Electronic Theses and Dissertations (PhDs)

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Peat dynamics in the Angolan Highlands
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) Lourenco, Mauro Cesar; Woodborne, Stephan; Fitchett, Jennifer
The Angolan Highlands is a war stricken, threatened, and under-studied area. The region is hydrologically and ecologically important and supports extensive tropical peatland deposits. Peatland preservation has been acknowledged to address climate change, is sensitive to drought and fire, and is directly influenced by vegetation and hydrological conditions. However, little research has been conducted in the Angolan Highlands. This study addresses gaps in the literature through four key contributions. The first is a critical review of peat definitions: the implications of disparate definitions are detailed, and a new proposed definition for peatlands in the interest of climate science is provided. The second is the first map of peatland extent in the Angolan Highlands, containing details on the age and growth dynamics. The study presents a conservative estimate of peatland extent that is much larger than previously estimated for Angola and is a crucial first step in facilitating the preservation of this deposit. The third contribution is the first historical assessment of drought and vegetation response in the region. This contains a 40-year drought and 20-year vegetation history, demonstrating that drought occurrence is increasing and there is a strong relationship between precipitation and the peatland vegetation region. The fourth contribution is the first assessment of the contemporary (2001-2020) fire regime of these peatlands, and reveals that among all land cover classes, peatlands burn more frequently and at a higher proportion. Investigation into the peat dynamics of the Angolan Highlands indicate that they have critical importance and are naturally resistant to both droughts and fire. Failure to preserve these deposits will have direct implications on the communities, environment, and surrounding areas.
The political geography of hemp Cannabis in South Africa: A development critique
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Moore, Wendell; Mnwana, Sonwabile; Wafer, Alex
The discourse on Cannabis that is generally understood in the public domain, revolves mostly around its recreational uses and more recently its medicinal potential. The plants industrial usages and overall worth to society are often framed in relation to these more popular parts of Cannabis. The study focuses its attention on hemp Cannabis to tell a different story but acknowledges that all the uses of Cannabis are interlinked. Using an extensive desktop analysis, Cannabis webinars and conferences, as well as autoethnography, the thesis shows that there is in fact more to the plant than what first meets the eye. It especially illuminates two important dimensions of Cannabis that are often overlooked when discussing the plant. Firstly, by its nature Cannabis is political, which is deeply embedded in how the plant is understood in the geographic diaspora of the Global South. Secondly, it shows that any serious social scientific analysis of contemporary Cannabis development must think through how the ways of knowing, produced during prohibition, will become a part of the plant’s future. This thesis therefore argues for an appraisal and maintenance of the historical resistances of Cannabis used prior to legalization, if its development in the legal era is to be successful. To be sure, such innovative and alternative models of practical development should become a standard part of the geographies of all work economies. Moreover, making use of these forms of resistance is not about Cannabis gaining the approval from ‘the market’. In fact, the skills learnt while labouring for Cannabis, when it was prohibited, has become such a permanent feature of its development that liberal democratic consent is not an option. Therefore, the thesis proposes that Cannabis development delink from the prohibition narratives inscribed onto the plant. It continues by showing that the current medicalisation of Cannabis only updates gatekeeping models. Hence, an agrarian alternative was suggested that consolidates all the uses of Cannabis without undermining any one part of the plant. Lastly, the thesis documents the possibilities of gaining access into the industry for black people, the poor working class and women. What it argues is that ownership, just employment and leadership of Cannabis industries in South Africa must be repurposed so that ordinary people can also play a part in making sure the plants contemporary development is truly sustainable. Taken together, this is the critique of development that the political geography of hemp Cannabis in South Africa reveals.
The role of institutional arrangements in post-flood disaster management in South Africa, focusing on Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, Mphela Township and Ncakubana Communities
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Nyide, Sindisiwe; Grab, Stefan; Simatele, Mulala Danny
South African officials and communities grapple with various matters after flood disasters. This thesis used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches to explore possible systematic and structural weaknesses in addressing post-flood disasters in South Africa. The study investigated whether post-disaster management in disaster-vulnerable urban and rural communities contributes towards disaster resilience and adaptive capacity to achieve sustainable development. The need stemmed from the Country's high frequency and magnitude of disasters, including floods, droughts, and fires. The Government implemented different policies and strategies after 1994 to address flood disasters. While acknowledging some success in managing these disasters with the current adaptive measures, the frequency and intensity of disasters have increased, causing significant loss of life, environmental damage, and properties, particularly among the vulnerable population. Since this was a national study, participants came from across South Africa. The random sampling selected 35 Ncakubana Village and Mphela Township community members. Other selected participants were seven and six focus group members, respectively. In contrast, purposive and snowball samples chose 34 disaster management officials. Moreover, the purposive sampling selected two ward councillors and six advisory forum members. There were open-ended and closed-ended questions in the interview schedules and questionnaire surveys. The researcher also used observation to gather information on variables of interest during transect walks in the study areas. The study conducted an intensive documentary analysis to obtain more information. Descriptive statistical techniques, Microsoft Excel, and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences were employed to examine the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was for qualitative data analysis to review data from open-ended questions and literature. The study employed Atlasti software for inductive content analysis to identify research codes and themes and the Word Cloud tool to visualise textual data. For quantitative results, 33 disaster management officials responded that disaster-specific Acts and Policies are in place. According to 21 disaster management officials, or 62% of all participants, their organisations have vulnerable groups' specific policies. Multistakeholder complications were the most frequently mentioned challenge by participants. They mentioned them 23 times, 68% of the total participants. Challenges stated, among others, included funding and administrative matters. Most of the respondents, 75% identified funding as the biggest problem. Qualitatively, the thesis uncovered that disaster management is a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary field. Although various institutional arrangements exist, they do not seem appropriate for assisting vulnerable groups post-disaster. Floods appeared to be the most frequent natural disaster in South Africa. Floods severely affected vulnerable people, particularly women, the elderly, children, and people with physical disabilities. While officials have made some progress on implementing post-flood disaster projects, they appear inadequate to assist vulnerable groups in dealing with floods. Furthermore, regrettably, despite the level of success in addressing disasters, most measures have failed to achieve the intended results for various reasons. The participants identified multiple tangible and intangible opportunities. They subsequently proposed that Disaster Management Centres develop various noteworthy documents, intensify the dissemination of post-disaster information across numerous platforms, obtain post-disaster funding and adequate personnel, and establish or revitalise structures. The suggested consolidated long-term measures by the participants yielded a proposed South African Post-flood Disaster Checklist or Model, which was non-existent in South Africa. By implementing more effective and efficient post-disaster measures, the proposed tool can help policymakers and strategic partners standardise post-disaster resilience and adaptive capacity in various sectors' sustainability contexts. The aim is to have post-flood disaster resilient communities with adaptive capacity to achieve sustainable development.
