The roles of black-backed jackals and caracals in issues of human-wildlife conflict in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Murison, Megan Kate
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Black-backed jackal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human-animal relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018667
- Description: [Partial abstract]: Human-wildlife conflict is a widely observed phenomenon and encompasses a range of negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Depredation upon livestock and game species proves to be the prevalent form of this conflict and often results in the killing of carnivores. Within the South African context, despite intense lethal control, two sympatric mesopredators, the blackbacked jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the caracal (Caracal caracal), remain common enough to be considered a major threat to human livelihoods through depredation. Wildlife ranches and livestock farms dominate the landscape in the Eastern Cape Province. Moreover, human-predator conflict within the region is extensive as both the black-backed jackal and caracal are seen to be inimical by landowners. Understanding this conflict is essential for mitigating any potential adverse environmental reactions (i.e. range collapses or extinctions) and requires knowledge of anthropogenic, ecological and environmental factors. I interviewed 73 land owners across five municipal boundaries in the Eastern Cape to quantify perceptions of predator control methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Murison, Megan Kate
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Black-backed jackal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human-animal relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018667
- Description: [Partial abstract]: Human-wildlife conflict is a widely observed phenomenon and encompasses a range of negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Depredation upon livestock and game species proves to be the prevalent form of this conflict and often results in the killing of carnivores. Within the South African context, despite intense lethal control, two sympatric mesopredators, the blackbacked jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the caracal (Caracal caracal), remain common enough to be considered a major threat to human livelihoods through depredation. Wildlife ranches and livestock farms dominate the landscape in the Eastern Cape Province. Moreover, human-predator conflict within the region is extensive as both the black-backed jackal and caracal are seen to be inimical by landowners. Understanding this conflict is essential for mitigating any potential adverse environmental reactions (i.e. range collapses or extinctions) and requires knowledge of anthropogenic, ecological and environmental factors. I interviewed 73 land owners across five municipal boundaries in the Eastern Cape to quantify perceptions of predator control methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The significance of Nguni cattle with reference to traditional value in agriculture
- Authors: Nxoko, Lloyd Chumani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10243 , vital:26645
- Description: In the Xhosa culture, Nguni cattle have always been valued due to cultural rituals purpose but were not viewed from a development perspective. In fact, traditionally, in Xhosa society, cattle were used not only as primary sources of food such as milk, meat and other related secondary products, but in the performance of rituals. From milk one can get sour milk (amasi) which is a staple diet for both young ones and adults. Furthermore, butter, which was traditionally used for cosmetics purposes, is also derived from milk. Thus, the focus of this study is on the paradigm shift, as well as the role played by cattle in Xhosa cultural rituals and agriculture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nxoko, Lloyd Chumani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10243 , vital:26645
- Description: In the Xhosa culture, Nguni cattle have always been valued due to cultural rituals purpose but were not viewed from a development perspective. In fact, traditionally, in Xhosa society, cattle were used not only as primary sources of food such as milk, meat and other related secondary products, but in the performance of rituals. From milk one can get sour milk (amasi) which is a staple diet for both young ones and adults. Furthermore, butter, which was traditionally used for cosmetics purposes, is also derived from milk. Thus, the focus of this study is on the paradigm shift, as well as the role played by cattle in Xhosa cultural rituals and agriculture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The socio-economic impact of a food production programme: Qamata irrigation scheme
- Authors: Mafu, Nozipho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7772 , vital:24283
- Description: Irrigation Schemes were introduce to be hub for food production and provision of job opportunities for rural communities. The idea also focused on provision of water in most dry areas but with potential soil for production. The introduction of government food security program came as means to achieve these objectives by subsidizing farmers with inputs and mechanical operations so as to reduce cost of production. This paper analyses the social and economic impact of massive food program in changing the lives of communities at Qamata Irrigation scheme. The data were collected from households who were beneficiaries of massive food program at Qamata Irrigation scheme and analysed using a descriptive statistics. The results show that socio-economic factors which include storage facilities, access to markets channels, land acquisition and size, change in income limit the ability of farmers to produce and sell productively, since they cannot store their produce for better market prices and are also limited in terms of available market. They are forced to sell at local village level on credit or have their produce loss in poor storage facilities. Qamata irrigation scheme had limited access to formal markets and market information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mafu, Nozipho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7772 , vital:24283
- Description: Irrigation Schemes were introduce to be hub for food production and provision of job opportunities for rural communities. The idea also focused on provision of water in most dry areas but with potential soil for production. The introduction of government food security program came as means to achieve these objectives by subsidizing farmers with inputs and mechanical operations so as to reduce cost of production. This paper analyses the social and economic impact of massive food program in changing the lives of communities at Qamata Irrigation scheme. The data were collected from households who were beneficiaries of massive food program at Qamata Irrigation scheme and analysed using a descriptive statistics. The results show that socio-economic factors which include storage facilities, access to markets channels, land acquisition and size, change in income limit the ability of farmers to produce and sell productively, since they cannot store their produce for better market prices and are also limited in terms of available market. They are forced to sell at local village level on credit or have their produce loss in poor storage facilities. Qamata irrigation scheme had limited access to formal markets and market information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The South African economy and internationally fuelled business cycles: an econometric analysis
- Authors: Conradie, Tiaan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business cycles -- Econometric models , Econometrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4354 , vital:20588
- Description: The objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of international monetary policy and the relationship that exists between larger more developed economies and smaller less developed economies within a policy context. The 2008 financial crisis has caused intense revival of Austrian economics due to the monetary nature of the recession caused as a subsequent effect of the stock/housing market collapse that occurred in 2007. One factor of the 2008 financial crisis that created intense concern was the extent to which the slowdown in economic activity was able to be transmitted across international borders. The South African economy was not isolated from the financial crisis by any means and experienced a significant slowdown in economic growth. By making use of data collected from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the appropriate econometric techniques, a model is developed to study the dynamics between United States monetary policy and the South African economy. The Austrian School provides a sound theoretical framework that allows for the specification of testable propositions to verify the validity of an “Austrian” internationally transmitted business cycle. Using United States money supply, South African private consumption, South African gross fixed capital formation and the South African current account, a vector autoregressive model is specified to analyse the dynamics behind the United States and South African economy. The results of the empirical test all confirm the theoretical prescriptions developed in the literature review that monetary growth in the United States raise consumption, investment and improve the current account balance in the South African economy. This is a novel result for this study as it confirms that a large central economy has the ability to trigger economic expansions in a peripheral economy. This study further points out the inefficiencies associated with Keynesian style policy making and propagates for a movement towards a more prudent Austrian approach. Keynesian policy making through demand oriented policies have historically been more concerned with “curing” economic instability rather than preventing it. In light of this, the need for economic reform specifically within the manner in which monetary policy is conducted is evident. Aggressive monetary policy in the wake of economic slowdown is no longer effective at creating a sustainable and stable economic environment. A movement away from the monopolization of money and central economic decision making is necessary if the global economy wishes to reach economic permanence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Conradie, Tiaan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business cycles -- Econometric models , Econometrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4354 , vital:20588
- Description: The objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of international monetary policy and the relationship that exists between larger more developed economies and smaller less developed economies within a policy context. The 2008 financial crisis has caused intense revival of Austrian economics due to the monetary nature of the recession caused as a subsequent effect of the stock/housing market collapse that occurred in 2007. One factor of the 2008 financial crisis that created intense concern was the extent to which the slowdown in economic activity was able to be transmitted across international borders. The South African economy was not isolated from the financial crisis by any means and experienced a significant slowdown in economic growth. By making use of data collected from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the appropriate econometric techniques, a model is developed to study the dynamics between United States monetary policy and the South African economy. The Austrian School provides a sound theoretical framework that allows for the specification of testable propositions to verify the validity of an “Austrian” internationally transmitted business cycle. Using United States money supply, South African private consumption, South African gross fixed capital formation and the South African current account, a vector autoregressive model is specified to analyse the dynamics behind the United States and South African economy. The results of the empirical test all confirm the theoretical prescriptions developed in the literature review that monetary growth in the United States raise consumption, investment and improve the current account balance in the South African economy. This is a novel result for this study as it confirms that a large central economy has the ability to trigger economic expansions in a peripheral economy. This study further points out the inefficiencies associated with Keynesian style policy making and propagates for a movement towards a more prudent Austrian approach. Keynesian policy making through demand oriented policies have historically been more concerned with “curing” economic instability rather than preventing it. In light of this, the need for economic reform specifically within the manner in which monetary policy is conducted is evident. Aggressive monetary policy in the wake of economic slowdown is no longer effective at creating a sustainable and stable economic environment. A movement away from the monopolization of money and central economic decision making is necessary if the global economy wishes to reach economic permanence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The South African mining industry towards 2055: scenarios
