analysis illustrated that participation in urban gardening does significantly reduce both the full CSI and Reduced CSI. Thus, participation in urban gardening improves the food security of participating households by significantly reducing the frequency of participating households (UGs) applying undesirable coping strategies such as sending children elsewhere other than the household, borrowing food from other households and reducing the number of meals eaten in a day due to food shortages. This study posits that urban gardening alone will not eradicate the rampant food insecurity and poverty which pervades in South Africa’s townships. However, urban gardening participation does contribute to the construction of a sustainable, urban livelihood by reducing the number and severity of the undesirable coping strategies that food insecure households employ by providing some nutritious produce as well improved social capital through gardening networks and supporting institutions. It is recommended that policy makers, at a national and municipal level, need to create a clearer directive for the integration of urban food production into the urban food marketplace thus increasing access to income generating channels for small-scale home, and community gardeners. Co-operation between private and public institutions for food security and urban gardeners needs to be fostered and awareness of opportunities to participate in urban gardens needs to be improved. Central to the developmental challenges that rapid increases in urbanization and food insecurity in poor urban areas, is the need for national and local governments to improve access to economic opportunities in township areas - both in urban agriculture and in other, skills intensive sectors. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The quality of higher education and its influence on graduate employability and employer perception
- Authors: Mqingwana, Siviwe Nokulinda
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Employability , Career education , Education, Higher Aims and objectives , College graduates Employment , Universities and colleges Ratings and rankings , Labor supply Effect of education on , College graduates Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284526 , vital:56071
- Description: This study examined the quality of higher education and its influence on graduate employability and employer perception. Through determining the factors influencing graduates’ employment by employers and also the elements that induce employers in employing graduates, this was achieved. This research is rooted in a positivist perspective determining the relationship between graduate employability and a universities’ status. The main goal of this research was to examine to what extent employers are influenced by a higher education institution's perceived reputation when employing graduates. The linear regression model was used to predict the relationship between graduate employability (dependent variable) and the perceived reputation of the university by employers and citations of the university. This was achieved using quantitative methods. The quantitative database that this research relied on is Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university ranking. This research made use of descriptive data analysis as well as linear regression. The data set analysis showed citations of the institution had a significant negative relationship with the rate of employability (although this was a relatively weak relationship). The reputation of the institution and the number of international students enrolled do not affect the rate of employability. The analysed data set also showed that the number of citations of a university had a significant impact on the rate of employability at the 10% significance level. As such, higher education institutions need to consider including current market demand into their offerings to improve their graduate’s employability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Mqingwana, Siviwe Nokulinda
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Employability , Career education , Education, Higher Aims and objectives , College graduates Employment , Universities and colleges Ratings and rankings , Labor supply Effect of education on , College graduates Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284526 , vital:56071
- Description: This study examined the quality of higher education and its influence on graduate employability and employer perception. Through determining the factors influencing graduates’ employment by employers and also the elements that induce employers in employing graduates, this was achieved. This research is rooted in a positivist perspective determining the relationship between graduate employability and a universities’ status. The main goal of this research was to examine to what extent employers are influenced by a higher education institution's perceived reputation when employing graduates. The linear regression model was used to predict the relationship between graduate employability (dependent variable) and the perceived reputation of the university by employers and citations of the university. This was achieved using quantitative methods. The quantitative database that this research relied on is Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university ranking. This research made use of descriptive data analysis as well as linear regression. The data set analysis showed citations of the institution had a significant negative relationship with the rate of employability (although this was a relatively weak relationship). The reputation of the institution and the number of international students enrolled do not affect the rate of employability. The analysed data set also showed that the number of citations of a university had a significant impact on the rate of employability at the 10% significance level. As such, higher education institutions need to consider including current market demand into their offerings to improve their graduate’s employability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The regulation of privacy on cloud computing services in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
- Authors: Malahleka, Mthuthukisi
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: South Africa. Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 , Cloud computing Law and legislation South Africa , Data protection Law and legislation South Africa , Personal information management South Africa , Data privacy South Africa , Computer security Law and legislation South Africa , General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290731 , vital:56779
- Description: There is a relatively new development in Information Technology (IT) space known as cloud computing, software and service delivered remotely through the Internet without installing software on a computer. Cloud computing has quickly gathered steam as one of the most prominent topics in IT, and indeed within the business sector as a whole. Cloud computing is one such development associated with opportunities and benefits, especially in the commercial sector. Due to the development of IT and many businesses adopting e-commerce business-related strategies, cloud computing has revolutionised how personal information is processed. The advent of cloud computing as a mechanism to process personal information has brought many legal challenges for protecting the right to privacy enshrined under section 14 of the South African Constitution, which is a vulnerable part of one’s personality right. The right to privacy has long been protected even before adopting the Constitution under the common law of delict (actio iniuriarumn). As the adoption rate of cloud computing services by businesses continues to increase, the legal considerations and risks become more prevalent. The lawmakers struggle to keep pace with the rapidly changing technological advancements, at least for now. Both the common law and the Constitution could not address all the legal aspects of data protection and the adoption of cloud computing services hence the promulgation of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPI Act). The POPI Act’s main objective is to protect the personal information of both natural and juristic persons. Personal information about an individual forms part of privacy. Unlawful processing of such personal information is a violation of the right to privacy of an individual. It is now widely recognised that the unregulated processing of personal information significantly impacts fundamental human rights like privacy, personality, and autonomy. A close analysis of cloud computing regulation is necessary, as legal protection mechanisms must safeguard the processing of personal information and establish extraterritorial jurisdiction to regulate the use of cloud computing within national legislation as cloud computing provides a transnational characteristic on the cross-border flow of personal information. In this thesis, a question is asked on whether the current data protection laws in South Africa on protecting the right to privacy in the cloud computing services context are adequate. The analysis will determine whether the overlaps between these pieces of data protection laws are competent to deal with the ever-increasing threats on the right to privacy and if they meet the international data protection standards set by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The research seeks to analyse and reveal the shortcomings under the Constitution and the common law that led to adopting the POPI Act by studying the regulation of cloud computing services. This analysis will determine the shortcomings of the POPI Act as well in the context of cloud computing. The research will then follow a comparative analysis of the POPI Act and the GDPR to determine the application of the GDPR on international data breaches and compare its provisions with the POPI Act in the context of cloud computing. Finally, the research will address the question as to whether a multi-faceted approach, which includes a Model Law on cloud computing, would be an appropriate starting point setting out requirements for the use of this technology can be sufficient in protecting data subjects. And as cloud computing risks are not only a national but also a global problem, South Africa needs to look at the option of entering into mutual agreements with other countries and organisations to regulate cloud computing at an international level. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Malahleka, Mthuthukisi
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: South Africa. Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 , Cloud computing Law and legislation South Africa , Data protection Law and legislation South Africa , Personal information management South Africa , Data privacy South Africa , Computer security Law and legislation South Africa , General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290731 , vital:56779