Cartographic History, the Post-Colonial Landscape and the Agricultural Settlement Scheme: A Case Study of Citizen-Based Mapping in Northeastern Ibadan Rural Hinterland
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Ogundiwin, Babatunde Adedayo; Wafer, Alex
Maps of economic imagination provide visual insights into alternative agrarian spatial thought. This thesis examines visual contribution to reconstituting agricultural subjectivity. It explores the potential of citizen-based mapping in consolidating alternative visions of the agricultural settlement scheme. Visualisations are integral in the discursive technologies of post-colonial state policies that produce modern agricultural subjectivity. On one hand, these state cartographic strategies involve othering practices of subaltern agriculture. On the other hand, there are resurgent ideas of community-based agricultural schemes verbalised amongst subaltern groups. Hence, there is an ongoing political-economic struggle of visions mediated by visualisation and verbalisation. Drawing upon theoretical literature in spatiality, postcolonialism and governmentality, the thesis explores taken-for-granted knowledge, sites of economic difference and silenced voices/visions on the post-colonial agricultural landscape. Using Northeastern Ibadan rural hinterland of Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria, as a case study, the thesis argues that visualisation offers insight into counter-narratives and alternative reframing of the agricultural settlement scheme. This study employed a multi-method qualitative approach involving the critical historical reading of state maps, ethnographic analyses and mapmaking techniques to visualise and summarise developmental concerns and aspirations. The thesis demonstrates that state imaginative geographies strive in shaping agricultural identities and subjectivities. Recently, these cartographic legacies of state rationalities seek the active consent of the citizenry in the drive toward state-sanctioned neoliberal imaginary. The study contends that the post-colonial state in Nigeria envisions a large-scale agricultural development rather than supporting smallholder subaltern agriculture. Hence, there is intentional and unintentional involvement in visual disinformation and engagement in anti-political economic imaginations of subaltern agriculture. However, the visualisation of verbalised counter-narratives contesting state developmental visions and alternative imaginations of the agricultural settlement scheme unveil anticipatory spatialities desiring a break from economic decline and stagnation in rural hinterlands. This transformation of imaginaries into visual images emphasises new perspectives and new insights renegotiating the political subjectivity of subalterns. This thesis demonstrates that visual geographies of subaltern aspirations offer alternative visions of the agricultural settlement schemes.
Climate Variability and Asset Adaptation of Small-scale Farmers in Zimbabwe's Gokwe South District:A Search for Knowledge Integration Approach
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-05) Chatsiwa, Jaison; Simatele, Mulala Danny
Globally, climate change and variability threaten food production and security for an unforeseeable future leaving millions of people vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition related diseases. Climatic models are projecting that Zimbabwe’s climate will be hanging drastically with a high possibility of experiencing extreme weather patterns impacting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. This study aims to investigate the role of asset portfolios in reducing the climate vulnerability of small-scale farmers of Gokwe South in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s agricultural production both crop and livestock production has been negatively impacted due to the dwindling rainfall and increase in temperature and climate related risks and disasters. The quality and quantity of asset portfolios determine the adaptive strategies and their success against the challenges of climate variability. Despite these effects, small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district are using their asset portfolios to increase their adaptive capacity and resilience to fight against the challenges of climate variability. Therefore, this thesis revealed a paradigm shift from asset vulnerability to pro-poor asset adaptation. The paradigm shift crafted the ‘Theory of Change’ which is useful for climate variability adaptation strategies in the Gokwe South district as the small-scale farmers change from asset vulnerability to asset adaptation. The Theory of Change encourages contextual analysis of the area and theme under study. A Theory of Change is a method that explains how a given intervention, or set of interventions, is expected to lead to specific development change, drawing on a causal analysis based on available evidence. This study used the Participatory Climate Change Adaptation Appraisal (PCCAA) as the primary data collection tool and the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) known as the emancipatory methodology, to collect data in rural areas. A mixed methodological approach involving qualitative and quantitative was applied. We used thematic content analysis to analyse qualitative data collected during the data collection exercise. During the study period, computer-Aided Qualitative Data Software was used to store data in a sorted manner. The parametric variables were coded using the Predictive Analytic Software. This enabled to performance of statistical analysis and obtaining descriptive statistical outcomes were obtained. The assessment of the effect of the factors on climate adaptation strategies was done through the Likert scale. Indigenous knowledge remained widely used as a source of climate knowledge in the Gokwe South district. The research results showed that indigenous knowledge (IK) is unpredictable, productive assets and adaptive assets are inadequate, technoscience and institutional support are poor support to implement viable adaptation strategies is lacking, and poor distribution and dissemination of climate and weather information to small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district is poor and asset portfolios and asset mix is poor. The available asset portfolios determine the adaptation strategies used in the Gokwe South district. Results show that climate vulnerability varies spatially and temporally across the Gokwe South district. The studied five constituencies for the Gokwe district have a mean vulnerability index of 3.04 with the highest index being 5 as being well adapted. Sengwa and Mapfungabutsi are highly vulnerable to the vagaries of climate variability in the Gokwe South district. The researchers recommend strong institutional support from the government. The fact that small-scale farmers should integrate their IK and modern science climate knowledge small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district should adopt proactive or anticipatory adaptation, government climate-smart agricultural policies, and a bottom-up approach to climate variability. The quality and quantity of asset portfolios are key resources affecting the level of vulnerability to climate variability. The asset mix was seen to be significant in reducing the vulnerability of small-scale farmers in Sengwa and Mapfungabutsi, constituencies worst affected due to poor asset endowment of farmers in the Gokwe South district. The results have shown that the financial asset is the most important asset affecting vulnerability because it can be converted into other assets through buying. Weak institutional intervention renders many small-scale farmers helpless to climate variability, and the government is not fully supporting small-scale farmers to increase their adaptive capacity and resilience.