- Authors: Du Plessis, Rudolf
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Geology, Economic -- South Africa , Forecasting -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4215 , vital:20568
- Description: The strained commodity price environment has triggered strong measures of cost containment and control by global and South African mining industries with workforce reductions, mine closures and shelved projects. Added to this, the South African mining industry is facing an unparalleled number of challenges, including an uncertain regulatory environment, infrastructure constraints, frequent industrial actions, rising costs and shortages of skills. The dynamism of discontinuous change has increased considerably and the South African mining industry is today facing an uncertain future with a blurred outlook. The results of the detailed analysis of future studies theory and practice in this research study support the argument that there is a strong need to fundamentally change the ways of planning for the future of the South African mining industry. The practice of developing new insight through the application of futures studies is central to this process. Today, collective decisions and strategies are progressively more founded on and informed by futures studies. The research study sought to develop insight regarding the future of the South African mining industry through the construction of four scenarios towards 2055: Divided We Fall, where a confident industry is threatened by social divisions as industry transformation is disregarded; Rock Bottom, where weak global economic conditions coincide with lacklustre industry innovation; Rising from Ashes, with similar economic conditions, but the industry responding positively through accelerated industry innovation; and Renaissance, set against positive global economic conditions with the South African mining industry adopting a collaborative, innovative approach to industry transformation. The research study further strived to uncover the preferred future for the South African mining industry as basis for the South African Mine of the Future Vision towards 2055. Throughout the research study, Inayatullah’s pillars of futures studies were applied as a guideline in mapping the present and future, deepening the future, broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. The study provides valuable insight into the driving forces relevant to the South African mining landscape. In addition, it provides insight on how to anticipate the changes these driving forces may bring about for the industry over the next 40 years from a decision-maker’s point of view. It is up to the mining industry to select the road to follow in terms of progress and sustainable development. Through an innovative approach, the creation of an environment of trust, the sharing of values, purposes and benefits, the South African Mine of the Future Vision is attainable. The South African mining industry must commit itself to working in collaborative partnerships with local communities, government, society and labour; stepping boldly into a world of social, environmental, technological and commercial innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Du Plessis, Rudolf
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Geology, Economic -- South Africa , Forecasting -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4215 , vital:20568
- Description: The strained commodity price environment has triggered strong measures of cost containment and control by global and South African mining industries with workforce reductions, mine closures and shelved projects. Added to this, the South African mining industry is facing an unparalleled number of challenges, including an uncertain regulatory environment, infrastructure constraints, frequent industrial actions, rising costs and shortages of skills. The dynamism of discontinuous change has increased considerably and the South African mining industry is today facing an uncertain future with a blurred outlook. The results of the detailed analysis of future studies theory and practice in this research study support the argument that there is a strong need to fundamentally change the ways of planning for the future of the South African mining industry. The practice of developing new insight through the application of futures studies is central to this process. Today, collective decisions and strategies are progressively more founded on and informed by futures studies. The research study sought to develop insight regarding the future of the South African mining industry through the construction of four scenarios towards 2055: Divided We Fall, where a confident industry is threatened by social divisions as industry transformation is disregarded; Rock Bottom, where weak global economic conditions coincide with lacklustre industry innovation; Rising from Ashes, with similar economic conditions, but the industry responding positively through accelerated industry innovation; and Renaissance, set against positive global economic conditions with the South African mining industry adopting a collaborative, innovative approach to industry transformation. The research study further strived to uncover the preferred future for the South African mining industry as basis for the South African Mine of the Future Vision towards 2055. Throughout the research study, Inayatullah’s pillars of futures studies were applied as a guideline in mapping the present and future, deepening the future, broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. The study provides valuable insight into the driving forces relevant to the South African mining landscape. In addition, it provides insight on how to anticipate the changes these driving forces may bring about for the industry over the next 40 years from a decision-maker’s point of view. It is up to the mining industry to select the road to follow in terms of progress and sustainable development. Through an innovative approach, the creation of an environment of trust, the sharing of values, purposes and benefits, the South African Mine of the Future Vision is attainable. The South African mining industry must commit itself to working in collaborative partnerships with local communities, government, society and labour; stepping boldly into a world of social, environmental, technological and commercial innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The status of vaccine availability and associated factors in Tshwane government clinics
- Authors: Ngcobo, Ntombenhle Judith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Health facilities -- Materials management -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality , Inventory shortages -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8967 , vital:26447
- Description: Vaccines have greatly contributed to the control of vaccine preventable diseases. The adoption of the Decade of Vaccines (DoV) by the World Health Assembly in 2011 is an indication of how the global community values the benefits of vaccines. Efforts by many countries to introduce new vaccines are a significant move towards attaining this vision. However, new vaccines put strain on vaccine supply chains. The immunization programme in South Africa has similar challenges, with indications of vaccine stock outs in clinics since the introduction of three new vaccines in 2009. This study set out to establish the status of availability of vaccines in Tshwane government clinics and associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of randomly selected government clinics in Tshwane health district of Gauteng province. Data was collected using a structured measurement instrument during a visit to each of the participating clinics. Data was collated and analysed using excel based software. Results: A total of 31 clinics participated. In the preceding 12 months, clinics experienced vaccine stock outs, especially of the 3 new vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), rotavirus (RV) vaccine and Pentaxim ®. These were also out of stock for a long duration; for over 2 weeks in a majority of clinics. The causes of vaccine stock outs were: poor management of stock, depot out of stock, unreliable deliveries, lack of pharmacy assistants, and limited fridge capacity. Further burdening the situation is the emergency ordering system that does not function effectively. Conclusion: Significant vaccine shortages occur in Tshwane government clinics. It is recommended that the vaccine supply chain should be restructured and overhauled with the use of advances in technology. Urgent measures should be taken to address the identified causes of stock outs including ensuring reliable deliveries of stock and emergency orders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngcobo, Ntombenhle Judith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Health facilities -- Materials management -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality , Inventory shortages -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8967 , vital:26447
- Description: Vaccines have greatly contributed to the control of vaccine preventable diseases. The adoption of the Decade of Vaccines (DoV) by the World Health Assembly in 2011 is an indication of how the global community values the benefits of vaccines. Efforts by many countries to introduce new vaccines are a significant move towards attaining this vision. However, new vaccines put strain on vaccine supply chains. The immunization programme in South Africa has similar challenges, with indications of vaccine stock outs in clinics since the introduction of three new vaccines in 2009. This study set out to establish the status of availability of vaccines in Tshwane government clinics and associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of randomly selected government clinics in Tshwane health district of Gauteng province. Data was collected using a structured measurement instrument during a visit to each of the participating clinics. Data was collated and analysed using excel based software. Results: A total of 31 clinics participated. In the preceding 12 months, clinics experienced vaccine stock outs, especially of the 3 new vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), rotavirus (RV) vaccine and Pentaxim ®. These were also out of stock for a long duration; for over 2 weeks in a majority of clinics. The causes of vaccine stock outs were: poor management of stock, depot out of stock, unreliable deliveries, lack of pharmacy assistants, and limited fridge capacity. Further burdening the situation is the emergency ordering system that does not function effectively. Conclusion: Significant vaccine shortages occur in Tshwane government clinics. It is recommended that the vaccine supply chain should be restructured and overhauled with the use of advances in technology. Urgent measures should be taken to address the identified causes of stock outs including ensuring reliable deliveries of stock and emergency orders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The substantive and procedural limitations on the constitutional right to strike
- Authors: Gathongo, Johana Kambo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Employee rules -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:9254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021205
