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Communities in WIReDSpace
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- This community is for all faculties and schools' research outputs and publications by Wits academics and researchers.
- This community hosts traditional outputs such as published and unpublished research articles, conference papers, book chapters and other research outputs authored by Wits academics and researchers. Items in this collection are also mapped to relevant collections within the Faculties/Schools/Departments communities for more specific browsing and searching.
- This Community hosts a collection of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) submitted by doctoral and masters' students of Wits University.
- This community is for all faculties and schools' theses and dissertations by masters and doctoral students.
Recent Submissions
Baseline Hydrogeology of Dolerite Dykes in Lesotho, Mafeteng District as a Case Study
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-06-10) Monyane, Napo Shadrack; Shakhane, Teboho; Abiye, Tamiru
Groundwater is a vital alternative resource due to the increasing demand for water supply in Lesotho’s rural and urban areas as surface water faces threats from population growth and climate variability. For instance, groundwater serves the demands of Lesotho's growing textile industry and agricultural sectors. The 3D form of the dolerite dykes widespread throughout the Karoo rocks in Lesotho may have an impact on the groundwater occurrence, flow, and yield characteristics of the region. However, specific research on their hydrogeology has not been extensively undertaken. This study aimed at characterising the hydrogeology of the dolerite dykes in the lowlands of Lesotho using selected places namely, Boluma-Tau, Ha Lumisi, Ha Mofota, Ha Maoela, Ha Mofo, Malumeng, Qalabane, Matlapaneng, Thabana Mohlomi, Ha Mohlehli, Malimong, Tsoeneng and Ha Lenonyane as case studies for the research. This research adopted the desktop and walkover survey in developing information on the region’s broad geological and hydrogeological setting within the Karoo lithologies. Included also was the use of ground magnetics in ascertaining the existence and determining the geometry of the dykes, using the D-8 algorithm for flow directions, and drilling and pumping tests for aquifer analysis. The dykes dominating the focal area in the Mafeteng District generally trend NE-SW, NNE-SSW and NW-SE. The magnetic results outlined negative anomalies along the dyke’s contact with the country rocks as surveyed from Qalabane, Mafeteng Lesotho, these magnetic lows imply fracture gaps along the strike of the dyke. A generalised dip, width, and depth could not be easily inferred due to inconsistent magnetic anomaly shapes, but forward modelling indicated a thin (10 m wide) shallow (10°) dyke trending NE-SW intruding both the Burgersdorp and Molteno Formations at Qalabane, Mafeteng. As per the D-8 results, the dolerite dykes in Mafeteng are distributed in the intermediate basin flow values due to a gentle hydraulic gradient. Certain dyke sites exhibit a groundwater flow direction towards the north, whilst others display a radial groundwater flow direction. The derivative analysis revealed the boreholes were drilled in a fractured dyke system, also the dominant radial flow regime and double porosity dip at different pumping durations, and the possible recharge boundary were revealed in some drilled dyke sites. Further analysis from the drawdown versus time curves resulted in average yields of 0.1 – 1.25 l/s with transmissivities ranging from 1 – 14 m2/day, insinuating that a limited extraction of the local water supply is suggested from the dolerite dyke lithologies in the lowlands of Mafeteng Lesotho, given the groundwater yielding capacity and magnitude of the transmissivities. Even though the drilled boreholes from the dyke sites indicated a fractured dyke setting, estimated transmissivity values are variable and low, this is indicative of the inconsistent apertures and lack of interconnectivity of the available secondary hydrogeological features in the lowlands of Lesotho.
Using tactical urbanism to facilitate micromobility at Gautrain stations
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tiroyabone, Lerato; Theron, Patricia
This research examines the potential of tactical urbanism to enhance micromobility at Gautrain station precincts, focusing on addressing first/last mile connectivity challenges and advancing sustainable urban mobility in Gauteng, South Africa – a country that faces unique transport challenges, such as a high dependency on private vehicles and an inefficient public transport system. Employing a mixed methods approach, the study integrates literature review, commuter surveys, streetscape analysis, using a modified Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) methodology, expert interviews, and policy reviews to provide an understanding of the dynamics of micromobility integration in the South African context. The findings reveal that while tactical urbanism interventions, such as widened non-motorised transport (NMT) pathways, lane reallocation, and traffic calming measures, can enhance first/last mile connectivity, immediate efforts should prioritise the provision of adequate NMT infrastructure in accordance with existing policies. This reflects the pressing need to address foundational urban mobility challenges before focusing on micromobility-specific interventions. Nonetheless, the study highlights the importance of initiating policy development to accommodate broader and more diverse modes of micromobility, alongside establishing safety standards and regulations to support their future integration. The study highlights the socio-economic benefits of NMT and micromobility interventions, including reducing private vehicle dependency, improving accessibility for diverse socio-economic populations, and fostering equitable and sustainable mobility. Recommendations emphasise phased implementation strategies, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and targeted policy reforms to create a supportive environment for integrating tactical urbanism and micromobility. The research concludes that these approaches offer a scalable framework for advancing urban transport planning and policy in Gauteng, with potential applications in similar urban nationally.
