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
Die bevolkingsverbreiding en rassepatrone in die O.V.S.
(University of the Free State, 1978-12) Van der Walt, Josef Kornelis; Nel, D. E.
Afrikaans: Sedert die eerste seisoentrekke van veeboere na die Vrystaat, is die ontwikkeling van die Vrystaat nou saamgesnoer met die groei van die Blanke- en Bantoebevolkings. Aanvanklik was die bevolkingsvestiging in die suidelike en westelike dele van die O.V.S. Hierdie patroon van vestiging het geleidelik verander; in die beginjare in korrelasie met die veranderinge in die boerderypatroon. Lateraan egter onder invloed van mynbou- en industriële ontwikkeling. In hierdie studie is al die korrelatiewe faktore wat 'n invloed op die mens-landverhouding uitgeoefen het, ondersoek en bespreek. Die huidige bevolkingsverbreiding en die rassepatrone in die O.V.S. toon noue verband met ekonomiese bedrywighede in dié streek. Die bevolkingsverbreiding is dus eers onder drie ekonomiese sektore, nl. die landbou-, mynbou- en industriebevolking bestudeer. Daar is ook gevind dat verstedeliking by die Blankebevolking baie ver gevorder het; by die Kleurlinge in 'n geringer mate en by die Bantoe baie min. Dit het tot gevolg dat die Blankebevolkingsgetalle in die landelike dele baie laag en die Bantoebevolkingsgetalle besonder hoog is. In die saaistreke van die O.V.S. is die Blank-Bantoeratio gemiddeld 5,5 Blankes per 100 Bantoes. In die gemengde boerderystreke is dit 9 en in die veeboerderystreke is die graad van "witheid" die hoogste, nl. 11 Blankes per 100 Bantoes. Die Blank-Kleurlingratio is slegs in die suidelike en suidwestelike dele van die O.V.S. van toepassing. In slegs drie van die distrikte in dié gebied is die Kleurlinge meer as die Blankes met 'n ratio van gemiddeld 85. In die res is die Blankes meer met ratios wat wissel van 60 tot 90. Daar is gevind dat dele met hoë landelike bevolkingsdigthede almal in die Noordwes-Vrystaat geleë is. Bevolkingsdigthede van tot 17.5 persone per km2 word hier aangetref hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die intensiewe saaiboerdery wat toegepas word. Dit is algemeen bekend dat sulke streke altyd relatiewe hoë bevolkingsgetalle het omdat plase kleiner is en daar baie arbeid benodig word en meer intensief bewerk word. Dit betken weer 'n betreklike groot arbeidsmag. Saaiery op so 'n skaal word moontlik gemaak deur die besondere eienskappe van die grond in hierdie streke. In die Noord- en Oos-O.V.S. is die bevolkingsdigtheid ook relatief hoog, tussen 11,5 en 17,5/km2. In dié dele is dit veral die hoër neerslae wat saaiboerdery bevorder en saaiboerdery gee weer aanleiding tot hoër bevolkingsdigthede. Die sentrale dele van die O.V.S. se bevolkingsdigtheid is tussen 5,5 tot 11,5/km2. Reënval in hierdie dele is laer en gemengde boerdery word toegepas. Om 'n afdoende ekonomiese plaaseenheid te wees, moet plase in hierdie streek dus groter wees. Gepaard met die feit dat Blanke boere verder uitmekaar woon, word ook minder arbeiders benodig en dit lei tot die lae bevolkingsdigtheid. Die dele met die laagste bevolkingsdigthede lê in die suidelike en suidwestelike dele van die O.V.S. waar digthede weer laer as 5,5/km2 beloop. Die lae en wisselvallige reënval en die swak gronde het tot gevolg dat slegs skaapboerdery toegepas kan word. Plase is dus baie groter en bowendien word min arbeid vir dië soort boerdery benodig. Daar is verder ook 'n isaritmiese kaart saamgestel waarop die huidige bevolking in digtheidstreke aangetoon word.