- Description: This treatise discusses the increasing of the procedural and substantive limitations on the employees’ right to strike. The Constitution permits the right to strike to be limited in terms of the laws of general application. The Labour Relations Act (LRA) is a good example. Such limitation must be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society, based on human dignity, equality and freedom. The study sought to investigate whether further increasing the existing limitations on the right to strike unduly breaches employees’ Constitutional right to strike and the purpose of the LRA. Further, the study sought to find out whether the additional content requirements in the strike notice amount to importing into the LRA additional limitations on the fundamental right to strike that enjoys no textual support. Through an extensive literature review, the findings arguably show that indeed further increasing the limitations on the employees’ right to strike may unduly infringe their right to strike. Moreover, the increase of the content requirements in a strike notice creates an unnecessary hurdle to employees wishing to strike. One of the most important finding made is that instead further increasing the limitations on the right to strike, going back to the basics of negotiation to alleviate strikes, particularly wage-related strikes is vital. To achieve this, it is important for employers to re-establish social and individual relationships with their employees, whereby they become aware of the issues that employees face on a daily basis. Also, establishing proper workplace dialogue and forums would assist employers in becoming aware of employees concerns. This would thereby prevent strikes, as problems can be dealt with beforehand. The findings above informed in the recommendations at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gathongo, Johana Kambo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Employee rules -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:9254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021205
- Description: This treatise discusses the increasing of the procedural and substantive limitations on the employees’ right to strike. The Constitution permits the right to strike to be limited in terms of the laws of general application. The Labour Relations Act (LRA) is a good example. Such limitation must be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society, based on human dignity, equality and freedom. The study sought to investigate whether further increasing the existing limitations on the right to strike unduly breaches employees’ Constitutional right to strike and the purpose of the LRA. Further, the study sought to find out whether the additional content requirements in the strike notice amount to importing into the LRA additional limitations on the fundamental right to strike that enjoys no textual support. Through an extensive literature review, the findings arguably show that indeed further increasing the limitations on the employees’ right to strike may unduly infringe their right to strike. Moreover, the increase of the content requirements in a strike notice creates an unnecessary hurdle to employees wishing to strike. One of the most important finding made is that instead further increasing the limitations on the right to strike, going back to the basics of negotiation to alleviate strikes, particularly wage-related strikes is vital. To achieve this, it is important for employers to re-establish social and individual relationships with their employees, whereby they become aware of the issues that employees face on a daily basis. Also, establishing proper workplace dialogue and forums would assist employers in becoming aware of employees concerns. This would thereby prevent strikes, as problems can be dealt with beforehand. The findings above informed in the recommendations at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The success factors of SMME's in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ngcwangu, Sivuyo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6369 , vital:21079
- Description: The important role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in economic development has long been recognised by government at various levels in South Africa. The passing of the National Small Business Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996), and more significantly its Amendment Act of 2004 (Act 29 of 2004) which called into existence the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), as well as a range of strategies headed by the current Integrated Strategy on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises of 2005 bear testimony to a commitment on the part of the nation to small enterprise growth. There is vast research pertaining challenges facing small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as well as factors that have a positive impact on the growth and success of these enterprises. This primary objective of this study was to identify successful SMMEs in the New Brighton Township, Port Elizabeth and investigate factors that have enabled them to maintain their stability over the years. Also, this study will investigated causes of SMME failure with the aim of providing possible solutions to these challenges. After a comprehensive literature review on SMMEs, the following variables were identified as possibly having an influence on the growth and profitability of small enterprises. These are: Entrepreneurial orientation; Customer focus; Human resources; Record keeping; Access to funding; External support; Training and education; Access to markets. These variables were used to construct research hypotheses and a conceptual model which could be used to address challenges faced by SMMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngcwangu, Sivuyo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6369 , vital:21079
- Description: The important role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in economic development has long been recognised by government at various levels in South Africa. The passing of the National Small Business Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996), and more significantly its Amendment Act of 2004 (Act 29 of 2004) which called into existence the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), as well as a range of strategies headed by the current Integrated Strategy on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises of 2005 bear testimony to a commitment on the part of the nation to small enterprise growth. There is vast research pertaining challenges facing small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as well as factors that have a positive impact on the growth and success of these enterprises. This primary objective of this study was to identify successful SMMEs in the New Brighton Township, Port Elizabeth and investigate factors that have enabled them to maintain their stability over the years. Also, this study will investigated causes of SMME failure with the aim of providing possible solutions to these challenges. After a comprehensive literature review on SMMEs, the following variables were identified as possibly having an influence on the growth and profitability of small enterprises. These are: Entrepreneurial orientation; Customer focus; Human resources; Record keeping; Access to funding; External support; Training and education; Access to markets. These variables were used to construct research hypotheses and a conceptual model which could be used to address challenges faced by SMMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The supervisor’s tale: postgraduate supervisors’ experiences in a changing Higher Education environment
- Authors: Searle, Ruth Lesley
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Graduate students -- Supervision of -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Archer, Margaret Scotford -- Political and social views , Critical realism , Knowledge, Sociology of , Dissertations, Academic , Faculty advisors -- South Africa , Education -- Study and teaching (Graduate) -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Graduate work
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019952
- Description: The environment in which higher education institutions operate is changing, and these changes are impacting on all aspects of higher education, including postgraduate levels. Changes wrought by globalisation, heralded by rapid advances in technology have inaugurated a new era in which there are long term consequences for higher education. The shift towards more quantitative and measurable "outputs" signifies a fundamental change in the educational ethos in institutions. Effectiveness is now judged primarily on numbers of graduates and publications rather than on other aspects. The drive is to produce a highly educated population, especially through increasing postgraduates who can drive national innovation and improve national economies. This affects academics in a range of ways, not least in the ways in which they engage in teaching, what they are willing to do and how they do it. Such changes influence the kinds of research done, the structures and funding which support research, and thus naturally shapes the kinds of postgraduate programmes and teaching that occurs. This study, situated in the field of Higher Education Studies, adopting a critical realist stance and drawing on the social theory of Margaret Archer and the concepts of expert and novice, explores the experiences of postgraduate supervisors from one South African institution across a range of disciplines. Individual experiences at the level of the Empirical and embodied in practice at the level of the Actual allow for the identification of possible mechanisms at the level of the Real which structure the sector. The research design then allows for an exploration across mezzo, macro and micro levels. Individuals outline their own particular situations, identifying a number of elements which enabled or constrained them and how, in exercising their agency, they develop their strategies for supervision drawing on a range of different resources that they identify and that may be available to them. Student characteristics, discipline status and placement, funding, and the emergent policy environment are all identified as influencing their practice. In some instances supervisors recognise the broader influences on the system that involve them in their undertaking, noting the international trends. Through their narratives and the discourses they engage a number of contradictions that have developed in the system with growing neo-liberal trends and vocationalism highlighting tensions between academic freedom and autonomy, and demands for productivity, efficiency and compliance, and between an educational focus and a training bias in particular along with others. Especially notable is how this contributes to the current ideologies surrounding knowledge and knowledge production. Their individual interests and concerns, and emergent academic identities as they take shape over time, also modifies the process and how individual supervisors influence their own environments in agentic moves becomes apparent. Whilst often individuals highlight the lack of support especially in the early phases of supervision, the emergent policy-constrained environment is also seen as curtailing possibilities and especially in limiting the possibilities for the exercise of agency. Whilst the study has some limitations in the range and number of respondents nevertheless the data provided rich evidence of how individual supervisors are affected, and how they respond in varied conditions. What is highlighted through these experiences are ways pressures are increasing for both supervisors and students and changing how they engage. Concerns in particular are raised about the growing functional and instrumental nature of the process with an emphasis on the effects on the kinds of researchers being developed and the knowledge that is therefore being produced. As costs increase for academics through the environments developed and with the varied roles they take on so they become more selective and reluctant to expand the role. This research has provided insights into ideas, beliefs and values relating to the postgraduate sector and to the process of postgraduate supervision and how it occurs. This includes the structures and cultural conditions that enable or constrain practitioners as they develop in the role in this particular institution. It has explored some of the ways that mechanisms at international, national and institutional levels shape the role and practices of supervisors. The effects of mechanisms are in no way a given or simply understood. In this way the research may contribute to more emancipatory knowledge which could be used in planning and deciding on emergent policies and practices which might create a more supportive and creative postgraduate environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Searle, Ruth Lesley