- Description: There is a relatively new development in Information Technology (IT) space known as cloud computing, software and service delivered remotely through the Internet without installing software on a computer. Cloud computing has quickly gathered steam as one of the most prominent topics in IT, and indeed within the business sector as a whole. Cloud computing is one such development associated with opportunities and benefits, especially in the commercial sector. Due to the development of IT and many businesses adopting e-commerce business-related strategies, cloud computing has revolutionised how personal information is processed. The advent of cloud computing as a mechanism to process personal information has brought many legal challenges for protecting the right to privacy enshrined under section 14 of the South African Constitution, which is a vulnerable part of one’s personality right. The right to privacy has long been protected even before adopting the Constitution under the common law of delict (actio iniuriarumn). As the adoption rate of cloud computing services by businesses continues to increase, the legal considerations and risks become more prevalent. The lawmakers struggle to keep pace with the rapidly changing technological advancements, at least for now. Both the common law and the Constitution could not address all the legal aspects of data protection and the adoption of cloud computing services hence the promulgation of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPI Act). The POPI Act’s main objective is to protect the personal information of both natural and juristic persons. Personal information about an individual forms part of privacy. Unlawful processing of such personal information is a violation of the right to privacy of an individual. It is now widely recognised that the unregulated processing of personal information significantly impacts fundamental human rights like privacy, personality, and autonomy. A close analysis of cloud computing regulation is necessary, as legal protection mechanisms must safeguard the processing of personal information and establish extraterritorial jurisdiction to regulate the use of cloud computing within national legislation as cloud computing provides a transnational characteristic on the cross-border flow of personal information. In this thesis, a question is asked on whether the current data protection laws in South Africa on protecting the right to privacy in the cloud computing services context are adequate. The analysis will determine whether the overlaps between these pieces of data protection laws are competent to deal with the ever-increasing threats on the right to privacy and if they meet the international data protection standards set by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The research seeks to analyse and reveal the shortcomings under the Constitution and the common law that led to adopting the POPI Act by studying the regulation of cloud computing services. This analysis will determine the shortcomings of the POPI Act as well in the context of cloud computing. The research will then follow a comparative analysis of the POPI Act and the GDPR to determine the application of the GDPR on international data breaches and compare its provisions with the POPI Act in the context of cloud computing. Finally, the research will address the question as to whether a multi-faceted approach, which includes a Model Law on cloud computing, would be an appropriate starting point setting out requirements for the use of this technology can be sufficient in protecting data subjects. And as cloud computing risks are not only a national but also a global problem, South Africa needs to look at the option of entering into mutual agreements with other countries and organisations to regulate cloud computing at an international level. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The role of a national system of innovation in facilitating development in South Africa from a comparative BRICS perspective
- Authors: Sibhukwana, Andiswa
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: BRIC countries , Technological innovations Economic aspects South Africa , Economic development South Africa , Economics Mathematical models , Neoclassical school of economics , South Africa Economic conditions , South Africa Economic policy , National systems of innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284616 , vital:56079
- Description: The aim of the dissertation was to investigate whether the adoption of a national system of innovation has helped facilitate development in South Africa from a comparative BRICS perspective. South Africa has an expanding focus on science and technology, as per the Science and Technology White Paper (1996). There appeared to be innovation that had left out much of the citizenry. There continued to be poverty, inequality, and joblessness. The study aimed to understand how the NSI approach could be used to foster inclusive and transformative development. The study used a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative aspect of the research focused on an innovation and public policy study which assessed the various policies and initiatives implemented in each of the BRICS countries to drive innovation and foster development. The qualitative aspect of the study found that the innovation paradigm required governments to adopt a more holistic approach to public policy design and analysis. The quantitative aspect of the research focused on a trend, correlation, and regression analysis. The trend analysis revealed that China and Brazil increased their allocation of resources towards R&D compared to the other countries. Brazil is regarded as a social investment state, while China is a developmental state: this means the state plays an extraordinarily strong coordinative and financing role in the NSI. On the other hand, the correlation matrix for South Africa revealed a statistically significant positive linear association between various NSI indicators and human development. This suggested that the innovation benefits are trickling down to the general citizenry. In essence the study articulated key elements of the understanding of current and potential impacts of technological change in productivity and growth, employment and inequality that can be used for policy making. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Sibhukwana, Andiswa
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: BRIC countries , Technological innovations Economic aspects South Africa , Economic development South Africa , Economics Mathematical models , Neoclassical school of economics , South Africa Economic conditions , South Africa Economic policy , National systems of innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284616 , vital:56079
- Description: The aim of the dissertation was to investigate whether the adoption of a national system of innovation has helped facilitate development in South Africa from a comparative BRICS perspective. South Africa has an expanding focus on science and technology, as per the Science and Technology White Paper (1996). There appeared to be innovation that had left out much of the citizenry. There continued to be poverty, inequality, and joblessness. The study aimed to understand how the NSI approach could be used to foster inclusive and transformative development. The study used a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative aspect of the research focused on an innovation and public policy study which assessed the various policies and initiatives implemented in each of the BRICS countries to drive innovation and foster development. The qualitative aspect of the study found that the innovation paradigm required governments to adopt a more holistic approach to public policy design and analysis. The quantitative aspect of the research focused on a trend, correlation, and regression analysis. The trend analysis revealed that China and Brazil increased their allocation of resources towards R&D compared to the other countries. Brazil is regarded as a social investment state, while China is a developmental state: this means the state plays an extraordinarily strong coordinative and financing role in the NSI. On the other hand, the correlation matrix for South Africa revealed a statistically significant positive linear association between various NSI indicators and human development. This suggested that the innovation benefits are trickling down to the general citizenry. In essence the study articulated key elements of the understanding of current and potential impacts of technological change in productivity and growth, employment and inequality that can be used for policy making. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Thicket expansion in a vachellia karroo-dominated landscape and its effect on herbaceous communities
- Authors: Khoza, Marina Rindzani
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Savanna ecology South Africa , Forbs South Africa , Grasslands South Africa , Herbaceous plants South Africa , Vegetation dynamics South Africa , Forest canopies South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291015 , vital:56808
