Masters Degrees (Geography)

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Open Access
Invoer en verspreiding van petroleumprodukte in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika; 'n verkeers-geografiese ontleding
(University of the Free State, 1966-03) Erwee, Johannes Albertus; Coetzee, J. A.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Stedelik-geografiese patrone van Queenstown
(Universiteit van die Vrystaat, 1968) Roodt, Pierre Jordaan; Senekal, W. F. S.
Die vakgebied van Stedelike Aardrykskunde in Suid-Afrika is nog betreklik onontgin. Skrywer vertrou dan ook dat deur middel van hierdie verhandeling 'n beskeie bydrae tot die uitbouing van hierdie studieveld gelewer is. Hierdie veraandeling het nie slegs op die teorie van Stedelike Aardrylcskunde betrekking nie, aaar die funk.sior.ele struktuur van Queenstown is nagegaan en ontleed. Hie alleen is die intra-stedelike opset in Queenstown bestudeer nie, naar die interstedelike verhouding is ook ontleed. Hieruit blyk dit dat Queenstown se in-vloed ver buite sy munisipale grense strek, aangesien dit die omliggende dorpe bedien. 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗬𝗦 𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗛𝗘𝗚𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗞𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗩𝗜𝗥 '𝗡 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚!
Open Access
'n Geografiese analise van die Bantoebevolking van die Oranje-Vrystaatse Goudveld
(University of the Free State, 1970-01) De Villiers, Gabriel Du Toit; Nel, D. E.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Die neerslagklimaat van die Oranje-Vrystaat
(University of the Free State, 1976-12) Van der Wal, Ruurd Willem Ernst; Le Roux, J. S.; Nieman, W. A.
Abstract not available
Open Access
'n Geografiese ondersoek na die uitwerking van enkele ruimelike veranderlikes op die gang van nywerheidsvestiging in Qwaqwa
(University of the Free State, 1987-11) Claassen, Johannes Hendrik Daniel; Senekal, W. F. S.; Enslin, A. G.
Afrikaans: As aanloop tot die tema is die tydruimtelike evolusie van die Suid- Afrikaanse ekonomiese sisteem in breê trekke geskets. Daar Qwaqwa deel is van die breër Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomiese struktuur is die identifisering en omskrywing daarvan noodsaaklik en word die gebied ooreenkomstig bestaande inligting as 'n afwaartse oorgangsone geklassifiseer. Die mens se organisasie van ekonomiese ruimte vertoon duidelike fokusse van ruimtelike konsentrasie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse ruimtelike patroon is geen uitsondering nie en die voorkoms van 'n aantal kernstreke met hoë intensiteit daaromheen word aangetoon. Die bevolkingsbeleid van afsonderlike ontwikkeling het die destydse regering verpIig om onverwylde aandag aan die aangeleentheid te skenk en die uitkoms daarvan was 'n beleid van nywerheidsdesentralisasie. Enersyds was die doelwit van laasgnoemde beleid die skepping van nywerhede en gepaardgaande werkgeleenthede in minder ontwikkelde gebiede ten einde die ekonomiese basis van hierdie gebiede te versterk en die instroming van swarters na blanke-gebiede te beperk. Andersyds was die beleid ook gemik op die ewewigtige verbreiding van ekonomiese aktiwiteite oor 'n groter geografiese ruimte. Ten einde die aantrekkingskrag van hierdie gebiede te verhoog word desentralisasievoordele aan voornemende nyweraars beskikbaar gestel, maar die vraag ontstaan tot watter mate sodanige stimulering, met inagneming van die talle beperkings eie aan 'n buiterandstreek, suksesvol is. In Hoofstuk 2 (afdeling 2.7) word dit as hipotese gestel dat die vestiging en ontwikkeling van nywerhede in Qwaqwa benadeel word deur 'n kombinasie van enkele ongunstige vestigingsfaktore, waaronder: 1. gebrekkige infrastruktuur. 2. beperkte natuurlike hulpbronne. 3. ontoereikende lokale mark. 4. relatiewe geïsoleerdheid ten opsigte van metropolitaanse gebiede. Daarteenoor word dit ook gestel dat die volgende faktore 'n beduidende rol in die vestiging en groei van nywerhede in Qwaqwa vervul, naamlik: 1. sentrale ligging, veral met betrekking tot die PWV-gebied asook Durban en omgewing. 2. desentralisasievoordele en owerheidsbesluitneming. 3. die beskikbaarheid van arbeid en 'n stabiele arbeidsmag. In Hoofstuk 3 en 4 word ondersoek ingestel na die voordele en nadele verbonde aan 'n nywerheidspIasing in Qwaqwa en in Hoofstuk 5 word die resultate van die ondersoek saamgevat en word die volgende negatiewe vestigingsfaktore geïdentifiseer: Negatiewe vestigingsfaktore - enkele aspekte betreffende infrastruktuur - gebrek aan grondstowwe - relatiewe geïsoleerdheid - hoë vervoerkostes - ontoereikende behuising - tekort aan opgeleide ambagsmanne en tegnici - gebrekkige hulpdienste In dieselfde hoofstuk (5) word bovermelde negatiewe vestigingsfaktore met die gestelde hipoteseformulerings vergelyk en as volg geverifieer: 1. Enkele aspekte betreffende infrastruktuur blyk beslis 'n negatiewe uitwerking te hê op die vestiging en ontwikkeling van nywerhede in Qwaqwa en wel om die volgende redes: 1.1 die gebrek aan 'n direkte spoorverbinding met Phuthaditjhaba word deur 69,1 % van die nyweraars as 'n belangrike tekortkoming uitgesonder (tabel 3.14). 