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Graduate students -- Supervision of -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Archer, Margaret Scotford -- Political and social views , Critical realism , Knowledge, Sociology of , Dissertations, Academic , Faculty advisors -- South Africa , Education -- Study and teaching (Graduate) -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Graduate work
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019952
- Description: The environment in which higher education institutions operate is changing, and these changes are impacting on all aspects of higher education, including postgraduate levels. Changes wrought by globalisation, heralded by rapid advances in technology have inaugurated a new era in which there are long term consequences for higher education. The shift towards more quantitative and measurable "outputs" signifies a fundamental change in the educational ethos in institutions. Effectiveness is now judged primarily on numbers of graduates and publications rather than on other aspects. The drive is to produce a highly educated population, especially through increasing postgraduates who can drive national innovation and improve national economies. This affects academics in a range of ways, not least in the ways in which they engage in teaching, what they are willing to do and how they do it. Such changes influence the kinds of research done, the structures and funding which support research, and thus naturally shapes the kinds of postgraduate programmes and teaching that occurs. This study, situated in the field of Higher Education Studies, adopting a critical realist stance and drawing on the social theory of Margaret Archer and the concepts of expert and novice, explores the experiences of postgraduate supervisors from one South African institution across a range of disciplines. Individual experiences at the level of the Empirical and embodied in practice at the level of the Actual allow for the identification of possible mechanisms at the level of the Real which structure the sector. The research design then allows for an exploration across mezzo, macro and micro levels. Individuals outline their own particular situations, identifying a number of elements which enabled or constrained them and how, in exercising their agency, they develop their strategies for supervision drawing on a range of different resources that they identify and that may be available to them. Student characteristics, discipline status and placement, funding, and the emergent policy environment are all identified as influencing their practice. In some instances supervisors recognise the broader influences on the system that involve them in their undertaking, noting the international trends. Through their narratives and the discourses they engage a number of contradictions that have developed in the system with growing neo-liberal trends and vocationalism highlighting tensions between academic freedom and autonomy, and demands for productivity, efficiency and compliance, and between an educational focus and a training bias in particular along with others. Especially notable is how this contributes to the current ideologies surrounding knowledge and knowledge production. Their individual interests and concerns, and emergent academic identities as they take shape over time, also modifies the process and how individual supervisors influence their own environments in agentic moves becomes apparent. Whilst often individuals highlight the lack of support especially in the early phases of supervision, the emergent policy-constrained environment is also seen as curtailing possibilities and especially in limiting the possibilities for the exercise of agency. Whilst the study has some limitations in the range and number of respondents nevertheless the data provided rich evidence of how individual supervisors are affected, and how they respond in varied conditions. What is highlighted through these experiences are ways pressures are increasing for both supervisors and students and changing how they engage. Concerns in particular are raised about the growing functional and instrumental nature of the process with an emphasis on the effects on the kinds of researchers being developed and the knowledge that is therefore being produced. As costs increase for academics through the environments developed and with the varied roles they take on so they become more selective and reluctant to expand the role. This research has provided insights into ideas, beliefs and values relating to the postgraduate sector and to the process of postgraduate supervision and how it occurs. This includes the structures and cultural conditions that enable or constrain practitioners as they develop in the role in this particular institution. It has explored some of the ways that mechanisms at international, national and institutional levels shape the role and practices of supervisors. The effects of mechanisms are in no way a given or simply understood. In this way the research may contribute to more emancipatory knowledge which could be used in planning and deciding on emergent policies and practices which might create a more supportive and creative postgraduate environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The sustainability of KwaZakhele's permaculture vegetable production project
- Authors: Jali, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Permaculture Vegetable gardening
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12138 , vital:27036
- Description: The current study aimed at investigating the sustainability of KwaZakhele's Permaculture Project and was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province within the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality at Ward 22 according to Municipal Ward demarcations. The researcher was motivated to carry out this study due to the fact that many food production projects in the NMMM are not sustainable and thus contribute to food insecurity and a high rate of unemployment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of permaculture projects in solving some of the food insecurity and unemployment issues in the NMMM. The KwaZakhele Permaculture Project (KPP) is a vegetable garden which produces different types of vegetables for marketing purposes and for household consumption. The KPP is supported financially by overseas-based organisations and have created ten direct work opportunities for KwaZakhele community. All the project members of the KPP are women. A qualitative research approach was employed in this study, with the emphasis of collecting primary data from the project participants as well as consulting secondary data from sources such as academic journals, books and government policy documents. The study reveals that permaculture design training and project monitoring are the most important developmental support permaculture projects need before and after implementation. The study also determined that the costs of establishing permaculture project can be higher or lower depending on the project size. Consultation and co-ordination fees account for a greater portion of the funding followed by permaculture infrastructure. The results of the study also indicate that permaculture design principles and ethics are seen as a strength for the sustainability of KPP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Jali, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Permaculture Vegetable gardening
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12138 , vital:27036
- Description: The current study aimed at investigating the sustainability of KwaZakhele's Permaculture Project and was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province within the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality at Ward 22 according to Municipal Ward demarcations. The researcher was motivated to carry out this study due to the fact that many food production projects in the NMMM are not sustainable and thus contribute to food insecurity and a high rate of unemployment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of permaculture projects in solving some of the food insecurity and unemployment issues in the NMMM. The KwaZakhele Permaculture Project (KPP) is a vegetable garden which produces different types of vegetables for marketing purposes and for household consumption. The KPP is supported financially by overseas-based organisations and have created ten direct work opportunities for KwaZakhele community. All the project members of the KPP are women. A qualitative research approach was employed in this study, with the emphasis of collecting primary data from the project participants as well as consulting secondary data from sources such as academic journals, books and government policy documents. The study reveals that permaculture design training and project monitoring are the most important developmental support permaculture projects need before and after implementation. The study also determined that the costs of establishing permaculture project can be higher or lower depending on the project size. Consultation and co-ordination fees account for a greater portion of the funding followed by permaculture infrastructure. The results of the study also indicate that permaculture design principles and ethics are seen as a strength for the sustainability of KPP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The synthesis and analysis of (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4- tetraphenylbutane-1,2,3,4-tetraol (tetrol) and derivatives, and a study of their host potential
- Authors: Weitz, Selwyn Herbert
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3735 , vital:20459
- Description: This investigation focussed on the inclusion and resolution ability of (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,2,3,4-tetraol (TETROL), studies on the stoichiometry of its derivatives and the formation of inclusion compounds for single crystal analysis. The guest compounds that featured in the main study were cyclohexanone, 2-methylcyclohexanone, 3-methylcyclohexanone and 4-methylcyclohexanone. It was found that 3- and 4-methylcyclohexanone were trapped in their energetically unfavourable axial conformations in the inclusion crystal. Resolution experiments proved that (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,2,3,4-tetraol can be used as a resolving agent for 2- and 3-methylcyclohexanone, with ee values of 13% and 22%, respectively (according to the method of Hiemstra), in favour of the R-enantiomer. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies, however, showed that 2-methylcyclohexanone was resolved with an ee of 30% in R. An ee of 56% in R was obtained for 3-methylcyclohexanone. Enantiomer enrichment of 2-methylcyclohexanone was achieved in basic medium (ee of 18% according to the method of Hiemstra) and showed that by using the host in either half or double the molar ratio of the guest, a higher ee was obtained than for a 1:1 ratio. The following TETROL derivatives were also synthesized and their stoichiometries with various guest compounds were determined: (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(naphthalen-1-yl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(naphthalen-2-yl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(p-anisyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(p-tolyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(m-tolyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol and; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(o-tolyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Weitz, Selwyn Herbert
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3735 , vital:20459