- Description: Grass and forb species found in savannas are highly diverse, contributing to the structure and function of the savanna system. Where mean annual rainfall is seasonal and high enough to support closed canopy vegetation such as forests or thickets, savannas can exist as an alternative stable state maintained by disturbances such as fire and browsing. Biotic and abiotic processes act on savanna and forest (or thicket) systems maintaining both their tree and herbaceous cover at levels that ensure their persistence in those states. Studies have shown that many semi-arid rangelands in South Africa have undergone a rapid increase in tree cover (of both native and non-native species) over the past several decades. This process of increasing tree cover in semi-arid savannas, termed bush encroachment, results in a biome shift, changing landscapes that were once grasslands with few trees to ones dominated by broad-leaved trees with fewer sun-adapted forbs and grasses. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changing woody cover and its associated changes in tree composition, tree canopy structure, light dynamics in the understory and herbaceous community composition on Endwell farm in the Eastern Cape. Canopy cover changes between the years 1949 and 2019 were analysed at 51 sites on the farm and related to historical rainfall patterns. There had been a general increase in tree cover over the past several decades on the farm, and many sites showed a change from open (0-15%) in 1949 to low (1635%), moderate (36-50%) and high (51-100%) canopy cover in 2019. In earlier years most sites had a canopy cover below 50%, and the higher canopy cover values (>65%) occurred in more recent decades. Canopy cover of ~ 50% was found to be rare in each decade. This suggests that ~50% canopy cover maybe a transient, unstable state. The period with the highest rate of canopy cover increase was 2002-2013, and this increase coincided with a high mean annual rainfall 10 years prior to 2002 and a high mean annual rainfall in most years between the 20022013 period. The period between 2002 and 2013 also had the highest number of sites transitioning from lower to higher tree canopy cover classes, indicating that rainfall may have been a factor driving bush encroachment during the past several decades. An increase in canopy cover (a decrease in light transmittance) was accompanied by changes in woody species composition during thicket formation. The low canopy cover (high light transmittance) sites were dominated by Vachellia karroo and Scutia myrtina trees, while high tree cover sites had fewer V. karroo and S. myrtina trees and were rather characterised by an abundance of thicket tree species. Species proportion, NMDS and dendrogram plots indicated that sites with a light transmittance range between 50-100% had similar tree species compositions, different from sites with light transmittances <50%. An increase in tree density was strongly correlated to an increase in canopy cover (from 2019 satellite imagery), density of trees > 3m, maximum height reached by trees, diversity of trees, total canopy volume, total canopy area and leaf area index (LAI), and a decrease in light transmittance. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore the relationships between canopy characteristics (maximum canopy area, canopy volume, tree diversity, density of trees, density of trees >3m, individual trees and maximum canopy height), aerial canopy cover in 2019, and light transmittance. The model explained 73% of the variation in light transmittance, mostly via the direct effect of canopy characteristics. Canopy characteristics had a strong influence on both aerial cover in 2019 and directly on light transmittance, but canopy cover in 2019 had a weak influence on light transmittance. The herbaceous layer was rich and dominated by C4 grasses such as Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria eriantha) and forbs including Hibiscus aethiopicus, Helichrysum dregeanum, Helichrysum nudifolium and Gerbera viridifolia at low canopy cover sites with high light transmittance. In contrast, high tree cover sites had fewer herbaceous species in general. Grass and forb species characteristic of these sites high canopy cover sites were Panicum maximum, Loudetia flavida, Pellaea viridis and Cyperus spp. Different sites with low light transmittance (<50%) had similar herbaceous species composition. Basal cover, richness, abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants decreased significantly with an increase in tree density, density of trees >3 m, canopy volume, canopy area, canopy cover, LAI, and increased significantly with increasing light transmittance. Most grasses had their highest densities at LAI <0.5, which was estimated to correspond to ~75% light transmittance and ~38% canopy cover and then started to decline thereafter. Herbaceous species basal cover was also highest at LAI <0.5. An SEM model indicated that herbaceous diversity, basal cover and richness responded both to light availability and to the structure of the woody vegetation directly (R2 = 0.53). While the effect of light transmittance on herbaceous communities was strong (0.41), there was little difference between the effect of light transmittance and canopy characteristics (-0.35) on herbaceous communities. Two possible threshold points, relating to two types of transitions in vegetation structure, could be deduced from this study. The first threshold occurred at canopy cover ~ 40% (LAI < ~ 0.5, light transmittance ~ 75%), at which point many of the common herbaceous species, including the dominant C4 grasses, began to decline in abundance while the composition remained characteristic of the savanna state. A canopy cover of less than ~ 40% at a site provides a suitable state for a high abundance of grass and forb species which help maintain an open system by facilitating fires. The second threshold marked a compositional shift between savanna and closed-canopy vegetation states. Savanna species (trees, grasses and forbs) dominated at high light transmittances (>50%) and were significantly reduced at low light transmittances (< 50%), indicating a possible species composition threshold at ~50% light transmittance at which a savanna state switches to a thicket (LAI ~ 1 and canopy cover ~70%). This point indicated the point where there was a significant difference in both tree and herbaceous plant compositions, with a marked reduction in the occurrence of C4 grasses at light transmittance <50%. Fire is supressed when the C4 grass layer is lost, and further thicket encroachment will take place causing complete canopy closure. Land managers in this system should start becoming concerned about a reduction in grass biomass when canopy cover reaches about 40% and would have to reduce tree cover before the threshold of 50% light transmittance (70% canopy cover from aerial photos) is reached to maintain a savanna system. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Thicket expansion in a vachellia karroo-dominated landscape and its effect on herbaceous communities
- Authors: Khoza, Marina Rindzani
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Savanna ecology South Africa , Forbs South Africa , Grasslands South Africa , Herbaceous plants South Africa , Vegetation dynamics South Africa , Forest canopies South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291015 , vital:56808
- Description: Grass and forb species found in savannas are highly diverse, contributing to the structure and function of the savanna system. Where mean annual rainfall is seasonal and high enough to support closed canopy vegetation such as forests or thickets, savannas can exist as an alternative stable state maintained by disturbances such as fire and browsing. Biotic and abiotic processes act on savanna and forest (or thicket) systems maintaining both their tree and herbaceous cover at levels that ensure their persistence in those states. Studies have shown that many semi-arid rangelands in South Africa have undergone a rapid increase in tree cover (of both native and non-native species) over the past several decades. This process of increasing tree cover in semi-arid savannas, termed bush encroachment, results in a biome shift, changing landscapes that were once grasslands with few trees to ones dominated by broad-leaved trees with fewer sun-adapted forbs and grasses. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changing woody cover and its associated changes in tree composition, tree canopy structure, light dynamics in the understory and herbaceous community composition on Endwell farm in the Eastern Cape. Canopy cover changes between the years 1949 and 2019 were analysed at 51 sites on the farm and related to historical rainfall patterns. There had been a general increase in tree cover over the past several decades on the farm, and many sites showed a change from open (0-15%) in 1949 to low (1635%), moderate (36-50%) and high (51-100%) canopy cover in 2019. In earlier years most sites had a canopy cover below 50%, and the higher canopy cover values (>65%) occurred in more recent decades. Canopy cover of ~ 50% was found to be rare in each decade. This suggests that ~50% canopy cover maybe a transient, unstable state. The period with the highest rate of canopy cover increase was 2002-2013, and this increase coincided with a high mean annual rainfall 10 years prior to 2002 and a high mean annual rainfall in most years between the 20022013 period. The period between 2002 and 2013 also had the highest number of sites transitioning from lower to higher tree canopy cover classes, indicating that rainfall may have been a factor driving bush encroachment during the past several decades. An increase in canopy cover (a decrease in light transmittance) was accompanied by changes in woody species composition during thicket formation. The low canopy cover (high light transmittance) sites were dominated by Vachellia karroo and Scutia myrtina trees, while high tree cover sites had fewer V. karroo and S. myrtina trees and were rather characterised by an abundance of thicket tree species. Species proportion, NMDS and dendrogram plots indicated that sites with a light transmittance range between 50-100% had similar tree species compositions, different from sites with light transmittances <50%. An increase in tree density was strongly correlated to an increase in canopy cover (from 2019 satellite imagery), density of trees > 3m, maximum height reached by trees, diversity of trees, total canopy volume, total canopy area and leaf area index (LAI), and a decrease in light transmittance. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore the relationships between canopy characteristics (maximum canopy area, canopy volume, tree diversity, density of trees, density of trees >3m, individual trees and maximum canopy height), aerial canopy cover in 2019, and light transmittance. The model explained 73% of the variation in light transmittance, mostly via the direct effect of canopy characteristics. Canopy characteristics had a strong influence on both aerial cover in 2019 and directly on light transmittance, but canopy cover in 2019 had a weak influence on light transmittance. The herbaceous layer was rich and dominated by C4 grasses such as Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria eriantha) and forbs including Hibiscus aethiopicus, Helichrysum dregeanum, Helichrysum nudifolium and Gerbera viridifolia at low canopy cover sites with high light transmittance. In contrast, high tree cover sites had fewer herbaceous species in general. Grass and forb species characteristic of these sites high canopy cover sites were Panicum maximum, Loudetia flavida, Pellaea viridis and Cyperus spp. Different sites with low light transmittance (<50%) had similar herbaceous species composition. Basal cover, richness, abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants decreased significantly with an increase in tree density, density of trees >3 m, canopy volume, canopy area, canopy cover, LAI, and increased significantly with increasing light transmittance. Most grasses had their highest densities at LAI <0.5, which was estimated to correspond to ~75% light transmittance and ~38% canopy cover and then started to decline thereafter. Herbaceous species basal cover was also highest at LAI <0.5. An SEM model indicated that herbaceous diversity, basal cover and richness responded both to light availability and to the structure