1.2 38,2 % van die nyweraars is van mening dat vervoergeriewe by fabrieksperseie ontoereikend is (tabel 3.15). 1.3 tekortkominge met betrekking tot sekuriteit, brandweerdienste, kantoorfasiliteite, eetplekke, klankdigtheid en die verhitting van fabrieksgeboue (tabelle 3.15 en 3.16). 1.4 'n gebrek aan die tydige beskikbaarheid van geskikte fabrieksgeboue word deur 49,1 % van die nyweraars aangemeld (afdeling 3.2.2.2). 2. Die gebrek aan grondstowwe benadeel die vestiging en ontwikkeling van nywerhede en ondersteun die gestelde hipotese. 2.1 volgens aankoopwaarde voorsien Qwaqwa en die omliggende Oos- Vrystaat in slegs 9,3 % van die totale grondstofbehoeftes van nywerhede (tabel 3.19). 3. Relatiewe lang afstande en hoê vervoerkostes ondersteun die hipotese ten opsigte van relatiewe geïsoleerdheid met betrekking tot metropolitaanse gebiede. 3.1 alhoewel Qwaqwa sentraal geleë is tussen Durban en die PWV-gebied, bestempel 72,7 % van die nyweraars hul teenswoordige nywerheidsligging as redelik tot aansienlik geïsoleerd (tabel 3.28) . 3.2 as gevolg van bovermelde word hoë vervoerkoste as die belangrikste negatiewe bedryfsaspek uitgesonder (tabelle 3.30, 3. 36 en 3. 40) 4. Ontoereikende behuising is nie as 'n hipotese gestel nie, maar is tydens die ondersoek as 'n negatiewe vestigingsfaktor geïdentifiseer. Die tekort aan behuising is veral van toepassing op Indiër sakemanne en word as 'n ernstige knelpunt beleef (afdeling 3.2.1.2). 5. Alhoewel dit nie as 'n hipotese gestel is nie, word 'n tekort aan opgeleide ambagsmanne en tegnici asook gebrekkige hulpdienste as negatiewe vestigingsfatore geïdentifiseer. 5.1 52,7 % van die nyweraars ondervind ernstige tekorte aan personeel in die tegniese beroepskategorieë (tabel 3.6). 5.2 in terme van geldwaarde is 75,3 % van alle hulpdienste van gebiede buite Qwaqwa afkomstig (tabel 3.32). Benewens die vermelde negatiewe vestigingsfaktore word ook die volgende positiewe vestigingsfaktore in Hoofstuk 5 geïdentifiseer: Positiewe vestigingsfaktore - sentrale ligging - belowende plaaslike mark - aspekte betreffende arbeidsaangeleenthede - desentralisasievoordele Bostaande positief gerdentifiseerde vestigingsfaktore word met die gestelde hipoteses vergelyk en as volg geverifieer: 1. Die sentrale ligging van Qwaqwa met betrekking tot die PWV- en Durban-omgewing ondersteun die gestelde hipotese en vervul beduidende rol in die vestiging en ontwikkeling van nywerhede. 1.1 ten spyte van relatiewe gersoleerdheid (tabel 3.28) het 60 % van die nyweraars laat blyk dat hulle tevrede is met hul nywerheidsplasing en het die sentrale ligging van Qwaqwa met betrekking tot die res van Suid-Afrika as die vernaamste rede aangevoer (tabel 3.25). 1.2 sentrale ligging word as die vernaamste rede aangevoer waarom Qwaqwa bo ander nywerheidsontwikkelingspunte verkies word 29,1 % van die totale telling (tabel 3.38). 2. Die identifisering van 'n belowende plaaslike mark weerlê die gestelde hipotese en lewer 'n positiewe bydra tot die vestiging en ontwikkeling van nywerhede in Qwaqwa (tabelle 2.4, 3.26 en 3.37. 3. Die beskikbaarheid van arbeid en die teenwoordigheid van 'n stabiele arbeidsmag bevestig die gestelde hipotese. Die volgende aspekte het die plasingskeuse van nyweraars ten opsigte van vestiging in Qwaqwa gunstig bernvloed: 3.1 die aanwesigheid van 'n groot arbeidsbron (tabel 3.10). 3.2 positiewe arbeidsgesindhede (tabel 3.40). 4. Soos in die hipotese gestel lewer die beskikbaarheid van desentralisasie voordele 'n beduidende bydra tot nywerheidsvestiging in Qwaqwa. Die sterk trekkrag van desentralisasievoordele word duidelik weerspieël in tabelle 3.10, 3.38, 3.39 en 3.42. Subsidies op lone (tabel 3.33) word as die belangrikste desentralisasievoordeel geëdentifiseer. 4.1 60 % van die nyweraars wat hervestig het, het gunstige desentralisasie voordele as die vernaamste rede vir vestiging in Qwaqwa uitgesonder (tabel 3.42). Teen hierdie agtergrond en die aanbevelings vervat in Hoofstuk 5 word 'n ontwikkelingstrategie vir Qwaqwa daargestel. Laasgenoemde strategie word geformuleer met as agtergrond die gegewe realiteit van nywerheidsontwikkelingspunte asook die inherente beperkings daaraan verbonde en behels die volgende:
Open Access
Die polities-geografiese ontwikkeling van Transkei vanaf 1913 tot 1976
(University of the Free State, 1990-12) Prinsloo, Helena Jacoba; Els, W. C.