- Description: This investigation focussed on the inclusion and resolution ability of (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,2,3,4-tetraol (TETROL), studies on the stoichiometry of its derivatives and the formation of inclusion compounds for single crystal analysis. The guest compounds that featured in the main study were cyclohexanone, 2-methylcyclohexanone, 3-methylcyclohexanone and 4-methylcyclohexanone. It was found that 3- and 4-methylcyclohexanone were trapped in their energetically unfavourable axial conformations in the inclusion crystal. Resolution experiments proved that (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,2,3,4-tetraol can be used as a resolving agent for 2- and 3-methylcyclohexanone, with ee values of 13% and 22%, respectively (according to the method of Hiemstra), in favour of the R-enantiomer. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies, however, showed that 2-methylcyclohexanone was resolved with an ee of 30% in R. An ee of 56% in R was obtained for 3-methylcyclohexanone. Enantiomer enrichment of 2-methylcyclohexanone was achieved in basic medium (ee of 18% according to the method of Hiemstra) and showed that by using the host in either half or double the molar ratio of the guest, a higher ee was obtained than for a 1:1 ratio. The following TETROL derivatives were also synthesized and their stoichiometries with various guest compounds were determined: (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(naphthalen-1-yl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(naphthalen-2-yl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(p-anisyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(p-tolyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(m-tolyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol and; (2R,3R)-1,1,4,4-tetra(o-tolyl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The system of the mbira
- Authors: Tracey, Andrew
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59720 , vital:27642 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/amj.v10i1.1229
- Description: The existence of a harmonically-based system of the mbira in Africa should be of great interest in itself, in comparison with modern African musical preferences, and for Afro-American music studies, where the blues sequence is another highly generative harmonic system. It demonstrates a unique method of getting harmonically “from here to there”, and offers an almost endless potential for Shona composers. In fact, the special tinge, the appeal, of modern Shona popular, church and school music comes in large part from the principles of the system which fortunately persist even when composers are working in Western harmony.This is a re-edited and updated version of the paper presented at the 7th Symposium on Ethnomusicology (Venda University) in 1988, published by ILAM in “Papers presented at the 7th and 8th Symposiums in Ethnomusicology” (1989). It is reproduced here because of the worldwide interest which has developed in mbira and its system in recent decades.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tracey, Andrew
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59720 , vital:27642 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/amj.v10i1.1229
- Description: The existence of a harmonically-based system of the mbira in Africa should be of great interest in itself, in comparison with modern African musical preferences, and for Afro-American music studies, where the blues sequence is another highly generative harmonic system. It demonstrates a unique method of getting harmonically “from here to there”, and offers an almost endless potential for Shona composers. In fact, the special tinge, the appeal, of modern Shona popular, church and school music comes in large part from the principles of the system which fortunately persist even when composers are working in Western harmony.This is a re-edited and updated version of the paper presented at the 7th Symposium on Ethnomusicology (Venda University) in 1988, published by ILAM in “Papers presented at the 7th and 8th Symposiums in Ethnomusicology” (1989). It is reproduced here because of the worldwide interest which has developed in mbira and its system in recent decades.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The tax consequences of a contingent liability disposed of as part of the sale of a business as a going concern
- Authors: Staude, Daylan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sale of business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sale of business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa , Contingent liabilities (Accounting) -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017544
- Description: The sale of an entity as a going concern has a number of tax consequences for both the purchaser and the seller. The tax deductibility of a contingent liability upon its transfer from the seller to the purchaser, where the selling price has been reduced by the value of the contingent liabilities transferred, remains uncertain following the decision in Ackermans Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service. An expense is either deductible under a specific section of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, or under the general expense provisions in terms of sections 11(a) and 23(g). The Act does not contain a specific section relating to contingent liabilities and therefore a contingent liability will need to be considered for deduction under these sections. The Act further disallows an expense as a deduction under section 23(e), where a reserve is created (for example a leave pay provision). This study analyses the tax deductibility of a contingent liability, where the contingent liability has been transferred from the seller to the purchaser in a sale of an entity as a going concern and the purchase price has been reduced to compensate for the transfer of the contingent liability. The deductibility of the contingent liability was first assessed in terms of the provisions of the Act (sections 11(a), 23(g) and 23(e)) and associated case law. The decision in the Ackermans case and its preceding Income Tax Case 1839 was then analysed in order to establish the principles arising from the decisions. Finally the proposals in the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, and the subsequent Discussion Document issued by the South African Revenue Service were discussed. The analysis revealed the continuing confusion surrounding the status quo, thus demonstrating the importance of legislative intervention to provide guidelines for taxpayers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Staude, Daylan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sale of business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sale of business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa , Contingent liabilities (Accounting) -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017544
- Description: The sale of an entity as a going concern has a number of tax consequences for both the purchaser and the seller. The tax deductibility of a contingent liability upon its transfer from the seller to the purchaser, where the selling price has been reduced by the value of the contingent liabilities transferred, remains uncertain following the decision in Ackermans Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service. An expense is either deductible under a specific section of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, or under the general expense provisions in terms of sections 11(a) and 23(g). The Act does not contain a specific section relating to contingent liabilities and therefore a contingent liability will need to be considered for deduction under these sections. The Act further disallows an expense as a deduction under section 23(e), where a reserve is created (for example a leave pay provision). This study analyses the tax deductibility of a contingent liability, where the contingent liability has been transferred from the seller to the purchaser in a sale of an entity as a going concern and the purchase price has been reduced to compensate for the transfer of the contingent liability. The deductibility of the contingent liability was first assessed in terms of the provisions of the Act (sections 11(a), 23(g) and 23(e)) and associated case law. The decision in the Ackermans case and its preceding Income Tax Case 1839 was then analysed in order to establish the principles arising from the decisions. Finally the proposals in the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, and the subsequent Discussion Document issued by the South African Revenue Service were discussed. The analysis revealed the continuing confusion surrounding the status quo, thus demonstrating the importance of legislative intervention to provide guidelines for taxpayers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The time of hospitality in Samuel Beckett's Murphy, Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient and Damon Galgut's The Good Doctor:
- Authors: Marais, Mike
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144106 , vital:38312 , DOI: 10.1080/00138398.2015.1083193
- Description: In this article, I focus on the temporal dimension of the differential process through which community constitutes itself. If community is premised on the sameness that is enabled by that which it excludes, and sees as a threat, then it must seek always to conserve itself and to render the future – which is hazardous in its uncertainty – calculable, predictable and determinable. In its search for stability and permanence, community must dominate time in such a way that it is overcome, that it withdraws from itself. Arguably, though, we would view time less teleologically and programmatically, if we could relate differently to the difference on which community depends. A form of hospitality that is predicated on an acceptance of otherness – not only that of a community's outsiders, but also the ‘common strangeness’ of its insiders – would alter the ways in which being-in-common is conceived, and would also change our experience of belonging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Marais, Mike
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144106 , vital:38312 , DOI: 10.1080/00138398.2015.1083193
- Description: In this article, I focus on the temporal dimension of the differential process through which community constitutes itself. If community is premised on the sameness that is enabled by that which it excludes, and sees as a threat, then it must seek always to conserve itself and to render the future – which is hazardous in its uncertainty – calculable, predictable and determinable. In its search for stability and permanence, community must dominate time in such a way that it is overcome, that it withdraws from itself. Arguably, though, we would view time less teleologically and programmatically, if we could relate differently to the difference on which community depends. A form of hospitality that is predicated on an acceptance of otherness – not only that of a community's outsiders, but also the ‘common strangeness’ of its insiders – would alter the ways in which being-in-common is conceived, and would also change our experience of belonging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The trade in and household use of Phoenix reclinata palm frond hand brushes on the Wild Coast, South Africa: Effects on soil nutrients
- Mjoli, Nwabisa, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Mjoli, Nwabisa , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180800 , vital:43647 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-015-9316-9"
- Description: The Trade in and Household Use of Phoenix reclinata Palm Frond Hand Brushes on the Wild Coast, South Africa. This paper reports on an investigation of the harvesting, trade, and use of hand brushes made from fronds of the wild palm, Phoenix reclinata. We considered both the abundance of the resource as well as the demand. Within the harvesting areas, there were approximately 141 palm plants per hectare, of which almost two-thirds showed no signs of frond harvesting. During harvesting, most fronds (82%) were left on the plant, 16% were removed to make brushes, and 2% were cut and discarded. Although the number of harvesters had increased during the last decade, most felt that the number of palm plants had remained stable or even increased over the same period. There was strong consensus that cut fronds were replaced within two months, after which a particular stem could be harvested again. Harvesting and trade were practiced largely by middle-aged to elderly women, who had limited formal education, skills, and employment prospects. Most had entered the trade because of cash income poverty. The main markets for selling the palm brushes were in nearby urban areas. The income earned from the trade was modest, but still rated highly by the traders, for most of whom it was the second most-important source of cash income. For many users, the palm brushes was found to be the only type of brush suitable for cleaning mud and cow-dung flooring and, most importantly for many, their use forms part of a long household use history and culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mjoli, Nwabisa , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180800 , vital:43647 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-015-9316-9"
