Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (ETDs)

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A Bridge to Belonging: An Inclusive Living and Day Care Community in Benoni, South Africa for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dias, Jessica Teixeira; Gwebu, Nomonde
Recognising the challenges faced by families of special needs individuals as their children transition into adulthood, this research aims to bridge the gap in services for adults with autism spectrum disorder by establishing tailored support communities that address their unique needs. Furthermore, it seeks to develop a design approach that prioritises the well-being and comfort of individuals with autism, encouraging their sense of belonging. The methodology will include a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative research will involve questionnaires and a comprehensive desktop review of site analysis, statistics, literature, and precedents. The qualitative research will involve a combination of fieldwork and interviews. Site visits, precedent visits, observations, and photographs will provide firsthand insights into existing facilities and the experiences of individuals with autism. Email communications and semi- structured interviews with various participants will gather diverse perspectives on the topic. The design will take on a holistic approach to supporting its users, which primarily includes the residents, day program participants, and their families. The principal focus of the proposed development will be a learning and therapy centre, complimented by a residential and communal component. Additionally, the development will include a public park and commercial spaces for vocational opportunities. The primary research will delve into the realm of environmental psychology, exploring frameworks such as place attachment and place identity theory, the sense of home, and sensory processing theory. The secondary themes will include prospect and refuge theory, deinstitutionalisation, ergonomics, and sustainable practices. To fully understand the needs of the users, the research will also examine the delivery of services required by the National Healthcare Act for persons with intellectual disability. The proposed architectural style prioritises clarity and simplicity to create a comfortable home-like environment that minimises sensory overload. This approach offers a promising pathway toward promoting social inclusion for individuals with autism. By cultivating community engagement while respecting the need for privacy and moments of solitude, the design aims to create a haven that is both inclusive and supportive.
A Comparative Study of the Efficiencies of Vertical Bracing Practices
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Saunders, Shawn Wayne Valintino; Elvin, Alex
The efficiencies of cross sections and configurations applied to vertical bracing are investigated by evaluating reference configurations (RCs), composed of cross braced circular hollow section (CHS) members, against comparative configurations (CCs), consisting of cross-braced Angle members, and single-CHS members. The metrics used to evaluate efficiencies were mass, raw materials costs, and fabrication and erection costs. CCs were found to be more efficient than RCs for most analysed cases, metric and configuration dependent. The following results were found: i. Mass metric a. Crossed-Angle more efficient in 79% of analysed cases. b. Single CHS more efficient in 87% of analysed cases. ii. Raw materials costs metric a. Crossed-Angle more efficient in 92% of analysed cases b. Single CHS more efficient in 88% of analysed cases iii. Fabrication and erection costs metric a. Crossed-Angle more efficient in 90.4% of analysed cases b. Single CHS more efficient in 88.5% of analysed cases Inversions of the efficiency parameter findings, with RCs more efficient than CCs, were observed when: i. RC CHS member slenderness ratios were less than 80-90. ii. CC design loads were greater than 225 kN, 1200 kN and 1500 kN for mass, raw materials and total cost efficiency metrics, respectively
A Conservationist Menagerie: Redefining The Johannesburg Zoo ThroughA Multi-Species Educational Facility
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Jacob, Anneline
This architectural project seeks to rectify the injustices that the human-wildlife conflict has had on captive, injured and displaced wildlife and their welfare. Throughout the years human have exerted their dominance over wildlife and the current relationship between humans and animals is described as hierarchical and demonstrates a power dynamic whereby humans view themselves as superior to wildlife. This dynamic and the absence of animals which used to be a part of daily life has resulted in a lack of tangible experiences between species resulting in a knowledge gap and poor understanding of animal welfare. This research project will explore the relationship between humans and wildlife in the context of the Johannesburg Zoo which has faced increasing disapproval from the public as its current design fails to provide adequate landscape habitats and ecological aware facilities for animals, thereby decreasing the educational value and overall experience for the animals and visitors, threatening the welfare of the animals. The zoo represents the ideal testing environment due to its possession of animals in stimulated environments. As one of the largest sites that house wildlife within an urban landscape, it facilitates daily human interactions and is the ideal space to observe co-habitation and multi-species relationships. This will facilitate the development of an alternative zoo model which aims to draw lessons from the precedent "Multispecies Design" by Daniel Metcalfe to influence a shift in the power dynamic by creating interactions that will promote respect between humans, wildlife and nature. This will facilitate reconciliation enabling learning so that humans and animals develop a kinship that fosters coexistence and coadaptation to eliminate conflict and captivity, building wildlife welfare and maintaining resources for future use. The research will be directed through an explorative approach that will include a series of photographs, mapping, and research tabulations to gain an understanding of wildlife habitats and how they may be adapted and recreated in the urban landscape. The research will make use of film and comic-like graphics to illustrate the design and spaces representative of a utopian world, which may be created but has not been accomplished yet.
