*Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)
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Browsing *Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) by SDG "SDG-15: Life on land"
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Item A small-scale sustainable farm in Tlapeng, Kagisano Molopo Municipality, North-West Province(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Parkins, Lorato; Moyo, BhekinkosiThis project focuses on the establishment of a small farm business venture in Tlapeng Village, a rural area in Northwest Province, to explore market opportunities and promote social empowerment. By employing sustainable farming practices, the project seeks to enhance the socio-economic conditions of the community. Through a thorough assessment of market dynamics and consumer preferences in Kagisano Molopo, the project examines market demand, competitive landscapes, and consumer preferences. This analysis aids in identifying potential customers and developing unique selling propositions and understanding distribution channels and exploring niche markets, effective marketing strategies can be devised to gain market share. The project emphasizes the impact of a small farm business venture on social empowerment and business sustainability and highlights the key contributors to social empowerment, including bridging the knowledge gap, optimizing human resources, providing training and education programs, generating employment opportunities, ensuring access to healthy food, and fostering collaboration with the local community. These initiatives not only improve individuals' livelihoods but also foster a sense of community and overall well-being.Item An exploratory study of biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting among JSE-listed entities(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Da Mata, Dino Marco; Maroun, WarrenThe purpose of this research is to explore the level of biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting among 50 Top JSE-listed entities and the possible determinants of biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting. This is important because unprecedented biodiversity loss is a major ecological and business risk affecting South African organisations. The thesis is grounded in an interpretive approach to collecting and analysing data and employs a mixed- methods approach. Qualitative content and thematic analysis were used to evaluate what content companies disclose in their integrated reports and to gauge the level of biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting over the 2018 to 2020 reports. This was followed by the use of quantitative methods to test for associations between identified determinants and the level of reporting. The findings show that, overall, the level of disclosures have increased since 2018. Unfortunately, most of the disclosures are still vague, generic or focus on positive information. The findings also showed that there is a significant relationship between the typeof industry and the level of biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting. Interestingly, the study found that secondary listed JSE companies have a much higher level of biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting. The research found that there is a significant relationship between the level of reporting and if the company has a biodiversity partnership or has disclosed the importance of biodiversity. Suggesting that companies are beginning to understand the need to protect biodiversity and prevent further biodiversity loss. This change in mindset is, unfortunately, occurring at a slow pace and more needs to be done by companies, stakeholders and society in general. This thesis is the first study to explore biodiversity, ecology and extinction elements concurrently. It is also the first South African study to explore biodiversity, ecological and extinction reporting across a range of industriesItem Balancing the Necessity of Mining Activities and Community Participation in the Pursuit of Environmental Protection(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021-01-31) Laka, Tshepiso JosephinaMining activities result in a myriad of e nvironmental and health impacts. These issues remain to be primarily ignored by mining companies and government departments. The need for public participation in relation to environmental awareness and protection must be taken into account within mining affected communities, u nfortunately, most mining communities are often not aware that they are entitled to an environmental right under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution). Communities suffer from environmental degradation that is inextricably linked to their quality of life and their well- being. Most mining companies fail to protect mining communities from harmful environmental impacts resulting from mining activities. South Africa depends heavily on mining sectors for its socio-economic advancement to such an extent that many millions of people rely on the revenue generated from mine. It is crucial that while mining sectors are pursuing economic developments, the environment, human health and social issues must be afforded the required protection. As such, this thesis explores the environmental harms associated with mining and the importance of meaningful participation. Notably, these environmental injustices can be mitigated by implementing the already established environmental legal framework. This thesis will further critically discuss how mining companies fail to encourage and promote environmental health and wellbeing by not only enhancing public participation within mining affected communities but to also provide communities with concrete measures to promote the ecologically-centred sustainable developmentItem The emancipatory potential of extinction reporting in the public sector : an analysis of trends in South African National Parks(2019) Buchling, Michael CarlSouth Africa is home to biomes which cannot be found anywhere. The rich biodiversity within her borders requires