- Description: The Trade in and Household Use of Phoenix reclinata Palm Frond Hand Brushes on the Wild Coast, South Africa. This paper reports on an investigation of the harvesting, trade, and use of hand brushes made from fronds of the wild palm, Phoenix reclinata. We considered both the abundance of the resource as well as the demand. Within the harvesting areas, there were approximately 141 palm plants per hectare, of which almost two-thirds showed no signs of frond harvesting. During harvesting, most fronds (82%) were left on the plant, 16% were removed to make brushes, and 2% were cut and discarded. Although the number of harvesters had increased during the last decade, most felt that the number of palm plants had remained stable or even increased over the same period. There was strong consensus that cut fronds were replaced within two months, after which a particular stem could be harvested again. Harvesting and trade were practiced largely by middle-aged to elderly women, who had limited formal education, skills, and employment prospects. Most had entered the trade because of cash income poverty. The main markets for selling the palm brushes were in nearby urban areas. The income earned from the trade was modest, but still rated highly by the traders, for most of whom it was the second most-important source of cash income. For many users, the palm brushes was found to be the only type of brush suitable for cleaning mud and cow-dung flooring and, most importantly for many, their use forms part of a long household use history and culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The transition of Rhodes University graduates into the South African labour market : a case study of the 2010 cohort
- Authors: Ntikinca, Kanyiso Lungani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students , Labor market -- South Africa , College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Research -- South Africa , Market segmentation -- South Africa , Employability -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018198
- Description: Recent studies have shown that graduates from historically White universities (HWUs) experience better labour market outcomes than graduates from historically Black universities (HBUs). This is a result of the legacy of apartheid which promoted racial inequality in all spheres of South African society, more especially in higher education and the labour market. Post-1994, government dedicated large amounts for the restructuring of the higher education sector of South Africa in order to level out the playing field. However, graduates from HWUs still experience better labour market success than graduates from HBUs. That said, there is limited information about the labour market outcomes and experiences of graduates from a former White university (especially graduates from Rhodes University). Therefore, the central aim of this dissertation is to show that graduates from a historically White university (Rhodes University) experience varying and unequal outcomes in the South African labour market on account of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex. This study is informed by the heterodox labour market approach, which is partly inspired by the critical realist account of the labour market. As a result, this theoretical framework allowed the researcher to use the Labour Market Segmentation (LMS) theory as a tool to inform this analysis. The study has adopted a quantitative survey design and has incorporated some of the key methodological lessons learned from the collection of international graduate tracer studies. The findings from this study indicated that ‘field of study’ is a strong determiner of the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the labour market. This was visible in the persistence of a skills bias towards commerce and science graduates. Evidently, even when we controlled for race and sex, graduates from the commerce and science faculties experience better labour market outcomes than humanities graduates. This is a result of a skills biased South African economy, which has a higher demand for certain skills over others. However, the findings from this study also show evidence of pre-labour market discrimination and inequality (based on race and sex) in the supply-side institutions such as the family, schooling and university. The findings also show continuities and discontinuities of labour market discrimination (based on race and sex) in the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the South African labour market. More importantly, this dissertation indicates that Rhodes graduates experience varying outcomes in the labour market as a result of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ntikinca, Kanyiso Lungani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students , Labor market -- South Africa , College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Research -- South Africa , Market segmentation -- South Africa , Employability -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018198
- Description: Recent studies have shown that graduates from historically White universities (HWUs) experience better labour market outcomes than graduates from historically Black universities (HBUs). This is a result of the legacy of apartheid which promoted racial inequality in all spheres of South African society, more especially in higher education and the labour market. Post-1994, government dedicated large amounts for the restructuring of the higher education sector of South Africa in order to level out the playing field. However, graduates from HWUs still experience better labour market success than graduates from HBUs. That said, there is limited information about the labour market outcomes and experiences of graduates from a former White university (especially graduates from Rhodes University). Therefore, the central aim of this dissertation is to show that graduates from a historically White university (Rhodes University) experience varying and unequal outcomes in the South African labour market on account of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex. This study is informed by the heterodox labour market approach, which is partly inspired by the critical realist account of the labour market. As a result, this theoretical framework allowed the researcher to use the Labour Market Segmentation (LMS) theory as a tool to inform this analysis. The study has adopted a quantitative survey design and has incorporated some of the key methodological lessons learned from the collection of international graduate tracer studies. The findings from this study indicated that ‘field of study’ is a strong determiner of the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the labour market. This was visible in the persistence of a skills bias towards commerce and science graduates. Evidently, even when we controlled for race and sex, graduates from the commerce and science faculties experience better labour market outcomes than humanities graduates. This is a result of a skills biased South African economy, which has a higher demand for certain skills over others. However, the findings from this study also show evidence of pre-labour market discrimination and inequality (based on race and sex) in the supply-side institutions such as the family, schooling and university. The findings also show continuities and discontinuities of labour market discrimination (based on race and sex) in the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the South African labour market. More importantly, this dissertation indicates that Rhodes graduates experience varying outcomes in the labour market as a result of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The trophic ecology of the endangered endemic Barau's Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) from Reunion Island, south-western Indian Ocean
- Authors: Danckwerts, Daniel Keith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Petrels -- Réunion , Pterodroma baraui , Ecology -- Réunion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017803
- Description: Réunion is the only tropical island that supports two endemic gadfly petrels. Population modelling has indicated that the current threats to the Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) may drive it to extinction; this fate is almost definite for the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima). Management interventions have therefore been implemented, but conservation potential is handicapped since virtually nothing is known about the former species’ at-sea biology. Thus, following numerous recommendations, this study aimed to combine stomach content, stable isotope, and fatty acid analyses so to provide new information on the at-sea ecology of Barau’s Petrel. Breeding colonies were repeatedly visited over the same season and samples gathered from adults, fledglings, and downy chicks. Stomach contents consisted mostly of accumulated cephalopod beaks whereas structures from fishes, molluscs, arthropods, and crustaceans were less frequently encountered. Fatty acid profiles of blood varied greatly among individuals and the lowincidences of monounsaturated and n-3 fatty acids discounted fish as an important dietary component. δ¹⁵N of blood indicated a niche between the fourth and fifth trophic levels, which proposes that these birds scavenge to a greater degree than other sympatric seabirds and suggests that adults are also reliant on their endogenous reserves during breeding. δ¹³C values confirmed the migratory behaviour of adults since birds returning from the non-breeding grounds were enriched relative to individuals sampled through the breeding period. Significant intra-breeding season variations in δ13C were also observed, which matched this species’ patterns of habitat use as have recently described. These results collectively indicate an opportunistic behaviour, which implies some degree of resilience against shifts in prey availability/accessibility, and suggest that this species’ reproduction isdependent on distant foraging areas. This breeding strategy is synonymous with great vulnerability as over-investing into a single breeding episode may jeopardize future survival and fecundity. Thus, in light of environmental conditions that are becoming increasingly more susceptible to dramatic changes, the birds could rather be prioritising adult survival, over reproductive output. Further work is obviously necessary and should benefit from databases of fatty acid profiles and isotope signatures of potential prey species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Danckwerts, Daniel Keith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Petrels -- Réunion , Pterodroma baraui , Ecology -- Réunion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017803
- Description: Réunion is the only tropical island that supports two endemic gadfly petrels. Population modelling has indicated that the current threats to the Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) may drive it to extinction; this fate is almost definite for the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima). Management interventions have therefore been implemented, but conservation potential is handicapped since virtually nothing is known about the former species’ at-sea biology. Thus, following numerous recommendations, this study aimed to combine stomach content, stable isotope, and fatty acid analyses so to provide new information on the at-sea ecology of Barau’s Petrel. Breeding colonies were repeatedly visited over the same season and samples gathered from adults, fledglings, and downy chicks. Stomach contents consisted mostly of accumulated cephalopod beaks whereas structures from fishes, molluscs, arthropods, and crustaceans were less frequently encountered. Fatty acid profiles of blood varied greatly among individuals and the lowincidences of monounsaturated and n-3 fatty acids discounted fish as an important dietary component. δ¹⁵N of blood indicated a niche between the fourth and fifth trophic levels, which proposes that these birds scavenge to a greater degree than other sympatric seabirds and suggests that adults are also reliant on their endogenous reserves during breeding. δ¹³C values confirmed the migratory behaviour of adults since birds returning from the non-breeding grounds were enriched relative to individuals sampled through the breeding period. Significant intra-breeding season variations in δ13C were also observed, which matched this species’ patterns of habitat use as have recently described. These results collectively indicate an opportunistic behaviour, which implies some degree of resilience against shifts in prey availability/accessibility, and suggest that this species’ reproduction isdependent on distant foraging areas. This breeding strategy is synonymous with great vulnerability as over-investing into a single breeding episode may jeopardize future survival and fecundity. Thus, in light of environmental conditions that are becoming increasingly more susceptible to dramatic changes, the birds could rather be prioritising adult survival, over reproductive output. Further work is obviously necessary and should benefit from databases of fatty acid profiles and isotope signatures of potential prey species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The unfair labour practice relating to benefits