Open Access
The property values of urban single-family housing: a case study of Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 1987-08) Enslin, Albert George; Senekal, W. F. S.
The ultimate purpose of this study is the construction of a prognostic model of the value of single-family housing. This model can be applied by valuers to determine unbiased, mass valuations of single-family housing for property tax purposes. The property tax, which is the most important independent source of income available to local authorities in South Africa, has continuously been attacked by laymen and academics alike. The primary motivation for these attacks has been the apparent inequitability and inefficiency of the property tax. By improving the administration of the property tax through upgrading and improvement of the valuation procedure, the efficiency of the property tax is enhanced while the equitability of the valuations is ensured. This in turn maximises the financial-resource-generating possibilities of the property tax and makes the tax politically and economically more acceptable. The present erosion of political owing to the increased dependence oon the undershoring of their financial base through financial assistance extended by central government, would to a large extent also be reversed. Improvement of the valuation procedure through the application of the housing price model developed in this study results in spatially neutral valuations being obtained with vertical and horizontal valuation equity resulting. The relative varying contribution of each property within a certain price and land use category to the income of local authorities would now not be the result of the valuation process but the result of a political decision by the locally elected representatives who would, through the determination of the randage or differential randage, determine this relative tax contribution. Through the combined application of factor analysis, cluster analysis and multiple regression analysis, the model of the price of housing that has been constructed, produces market value valuations that show a high degree of correspondence with observed market prices. The predictive ability of the model has been further improved by basing the theoretical foundation of the model on the ecological paradigm. The identification, within the larger overall White single dwelling residential submarket of Bloemfontein and Langenhoven Park, of spatially specific submarkets of integrated economic and socio-geographic status into which the owner-occupiers of single-family housing differentiate and the subsequent construction of separate prediction equations for each submarket, lead to the determination of superior estimates of the market value of housing. Contrary to the conclusion arrived at by Schanre and Struyk in Boston and Ball and Kirwin in Bristol, the greater Bloemfontein property market operates as a series of submarkets. Primary property submarkets (based on the restriction of the property interest activities and segregation of the property activity space of various racial groups) and secondary property submarkets (based on the segregation and restriction of the property interests and property activity space of the agents of supply and allocation and consumers of properties of different land usages) have been distinguished in the greater Bloemfontein area. Within the White single dwelling residential submarket, owner-occupiers, of dwellings, of a similar social status, cluster in spatially specific subareas. This is the result of the propensity of households to live close to other households of similar social status. These spatially specific subareas effectively form submarkets at a third level of disaggregation. The weak cross-price elasticities between submarkets result in independent hedonic price equations of the attributes of housing developing for each submarket. The strength of the coefficients differs for the submarkets because of the importance of different sets of attributes accounting for housing prices in particular submarkets. The importance of specific attributes in the hedonic price equations thus seems to be a function of the peculiar composition of the submarket and of the variability in each submarket of the attributes of housing.
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
Bewoningsbevrediging in die blanke woonhuissektor binne die munisipaliteit van Bloemfontein: 'n studie van proses, patroon en strategie
(University of the Free State, 1988-09) Lazenby, Jacobus Abraham Adriaan; Senekal, W. F. S.; Bester, C. L.