protection from extinction events and activities which can lead to a decrease in biodiversity mass. SANParks is responsible for the conservation and preservation of biodiversity within South Africa and reports on how it meets its mandate not only to protect biodiversity but also to use biodiversity in a sustainable manner which improves the socioeconomic circumstances of local communities. The study is the first to explore biodiversity disclosure themes in a state-owned entity in South Africa, responsible for the conservation, and uses the disclosure to construct an emancipatory extinction account. The study is qualitative, using content analysis to investigate the disclosure themes in the SANParks reports. The findings indicate that SANParks increased the quantum of information on biodiversity over five years (2013 – 2017) suggesting an integrated thinking approach is adopted by SANParks in disclosing biodiversity. While the current disclosure practices of SANParks does not provide a comprehensive extinction account, the results of the content analysis are used to develop a reporting framework which can be used to provide a detailed emancipatory extinction account, drawing on principles from the IIRC, financial accounting literature and biodiversity-related literature. The study adds to the existing body of knowledge by incorporating the six capitals in the extinction reporting framework.Item Evaluating the influence of stakeholder participation in the m&e process of green technology projects (A case study of the SANEDI Biogas Digester Projects in South Africa)(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ndlovu, LinahGreen technology projects have become more recently one of the best alternative strategies for sustainable development against the growing concerns and threats of energy crisis, climate change, population growth and wealth disparity. In the endeavour to fulfil this essence over the past two decades, South Africa has fallen short and demonstrated below average uptake of green technologies compared to other developing countries. Research evidence supports the effective use of participatory M&E of projects and programmes in promoting better project performance, sustenance, and greater adoption of projects. To explore the influence of stakeholder participation levels on the implementation of green technology projects, a qualitative research approach making use of SANEDI’s biogas digester projects as a case study was adopted by this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from eight participants representing internal and external stakeholders. The findings reveal that the level of stakeholder participation in M&E of projects was low to medium amongst external stakeholders during early project stages of inception and planning through to project implementation, monitoring and close out whereas internal stakeholders had high level of participation throughput the project cycle. among internal stakeholders. The low level of participation created downstream challenges in maintaining and operating the biogas digesters, low project acceptance and ownership levels by the community. The study concludes that meaningful stakeholder participation with balanced power dynamics is required throughout the project life cycle. A high level of stakeholder participation amongst internal and external stakeholders in M&E of projects from project inception to closeout allows stakeholders to enjoy decision making benefits that can help create more aligned stakeholder priorities and needs, build better community ownership levels and greater project uptake. The study also concludes that meaningful stakeholder participation supported by the provision and planning of financial resources, training and awareness create an enabling foundation for the sustainable implementation and uptake of green technologies.Item Evaluation of antioxidant properties and neuroprotective effects of methanolic leaf extract of combretum molle in D-galactose-induced aging model of Sprague Dawley rats(2024) Fasemore, Thandi Mamorapelo DorothySeveral physical and biochemical changes in the body occur because of the biological process of aging. As part of natural aging, the brain encounters morphological and functional changes that affect dendritic trees and synapses, neurotransmission, circulation, and metabolism. The brain's high metabolism, elevated levels of lipids, and inadequate antioxidant defences make it susceptible to oxidative stress. A reducing sugar called D-galactose (D-gal) causes a significant build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Combretum molle (C.molle) is a plant rich in compounds that scavenge free radicals and is frequently used to cure a variety of human illnesses in African traditional medicine. This study investigated the potential impact of C.molle on rat brain aging brought on by D-galactose. Fifty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were treated for 90 days and were composed of 5 groups (n=10) as follows: I) Control group received saline and distilled water, II) C.molle only group received intragastric gavage of C.molle (500 mg/kg), III) D-gal only group received a subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (150 mg/kg), IV) CMD 90 group received D-galactose and C.molle simultaneously for 90 days, V) CMD 45 group received D-galactose for the first 45 days and C. molle for the remaining 45 days. The animals underwent behavioral evaluation post-treatment for a further period of 7 days twice a day. The rat’s cognitive function was evaluated through Novel object recognition and object location tests. The C.molle ’s neuroprotection was evaluated through levels of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), Acetylcholine (Ach), Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha including the effects on adult neurogenesis through Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry. The oxidative stress level was measured through the evaluation of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. The C.molle significantly attenuated the effects