of the woody vegetation directly (R2 = 0.53). While the effect of light transmittance on herbaceous communities was strong (0.41), there was little difference between the effect of light transmittance and canopy characteristics (-0.35) on herbaceous communities. Two possible threshold points, relating to two types of transitions in vegetation structure, could be deduced from this study. The first threshold occurred at canopy cover ~ 40% (LAI < ~ 0.5, light transmittance ~ 75%), at which point many of the common herbaceous species, including the dominant C4 grasses, began to decline in abundance while the composition remained characteristic of the savanna state. A canopy cover of less than ~ 40% at a site provides a suitable state for a high abundance of grass and forb species which help maintain an open system by facilitating fires. The second threshold marked a compositional shift between savanna and closed-canopy vegetation states. Savanna species (trees, grasses and forbs) dominated at high light transmittances (>50%) and were significantly reduced at low light transmittances (< 50%), indicating a possible species composition threshold at ~50% light transmittance at which a savanna state switches to a thicket (LAI ~ 1 and canopy cover ~70%). This point indicated the point where there was a significant difference in both tree and herbaceous plant compositions, with a marked reduction in the occurrence of C4 grasses at light transmittance <50%. Fire is supressed when the C4 grass layer is lost, and further thicket encroachment will take place causing complete canopy closure. Land managers in this system should start becoming concerned about a reduction in grass biomass when canopy cover reaches about 40% and would have to reduce tree cover before the threshold of 50% light transmittance (70% canopy cover from aerial photos) is reached to maintain a savanna system. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Trace element and sulphur isotope variations of sulphides in the Koperberg Suite, O’okiep Copper District, Namaqualand, South Africa: implications for formation of sulphides and the role of crustal sulphur assimilation
- Authors: Marima, Edmore
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Sulfur Isotopes , Magmatism South Africa Namaqualand , Sulfides , Koperberg Suite (South Africa) , Copper sulfide , Sulfur Absorption and adsorption
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291117 , vital:56820
- Description: The major economic copper sulphide deposits hosted in the late Mesoproterozoic intrusions of the Koperberg Suite in the O’okiep Copper District immediately overlie sulphur-bearing paragneisses of the Khurisberg Subgroup in an otherwise low-sulphur granitic basement. The dominant sulphide assemblage (chalcopyrite and bornite) hosted in the Koperberg Suite is also atypical of the intermediate solid solution (iss) assemblage (chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite) observed in most Cu-Ni magmatic sulphide deposits. This study presents sulphur isotope and in-situ trace element analysis of sulphides from the Koperberg Suite and the Khurisberg Subgroup with the view of placing constraints on the role of sulphide-bearing supracrustal metasedimentary of the Khurisberg Subgroup as a source of additional sulphur in the genesis of these deposits, and ore-forming (sulphide formation) processes which result in trace element variations registered by sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite. The high concentrations (up to 2100 ppm) of monosulphide solid solution (mss)-incompatible trace elements (e.g., Te, Se, Bi, Ag, Pb), and the depletion in Ni and Co (<40 ppm) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite are instead consistent with the derivation of such sulphides from a Cu-rich sulphide melt which segregated from a Ni-rich sulphide melt prior to magma emplacement in the middle crust, in agreement with one of the petrogenetic models for the Koperberg Suite proposed in the existing literature. The low S/Se ratios ( ̴650-10300) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite and the high S/Se ratios ( ̴18800-56000) registered by the main sulphide phase (pyrite) in the Khurisberg Subgroup argues against crustal contamination of the Koperberg Suite magmas by the Khurisberg Subgroup. The S/Se and Cu/S ratios of coexisting bornite and chalcopyrite hosted in the Koperberg Suite are positively correlated with the bornite modal abundance in the Koperberg Suite. Such trends are interpreted to be consistent with progressive oxidation of sulphide melt, a process which results in the crystallisation of iss-bornite assemblage and/or replacement of iss with bornite due to the enrichment of Cu and depletion in S of the sulphide melt. The oxidation of sulphide melt is likely to have been effectuated by the fractional crystallisation of mss in a prior sulphide melt segregation event and/or the fractional crystallisation of Fe2+-dominated silicate phases. Fractionation of the Cu-rich melt sulphide melt (segregated from mss) also tends to enrich the residual sulphide melts in Se. Thus, the chalcopyrite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴1300-10200 observed in the less basic rocks in the Koperberg Suite (leucodiorites and leuconorites) is interpreted to have formed from the least evolved sulphide melt, whereas the bornite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴650-5500 observed in the more mafic members of the Koperberg Suite (orthopyroxenites and norites) is interpreted to have formed from the most evolved sulphide melt. The ẟ34S isotopic signatures in sulphides of the Koperberg Suite (-1.4 to +1.91‰) and the proposed contaminant, the Khurisberg Subgroup (-1.2 to +3.5‰), overlap with the those of the Koperberg Suite below the Khurisberg Subgroup (+0.74‰) and typical mantle-derived magmatic rocks (0 ± iv 2‰). Hence, the sulphur isotope variations are inconclusive as an indicator of possible crustal sulphur assimilation into the intruding mantle magma. However, considering the trace element systematics and the sulphur isotope data, the Koperberg magmas likely attained sulphur saturation at deeper crustal levels. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Marima, Edmore
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Sulfur Isotopes , Magmatism South Africa Namaqualand , Sulfides , Koperberg Suite (South Africa) , Copper sulfide , Sulfur Absorption and adsorption
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291117 , vital:56820
- Description: The major economic copper sulphide deposits hosted in the late Mesoproterozoic intrusions of the Koperberg Suite in the O’okiep Copper District immediately overlie sulphur-bearing paragneisses of the Khurisberg Subgroup in an otherwise low-sulphur granitic basement. The dominant sulphide assemblage (chalcopyrite and bornite) hosted in the Koperberg Suite is also atypical of the intermediate solid solution (iss) assemblage (chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite) observed in most Cu-Ni magmatic sulphide deposits. This study presents sulphur isotope and in-situ trace element analysis of sulphides from the Koperberg Suite and the Khurisberg Subgroup with the view of placing constraints on the role of sulphide-bearing supracrustal metasedimentary of the Khurisberg Subgroup as a source of additional sulphur in the genesis of these deposits, and ore-forming (sulphide formation) processes which result in trace element variations registered by sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite. The high concentrations (up to 2100 ppm) of monosulphide solid solution (mss)-incompatible trace elements (e.g., Te, Se, Bi, Ag, Pb), and the depletion in Ni and Co (<40 ppm) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite are instead consistent with the derivation of such sulphides from a Cu-rich sulphide melt which segregated from a Ni-rich sulphide melt prior to magma emplacement in the middle crust, in agreement with one of the petrogenetic models for the Koperberg Suite proposed in the existing literature. The low S/Se ratios ( ̴650-10300) of sulphides hosted in the Koperberg Suite and the high S/Se ratios ( ̴18800-56000) registered by the main sulphide phase (pyrite) in the Khurisberg Subgroup argues against crustal contamination of the Koperberg Suite magmas by the Khurisberg Subgroup. The S/Se and Cu/S ratios of coexisting bornite and chalcopyrite hosted in the Koperberg Suite are positively correlated with the bornite modal abundance in the Koperberg Suite. Such trends are interpreted to be consistent with progressive oxidation of sulphide melt, a process which results in the crystallisation of iss-bornite assemblage and/or replacement of iss with bornite due to the enrichment of Cu and depletion in S of the sulphide melt. The oxidation of sulphide melt is likely to have been effectuated by the fractional crystallisation of mss in a prior sulphide melt segregation event and/or the fractional crystallisation of Fe2+-dominated silicate phases. Fractionation of the Cu-rich melt sulphide melt (segregated from mss) also tends to enrich the residual sulphide melts in Se. Thus, the chalcopyrite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴1300-10200 observed in the less basic rocks in the Koperberg Suite (leucodiorites and leuconorites) is interpreted to have formed from the least evolved sulphide melt, whereas the bornite-dominated assemblage with S/Se ratios of ̴650-5500 observed in the more mafic members of the Koperberg Suite (orthopyroxenites and norites) is interpreted to have formed from the most evolved sulphide melt. The ẟ34S isotopic signatures in sulphides of the Koperberg Suite (-1.4 to +1.91‰) and the proposed contaminant, the Khurisberg Subgroup (-1.2 to +3.5‰), overlap with the those of the Koperberg Suite below the Khurisberg Subgroup (+0.74‰) and typical mantle-derived magmatic rocks (0 ± iv 2‰). Hence, the sulphur isotope variations are inconclusive as an indicator of possible crustal sulphur assimilation into the intruding mantle magma. However, considering the trace element systematics and the sulphur isotope data, the Koperberg magmas likely attained sulphur saturation at deeper crustal levels. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Academic distress & disordered eating in students during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study at a South African university
- Authors: Du Toit, Mae
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Eating disorders , College students Attitudes , College students Mental health , Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192626 , vital:45244
