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Worldviews on erectile dysfunction: perspectives in knowledge systems and development

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.
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The role of government in the implementation of sustainable development initiatives by adventure tourism SMMEs in South Africa : an exploratory inquiry

  • Authors: Chiliya, Norman , Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile , Groenewald, Darelle
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Sustainable development , Small business , Business performance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/240462 , uj:24736 , Citation: Chiliya, N., Nieuwenhuizen, C. & Groenewald, D. 2017. The role of government in the implementation of sustainable development initiatives by adventure tourism SMMEs in South Africa : an exploratory inquiry.
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainable development suggests that there are restrictions to the obtainability of ecological resources and the planet to engage human activities. Limited South African research exists in the field of sustainable development in adventure tourism SMMEs especially the role of Government in terms of implementation of sustainable development initiatives. A structured questionnaire was administered via email and hard copies. A total of 105 usable responses were received. Government, business associations and certification bodies have unrelated methods for evaluating sustainability issues. The tourism sector is overwhelmed with initiatives and certifications intended at facilitation and adoption of sustainable development practices. This adds to the confusion that entrepreneurs face when it comes to choosing an appropriate tool. There is consensus that entrepreneurs want to develop their sustainability knowledge base. It is recommended that the different institutions or actors in the arena of sustainable development should make information on sustainable development easily available. The SMMEs also indicated that the legislative framework affecting small businesses should be improved. The government, should award rebates to SMMEs for implementing sustainable development initiatives. Alternative funding for implementing sustainable development initiatives should also be established.
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Municipal solid waste from landfills a solution to energy crisis in South Africa

  • Authors: Dada, O.R. , Mbohwa, Charles
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Biogas , Landfill , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/215015 , uj:21353 , Citation: Dada, O.R & Mbohwa, C. 2016. Municipal solid waste from landfills a solution to energy crisis in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: There is a growing interest in the management of municipal solid waste globally, and South Africa is also not relenting in its effort to turning wastes from landfill into resourceful materials or energy because of the environmental issues and job opportunities that arises from the wastes generated from household to industrial by-products. Due to the escalating increase in the cost of dumping wastes into landfills and depletion of land spaces despite the popular global campaign of waste reduction, re-use and recycling there is still a rapid increase in the tonnage of wastes that is being produced on daily basis from all works of life which results in huge quantity of waste that is disposed to landfills. This calls for an urgent need to look into possible ways of managing wastes better in such a manner that it contributes and promotes sustainable socio - economic development of the nation. This research paper focuses on the type of waste generated from the City of Johannesburg, the potential biomethane that could be produced from the organic wastes, waste collection methods around the city before disposal on landfills within the City of Johannesburg and investigation of energy generation from waste as a better waste management technique. Robinson deep landfill which is one of the biggest landfill site within the city in terms of capacity is located in the South of Johannesburg. This landfill is a potential site for the establishment of a biogas plant where landfill wastes is expected to be used as feedstocks for the production of biogas. The biogas produced will be further upgraded to biomethane for powering the City of Johannesburg metro buses.
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An assessment of key indicators of sustainable development in the South African airline industry

  • Authors: De Gove, Sabina Valentina
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development - Environmental aspects , Airlines - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/445580 , uj:38987
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainable development is a central topic of debate with regard to the social, economic and environmental activities of public and private organisations. The South African government has adopted a forward-looking policy in this area since the concept of sustainable development must be integrated into the activities of the various government departments and organisations. The aviation industry involves mass transport which is rapid, safe and reliable. To date, over the 20thcentury, the quality of air transport had seen a significant improvement, costs were reduced and demand kept on increasing. The social and economic advantages of air transport are extensive; however, its environmental costs are high. At the current rate of development, air transport is considered to be unsustainable in the long-term. Since, it is considered as a process based on innovations, which would ensure long-term sustainable airline. To this end, this study aimed at assessing the key indicators of sustainable development in the airline industry, using the South African airline industry as case study. In order to achieve this goal, the study adopted a two-fold approach noting that (1) critical appraisal of existing literature on sustainability practices within the airline sector (2) refining the identified flaws by means of quantitative research questionnaires survey... , M.Tech. (Operations Management)
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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...
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The peripheral urban catalyst : questioning historic land divisions and static zoning boundaries in industrial areas