A Data Science Framework for Mineral Resource Exploration and Estimation Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) Muhammad Ahsan, Mahboob; Celik, Turgay; Genc, Bekir
Exploring mineral resources and transforming them into ore reserves is imperative for sustainable economic growth, particularly in low income developing economy countries. Limited exploration budgets, inaccessible areas, and long data processing times necessitate the use of advanced multidisciplinary technologies for minerals exploration and resource estimation. The conventional methods used for mineral resources exploration require expertise, understanding and knowledge of the spatial statistics, resource modelling, geology, mining engineering and clean validated data to build accurate estimations. In the past few years, data science has become increasingly important in the field of minerals exploration and estimation. This study is a step forward in this field of data science and its integration with minerals exploration and estimation. The research has been conducted to develop a state-of-the-art data science framework that can effectively use limited field data with remotely sensed satellite data for efficient mineral exploration and estimation, which was validated through case studies. Satellite remote sensing has emerged as a powerful modern technology for mineral resources exploration and estimation. This technology has been used to map and identify minerals, geological features, and lithology. Using digital image processing techniques (band ratios, spectral band combinations, spectral angle mapper and principal component analysis), the hydrothermal alteration of potential mineralization was mapped and analysed. Advanced machine learning and geostatistical models have been used to evaluate and predict the mineralization using field based geochemical samples, drillholes samples, and multispectral satellite remote sensing based hydrothermal alteration information. Several machine learning models were applied including the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Generalized Linear Model (GLM), and Decision Tree (DT). The geostatistical models used include the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Kriging with different semivariogram models. IDW was used to interpolate data points to make a prediction on mineralization, while Kriging used the spatial autocorrelation to make predictions. In order to assess the performance of machine learning and geostatistical models, a variety of predictive accuracy metrics such as confusion matrix, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and a success-rate curve were used. In addition, Mean Absolute Error, Mean Square Error, and root mean square prediction error were also used. The results obtained based on the 10 m spatial resolution show that Zn is best predicted with RF with significant R2 values of 0.74 (p < 0.01) and 0.7 (p < 0.01) during training and testing. However, for Pb, the best prediction is made by SVR with significant R2 values of 0.72 (p < 0.01) and 0.64 (p < 0.01) for training and testing, respectively. Overall, the performance of SVR and RF outperforms the other machine learning models with the highest testing R2 values. The experimental results also showed that there is no single method that can be used independently to predict the spatial distribution of geochemical elements in streams. Instead, a combinatory approach of IDW and kriging is advised to generate more accurate predictions. For the case study of copper prediction, the results showed that the RF model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy, consistency and interpretability among the three ML models evaluated in this study. RF model also achieved the highest predictive efficiency in capturing known copper (Cu) deposits within a small prospective area. In comparison to the SVM and CNN models, the RF model outperformed them in terms of predictive accuracy and interpretability. The evaluation results have showed that the data science framework is able to deliver highly accurate results in minerals exploration and estimation. The results of the research were published through several peer reviewed journal and conference articles. The innovative aspect of the research is the use of machine learning models to both satellite remote sensing and field data, which allows for the identification of highly prospective mineral deposits. The framework developed in this study is cost-effective and time-saving and can be applied to inaccessible and/or new areas with limited ground-based knowledge to obtain reliable and up- to-date mineral information.
