Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (ETDs)

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An assessment of the necessity of implementing a blockchain based land registry in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) 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
Factors influencing innovation in public healthcare in South Africa: A critical analysis
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nkosi, Mbali Rosemary; Siriram, Rajenlall
Healthcare innovation has proven to reduce morbidity and mortality rates by enhancing healthcare delivery. Most of the South African population depends on the public healthcare system for health needs. The morbidity and mortality rates in South Africa are much higher compared to other middle-income countries in the world. To enhance healthcare delivery in South Africa, understanding the factors that influence innovation in public healthcare is important. Therefore, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing innovation in public healthcare in South Africa and the potential impact of innovation on the country's healthcare system. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of successfully implemented innovation in public healthcare and the factors influencing it. Existing literature identifies several factors that influence innovation in public healthcare, including design empathy, technological infrastructure, decision-makers, human capital, and organisational culture. This study also investigates the readiness of the public health sector to embrace innovation and the strategies in place for implementing innovation in public healthcare. A gap was identified in the existing literature. There is evidence in literature is that healthcare innovation centres in South Africa and their impact on the adoption of innovation in public healthcare were only covered marginally by existing literature. To bridge this gap, this study provides results on the status of suitable research and development hubs for testing healthcare innovation prototypes in South Africa and their impact on the adoption of innovation in public healthcare. Currently, there are limited health innovation centres in South Africa. This study posits that an increase in the number of healthcare innovation centres would increase evidence-based innovation which would increase the uptake of innovation in public healthcare. A qualitative research approach was used to acquire descriptive information on the factors that influence innovation in healthcare through interviewing participants. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary instruments of data collection. The interviews were then subjected to a thematic analysis. One of the significant findings of this research is that the lack of funding in public healthcare hinders innovation in the public healthcare system. Also, the rigorous regulatory requirements pertaining to healthcare innovation tend to cause uncertainty and delays, which in turn reduces the funding available for innovative proje
The techno-economic impact of a high penetration of embedded generators on South African, Brazilian, Australian and Ugandan distribution networks: A comparative review
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rakgalakane, Motladitseba Dorcas; Jandrell, Ian
Owing to current electricity capacity shortages and rising electricity prices in South Africa, customers are opting for self-generation to mitigate the effects of load shedding and offset their electricity bills. In June 2021, the South African government removed the licensing requirement for private generation to encourage the uptake of self- generation, close capacity shortages and promote investment in private generation. While the increase in private generation is seen by the electricity industry as a positive step towards meeting energy supply demands, there are concerns about the impact that high numbers of embedded generation facilities will have on the distributors, i.e., their networks and revenues. The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the technical, economic and regulatory impact of a high number of embedded generators on distributors and their networks. The impact in South Africa is compared with the impact in Brazil, Australia and Uganda. The research study seeks to identify some of the success strategies implemented by these countries to address challenges associated with private embedded generation, and to provide recommendations for South Africa. South Africa compares well with Brazil and Australia in terms of electricity access and installed generation capacity vs population; however, in terms of embedded generation, particularly from variable renewable energy sources, South Africa’s penetration levels are still lower than those of Brazil and Australia, although higher than those of Uganda. The review highlights that the impact of embedded generation is largely driven by technical, economic and regulatory policy changes. The absence of a clear market structure or market direction, enabling legislation and policies, regulatory tools (such as national rules for integration or compensation and unbundled tariffs for some customer categories) make it difficult to minimise the negative effects of a high penetration of embedded generation and to capitalise on potential positive effects. In Brazil and Australia, the success of renewable energy embedded generation is largely a result of clear policy and regulations, which lead and drive positive changes in their electricity industries. Recommendations are made for legislation, policy and regulation changes to support embedded generation, the creation of a clear market structure, and the publication of national guidelines for embedded generation management. In addition, tariffing mechanisms should be reviewed to ensure a fair distribution of costs.
