Showing items 1 - 20 of 47

Your selections:

A strategic business approach for sustainable e-participation at local government level

  • Authors: Mbili, Mlungisi Richard
  • Date: 2015-04-24
  • Subjects: Local government - Information services , Legislative bodies - Technological innovations , Legislation - Technological innovations , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13575 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13718
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa has experienced continued service delivery protests. The extent to which these protests manifest themselves could be indicative of the communication gap that exists between local councillors and communities. In response, communities might use protests to serve as a medium of communication to highlight their unhappiness with service delivery. The e-participation programme is an intervention introduced by the German International Cooperation to explore the potential and assist municipalities with the implementation of a short message system-based, two-way channel for citizen-municipality communication. This study examined the level of readiness of municipalities with regard to the implementation and the sustainability of the e-participation programme. It used a mixed method approach to investigate a sample of municipalities. Findings and recommendations to government on considerations for implementation of the programme is discussed. The study concludes by highlighting earned benefits that can be enjoyed by all South African municipalities by employing the core pillars of various models used in other countries in implementing e-participation.
  • Full Text:

The natural environment as an integral part of the triple bottom line

  • Authors: O'Carroll, Michael
  • Date: 2009-02-05T07:15:43Z
  • Subjects: Corporations , Business enterprises , Social responsibility of business , Green marketing , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:8103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2030
  • Description: M.Sc. , Corporations are beginning to realize that they are members of the wider community and must therefore behave in an environmentally responsible fashion. This translates into corporations that believe that they must fulfill environmental objectives in conjunction with profit related objectives. The recognition that a corporation is embedded within its surrounding environment has profound implications for the way that its business operations are conducted. No longer are the actions taken within the corporation considered to be separate from the external environment, and no longer are events unfolding outside the corporation considered to have no impact on the internal structure and functioning of the company. According to this mode of thought, everything is linked and interconnected. In recognition, smart corporations have initiated social, economic and environmental practices (Anon, 2002a) and incorporated these three components in to the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). The Triple Bottom Line was designed to promote the objectives of sustainable development (Elkington, 2003) by considering a holistic approach to business. Because sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity, organisations that aim for sustainability need to perform not against a single, financial bottom line but against the triple bottom line i.e. economy, society and the environment. It is also true that a corporation, which is not socially or environmentally sustainable in the long term, is unlikely to be financially sustainable in the long term (Elkington, 2003). The main aim of this study is to investigate how the natural environment can play an integral role in the implementation of the TBL. Five main issues relevant to the TBL are investigated in the problem statement, to determine how the environment can possibly form an integral part of the TBL and thus justify the implementation of the TBL in a corporation’s business strategy. Each main issue is then broken down into a number of specific support questions for analysis. The 16 support questions were then individually analysed to determine whether or not the environment could in fact play an integral role in the implementation of the TBL. The five main issues of investigation and the 16 sub-questions showed that the environment could play an integral role in the implementation of the TBL in any corporation.
  • Full Text:

Stakeholders' perception regarding sustainable development in rural areas around Nelspruit.

