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A community development project management model in a deprived community in Moretele, Mpumalanga

- Magano, Emma

  • Authors: Magano, Emma
  • Date: 2008-10-17T13:12:57Z
  • Subjects: Economic development projects , Industrial development projects , Community development , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1237
  • Description: M.A. , A stable environment for future economic growth in South Africa will depend on curbing violence, crime and poverty. Government has started to address the development backlog by initiating programmes such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Urgent problems such as housing shortages, the education crisis, unemployment, violence and poverty are receiving priority. This has had a further effect on the policy of service delivery in the field of Social Work, hence there is a paradigm shift towards development social work as emphasized in the White paper for Social Welfare (Government Gazette, 1997). Communities establish development projects with the aim of creating jobs, etc but are not aware of the process involved (e.g. management) for such a project to be successful. For this reason the researcher is of the opinion that many community development projects fail due to the fact that they are not managed properly. The main goal of the study is to develop guidelines on how to manage development projects in deprived communities. A qualitative exploratory study was used to address the following main question: “How do you manage your project?” A non-probability sampling procedure was used to select two projects that were under study. The data collection methods that were employed were face-to-face and focus group interviews, observation and the analysis of project documents. The method of data analysis utilized was data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing. The following main themes were identified as important entities in the management of community development projects: teamwork, planning, implementation, monitoring and control, leadership and evaluation. All these themes are considered to be very important in ensuring project success. , Prof. J.B.S Nel
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An assessment of the ecological integrity of Reed Pans on the Mpumalanga Highveld

- De Klerk, Arno Reed

  • Authors: De Klerk, Arno Reed
  • Date: 2011-05-16T07:53:33Z
  • Subjects: Pans (Geomorphology) , Ecological integrity , Lake ecology , Aquatic invertebrates , Water quality biological assessment , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7074 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3637
  • Description: M.Sc. , Mpumalanga, “the place where the sun rises”, sets the scene for one of the rarest wetland types in South Africa. They are formed on one of the last remnants of the ancient African land surface, contain peat and together with a variety of other pan types make up the Mpumalanga Lakes District. Of these approximately 320 pans, only ±2.3% are reed pans. These endorheic wetlands are unique from other pan types and peatlands in South Africa and support an abundant biodiversity. They perform vital functions such as water storage, filtering out impurities and carbon fixation, which prevents an excess release of CO2 into the atmosphere. There is very little known about these endorheic wetlands and thus they are constantly being threatened by various activities such as agriculture, livestock and mining. The objectives of this study were to determine the spatial and temporal variation of macroinvertebrate community structures of reed pans and the environmental factors, such as water quality, responsible for the maintenance of these structures; to determine the best method for sampling aquatic invertebrates in reed pans; as well as to determine the relationship between aquatic invertebrates and the water, sediment and habitat quality of a reed pan. Together with this the amphibian diversity as well as the occurrence of other biotic components was determined. Four reed pans were assessed during four different seasons over a one year period to account for the different hydrological extremes. Sub-surface water samples were analyzed for their suspended solid content, nutrient levels, metals and chlorophyll-a concentrations as well as in situ water quality parameters. Sediment samples were analyzed for metal concentrations, organic carbon and water content, as well as sediment size distribution. Invertebrates were collected using the following sampling techniques: aquatic light trap, terrestrial light trap, emergent trap, sweep net, plankton net, as well as benthic sampling using an Eckman grab.
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An ecotoxicological investigation into the ecological integrity of a segment of the Elands River, Mpumalanga, South Africa