Nourished Roots: The kitchen as a living ecosystem, reappropriating a barn in the centre of Skeerpoor
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Clifford, Kerry
In the centre of Skeerpoort, where the archaic Magaliesberg mountains whisper narratives of time and the fertile landscape breathes life into every seed, a barn stands vacant. Built in 1885 it has a long history, having served as a tobacco crop storage facility, a field infirmary during times of conflict, and a community gathering hall. The barn now waits for a new purpose. Nourished Roots revives the structure. Addressing perspectives, processes and the practice of sustainable redevelopment, the thesis places itself in the field of designing for cultures of conversion. Biophilic architectural principles and adaptive reuse merge to create a place of nourishment and rehabilitation of place, people and community. The research reads context through the study of gastronomy as relationship between food and culture. Nourished Roots introduces the process of (food) fermentation to connect land, space and people by drawing parallels between the human metabolism and the ‘gut health’ of a building. The design explores and amplifies the architectural significance of the kitchen as a key element in the process of food preparation, production and consumption as well as gathering space and a living organism in which traditional fermentation processes have both practical and symbolic meaning. The barn and its newly emerging surrounding serve as a rescaled pantry, scullery, kitchen and dining room. Together they function as a ‘living classroom’ for a rather eclectic community with diverse challenges and needs. The extended programme sets a precedent for sustainable agricultural practices, food storage and production as well as offering an alternative way of living, learning and working. Rooted in the local agricultural traditions of Skeerpoort the thesis considers the intervention as an innovative approach to support food security in the area as well as preserving its biodiversity.
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.
Effect of pipeline pigging on raw water pipeline flow rate and energy consumption
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Phillip, Neil Claude; Ndiritu, John
Pipeline pigging is a widely used method of pipeline cleaning to improve the hydraulic efficiency of a pipeline system, reduce deposits within a pipeline, reduce operational costs and improve water quality. With insufficient pipe cleaning, pipeline deposits accumulate within the pipeline which reduces the cross-sectional flow area of the pipeline and increases the friction losses in the pipeline. This subsequently reduces the operating flow rate, increases the pumping cost of the system, and reduces the water supply to the surrounding area. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the hydraulic improvements and operational cost savings of a pipeline system after pigging and to determine when pigging should be done. A case study of the Tayside high lift pump station in South Africa was used for this investigation. Results indicate that pigging removes deposits and sediments from the pipelines thereby increasing the flow rate while reducing the cost of pumping substantially. The increase in flow rate calculated from the case study was 23.9% after one of the pigging operations in 2016. In addition, the pigging operations completed yearly also indicated a flow rate increase after pigging. The study showed that the increase in sediment levels of the raw water in the rainy season led to a reduction in the hydraulic capacity of the pipeline indicating an increase in sediment deposition in the pipeline. Life cycle cost analysis of the case study system obtained annual cost savings of R991,800.59 over a 50-year period. Based on the findings, a flexible routine for pigging based on the reduction in the hydraulic capacity of the pipeline is proposed to cater for the variability in levels of sediment in the raw water in alignment to the rainfall and streamflow patterns. This allows the pipeline to operate at the lowest energy cost and at the highest possible flow rate.
Water for Firefighting in Sol Plaatje Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Thage, Tumelo MacAurthur; Ilemobade, Adesola
In South Africa, SANS 10090 (SABS, 2018a) and the Red Book (DHS & CSIR, 2019) recommend that for firefighting municipal water distribution systems must have and maintain the capacity to provide water for firefighting purposes. van Zyl & Haarhoff (2007) state that the provision of water for firefighting is a dominant design consideration as it influences the sizing and outputs of critical components. Scheepers (2012) argues that fire flows acts ‘as the most limiting demand condition’ as when it required it is extracted in large quantities for a short period. The most commonly used fire flow values in the SANS 10090 have largely remained unchanged for several decades. In other words, these values have not been revised to take account of the evolution of municipal water consumption over more than 30 years. This suggests that the recommended water requirements for firefighting may no longer be fit for purpose. The literature review revealed that the fire flows in the Red book violates the same in the SANS 10090 - this is illegal as the SANS 10090 specifies enforceable absolute limits. Furthermore, the Red book and SANS 10090 provide different fire risk classifications and values for the different parameters and as such, inconsistent and lack uniformity. It is important for design engineers to have accurate input data when planning and designing for fire flow requirements as any deficiency in basic design information could lead to an insufficient capacity to fight fires or an over-design of water supply infrastructure. A question arose from these observations, which provided inspiration for this study: Are fire flows in the SANS 10090 and Red book appropriate for current firefighting efforts? In answering this question, the first step of this study was to identify participating municipalities that were willing to release their datasets on firefighting for this study. Sol Plaatje municipality was one of the willing municipalities. This study thereafter categorised and analysed information contained in the 3236 fire incident reports that occurred within Sol Plaatje Municipality during the period 21 July 2017 to 21 August 2020, and compared actual fire flow volumes and flow rate data against the SANS 10090, Red book and previous South African studies. In order to provide context and aid better understanding of the datasets, structured interviews were conducted with municipal officials responsible for firefighting operations at Sol Plaatje municipality. Key highlights of this study indicated: ∼ 93.3% of fires in Sol Plaatje municipality were extinguished using 7 Kℓ or less of water. This result is similar to previous studies- In a 2014 study more than 90% of fires in 5 Western Cape Towns were extinguished using less than 10 Kℓ of water; In a 2019 study, 75% of fires in the City of Johannesburg were extinguished using less than 6.60 Kℓ of water; and In a 2022 study, 87% of fires in the City of Johannesburg were extinguished using 10 Kℓ or less of water. Overall, 75%-93% of fires were extinguished in the various study areas using 10 Kℓ or less of water. For large fires in Sol Plaatje municipality, the average water volume used to extinguish 85 large Category 2 fires was 8.56 Kℓ or less of water. This finding is similar to that of the Western Cape 2014 study and the 2022 City of Johannesburg study that found that 8.6 Kℓ and 9.63 Kℓ or less of water extinguished 77 and 89 large category 2 fires, respectively. What is evident from the results is that the volumes of water used in Sol Plaatje and previous studies are significantly less that the specified values in SANS 10090 and the Red book. An adverse consequence of higher values is that it leads to an over-design of water supply infrastructure as it increases the volume of municipal storage required for firefighting and consequently, increases the total capacity of municipal storage. Increased storage capacity increases resources that are expended, as well as water retention times, which negatively affects water quality. This study validates the recommendations of previous studies that the fire flows in the SANS 10090 and Red book need to be revised to enable the efficient conservation of scarce water resources and optimal design of water systems.
Upgrading Semi-Soft Coking Coal by Hydrothermal Treatment: Caking and structural properties
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Ndumo, Jabulile; Bada, Samson
Based on the current challenges faced by the metallurgical industry in South Africa in importing quality reductants, there is an urgent need to investigate a new approach to enhance the semi-soft coal available in the country. Importing prime coking coal has increased the steel price, resulting in many downstream operations involving steel closing down in the country. With a surplus of semi-soft coking coal in South Africa, this research sought to look into this kind of abundant coal to enhance its property as a reductant for blast furnace applications. For this reason, a study was conducted on two Southern African coals, Grootegeluk (semi-soft coking coal) and Moatize (higher quality coal). Both coals were individually hydrothermally treated and then blended at different ratios to further upgrade their metallurgical properties. The as-received Moatize coal showed properties that were more of prime coking coal with high total carbon content (76.50%), a crucible swelling index of nine, a maximum dilatation of 59% and volatile matter of 20.39%. It was a highly vitrinite coal with a vitrinite reflectance of 1.28%, a higher micropore volume than mesopore volume and a very low maximum fluidity of 24 dial divisions per minute (ddpm). According to the initial test, the Grootegeluk coal sample had a crucible swelling index of 5.5, a high volatile matter of 35.02% and a low vitrinite reflectance of 0.72%. In addition, the sample had a maximum dilatation of -10%, a maximum fluidity of 3ddpm and a higher mesopore volume than the Moatize coal. Hydrothermal treatment was conducted on the coal samples at numerous temperatures (100ºC to 200ºC), at various residence times (30 to 90 minutes) and at different coal masses (300 to 600grams (g)). According to the results, the optimal hydrothermal conditions were 200ºC, 90 minutes and 600g. Another hydrothermal treatment was performed at a higher temperature and residence time of 280ºC and 180 minutes. The same sample mass of 600g was used and the result showed no further improvement. The coal samples were then blended at various Grootegeluk/Moatize ratios (15% to 50% Grootegeluk), and further hydrothermal treatment tests were carried out based on the optimum conditions achieved. Both the hydrothermal test and the blending of the coal led to a coal with volatile matter ranging from 21.46% to 23.79%, which is a required specification for metallurgical application. The total carbon of the enhanced coal blend also ranged from 68.8% to 82.10%, with total sulphur below 1%. The mesopore-micropore ratio of the treated blend was higher than the individual coal samples, which is what is expected of a metallurgical coal. Based on these findings, coke was produced and analysed to identify a coke capable of withstanding blast furnace conditions. Using the particle reactivity index (PRI), proximate analysis and the pore size distribution, 90-(50% Grootegeluk+50% Moatize)-C product was identified as the coke with the least PRI and high fixed carbon. Further investigation showed that the blending and hydrothermal treatment affected the coal’s physiochemical, rheological and micro-molecular properties. The study has established that metallurgical properties of the locally mined semi-soft coking can be enhanced solely and when mixed with a hard coal. Even though the 90-(50%GG+50%M)-C did not meet the overall specifications required for use in the blast furnace, it was identified as a suitable reductant for other metallurgical applications.
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.
In the Era of Global Shocks: A Needs Inquiry on State Provided Housing During and After the Covid-19 Pandemic
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mogale, Lebogang Lucia; Klug, Neil
South Africa, like many countries of the South is confronted by a housing crisis, especially in Metropolitan areas. This is because Metropolitan areas are experiencing rapid population growth and, in the process, creating a demand for low-income housing. The state-provided low-income housing, implemented as a remedial intervention, has faced spatial, procedural, and administrative scrutiny, among others. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought housing and human settlements into the spotlight, raising both opportunities and challenges with the resilience of state-provided low income housing. The study has used the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic to emphasize and make apparent the various types of housing and settlement needs that should be prioritised to potentially mitigate the impact of future global shocks such as pandemics. Global shocks trigger resilience thinking that is linked to spatial attributes that can potentially reduce and mitigate the impact of disasters and risks. This indicates an opportunity of supporting ‘resilience thinking’ with existing social realities. The study speaks to this gap by diving deep into theoretical discourses of housing needs and practical needs as determined by participants perceptions. This was done by adopting a case study design that follows Wilhelm Dilthey's philosophy of hermeneutics. The Case Study context used was Palm Ridge extension 10 where Breaking New Ground Housing and Military Veteran houses were allocated in November 2019. Interviews were conducted with both municipal officials and beneficiaries of subsidised housing to inquire in-depth about their considerations of housing needs and how they can be met. The findings of the study indicate that there is a correlation between what is perceived as housing needs during the pandemic and some principles of resilience thinking. It identifies two types of housing needs necessary for mitigation, coping, and recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic. The needs identified are technical housing needs which are concerned with the physical structure of a house and settlement, and soft dimensional housing needs which are more symbolic of the relationship residents have with their houses and the overall neighbourhood. Moreover, the study emphasises that the translation of housing needs from theory to practice is to a certain degree challenged by institutional deficiencies. Although state-provided housing is challenged, it has proven a resilient measure in the era of the pandemic when housing insecurities were on the rise. Neighbourhoods like Palm Ridge can potentially adopt evolutionary and transformative resilience due to their flexible nature to cater to changing needs. Therefore, it is apparent that needs inquiry is a complex issue that can be leveraged to stimulate the adoption and development of bottom-up and collaborative responses to shock mitigation.

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