Afrikaans: Die primêre doelstelling met hierdie studie behels die interpretering en geïntegreerde hiêrargiese sone-ordening van sekere gekose wooneenheid- en woonbuurtdimensies waaroor huisbewoners bepaalde vlakke van tevredenheid voorhou. 'n Sekondêre doelstelling omvat die soeke na 'n verwantskap tussen die tevredenheidsvlakke van huisbewoners en bepaalde demografiese sowel as sosio-ekonomiese faktore. Hierdie doelstellings is deurlopend in gedagte gehou en is veral deur middel van hipotese-verifiêring aangespreek. In hoofstuk I is verskeie gepgrafiese benaderings behandel waarna die humanitêr-georiênteerde gedragsbenadering, wat hierdie navorsing sterk aanspreek, as geografiese navorsingsbenadering vir hierdie studie aanvaar is. Konseptualisering van bewoningsbevrediging en die verwantskap daarvan met Omgewingsielkunde is onderskeidelik in hoofstukke 2 en 3 behandel. In hoofstuk 4 is houdings as fundamentele begrip in die metodologie van hierdie navorsing verkonseptualiseer. Nadat die na vorsLnq apro's edu re in hoofstuk 5 behandel is, is algemene beskrywende statistieke van Bloemfontein as navorsingsterrein in hoofstuk 6 verskaf, aangesien hierdie data as beïnvloedend by bewoningsbevrediging as proses beskou is. Die gestelde hipoteses is in hoofstukke 7 tot 9 geverifieer. Die belangrikste bevindinge is soos volg: - Woonhuisbewoners is oor die algemeen positief teenoor hulle gevolglik residensiêle leefruimte en 'n redelike mate ervaar bewoningsbevrediging. - Daar bestaan 'n noue verwantskap tussen fisiese voorkoms, sosiale interaksie, woonbuurtdienste, veiligheid, woonhuis en die erf as komponente van bewoningsbevrediging. - Bewoningsbevrediging toon 'n verband met bepaalde huishoudingskenmerke. Gunstige eienskappe van die huishouding sal 'n groter mate van bewoningsbevredigingin die hand werk. Dit is veral waar wat hoër sosio-ekonomiese status, hoë oudersomstadium, 'n langer residensietydperk by 'n bepaalde adres en eienaarstatus betre. - Daar is verder daarin geslaag om 'n geïntegreerdechorologiese ordegroepering met betrekking tot die bepaalde bewoningsbevredigingskomponente te maak. - Houdingsanalise het ook 'n handige metode geblyk in die bepaling van omgewingsvoorkeure. - In ooreeneenstemming met 'n geverifieerde hipotese is dit ook waar dat huishoudings intrastedelik sal verskuif weens moontlike bewoningsontevredenheid. Die navorsing is afgesluit met die gevolgtrekkings in hoofstuk 11, nadat strategieformulering in hoofstuk 10 aandag geniet het. Dit behels 'n aantal spes ifieke strategieê wat in die vorm van verbeteringsprioriteite geformuleer is. Die strategieê en aanbevelings word aan bepaalde instansies/persone gerig ten einde die tevredenheidsvlak van woonhuisbewoners met hulle behuisings en residensiêle-omgewingsopset te verhoog.
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
Sustainable rural development in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2000-05) Mashinini, Vusi Israel; De Villiers, G. du T.; Groenevald, I. B.
English: The sustainability of rural development policies, strategies and projects formulated and implemented in Lesotho since independence in 1966 was investigated in this thesis. This was accomplished through the use of secondary and primary data. Secondary data was collected on all major rural development projects. Primary data was sought on the sustainability of the activities initiated by the Farm Improvement with soil conservation (FISC)/Production Through Conservation (PTC) project in the Mohale's hoek district which was used as a case study. The primary data collection involved the use of a questionnaire administered to 200 rural households selected through the use of a multi -stage sampling procedure from the households in the villages where the proj eet operated. At both the national level and the local FISC/PTC project level, the results of the study showed that the modus operandi used in donor assistance, the politicians, decision-makers and planners contributed in part to the lack of sustainable rural development in Lesotho. However, the study concluded that the biggest contribution to the demise of sustainable rural development in Lesotho came from the communities themselves due to their lack of willingness to change their perceptions of, and attitudes towards, development. The communities were reluctant and leave the unsustainable conveniences accorded by their old lifestyles to which they were accustomed for centuries and throughout generations, and adapt to the costs, pains and risks that accompanied changes in their life-styles introduced by sustainable development in their communities and regions.