- O'Brien, Gordon Craig

  • Authors: O'Brien, Gordon Craig
  • Date: 2008-10-16T05:49:25Z
  • Subjects: Water pollution , Mpumalanga (South Africa) , Elands River (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1215
  • Description: M.Sc. , The Elands River (Incomati System, Mpumalanga) is a biologically diverse and ecologically important riverine system. In terms of the South African National Water Law, the river can be regarded as an aquatic resource, with social, ecological and economical benefits to the local population and the environment itself. The ecological status of the system has, however been questioned, whereby concerns relating to the water quality and the ecological health of the Elands River has been raised. Initially, the concerns focused on an accidental industrial spill of “black liquor” into the Elands River by the Paper Mill at Ngodwana. Subsequently the groundwater in the vicinity of the Ngodwana Mill has possibly been contaminated with chlorides. The contaminated subsurface water has been discharged into the river, and is suspected to be impacting, primarily in the form of increased salinity, the integrity of the Elands River. This study assessed the ecological integrity of a segment of the Elands River between Waterval- Boven and the confluence of the Elands River with the Crocodile River. In addition this study investigated the possibility that increased chloride-based salinity levels were the factors affecting the ecological integrity of the Elands River. The study is divided into three main components. The environmental component involves the assessment of the surface water quality and flow, physical profile, current aquatic habitat status and a biotic integrity assessment of the Elands River and the Crocodile River directly above and below the confluence with the Elands River. An ecotoxicological component incorporated a bioassay of selected chloride-based salts, using daphnids and selected fish species as test organisms. Finally an Ecological Risk Assessment was carried out to evaluate the likelihood that adverse effects were impacting on the Elands River, as a result of the activities of the Ngodwana Mill. The water quality was assessed by implementing the methodology for the determination of present ecological status: water quality, as part of the preliminary determination of the ecological reserve. Historical water quality data were obtained from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and from Sappi. During the study, current water quality parameters were obtained from Sappi and parameters were independently sampled. Analyses of the water quality indicated that the Elands River has been subjected to eutrophication and increased levels of chloride-based salinity. Habitat integrity was analysed by constructing two dimensional site transects of the riparian zone and instream channel. Additional habitat indices, the Integrated Habitat Assessment System, the Habitat Cover Ratings and the Site Habitat Integrity system were applied. Habitat results indicate that the in stream habitats of the Elands River are abundant and linked to the flow regime. Additionally the assessments indicated that the habitat makeup of the Elands and Crocodile rivers is primarily riffle, run and rapids habitats, which facilitate the requirements of numerous invertebrate and vertebrate aquatic communities. Biotic assessments studied the integrity of the vegetation, invertebrates and ichthyofaunal communities. The integrity of the vegetation community was assessed by implementing the Riparian Vegetation Index. Results indicated that the riparian vegetation community was modified in varying degrees due to the encroachment of exotic and terrestrial vegetation elements and by anthropogenic activities. The integrity of the invertebrate communities were assessed by implementing the South African Scoring System. Results indicated that the integrity of the invertebrate community was exceptionally high in the vicinity of Hemlock. The invertebrate community structure changed however in areas were a water quality contamination was observed. The ichthyofaunal attributes were assessed by implementing the Fish Assemblages Integrity Index and the Sensitivity Weighted Index of Biotic Integrity. The ichthyofauna assessment revealed two aspects that have conservation importance. These aspects are the occurrence of an endangered species, Chiloglanis bifurcus, and a potentially geologically isolated subspecies of Labeo-barbus polylepis. The index results indicated that the ichthyofauna community structure followed similar trends to the invertebrates by responding to the mentioned stressors. Toxicological assessments were carried out using the standard Daphnid 48-hour LC50 and fish 96-hour LC50 tests. The species selected for the tests were the currently recognized test organisms (Daphnia pulex and Poecilia reticulata) in South Africa. Additional fish species were included in the tests, these species were Oreochromis mossambicus and Clarias gariepinus. Chloride-based salts were selected as the toxicants; these included calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium chloride. The tests were carried out under controlled conditions using standardised protocols. Results indicated that in excess, chloride-based salinity is toxic to invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Additionally findings indicated that potassium chloride was the most toxic and sodium chloride the least toxic of the salts. Calcium chloride was selected as the most representative salt to represent salinity. The Ecological Risk Assessment was implemented after international and national frameworks were considered. The assessment was primarily based on the results obtained from the integrity assessment of the Elands and Crocodile rivers. Results obtained indicated that the localised biological template of the Elands River, in the vicinity of the Ngodwana Mill is moderately impacted by the activities of the Mill. The impact is primarily associated with the increased salinity content of the Elands River. Effects of the stressors were modified in relation to a dilution effect. Risks posed by the stressors are deemed to be restricted to a localised area, and it is highly improbable that the stressors would result in the loss of the biotic diversity and thus the ecosystem of the Elands River as a whole. Should the current situation prevail, the intensity and spatial extent or distribution of the stressor could increase. , Dr. V. Wepener
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Ancient Ntwane woman, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Birds as bio-indicators of the ecological integrity of the Sabie River, Mpumalanga