of D-galactose-induced changes in the hippocampus and cortex, ranging from cognitive capacity, and oxidative stress by increasing GSH, BDNF, Ach, GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD activity. Additionally, C. molle caused a decrease in the levels of MDA, TNF alpha, and AchE activity, and ameliorated reduced cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation brought about by D-galactose.Item The role of institutional arrangement in the development of the agro-processing sector (2011-2015)(2020) Moyo, CynthiaThe study unpacks institutional arrangements which were available when developing the agro-processing manufacturing sector with the milling industry as a case study in the period 2011-2015. In-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents from five institutions (DTI, DAFF, IDC, NAMC and GDARD), FABCOS and Old Mutual Masisizane Fund respondents did not owner the interview invitation which led to the study relying more on secondary data. The key findings revealed that there are common factors that have been contributing to the inefficiencies in policy implementation which includes territorial disputes and policy inconsistency. The study also learnt that there were no concrete institutional arrangements on the ground, thus the network was weak or non-existent. Issues of coordination, information sharing, business practices and moral hazard among the few factors contributed to little or no current visible successes to date which led to policy and network failure. Therefore, industrial policy durations must be introduced to the project at planning phase to avoid lack of participation at implementation phase. Involved institutions need to understand and play their roles rather than focus on how well institutional arrangement is integrated to avoid weak network systems (Provan & Milward, 1995). The institutional arrangements between government and private sector need to be strengthened to avoid or minimize poor business practices on entrepreneurs once they have received funding. Thus, within network systems, mentoring institution need to be included to ensure that businesses are run effectively. Moreover, government need to work together with DFIs for funding purposes as this will ensure that their priority areas are also considered by DFIs when identifying their strategic areas. Agricultural policies must be drafted together with industrial policies because both policies strive to contribute to the national long-term vision such as job creation, poverty alleviation and reduction in inequality (Briones & Felipe, 2013)Item Social capital in community food gardens in Alexandra Johannesburg(2020) Bhayla, Schlain AndreaSocial capital is a common outcome in community food gardens, yet detailed measurement of the concept is often unclear. Little is known about social capital in Johannesburg gardens and how it is mobilised. This research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how gardeners mobilised social capital, and how Nan Lin’s weak-tie position emerged in Greater Alexandra Greening Route gardens. Further, it sought to understand what the theoretical and policy implications of measuring social capital were. Lin’s conceptualization of social capital, resources embedded in a network, was used. The Resource Generator, a social capital measurement tool, was adapted using findings from focus groups and used to measure access to social capital. Semi-structured interviews were used to understand the mobilisation of social capital. Findings suggest social capital is present in GAGR gardens and mobilised to achieve gardeners’ aims. Gardeners may also benefit from expanding gardens to serve a community purposeItem The sustainability reporting practice of the South African mining industry: community perspectives(2020) Memela, Nomathemba MelodySeveral studies have been conducted to understand the contribution of the private sector to the global mission of Sustainable Development through the examination of the Sustainability Reporting practice of these actors. However, the accuracy and effectiveness of this now prevalent business practice as a reflection of true company sustainability activities and performance on the ground is still in question globally. Previous work has investigated this contribution and reporting practice through examining the secondary data of company sustainability reports as a basis, and has failed to look at it from the point of view of the external stakeholders on the ground, at whom the sustainability contribution as well as the reporting practice is normally targeted. Studies and literature in this area has also focused on the developed world, and less so on the developing world, mostly polarised, and most in need of sustainable development. To close this gap, this study focused on the lived experiences of key community stakeholders in order to bring to light and investigate the primary evidence of sustainability on the ground. Anchoring the research enquiry in the socio-political Stakeholder and Legitimacy theories as the dominant theoretical underpinnings of the sustainability reporting (SR) practice, a qualitative inductive case study of two South African mining communities where two different mining company operations are located was carried out. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews as the basis of the analysis process, where the analytical strategy of grounded theory was employed. After which, relevant secondary data was collected from respective company sustainability reports to enable a counter analysis. The findings of the study confirmed a lack of accuracy and consistency between the sustainability reporting of these mining companies and the sustainability reality experience of community stakeholders on the ground. The most basic impacts of mining still remained in the two study settings, disparities were found in how these were reported by the mining companies, and misalignment in the understanding of what constitutes mining impacts and therefore what informs the sustainability priorities of the settings. The engagement of community stakeholders by the mine was found to be poor, with engagement dynamics described as lacking and ineffective. Stark power asymmetries were found in the relationships amongst various stakeholders with the mining companies. Furthermore, the construction and management of mining legitimacy in the two settings was not inclusive of community stakeholders. As a result, only some legal legitimacy existed, social legitimacy of mining was found to be glaringly absent. The overall conclusion of the study was that the SR practice of these companies was found to be lacking. The applicability of the two dominant theories that generally underpin the practice of SR was found to be insufficient in describing the practice of these cases in a developing country setting. Unique structural conditions resulting from South Africa’s apartheid and colonial past, its neo-liberal political economy contributes to this and undermines genuine commitment to sustainability. Evidence suggests an important applicability of institutional theory in this setting. There is also a need to look into indigenous theories for a more culturally-relevant and human-centred approach required in such a developing country setting.Item Taxation in agriculture: A comparative analysis between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramabulana, Khathusthelo Godfrey; Padia, MishaAgriculture is important to the economy and should reduce inequality by creating an environment that is susceptible to creating employment opportunities and ensuring food security (USAID). These factors are the reasons why countries have forgone the opportunity to maximise tax revenue and instead provide certain concession for farming operations. There is a view that though governments need to make investments in agriculture, these investments should not harm producers elsewhere. (OECD, 2019a) By integrating qualitative reviews and comparative synthesis, this study employed a comparative methodology. This study critically analyses the South Africa tax provisions in Agriculture with Australia, New Zealand and OECD guidelines The main findings of the study are that: • Tax concessions are common across countries and that the typology of taxes levied generally fall within a set category. (OECD, 2005) • South Africa provides slightly more concessions than Australia and New Zealand, however the impact of these concessions differ in accordance with the nature and objectives of the concession; • Tax incentives in the farming sector improve the income of farmers directly and are not necessarily focused on the consumers or improving access to food; and • That continued existence of certain concessions may be counterintuitive to economic growth and environmental sustainability goalsItem The extent of biodiversity and species reporting by the top 75 companies listed on the london stock exchange (ISE)(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lai, Timothy; Ecim, Dusan; Maroun, WarrenCorporate activities have significantly contributed to the accelerating decline of biological diversity on a global scale, having contributed to resource exploitation, industrialisation, land-use changes and deforestation in their associated operations. In recent years, the loss of habitats, ecosystems and threatened species has been brought to the attention of the public, mostly as a result of adverse events caused by these organisations in the conduct of their operations. The real impacts and consequences of biodiversity loss, has however, largely remained under-reported resulting in the need for organisations to adopt greater levels of corporate accountability and transparency within their biodiversity reports. This study analyses the primary reports (i.e., annual reports) of the top 75 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) across a three-year period (2018 – 2020). These reports are studied in order to assess the quality and quantity of the biodiversity and species extinction disclosures, with thepurpose of identifying any trends and patterns across the three years. This research also assesses the possible determinants driving biodiversity disclosures. A mixed method approach is utilised. The content in the primary reports is analysed and evaluated to identify biodiversity-related disclosures and categorises them according to the themes outlined in a detailed disclosure checklist developed using the existing professional and academic literature. Secondly, the quantum and quality of the biodiversity and species extinction related disclosures included in these reports will be determined using a standardised scoring system. This paper finds that the biodiversity and species extinction disclosure among the LSE-listed companies has remained low in both quality and quantity. Although there is considerable improvement in the biodiversity disclosures year-on-year, the disclosures remain limited in substance, lacking sufficient detail over the biodiversity-related matters conveyed to key stakeholders. This research provides insight into the environmental reporting practices of UK-listed companies and aims to identify the trends, patterns and weaknesses found within biodiversity reporting. This study expands on the limited volume of literature within the environmental accounting field, to ultimately aid the transformation in corporate reporting practicesItem The influence of plant phenolic compounds on the host range of Coniatus tamarisci Fabr. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a potential biological control agent of invasive Tamarix L. (Caryophyllales: Tamaricaceae) Taxa in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Hatile, Sivenathi Luvolwethu; Byrne, Marcus; Mayonde, SamalesuTamarix L. (Caryophyllales: Tamaricaceae) are halophyte species that are native to Eurasia, North Africa, and southwestern Africa. These phreatophyte trees or shrubs have become prominent and widespread invaders in North America, South America, Australia, and South Africa. In South Africa, the Alien and Invasive Species regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2014 (NEM:BA) has classified invasive Tamarix as category 1b invader, which require control. Thus, three potential biological control agents have undergone laboratory-based host-specificity trials for the long-term sustainable control of Tamarix. The first two of these biocontrol agents, Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Trabutina mannipara (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), both failed the laboratory-based host-specificity trials because they completed their life cycle on the indigenous T. usneoides E. Mey ex Bunge. Previously, potential biocontrol agents were selected based on their native distribution and the phylogenetic relatedness of the invasive weed to indigenous nontarget species. However, it has recently been suggested that secondary metabolites also play a major role in insect host selection, and thus should be considered to improve the selection criteria of potential biocontrol agents. The current study is based on the third biocontrol agent that recently underwent laboratory based host-specificity trials in South Africa, Coniatus tamarisci (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This was in conjunction with an analysis of the potential influence Tamarix phenolic compounds have on insect host selection. The results show that although C. tamarisci could complete its’ life cycle on T. usneoides, the weevil had a low affiliation/risk associated with the indigenous Tamarix taxon. This advocates for the conduction of open field host-specificity trials, which will allow for a better understanding of C. tamarisci behaviour in a natural setting. Regarding phenolic compounds, three phenolic acids have been identified as being significantly prominent in T. usneoides compared to the invasive Tamarix taxa present in South Africa. These are gallic acid, dehydrodigallic acid, and syringic acid. These compounds are associated with protection from plant herbivory, which could explain the behaviour of C. tamarisci when exposed to and reared on T. usneoides.Item The legitimacy of land use planning laws governing the spatial location of urban functions: an assessment in terms of the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights (ICESCR).(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Banda, Felemont Kayulayula Zilale; Coggin, ThomasThe study's primary objective was to evaluate the legitimacy of Malawi's land use planning laws and regulations using ICESCR and Thomistic natural law frameworks. In order to achieve the primary objective, the study sought to explain the scope and nature of states parties’ obligations in the implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights in the urban space; examine the legitimacy of land use planning laws governing the spatial location of urban functions; and analyse indicators of dissonance between discursive practices and written law in the urban space. In pursuit of these objectives, the study used a doctrinal research approach. The study thus analysed legislation, rules, regulations, orders, By-laws, authoritative court decisions, and planning-related literature. The study shows that states parties to the ICESCR do not attach spatial context to the Covenant obligations. As a result, they fail to ensure that the Covenant rights are enjoyed on an equal footing in the urban space among residents of different income statuses. The study has also found that, in order for land use planning laws to be legitimate, the state shoulder the obligation to ensure that the enacted planning laws are for the common good, do not impose unfair burdens on citizens, and are enacted with authority in line with consent and social contract doctrines. Land use planning laws in Malawi do not reflect the economic realities of urban citizens. These planning laws are neo-colonialistic as they principally reflect the European colonial planning paradigm, whose objective was the appropriation of resources to benefit the White settler community in colonial territories. Such a legislative background has resulted in the dissonance between the written law and discursive practices, which has caused a crisis of the legitimacy of land use planning laws as evidenced by massive noncompliance and the state’s inability to enforce the laws in urban spaces. My central thesis demonstrates that the chaotic nature of urban development in Malawi emanates from the state’s failure to enact legitimate fair laws from the perspective of low-income urban residents who are in the majority. The thesis is significant because it has revealed that states must review their laws in good faith and that a Thomistic reading of the laws would assist in aligning them with state-party obligations under the Covenant. Moreover, the thesis highlights the importance of land use planning laws reflecting urban citizens’ socioeconomic needs, which is the principal condition precedent for the legitimacy of laws in the urban spaceItem Transforming natural resource dimensions of the armed conflict in the Central African Republic(2021) Mhlanga, Vonani ArethaThe transformation of contemporary conflicts poses challenges owing to the complexities of the natural resource dimensions of armed conflict. Yet, it presents opportunities for addressing the root causes of protracted conflicts. This study explores how the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) has sought to address natural resource dimensions of the armed conflict in the country and, based on lessons arising, determine the possibilities of conflict transformation. Drawing from the conflict transformation concept, an analytical framework highlighting the interaction of three key elements (actors, context and institutions) guides a qualitative analysis on the positions and interests of the various actors around natural resources. How natural resources are regulated and managed in the country is also examined. I find that it would be challenging to have a national consensus to transform the conflict due to the plurality of actors competing over control of natural resources while also forming opportunistic alliances