- Description: University students are at risk for reduced mental wellbeing, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and among the most common problems experienced are academic distress and eating concerns. Through a stress-coping model lens, a link between academic distress and disordered eating in student populations appears possible but has not previously been explored. The present study examines this relationship in a South African undergraduate sample. Data were collected during the Covid-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional, correlational survey design and the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS). The results of a multiple regression analysis indicate that academic distress most strongly predicts eating concerns, followed by the demographic variables of female gender and black racial identification. This novel finding suggests that academic institutions should consider the broader academic environment as point of intervention for the prevention and treatment of disordered eating in students. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Du Toit, Mae
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Eating disorders , College students Attitudes , College students Mental health , Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192626 , vital:45244
- Description: University students are at risk for reduced mental wellbeing, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and among the most common problems experienced are academic distress and eating concerns. Through a stress-coping model lens, a link between academic distress and disordered eating in student populations appears possible but has not previously been explored. The present study examines this relationship in a South African undergraduate sample. Data were collected during the Covid-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional, correlational survey design and the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS). The results of a multiple regression analysis indicate that academic distress most strongly predicts eating concerns, followed by the demographic variables of female gender and black racial identification. This novel finding suggests that academic institutions should consider the broader academic environment as point of intervention for the prevention and treatment of disordered eating in students. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Characterisation of the ultramafic and carbonatite components of the Schiel Alkaline Complex in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mahomed, Uzayr
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Ultrabasic rocks South Africa Limpopo , Carbonatites South Africa Limpopo , Geology South Africa Limpopo , Mica South Africa Limpopo , Biotite South Africa Limpopo , Magmatism , Schiel Alkaline Complex , Phoscorite , Glimmerite
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294768 , vital:57253
- Description: Owing to the poor documentation of the phoscorite-carbonatite association present in the Schiel Complex and the associated economic potential of other known phoscorite-bearing complexes, the Schiel Complex is widely thought to have similar economic potential. This complex is often compared to the lucrative Phalaborwa Complex, as it is thought to have crystallised from a common parental melt, with a similar age of emplacement. This study aims to provide clarity on the physical and chemical characterisation of the various rock types present in the Schiel Complex, with this study being the first petrological investigation based on fresh in-situ samples gathered from 3 borehole cores which were drilled by FOSKOR in the 1960s. The sampled sections of the ultramafics from the Schiel Complex are comprised of end-member rock compositions of either magmatic phoscorites or pyroxenites or metasomatic glimmerites, where gradational contacts between these various end-members produce rock varieties that contain characteristics of one or more end-member types. Carbonatite rocks are present as medium-grained, coarse-grained and banded calcio-carbonatite varieties where the carbonatite rocks are proposed as being the metasomatic medium for glimmerite production. Contrary to previous research, the structure of the ultramafic and carbonatite bodies are present as vein and veinlet structures which seem to originate from a single pipe-like body, from which these rock types intruded into the surrounding syenitic country-rock. Metasomatic alteration of the ultramafic sections of the Schiel Complex also show that the carbonatite rocks must have intruded after some ultramafic magmatism. The presence of the same minerals, with similar chemistries, in both the ultramafic and carbonatite rocks as well as similar REE chondrite-normalised plots show that the various rock types may have originated from a common parental magma, where the accumulation and crystallisation of minerals is the most likely factor in producing the various Schiel Complex rock varieties, causing silicate minerals to be present in the carbonate fraction of the magma, and carbonate minerals in the silicate fraction of the magma. Apatite is the expected rare earth element (REE) mineralising mineral in phoscorites, but is shown to be depleted in REE content in the Schiel Complex due to metasomatic fluid infiltration causing the scavenging and dissipation of REEs. These rocks have also crystallised containing no significant copper-bearing mineralisation, contrary to that which is seen in the Phalaborwa Complex. A comparison of mica minerals between the Schiel Complex rocks and the Phalaborwa Complex rocks show that the two complexes have undergone unique emplacement processes and should not be considered as sister complexes. Efforts to date the glimmerite and carbonatite rocks based on zircon grain U/Pb geochronology proved unsuccessful in constraining the current ages of emplacement provided by previous researchers, but rock relationships show that the current accepted sequence of events cannot be correct, providing scope for further research. This study provides an update on the chemical and physical characteristics, based on the only available sample suite of the ultramafic and carbonatite components, of the Schiel Complex, increasing the depth of documentation of these rare rock types and aiding in refuting some conclusions on the genesis, emplacement and evolution of the Schiel Complex proposed by previous research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mahomed, Uzayr
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Ultrabasic rocks South Africa Limpopo , Carbonatites South Africa Limpopo , Geology South Africa Limpopo , Mica South Africa Limpopo , Biotite South Africa Limpopo , Magmatism , Schiel Alkaline Complex , Phoscorite , Glimmerite
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294768 , vital:57253
- Description: Owing to the poor documentation of the phoscorite-carbonatite association present in the Schiel Complex and the associated economic potential of other known phoscorite-bearing complexes, the Schiel Complex is widely thought to have similar economic potential. This complex is often compared to the lucrative Phalaborwa Complex, as it is thought to have crystallised from a common parental melt, with a similar age of emplacement. This study aims to provide clarity on the physical and chemical characterisation of the various rock types present in the Schiel Complex, with this study being the first petrological investigation based on fresh in-situ samples gathered from 3 borehole cores which were drilled by FOSKOR in the 1960s. The sampled sections of the ultramafics from the Schiel Complex are comprised of end-member rock compositions of either magmatic phoscorites or pyroxenites or metasomatic glimmerites, where gradational contacts between these various end-members produce rock varieties that contain characteristics of one or more end-member types. Carbonatite rocks are present as medium-grained, coarse-grained and banded calcio-carbonatite varieties where the carbonatite rocks are proposed as being the metasomatic medium for glimmerite production. Contrary to previous research, the structure of the ultramafic and carbonatite bodies are present as vein and veinlet structures which seem to originate from a single pipe-like body, from which these rock types intruded into the surrounding syenitic country-rock. Metasomatic alteration of the ultramafic sections of the Schiel Complex also show that the carbonatite rocks must have intruded after some ultramafic magmatism. The presence of the same minerals, with similar chemistries, in both the ultramafic and carbonatite rocks as well as similar REE chondrite-normalised plots show that the various rock types may have originated from a common parental magma, where the accumulation and crystallisation of minerals is the most likely factor in producing the various Schiel Complex rock varieties, causing silicate minerals to be present in the carbonate fraction of the magma, and carbonate minerals in the silicate fraction of the magma. Apatite is the expected rare earth element (REE) mineralising mineral in phoscorites, but is shown to be depleted in REE content in the Schiel Complex due to metasomatic fluid infiltration causing the scavenging and dissipation of REEs. These rocks have also crystallised containing no significant copper-bearing mineralisation, contrary to that which is seen in the Phalaborwa Complex. A comparison of mica minerals between the Schiel Complex rocks and the Phalaborwa Complex rocks show that the two complexes have undergone unique emplacement processes and should not be considered as sister complexes. Efforts to date the glimmerite and carbonatite rocks based on zircon grain U/Pb geochronology proved unsuccessful in constraining the current ages of emplacement provided by previous researchers, but rock relationships show that the current accepted sequence of events cannot be correct, providing scope for further research. This study provides an update on the chemical and physical characteristics, based on the only available sample suite of the ultramafic and carbonatite components, of the Schiel Complex, increasing the depth of documentation of these rare rock types and aiding in refuting some conclusions on the genesis, emplacement and evolution of the Schiel Complex proposed by previous research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Negotiating shame: An exploration of the body experience among young South African women who have attended or are attending University
- Authors: Spyker, Jessica Grace
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Shame , Body image in women , Body image Social aspects , College students Social conditions , College students Attitudes , Feminist aesthetics , Self-perception in women
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294880 , vital:57265