- Sudlow, Bronwyn Elisabeth

  • Authors: Sudlow, Bronwyn Elisabeth
  • Date: 2008-10-16T05:49:50Z
  • Subjects: Water quality biological assessment , Birds ecology , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1216
  • Description: M.Sc. , Rivers always borrow a great part of their character from the terrestrial ecosystems – the catchments – through which they flow. A multitude of natural factors determines the health of a river ecosystem, however, together with these natural factors, the combined influences of urban development, pollution, bank erosion, deforestation (and ironically many forms of afforestation), and poor agricultural practices have so degraded our rivers that they are under severe threat. One particular group of organisms within river ecosystems that are affected by human-induced changes, are birds. Birds are rather adaptable organisms; many species are able to inhabit human environments very successfully. However, some bird species are highly specialized and adapted to specific environments, like riparian and riverine zones, and their absence or presence is a useful aid in indicating the ecological integrity of an area. In the past, management of aquatic ecosystems was based primarily on chemical water quality monitoring. However, it is impractical to monitor each component of river make-up in detail, therefore monitoring of biological components (biomonitoring) was also incorporated; using selected ecological indices that are representative of the larger ecosystem, and that are practical to measure. Common examples of biotic assemblages that have been incorporated into biomonitoring and used in biotic indices are aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish, plants and algae. Each assemblage is useful in its own particular way in providing us with an integrated view of the integrity of the ecological system as a whole. However, little research has been done on the potential of using birds in a suitable index to monitor changes in the environment. Because birds are so easily observed, their species so easily identified, and their distribution so widespread, it seems viable that birds could also be incorporated into an index of biotic integrity, and used for short- or long-term monitoring of river ecosystems. The river that was selected for the purposes of this study was the Sabie River, in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The Sabie River catchment falls within the Incomati River basin, which is an international drainage basin occupied by South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. Land use in the catchment is characterized by forestry, rural community activities (subsistence and small scale farming of livestock and fruit), and conservation activities, in particular the Kruger National Park. In order to gain better understanding of the functioning and composition of the instream and riparian zones of the Sabie River, certain indices were applied, namely the SASS 5 aquatic invertebrate index, together with the Index of Habitat Integrity (IHI). , Dr. G.M. Pieterse
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Blacksmith, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Daughter of Chief Piet Mathêbê, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Daughter of Chief Piet Mathêbê, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Daughters of Chief Piet Mathêbê, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Daughters of Chief Piet Mathêbê, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Decorated lapa walls, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Educators views on the implementation of environmental education in the Revised National Curriculum Statement.

- Mkhwanazi, Hellen Ntombifuthi

  • Authors: Mkhwanazi, Hellen Ntombifuthi
  • Date: 2008-10-14T11:27:58Z
  • Subjects: environmental education , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12167 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1190
  • Description: M.Ed. , The Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) aims to develop the full potential of each learner as a citizen of a democratic South Africa. It seeks to create a lifelong learner who is confident and independent, literate, numerate, and multi-skilled, compassionate, with a respect for the environment and the ability to participate in a society as a critical and active citizen (DoE, 2002:08). The aim of this study was to investigate educators’ views concerning the implementation of environmental education in the RNCS. It also seeks to identify difficulties/challenges, which they experience in implementing Environmental Education (EE) in line with the RNCS. The data was collected using qualitative techniques of lesson observations and focus groups interviews and the study was conducted in Mpumalanga province, Gert Sibande Region, with four schools in four different circuits. The findings indicate that most educators are happy about the new curriculum and the environment as an integral approach in the RNCS, but that they still need to learn more about dealing with the EE in the curriculum. It was found that educators are eager to learn, hence the majority indicated that they still need more workshops on environmental learning and RNCS. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that curriculum implementers and subject advisors take the leading role in ensuring that EE is well implemented in the RNCS. The main findings are that teachers are happy with EE in the RNCS, but that there is a need for support programmes for the RNCS and for the implementation of EE in the RNCS. , Prof. H.G. van Rooyen
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Entrance to lapa, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Generic guidelines for rehabilitation of borrow pits on linear pipeline projects