Open Access
Landbou-en landelike ontwikkeling in die QwaQwa-gebied: 'n geografiese ondersoek
(University of the Free State, 2000-05) Claassen, Johannes Hendrik Daniel; De Villiers, G. du T.; Viljoen, M. F.
English: The contribution of agricultural to rural development is widely accepted by developmental specialists. In South Africa, an estimated 16 million people are living in poverty, with its incidence highest in rural areas. The Ministry for Agriculture and Land Affairs (South Africa, 1998) is of the opinion that agriculture can play an important role in the development of rural areas through the establishment of small and medium scale emerging farmers, and through the creation of opportunities to rai se their production. In this way, it is thought, the creation of additional employment opportunities and the improvement 10 household food security will follow. Under the previous government black farmers were denied the right to own and farm land in so-called white areas. In accordance with its policy of separate development, agricultural development amongst black people was limited to what was known as "black homelands". In line with this policy, 114 black farmers were. settled on farms in Qwaqwa beginning in 1989. Agriqwa, a non-profit government corporation, was founded with the task of establishing these emerging, or beginner farmers. Official information sources (South Africa, 1998) also refer to emerging farmers as small or medium scale farmers with limited access to land and capital. This same source states that these farmers have received inadequate research and extension support from the previous government. The main aim of the proj ect in Qwaqwa was the establishment of an economically viable agricultural sector, with a core of prosperous emerging farmers. It was also envisaged that this would create several entrepreneurial possibilities with job opportunities in an agricultural related sector. After the election of a new, democratic government in 1994, official policies regarding the previous homelands changed dramatically. Agriqwa was dissolved and replaced with Agri-Eco, a private company under the direct supervision of the then Minister of Agriculture of the Free State. The enormous financial burden brought about by the Reconstruction and Development Programme of the newly elected government, inevitably led to a si gni ficant reduction in state subsidies. It was not long befo re the restructuring and rationalisation of Agri-Eco meant the end of financial and agricultural assistance to the emerging farmers in Qwaqwa. The premise was that emerging farmers should compete independently In a free market environment. With this step, emerging farmers were suddenly exposed to a competitive free market environment of which they had little, or no experience. This transformation, the loss of expert managerial support, plus the downgrading and suspension of other well-proven support systems, resulted In these farmers expcrrcncmg serious managerial problems. The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the problems experienced by emerging farmers in order to formulate workable solutions and strategies for future development projects in the field of agriculture. A brief synopsis of the chapters in the study is as follows: • The problem formulation and aim of the study are set out in Chapter 1. • Chapter 2 is concerned with an historical perspective of sustainable agricultural development. • Chapter 3 provides a geographical and agricultural overview of the study area. • Chapters 4, 5 and 6 investigate the management profiles of emerging farmers with a specific focus on: >- the educational and personal profiles of emerging farmers, their perceptions of human resources and the management thereof (Chapter 4); ~ perceptions among emergmg farmers regarding natural resources as well as the management and utilisation thereof (Chapter 5); ~ administrative and financial matters (Chapter 6). • Chapter 7 focuses on the evaluation of research data, the testing of the hypothesis and the formulation of a specific development strategy for emerging farmers in Qwaqwa. With regard to human resources, the study has established that the unacceptable conduct and poor quality of work rendered by farm workers negatively effect labour relations between farmers and workers. The study also identifies the low educational level of farm labourers, poor working conditions and insufficient training as primary factors contributing to labour problems. On the positive side, the study identifies several aspects in employment that are to the advantage of the industry and that should be kept. These refer to food and residence security, a reliable cash income and grazing rights. The study identifies a singular ignorance among emergmg farmers with regard to the utilisation of natural resources. This includes the use of alternative production methods, which are inexpensive, and which, in turn, originate on the farm, and have a minor negative impact on the natural environment. Within an environmental and sustainable perspective, this study makes certain recommendations concerning the introduction of alternative farming methods. The study also finds that a number of farmers are experiencing serious financial problems. The refusal of commercial banks and agricultural cooperatives to grant production loans for planting purposes, underlines the extent of the financial difficulties experienced by emerging farmers in the area. This has also pushed a number of crop farmers into financial crisis. Against this background it is recommended that farming units with a combination of farming activities should be included lil future development proj ects. Value adding activities seem to be a popular and profitable practice among emerging farmers. They seem to be an asset. The optimal use of existing infrastructure, labour, by-products and waste products from farming activities, are some of the important considerations in favour of value adding activities. The study reveals that emerging farmers, despite certain drawbacks pertaining to training and education, possess the will and the ingenuity to make a success of agriculture in the area. The study further finds that the success of present and future projects will be largely determined by basic support structures in training and agricultural extension work, from government and developmental agencies.
Open Access
Ontwikkeling van hulpmiddels vir die bestuur en beplanning van 'n stedelike vloedvlakte: 'n GIS toepassing
(University of the Free State, 2001-05) Booysen, Herman Jacobus; De Villiers, G du T; Viljoen, M. F.
English: The occurrence of floods early in 2000 shows that flood damage research for better assessmentand mitigation measures of the impact of floods is always necessary. Floods were always and will always be a problem in South Africa. Floods caused damages of R150million in one day at Ladysmith (Beeld. 28/02/1996). Losseswere not only financial. but social losseswere experienced as well. "The death toll from days of driving rain and resulting floods soared above 50 yesterday and left thousands of people homeless..." (BusinessDay.16/02/1996). To limit the impact of future floods. the planning and management of flood plains is very important. Recently. the approach of disaster management has changed from reactive to proactive. The problem in South Africa is that the necessary communication systems and institutional framework does not exist. Furthermore. government institutions do not have the necessary knowledge and tools to execute disaster management effectively. The aim of this study (Chapter 1).was to develop systemsand tools that can address the above-mentioned problems and to test the developed tools in a study area. As discussed in Chapter 2. the study area along the Swartkops and Chatty Riversin the Eastern Cape was a suitable area because of the diversity of land uses. A complete survey was done. In the case of the Swartkops River the land uses include industrial. commercial and residential. Along the Chatty Riverthe land usesare mainly residential.In Chapter 3 a system for the management of South African flood plains was developed. To do this. flood policies of other countries were studied. Elements of the flood plain management systemare: • a flood plain management committee e flood studies • flood plain management studies.and • flood plain management plans In Chapter 4 the development of a computer model for the calculation of potential flood damage was discussed. Another application of the model is the evaluation of possible flood damage mitigation options for financial effectivity thereof. To develop this model it was necessary to study models that were developed internationally. The three models of two international institutionsthat were studied were developed by the USArmy Corps of Engineersand the Australian National University. The inputs of TEWA(a computer model for the calculation of Tangible Economic flood Water damages Assessment)that were developed from these models, include flood damage functions, land use data, hydrological and geographic data. The model was tested in Chapter 5, by executing the activities of the flood plain management systemand using the model to calculate the potential flood damage and evaluating the mitigation options. Options that were evaluated were derived from discussionswith role-playersin Uitenhage and Despatch. Flood damage was calculated for the different land usesand combined to get the total flood damage. Damage to the residential sector of Uitenhage, Despatch and Sowetoon- Sea were calculated first. Afterward, damage to the commercial sector of Uitenhage and Despatch and industrialdamage to Uitenhage was calculated. Two options, namely the building of a flood levee and flood proofing were evaluated in Uitenhage and Despatch. Theresultsindicated that flood proofing was the best option for industriesin Uitenhage and a levee will have the most benefits for Despatch. It must be remembered that some assumptionshave been made and that can limit the use of the results.Thestudy has achieved itsgoal to develop a flood plain management systemthat can be used in South Africa to mitigate the impact of floods
Open Access
`n Morfometriese ondersoek na landskapontwikkeling in die Sentraal-Vrystaat: `n toepassing met behulp van `n geografiese inligtingstelsel
(University of the Free State, 2002-07) Barker, Charles Henry; de Villiers, G. du T.
English: In the thesis, a geographic information system is used to investigate the morphometry and active geomorphic processes in a semi-arid catchment area. The construction of a digital terrain model from published sources is elucidated and an erosion model is used to explain the spatial distribution of drainage basins in the study area The study was conducted in the Modder river catchment in the central Free State. The study area was chosen as the result of tectonic stability which should lessen the impact of endogenic processes in the current form of the landscape In the first part of the study, a set of morphometric parameters were chosen to represent the current form of the landscape as accurately as possible. Several process parameters were also identified to quantify the active erosion processes in the area. To explain the relationships between form and process, a working erosion model is used. This model was calibrated by using current environmental conditions. In the second part of the thesis, a digital terrain model of the study area was constructed. Several techniques for the construction were evaluated and a method for stream and pan burning was developed. A geographic information system were used to collect data sets from different published sources and to combine it into a single database. The GIS was also used to extract the applicable parameters from the database. The last part of the study was devoted to the analysis of the data and the creation of a development model for the catchment. Several statistical techniques were used to classify the parameters and to group the drainage basins. The relationships between the parameters were investigated and quantified. From the study it was clear that a relationship exists between form and process in the Modder river catchment area and that geographic information technology can be used with success in the study of landforms. The methodology developed for the study as well as the data generated might be useful for the management of the catchment in various ways.
Open Access
The impact of socio-economic and human behavioural factors on the water of the Fontein Spruit catchment: a water management model study in a developing community
(University of the Free State, 2002-09) Pretorius, Elizabeth; Viljoen, M. F.; De Villiers, G. du T.
English: A world water crisis has been predicted as early as 1977 and since then, water professionals call this coming crisis to the attention of the world community at various conferences, summits and congresses. Recent assessments conducted for the United Nations and for the World Commission on Water indicated that almost half a billion people face water shortages in 29 countries and by 2025, almost two-thirds of the people are forecast to experience some form of water stress. Although this global water crisis tends to be viewed as a water quantity problem, water quality is increasingly being acknowledged as an important factor in water scarcity. In many developing countries water quality has become the principal limiting factor to water availability. The water quality situation in developing countries is highly variable reflecting social, economic and physical factors, state of development as well as climatic and geographical factors. In recent years several studies have been done in South Africa to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of urban runoff and their impact on receiving waters. These studies suggest that there was a large difference in the type of pollutants that were observed in the receiving waters and that the major factor affecting the type of pollution is the type of development that the catchment is undergoing. The studies conducted on the high-density informal settlements imply that any form of urban development that includes shacks and/or informal houses will have a detrimental effect on the quality of urban runoff. Low-cost, high-density type urbanisation, with its informal housing and shack areas, is an inescapable part of South Africa and will continue to play a major role in this country for many years to come. In recent years, South Africa has experienced a massive increase in urbanisation, a large proportion of which takes the form of high-density, informal settlements that developed around existing metropolitan areas. Based on current patterns of growth, the extent of this form of urbanisation is predicted to treble within 20 years. This rapid growth of urban areas in South Africa has been accompanied by increased quantities of contaminated urban runoff and this, in turn, has accelerated the degradation of streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries. Urban runoff acts as an efficient transport mechanism for bacteria, viruses, nutrients, organic substances, heavy metals and other pollutants. Alone or in combination, these substances cause water quality problems, pose potentially serious risks to human- and environmental health through contact recreation and through the use of untreated water. Therefore, it is vitally important that the scientific and engineering society continue to study these urban catchments and to develop new and innovative ways of dealing with the problems associated with urban runoff. The study area provided a unique opportunity for the investigation, implementation and evaluation of an integrated water quality management programme, as it is a typical example of a community with rapid, largely uncontrolled, growth of low-cost, high-density housing developments. The research project was primarily aimed to gain a better understanding of the major causes of pollution in the study area, and once the principle contributing factors had been identified and investigated, a Water Quality Management Plan was developed. The research project was based on the assumption that water quality problems arising from developing communities can be managed using an integrated approach to ensure that the receiving water environmental objectives can be met on a sustainable basis and that the management practices and interventions to deal with pollution problems from developing communities can be sustained by addressing the socio-economic and human behavioural factors contributing to the problems. The Water Quality Management Plan is therefore an integrated plan addressing the management of water quality in the community in the study area, and also permits the extrapolation of the results to catchments with similar land use and human activities, locally as well as regionally.
Open Access
Low-income housing in the post-apartheid era: towards a policy framework for the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2003-12) Marais, Johann Georg Lochner; Krige, D. S.; Beukes, E. P.; De Villiers, G. du T.
English: This thesis titled “Low-income housing in a post-apartheid era: towards a policy framework for the Free State” is conducted as one of the first thorough analyses on housing policy in a single province since 1994. Furthermore, it is also conducted against a background where limited regional guidelines exist for investment by provincial government departments. The thesis poses the question as to ‘who should receive what where’ in terms of low-income housing investment in the Free State. The thesis starts off by assessing changing international trends in low-income housing policy and the role of the World Bank. The shift from the provision of formalised housing to site and services is analysed from the individualistic perspective of Turner and the economic model of the World Bank. The approach of the World Bank to housing in the early 1990s suggested that targeted housing subsidies should be provided to the poor – but mainly for infrastructure and not for the housing structures themselves. Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainability since the early 1990s and its impact on housing policy are also discussed. This international perspective is followed by an assessment of various policy documents directly or indirectly linked to housing in South Africa since 1990. South African policy was labelled a victory for width over depth because a smaller product that had to reach as many people as possible was introduced. It has been found that despite various similarities between the South African and the World Bank policies, the main difference lies in the fact that South African policy also proposed a housing structure. So, to some degree, South African housing policy - according to the World Bank - could have had more width (reaching more people) if infrastructure only had been provided. The South African policy is clear on who should become end-beneficiaries and what they should receive. However, regional guidelines for housing investment (where) in South Africa or the provinces are virtually non-existent. Housing policy in the Free State has placed more emphasis on the housing structure itself by emphasising that housing units of 40m2 should be constructed – thereby laying more emphasis on depth. However, this resulted in housing subsidies being allocated to areas where land was cheap, or where planned stands were available. Consequently, housing investment favoured small towns and middle-order towns at the expense of larger urban areas. Though some progress was actually made between 1999 and 2001 to improve on the delivery in larger urban areas in the Free State, this was achieved at the expense of municipal finance, or it required deposits from beneficiaries - which in turn excluded the poor from accessing housing subsidies. The emphasis on the size of housing further resulted in housing finance being focused only on the poor and not distributed proportionally between the income groups that were able to access the housing subsidy. As low-income housing delivery in the Free State focused mainly on the top structure and was aimed at existing stands, the infrastructure levels of housing projects in the Free State are significantly lower than in the rest of the country, and, no informal settlement upgrading has thus taken place. Against this background, the thesis proposes that the pro-poor and targeting nature of the low-income housing subsidy should be maintained; obstacles in policy that prevent private sector finance from supporting the subsidy should be minimised; the rationale for low-income housing subsidies in the Free State should be reconsidered; housing subsidies should be available incrementally; final decision-making on how to spend the subsidy should be done at the local level; low-income housing should accommodate urban growth; the emphasis on 40m2 should be reconsidered; further, there should be emphasis on width and not depth; and, a regional framework for the allocation of investment of low-income housing, based on housing need, demographic trends and economic potential, should be implemented.
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.