A linear vibration isolator integrating a non-linear energy sink (nes)
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Waite, Clinton; Li, Kuinian
This report investigates the integration of traditional linear vibration isolators with non-linear energy sinks (NES) to enhance vibration control in structures subjected to dynamic loading. Structures often respond to dynamic loads—such as machinery vibrations, seismic activity, and environmental factors—by vibrating at their natural frequencies, potentially leading to resonance and structural failure. Vibration isolation and damping systems, such as linear isolators and NES, mitigate these effects. Linear isolators are effective at higher frequencies but have limited performance at lower frequencies, while NES systems offer broader frequency- range effectiveness. This study explores the effectiveness of combining these systems to optimize vibration control. Through simulation of both simple and complex setups, the research compares the vibration response of traditional linear isolators, NES-integrated isolators, and NES systems combined with additional damping elements. Key findings demonstrate that integrating NES with linear isolators significantly reduces peak transmissibility and improves vibration reduction under harmonic and seismic loading. However, the integration's effectiveness varies depending on system configuration and specific loading conditions, highlighting the need for further optimization. The study also presents a parametric analysis for designing vibration control systems tailored to diverse applications, offering valuable insights for engineering practice in reducing structural vibrations.
A model for integrated tourism infrastructure planning in the South African public sector
(2024) Chettiar, Shamilla
Infrastructure supports competitiveness, productivity and economic growth. While planning is critical for co-ordination and delivery of infrastructure, integrated infrastructure planning models remain elusive. Integrated infrastructure planning is especially important to derive maximum benefits from limited public sector funding. This research focussed on infrastructure planning in the tourism context. Within the complex South African public sector planning system, the responsibility for infrastructure and tourism planning lies with multiple departments at national, provincial and local government spheres. Tourism infrastructure needs can therefore best be addressed through integrated planning. This thesis presents the results of a qualitative, multi-method study. Various methods, such as reviews of documents, key-informant interviews, focus groups and case studies were utilised to gather data. The research also contains the reflections of the researcher who has extensive experience in public sector planning. The research question was: “What are the key elements of a model for integrated tourism infrastructure planning undertaken by the South African public sector?” The model proposes three key elements - a National Tourism Spatial Development Framework; Regional Tourism Masterplans; and a Tourism Infrastructure Strategy and Plan. A People component has also emerged as being significant for the effectiveness of the model. The study further confirmed that the model will support the integration of tourism, economic, spatial and infrastructure planning and development. In the long - term integrated public sector tourism infrastructure planning in South Africa, should yield greater public sector investment, stimulate greater private sector investment, and ultimately support the growth and competitiveness of the tourism sector. This research makes a significant contribution to knowledge for integrated infrastructure planning.
A Symphony of Sakina: Using mosque design to facilitate community development in Mooiplaas
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Jaffer, Raeesah; Janse van Rensburg, Ariane
This research report studies Mooiplaas Informal Settlement in Pretoria, South Africa. The research first discusses the developmental challenges of this marginalised community and then investigates ways in which informal settlements can be developed. It explores the design and application of a Mosque complex, focusing on its potential to facilitate community development. Mooiplaas has a growing Muslim population, and a Mosque is a fundamental requirement to facilitate prayer. The Mosque is further investigated to understand its significance and functionality in community settings throughout history. Previous developmental initiatives undertaken have not reached full potential to holistically address the needs of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Mooiplaas. Thus, this research investigates ways the Mooiplaas community can enhance resilience and sustainability by applying the Mosque complex as a fundamental instrument for future development initiatives. The proposed Mosque can facilitate social and economic upliftment within the settlement by providing spiritual development and education and promoting social cohesion.