- Description: Guided by phenomenological and feminist phenomenological perspectives, this research aimed to explore the ways in which young South African women, who were attending or had recently graduated from university, navigated body shame. It interrogated the socially situated ‘lived body’ and the way it was impacted by restrictive appearance ideals. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, mostly through the video conferencing website Zoom. It became evident that women experienced their bodies in complex ways. There was evidence of conformity to as well as resistance against the “regime of shame”. Conformity and resistance often happened simultaneously. Both of these kinds of experiences were viewed as valid and explored in their own right. External messages around women’s bodies and how they should look had greatly influenced participants experiences of their own bodies. This included messages from discourses such as postfeminism and the body positivity movement, which informed the ways in which they navigated shame. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Spyker, Jessica Grace
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Shame , Body image in women , Body image Social aspects , College students Social conditions , College students Attitudes , Feminist aesthetics , Self-perception in women
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294880 , vital:57265
- Description: Guided by phenomenological and feminist phenomenological perspectives, this research aimed to explore the ways in which young South African women, who were attending or had recently graduated from university, navigated body shame. It interrogated the socially situated ‘lived body’ and the way it was impacted by restrictive appearance ideals. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, mostly through the video conferencing website Zoom. It became evident that women experienced their bodies in complex ways. There was evidence of conformity to as well as resistance against the “regime of shame”. Conformity and resistance often happened simultaneously. Both of these kinds of experiences were viewed as valid and explored in their own right. External messages around women’s bodies and how they should look had greatly influenced participants experiences of their own bodies. This included messages from discourses such as postfeminism and the body positivity movement, which informed the ways in which they navigated shame. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Opportunities for the inclusion of Environmental Education in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate, Geography, Grade 11-12: a case study from Namibia
- Authors: Ashipala, Helena Taakondjo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education Namibia , Geography Study and teaching (Secondary) , Teacher participation in curriculum planning Namibia , Geography teachers Training of Namibia , Student-centered learning Namibia , Action competence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245725 , vital:51399
- Description: Geography is widely recognised in Namibia as a subject within the curriculum that has been framed for understanding and resolving environment issues and sustainable development. It is in this light that this study examined the inclusion of opportunities for environmental education (EE)1 embedded in the Grade 11-12 Geography curriculum in the Namibian context. This study is undertaken as a case study of two schools in the Omusati region in northern Namibia. It investigated opportunities for EE that are embedded in the Geography curriculum using action competence as a lens to review the curriculum and how teachers are working with it in two rural school contexts. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, an analysis of curriculum documents, classroom observations and focus group interviews. Ethical issues were taken into consideration throughout the study. The key findings from the study are: 1. The specification of EE has mainly emerged as a series of concerns that present as topics to be taught and compared with similar concerns in other parts of the world; 2. Teachers have little experience of what and how to teach and inform environmental education within their classrooms; 3. Learners are not actively involved in seeking and probing environmental concerns or in seeking solutions to these. These findings have been used to make recommendations that teachers: 1. Revisit and review the curriculum documents to carry theory into classroom practice; 2. Encourage learners’ participation to enhance their interest and emotional responsibility in environmental education. The study concludes by calling for further research into EE in Geography. This can be used to improve EE in the region where this study was conducted and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ashipala, Helena Taakondjo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education Namibia , Geography Study and teaching (Secondary) , Teacher participation in curriculum planning Namibia , Geography teachers Training of Namibia , Student-centered learning Namibia , Action competence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245725 , vital:51399
- Description: Geography is widely recognised in Namibia as a subject within the curriculum that has been framed for understanding and resolving environment issues and sustainable development. It is in this light that this study examined the inclusion of opportunities for environmental education (EE)1 embedded in the Grade 11-12 Geography curriculum in the Namibian context. This study is undertaken as a case study of two schools in the Omusati region in northern Namibia. It investigated opportunities for EE that are embedded in the Geography curriculum using action competence as a lens to review the curriculum and how teachers are working with it in two rural school contexts. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, an analysis of curriculum documents, classroom observations and focus group interviews. Ethical issues were taken into consideration throughout the study. The key findings from the study are: 1. The specification of EE has mainly emerged as a series of concerns that present as topics to be taught and compared with similar concerns in other parts of the world; 2. Teachers have little experience of what and how to teach and inform environmental education within their classrooms; 3. Learners are not actively involved in seeking and probing environmental concerns or in seeking solutions to these. These findings have been used to make recommendations that teachers: 1. Revisit and review the curriculum documents to carry theory into classroom practice; 2. Encourage learners’ participation to enhance their interest and emotional responsibility in environmental education. The study concludes by calling for further research into EE in Geography. This can be used to improve EE in the region where this study was conducted and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
The economic valuation of ecosystem services using deliberation as a tool for value elicitation
- Authors: Marriner, James Derek
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Seagrasses Economic aspects South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , Focus groups , Deliberative democracy South Africa , Nature Effect of human beings on South Africa , Environmental economics , Contingent valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294712 , vital:57247
- Description: Marine seagrass, Zostera capensis, is a highly productive flowering marine seagrass found on the eastern and southern coasts of South Africa and provides a variety of ecosystem services, which include reducing the effects of erosion, trapping nutrients, creating a nursery habitat for fish species and reducing sedimentation. Despite their formal protection status, Z. capensis meadows are regressing, often due to anthropogenic influences. Globally, multiple studies have documented the ecological importance of seagrass services, to both humans and nature, but economic evaluations of these services have not been as extensive. Numerous valuation methods have been used in literature and in practice to value non-market environmental resources and ecosystem services, where results vary. The most widely used non-market environmental valuation method is the contingent valuation (CV) method, which allows for the valuation of environmental resources that are not sold in the market through a stated willingness to pay (WTP) amount, contingent upon a particular scenario. However, the CV method is susceptible to various limitations and forms of bias. As a result, alternative environmental valuation techniques have been reviewed in literature. Deliberation has been suggested as an improved valuation approach to overcome the criticisms of the CV technique, as it increases respondents’ understanding and knowledge of the environmental resource under discussion, through the incorporation of debate, discussion, participation and social learning, thereby producing more reliable valuations of non-market environmental resources. The deliberative monetary valuation (DMV) method has been advocated as an important valuation method to achieve more comprehensive and reliable valuations of complex and unfamiliar public goods, such as ecosystem services. This thesis explored the determinants of WTP for the protection of seagrass, and whether deliberation can be used to supplement findings and values obtained from the individually sourced WTP values. As a result, the study used a dual-method approach to obtain both individual and deliberated WTP values from a range of stakeholders with varied socio-demographic characteristics by using both the CV method and a deliberative focus group, for the ecosystem services that seagrass Z. capensis provides to the Knysna community, South Africa. The results showed that age, education, use frequency and mistrust in local government were determinants in WTP, while deliberative elements uncovered that respondents’ knowledge of an environmental resource and a consideration of the valuation scenario were important factors in determining WTP. It was found that 55% of the respondents were willing to pay to conserve the ecosystem services of seagrass in the Knysna estuary through a monitoring programme. Among those that were willing, the mean WTP amount was approximately R132 per month per household. Although the circumstances in which the deliberative focus group discussion were run were not ideal because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the results showed some interesting potential benefits of using deliberation in complex public good valuation studies. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Marriner, James Derek
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Seagrasses Economic aspects South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , Focus groups , Deliberative democracy South Africa , Nature Effect of human beings on South Africa , Environmental economics , Contingent valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294712 , vital:57247