English: The political geographical independence of Transkei in 1976 was the outcome and culmination of the evolutionary interaction between territory, systems of government and subjects ("people") over a span of more than three centuries. During this political-geographical evolution of the subordinate (Transkei), the South African Government acted as dominant actor which itself traversed a period of political-geographical interaction and emancipation of territory, systems of government and subjects. To·peacefully accommodate non-assimilatory and clashing cultures (Western vs Third World) in one restricted, delimited space (later the Republic of South Africa) a unique strategy of spatial organization, viz of spatial subdivision, and almost total to total political segregation has been put to the test and brought into practice by the dominant actor(s), Holland, Britain, South Africa, for more than three centuries. Especially during the twentieth century it has become all the more clear to the South African Government(s), as the dominant actor, that this strategy could presumably be the best of several political models to solve the otherwise forced space sharing by cultures of different, adversative and sometimes implacable social, economic, perceptional, but especially political aspirations and saturation levels. The political-geographical strategies applied by the different South African Governments during the twentieth century in an evolutionary fashion, developed the. Transkei from an adjusted tribal control (amongst others the Bunga system), through directed but culture-adjusted separate development (a people develops at its own pace, according to its own norms, urges, needs and perceptions to its own political geographical goals in its own territory), through absolute territorial separation and territorial consolidation with self-government, to a type of tribal-adjusted democratic independence. To accomplish these strategies, namely political, economic, social, educational and gradual emancipation processes were generated and manipulated to attain idealized government patterns and territorial consolidated spatial patterns. Internal acceptance by the subordinate actor (Transkei) of these superimposed strategies and processes gradually eased, resistance from within the Transkeian Territory crumbled, or was suppressed within and outside Transkei, or went underground. The selfgoverning Transkei took its own initiative to request total spatial disengagement and governmental independence from its once dominant actor. Transkei became independent on 26 October 1976. Two malevolent factors which detrimentally influencing international recognition (acceptance) of Transkeian independence were citizenship rights and the unyielding resistance. by the OAU and UN.
Open Access
An evaluation of the spatial variability of sediment sources along the banks of the Modder River, Free State Province, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2005-05) Tsokeli, Raboroko David; Barker, C. H.
The study focuses on the characteristics of the Modder River in the Free State. The Modder River plays an important role in supplying water for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses in the Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu areas. According to present (2001) estimates by the Centre of Environmental Management of the University of the Free State, the Modder River is exploited to its full capacity owing to the construction of dams. As the name of river suggests, the Modder River is said to have high sediment loads. In Afrikaans, modder means mud. The drainage pattern of the Modder River reveals well-developed dendritic drainage on the eastern part of the catchment and an endoreic drainage pattern on the western part. This study aims to evaluate the spatial variability of sediment sources along the main course of the Modder River as well as assess the possible role of fluvial geomorphology in river management. The study is based on the hypothesis that the high sediment load in the Modder River main course is caused more by riverbank processes than by the surface of the basin. Helicopter and fieldwork surveys were carried out in order to obtain the required materials (variables). The spatial variability of bank-forming material, vegetation cover, type and channel form were investigated in order to realise the aim of this study. The channel form of the Modder River indicates a decrease in sediment loads since the channel form shows some shrinkage immediately below the Krugersdrift Dam. The Modder River transports less and less sediments downstream as a result of a high number of constructed dams. Dams are barriers that create discontinuities in the channel system. Observations of the characteristics of the banks of the Modder River reveal that these banks are resistant to erosion owing to the luxuriant vegetation growth and low stream power because of the channel gradient. A question arises as to whether the Modder River really has such high sediment loads as its name suggests. Given the current state of the Modder River, high sediments are highly localised at certain sections of the stream. The transfer of sediments from one part of the river to another depends on the availability of sediment sources in space and time.
Open Access
Urban water provision in Maseru (Lesotho): a geographical analysis
(University of the Free State, 2005-05) Molapo, Lifuo; Marais, J. G. L.