  • Authors: Mathebula, Doreen Edice
  • Date: 2008-10-14T07:06:45Z
  • Subjects: Nespruit (South Africa) , rural development , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1156
  • Description: M.Ed. , Volhoubare ontwikkeling verwys na ontwikkeling wat in teenswoordige behoeftes voorsien sonder om die vermoë van toekomstige geslagte om in hul behoeftes te voorsien te benadeel. Die feit dat volhoubare ontwikkeling noodsaaklik is vir die oorlewing van alle lewende wesens is reeds algemene kennis. Dit is ook bekend dat die bevolkings van plattelandse gebiede wêreldwyd dit moeilik vind om ‘n aanvaarbare leefstyl te handhaaf. Teen hierdie agtergrond het die onderhawige studie gepoog om die stand van volhoubare ontwikkeling in ‘n spesifieke plattelandse streek in Mpumalanga te ondersoek. In ‘n gekombineerde kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe benadering is die persepsies van ‘n groep respondente met betrekking tot die implementering van volhoubare ontwikkeling in hulle areas ondersoek. Die veldwerk is gedoen teen die agtergrond van ‘n studie van verskillende aspekte van volhoubare ontwikkeling, insluitende definisies en ‘n kort historiese oorsig. Aspekte van volhoubare ontwikkeling in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks is ook kortliks bespreek. In hierdie studie, wat in die Opvoedkunde onderneem is, is ook gefokus op die rol van Omgewingsopvoeding in volhoubare ontwikkeling. Drie-punt- en vyf-punt-skaal vraelyste is aan ‘n groep inwoners van drie streke in die Nelspruit-omgewing gestuur. Die gegewens wat hiermee ingewin is, is verwerk om ‘n beeld te kry van die impak van aspekte wat in die vraelyste ingesluit is, veral ten opsigte van die verligting van armoede, werksvoorsiening, dienste, die rol van gemeenskappe en tradisionele leiers, bevolkingsaanwas, buitelandse beleggings, veiligheid, MIV/VIGS en so meer. Hierdie aspekte is verder kwalitatief ontleed na aanleiding van ses semi-gestruktureerde individuele onderhoude wat met verskillende rolspelers in die betrokke gemeenskappe gevoer is. Hoewel die onderhoude volgens ‘n vooropgestelde skedule gevoer is, is respondente toegelaat om hul eie insette te lewer. In die uitvoer van die veldwerk en by die ontleding van data is verskillende aspekte van vertrouenswaardigheid van navorsing in die geesteswetenskappe in ag geneem. Die gegewens wat uit die vraelyste verkry is, is aanvanklik bespreek, gevolg deur ‘n samevatting van temas uit die onderhoude. Hierdie ontleding het bevestig wat reeds in die vraelyste duidelik geword het, naamlik dat volhoubare ontwikkeling in die betrokke gebiede grootliks ‘n onvervulde ideaal bly, met min of geen praktiese toepassing. Omgewingsbewustheid en –opvoeding is steeds nie na wense nie. Verskillende redes hiervoor is aangevoer, maar die hoofoorsaak blyk armoede te wees. Hoewel verskeie inwoners oorspronklike planne het om hul omstandighede te verbeter, is daar ‘n gebrek aan geld en hulpbronne om dit tot uitvoer te bring. As gevolg van die agterstande ten opsigte van opvoeding en onderwys wat in die vorige politieke bedeling ontstaan het, is daar ook nie voldoende vaardighede om mense in staat te stel om programme sinvol te implementeer en te bestuur nie. Respondente beleef ook dat buitelandse beleggings nie bydra om hul lot te verbeter nie en dat daar min gedoen word om hul veiligheid te verseker. Inwoners neem in sommige gevalle die reg in eie hande om hulle teen bendes te beskerm. ‘n Kommerwekkende bevinding is die feit dat bevolkingsgroei-programme wat daarop gemik is om bevolkingsaanwas te vertraag misluk op grond van die bedrag wat deur die staat toegeken word vir babas. Jong meisies raak swanger om hierdie paar rand per maand te bekom. Hierdie saak word vererger op grond van die feit dat werkloosheid aan die orde van die dag is. Die studie is afgesluit met aanbevelings – gegrond op data wat in die ondersoek verkry is – ten opsigte van volhoubare ontwikkeling in die betrokke gebiede. Dit behels onder meer die volgende: • Die ontwerp van werkbare strategieë vir volhoubare ontwikkeling. Hierdie strategieë moet binne aanvaarbare tydsgrense toegepas word. • Die infra-struktuur en dienslewering moet verbeter word. • Ekonomiese ontwikkeling op ‘n gemeenskapsgrondslag is van kardinale belang. • Vaardigheidsontwikkeling, nie net ten opsigte van konkrete arbeid nie, maar ook met betrekking tot die bestuur van projekte moet voorop gestel word. • Veiligheidsmaatreëls in plattelandse gebiede moet opgeskerp word. • Gemeenskappe moet omgewingsbewus gemaak word, veral deur middel van omgewingsopvoeding. • Almal behoort betrokke te wees by die voorkoming van MIV/VIGS. • Plattelandse gemeenskappe behoort finansieel ondersteun te word. , Prof. H.G. van Rooyen
  • Full Text:

The role of small, medium and micro-medium enterprises (SMMEs) in achieving sustainable development in the Limpopo Province

Assessing the quality of basic assessment reports and the associated perspectives of environmental assessment practitioners in South Africa