- Description: Marine seagrass, Zostera capensis, is a highly productive flowering marine seagrass found on the eastern and southern coasts of South Africa and provides a variety of ecosystem services, which include reducing the effects of erosion, trapping nutrients, creating a nursery habitat for fish species and reducing sedimentation. Despite their formal protection status, Z. capensis meadows are regressing, often due to anthropogenic influences. Globally, multiple studies have documented the ecological importance of seagrass services, to both humans and nature, but economic evaluations of these services have not been as extensive. Numerous valuation methods have been used in literature and in practice to value non-market environmental resources and ecosystem services, where results vary. The most widely used non-market environmental valuation method is the contingent valuation (CV) method, which allows for the valuation of environmental resources that are not sold in the market through a stated willingness to pay (WTP) amount, contingent upon a particular scenario. However, the CV method is susceptible to various limitations and forms of bias. As a result, alternative environmental valuation techniques have been reviewed in literature. Deliberation has been suggested as an improved valuation approach to overcome the criticisms of the CV technique, as it increases respondents’ understanding and knowledge of the environmental resource under discussion, through the incorporation of debate, discussion, participation and social learning, thereby producing more reliable valuations of non-market environmental resources. The deliberative monetary valuation (DMV) method has been advocated as an important valuation method to achieve more comprehensive and reliable valuations of complex and unfamiliar public goods, such as ecosystem services. This thesis explored the determinants of WTP for the protection of seagrass, and whether deliberation can be used to supplement findings and values obtained from the individually sourced WTP values. As a result, the study used a dual-method approach to obtain both individual and deliberated WTP values from a range of stakeholders with varied socio-demographic characteristics by using both the CV method and a deliberative focus group, for the ecosystem services that seagrass Z. capensis provides to the Knysna community, South Africa. The results showed that age, education, use frequency and mistrust in local government were determinants in WTP, while deliberative elements uncovered that respondents’ knowledge of an environmental resource and a consideration of the valuation scenario were important factors in determining WTP. It was found that 55% of the respondents were willing to pay to conserve the ecosystem services of seagrass in the Knysna estuary through a monitoring programme. Among those that were willing, the mean WTP amount was approximately R132 per month per household. Although the circumstances in which the deliberative focus group discussion were run were not ideal because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the results showed some interesting potential benefits of using deliberation in complex public good valuation studies. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Understanding human‐wildlife conflict: a geographic study of the Pringle Bay chacma baboon troop
- Authors: Parsons, Wendy Jennifer
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay , Human-animal relationships South Africa Pringle Bay , Radio collars , Geographic information systems , Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay Geographical distribution , Chacma baboon Behavior South Africa Pringle Bay , Chacma baboon Effect of human beings on South Africa Pringle Bay , Geospatial data , User-generated content
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294828 , vital:57259
- Description: A better appreciation of the physical geography and environmental factors that play a role in the movement of the Chacma baboon troop in and around Pringle Bay (Overberg Municipality) and part of the Kogelberg Biosphere could lead to a better understanding of their movement. In turn, this insight may contribute to reducing the human‐wildlife conflict that has arisen in the town. Humanwildlife conflict escalated after the rapid urban development that followed the introduction of electricity in 1993. The baboon‐human conflict in Pringle Bay is, in part, due to habitat loss caused by urban development and the easy availability of food in the urban area. The wild animal’s natural behaviour (seeking food and fresh water) and the human way of living (food and waste management) has led to baboon habituation and increased raiding in the village. The objective of this geographic study was to understand the baboon troops spatial and temporal movements. Two methods are being used to track the baboon troop. The first method entails collection of data from GPS tracking collars which record the location of the baboons at 30 minute intervals. This is considered a reliable, but invasive and expensive method where the alpha male and female baboon had to be captured and fitted with tracking collars. The second method entails using volunteered geographic data, in this case, information from a WhatsApp baboon alert group. While this provided data at no real cost, the mining of the information was challenging and building a geodatabase was time consuming. However, this citizen science approach added valuable data and was able to identify human‐wildlife conflict sites in the urban area. The baboon location data was mapped using GIS. Primary and secondary spatial data was sourced and added to the geodatabase created in ArcMap 10.7. Various ArcMap tools were used in analysing the environmental factors (climate, vegetation, water sources and topography) together with the location data. Analysis of this data allowed the range of the baboons to be mapped, showing the maximum extent of the territory the baboons move in. The was refined by mapping their home range (defined as the area in which they spend 95% of the time) and their core area (in which they spend 50% of the time). High activity areas ‐ or hotspots ‐ were identified, as were the baboon sleep sites. The data allowed for habitat use and seasonal patterns of movement to be explored. A key finding of the research was that the baboons were observed outside of the urban area for 82% of the time. The baboons spent the majority of their time in mountain fynbos vegetation. Hotspot areas showing significant baboon activity were identified within the town and close correlation with their sleep sites and wetland areas was evident. No definitive seasonal or weather patterns were found that influence the baboon distribution. Baboon management is complex and difficult. The sustainability of the baboon troop is important for the biodiversity of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. While the baboons should not be encouraged to enter the urban area, the residents should play a role in reducing the availability of food and baboonproofing their properties. The Overstrand Municipality also needs to address waste management and waste collection in the town. Understanding the biogeography of the baboons and implementing the above‐mentioned mitigating management measures would encourage human‐wildlife coexistence and inform future baboon management plans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Parsons, Wendy Jennifer
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay , Human-animal relationships South Africa Pringle Bay , Radio collars , Geographic information systems , Chacma baboon South Africa Pringle Bay Geographical distribution , Chacma baboon Behavior South Africa Pringle Bay , Chacma baboon Effect of human beings on South Africa Pringle Bay , Geospatial data , User-generated content
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294828 , vital:57259
- Description: A better appreciation of the physical geography and environmental factors that play a role in the movement of the Chacma baboon troop in and around Pringle Bay (Overberg Municipality) and part of the Kogelberg Biosphere could lead to a better understanding of their movement. In turn, this insight may contribute to reducing the human‐wildlife conflict that has arisen in the town. Humanwildlife conflict escalated after the rapid urban development that followed the introduction of electricity in 1993. The baboon‐human conflict in Pringle Bay is, in part, due to habitat loss caused by urban development and the easy availability of food in the urban area. The wild animal’s natural behaviour (seeking food and fresh water) and the human way of living (food and waste management) has led to baboon habituation and increased raiding in the village. The objective of this geographic study was to understand the baboon troops spatial and temporal movements. Two methods are being used to track the baboon troop. The first method entails collection of data from GPS tracking collars which record the location of the baboons at 30 minute intervals. This is considered a reliable, but invasive and expensive method where the alpha male and female baboon had to be captured and fitted with tracking collars. The second method entails using volunteered geographic data, in this case, information from a WhatsApp baboon alert group. While this provided data at no real cost, the mining of the information was challenging and building a geodatabase was time consuming. However, this citizen science approach added valuable data and was able to identify human‐wildlife conflict sites in the urban area. The baboon location data was mapped using GIS. Primary and secondary spatial data was sourced and added to the geodatabase created in ArcMap 10.7. Various ArcMap tools were used in analysing the environmental factors (climate, vegetation, water sources and topography) together with the location data. Analysis of this data allowed the range of the baboons to be mapped, showing the maximum extent of the territory the baboons move in. The was refined by mapping their home range (defined as the area in which they spend 95% of the time) and their core area (in which they spend 50% of the time). High activity areas ‐ or hotspots ‐ were identified, as were the baboon sleep sites. The data allowed for habitat use and seasonal patterns of movement to be explored. A key finding of the research was that the baboons were observed outside of the urban area for 82% of the time. The baboons spent the majority of their time in mountain fynbos vegetation. Hotspot areas showing significant baboon activity were identified within the town and close correlation with their sleep sites and wetland areas was evident. No definitive seasonal or weather patterns were found that influence the baboon distribution. Baboon management is complex and difficult. The sustainability of the baboon troop is important for the biodiversity of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. While the baboons should not be encouraged to enter the urban area, the residents should play a role in reducing the availability of food and baboonproofing their properties. The Overstrand Municipality also needs to address waste management and waste collection in the town. Understanding the biogeography of the baboons and implementing the above‐mentioned mitigating management measures would encourage human‐wildlife coexistence and inform future baboon management plans. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Who are you? Online practices of self-representation of black gay men at Rhodes University on the geosocial networking application Grindr