  • Authors: Deal, Randy
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: City planning , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/423906 , uj:36232
  • Description: Abstract: his dissertation investigates the value of land pockets, referred to as “forgotten spaces” in the Bo-Kaap. The study is aimed to propose a number of interventions along Lion Street on the nominated sites by means of a thorough understanding and study of the Archetypes that shaped the Bo-Kaap as we know it today. The Bo-Kaap’s location abutting the city, has a high locational value, which has in the recent years attracted the interest of private developers. Prior the approval of Bo-Kaap as an Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ) by City of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap was hit by gentrification that caused a rapid increase in rates and land value, putting pressure on low to medium income families that have resided here for generations... , M.Tech. (Architecture)
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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
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Developing entrepreneurial organisations for sustainable growth

  • Authors: Du Plessis, Andre
  • Date: 2011-12-06
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development , Sustainable development
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:1812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4174
  • Description: M.Comm. , The overall objective of this study was to find the influence of entrepreneurship on sustainable economic growth by defining entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial organisations as well as the inter relationships between entrepreneurship, development and growth. In today's competitive environment the influences on success through sustainable economic growth needs to be known. This will allow the understanding of failure as well as the reproduction of the success in other business. If the success can be reproduced this will be of benefit to the organisation, the community and at a macro level the country. There is an everincreasing amount of research to quantify the contribution entrepreneurship has to sustainable economic growth. Most research agrees entrepreneurship has a significant impact on economic growth. What is also of importance is that the economic growth is sustainable since there are areas such as the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises that may yield growth in the short term but can not sustain it. This can be argued as being more harmful to an economy than no growth at all. This strongly contrasts entrepreneurship where the sustainability of the growth is paramount. Entrepreneurship has over the past years enjoyed more and more attention as the underlying reason for sustainable growth. One of the reasons for this is that specific theories such as activity based costing or total quality management or any other management theory does not explain the complex inter-relationships of an organisation. Entrepreneurship is viewed as a broader approach that includes various management theories but also attributes the sustainable growth to the softer areas of study such as psychology, culture and creativity. These areas must be researched to assess the true impact on sustainable growth. The effect of the softer areas such as psychology on entrepreneurship, is shown by the way an entrepreneur is motivated. By understanding how an entrepreneur is motivated, more individuals can be exposed to this set of circumstances thereby potentially increasing the number of entrepreneurs. The effect of culture on the climate for developing entrepreneurship is also important. If the culture that is conducive to entrepreneurship can be maintained and introduced to a wider audience, it may be possible to increase entrepreneurship. In the same way creativity, which has been linked to studies in entrepreneurship, may be stimulated thereby increasing entrepreneurship. Various stakeholders have roles in developing entrepreneurship. This is important to understand since if these stakeholders do not develop entrepreneurship there may be a decrease in sustainable growth. The stakeholders must know the role as well as being measured on the success of the development. Even if stakeholders develop entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurs must then make use of the favourable environment to grow at a rate that is sustainable. This can be achieved by the use of entrepreneurial strategies. The conclusion is the inter-relationships and the positive impact entrepreneurship has on sustainable growth can be affected most by mentoring a potential entrepreneur. This was a method that produced the most significant results in previous empirical studies.
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Federalism and sustainable development in Nigeria

  • Authors: Emmauel, Isaac Friday , Olaniran, Sunday Olawale
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Federalism , Sustainable development , Constitution
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/455461 , uj:40313 , Citation: Emmauel, I.F. & Olaniran, S.O. 2020. Federalism and sustainable development in Nigeria.
  • Description: Abstract: Every nation adopts a political system that best suits its nature and context. Most heterogeneous states, including Nigeria, adopt federalism as a system of government. This system allows for the division of power and jurisdiction between the levels of government that make up the federation. Over time, it has been observed that Nigeria’s federalism is confronted with many issues that have triggered agitations and patriotic calls for a true practice of federalism by its citizenry. This study is aimed at highlighting the inherent flaws in the Nigerian federal system. Data were generated from official publications, reputable journals, newspapers, conference papers, and internet sources. These sources were augmented with direct observations from the practice of federalism in Nigeria. The content analysis method was used to analyse the data. The findings show that Nigeria is run on a single constitution, making the other tiers of government over-dependent on the federal government. These situations are contrary to what applies in true federalism. This paper recommends that Nigeria should have just two tiers of government: federal and state governments, each having a separate constitution. The federating units should control all the resources within their borders.
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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
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Mapping the landscape and structure of research on education for sustainable development : a bibliometric Review