Social vulnerability in the adaptation of rural communities to climate change in Imo State, Nigeria
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Okoro, Franklin Chimaobi; Knight, Jasper
Rural communities in developing countries such as Nigeria are faced with frequent extreme weather/climate events that impact their economy, health, and environment due to the combination of high social vulnerabilities, low social resilience, and low adaptive capacities. The aim of this study is to investigate the root causes of social vulnerability in rural communities in Nigeria and how rural households use their social capital and networks to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The study used ten (10) social vulnerability indicators (factors) to ascertain their influence on social resilience and adaptive capacity during climate related disasters. To achieve this purpose, three communities in Imo State, Southern Nigeria were selected, and distributed 240 structured questionnaires to rural household heads, interviewed 18 local stakeholders and climate change actors (government agencies), and conducted three (3) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with group of farmers from the three selected communities. The questionnaire survey, interview, and FGD guides contained open-ended questions that allowed participants to report freely. The quantitative data derived from the questionnaire survey were subjected to descriptive analysis using SPSS while the qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to derive relevant themes for discussions. The result of the study shows that social vulnerability is a function of age, gender, education, household size, income, sources of livelihood, disability, means of transport, access to healthcare, and alternative accommodation being available during climate emergencies. The study further shows that social vulnerability of rural residents was exacerbated by societal vulnerability influenced by political, economic, cultural, and social factors. Although there are other weather/climate extreme events (disasters), however, the most prominent is floods, constituting 48.3% of the weather/climate events experienced in the study area with its impacts requiring more efficient climate adaptation strategies other than the traditional measures like relocation/migration, use of early maturing crop varieties, early planting and harvesting. However, rural households drew support from government, NGOs, and oil companies but the help from family members, friends, neighbours, social group members (social networks) were more beneficial and helped more rural residents to improve their social resilience. The study recommends that rural residents be encouraged to join social groups since their memberships in such groups will help to improve their social resilience, and that government and its agencies should engage multi-stakeholders in their genuine efforts to develop more effective measures for climate change adaptation.
Palynological insights into an 11,700-year sequence of vegetation change in mashishing, Mpumalanga, northeastern South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Olatoyan, Jerry O.; Schoeman, Alex; Neumann, Frank; Sievers, Christine; Orijemie, Emuobosa; Evans, Mary
In this thesis, the issue of distinguishing anthropogenic and climatic drivers of vegetation change was explored through the analysis of pollen, phytoliths and microcharcoal in core sediment records from Mashishing Fen in the Thaba Chweu Municipality, Mpumalanga province, northeastern South Africa, that date from ca. 11.2 – 11.7 ka BP to the present. In southern Africa, generally, the distinction between the contributions of anthropogenic and climatic factors to vegetation changes poses a complex challenge in palaeoenvironmental research. This difficulty often arises due to limited, well-dated palaeoenvironmental sequences suitable for correlations between archaeological and palaeoecological records. For the last 2000 years, there has been a scarcity of direct evidence for farming, such as grains and other domesticated plants, and pastoralism. A further difficulty is that some plant taxa may be indicators for intense droughts but also signify anthropogenic disturbances. At the centre of the thesis are three papers. The first comprises a synthesis of existing literature of archaeobotanical evidence that was done to evaluate the relationship between climate, anthropogenic activities, and vegetation change during the first millennium CE in southern Africa. I focussed on this context in the paper because it is a time in which the arrival of pastoralism and farming in the region makes it the most likely period during which distinct anthropogenic vegetation change occurred. The published data demonstrates that microfossil assemblages are potential indicators of anthropogenic activities of pre-European pastoralists and farmers of the region, with patterns including a decline in tree pollen and increases in microcharcoal, spores of coprophilous fungi, open land/disturbance indicators, and ruderal species. The second paper addresses some of the limitations of palynology as a method. A modern pollen- and phytolith-vegetation study was conducted on surface sediment samples linked to the botanical survey of five vegetation survey plots at and around Mashishing Fen to investigate the relationships between the modern pollen and phytoliths in the surface samples and the contemporary vegetation within the area. The results support the accepted view that pollen and phytoliths often do not track similar vegetation signals. The modern pollen assemblages clearly track forest and wetland vegetation, and the modern phytolith assemblages reflect grassland vegetation in the area. The study confirmed that differential phytolith and pollen production, dispersal and preservation substantially influence the proxy records and that combining phytolith and pollen data provides a more accurate basis for plant fossil interpretations in palaeoenvironmental studies. The results of this paper constrained my interpretation of the pollen data used in the third paper. Finally, pollen, spores and microcharcoal data from the core sediment records from Mashishing Fen (formerly the Lydenburg Fen) provide palaeoenvironmental records for approximately the last 11,2 to 11,7 ka years–most of the Holocene. The data is interpreted through the patterns identified in the first paper, including potential indicators of anthropogenic activities. The data of the earlier period provide a backdrop to possible anthropogenic change in the first millennium CE; the extended data illustrate paleoenvironmental changes that took place in a region occupied by hunter-gatherers but predate any possible anthropogenic influences by pastoralists or farmers. The core data suggests that the early Holocene began with moist and warm conditions that were followed by fluctuations between wet and dry conditions during the mid-Holocene and the decline of trees with the dominance of open-land indicators during the later Holocene, thereby providing the basis for correlating the palaeoecological records with the archaeological records in the region
Assessing livelihood vulnerability and adaptation to climate variability and change among farming households in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Hassan, Buhari; Knight, Jasper
It has been projected that sub-Saharan Africa would be severely affected by climate change in form of persistent and increasing climate variability. Nigeria’s situation as a developing country coupled with the fact that agricultural activities are primarily rainfed, provides a suitable case study in which to assess the vulnerability of farming households to climate variability and change. Lack of data on the nature and extent of vulnerability to climate variability (particularly annual changes in rainfall and temperature patterns) on food production systems and livelihoods in Nigeria hinders the development of effective policies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and variability. The study aims to improve understanding of the socio-economic, institutional, biological and physical factors that contribute to vulnerability of farming households to climate change and variability in Nigeria. By combining descriptive, participatory and statistical analysis as well as field observations, this research develops a holistic approach to assess the level of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of farming households. Multistage sampling was used to purposely select communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, for the study, while farming households were randomly selected for the household questionnaire survey within four communities. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants for interviews. Observation and taking photographs of farmers’ activities were used to complement the other data collection methods. Qualitative data was analysed using descriptive and content analysis, while the quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (v 27) and Microsoft Excel (v2020). The level of vulnerability of farming households was determined using the Sustainable Livelihood Approach. Results show that farmers are exposed to climate variability in form of changing rainfall patterns which includes late onset of rains, dry spells, and early cessation of rains and crop loss due to pests and disease infestation. Results show that the vulnerability of farming households can be linked to access to household livelihood capital assets and that households are characterised by low levels of financial, social and physical capital. Smallholder farming households adopt a range of on-farm and off-farm adaptation strategies including changing planting time, crop diversification, engaging in irrigation farming, intensifying the use of fertilizers, manure and agro-chemicals to boost crop yield, and planting of disease-resistant and drought-tolerant crop varieties. Farming households experience a number of challenges which include a lack of financial resources which has a strong influence on enhancing other capital assets such as physical and natural capitals; poor access to mechanised agricultural equipment, lack of training on how to deal with climate change and variability, limited access to improved crop varieties as well as a lack of institutional support, which constitute serious barriers to adaptation to climate variability. In applying these results to climate change adaptation it is recommended that policymakers need to institute specific and implementable climate change adaptation policies that will enable farmers to utilize their capital assets on effective adaptation measures and also engage in viable alternative livelihood diversification strategies, enhance agricultural productivity and resilience and improve institutional support including access to information and training
From Coal to Renewable Energy: Perspectives on South Africa's Energy Transition for a Sustainable Future.
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sebele, Temperance; Simatele, Mulala Danny
South Africa has been experiencing an unstable electricity supply for years, leading to periods of load shedding from 2007 up to the present date. The electricity shortages have been attributed to distinct reasons, ranging from inefficient coal supply, skills shortages, sabotage by employees and lack of maintenance for nearly sixteen years. In addition to the electricity supply shortages, coal-fired electricity generation is responsible for roughly 80 per cent of South Africa’s total greenhouse gas emissions due to fossil fuel dependence, leading to many health, climate, and environmental challenges. To address the challenges related to fossil fuel dependency, moving to Renewable Energy sources that are climate and environmentally friendly is a necessity. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal approaches that South Africa can embark on for a successful transition from coal to renewables. The institutional, policy, and strategic frameworks that exist within which South Africa can embark on for a successful transition were explored. Furthermore, the study sought to identify the challenges, and opportunities that exist or hinder the transition in South Africa. Lastly, the study explored how developments in the international policy frameworks influence South Africa’s ambitions to transition to renewables. The study is best suited to the pragmatism approach, and data were collected through the reviewing of literature, key-informant interviews, and questionnaires. A mixed-methods strategy that involved gathering both qualitative and quantitative data was employed and primary and secondary sources of data were used. The primary data sources used included key informants from various private and public institutions with an interest in South Africa’s energy matters such as ESKOM, SANEDI, SANEA, SAREC, SAPVIA, SAWEA, SAIPPA and NECSA. The non-probability sampling method was used in the participants’ selection from the sampled study institutions, with a combination of judgmental, snowballing and convenience sampling procedures employed at distinct phases of the research. Data collected was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively, with interviews text data transcribed and analysed through manual tabulation and thematic analysis, and presented in graphs generated from Microsoft Excel, and the data from questionnaires analysed through the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study revealed that the government played mainly four leading roles in the energy transition, which were providing financial support, legislative direction, institutional direction, and project oversight. Financial support is provided through financing projects and setting up financing policies that promote renewable energy investment, and legislative direction is provided through policy development and ensuring efficient implementation. Providing institutional direction is ensured through ensuring coordination across all spheres of government and capacitating institutions involved in the transition, and project oversight is provided through setting out renewable energy capacity determinations. The study further identified key energy transition elements, namely infrastructure, governance, legislation, stakeholders’ perceptions, and skills and strategies for a successful transition, which included channelling adequate financial resources to the renewable energy sector, privatisation of the electricity utility, diversification, rolling out bid windows, improving the legislative framework, improving grid access and integration, skills development, localisation of RE components manufacturing, providing incentives, and increasing consumer awareness about renewables. Several barriers to the transition were also identified, which included political interference and corruption, lack of financial investment, policies/legislation inadequacy, inconsistency in rolling out bidding windows, ESKOM’s monopoly, high cost of renewables, deficiency of incentives, skills and technology, labour unions, and deficiency of awareness on alternatives. The study recommends multisector reskilling of employees, since not all employees in the coal value chain may be interested in or able to be absorbed in the Renewable Energy sector. Furthermore, the government should fund and support progressive technologies and business models, improve the quality of institutions through merit-based appointments and uprooting corruption, privatisation of ESKOM to create opportunities for new entrants in the electricity market and improve stakeholder engagement and community support programmes. The UNFCCC must develop and ensure the implementation of enforcement strategies for holding countries accountable for their climate commitments for the transition to be realised
Mapping and assessment of informal settlements using object-based image analysis, a case study of Mamelodi, Tshwane, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mudau, Naledzani; Mhangara, Paida
The social and environmental challenges faced by people living in informal settlements or slums are widely recognized by development agendas including United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063 and National Development Plans. The study aims to investigate informal settlement dynamics and spatial characteristics to generate an understanding of housing informality and environmental conditions for designing innovative sustainable solutions. The study assessed the use of 12 spectral indices and textural measures, and object-based image analysis (OBIA) technique to detect informal settlements from WorldView 2 images. A growth indicator that uses informal settlement extent and impervious surface was developed and used to assess informal settlement growth patterns between 2005 to 2020. Unmanned aerial vehicle image products, and landscape metrics were used to assess the spatial characteristics and patterns of backyard shacks and free-standing informal settlement structures. In addition, a settlement surface ecological index was developed and used to assess the ecological conditions of informal settlements. Lastly, the assessment of the location characteristics of informal settlements was done using ancillary data. The results show that the use of built-up index, coastal blue index and first order statistics mean textural measures and OBIA technique detected informal settlements with producer and user accuracies of 95% and 82% respectively. The developed informal settlement growth assessment indicator shows that informal settlement in 2020 had a slightly lower density of impervious surfaces than in 2005. The Euclidean Nearest-Neighbour Distance, Aggregation Index and Cohesion Index show that backyard shacks are less connected, less dense, and more isolated than freestanding informal settlement structures. Some informal settlements have better surface ecological conditions than some of the formal settlements. A higher extent of informal settlements continued to develop closer to formal settlements, rivers and railway lines between 2015 and 2020. The information demonstrated in this study can be used by local authorities to better understand and manage informal settlement developments, prioritize settlement upgrade projects and improve the environmental conditions and resilience of informal settlements
Towards the co-management of natural resources in protected areas in South Africa: a study of the Silaka nature reserve, in Eastern Cape province
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kostauli, Mzwabantu Richard; Mokotjomela, Thabiso Michael; Simatele, Mulala Danny
The pressure in the management of South Africa’s natural resources in protected areas has led to the development of land policy and the process has undergone important changes since the dawn of democratic rule in 1994. This process started when land claimants were expected to interact with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to submit land claims based on land dispossession since 1913. The Silaka Nature Reserve as a research site is one of the protected areas on the Wild Coast Region of the Eastern Cape Province that has seen the land restitution process completed. Considering the land being claimed, the study aimed to investigate the management effectiveness as a protected area while promoting sustainable community development. A combination of different ethnographic methods was applied to collect data for this study. The study largely followed a qualitative research approach for data collection. The research questions were aligned with the community involved in the land restitution processes, applicable legislative frameworks, co-management activities, roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders and the alternative strategies suitable to promote sustainable use of natural resources, and community development to reduce conservation conflicts. This study applied a purposeful and snowball sampling strategy to acquire primary data to select research participants from the relevant government institutions, traditional leadership, local community structures and specific individuals who gave specific views or opinions on specific issues relevant to the study. Interpretivism research philosophy has then been used to demonstrate the application of qualitative research approaches for improving complex and controversial issues and to highlight some land reform and natural resource co-management challenges. Interpretivism was used to demonstrate the present understanding of complex and controversial issues. The findings revealed several gaps and deficiencies in the land restitution processes including the implementation of co-management activities pursued. The uncertainties with the neighbouring communities are a result of the limited involvement of the key stakeholders during the land restitution process. The findings also pointed to partial implementation of co- management activities. Simultaneously, the participants also viewed the protected area as an important community asset from which benefits can be derived. The significance of this study was aimed at influencing South Africa’s policies on land restitution and co-management of natural resources in protected areas. The limitations of the study were that it only focused on land restitution processes and co-management of natural resources at Silaka Nature Reserve. It is recommended that the natural resource management plans need to be reviewed to create reasonable access to natural resources by local communities, and the inclusive co-management agreement must be developed and implemented. It is also recommended that the reserve should venture into a Community Public Private Partnership with a private investor for commercial activities to reinforce capital to diversify mechanisms for income generation and job creation for local people. For future research studies, it is recommended that further investigation on socio-economic impacts of protected areas on adjacent local communities be pursued
Perspectives on the role of stakeholder engagement and participation in river basin management in South Africa: a study of the hennops river
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) James, Lucien; Simatele, Mulala Danny
As a country that already faces hydrological and climatological challenges, South Africa’s socio-economic situation further complicates River Basin Management. This is observable through the state of rivers in the Gauteng Province such as the Hennops River. Like other rivers across the country, the state of the Hennops River is alarming, being affected by multiple sources of pollution. The state of the Hennops River Basin is observably affected by Tembisa, a poor former township area that has contributed to the pollution of the upstream Kaalspruit tributary. While the community of Tembisa contributes to the Hennops’ degradation, the potential of stakeholder engagement and community participation in Integrated River Basin Management is yet to be harnessed. The aim of this study was to investigate in what ways stakeholder and community engagement, mobilisation, as well as participation can be harnessed to promote sustainable River Basin Management considering the Hennops River Basin as a case study. The objectives of this study were to (1) analyse existing policies and frameworks which promote stakeholder engagement and community participation in River Basin Management in South Africa, (2) identify challenges and opportunities that hamper and facilitate sustainable River Basin Management through stakeholder engagement and community participation in South Africa, taking the Hennops River Basin as a case study, (3) create a sustainable model through which stakeholder engagement and community participation can be harnessed towards effective River Basin Management, and (4) Contribute to the body of knowledge on the role of stakeholder engagement and community participation in River Basin Management. Through a research design involving key stakeholders and the community, new insight was gathered about their potential through engagement and participation. Data were gathered from Key Informants, interviews, focus group discussions, as well as clean-up campaigns, which included a campaign hosted by the researcher. Findings of this study suggest that although policy supports the engagement, participation, as well as the mobilisation of stakeholders and the community, implementation thereof has been challenged. At community level, implementation is further challenged through community disinterest, a lack of support or funding for disparate initiatives, and lack of political will to address community issues. Key stakeholders, namely NGOs have taken it upon themselves to address River Basin Management. However, their initiatives are self-reliant and therefore unsustainable. Several conceptual models to address River Basin Management in South Africa are proposed. These models address (1) the implementation of policy through the establishment of effective institutions, (2) the role of the NGO in River Basin Management, (3) the funding of small projects or initiatives, (4) an approach to wicked problems in the community, and (5) the relationship between government, stakeholders, and the community. Together, these models are argued as some of the ways the potential role of stakeholder engagement and community participation can be harnessed as part of a framework for sustainable River Basin Management in South Africa. Opportunities exist to better understand stakeholder engagement and community participation, particularly in the context of leadership and agency. The framework presented as the result of this study opens the doorway to new possibilities for the implementation of policy and new approaches to water governance
Integration of Sustainable Development Principles and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Energy Optimization in Gold Mining in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) Nadunga, Irene; Simatele, Mulala Danny
South Africa located in the sub-Saharan African region and being a mining-intense country, is reported to be affected by extreme weather events which are increasing the country’s vulnerability to climate change impacts and therefore reducing the chances of achieving sustainable development. In light of this, mining companies are being pressured to make strong commitments towards implementation of sustainable development principles for sustainable mining. This study therefore aimed at investigating how sustainable development principles and climate change adaptation measures are interlinked and structured; and embedded in a gold mining company’s policies and strategies, in an effort to build the mining operations’ adaptive capacity and resilience against the impacts of climate change and achieve energy optimization. The challenges that can potentially prevent the effective integration of the sustainability principles and adaptation measures were also explored. Using a case study approach, this study was centered on the gold mining operations located within the Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa. Research data was collected from multiple sources, therefore employing a mixed method approach by applying the concurrent triangulation technique. Different analytical tools of policy, content and inductive data analysis, and descriptive statistical data analysis were applied. The empirical evidence shows that the gold mining operations are faced with increasing operating costs associated with the increased energy consumption and implementation of costly mining practices in an effort to combat the impacts of extreme weather events caused by climate change. This affirms that a relationship exists between climate change and energy use in gold mining. In an effort to address climate related risks and energy security, gold mining operations are implementing energy efficiency measures and using renewable energy in their energy mix; which measures are seen to integrate sustainability principles, therefore adopted as sustainability adaptation measures. In addition, some mining company policies and strategies are also seen to integrate sustainability principles and adaptation measures, in an effort to guide the mining operations in effectively developing and implementing sustainability adaptation measures, designed to holistically address climate related risks and energy security. This affirms that a relationship exists between sustainable development principles, climate change adaptation measures and energy optimization. This therefore, implies that sustainability principles and adaptation measures can be integrated to form sustainability adaptation measures, and that gold mining companies have the potential to achieve sustainable mining and contribute to sustainable development, particularly achieving SDG 7 and SDG 13.
Compost-assisted phytoremediation of mine tailings and footprint areas using chrysopogon zizanioides (l) roberty enhanced with moringa leaf extract biostimulant in the Witwatersrand goldfields of South Africa: a sustainability initiative
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mlalazi, Nkanyiso; Chimuka, Luke; Simatele, Mulala Danny
In the Witwatersrand goldfields of South Africa, mine tailings and footprint areas are significant environmental problems because they are major sources of toxic metals. These metals can leach into soils, and both surface and ground water, causing serious risks to human, animal, and plant life. In this study, the compost-assisted phytoremediation of tailing storage facilities (TSFs) and footprint soil using Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver grass) enhanced with moringa leaf extract (MLE) was investigated. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to identify the most favorable parameters, and was followed by a field study to test the optimized parameters under real-environment settings. For the greenhouse experiment, a 3×2×2 fully crossed factorial design was used to determine the optimum variables. Vetiver growth was assessed under three compost concentrations (0%, 30% and 60%), two types of MLE (laboratory extracted MLE and commercial MLE) and two application regimens (once a week and twice a week) were used. The biomass and metal concentrations in the vetiver grass roots and leaves were measured after sixteen weeks followed by a two-way ANOVA analysis and the post-hoc tests. All the vetiver that was planted in 0% compost died within four weeks regardless of the MLE treatment. Vetiver grass planted on the 60% compost amendments and sprayed with laboratory extracted MLE had the highest biomass production, followed by plants grown in 30% compost amendments and sprayed with commercial biostimulant. However, the heavy metal removal or uptake data by the plant was inconclusive, as most of the toxic metals were not removed by vetiver grass which was attributed to the effect of compost. Based on biomass data, the 30% compost amendment and commercial bio-stimulant was the ideal treatments for the phytoremediation of gold mine tailings using vetiver grass. Although metal accumulation by plants is one of the attributes considered in phytoremediation, it is not the most significant factor in the phytostabilisation process. Plant growth and biomass production are the most significant, therefore it is concluded that vetiver, MLE and compost can be used in the phytostabilisation of gold mine tailings, however reduction in compost may be considered in future to improve the accumulation of metals in the roots for improved results. Following the conclusion of the greenhouse study, a field study was conducted during the rainy season of 2021. Two field experiments were carried out concurrently at two sites: the footprint area (that was used as a rock dump) and the tailings storage facility (TSF 4). A split-plot design was used in this study. The experiment at each site assumed a 3×1×2 factorial design, with three levels of compost treatment (0%, 15% and 30%), 1 level of vetiver cultivar (Chrysopogon zizanioides), and 2 levels of MLE treatment (commercial MLE and tap water, both sprayed once a week). Three blocks measuring 1 m × 2 m, each with 20 holes filled with equal amounts of soil amended with the different compost levels were prepared in triplicates. A single vetiver grass slip was planted in each hole. The blocks were then divided into 2 sections, each with 10 holes, and commercial MLE was sprayed on one section, while only water was sprayed on the other section once a week. After sixteen weeks, three plants were harvested from each section and the number of leaves, leaf length, number of tillers, biomass for roots and leaves and element concentrations were measured. Data analysis was done using two-way ANOVA
Reassessing the stratigraphy and formation of the basal deposits at Klasies River Main Site with a multiscale and multiproxy approach
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Morrissey, Peter; Wurz, Sarah; Mentzer, Susan
The basal deposits at Klasies River Main site, associated with the MSA I and II lithic cultural phases and dating from >120 ka to ~80 ka, have yielded highly significant archaeological assemblages and human fossils across multiple phases of excavation since the late 1960s. These finds have contributed to a growing understanding of the appearance and intensification of modern human behaviours and provide rare insight into Homo sapiens anatomy during the early parts of the Late Pleistocene. The three recesses occupied during this period represent distinct depositional environments with differing degrees of attractiveness for human activities. Significant climatic, environmental, and geomorphic changes, including large fluctuations in sea level, occurred, impacting formation processes within the site complex. Stratigraphic relationships across a space like this would always be complicated but understanding them here is even more difficult because there are not continuous deposits between the recesses for all or part of their respective sequences. Geoarchaeological research has taken place alongside all three phases of excavation at Klasies. Until Sarah Wurz began her field programme in 2013, this work entailed macroscopic descriptions of standing sections (at differing resolutions) and the sedimentological analysis of bulk samples. Given the finely laminated nature of many of the deposits, even higher resolution bulk sampling resulted in the incorporation of multiple visible deposits into individual samples in many cases. More recently, archaeological micromorphology and other microscale analyses have been applied to deposits in the site complex by Susan Mentzer and colleagues. This work has provided important new insights into human behaviour and the spatially and temporally variable impacts of different diagenetic processes. Here, field observations of standing sections and microcontextual analysis are used to provide greater insight into the formation of deposits in two areas of the site complex. This information is used, along with unpublished field notes and profile drawings and critical engagement with the extensive, but seldom detailed, literature to assess and refine stratigraphic correlations of the basal deposits both between different recesses and different stratigraphic systems (the layers used in the initial excavations and the excavation units grouped into members and sub-members in subsequent work). The results demonstrate that the formation of any particular deposit could involve any number of combinations and relative intensities of different depositional and post- depositional processes. Furthermore, the interplay between geogenic, biogenic, and anthropogenic processes is often significant. Anthropogenic deposition has long been recognised as being highly significant at Klasies, but it is now also clear that humans played a major role in reworking sediment through daily activities during occupations, very likely including trampling and site maintenance activities. Chemical diagenesis had a major impact on the preservation of anthropogenic features, but variations in the intensity and frequency of anthropogenic deposition also influenced how susceptible deposits were to diagenesis. It has proven possible to correlate between the two stratigraphic systems in Cave 1B, a particularly understudied area of the site complex, providing clarity on the cultural association of a highly significant human fossil. The overall stratigraphic system used at the site complex is now also better understood, both in terms of correlations and the nature of the system. Finally, this study highlights the utility of a multiscale geoarchaeological approach to site complexes like Klasies for understanding site formation and stratigraphy. It also highlights the vital, but often ignored or underplayed, connection between site formation processes and stratigraphy, especially in such a complicated context.
The Role of Climate Change Governance in Community Adaptation in Kwazulu-Natal: A Study of uMkhanyakude District Municipality
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sibiya, Nomfundo Patricia; Simatele, Mulala Danny
It can be argued that, although South Africa has developed good climate change initiatives, policies, and strategies, the implementation of these policies seems to present difficulties, as those for whom they have been developed do not seem to have any knowledge of their effectiveness in helping them build resilience against extreme weather events. Additionally, the findings demonstrate the existence of structures tasked with coordinating climate change matters across all government sectors affected, comprising inter-departmental arrangements, departmental arrangements, other institutions, and stakeholders. The inter-departmental arrangements consist of forums whose purpose is to ensure inter-sectoral coordination of climate change matters. The national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment assumes leadership and coordination responsibilities in developing and implementing responses to climate change adaptation in South Africa. The findings also revealed that government officials employed at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment unanimously believe that the institutional arrangement of climate change at the national level effectively drives the climate change agenda. Conversely, government officials at the provincial and local levels exhibit diverse perspectives regarding the effectiveness of the institutional arrangements. Consequently, one can posit that there is inadequate coordination of climate change adaptation horizontally among national government departments and sectors affected by climate change impacts, as well as vertically between national, provincial, and municipal governments. This study divulged various barriers to climate change adaptation in South Africa, including insufficient financial resources, inadequate human capacity at provincial and local levels, limited political resolve at the local level, deficient comprehension of climate change adaptation issues among communities, insufficient coordination across government levels and sectors, absence of legal mandate at the local level, absence of climate change units at the district and local levels, lack of knowledge among certain staff members entrusted with environmental responsibilities at the local level, inadequate climate change plans in place at the local level, and utilisation of outdated climate change information in the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). This study proposes that policies should be jointly designed and implemented with vulnerable groups, based on local knowledge, and tailored to the specific needs of those most affected by climate change (e.g., women, the impoverished). There is a necessity to establish operational institutions that are dedicated to fulfilling their mandate, supporting communities, and fostering robust partnerships among civil society, the public sector, and the private secto
A GIS framework for the integrated conceptualisation, analysis and visualisation of Gauteng's complex historic and contemporary post-mining urban landscape
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Khanyile, Samkelisiwe; Esterhuysen, Amanda; Kelso, Clare
This research study applies assemblage theory as a philosophical lens. It proposes a framework for integrating contemporary and historical landscape characteristics of post-mining and urban landscapes for an integrated conceptualisation, mapping, and analysis of Gauteng, South Africa. The study utilises a mixed methods approach, incorporating spatial and non-spatial (literature and survey) data of varying formats to identify landscape characteristics. Additionally, it applies three multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and GIS mapping techniques, employing a simplified rationale to keep its complexity low. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was analysed using a thematic analysis. The literature and survey analysis findings were used to inform the development of a framework demonstrating the integration of Gauteng's post-mining and urban landscape characteristics using a fuzzy overlay, weighted overlay and random forest classification, along with an accuracy assessment of the mapped results. Based on the proposed framework, the mapped results' performance was evaluated through four methods: confusion error matrix, cross-evaluation, areal coverage comparison, and an image differencing assessment. The literature and survey analysis findings, used to inform the framework, reveal that the two landscapes consist of an assemblage of characteristics and highlight differences in the characterisation of post- mining and urban landscapes. Distinctions were also apparent between literature-derived characteristics and those identified from local experts. The local expert-derived characteristics demonstrate context- specific characteristics of Gauteng's post-mining and urban landscape. At the same time, those based on the literature emphasise a more distinct and separate portrayal of post-mining and urban landscape characteristics (pages 115-116). The characteristics identified from local experts were less conservative (pages 117-118). They included urban-related characteristics in the description of post-mining landscapes and mining-related characteristics in the description of urban landscapes, presenting some similarities in the characterisation of these two landscapes in Gauteng. Moreover, the findings from local experts also revealed that literature and other written or mapped work informed most definitions of post-mining and urban landscapes. The framework for integrating landscape characteristics (pages 121-123) was spatially represented through the three mapping methods, visually demonstrating several findings providing insight into the Gauteng landscape's uniqueness. First, it demonstrates that the differences in the characterisation of these landscapes also impact how they are spatially represented. The maps of post-mining and urban landscape characteristics based on the literature presented a similar pattern to the traditional mapping of mining and urban landscapes in Gauteng. These mapping techniques show the highest values across the mining belt and at the province's core. These findings highlight the influence of literature on the representation of these two landscapes, which is consistent with local experts' reports. In all three mapping methods, the maps generated from local expert characterisations of post-mining and urban landscapes presented a larger spatial footprint than those based on literature-derived characteristics. This distinction was attributed to incorporating additional post-mining and urban landscape characteristics in the maps based on expert input and applying the three mapping techniques - using representation methods not commonly used in mapping these landscapes. Second, the integrated maps of post-mining and urban landscape characteristics suggested a variance in the presence of post-mining and urban landscape characteristics across the province in the maps generated using fuzzy and weighted overlay techniques. This indicates that some parts of the province have a higher or lower presence of post-mining or urban characteristics (pages 125-132). These findings were visible in the maps generated from literature and local experts, indicating the diversity of both landscapes and the co-existence of post-mining and urban landscape characteristics in the local expert maps. This implies an intricate relationship between these landscapes, challenging the idea of them being strictly separate, as indicated in maps presenting characteristics identified from the literature. Furthermore, a closer inspection of the areas showing the intersection between post-mining and urban landscape characteristics also points towards the porosity of boundaries of these two landscapes and alevel of spatial overlap, organisation and arrangement, which are prevalent at varying levels (pages 164- 168). Third, the maps generated using literature-derived characteristics achieved higher accuracy scores, attributed to using reference data traditionally used to map the two landscapes under investigation. This reference data only comprised classes that characterised the physical mining and urban classes, consistent with those identified in the literature. Consequently, it lacked additional factors characterising the post-mining and urban landscape identified from local experts. The fuzzy overlay maps informed by literature demonstrated an accuracy exceeding 70% for post-mining and urban landscape characteristics. In comparison, those reported by local experts scored 64. The weighted overlay and random forest classification resulted in accuracy rates exceeding 50% for post-mining landscape characteristics maps, regardless of whether literature or expert-derived characteristics were used. Additionally, urban landscape characteristics maps achieved an accuracy of over 76%, regardless of the characteristics used to inform the mapping. These findings were attributed to the different mapping techniques employed, with fuzzy and weighted overlay using a gradual range scale, while random forest classification employed a binary scale. This highlights how different mapping methods affect the representation of space. Additionally, it demonstrates the versatility of these mapping techniques in mapping complex spaces such as post-mining and urban landscapes. In this study, the fuzzy overlay accuracies exceeded 60% for all maps and emerged as the most suitable choice for integrating landscape characteristics due to its ability to represent blurred and porous boundaries between Gauteng's post- mining and urban landscapes. In conclusion, the study challenges the notion of post-mining and urban landscapes as distinct landscapes, emphasising the importance of considering the varying levels of spatial intersection between these two landscapes. With the proposed framework and the alternative representation of these landscapes, including contextual information, this research provides insights into new conceptualisations of urban, post-mining landscapes and mineralised urbanisations as assemblages of different landscapes and characteristics with porous boundaries. This enables a better understanding of Gauteng's post-mining and urban landscapes, which could benefit the representation, communication and management of these landscapes. Recognising the potential applications and limitations of frameworks such as the one developed for this study, the high-level recommendation arising from this study suggests a need for ongoing research into the contextual representation of landscapes and their characteristics. This can be achieved by incorporating input from communities, conducting research on quantifying intangible landscape characteristics and developing tools that facilitate the automation and alignment of such data with development plans.
The nineteenth century Matabele settlements on the South African Highveld
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Van der Merwe, Renier Hendrik; Sadr , Karim; Fowler, Kent
The rise of the Zulu kingdom in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has been a topic of historical research since the 1870s and coincided with increased conflict within the area. The development of the Matabele as a distinct cultural grouping was a gradual process that occurred for decades. Although, initially, only a small group of Khumalo (a northern Nguni clan that formed the elite of the Matabele), they soon started to incorporate the surrounding Sotho/Tswana communities. A clear understanding of their archaeological signatures is needed for Matabele sites to be identified on the landscape. No clear archaeological signature has yet been developed for the Matabele. Therefore, this project aims to describe the organisation of the Matabele military settlements and determine how they evolved during the migration from KwaZulu-Natal to southern Zimbabwe. A settlement organisational model was created that determined that the Matabele and Zulu had a similar settlement organisation, with important differences that allow for individual identification of each group’s settlement. Furthermore, the Matabele utilised perishable material in the construction of the settlement, with no mention of the use of stone found within the historical accounts. Consequently, a difference existed between settlements constructed by Matabele viewed as Nguni and those not regarded as Nguni. This Nguni-non-Nguni divide was also reflected in the presence or absence of the Nguni culture among the inhabitants. This model was then used to develop a Matabele settlement signature that could be used to locate these settlements on the landscape via the use of satellite and multispectral satellite images. A satellite images-based survey was then undertaken to find potential Matabele settlements between Zeerust and Millvale, with 667 potential sites being identified. With the identification of these sites, archaeological excavations can be conducted to develop a clearer understanding of the Matabele. As our knowledge of the Matabele improves, it will allow for a more detailed examination of the northern Nguni as a wider cultural grouping.
The Role of Social Impact Assessments in Skills Development and Sustainable Communities in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition from Coal: A Study of Carolina and Kriel Mining Communities in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Chidzungu, Thandiwe; Wafer, Alex
The study investigated the role of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) in addressing skill development needs and community sustainability issues in relation to a Just Energy Transition (JET) away from coal to the renewable energy sector in the Kriel and Carolina coal mining communities in Mpumalanga, South Africa. It had the following objectives: To explore the sustainability perspectives in the energy transition from coal to a low-carbon economy. Secondly, to examine the skill development needs within the energy transition from coal to the renewable energy sector in the coal industry in the two coal mining communities under study. Thirdly, to evaluate the potential of SIA as a strategy for assessing and addressing the social impacts of an energy transition from coal to the renewable energy sector on the two affected communities. Lastly, to recommend SIA as a policy entry point that the government can leverage in the Just Energy Transition policy framework in South Africa. A qualitative research approach, including quantitative techniques, was adopted. The primary data was collected through online and physical, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. A desktop study was used to collect secondary data. 230 participants, comprised of 60 experts and 170 community members, were engaged in the study. The participants were sampled using systematic, purposeful, random, and convenient sampling techniques. The researcher attended six webinars, two conferences, and two community forums on coal mining and renewable energy, where she gleaned some of her data and met some of the study participants. The Theory of Change was used as the theoretical framework. Findings on community sustainability issues in the two study areas reveal a lack of public participation, an increase in unemployment, and poor policy enforcement in land reform, affecting agriculture as the energy shift from coal to the low-carbon economy unfolds. They also point to cultural disruptions linked to possible internal relocations to make way for Renewable Energy (RE) infrastructure and gender disparities in economic participation that can threaten community sustainability. On a positive note, findings alongside the reviewed literature point to the growth of new economic opportunities linked to JET both in the affected regions and elsewhere, further creating employment opportunities. However, jobs created elsewhere may see relocations of the active group, affecting community stability and hence sustainability in the sending coal areas. Findings also highlight the perceived improvement in environmental sustainability linked to a reduction in pollution as clean RE technology is introduced, which improves health and agricultural yields as water, air, and soil quality are improved, thereby impacting community sustainability positively. With regards to skills development needs, the findings show low levels of educational attainment among the youth, a high rate of school dropouts coupled with poor school attendance, and a poor establishment of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, all of which will impact skill development during the energy transition. The study submits that the advocacy role of SIA can influence a rethink of curriculum design and fuel the creation of a skills needs assessment in line with the vocational system and Renewable Energy (RE) sector labour market demand. Moreover, it advocates for local action plans to support skills development through adult literacy centres for school dropouts and Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) to promote school attendance and the taking of STEM subjects targeted at females in schools and vocational colleges, who are disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts. With regards to the potential of SIA as an effective tool for addressing the social impacts of an energy transition, the study demonstrates that SIA can facilitate the identification of the social impacts and promote a deeper understanding of these impacts through its grassroot-level engagements. As well as facilitate the addressing of these social costs through sector-literate SIA teams, multi stakeholder collaborations, and community engagements. Furthermore, in the evaluation of developmental projects, SIA highlights the gender and age constraints of the social change process that need to be considered in JET’s socio-economic impact mitigation efforts. The findings further point to the consistency of SIA with the Grassroots Theory of Change, which articulates that change is made through collective action by communities regarding a problem or problems affecting their lives (Stachowiack, 2013). SIA is also demonstrated as a potential tool for strategic planning to identify current needs and opportunities that resonate with the "Policy Windows Theory of Change" by John Kingdon, which involves launching in-depth investigations of problems and providing constituent feedback as one application technique for advocacy (Coffman, 2007). All these attributes afford SIA the opportunity to fuel distributive, procedural, and rectificatory justice as the JET unfolds, making it better placed as an entry point to socially oriented policies. This positions SIA as a strategic tool that can assist with impact mitigation for JET-related social costs associated with skill development needs and community sustainability issues. The study, however, condemns the once-off process accorded to SIA and advocates for its use as an ongoing process as the JET unfolds to allow for continued monitoring and assessments and, hence, effective impact mitigation.
Shooting at a Moving Target: The Complexity of Evaluating and Monitoring the Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change of Local Government Institutions in South Africa: A Study of the Eastern Cape Province.
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Gadu, Siyaxola Ernest; Simatele, Mulala Danny
It is no longer a myth that natural catastrophic events associated with varying climate are increasing globally, with severe and devastating consequences in poor countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many of the world’s poor people reside. Thus, the emphasis on adapting to varying climate is no longer optional, or a deferred problem into the future, but rather an urgent matter of concern which must be considered to be a policy priority. Countering the retrogressive climate variation challenges on economic development and ecological degradation, the South African government has, in the last two and half decades, embarked on the progressive formulation of different policy instruments and strategic frameworks to curb and minimise the effects of climate variation on all economic sectors. Applying research techniques from the qualitative research approach and existing literature, this research explored the complexities of evaluating the institutional adaptive capacity to climate change in municipal institutions of South Africa, with particular focus on the Eastern Cape Province. The research outcomes indicate that, although much remains to be achieved, some level of success has been realised, particularly in the space of policy formulation, albeit with a poor record of implementation. While the policy sounds good and is solution-driven, the implementation of the programme at local levels to achieve the desired goals, however, remains a significant challenge due to institutional and capacity challenges. In addition, the research further highlighted the fragmented climate change governance system which has posed significant systemic challenges, and these have tended to constrain decision-making and implementation processes. The institutional and capacity challenges create an unconducive environment for adequate coping strategies, and an evaluation of institutional adaptive capacity at municipal level across the country. The study findings also stressed the prominence of indigenous knowledge, and the alliance between the opportunities presented by climate variation and Sustainable Development Goals. This study further emphasized the importance of developing a reliable system to assess and monitor the institutional coping capacity at municipal level that can compare adaptive capacity of different institutions and assist in resource allocation

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