  • Authors: Wylie, Donna Kim
  • Date: 2015-07-01
  • Subjects: Environmental impact analysis - South Africa , Strategic planning - Environmental aspects - South Africa , Sustainable development , Environmental management - South Africa , Environmental policy - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/380893 , uj:13670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13855
  • Description: MSc. (Geography) , The South African National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) [NEMA] provides the 2010 EIA Regulations that describe the minimum requirements for environmental impact assessment (EIA). EIA is used as a tool to aid decisionmaking when evaluating development proposals for activities that are likely to have negative environmental impacts. Government Notice GNR. 543 of the 2010 EIA Regulations provides all the information pertaining to EIA and the specific steps required to conduct a Basic Assessment (BA). The study primarily focuses on activities conducted within or near Protected Areas (PAs) that do not require a full scoping EIA, and is comprised of two parts. Firstly, using a modified version of the South African adapted Lee and Colley (1992) Review Package, this dissertation presents the findings of an evaluation of the quality of 13 Basic Assessment Reports (BARs). Secondly, the study ascertained and analysed the opinions of those involved in the EIA process, namely environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs), on whether EIA is performing as originally intended. A questionnaire targeted at discerning respondents’ views on this was sent to eight individuals, of whom seven responded. The findings show that 92% of the BARs performed satisfactorily in terms of overall quality (achieving grades A to C, C being considered just satisfactory). Only 54% of the assessed BARs achieved A-B grades, leaving a high proportion of borderline BARs, a disturbing figure given the importance of PAs in South Africa for encouraging tourism, generating foreign currency and protecting biodiversity. Fifty seven percent (57%) of respondents expressed the view that legal provision for the EIA process in South Africa is adequate, that the 2010 Regulations have improved the EIA process, and that the EIA guidelines for environmental practitioners are readily available and easy to use.
  • Full Text:

Innovation and networking in tourism for the competitiveness of the Western Cape regional tourism economy

  • Authors: Booyens, Irma
  • Date: 2015-07-02
  • Subjects: Tourism - South Africa - Western Cape. , Tourism - South Africa - Western Cape - Management , Human Geography - South Africa - Western Cape , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13874
  • Description: Ph.D. (Geography) , This research investigation straddles the disciplines of economic geography, innovation studies and tourism studies. In recent decades, services have outperformed manufacturing from an employment and output perspective in most advanced economies. This trend, associated with neoliberal restructuring, is also observable in emerging market economies like South Africa and regions like the Western Cape. Research on innovation in services has been limited in the international, as well as the local context. Innovation activity has significant implications for firm and destination competitiveness, as well as regional economic development. Policy makers, concerned with fostering innovation, are increasingly recognising the economic significance of tourism for economic development. In South Africa and the Western Cape, tourism is regarded as a key sector for job creation and growth. However, in South Africa innovation policy excludes tourism, whilst there is a limited understanding of tourism innovation evident in tourism policies. Therefore, tourism innovation, and related issues such as networking and regional competitiveness, needs to be understood better in the South African context to support evidence-based regional economic, tourism and innovation policies. The research confirms that the Schumpeterian notion of innovation is appropriate for measuring innovation in services and tourism. The European Community Innovation Survey questionnaire was adapted for a sector-specific survey of tourism firms in the Western Cape. In addition, qualitative interviews with firms on the establishment and corporate levels; as well as with tourism actors in the Western Cape tourism system, and with tourism experts, entrepreneurs and associations formed part of the empirical investigation. In total, 182 responses were obtained. It is determined that innovation by tourism firms is widespread in the Western Cape tourism economy. The incremental nature of innovation, however, is an outstanding feature in an emerging economy, global South, context. Evidence of product, marketing, environmental, organisational, process, structural and social innovations in tourism are identified. The identification of environmental, social and structural innovation in tourism contributes to the literature. This investigation contributes further by providing perspectives on innovation per tourism sub-sector.
  • Full Text:

Evaluation of the sustainability and environmental impacts of mining in the Rustenburg Region