Birth Freedom: Healing Architecture’s Impact on the Experience of Childbirth and Healthcare Through a Community Maternity Centre in Alberton
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Grobler, Leonie; Szentesi, Anita
This research explores the topic of childbirth and maternal health care in a community context where such facilities are lacking in focus and accessibility. The study explores the narratives of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period through the lenses of phenomenological experience, feminist theory, and healing. Its focus lies in how these concepts can shape the design of maternal healthcare architecture. The aim is to research and design a community health care centre that focusses primarily on aspects surrounding childbirth, and secondarily, aspects of female reproductive healthcare and family planning. The intervention aims to challenge the clinical nature of healthcare, improve accessibility to quality and affordable healthcare, and give women freedom over their reproductive healthcare choices. The site of the study is within the town of Alberton, located South of Johannesburg, in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The goal of the research study is the development of a birthing centre model that serves as an alternative option to existing clinical birth settings which are part of larger hospitals. Research will be conducted through site analysis, contextual analysis, data analysis, theoretical and architectural research and precedent studies. This information will be used to guide the design process and develop a resolved building. This research project consists of two parts, a research report, and a set of design drawings, which will be combined into a single thesis document.
Crossing The DIvide: Integrating an Innovative Sports Centre into Community Regeneration and YouthDevelopment in Frankenwald
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ludick, Kyle Jarrod; Kirkman, Deborah
Football in South Africa occupies a central place in the nation's sporting consciousness, that intertwines with the country's complex narrative of struggle, triumph, and reconciliation. For over a decade now, “…the most popular sport in South Africa (in relation to both public entertainment and active participation) has been soccer.”(McKinley, 2010) From what started out as a pastime exclusive to the privileged white elite upon its introduction in South Africa, swiftly became the emerging preferred sport among the black community at the turn of the 20th century. (McKinley, 2010) “Not surprisingly, this rapid spread in popularity set off alarm bells within the corridors of political and economic power, as soccer became emblematic of threatening, socially integrative forces within society…” (Morell, 1996) Football became the thorn in the side of the racist white establishment, who therefore used the full extent of their power, to promote predominantly white sports like rugby and cricket; while simultaneously suppressing and controlling the “…social, economic, and political reach and impact of the (black) sport of soccer.”(McKinley, 2010) This resulted in continued efforts, by the apartheid government, to engineer racialised, socio-political policies aimed at enforcing racial segregation and material inequality in South African sport. As a result, there was a severe lack of football infrastructure and trained personnel, particularly in black urban and rural areas. Along with, “…an almost complete lack of any meaningful/sustained development programmes for black students/youth…” (McKinley, 2010) The institutional framework was racially divided, leading to the emergence of four separate football bodies by the 1980s, South African football became isolated both institutionally and practically on the international stage, remaining confined to domestic leagues. Nevertheless, football would become a catalyst for political shift throughout footballing organisations, with private companies such as Mainstay cane spirit, owned by the Stellenbosch farmer’s, as well as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) that would broadcast the games played, pouncing on the potential of the crowds of the “black” football market, by providing sponsorships for their competitions.(Bolsmann and Alegi, 2010) Additionally, football played an important role in the abolishment of the apartheid regime and its hold on football. (McKinley, 2010)
Nourished Roots: The kitchen as a living ecosystem, reappropriating a barn in the centre of Skeerpoor
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Clifford, Kerry
In the centre of Skeerpoort, where the archaic Magaliesberg mountains whisper narratives of time and the fertile landscape breathes life into every seed, a barn stands vacant. Built in 1885 it has a long history, having served as a tobacco crop storage facility, a field infirmary during times of conflict, and a community gathering hall. The barn now waits for a new purpose. Nourished Roots revives the structure. Addressing perspectives, processes and the practice of sustainable redevelopment, the thesis places itself in the field of designing for cultures of conversion. Biophilic architectural principles and adaptive reuse merge to create a place of nourishment and rehabilitation of place, people and community. The research reads context through the study of gastronomy as relationship between food and culture. Nourished Roots introduces the process of (food) fermentation to connect land, space and people by drawing parallels between the human metabolism and the ‘gut health’ of a building. The design explores and amplifies the architectural significance of the kitchen as a key element in the process of food preparation, production and consumption as well as gathering space and a living organism in which traditional fermentation processes have both practical and symbolic meaning. The barn and its newly emerging surrounding serve as a rescaled pantry, scullery, kitchen and dining room. Together they function as a ‘living classroom’ for a rather eclectic community with diverse challenges and needs. The extended programme sets a precedent for sustainable agricultural practices, food storage and production as well as offering an alternative way of living, learning and working. Rooted in the local agricultural traditions of Skeerpoort the thesis considers the intervention as an innovative approach to support food security in the area as well as preserving its biodiversity.