- Beukes, Werner

  • Authors: Beukes, Werner
  • Date: 2010-03-10T06:27:16Z
  • Subjects: Abandoned mined lands reclamation , Rehabilitation technology , Borrow pits , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3072
  • Description: M.Sc. , This study focuses on the rehabilitation of borrow pits on linear pipeline projects. In the past there have been many attempts to rehabilitate borrow pits to an ecological acceptable manner. Recently legislation has become more stringent regarding mine closure and rehabilitation. With the introduction of the new Mineral and Petroleum Development Act (MPRDA 28 of 2002), there has been an increase of awareness towards the immediate environment. As this project was a challenge in itself, there were no clear and concise methods in the Act that provide guidelines for final rehabilitation. Normally borrow pits as used on road concessions for material sourcing is left as different landforms like before excavation. The main reason for this is that materials are removed from the pits and not replaced, resulting in areas that are usually lower than their original ground levels. Some unwanted screened material will return to these borrow pits but will not complement what the original level should be. These borrow pits are usually clearly visible as low lying areas filled with water alongside roads. The Vaal River Eastern Subsection Augmentation Project (VRESAP) pipeline borrow pits were unique in the sense that not only material from screening activities were replaced, but also material excavated from the trench were replaced into the borrow pits. What makes this study unique is the fact that an opportunity was presented and clearly stipulated by the standard environmental management plan (SEMP) that borrow pits had to be filled back to their original ground levels or an acceptable level agreed on by the landowner. With this unique project, unique problems arose causing excess material amounting to 327 700 m³, available from the pipeline cavity. External spoil areas had to be promulgated and managed as part of site. This study through its various elements addresses some of the main problems encountered on VRESAP by looking at soil analysis, monitoring regimes, pre and post land use and other mechanisms from literature studies used on similar projects in the mining industry. vii The study also provides recommendations to the reader for future pipeline developments as well as conclusions made by the author. The recommendations made, include ways of rehabilitation planning through trials and errors made on site. Various conclusions were made that would substantiate this study in perspective to user-friendly and practical approaches.
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Geological controls on no. 4 seam roof conditions at New Denmark Colliery, Highveld Coal Field, Karoo Basin, South Africa

- Stanimirovic, Jasmina

  • Authors: Stanimirovic, Jasmina
  • Date: 2009-01-28T09:43:30Z
  • Subjects: Facies (Geology) , Coal , Stratigraphic geology , Sedimentology , Mine roof control , Karoo Supergroup , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1971
  • Description: M.Sc. , The coal-bearing Permian Vryheid Formation of the Ecca Group (Karoo Supergroup) was investigated at New Denmark Colliery, situated in the north east section of the Karoo Basin, South Africa. The lithostratigraphy of the sequence is defined in terms of conventional lithostratigraphic terminology but also by applying detailed genetic stratigraphic schemes that have previously been proposed for the adjacent coalfields. The succession is divided up into depositional sequences named after the underlying and overlying coal seams, the No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 seam sequences. The sedimentary succession was divided up into five facies, namely: conglomerate facies, sandstone facies, interlaminated sandstone-siltstone facies, siltstone facies and coal facies. These were interpreted hydrodynamically. Facies assemblages were then interpreted palaeoenvironmentally. Glacial, fluvial, deltaic and transgressive marine sequences were responsible for forming this sedimentary succession. Attention was then focussed on the main economic No. 4 seam, which is mined underground at the colliery. Detailed subsurface geological cross-sections, core sequences and isopach maps of the No. 4 seam coal and the lithologies above, were used to determine specific aspects of the depositional environment that could contribute to unstable roof conditions above No. 4 seam. Coarsening-upward deltaic cycles, fining-upward bedload fluvial cycles, glauconite sandstone marine transgressions and crevasse-splay deposits are recognized in the overlying strata. Poor roof conditions occur parallel to palaeochannel margins because the interbedded channel sandstone and adjacent flood plain argillites cause collapsing along bedding plane surfaces. Rider coals overlying thin crevasse-splay sequences in close proximity to the No. 4 seam, create one of the most serious roof conditions; complete collapse occurs along the rider coal contact with the underlying splay deposits. Differential compaction of mudrock/shale/siltstone over more competent sandstone causes slickensided surfaces that weaken the roof lithologies. Correct identification of these sedimentological features will enable the prediction of potential poor roof conditions during mining operations and mine planning.
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Huts, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Lapa, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Lithostratigraphy, depositional environments and sedimentology of the Permian Vryheid Formation (Karoo Supergroup), Arnot North, Witbank Coalfield, South Africa