- Authors: Timothy, Andrea Francis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Employee fringe benefits -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10259 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021157
- Description: The meaning of the term “benefits” in the context of unfair labour practice jurisprudence, having previously been unsettled for more than a decade, has now been settled by the Labour Appeal Court in the Apollo.1 Prior to Apollo,2 our courts have struggled to adopt a stance to maintain the distinction between disputes of rights and disputes of interest as separate compartments. The prevalent view at that stage was that, in order for an employee to lodge a dispute at the CCMA or Bargaining Council the employee would have to show that he or she had a right to the benefit that arises by virtue of contract, statute or collective agreement, failing which the CCMA or a Bargaining Council would not have the jurisdiction to determine the dispute, in which case it may constitute a dispute of interest and the employee will have to embark on an industrial action to secure a benefit. Apollo3 endorsed a previous decision of the Labour Court,4 i.e. by placing “benefits” into the following two categories: (1) Where the dispute is about a demand by employees concerning their benefits, it can be settled by way of industrial action. (2) Where the dispute concerns the fairness of the employer's conduct, it must be settled by way of adjudication or arbitration. As a result of the above categorisation, the CCMA or Bargaining Council may adjudicate a dispute relating to benefits where there is a pre-existing benefit and the employer refuses to comply with its obligation towards the employer in that regard. It may also adjudicate disputes relating to the provision of a car allowance (i.e. where the employer retains the discretion to grant or withhold the allowance) and disputes relating to the provision of bonuses (i.e. where the employer retains the discretion to grant or withhold the bonus). In this treatise, I set out the history and development of the legislation in relation to the concept of “benefits” (in the context of unfair labour practice) so as to understand how our Labour Appeal Court has now come to settle the issues above.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Timothy, Andrea Francis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Employee fringe benefits -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10259 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021157
- Description: The meaning of the term “benefits” in the context of unfair labour practice jurisprudence, having previously been unsettled for more than a decade, has now been settled by the Labour Appeal Court in the Apollo.1 Prior to Apollo,2 our courts have struggled to adopt a stance to maintain the distinction between disputes of rights and disputes of interest as separate compartments. The prevalent view at that stage was that, in order for an employee to lodge a dispute at the CCMA or Bargaining Council the employee would have to show that he or she had a right to the benefit that arises by virtue of contract, statute or collective agreement, failing which the CCMA or a Bargaining Council would not have the jurisdiction to determine the dispute, in which case it may constitute a dispute of interest and the employee will have to embark on an industrial action to secure a benefit. Apollo3 endorsed a previous decision of the Labour Court,4 i.e. by placing “benefits” into the following two categories: (1) Where the dispute is about a demand by employees concerning their benefits, it can be settled by way of industrial action. (2) Where the dispute concerns the fairness of the employer's conduct, it must be settled by way of adjudication or arbitration. As a result of the above categorisation, the CCMA or Bargaining Council may adjudicate a dispute relating to benefits where there is a pre-existing benefit and the employer refuses to comply with its obligation towards the employer in that regard. It may also adjudicate disputes relating to the provision of a car allowance (i.e. where the employer retains the discretion to grant or withhold the allowance) and disputes relating to the provision of bonuses (i.e. where the employer retains the discretion to grant or withhold the bonus). In this treatise, I set out the history and development of the legislation in relation to the concept of “benefits” (in the context of unfair labour practice) so as to understand how our Labour Appeal Court has now come to settle the issues above.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The use of assessment centres as a selection and development tool for executive leaders in the Botswana public service
- Authors: Nkala, Elizabeth Oarabile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Assessment centers (Personnel management procedure) , Executive ability -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5814 , vital:21000
- Description: Organisations worldwide are attempting to identify talent by using various assessment methods to evaluate competencies perceived to be core to the mandate of their organisations. In recent years recruitment and selection of individuals rely on assessment methods deemed to have high validity and reliability. One such assessment method used worldwide to evaluate top management is the assessment centre, commonly referred to as the AC. The main research problem of this study focussed on an evaluation of the extent to which the assessment centre method is effectively used for the selection and development of senior management employees in the public service of Botswana. The main research problem had eight sub-problems which were addressed through the following actions: A comprehensive literature study was conducted to define and establish the purpose of assessment centres. Moreover, the study aimed to establish the international best practice for the administration of the assessment centre as a tool for selection and talent development. Subsequent to the literature study an interview schedule and survey questionnaire were developed based on the literature. The interview schedule was used to obtain information from consultants who provide assessment centre services to the public service. The objective of the questionnaire was to obtain information from the recipients of the service and determine the extent to which that information compares with information obtained from the consultants. The questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected population. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted and revealed that permanent and deputy permanent secretaries are more aware of the reasons for using the assessment centre method than directors and deputy directors. These senior management employees felt that the assessment centre is an effective tool for selection and development but the results from the assessment centre are not optimally used for development. The study revealed that generally the assessment centre process conducted in the Botswana public service is in line with international best practice of assessment centres. However, there are certain areas that need some improvement for the assessment centre to entirely conform to international best practice. These areas include the implementation of an assessment centre policy and the improvement of feedback and vital information provided to participants prior to the centre. The empirical study also revealed that senior management employees hold the view that many senior officers in the public service do not know the importance of the assessment centre method and are not comfortable to participate in such a centre. The assessment centre method has proven to be an effective tool for evaluating competencies. This is due to its use of multiple techniques, assessors, simulations and exercises. Theory has revealed that the assessment centre has higher validity and reliability than other assessment methods. However, due to the high costs of running assessment centres, some organisations take shortcuts and therefore jeopardise its validity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkala, Elizabeth Oarabile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Assessment centers (Personnel management procedure) , Executive ability -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5814 , vital:21000
- Description: Organisations worldwide are attempting to identify talent by using various assessment methods to evaluate competencies perceived to be core to the mandate of their organisations. In recent years recruitment and selection of individuals rely on assessment methods deemed to have high validity and reliability. One such assessment method used worldwide to evaluate top management is the assessment centre, commonly referred to as the AC. The main research problem of this study focussed on an evaluation of the extent to which the assessment centre method is effectively used for the selection and development of senior management employees in the public service of Botswana. The main research problem had eight sub-problems which were addressed through the following actions: A comprehensive literature study was conducted to define and establish the purpose of assessment centres. Moreover, the study aimed to establish the international best practice for the administration of the assessment centre as a tool for selection and talent development. Subsequent to the literature study an interview schedule and survey questionnaire were developed based on the literature. The interview schedule was used to obtain information from consultants who provide assessment centre services to the public service. The objective of the questionnaire was to obtain information from the recipients of the service and determine the extent to which that information compares with information obtained from the consultants. The questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected population. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted and revealed that permanent and deputy permanent secretaries are more aware of the reasons for using the assessment centre method than directors and deputy directors. These senior management employees felt that the assessment centre is an effective tool for selection and development but the results from the assessment centre are not optimally used for development. The study revealed that generally the assessment centre process conducted in the Botswana public service is in line with international best practice of assessment centres. However, there are certain areas that need some improvement for the assessment centre to entirely conform to international best practice. These areas include the implementation of an assessment centre policy and the improvement of feedback and vital information provided to participants prior to the centre. The empirical study also revealed that senior management employees hold the view that many senior officers in the public service do not know the importance of the assessment centre method and are not comfortable to participate in such a centre. The assessment centre method has proven to be an effective tool for evaluating competencies. This is due to its use of multiple techniques, assessors, simulations and exercises. Theory has revealed that the assessment centre has higher validity and reliability than other assessment methods. However, due to the high costs of running assessment centres, some organisations take shortcuts and therefore jeopardise its validity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The use of hydrological information to improve flood management-integrated hydrological modelling of the Zambezi River basin
- Vilanculos, Agostinho Chuquelane Fadulo
- Authors: Vilanculos, Agostinho Chuquelane Fadulo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Zambezi River Watershed , Watershed management -- Zambezi River Watershed , Water resources development -- Zambezi River Watershed , Flood control -- Zambezi River Watershed , Flood forecasting -- Zambezi River Watershed , Rain gauges -- Zambezi River Watershed