  • Authors: Ololade, Olusola Oluwayemisi
  • Date: 2012-11-05
  • Subjects: Platinum mines and mining - Environmental aspects , Mineral industries - Environmental aspects , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/374473 , uj:7338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8087
  • Description: Ph.D. , This study evaluates the environmental impacts of platinum mining in the Rustenburg region and the development of the region into a sustainable society, post the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in 2002. The region has been the location of intensive mining and metallurgical processing of platinum group minerals and chromium for more than three decades. Many studies have focused on the impacts of individual mines on their immediate environment and the sustainability of their operations. This study takes an holistic approach, looking at environmental changes across a larger area and the evaluation of the implementation of sustainable development principles in the region in the decade following the Johannesburg WSSD summit, using a multi-disciplinary approach. The debate concerning a suitable definition for sustainability within the mining context was followed through a literature review. In a strict sense, there is a paradox - mining is inherently unsustainable because of the finite, non-renewable nature of mineral resources. To resolve this paradox, two concepts of sustainability emerged: weak sustainability, in which economic capital replaces natural capital; and strong sustainability, prevention and minimising any environmental damage. These two concepts of sustainability were examined within the mining context, and the conclusion reached in this study is that the weak sustainability concept is more realistic and useful in the mining industry, since diverse environmental impacts cannot be avoided during mineral extraction. However, this does not mean that the environmental impacts should be neglected; instead they should be minimised. Sustainability is then achieved when the total amount of capital (i.e. both natural and economic) is constant or increases. Medium-resolution satellite data (Landsat and ASTER images) were used to map land cover/use to quantify the changes between 1973 and 2007, over 205 209 hectares of the Rustenburg region. The most important land cover/use change was the conversion of grassland to agricultural lands and mining areas. Changes in mine tailings storage facilities in terms of size and vegetation status were analysed. Landscape metrics (fragmentation index) were used to interpret the statistics derived from the land cover/use change to give an indication of the functioning of the ecosystem. Tailings samples were collected from two tailings storage facilities. Grain size analysis of the tailings samples was conducted to determine the percentage of particles with diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm. Chemical analyses of samples were performed to determine elements of major concern because of their enrichment in the tailings and their potential toxicity. An analysis of the weather data acquired from the weather station located within the area was presented in the form of wind roses. Information on particle-size distributions obtained from the tailings samples and local meteorological data were used to carry out a detailed dispersion model of fugitive dust from mine tailings storage facilities.
  • Full Text:

Review of the application of nanotechnology for sustainable construction materials

Sustainable independent power production in middle-income African countries

  • Authors: Nel, D.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Independent power production , Renewable energy investment , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397510 , uj:33044 , Citation: Nel, D. 2019. Sustainable independent power production in middle-income African countries.
  • Description: Abstract: The energy sector in many African countries faces challenges such as supplying electricity to the public in a sustainable manner, demand and supply challenges, institutional and governance challenges, private investment obstacles, unequal supply of energy, rolling blackouts, and grid maintenance and infrastructure challenges. These challenges are coupled with and linked to other social and basic service delivery challenges in a developmental context. New renewable delivery modes through independent power production (IPP) present a window of opportunity for massive investments in Africa. The aim of this paper is to determine the potential for IPP, as well as the barriers for the sustainable management thereof in selected upper middle-income countries in Africa. A cross-case study method is used. Content analysis was used to analyse 13 middle-income African countries. Country case studies were conducted on upper middle-income African economies. Country profiles comprise Angola, Botswana, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The following criteria were used to identify barriers: energy technology, investment, socioeconomic development risk, sovereign risk, policy drivers, policy content, legislative basis for IPP, management of stakeholders, and governance risk. Barriers include economic, political, and sovereign risk, as well as maintenance and grid expansion challenges. The need to help the environment, as a driver, is not strong. The strongest current drivers are pricing, cost, and market incentives. The benefits of managing natural resources and facilitating sustainable development exist but are implicit.
  • Full Text:

The effectiveness of strategic management intervention in developing profitable high growth African businesses

Sustainable development through urban renewal projects : a case of Johannesburg, South Africa

  • Authors: Thlala, W.D.
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Sustainable development , Urban renewal , Public works programmes , Urban renewal projects (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6221 , ISBN 978-986-02-0114-7 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5311
  • Description: Urban renewal and inner city regeneration have become serious for the South African government which has invested in several structures to stem the tide of decline in its nine major cities. Commitment to alleviation of poverty has become very high on the government agenda and will stay one of the focal points of government. This is motivated by the fact that, currently around 24% of the population lives on less than $1 a day, below the poverty line defined by the World Bank. The CentraI Government has made numerous public commitments to development, a part of it concerning extensive infrastructure investment and service delivery. The paper will firstly explore the concept of sustainable development. The paper then looks at some past experiences in relation to public works programmes. Furthermore the paper will outline the challenges and problems of urban renewal projects in Johannesburg. Finally the paper closes with some recommendations for the future.
  • Full Text:

Strategies for socio economic empowerment of traditional leaders

  • Authors: Dlomo, Nozipho Desideria
  • Date: 2008-10-17T13:13:22Z
  • Subjects: Sociological aspects of economics , Tribal government , Sustainable development , Traditional leaders
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1239
  • Description: M.A. , This study sought to provide guidelines for the development of strategies for the socio economic empowerment of traditional leaders. Traditional leaders have performed the development function even prior to the establishment of local government structures. The Constitution of the country does not clearly state the role of traditional leaders. It, however, gives clear disposition of the role of local municipalities and thus creates a vacuum between the two structures. The research explored the socio economic issues in KwaZulu-Natal and also the role that could be played by traditional leaders to enhance sustainable development in rural areas. A qualitative research approach was applied with purposive sampling strategy in this study. Structured questionnaires were formulated and used with focus groups. Two focus groups were conducted with traditional leaders and one with a professional group. The findings of the study confirmed that there were problems experienced by traditional leaders when performing the development function. This had resulted in traditional leaders not being sure of what role they could play in relation to the functions of municipal councils. It also revealed the tension that existed between traditional leadership structures and municipalities. However, the study also indicated the training of traditional leaders to become effective in developmental strategies of the province KwaZulu-Natal and also gave an exposition of the strategies for the socioeconomic empowerment of traditional leaders. , Prof. J.B.S. Nel
  • Full Text:

The sustainability of life cycle costs in a systems engineering process of a 21st century reliability engineering environment

  • Authors: Maoto, Reboneng Mothupi
  • Date: 2013-05-28
  • Subjects: Sustainable development , Life cycle costing , Systems engineering , Reliability (Engineering) , Value analysis (Cost control) , Engineering economy
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:7562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8424
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , With the current global political and economic environments, there is a lot of economic fluctuation and uncertainty in the world markets. This results in the instability of prices for goods and other products. And since we operate in a globalised era, this has a direct impact on the life cycle costs of many systems and products. Experience has indicated that a large portion of the total cost of many systems is as a direct result of activities associated with the operation and support of these systems and products, while the commitment of these costs is based on decisions made in the early stages of the system life cycle (Blanchard, 1990:505 & Blanchard, 2004:24-26). Further, the various costs associated with the different phases of the life cycle of a system or a piece of equipment are interrelated. Thus, in addressing the economic aspects of a system, one must look at the total cost in the context of the overall life cycle, particularly during the early stages of conceptual design and advanced system planning. Life cycle cost, when included as a parameter in the systems engineering process, provides the opportunity to design for economic feasibility. To address these aspects the following questions are answered through the research:  What are life cycle costs and what are the benefits of costing them?  When and where are costs incurred in a systems life cycle?  What are the key variables in establishing life cycle costs?  How can these variables be better defined to ensure that the life cycle costs are sustained through the entire life of a system?  Can the engineering inflation be defined and be used instead of the general inflation rate? Now the challenge is that with the fluctuating economic conditions mentioned earlier, one cannot predict the life cycle costs of a system as closely accurate as is required. The proposed research focused on identifying sustainable measures to ensure that life cycle costs remain relevant through the lifespan of a system or equipment.
  • Full Text:

South African oil dependency : geo-political, geo-economic and geo-strategic considerations

  • Authors: Makube, Sello Tebogo
  • Date: 2012-11-05
  • Subjects: Petroleum - Government policy , Environmental protection , Geopolitics , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7333 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8082
  • Description: Ph.D. , There is little research undertaken on the economic assessment of oil security of supply from the dimensions of geo-politics, geo-economics and geo-strategy. This study seeks to bridge the gap by providing new analytical and empirical work that captures the impact of geo-politics, geo-economics and geo-strategy on oil supply, consumption and price. This study is the first to define, analyse and contextualise the South African oil security of supply from a geo-political, geo-economic and geo-strategic perspective. It examines oil related factors that influence broader energy, economic and environmental policies, as well as developmental goals in South Africa. South Africa is faced with the task of delivering policy outcomes that will result in meeting the country’s energy demand at the lowest possible cost. Rising oil prices, rapidly increasing motorisation, clean environment and sustainable urban development are public policy challenges facing the South African economic, energy and transport sectors. Policy options to resolve these challenges are complex, varied and evolving. Economic indicators such as economic growth, inflation, balance of payments, trade balance, the general household surveys, income and expenditure surveys, and other economic data are used to develop a set of descriptive statistics to assess the impact of oil prices in South Africa. Increasing oil prices and the peak oil theory are raising new concerns about the availability of sufficient energy resources and the capacity of economic markets to allocate effectively those resources. A discussion on the optimal price path, extraction costs and mineral rents in an economy is presented. This study uses neoclassical Leontief and Cobb-Douglas production functions to examine and illustrate factors that could reduce or strengthen the linkage between energy use and economic activity over time. The Herfindahl Hirshman Index is used as a measure of oil supply concentration ratio and proxy for geo-political risks and oil imports dependency risks. In the analysis of the economics of exhaustible natural resources, this study discusses how the economic theory on the matter has evolved since the Hotelling model of optimal resource depletion. The Hotelling model is challenged, as marginal extraction costs of oil are rising, demand is changing and growing, and the world price is distorted by geo-political, geo-economic and geo-strategic factors. Using the Simple Econometric Simulation System (SESS) model, energy and oil outlook in the South African economy up to 2035 is simulated and economic vulnerability risks are calculated. Emerging from the examination of global oil statistics is confirmation that the price of crude oil has remained persistently high over recent years, reflecting geo-political, geo-economic and geo-strategic risks, as well as growing global oil demand. The rapid rise in oil prices is the biggest challenge facing the international economy; developing countries are particularly vulnerable. Linked to this is that environmental concerns ranging from local air pollution to global climate change bring into question the sustainability of relying on non-renewable energy resources. Searches for alternative energy resources to substitute fossil fuels, especially in the transport sector, have not yet yielded economically viable options. It is argued that the substitution of oil products in the transportation sector remains a challenge from which South Africa is not immune; that South Africa’s demand for oil continues to rise, driven by economic growth and a development trajectory highly dependent on petroleum products; and that dependency on foreign oil causes South Africa to be economically vulnerable.
  • Full Text:

The variables influencing developmental local governance to promote sustainable communities and cities in South Africa

  • Authors: De Wet, Martha Maria Marthina
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Sustainable development , Sustainable urban development , Local government - South Africa , Municipal government - South Africa , Cities and towns - Growth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/272071 , uj:28949
  • Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Abstract: The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the nature and problems for developmental local governance to promote the sustainability of communities and cities in metropolitan municipalities in South Africa. Undeniably, urban governance has far-reaching consequences for local governance because urban population will continue to grow over time. Importantly, migration to urban areas can be expected to skyrocket as economies grow and cities provide more opportunities for the landless poor in the hope of finding employment. According to the National Development Plan (NDP) (National Planning Commission (NPC) 2012:260), “by 2030 South Africa should observe meaningful and measureable progress in reviving rural areas and in creating more functionally integrated, balanced and vibrant urban settlements”. The dual guiding research question of the thesis encapsulated the problem: What is the essence of the nature and challenges of good developmental urban local governance and how can innovative strategies promote the sustainable development of communities and cities in South Africa? The thesis provided a broad systematic conceptualization and contextualization of developmental and sustainable good local governance, urban resilience, new city governance and ‘smart cities’, the regulatory and institutional framework defining and regulating local governance and the theories and theoretical approaches underpinning developmental and sustainable local/urban governance. The emphasis of the thesis is placed on the functioning, problems, challenges and pressures of the sphere urban of local governance (within its constituent structures i.e. metropolitan municipalities) within given regulatory and structural parameters. This enquiry is premised on the view that in studying urban governance and implementation in general, and in South Africa in particular, specific factors, and structural and regulatory parameters have a profound effect on the sustainability of metros that should be taken into account. In the light of the above argument, the overarching perspective in which this study was grounded was that of a documentary and conceptual analysis using qualitative research techniques to explore and analyse the specific requirements that are set for the service delivery needs of the citizens in...
  • Full Text:

Energy potential and sustainability management of platinum catalysed fuel cell technology in South Africa