- Uys, Joanne

  • Authors: Uys, Joanne
  • Date: 2009-04-30T09:28:39Z
  • Subjects: Stratigraphic geology , Sedimentology , Facies (Geology) , Lithofacies , Karoo Supergroup , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:8338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2464
  • Description: M.Sc. , This work documents the lithostratigraphy and interpreted depositional environments of the Permian Vryheid Formation in the most northern proximal setting yet studied in the Witbank Coalfield. Data from 924 boreholes from two mining companies (Anglo Operations Ltd. and Xstrata Coal Ltd.) drilled over 50 years, covering an area of 910km2 revealed a 35m sequence of terrigenous clastic sedimentary rocks containing two coal seams. These seams are numbered No. 1 at the base and No. 2 at the top. Delineation of facies type, facies assemblages, lateral facies distributions and computer-based three-dimensional modeling facilitated the interpretation of the palaeodepositional environments. Eleven lithofacies are defined and interpreted hydrodynamically. Facies classification is based primarily on grain size and sedimentary structures. The modeling of the borehole information uses the finite element method to interpolate the thickness, roof and floor surfaces and trend of each seam and inter-seam parting between boreholes. The spatial position of the boreholes is defined using a digital terrain model that represents the current surface topography. Lateral distributions were correlated by repositioning the boreholes using the base of the No. 2 seam as a datum. Glaciofluvial, glaciolacustrine, bed-load (braided) fluvial and constructive progradational deltaic environments are interpreted in the study area. Fluvial channel sequences are dominant and cause the thinning of the coal seams below channel axes as well as splitting of both the No. 1 and No. 2 seams. Glaciofluvial influences also affect the lower portion of the No. 1 seam. Basement palaeotopography restricts the distribution of the lower splits of the No. 1 seam. The coals either ‘pinch-out’ or are absent above basement highs but blanket the adjacent low-lying areas. In contrast to the greater Witbank Coalfield, but concurrent with other studies in the more northern proximal regions, fluvial systems dominate over deltaic systems in the study area. Glaciodeltaic, fluviodeltaic and anastomosed channel fluvial systems recognized in the remainder of the Karoo Basin were fed by the braided fluvial systems in the study area. The close proximity of the study area to the northern edge of the basin accounts for the subtle differences in lithostratigraphy and interpreted depositional environments when compared with more distal sites to the south. For example, glaciofluvial clastic sediment input in the lower portions of the No. 1 seam and post-Karoo erosion that has removed the overlying seams; the deltaic progradational sequence, above the No. 2 seam, occurs twice in succession and the bioturbation, that has become characteristic of sedimentary sequence of the Vryheid Formation above the No. 2 seam in the central and southern parts of the Karoo Basin, is not as identifiable. These differences are explained by the extreme proximal location of the study area on the northern basin margin relative to the remainder of the Karoo Basin.
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Ntwane bride, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

Ntwane girl, Kwarrielaagte

- Van Warmelo, Nicolaas Jacobus

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