Audit tools to assess, quantify, monitor and report on impacts on water resources at a catchment unit level

  • Authors: Henman-Weir, Felicity
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Water resources development , Water resources development - Law and legislation , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/285071 , uj:30813
  • Description: M.Sc. (Aquatic Health) , Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a suite of checklists that could be used to audit rural land-users within a catchment to determine their impacts on the water resources and in doing so, also audit their legal compliance. The need for this was in response to the ongoing deterioration of South Africa’s water resources. The legislation pertaining to water use and water protection and certain best practice guidelines were used as the base of these checklists. The key legislation was the National Water Act (36 of 1998), National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998), and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983) and the regulations emerging from these Acts pertaining to water use and protection. Checklists were drawn up for the main land-uses: Agriculture, Commercial Plantation Forestry, Aquaculture and General Land-Use (e.g. recreation and tourism, rural settlements). A set of eight (8) checklists were collated to cover all of the impacts likely to occur in a catchment, namely: Vegetation removal and clearing; Pollution; Alien invasive plants; Alien fauna; Mining (small scale); Water abstraction; Storing water (reservoirs and weirs), and Watercourse crossings. These checklists were field tested by carrying out an audit of an aquaculture facility (Trova Trout) and commercial plantation forestry (Komatiland Forests) within the Upper Sabie River Catchment, above the town of Sabie. These two land uses scored 46% and 49 % respectively through the audit system, and numerous legal non-conformances were noted. Audit report templates were also generated in order to capture the audit results for comparison over time. Results for Trova Trout were presented in such a formal audit report. Abstraction of water from the Sabie River without metering, development within riparian zones and the impact of hundreds of watercourse crossings in the catchment emerged as some of the issues as a result of the audit. It was concluded that the tools developed were suitable for auditing land-users within a catchment, and served to expose the impacts on water resources. Some case studies were investigated and it is clear that water related offences are not yet fully acknowledged as serious crimes by South Africans. As a result, recommendations included the establishment of special Environmental Courts, building the capacity of the Environmental Management Inspectorate and implementing pro-active auditing programmes within catchments.
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Socioeconomic externalities of a green economy transition in South Africa : the case of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: James, Ntandokabawo
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (South Africa) , Economic development - South Africa - City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/477731 , uj:43175
  • Description: Abstract: The concept of green economy has become one of a few environmentalism-inspired concepts that drive the sustainability of contemporary global economic growth. This concept was coined at the backdrop of the ecological economics theory and the sustainability paradigm. Ecological economics, a theory the lenses of which were used in undertaking this study, is a normative field which provides a platform to create linkages between ecology and neoclassical economics. Guided by the interpretive paradigm and its subjective epistemology in the context of the critical theory, this study investigates socioeconomic externalities of a transition to a green economy in a developmental state. Using the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s Food and Energy Centre and the Ga-Rankuwa Eco-Furniture Factory case studies, 60 interpersonal interviews supplemented by four (4) focus group discussions were conducted with the beneficiaries to understand the externalities of a transition to a green economy in the City. These were coupled with an analysis of municipal documents and desktop research as well as observations from the sites to guarantee richness, depth and breadth of this study. Data obtained from the field were organised and analysed thematically and inductive reasoning was used to compile and present emerging themes... , D.Phil. (Development Studies)
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The effectiveness of strategic management intervention in developing profitable high growth African businesses

Strategic management intervention towards the transitioning of African enterprises into profitable and sustainable enterprises