- Authors: Olivier, Jason Eben
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Grindr (Computer program) , Gay men, Black South Africa Makhanda , Gay men Identity , Internet and gay men South Africa Makhanda , Social media and college students South Africa Makhanda , Masculinity South Africa Makhanda , Racism in the sexual minority community South Africa Makhanda , Sexism South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294851 , vital:57262
- Description: The study investigates how young black gay men at Rhodes University use technology to explore their sexual identity and focuses specifically on their self-representation choices. Incorporating qualitative semi-structured interviews and a walkthrough of Grindr, the research asked participants to share their experiences of using Grindr, a geo-social networking application, and how their self-representation practices on the site contributed to their conception of what it means to be a young black gay man online. Using a thematic analysis of the data collected from five self-identified black gay Rhodes University students, findings indicate that self-representation choices of black gay men on Grindr become a complex experience influenced by overt sexist and racist micro-aggressions in an environment where masculinities operate in a hierarchy of desire, preference, and attractiveness with race operating as an important signifier of these even in a post-Apartheid South Africa that is celebrated for its world-class Constitution. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Olivier, Jason Eben
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Grindr (Computer program) , Gay men, Black South Africa Makhanda , Gay men Identity , Internet and gay men South Africa Makhanda , Social media and college students South Africa Makhanda , Masculinity South Africa Makhanda , Racism in the sexual minority community South Africa Makhanda , Sexism South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294851 , vital:57262
- Description: The study investigates how young black gay men at Rhodes University use technology to explore their sexual identity and focuses specifically on their self-representation choices. Incorporating qualitative semi-structured interviews and a walkthrough of Grindr, the research asked participants to share their experiences of using Grindr, a geo-social networking application, and how their self-representation practices on the site contributed to their conception of what it means to be a young black gay man online. Using a thematic analysis of the data collected from five self-identified black gay Rhodes University students, findings indicate that self-representation choices of black gay men on Grindr become a complex experience influenced by overt sexist and racist micro-aggressions in an environment where masculinities operate in a hierarchy of desire, preference, and attractiveness with race operating as an important signifier of these even in a post-Apartheid South Africa that is celebrated for its world-class Constitution. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Gender bias in the field of economics: an analysis of South African academia
- Authors: Hitchcock, Siobhan
- Date: 2020-10-30
- Subjects: Sexism South Africa , Sexism in higher education South Africa , Economics Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa , Economics teachers South Africa , Women in higher education South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366275 , vital:65850
- Description: In recent years there has been a growing focus internationally on the low participation of females in Economics, both in academia and business. While female enrolment in higher education, including other maths-based subjects, has grown substantially, this has not been the case for Economics. Economics, particularly as one progresses through postgraduate studies to doctoral degrees now stands out as an outlier. A number of reasons have been advanced for this, including the nature of the subject, the type of people it attracts and the lack of female role models. Male and female enrolments in South African HEIs have grown between 2007 and 2017, but females have grown at a faster rate, thus increasing the female share of total enrolments to 59%. Female students are more successful and so make up an even greater proportion of South African graduates. Female enrolments and graduates are also higher than in the US. As in the US there is a significant drop off in female representation when progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate studies in South Africa. When looking at Economics in South Africa in comparison to the broad CESM categories, female enrolment in Economics Bachelor degrees is significantly lower than in Business and Humanities, but on a par with STEM subjects. At the Doctoral level, there are sharp drop offs in female enrolments for all categories. Business and Economics are the laggards at the Doctoral level, below STEM and Humanities. Furthermore, females make up a minority of academic staff in South African HEIs, with males dominating in especially the higher academic ranks. As one moves up the academic ladder, the female share decreases. This research analyses gender compositions of staff and students at South African HEIs. National data are obtained from government publications and data relating to four specific South African universities was obtained directly from the universities. Questionnaires were sent to a sample of academic staff and students who are in the field of economics to identify whether there is a role model effect for economics students and whether female academics experience the same forms of biases, discrimination, or treatment as that identified in international studies. It was concluded that while there are drop offs in the overall female representation of students at the Masters and Doctoral levels in South Africa, this share is gradually increasing. Additionally, Economics seems to perform better than what is depicted in the US, and in comparison to some STEM subjects in South Africa. Furthermore, the environment within the field of academic economics for both female students and staff seems to be more positive than what the international literature depicts for the US. But there are nonetheless different levels of satisfaction between male and female academic economists. While the student surveys revealed that female Economics students do not attach great importance to female role models, there is some evidence of correlation between the percentage of female professors and the percentage of female PhD students across a range of STEM subjects in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-10-30
- Authors: Hitchcock, Siobhan
- Date: 2020-10-30
- Subjects: Sexism South Africa , Sexism in higher education South Africa , Economics Study and teaching (Higher) South Africa , Economics teachers South Africa , Women in higher education South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366275 , vital:65850
- Description: In recent years there has been a growing focus internationally on the low participation of females in Economics, both in academia and business. While female enrolment in higher education, including other maths-based subjects, has grown substantially, this has not been the case for Economics. Economics, particularly as one progresses through postgraduate studies to doctoral degrees now stands out as an outlier. A number of reasons have been advanced for this, including the nature of the subject, the type of people it attracts and the lack of female role models. Male and female enrolments in South African HEIs have grown between 2007 and 2017, but females have grown at a faster rate, thus increasing the female share of total enrolments to 59%. Female students are more successful and so make up an even greater proportion of South African graduates. Female enrolments and graduates are also higher than in the US. As in the US there is a significant drop off in female representation when progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate studies in South Africa. When looking at Economics in South Africa in comparison to the broad CESM categories, female enrolment in Economics Bachelor degrees is significantly lower than in Business and Humanities, but on a par with STEM subjects. At the Doctoral level, there are sharp drop offs in female enrolments for all categories. Business and Economics are the laggards at the Doctoral level, below STEM and Humanities. Furthermore, females make up a minority of academic staff in South African HEIs, with males dominating in especially the higher academic ranks. As one moves up the academic ladder, the female share decreases. This research analyses gender compositions of staff and students at South African HEIs. National data are obtained from government publications and data relating to four specific South African universities was obtained directly from the universities. Questionnaires were sent to a sample of academic staff and students who are in the field of economics to identify whether there is a role model effect for economics students and whether female academics experience the same forms of biases, discrimination, or treatment as that identified in international studies. It was concluded that while there are drop offs in the overall female representation of students at the Masters and Doctoral levels in South Africa, this share is gradually increasing. Additionally, Economics seems to perform better than what is depicted in the US, and in comparison to some STEM subjects in South Africa. Furthermore, the environment within the field of academic economics for both female students and staff seems to be more positive than what the international literature depicts for the US. But there are nonetheless different levels of satisfaction between male and female academic economists. While the student surveys revealed that female Economics students do not attach great importance to female role models, there is some evidence of correlation between the percentage of female professors and the percentage of female PhD students across a range of STEM subjects in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-10-30