Acid[c]ity - Undamning the Dam: Wicking of the Harmony Gold Mine Dam Through Algae Exploration
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Le Pere, Justine; Doermann, Kirsten; Daskalakos, Christos
This project discusses the need to help fight against the effects of mining on water, and to help the surrounding environment and community. A large emphasis is placed on the use of algae to treat the water from the Harmony Gold Mines’ tailings dams, and the facility plays host to this natural water treatment method. The facility provides the space for water resource management and water treatment education to take place. The community of Tshepisong Phase 2 lies north of the facility and acts as the activator of the facility. Without the community needing to collect water for use at home, the facility would not have a strong sense of integration into the township. The layout of the facility allows the layers of privacy to help aid the program, and the program allows the facility to be transparent to its visitors and the neighbouring township.
Action volume ratio: a method to classify the danger of lightning in any given volume
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2015-05-07) Dickson, Andrew Stuart
The annual number of injuries and fatalities from lightning has, over the last century, been on a steady decline. This is primarily due to urbanisation and movement away from agriculturally intensive activities. In countries with a high urban population, the incidence of lightning fatalities is below 1 death per million people per year. However, in countries with a larger rural population, this rate is significantly higher, ranging between 8 and 15 deaths per million people per year. There has been a large drive towards educating the general public about the dangers of lightning and methods to avoid being in a dangerous situation. However, fatal lightning events still occur on a regular basis. There are currently no methods to determine the risk of lightning to living beings in open spaces. The international standard (IEC 62305-2) provides a method for the assessment of risk to living beings within a structure, and up to three metres outside of it. Considering that the majority of deaths by lightning occur outdoors, a method of determining these risks is necessary. The Action Volume Ratio (AVR) is proposed as a new method for the analysis of the danger of lightning in any volume. It considers the dangers of all lightning injury mechanisms in relation to the objects in the space, which are assumed to be the preferential points of strike. A union of the dangerous volumes is then formed, and a ratio to the total volume is created. The AVR uses accepted electrical engineering equations to determine the dangerous areas, and places no reliance on probability theory, which can, in many cases, skew the results of a lightning risk analysis process. The AVR can be combined with lightning ground flash density data to indicate the incidence and frequency of dangerous events within a given volume.
Addressing high dimensionality in water quality modelling in water distribution networks
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Machweu, Morongwa Ednah; Taigbenu, Akpofure
Water quality models are the most effective tools for characterizing water quality conditions, assessing the effects of water pollution, and supporting decision-makers with water quality management. They can be utilised for detecting the variations in the water quality parameters. Despite the usefulness of water quality models, an appropriate and simple water quality descriptor for a particular application, considering the high dimensionality of various water quality parameters, remains a challenge (Chapman, 1992). To address this high dimensionality, a single dimensionless index is commonly used to describe water quality for a particular application. While pollution loads at various points in a river reach have been widely assessed by studies using water quality indices, little research has been done on water distribution networks with service reservoirs and a variation of loading conditions. In a water distribution network, service reservoirs function similarly to rivers in that they have complicated mixing mechanisms, are subject to a variety of water quality factors, and are sized and located differently. The most common water quality indices require the formation of subindices and weights to avoid ambiguity, eclipsing and rigidity. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) does not require the formation of sub-indices and weights, thus providing a simplified way of describing water quality. This study investigates the use of the CCME WQI to address high dimensionality in water quality modelling of water distribution networks, taking into consideration the locations of multiple service reservoirs. This study was carried out primarily for decision-making and design optimization purposes only. Using EPANET 2.2, four hydraulically optimised solutions (which satisfied minimum pressure requirements) were further analysed for water quality performance. This was achieved by incorporating simulated data on three water quality variables (chlorine residual, water age and THM concentration) into the CCME WQI for a hypothetical water distribution network, Anytown. The results indicate that two of the four hydraulically optimised solutions achieved excellent water quality levels. This study has demonstrated the usefulness of a dimensionless index as a proxy for multiple water quality variables of a water distribution system in facilitating decision-making.
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.
Alternative Tenure Options as a Stepping Stone for Urban Land Reform: The Case of Kwa Mai Mai Muthi Market
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mnguni, Thobeka; Maina, Miriam M.
This research uses qualitative methods to investigate the case of the Kwa Mai Mai muthi market located in the central business district of Johannesburg where over the decades informal traders have converted their trading units into residential homes. This case is used to respond to the research question, ‘To what extent is taking administrative action to improve land tenure by offering communities rights to occupy urban land feasible and necessary for advancing the urban land reform agenda?.’ The research acknowledges that popular approaches to improving tenure by converting insecure tenure rights to statutory ownership through the Deeds office has had limited success and resulted in efficiencies due to the high costs and the resources intensive nature of this approach. Instead, the research recommends a necessary transition to improving tenure in innovative, context-specific ways that work to build on existing settlements through taking low-cost and low LOE administrative action.
An application of John Rawls' principles of social justice to planning: issues arising from the implementation of the national housing subsidy programme in the inner City of Johannesburg
(2024) Oelofse, Michael Gerald
John Rawl' s conception of social justice has had a fundamental influence on liberal ethics yet its practical implications for distributive planning have rarely been considered in any comprehensive way. This is the key contribution of this thesis. Using the South African housing subsidy system, it examines how distributional policies may be structured to benefit the least advantaged and explores the consequences of their implementation in Johannesburg's inner city. Based on a literature review, it argues that Western planners often place the responsibility for distributional decisions on political processes, or concern themselves with maximising the public good without addressing the consequent allocation of the costs and benefits among members of society. Contemporary planning theory continues to avoid the substantive c.9ntent of social justice. Confronted with what seem to be equally valid, often competing conceptions of social justice, planners focus on the fairness of planning procedures instead of taking normative, principled positions on distributional outcomes. However, just procedure alone does not guarantee a just outcome. This requires adherence to some predefined set of distributional principles, and Rawls' political conception of social justice is presented here as a reasonable and compelling option for planners. Drawing on the author's practical experience, this thesis traces the liberal influence on the formulation of housing subsidy policy in South Africa and argues that national policy generally conforms with Rawlsian distributional principles. However, an empirical analysis of the housing sector in Johannesburg's inner city reveals that its impact is dissipated by a lack of local commitment to the original principles. Conflicting development principles and a failure among many residents to honour the obligations attached to housing benefits compound the problem. This thesis concludes that Rawlsian principles of social justice in combination with the contemporary communicative turn in planning provide planners with a powerful means of placing social justice on the development agenda, but that these principles require championing because conflicting principles and interests continuously place the needs of the least advantaged at risk.
An assessment of the Angolan mineral taxation regime: considerations for possible improvements on government´s revenue
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Africano, N´djamila Hilifavale Borges; Mtegha, Hudson
Angola is host to 36 of the 51 critical minerals in the world and ranks third in mineral exports, totalling over USD 1 billion in 2020, and third in diamond production; Botswana and South Africa hold the top two slots, respectively. These untapped opportunities make the Angolan mining industry an excellent place to invest despite the mining industry contributing less than 1% to GDP and has yet to become a driver of economic diversification. In June 2022, Angola joined the EITI, bringing a welcome improvement in the transparency of the sector´s governance and reform, intended to attract new investors. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the Angolan mineral fiscal system as a tool for maximising revenue for the benefit of its citizens and securing investment (local and foreign) to promote linkages and broad-based national growth and development. Four objectives were examined in this study: (i) Conduct a situational analysis of the current fiscal regime through a comparative analysis of headline rates in regional and international countries; (ii) Qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the mineral fiscal regime; (iii) Analyse the tax revenues raised by the mining industry between 2011-2021; (iv) Make possible recommendations to improve the current mining tax regime. The study employed a descriptive survey design with a qualitative and quantitative approach for data collection and analysis. The main findings include: (i); Angola's political economy setting resembles that of a hegemonic government characterised by an institutionalised one-party regime whereby the implications on the mineral fiscal regime are multifaceted, affecting investment, regulation, revenue sharing, and sustainability; (ii) Both mineral royalty and corporate income tax rates, are within regional and international norms and have consistently contributed a significant share of the government's direct tax revenues over the last eleven years; (iii) Prevailing fiscal regime can be improved through a combination of tax instruments such as resource rent-tax or profit-based royalty with a basic ad valorem tax system; (iv) However, Angola’s primary challenges point to a possible absence of enforcement and compliance mechanisms for both the mining code iii and the sector fiscal framework, as well as the need to strengthen government agency capacity to oversee and gather fiscal contributions from the sector. In light of these findings, it is recommended to (i) Improve the sector's mining code and fiscal legislative framework and enforce it; (ii) Conduct a study to analyse the effects of all government taxes (direct tax, indirect tax and non-tax instruments and tax incentives) on both the industry and the government´s treasury; and (iii) Conduct further studies on the proposed optimal mineral fiscal regime. Finally, an effective, efficient, and transparent mineral fiscal system can only exist first and foremost through intentional collaboration and alignment of objectives among the sector’s stakeholders.