  • Authors: Mabiza, Junior Mabiza
  • Date: 2013-11-21
  • Subjects: Anglo American (Firm) , Hydrogen industry - South Africa - Management , Hydrogen as fuel - Case studies , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8672
  • Description: M.Tech. (Construction Management) , In this study the environmental aspect of sustainability of the platinum catalysed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) in progress in South Africa is examined as two case studies. The first case study is a laboratory-based process of platinum nanophase composite electrode prototype suitable for SPE electrolyser and PEM fuel cell. The second case study is the Anglo American Platinum industrial engineering process of recovering platinum group metals (PGMs). Environmental assessments were achieved using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standard ISO 14040 series and the Eco-indicator 99 methodology. The energy potential and sustainable development of the South African HFCT initiative as well as the initiative public awareness are also looked into. Emerging as high concerns in the region are South African coal-based and gas supply security for energy supply and sustainability, and the growth of energy demand. The heavy South African carbon footprint and the related global climate change are also high concerns. The South African cabinet adopted hydrogen and fuel cell technology as one of the priority technologies to be developed in a bid to reduce the country’s dependence on coal-fired power generation, oil and gas. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) submitted this proposition initiated from the public and private sectors; and this has been seen as a significant competitive advantage for the global HFCT initiatives in view of the country’s abundant platinum metals deposits, a key raw material in fuel cells. Arguing that the adoption of renewable energy systems as clean technology calls for the achievement of the ecology leg aims of sustainability. An environmental assessment over synthesizing nanophase composite electrode and producing platinum group metals are therefore proved to be pertinent. Results of LCA showed equivalent emissions of carbon dioxide in the preparation process of 119.23g electrode platinum nanophase were evaluated at approximately 8.78 kg CO2eq. Over 90% of all emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent were attributed to energy supplied, produced by emitting resources. Direct emissions which were mostly of chemicals were probably involved in the heating, calcining and drying of materials. The environmental impact assessment by Eco-indicator 99 methodology based on LCA results of the platinum composite electrode determined airborne likely potential emissions such as carbon monoxide, NOX, Ethanol, Formaldehyde, SOX and water vapour with their evaluated impacts as well as other potential emissions to soil/water such as wastewater and HMS matrix which can be recycled. LCA results of the PGMs recovery process showed airborne and waterborne emissions as well as emissions to soil. Emissions observed were both direct and indirect. Direct emissions were from ore composites, chemicals, coal, fuels and water recycled. Over 91% of GHG emissions are indirect from energy supplied. The largest environmental damage impact caused by over 91% of GHG emissions indirect to PGMs production process was estimated to be 8.18 E+9 mPt equivalent to 19,049 Terajoules from electricity purchased. The used electricity is coal-based with damage impact to resources caused by extraction of fossil fuels. The second largest damage impact of 3.43 E+8 mPt was attributed to resources caused by extraction of minerals. The damage impact of 2.48 E-1 mPt by SO2 emissions, which has an impact on human health and the ecosystem quality and the reason behind the motivation to assess the process of recovering PGMs, was relatively minor compared the first two and to some others. The energy potential of the South African HFCT initiative is thought through by its objectives and the capacities to achieve them. The sustainability management of the initiative for the long-term energy supply and sustainability can be determined by specific factors among those, addressing progressively GHG emissions involved in the entire life cycle of PGMs, from mining to recycling. As regards the current state of public awareness to the South African HFCT initiative, this is not well known and has little media attention.
  • Full Text:

The impact of rapid urban growth on the commuter rail sector : the case of Gauteng province

  • Authors: Kekana, Solomon Lebotlwe
  • Date: 2013-12-09
  • Subjects: Urban transportation - South Africa - Gauteng - Planning , Transportation - South Africa - Gauteng - Passenger traffic , Railroads - South Africa - Gauteng , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8734
  • Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Commuter rail in South Africa faces many challenges as a result of a long history of inadequate investment in rail rolling stock, infrastructure, operations as well as the loss of appropriate managerial and technical (engineering) skills within the industry. Over time, commuter rail services have continued to fail to respond adequately to the changing passenger demands. On the other hand mobility has undergone constant change in terms of both population growth and spatial patterns. For an effective and viable country, the transport infrastructure and operations have to respond to this continual process of change. From the transport context, South Africa is still haunted by its poor transport legacies of the past, which emerged mainly as a result of dysfunctional institutions. The dysfunctional institutional arrangements have resulted in poor accountability in the provision of public transport services, which were found to be largely disempowering. Government‘s socio-economic and transport policies could not be supported adequately by such institutional arrangements. As South Africa embarks on a journey of turning its public transport system around, the challenges for public transport are to simultaneously transform through meaningful integration, whilst at the same time enhancing capacity through upgrading and modernization in order to meet long-term needs of the economy. This research focuses on the impacts of urbanization, commuter rail network and planning interventions aimed at an integrated public transport solution. Firstly, the research investigates the impact of urbanization in relation to public transport and in addressing the ongoing challenge of rapid growth and thereby perpetuating social, economic and spatial inequalities. Secondly, there is a disjuncture between legislation and implementation that the research investigates. Thirdly, the study investigates the connectedness of Gauteng in relation to economic opportunities, social facilities and amenities. It aims to explore the extent of integration of Gauteng institutionally, spatially and socio-economically. The study concludes that transportation is the single most important factor in shaping the economy. Transportation should therefore be highlighted in the spatial development planning framework and processes in Gauteng. The key in addressing the impact of urban rapid growth on commuter rail is managing land use and transport networks in such a way that the highest level of access to services and employment opportunities are maintained.
  • Full Text:

Ethnotourism at Blouberg in the Limpopo Province: a quest for sustainability

  • Authors: Fourie, Marike
  • Date: 2008-05-19T07:31:40Z
  • Subjects: Tourism , Culture and tourism , Sustainable development , Limpopo (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:1895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424
  • Description: Blouberg is situated in the Limpopo Province, west of the Soutpansberg, in the Republic of South Africa. The majestic Blouberg Mountain is a 2000-meter high prominence inhabited by a Sotho-speaking community whom live in relative isolation. The area is rich with a diverse range of natural elements: tree species, birds, animals and geographic features as well as cultural heritage. The camp, which is located on top of Blouberg, is a prime example of government-initiated community development. This tourist camp was established on the mountain with the objective that the local community would manage it for their own benefit. The community on Blouberg has strong cultural beliefs and heritage resources, which proves to have immense potential for ethnotourism development. However, cultural heritage and natural resources are also extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation and over-development, which consequently creates a need for sustainable management. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic analysis of sustainable ethnotourism on Blouberg in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. It acknowledges the multidisciplinary limitations and challenges that sustainable ethnotourism development presents, especially in rural communities such as the Hananwa at Blouberg. With regard to contemporary tourism development in the Limpopo Province, there seems to be a sense of expectation amongst local communities. This study investigates whether the full potential of the Blouberg camp is being achieved and whether the need for sustainable management exists. A sustainable management plan requires accurate research, evaluation of resources and the analysis of potential opportunities. Although there is limited information available regarding the opportunities, threats, impacts and effects of ethnotourism in South Africa, it is possible to integrate existing literature with principles of sustainable development to create a valuable framework to evaluate ethnotourism on Blouberg. , Prof. G. Verhoef
  • Full Text:

"Type change" : the perceived structure of organizational change events

  • Authors: Van Tonder, Chris
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Organizational change , Sustainable development , Organizational sustainability
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6230 , ISBN 1-932917-05-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5320
  • Description: Sustainable development and global prosperity hinge substantially on healthy, progressive organizations. The liability of change, which manifests in the dismal success rates of large scale organizational change initiatives, however threatens the advancement of this agenda. While the reasons for this are complex, a starting point for reversing this trend is a greater understanding of the phenomenon of organizational change, which is reified and enacted at the level of the individual employee. The current study empirically explored the under researched area of 'types of change', which influences employee perceptions and responses and which ultimately holds the key to organizational adaptation. Several structural dimensions were extracted from the 663 respondents' perceptions of change events, which suggest a more considered but also a potentially more effective approach to dealing with organizational change.
  • Full Text:

The effects of financial liberalisation on the sustainable growth rate of dual listed companies on the JSE Limited

  • Authors: Serithi, Legoabe Tumelo
  • Date: 2014-06-10
  • Subjects: Capital market , Economic development , Sustainable development , JSE Limited , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Dual listed companies
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11134
  • Description: M.Com. (Financial Management) , In 1995, the South African government needed to address the widening poverty gap. The manner in which they would do so was through the process of financial market liberalisation of the JSE. The intention behind the process of financial liberalisation on the JSE was to increase the liquidity of the JSE. The significance of this study is that it would provide regulators of financial markets, policy makers and academics information on the effectiveness of the liberalisation of the JSE on dual listed companies’ ability to grow in a sustainable manner. Previous literature has found the risk sharing benefit associated with financial market liberalisation. With the increased number of participants in market would increase the chance of successful trades. Previous studies have found that there is a positive correlation with financial market liberalisation and market liquidity. Exchange controls have been put in place to prevent capital flight in sudden economic down turns. Certain studies have found that financial market liberalisation on has had minimal impact on the market capitalisation This study investigates the effects the financial liberalisation on the JSE had on dual listed companies’ sustainable growth rates. A purposive sampling technique was used in this study and a sample of 28 dual listed companies was selected. The approach to this study was an explanatory approach and the research paradigm was archival. The statistical tools which were utilised in the study were broken into two components, namely, the descriptive statistics and the inferential statistics. The data that were used in the study were secondary data collected from I-Net Bridge. The results of this study indicated that the financial liberalisation of the JSE did have an impact on the sustainable growth rates of dual listed companies on the JSE. Recommendations were made in this study for the dual listed companies to improve their net profit margins. The methods in which the dual listed companies are able to improve their net profit margins are by finding competitive sustainable advantages. It was further recommended that the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 needs to be amended to create a conducive economic environment for the dual listed companies to grow sustainably. It was further recommended that the dual listed companies on the JSE invest in human capital in order to improve their sustainable growth rate.
  • Full Text:
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact