Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37957

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-13: Climate action

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    Investigating flood prevention measures adopted in flood-prone areas of centurion, city of Tshwane metropolitan municipality
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kutumela, Ofentse Annah; Leuta, Tsepang
    Globally, many countries such as Mozambique, Afghanistan, India, Brazil, the United States (US) and China among others continue to face the persistent challenge of climate change aftermaths, such as rising temperatures, extreme weather patterns and floods. South Africa is no exception, and similar to other countries, especially in the African continent, they lack strategy on how to respond to climate change impacts owing to continuously changing environmental patterns and trends. Therefore, the United Nations (UN) has drafted and implemented the Sendai Framework since 2015 to address disaster risk reduction worldwide, which goes concurrently with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 13 that deals with a call to Climate Action. The aim of this research was two-fold – first, to investigate prevention measures related to urban planning and land use management regulations that prevent flooding through disaster risk reduction. For instance, interrogating various policies, legislations, plans and programmes that have been sourced to prevent flooding in Centurion such as the Disaster Management Act, City of Tshwane (CoT) Disaster Risk Mitigation Plans, City of Tshwane Flood Incident Management Plan, Water Use Licence Policy, Flood Mitigation Plan and City Support Programme that are categorised as non-structural measures Secondly, to review flood risk reduction and the impact prevention measures that have been adopted in urban flood-prone areas in the CoT, particularly Centurion. The methodology used during this research was the qualitative approach. With this approach, I followed mixed methods research, where in the first stage, I collected primary data through one-on-one interviews through semi-structured interviews, while in the second stage, I conducted site visits as part of my observation. For sampling, I applied non-probability sampling technique known as purposive sampling to select research participants. In analysing the collected data, I adopted inductive thematic analysis to identify, interpret and report the existence of patterns in the data. The aim was to provide meaning to the findings and recommendations of the research. The findings reveal that protection of blue infrastructure is important as encroachment of wetlands continues to be a challenge. Nonetheless, this protection remains preventative measures in the lower catchment. Also, the integration of transboundary municipalities is important as it is not only the town planners' responsibility as professionals to implement disaster risk management but also all internal departments within a municipality. vi Failure to implement urban planning and land use management regulations, policies and or plans within the municipality, especially in Centurion, will potentially lead to significant implications, which may manifest themselves through an increase in debris, sinkholes, more deadly floods along the Hennops River, and adverse impacts as a result of changes in the environment.
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    Alternative Energy Generation in Public Health Facilities (Hospitals): An analysis of the coal-fired to the natural gas-fired central generating system
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nsimbini, Ngcebo
    Coal boilers have historically been a significant source of energy generation in industries. However, their use is associated with substantial environmental impacts that are increasingly untenable in the context of climate change. This research examines the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning from coal-fired to natural gas-fired central generating systems at Helen Joseph Hospital. The researcher chose to focus on natural gas because it is a cleaner and more efficient alternative to coal, making it a viable transitional energy source for decarbonisation in hospital central generating systems. Natural gas functions as a transitional or “bridge” fuel in the global energy landscape. Its relatively lower carbon intensity compared to coal positions it as an intermediate solution that facilitates a gradual shift toward renewable energy sources. This role is critical in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in the short to medium term, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and the reduction of public health risks associated with air pollution. The research looks at the low adoption of alternative energy sources in these systems despite their critical role in supporting essential functions such as heating, ventilation, sterilisation, water, and heating. By focusing on energy transition and decarbonisation, the study aims to identify barriers to adoption and propose strategies for implementing more sustainable energy solutions within healthcare facilities, which are among the highest energy consumers in the built environment and are categorised as part of the commercial sector. Focusing on energy transition and decarbonisation, this study employs a case study approach centred on the Helen Joseph Hospital central generating system. Primary data was gathered through 15 in-depth interviews with purposefully selected key informants. The research methodology used qualitative approaches. The interview data were thematically coded and analysed to address the research questions effectively. The findings stress the importance of a multi-faceted, collaborative approach to improve the transition from coal-fired boilers to gas-fired systems in hospitals, with a strong emphasis on minimizing environmental impacts. The study highlights that calculating an organisation's carbon footprint, including emissions from boiler operations, can pinpoint opportunities for energy transition and emissions reduction. Additionally, this approach allows for progress tracking over time and contributes to achieving broader sustainability goals.
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    Sacred Landscapes Under Siege: "Resolving disputes over mining claims on sacred landscapes in Musina through the legal lens of a Land Court"
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mamabolo, Mokgadi
    The proposed site for this dissertation is situated in Musina in the Vhembe District, close to the Limpopo River, which forms the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. This area is well-known for its varied topography, which includes bushveld and savannah, as well as important natural and cultural landmarks like the esteemed Mapungubwe National Park. Historically, Musina has been successful in trade, farming, and mining which have served as the main pillars of the economy. The town is well-known for having an abundance of mineral resources, including copper, iron ore, and coal, which have made investments and created jobs that have greatly boosted the local economy. The Save Mapungubwe Coalition has been having concerns about “the possible dangerous precedent set by the lack of clarity of the offset created by this agreement. The offset agreement is an important tool for ensuring that (Coal of Africa) CoAL restores all of the ecosystems that have been depleted as a result of their mining activities” (Melissa, 2014). They emphasise the danger mining operations have on archaeological sites and the ecological balance of the Vhembe Region. This dissertation aims to unpack the historical dimensions of eco-centric architecture, particularly focusing on the nuanced relationship between indigenous African mining practices and the surrounding landscapes. It seeks to shed light on the intricate balance between culture, spirituality, heritage, and the extractive mining industry. By examining the temporality of mining and the transient nature of the miner’s experience by looking at lungs as the metaphor of the temporality of breathing. Through a critical analysis of guiding principles employed in eco-centric architecture, this dissertation aims to explore the potential significance of what a building means in a landscape where biodiversity, culture, spirituality, heritage, and mining coexist. This dissertation will address post-mining landscapes through land reparation and restitution, the idea of Land Reparation and Restitution in this dissertation aims to extend beyond environmental rewilding, restoration by studying the legal framework of mining in South Africa and integrating social justice, heritage, and ecological sustainability strategies. The historian Pulido states: “Not merely about returning land to those who were displaced but also about restoring the relationship between people and the land that sustains them” (Pulido, 2018). The land court symbolizes transformation, reconciliation and justice for the environment, biodiversity, and human life. In the context of Musina, this thesis will explore ways of reparation can be conceptualised and executed given the interconnectedness histories of mining, colonization, and indigenous land use in Musina. The land Court will not only solve mining issues in Musina, but it will be advocating for land mining disputes around South Africa. It is influenced by concerns raised by the Save Mapungubwe Coalition regarding the proposed Industrial Park by the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), South Africa’s landscapes are not only resourced but hold so much history, archaeological elements hence preserving these sacred landscape, historical mining site and indigenous knowledges are very important. Lynn Meskell explains that “Archives of cultural and spiritual heritage that reflect centuries of human-environment interaction” are important (Meskell, 2019). An area such as Musina, where we find a national archelogical site, the Mapungubwe Abstract Cultural landscape being approximately 7km from the Vele Colliery, has a coal mine is an indication a historical precedent that the coexistence of mining and scared site is not sustainable. “The Save Mapungubwe Coalition is made up of a diverse range of groups, with expertise in everything from conservation to water and even heritage resources.” (“Mapungubwe Watch - Wits University,” n.d.) Ultimately, it aims to address questions regarding the role of the landscape in addressing the challenges left behind by coal mining and, in turn, how we can embark on the journey of healing the scars inflicted on these environments through ecologically sound restoration efforts, all while honouring the cultural heritage inherent in the site. Through the legal lens, how can we reimagine a land court that advocates for sacred landscapes, community including the mine workers’ lives?
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    Immersed in community : Environmental remediation of a mining-impacted township through collective, participatory agricultural research and production
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shiburi, Katleho
    The term Witwatersrand translates to “the ridge of white waters”. It derives its name from the low sedimentary hills that stretch east-west across the southern part of Gauteng Province. The Witwatersrand mining belt encompasses areas from the East Rand to the West Rand of Johannesburg, including Soweto, and is mainly characterised by its “West”, “Central”, and “East Rand” sectors. The mining of gold in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, has been a primary driver of economic development in the city since its inception. Gold production has influenced Johannesburg’s economic, social, and political histories and left detrimental mining waste evident along the Witwatersrand ridge. This mine waste is produced during the extraction and processing of mineral resources. It often includes waste dumps, slime dams, and other waste storage facilities, which continue to impact the region and the health of communities residing near these waste storage facilities. Issues such as acid-mine drainage and soil pollution, amongst many others, persist even long after the closure of many of these mines. Decades of mining activities have drastically altered the natural landscape and continue to pose environmental and public health risks. Braamfischerville, an RDP settlement situated in the southwest of Johannesburg, is affected by mine tailings that are a stark reminder of gold mining. These tailings are hazardous, posing risks to the health and well-being of residents, the natural environment and livestock within this area through soil contamination, acid mine drainage, and air pollution. In this challenging environment, small-scale community farming has emerged near the mine dump and within residents’ backyards. However, this commendable initiative is overshadowed by the danger it poses due to exposure to harmful dust from the tailings, exacerbating the risks of such agricultural endeavours. Additionally, Braamfischerville grapples with high unemployment, a lack of formal skills development, insufficient communal spaces, and poorly constructed RDP housing, which often lacks partition walls, ceilings, and proper ventilation. These concerns highlight the urgent need for holistic community interventions to address the socio-economic issues prevalent. The proposed intervention aims to repair the toxic landscape by establishing an experimental remediation centre that utilises hemp, a fibrous plant, to remediate the environment. This centre will also provide spaces for research, the manufacturing of hemp into wall and ceiling panels, training, and social interaction, ultimately contributing to the local and township economy.