An assessment of the necessity of implementing a blockchain based land registry in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-08) Jeram, Deelan; Saghatforoush, Ehsan; Azasu, Samuel
Background statement: Several nations have recently implemented blockchain-based land management systems, focusing on land registration, titling, recordation, and information management, to enhance transparency, trust, data security, data quality, and immutability through consensus mechanisms. This technology streamlines access and tracking of land records, reducing fraud, corruption, record manipulation, and property resale while lowering transaction costs. These advantages aim to address issues of inefficient and untrustworthy land records in less developed countries. Problem: South Africa faces challenges, ranking 108 out of 190 in property registration according to the World Bank, with lengthy procedures (7), extended transaction times (23 days), and high costs (8% of property value). In contrast, blockchain-adopting countries like Sweden and Georgia are ranked at 9 and 5, respectively. Despite these inefficiencies blockchain technology has not yet made an inroad into the land registration or transaction process. Aim – The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of blockchain technology to digitize land registration in South Africa. Methods: This paper investigates a blockchain property registry pilot project in Khayelitsha, South Africa, using Peled's theoretical framework and employs qualitative research methodologies, including case study analysis and expert interviews, supplemented by a systematic literature review. Outcomes: The study reveals significant challenges in South Africa's land registration, including unreliable land records, informal land tenure systems, limited access for marginalized communities, corruption, weak legal frameworks, post-colonial property rights legacy, and inefficient real estate transactions. Despite the promise of blockchain, these issues persist, hindering progress. Eight key factors obstruct blockchain adoption in South Africa's land registry, including legal barriers, organizational resistance, technological hurdles, resource constraints, political and social factors, and trust-related issues. The case study identifies additional obstacles, such as misalignment of interests, lack of formal agreements, data quality issues, and further legal barriers. Nonetheless, the pilot project managed to create a "pseudo title deed" with potential benefits for the city. This study suggests the application of blockchain in state-subsidized housing developments to enhance data security and enable electronic land transactions. It emphasizes the need for a combination of expertise, infrastructure readiness, and procedural changes to facilitate innovation in the public sector. Despite the potential, the study concludes that South Africa's land registry is not yet prepared for widespread blockchain implementation, citing legal, technological, and organizational challenges. Significance: This research is the first to explore the limited adoption of blockchain technology for land registration in South Africa, contributing valuable insights to the field. This paper identifies critical factors for successful blockchain-based property registry implementation, offering insights for legislation, policy development, and land registration system design to address inequalities and improve land tenure in developing countries. It outlines a potential path for South Africa's Deeds Registry to implement blockchain technology in state-subsidized housing developments.
An investigation into equity market timing practices by South African mining companies
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Matumba, Lindelani
This research examines the practice of equity market timing among 30 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed mining companies from 2006 to 2022. Mining companies, characterised by their capital-intensive nature, rely on management for optimal capital management, which includes both the acquisition of capital through debt or equity and its optimal allocation. The concept of equity market timing, introduced by Wurgler and Baker in the 1990s, suggests that company management may engage in timing the equity market when they perceive their stock to be mispriced. This study incorporated control variables such as market-to-book value (a relative valuation metric that investors use to assess a company's market value in relation to its book value), asset tangibility, degree of leverage, and profitability. Panel regression analysis, utilising both fixed effects and random effects, revealed that market-to-book value was not statistically significant at the 5% level. The overall R-squared value was 58.8%. Given the lack of significance for market-to- book value and asset tangibility, it is recommended to consider other capital structure theories, such as the pecking order or trade-off theory. Additionally, incorporating variables like interest rates and other macroeconomic factors could help address the potential for omitted variable bias.
An Investigation Into The Propulsive Force Generation Of Multiple Flapping Surfaces
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mabvuu, Never; Ho, Weihua
The aerodynamic performance of flapping NACA0012 airfoils was analyzed through numerical simulation, focusing on the effects of stagger, gap, phase difference, and the number of airfoils. The simulation was conducted under specific conditions: 𝑈∞ = 0.2𝑚/𝑠, f=2Hz, 𝛼0=200, C=0.04m, St=0.2 and Re= 8000). The problem was modeled in ANSYS Fluent using a transient viscous approach with absolute velocity formulation, employing the pressure-based coupled solver (PBCS). PRESTO! interpolation and second-order upwind discretization were applied for pressure, momentum, intermittency, turbulent kinetic energy, and specific dissipation rate. Mesh validation and independence studies confirmed that the results were driven by the physics setup, independent of mesh configuration. It was discovered that small stagger and gap at φ=1800 is not good for thrust production as the airfoils produced thrust less than a single airfoil with ∆Ctav = -0.94. However, lift production is increased and ∆Clav =1.2. At larger spacing ∆Ct, ∆Cl and η generally become constant. One of the worst performing cases (X=1.0C;Y=0.5C; ϕ= 1800 ) was improved by making the aft airfoil lead ( φ= -450 ). This explains why insects alter φ or frequency depending on the situation and flight requirements. The most effective X-Y- ϕ were found to be the ones at which flow separation is suppressed. For the 4 airfoils cases the fore pair performed better than the aft pair for the small spacing case. When spacing was increased the aft pair performed better than the aft pair.
An Investigation of Factors Contributing to Long Waiting of Patients Collecting Repeat Medication in a Tertiary Hospital Pharmacy
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Oladipupo, Rekgopetse Victoria; Hattingh, Teresa; Sunjka, Bernadette
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) patient waiting time is identified as a key measurement to a responsive healthcare service and is an important indicator of quality of services offered by hospitals (NDoH, 2011) as it affects the patient’s responsiveness to the services received (NDoH, 2011; SA FAM PRACTICE, 2008; Tegabu, 2008; Pandit et, al. 2016). Long waiting times at healthcare facilities undermines the services rendered resulting in compromised or unfulfilled patient care (Afolabi & Erhun, 2003). This research studies the processes associated with the collection of repeat medication in a tertiary hospital pharmacy in order to identify value adding activities and non-value adding activities that could be impacting patient waiting time using the Lean thinking concept of driving out waste. A qualitative observational method was therefore employed to observe all the steps involved during the journey of the patient collecting repeat medication from the registration point until medication was issued at the pharmacy. Value stream mapping (one of Lean Thinking principle) was employed to analyze the processes that took place. Patient waiting time was also measured from the registration point to the pharmacy. On average patients had to wait a total 159 minutes before they could access services both at the registration point (67 minutes) and at pharmacy (92 minutes). The service time was 29 minutes at both registration point (11 minutes) and pharmacy (18 minutes). Of the 18 minutes pharmacy service time; eight minutes were found to be value-adding while 10 minutes were non-value-adding mainly due to prescriptions waiting on queue to be picked, waiting to be signed by the pharmacist and waiting to be issued out to the patient. Lack of a dedicated pharmacy service points exclusively for chronic repeat patients, manual dispensing, illegible doctor’s prescriptions, were found to prolong the time it takes the Pharmacist to complete a prescription. Post Basic Pharmacist Assistants performing duties that could be performed by a less qualified staff (e.g., Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistants) during peak hours was not value adding and thus decreasing productivity. The level of staff commitment in addressing issues of quality such as long waiting time was questionable. The demand / workload and capacity during the early hours of business at the registration point did not seem to match, thus resulting in bottlenecks at the patient registration point and throughout the system.
An investigation of factors contributing to long waiting of patients collecting repeat medication in a tertiary hospital pharmacy
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Oladipupo, Rekgopetse Victoria; Sunjka, B.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) patient waiting time is identified as a key measurement to a responsive healthcare service and is an important indicator of quality of services offered by hospitals (NDoH, 2011) as it affects the patient’s responsiveness to the services received (NDoH, 2011; SA FAM PRACTICE, 2008; Tegabu, 2008; Pandit et, al. 2016). Long waiting times at healthcare facilities undermines the services rendered resulting in compromised or unfulfilled patient care (Afolabi & Erhun, 2003). This research studies the processes associated with the collection of repeat medication in a tertiary hospital pharmacy in order to identify value adding activities and non-value adding activities that could be impacting patient waiting time using the Lean thinking concept of driving out waste. A qualitative observational method was therefore employed to observe all the steps involved during the journey of the patient collecting repeat medication from the registration point until medication was issued at the pharmacy. Value stream mapping (one of Lean Thinking principle) was employed to analyze the processes that took place. Patient waiting time was also measured from the registration point to the pharmacy. On average patients had to wait a total 159 minutes before they could access services both at the registration point (67 minutes) and at pharmacy (92 minutes). The service time was 29 minutes at both registration point (11 minutes) and pharmacy (18 minutes). Of the 18 minutes pharmacy service time; eight minutes were found to be value-adding while 10 minutes were non-value-adding mainly due to prescriptions waiting on queue to be picked, waiting to be signed by the pharmacist and waiting to be issued out to the patient. Lack of a dedicated pharmacy service points exclusively for chronic repeat patients, manual dispensing, illegible doctor’s prescriptions, were found to prolong the time it takes the Pharmacist to complete a prescription. Post Basic Pharmacist Assistants performing duties that could be performed by a less qualified staff (e.g., Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistants) during peak hours was not value adding and thus decreasing productivity. The level of staff commitment in addressing issues of quality such as long waiting time was questionable. The demand / workload and capacity during the early hours of business at the registration point did not seem to match, thus resulting in bottlenecks at the patient registration point and throughout the system.
An investigation on the impact of landownership dynamics in rural development: A case of Nooitgedacht area in Muldersdrift, Mogale City Local Municipality
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Masonganye, Thoriso Obakeng; Sithagu, Taki
South Africa's history of land ownership is deeply intertwined with the legacy of colonialism and segregation. In the contemporary context, land ownership has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for rural development, aimed at addressing historical injustices and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth. Despite numerous reforms and initiatives introduced since the dawn of democracy, challenges persist, particularly in rural regions like Nooitgedacht in the West of Gauteng. In Nooitgedacht, landlessness, underdevelopment, poverty, and minimal economic activity continue to plague the community. This study delves into the intricate relationship between land ownership dynamics and rural development, with a specific focus on Nooitgedacht within the Mogale City Local Municipality. To comprehensively assess this issue, a multi-faceted research approach was employed, incorporating primary and secondary data collection methods. The research methods encompassed a thorough desktop survey, the distribution of questionnaires to community members, and in-depth interviews with municipal officials and community stakeholders. The desktop survey harnessed municipal valuation data to discern the existing patterns of land ownership in Nooitgedacht, revealing a marked imbalance, with most of the land controlled by private individuals and businesses, while national, provincial, and local governments held relatively merger land ownership within the study area. This skewed ownership pattern underscores the profound challenge of land access in Nooitgedacht. Consequently, the area grapples with persistent land inequalities encompassing issues of access, ownership, distribution, and administration, which further manifest through ongoing threats of land invasions, evictions, limited development, and a dearth of economic activities. Despite the presence of municipal policies aimed at addressing these disparities, implementation remains sporadic, fragmented, and inadequately coordinated within the municipality, resulting in a sluggish delivery of rural development. In conclusion, the study underscores the pivotal role of land ownership in shaping the trajectory of rural development in Nooitgedacht. It is evident that without equitable and well-coordinated land ownership policies and practices, the goal of achieving sustainable rural development in this region remains an elusive aspiration.