Water is the most important of all basic needs, and is fundamental to all vital processes of value to mankind. However, statistics indicate that of all the water available on earth, only a limited fraction is available for human consumption. With the growing world population, there is increasing demand for water worldwide. The situation is even more complicated in cities of the developing world that are characterised by rapid population growth while the economic status is low. This often results in the demand for water growing faster than the ability to supply. Urban population expansion in the developing world therefore further complicates the challenge of water provision. This is a very critical issue because failure to meet the water demands of cities can put people’s lives at risk. The main challenge therefore is to develop appropriate policies that guide water provision. This is also the situation in Lesotho. Like other developing countries, Lesotho’s population has been growing at an alarming rate. Most of the growth has been happening in the capital city Maseru, which absorbs a high share of the country’s urban population. However, the fast rate of urbanisation in Lesotho, particularly in Maseru has not been coupled with the necessary expansion of water supply systems, thereby causing pressure of the existing system. WASA the body that is charged with the responsibility of urban water supply in Lesotho has since its formulation generally failed to meet its obligation. This is as a result of ineffective policies that were put in place to guide the authority. About half of the population within WASA’s area of designation are still unserved. Several policy related issues have resulted in this. Firstly, the subsidisation of water by disallowing price increases. Secondly, the supply of free water through public standpipes, and thirdly the false assumption that the poor cannot afford to pay even the minimum charge for water. These issues have not only resulted in financial instability to WASA thus hindering service expansion, but have also resulted in denial of service to the poor while the rich enjoyed low cost service. Empirical examination of the situation on water provision in Maseru has further confirmed the issues discussed above. From a policy perspective it is therefore imperative tha t water supply services are expanded and improved to be financially viable.
Open Access
A spatial multi-risk hazard assessment and vulnerability study of Madibeng [Northwest Province]
(University of the Free State, 2005-11) Stols, Martin; Kotze, N. J.
A new act on Disaster Management has been introduced in South Africa that will shift the focus of Disaster Management to a pro-active approach. The new Disaster Management Act, Act number 57 of 2002, states that all Municipalities should provide for: “An integrated and co-ordinated disaster management policy that focuses on preventing or reducing the risk of disasters, mitigating the severity of disasters, emergency preparedness, rapid and effective response to disasters and post disaster recovery”. Because of this it is important to identify areas that are at risk of any disaster and to introduce mitigating measures to ensure that any foreseeable impacts on the community are limited as much as possible. It is thus important that a disaster risk assessment must be performed for every Municipality that can be used in the planning process. A great deal of information needs to be gathered and analysed in the risk and vulnerability assessment process. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides the ideal platform from which to analyse large quantities of environmental, demographic, cadastral and infrastructural data and represent it spatially and in a format that is easily understandable to everyone. GIS has proven to be a very important tool in disaster management, from identifying hazards and vulnerable communities, to providing information during disaster events and the recovery process afterwards. It is also a very effective method of gathering and storing data from different fields and applications to be used for planning mitigating measures, setting up standard operating procedures for disaster events and coordination and planning in the event of a disaster. The purpose of this study was to gather all available information on identified hazards in the Madibeng Municipality and to use this information to perform a risk and vulnerability assessment of the Madibeng Local Municipality with the aid of GIS. The information provided in this study was intended to assist in building a disaster resistant community by sharing geographic knowledge about local hazards. This study provides information to the Municipality of Madibeng on hazards and people at risk and vulnerable to different hazards. Recommendations were then made to the Madibeng Municipality on the application of GIS in hazard and vulnerability assessments, that should provide the Municipality with a cost effective and scientific method of addressing Disaster Management related functions.
Open Access
The social impacts of a large development project: the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
(University of the Free State, 2005-12) Matli, Moeketsi Boniface; Kruger, E.
Projects are regarded as vehicles for development; developments are meant to enhance the quality of human life. Various types of development projects are carried out depending on the prevailing problems or opportunities, needs, objectives, target communities or areas, and the availability of resources and funds. Projects should have relevant activities particularly in the developing world in order that they can positively contribute towards developing mankind. Further, it is possible that some large water development projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project could easily be ill-considered developments resulting in extremely high costs and tremendous damage to the environment and human beings. Therefore, projects should ensure that the environmental impacts are properly mitigated, and that the distribution of benefits is fair while assuring that the underprivileged benefit well. A successful water development project must deliver to those immediately affected and to those it is meant to develop. The 1986 Water Treaty between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa guarantees better livelihoods for affected communities. Fixed royalties from the water sale, the variable royalties from taxes on some project activities and earnings from other activities such as increased tourism are expected to generate revenue income to raise the country’s economy. Simultaneously, hydroelectric power is to make the country self-sufficient in energy. However, LHWP has spawned differing opinions on whether or not it has been a successful project this far. This is because its social impacts are mixed with benefits and detriments affecting many people and societies within Lesotho particularly in the project affected areas. The study has been conducted by holding discussions with sampled communities in dam-affected areas as well as in unaffected areas for broader national perspective. This has also afforded the opportunity to determine what Basotho locals think of LHWP. The mayhem of assets compensation, resettlement of displaced communities and the rural development programs in which LHWP finds itself in are the major determinants. Of prime importance is the compliance with the water Treaty signed by the Lesotho and the South African governments to better the well-being of affected communities. Comparative case studies show similarities of these socio-environmental impacts. The study focuses specifically on the rural dam development of Ha Katse and Ha Mohale in a developing country where poverty, lack of services and underdevelopment are dominant. It establishes how the negative and positive impacts affect people of the areas under study after nearly twenty years of the project’s existence. Further, it aims to ascertain if social benefits engendered by LHWP vis a vis the cost of asset and resource losses borne by the Basotho justify the project, and whether the envisaged objectives have been met. Therefore, the study endeavours to determine the social impacts of LHWP as experienced and told by those affected by the dams and those that it is meant to develop. It also takes cognisance of the views of the water project authority, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, in this respect. Furthermore, through some recommendations, it sets out to encourage ever more that the project should be successful in that the benefits of the dams should encapsulate balanced economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Open Access
Critical perspectives on the (re)development of Westdene, Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2006-01) Hoogendoorn, Gijsbertus; Visser, Gustav
English: The study focuses on the development of Westdene, Bloemfontein. Westdene is one of Bloemfontein’s oldest neighbourhoods and has undergone a range of changes since its establishment in 1903. Following a review of the development of Westdene over the past century, this investigation provides a critical reflection on the urban changes that have taken place in this neighbourhood, including the decentralisation of office and retail functions, the development of entertainment amenities, gentrification in parts of the neighbourhood, crime and fear of crime in the former CBD and the neighbourhood itself. Drawing on the findings of the investigation the study attempts to make a contribution towards our understanding of neighbourhood changes in post-apartheid cities. Moreover, the investigation challenges the commonly held notion that urban compaction and diversification of land-uses lead to integrated and efficient neighbourhoods, or city districts. On the contrary, the result of this study contradicts this perception, demonstrating that despite the multiple uses of Westdene as a location of employment, recreation and residence, it has developed into a highly fragmented urban space.
Open Access
The role of Lesotho's textile industry in promoting local economic local economic development: the Thetsane industrial area
(University of the Free State, 2007) Hlabana, Malitaba Magdalene; Visser, Gustav
This case study explores the role that the textile industry plays in the economic development of Lesotho. The study focuses on the Thetsane textile industry in the south of Maseru. In particular, it explores the contribution of this industry to job creation and poverty reduction. As the industrial garment industry of Lesotho represents the only economic activity showing significant and consistent growth in terms of employment, foreign direct investment and exports, it is already making an important contribution to poverty reduction. There are, however, a number of significant challenges to the industry that if successfully addressed could unleash the existing potential for further growth in the sector and make it an even greater contributor to economic growth, poverty reduction and job creation. For Lesotho to take full advantage of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), it needs to develop and service industrial land and enhance its water supply to industry as a matter of urgency. From a competitive point of view Lesotho has much to offer at the moment. The peaceful conduct of the recent elections with the resultant aura of political stability is a key foundation for economic growth and foreign investment. The regulatory environment is manageable, wages are low and there is an adequate labor supply. The challenge lies in the future, with trends towards the lowering of global tariff barriers and the expiry of the Multi Fibre Agreement in 2005, which will remove quota restrictions on garment imports to the USA. Lesotho could effectively market itself as a destination of choice for garment purchasers and new investors. It is also of critical importance that the wider community within Lesotho understands the contribution that the garment industry is making towards poverty reduction and job opportunities.
Open Access
The construction of a Geographic Information System (GIS) model for landfill site selection
(University of the Free State, 2007-11) Thoso, Makibinyane; Barker, C. H.
In the past decade, locating landfill site has been recognized as a significant planning problem and has subsequently received much attention from researchers in the planning sector. In particular, the siting of landfills is becoming more of an issue due to the prevalent “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) and “not in anyone’s backyard” (NIABY) concerns from the public. The purpose of this study, after identifying important criteria for siting landfills, was to develop a user-friendly landfill site selection model using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework. Due to unavailability of electronic spatial data for Lesotho, Bloemfontein area was used as a test case. The model is tested in Bloemfontein with the intension to be applied in the city of Maseru as soon as the spatial data become available. The three main objectives were to develop GIS criteria for locating the landfill, identify possible sites that were suitable for this type of development and evaluate the effectiveness of these GIS methods used in the study. Production of constraint and factor maps took place. Afterwards, final suitability map was created using ArcGIS analysis tools. The optimum suitability map indicated that there were more optimal sites found within Bloemfontein city. The results discovered in Bloemfontein city using the GIS-based study revealed that although highly suitable areas were limited, a site was still able to be chosen under the predefined parameters. The site is not located on, or near, any environmental interest areas and is located a significant distance away from streams and urban areas, which minimizes social conflict and environmental impacts. The site is also located close enough (1-2km) to major road (N8) to Kimberley from Bloemfontein city and railroad, which ensures that economic costs of implementation are minimal. The selected region has a slope less than 12%, which are both an infrastructural advantage and a means of minimizing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the landfill is located in an area within 22 kilometres of the Bloemfontein study area. Since the site is located in a highly suitable area, environmental, social, and economic concerns have been met. Ultimately, the study proposes an acceptable landfill site for solid waste, taking Bloemfontein as the test study area. This research will contribute in developing Lesotho’s spatial database of environmental and social information to assist in the formulation of environmental policy. It is also expected that such municipal GIS when planned and implemented efficiently with sufficient public awareness and support would be instrumental in bringing reforms at the local and national level, realizing a major improvement without much capital investment.
Open Access
A comparative study of the quality and outcomes of environmental impact assessment reports from the Free State and Northern Cape provinces
(University of the Free State, 2008-05) Freemantle, Sophia Johanna; Kruger, E.
English: An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) determines the economic, social and environmental impacts of proposed developments. Environmental Impact Assessment reports are complied by independent consultants in order to provide the authorities with information on the anticipated impacts on the environment caused by a proposed activity or development. The authorities therefore base their decision largely on the EIA document and trust that the information about forecasted impacts are to a large extent accurate. Authorities also trust that the mitigation measures proposed in the Record of Decisions (RODs) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP`s), in order to minimize impacts on the environment, are implemented during the construction and operational phases of a project. Post-authorization activities such as monitoring and auditing are the only feedback mechanisms to provide authorities with information on the extent to which predicted impacts materialised and whether mitigation measures were implemented. Post authorization activities, especially auditing is to a large extend neglected because it was not mandatory in South Africa under the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations promulgated on September 1997 in terms of Environment Conservation Act 107 of 1989. Therefore the accuracy of predicted impacts and the implementation rate of mitigation measures in South Africa are to a large extent unknown. The aim of the study is to assess the accuracy of predicted impacts and the implementation rate of mitigation measures of activities that received authorization from the Departments of Environmental Affairs in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces, in South Africa. The objective of the study is to determine if any improvements are necessary to EIA reports, to establish whether authorities base their decisions on correct information. The adequacy or success of proposed mitigation measures will also aid decision makers in suggesting preventative measures. The research problem posed in this study was two-fold. First the question relating to the accuracy of predicted impacts and implementation of mitigation measures in the Free State and Northern Cape had to be answered. This was done through a method called impact-backwards auditing. Secondly the question whether the two provinces had similar outcomes in terms of predicted impact accuracy and implementation of mitigation measures, had to be assessed. The comparison between the two provinces was conducted through a series of Pearson chi-square tests on contingency tables to assess if statistically significant differences occurred in the outcome of predicted impacts and mitigation measures between the Free State and Northern Cape provinces. This study concluded that no statistically significant differences occurred between the two provinces in relation to the outcome of predicted impacts and mitigation measures. Predicted impacts were to a large extent accurately predicted and the majority of mitigation measures were to a large extent implemented successfully to prevent or minimize an impact.
Open Access
Limitations on the growth of economic multipliers in the small business sector in the eastern Free State
(University of the Free State, 2009-10) Lekhotla, Puleng Josephine; Ruhiiga, T. M.; Claassen, J. H. D.
Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) municipal area is currently experiencing high unemployment and poverty rates. The structural weaknesses and problems of the economy of MAP local municipality highlight the importance and urgency of Local Economic Development (LED) in MAP. This paper reports the results of a study carried out to investigate constraints in the growth of multipliers around local shopping centres in the area south of Phuthaditjhaba, Maluti-a-Phofung. The methodology involved field observations, the administration of interviews to a random sample of ten households in the vicinity of each of the eight shopping centres and another sample of five business units at each centre. The results were analyzed using Pearson's correlation in order to test three hypotheses based on business structure, location and multipliers. The findings indicate that these shopping centres are not able to meet the diverse shopping needs of the community and patronage levels are extremely low. This has serious implications for these centres in generating economic growth multipliers in the local community.
Open Access
The influence of climate variability on flood risk in the //Khara Hais municipality (Upington area): a GIS-based approach
(University of the Free State, 2009-11) Jacobs, Kirsten Jacobs; Barker, C. H.
English: The climate of the continents and the world is controlled by complex maritime and terrestrial interactions that produce a variety of climates across a range of regions and continents. Climate influences agriculture, environment, water and even the economy of countries all over the world. The climate of the world varies from one decade to another and a changing climate is natural and expected. However, there is a well-founded concern that the unprecedented human industrial and development activities of the past two centuries have caused changes over and above natural variation. Climate change is the natural cycle through which the earth and its atmosphere accommodate the change in the amount of energy received from the sun. A hazard is a physical situation with a potential for human injury, damage to property, damage to the environment or some combination of these. It is important to distinguish between the terms disaster and hazard. A disaster is seen as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society, causing widespread human, material or economic losses which exceed the ability of the affected community to cope, using its own resources. Disasters can be either natural, for instance a flood, or human induced, such as a nuclear accident. Disasters may furthermore be classified as slow-onset disasters, such as a drought, or sudden disasters, such as an earthquake . The word risk is one of the most notable examples of words with multiple and disparate meanings that may not be commonly acknowledged. Risk may have a technical meaning, referring to a chance or probability, such as risk from exposure, a consequence or impact, an example being the risk from smoking, or a perilous situation like a nuclear power plant that creates a risk. This study examines the influence of climate variability on flood risk in the //Khara Hais Municipality in the Northern Cape. The area that was investigated included the entire Orange River and Vaal River catchment areas where monthly rainfall data, as well as runoff data were used to produce a flood model for predicting a flood event within a two-month period, giving enough warning time to farmers and the inhabitants of the areas that may be influenced by this flood event. Maps were produced to show the high and low rainfall amounts in the these two catchment areas where randomly selected years and months were taken, as well as showing the one-month and two-month periods before these selected dates. Examples of the highest rainfall recorded, which was in 1988, the medium amount in 1977, and the lowest amount in 1997 were selected. Furthermore, five other such examples were taken to examine the rainfall and climate variation between the years and months ranging from 1950 to 1999.
Open Access
Aspekte rakende die ruimtelike ekologie van die rooijakkals (Canis mesomelas) as probleemdier in die Suid-Vrystaat
(University of the Free State, 2010) Deacon, Francois; Barker, C. H.
English: According to the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, damage-causing predators annually catch small stock to a value of approximately R1,1 billion in South Africa. On most of the small stock farms in the Southern Free State, black-backed jackals, Canis mesomelas, are shot on sight and actively hunted to provide a safe environment for domesticated animals. The veld and habitats previously occupied by natural prey for these carnivores are now used for commercial farming practices. Carnivores are conserved in established formal protection and conservation areas within the ecosystem to lessen their contact with small stock. In South Africa the black-backed jackal successfully adapts to this farming environment with visible adaptation patterns. These behavioural patterns are influenced by the circumstances of the animal and variables within its environment. In the study area these fixed patterns of the black-backed jackal presumably annually repeat itself. This study researched these behavioural patterns of the jackal. For the first time, geographic information systems (GIS) are used in the research of the black-backed jackal. Since 2006, black-backed jackal regional data (of all jackals killed during hunting operations) was collected in a high depredation area in the Southern Free State. Data points collected from 1927 to 2009 were accordingly entered on electronic charts in ArcView. The total number of data points were obtained from 433 black-backed jackals killed, with the localities of 344 charted. The data is grouped into four sets: the first set, collected over 26 years, 1927 to 1953, consisted of 15 black-backed jackals; the second set, collected over 5 years, 1993 to 1997, consisted of 124 black-backed jackals; the third set, collected from 1999 to 2008, 10 years, consisted of 210 black-backed jackals; and the fourth set, from 2006 to 2009, four years, had a total of 84 black-backed jackals. Therefore, the number of black-backed jackals killed significantly increased, from 15 killed the first 26 years, to 418 over the last 16 years, within the same specific area. The increase in numbers of black-backed jackals removed from the area is used as indication of the increase in damage over the years in the study area. The average mass of 68 males, killed between 1993 and 1997, was 7.15kg and 63 females, 6.72kg. According to the 35 farmers in this specific area of the Southern Free State, the jackal problem is at present more under control than 30 years ago, which also applies to some other parts of the Southern Free State and South Africa. The reason for this can be ascribed to a better understanding of the animals and planning of hunting expeditions. In the late 1980’s, the average loss per farmer was ± 200 sheep per annum. At present, about 40 sheep on average are lost per farmer. The aim of this study is to further alleviate the damage-causing problem in the study area by making accurate predictions and planning to decrease losses. In the study area, peak losses are noted annually from August to October and March to May. The black-backed jackals mainly follow certain fixed movement patterns in the study area and breeding pairs seemingly react to the same stimuli from their direct environment. The same dens are repeatedly used and there is a clear relationship between the location of the dens and human activities. When a breeding pair is removed from an area, a new breeding pair will soon establish there. The processing of historic data leads to predictions on where the black-backed jackals will establish, where they will breed and where they will probably cause damage. It also predicts where they can probably be caught. This study shows a strong correlation between the physical nature of the environment and the black-backed jackals.
Open Access
A critical review of the quality of enviromental impact assessment reports in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2011-01) Talime, L. A.; Kruger, E.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is one of the tools used by relevant authorities all over the world in an attempt to ensure that the principles of sustainable development are achieved. Since the Environment Act (EA) No. 15 of 2001 was passed in the parliament many EIAs have been conducted in Lesotho. This Act has been replaced with the EA No. 10 of 2008. Though it was not until June 2009 that the environmental law was promulgated, government institutions and environmental practitioners have been operating within the provisions of this Act. The preparation of high quality EIA reports is one component of an effective translation of EIA policy into practice. The Lee and Colley review package (Lee et al 1999) was used to assess the quality of 15 EIA reports submitted to the National Environment Secretariat which is now referred to as the Department of Environment (DoE). The reports comprised of the project briefs (PBs) and the environmental impact statements (EISs). Interviews with the EIA consultants, stakeholders and concerned government officials have also been conducted to underpin the root cause of poor quality of EIA reports. The analysis reveals that several key areas of EIA do not receive sufficient attention. The inadequacies are particularly in areas relating description of the development, identification, evaluation and mitigation of key impacts, consideration of alternatives, and consultation and participation of the public. The government institutions also show less interest in environmental matters and as a result matters relating to environment are given less priority. This leaves the effectiveness of the EIA process to be highly questionable. The study offers suggestions that would improve the EIA process in the country.
Open Access
The geomorphology and aeolian deposits in the vicinity of Florisbad
(Univeristy of the Free State, 2011-05) Rabumbulu, Mulalo; Holmes, P. J.
The discovery of the Florisbad hominid prompted further archaeological and palaeoanthropological research in the Florisbad area. However, research that looks specifically at the geomorphology and aeolian deposits around Florisbad has been very limited, although aeolian processes and sand dunes have been widely recognized as being of significance in understanding past environmental conditions in this area. Geologists have also shown an interest in trying to explain the formation of the Florisbad spring and fossil site. The Florisbad spring site has a complex stratigraphy because the deposits are lithologically variable due to the fact that they are the product of an unusual depositional environment. Many hypotheses have being proposed in trying to understand the complex depositional environment at Florisbad. This research suggests that, in order to better understand the complex depositional environment of Florisbad, there is a need to understand the surrounding geomorphological setting in terms of geohydrological and geomorphic processes and features. The methodology comprises a review of current literature on lunette dunes, and previous work undertaken on the geomorphology and geology at and around Florisbad, an examination of aerial photographs to identify lunette dunes in the vicinity of Florisbad, and fieldwork to ground-truth the dunes. Field sampling, laboratory work (sedimentological techniques, pH, conductivity and geochemical analysis) as well as statistical analyses (principal component and cluster analyses) were employed to compare the characteristics of the lunette dune sediments with those at the spring site itself, and to assist in a general palaeoenviromental reconstruction.The results of the laboratory analyses do not reveal any obvious differences with respect to sediment particle size and pH, between the lunette dunes and the spring site. However it was noted that there were minor differences when it came to dune structures, electrical conductivity and chemical composition. There is convincing evidence that the sediments are primarily wind-blown in origin. The geochemical results suggest the lunettes are older than the dune at the spring site. Two optically stimulated luminescence dates were determined for a lunette dune close to Florisbad. The samples were dated to 500 years, and it is suggested that this is because of reworking of sediments down the slope. The overall geomorphology, as described in this study, suggests a shallow depression (Florisbad-Soutpan) in which both fluvial and aeolian processes have conspired to create a unique landscape which has promoted the formation and preservation of dune deposits and the unique archaeological site which is Florisbad.
Open Access
Petrographic and geochemical investigation of Sn - W - Nb - Ta pegmatites and mineralized quartz veins in southeastern Rwanda
(University of the Free State, 2011-11) Ngaruye, Jean-Claude; Gauert, Christoph; Van der Westhuizen, Willem
The Musha-Ntunga, Bugarura-Kuluti-Bibare and Rwinkwavu mineral districts of Eastern Rwanda are historically known to host cassiterite, wolframite and columbite-tantalite mineralization. The geology of that area is dominated by meta-sedimentary rocks of Mesoproterozoic age deformed during the Kibaran Orogeny (1.4 to 1 Ga) and intruded by two granite generations: G1-3 granites of ca. 1380+/- 10 Ma and G4- granites of ca. 986+/-8 Ma. The Sn, W and coltan deposits exploited in the E-Rwanda are associated with late magmatic phases of the youngest granite generation (G4) which probably functioned as the heat source for the mineralizing fluids. The trace and major element analyses of igneous rock samples from the study area resulted in peraluminous and S-type granites deplete in Sn, W, Nb and Ta corresponding possibly to the G1 – 3 granites. Moreover, Sn, W, Nb-Tarich pegmatities derived from granites equivalent to the ‘tin’ granites (or G4-granites), were also identified. Meta-sediments hosting pegmatities/hydrothermal veins contain very low amounts of Sn, W, Nb and Ta and therefore, here like or no direct important as source for the Sn, W andNb-Ta mineralization. In cassiterite samples from Bugarura-Kuluti, the dominant substitution was Sn⁴⁺ replaced by (Ta, Nb)⁴⁺ whereas in cassiterite from Musha-Ntunga and Rwinkwavu prospects, the 3 Sn⁴⁺ replaced by 2(Ta, Nb)⁵⁺ + (Fe, Mn)²⁺ and/or that of Sn⁴⁺ + O² by Fe³⁺ + OH types were predominant. The cassiterite samples also showed intergrowths with increasingly distal veins showed evolution trends from ferrocolumbite to mangano-tantalite compositions indicating the increase of Ta and Mn with advanced differentiation of pegmatites. Fluid inclusion studies showed a wide variation in salinities of fluids (0.5-17.5 wt. % NaCl equivalent) and formation temperatures (Tᶠ) ranging from 150°C to 560°C confirming that the coltan precipitation closer to the granites occurred from intermediate to high temperature and relatively more saline fluids. This may indicate penumatolytic conditions. The cassiterite and ferberite mineralization precipitated from less saline, relatively low temperature fluids possibly representing a mixture between primary magmatic fluids and meteoric to connate waters. Based on this study and various works on granite-related ore deposits in the Kibaran Belt and worldwide, a conceptual six – phase metallogenetic model involving multi-stage circulation of hydrothermal fluids caused by progressive granitic magmaticsm is suggested.