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:6054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018915
- Description: The recent high profile flooding events – that have occurred in many parts of the world – have drawn attention to the need for new and improved methods for water resources assessment, water management and the modelling of large-scale flooding events. In the case of the Zambezi Basin, a review of the 2000 and 2001 floods identified the need for tools to enable hydrologists to assess and predict daily stream flow and identify the areas that are likely to be affected by flooding. As a way to address the problem, a methodology was set up to derive catchment soil moisture statistics from Earth Observation (EO) data and to study the improvements brought about by an assimilation of this information into hydrological models for improving reservoir management in a data scarce environment. Rainfall data were obtained from the FEWSNet Web site and computed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climatic Prediction Center (NOAA/CPC). These datasets were processed and used to monitor rainfall variability and subsequently fed into a hydrological model to predict the daily flows for the Zambezi River Basin. The hydrological model used was the Geospatial Stream Flow Model (GeoSFM), developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). GeoSFM is a spatially semi-distributed physically-based hydrological model, parameterised using spatially distributed topographic data, soil characteristics and land cover data sets available globally from both Remote Sensing and in situ sources. The Satellite rainfall data were validated against data from twenty (20) rainfall gauges located on the Lower Zambezi. However, at several rain gauge stations (especially those with complex topography, which tended to experience high rainfall spatial variability), there was no direct correlation between the satellite estimates and the ground data as recorded in daily time steps. The model was calibrated for seven gauging stations. The calibrated model performed quite well at seven selected locations (R2=0.66 to 0.90, CE=0.51 to 0.88, RSR=0.35 to 0.69, PBIAS=−4.5 to 7.5). The observed data were obtained from the National Water Agencies of the riparian countries. After GeoSFM calibration, the model generated an integration of the flows into a reservoir and hydropower model to optimise the operation of Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams. The Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams were selected because this study considers these two dams as the major infrastructures for controlling and alleviating floods in the Zambezi River Basin. Other dams (such as the Kafue and Itezhi-Thezi) were recognised in terms of their importance but including them was beyond the scope of this study because of financial and time constraints. The licence of the reservoir model was limited to one year for the same reason. The reservoir model used was the MIKE BASIN, a professional engineering software package and quasi-steady-state mass balance modelling tool for integrated river basin and management, developed by the Denmark Hydraulic Institute (DHI) in 2003. The model was parameterised by the geometry of the reservoir basin (level, area, volume relationships) and by the discharge-level (Q-h) relationship of the dam spillways. The integrated modelling system simulated the daily flow variation for all Zambezi River sub-basins between 1998 and 2008 and validated between 2009 and 2011. The resulting streamflows have been expressed in terms of hydrograph comparisons between simulated and observed flow values at the four gauging stations located downstream of Cahora Bassa dam. The integrated model performed well, between observed and forecast streamflows, at four selected gauging stations (R2=0.53 to 0.90, CE=0.50 to 0.80, RSR=0.49 to 0.69, PBIAS=−2.10 to 4.8). From the results of integrated modelling, it was observed that both Kariba and Cahora Bassa are currently being operated based on the maximum rule curve and both remain focused on maximising hydropower production and ensuring dam safety rather than other potential influences by the Zambezi River (such as flood control downstream – where the communities are located – and environmental issues). In addition, the flood mapping analysis demonstrated that the Cahora Bassa dam plays an important part in flood mitigation downstream of the dams. In the absence of optimisation of flow releases from both the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams, in additional to the contribution of any other tributaries located downstream of the dams, the impact of flooding can be severe. As such, this study has developed new approaches for flood monitoring downstream of the Zambezi Basin, through the application of an integrated modelling system. The modelling system consists of: predicting daily streamflow (using the calibrated GeoSFM), then feeding the predicted streamflow into MIKE BASIN (for checking the operating rules) and to optimise the releases. Therefore, before releases are made, the flood maps can be used as a decision-making tool to both assess the impact of each level of release downstream and to identify the communities likely to be affected by the flood – this ensures that the necessary warnings can be issued before flooding occurs. Finally an integrated flood management tool was proposed – to host the results produced by the integrated system – which would then be accessible for assessment by the different users. These results were expressed in terms of water level (m). Four discharge-level (Q-h) relationships were developed for converting the simulated flow into water level at four selected sites downstream of Cahora Bassa dam – namely: Cahora Bassa dam site, Tete (E-320), Caia (E-291) and Marromeu (E-285). However, the uncertainties in these predictions suggested that improved monitoring systems may be achieved if data access at appropriate scale and quality was improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Vilanculos, Agostinho Chuquelane Fadulo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Zambezi River Watershed , Watershed management -- Zambezi River Watershed , Water resources development -- Zambezi River Watershed , Flood control -- Zambezi River Watershed , Flood forecasting -- Zambezi River Watershed , Rain gauges -- Zambezi River Watershed
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:6054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018915
- Description: The recent high profile flooding events – that have occurred in many parts of the world – have drawn attention to the need for new and improved methods for water resources assessment, water management and the modelling of large-scale flooding events. In the case of the Zambezi Basin, a review of the 2000 and 2001 floods identified the need for tools to enable hydrologists to assess and predict daily stream flow and identify the areas that are likely to be affected by flooding. As a way to address the problem, a methodology was set up to derive catchment soil moisture statistics from Earth Observation (EO) data and to study the improvements brought about by an assimilation of this information into hydrological models for improving reservoir management in a data scarce environment. Rainfall data were obtained from the FEWSNet Web site and computed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climatic Prediction Center (NOAA/CPC). These datasets were processed and used to monitor rainfall variability and subsequently fed into a hydrological model to predict the daily flows for the Zambezi River Basin. The hydrological model used was the Geospatial Stream Flow Model (GeoSFM), developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). GeoSFM is a spatially semi-distributed physically-based hydrological model, parameterised using spatially distributed topographic data, soil characteristics and land cover data sets available globally from both Remote Sensing and in situ sources. The Satellite rainfall data were validated against data from twenty (20) rainfall gauges located on the Lower Zambezi. However, at several rain gauge stations (especially those with complex topography, which tended to experience high rainfall spatial variability), there was no direct correlation between the satellite estimates and the ground data as recorded in daily time steps. The model was calibrated for seven gauging stations. The calibrated model performed quite well at seven selected locations (R2=0.66 to 0.90, CE=0.51 to 0.88, RSR=0.35 to 0.69, PBIAS=−4.5 to 7.5). The observed data were obtained from the National Water Agencies of the riparian countries. After GeoSFM calibration, the model generated an integration of the flows into a reservoir and hydropower model to optimise the operation of Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams. The Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams were selected because this study considers these two dams as the major infrastructures for controlling and alleviating floods in the Zambezi River Basin. Other dams (such as the Kafue and Itezhi-Thezi) were recognised in terms of their importance but including them was beyond the scope of this study because of financial and time constraints. The licence of the reservoir model was limited to one year for the same reason. The reservoir model used was the MIKE BASIN, a professional engineering software package and quasi-steady-state mass balance modelling tool for integrated river basin and management, developed by the Denmark Hydraulic Institute (DHI) in 2003. The model was parameterised by the geometry of the reservoir basin (level, area, volume relationships) and by the discharge-level (Q-h) relationship of the dam spillways. The integrated modelling system simulated the daily flow variation for all Zambezi River sub-basins between 1998 and 2008 and validated between 2009 and 2011. The resulting streamflows have been expressed in terms of hydrograph comparisons between simulated and observed flow values at the four gauging stations located downstream of Cahora Bassa dam. The integrated model performed well, between observed and forecast streamflows, at four selected gauging stations (R2=0.53 to 0.90, CE=0.50 to 0.80, RSR=0.49 to 0.69, PBIAS=−2.10 to 4.8). From the results of integrated modelling, it was observed that both Kariba and Cahora Bassa are currently being operated based on the maximum rule curve and both remain focused on maximising hydropower production and ensuring dam safety rather than other potential influences by the Zambezi River (such as flood control downstream – where the communities are located – and environmental issues). In addition, the flood mapping analysis demonstrated that the Cahora Bassa dam plays an important part in flood mitigation downstream of the dams. In the absence of optimisation of flow releases from both the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams, in additional to the contribution of any other tributaries located downstream of the dams, the impact of flooding can be severe. As such, this study has developed new approaches for flood monitoring downstream of the Zambezi Basin, through the application of an integrated modelling system. The modelling system consists of: predicting daily streamflow (using the calibrated GeoSFM), then feeding the predicted streamflow into MIKE BASIN (for checking the operating rules) and to optimise the releases. Therefore, before releases are made, the flood maps can be used as a decision-making tool to both assess the impact of each level of release downstream and to identify the communities likely to be affected by the flood – this ensures that the necessary warnings can be issued before flooding occurs. Finally an integrated flood management tool was proposed – to host the results produced by the integrated system – which would then be accessible for assessment by the different users. These results were expressed in terms of water level (m). Four discharge-level (Q-h) relationships were developed for converting the simulated flow into water level at four selected sites downstream of Cahora Bassa dam – namely: Cahora Bassa dam site, Tete (E-320), Caia (E-291) and Marromeu (E-285). However, the uncertainties in these predictions suggested that improved monitoring systems may be achieved if data access at appropriate scale and quality was improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015