  • Authors: Kaija, Godfrey
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Strategic planning , Business enterprises , Small business - Economic aspects , Small business - Management , Sustainable development , Human capital
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237611 , uj:24348
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: As most African economies emerge from conflict, subsistence and most recently from the financial crisis, it has become apparent that enterprise is going to play a key role in aiding economic recovery and success. It should be appreciated that Africa as a continent has emerged post the conflict era with a big shortage of human capital. The objective of the research was to understand how the African Management Services Company (AMSCO) with the patronage of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private arm of the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has spearheaded the fight of the challenges of human capital development on the continent. The problem statement was that Enterprise is an important driver of growth in economies across Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and SMEs account for up to 90% of all enterprises in these markets. In southern African research, it is estimated that only 1% of new enterprises will make the transition to a successful established profitable enterprise (Fatoki 2014). This study aimed therefore to establish the relationship between strategic management interventions as well as the role these interventions play in helping transition selected enterprises into profitable and sustainable enterprises. The research study purposively sampled 100 enterprises that have benefited from a Strategic management intervention from AMSCO. It engaged the enterprise owners, and relevant business heads within the intervention process. The objectives of the study were geared towards analysing the process and ensuring that the results achieved during the AMSCO interventions had been properly executed and that the various SME’s that AMSCO set out to satisfy had been adequately served. The study achieved a response rate of 55% which offered credible and dependable information about AMSCO assisted enterprises. According to the findings, most of the respondents were males i.e. 74.5%, with only 23.6% of the respondents being females. The respondents indicated a high number of respondents within the age group of 36 – 55 years. The research found that the strategic management intervention by AMSCO especially with the placement of the AMSCO managers was instrumental in successfully transferring business and management skills within these enterprises and organisations. And after 3 years, many were turned into profitable and sustainable enterprises. A large percentage of respondents i.e. 70% indicated that after the intervention by AMSCO, training became a norm. With the seconded manager expected to pass on skills to the local staff.
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Disclosure of sustainability development goals in the integrated reports of JSE listed companies

  • Authors: Katuruza, Tashinga Victoria
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Financial statements , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478384 , uj:43233
  • Description: Abstract: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (hereafter UN’s SDGs) for 2030 call on all to contribute to ensuring a sustainable environment for the benefit of current and future generations, while the United Nations Global Compact appeals to businesses to take the lead in ensuring the achievement of Agenda 2030 by 2030. This study focused on understanding how the 23 JSE-listed companies that were selected for investigation contributed to the UN’s SDGs based on the disclosures they included in their integrated reports. Of the 23 companies, which represented the mining, banking, mobile telecommunications and general retail industries, only seven disclosed how they contributed to the UN’s SDGs. The 2019 integrated reports were analysed, and the results indicated that the companies understood the goals of Agenda 2030, which guided their contributions to the UN’s SDGs. This study highlighted ways in which different industries can work together towards achieving the UN’s SDGs, and this is encouraged by Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals. The disclosures included the reports of the selected companies can be used to define best practice which will ensure comparability and consistency. This study also suggested other avenues that can be explored in this field. , M.Com. (International Accounting)
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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.
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Design of an anaerobic biodigestion system utilizing the organic fraction of municipal solid waste for biogas production in an urban environment

  • Authors: Kigozi, Robert
  • Date: 2015-06-25
  • Subjects: Sewage - Purification - Anaerobic treatment , Refuse and refuse disposal - Biodegradation , Biomass energy , Sustainable development
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13613 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13796
  • Description: M.Tech. (Chemical Engineering) , The design process was carried out in two stages: feedstock analysis and system design. Under feedstock analysis, the study investigated the amount of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) generated at the study area which was situated at the University of Johannesburg’s Doornfontein Campus (UJ DFC) in downtown Johannesburg South Africa. Furthermore, the feedstock analyses involved characterisation studies on the target waste under which several laboratory tests were undertaken. The system design involved sizing of the suitable biogas digester to be used in the system applying mathematical models and feedstock parameters obtained from the feedstock analyses. Via the application of the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating (SMART) technique of multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) as a decision support tool, the most preferred option of biogas plant model was selected from a list of potential alternatives available on the market. And, in addition, a suitable site around the study area was selected by applying the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique of MCDA. Other system components and accessories such as the piping, scrubbers and valves were sized, selected, integrated into the system and finally layout drawings were produced using Inventor computer aided drafting (CAD) Software. Furthermore, feasibility assessments were conducted on the proposed system such as energy usage assessments and economic analyses using the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) techniques...
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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.
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