22 – 25 SEPTEMBER 2016

PRESENTATION & POSTER ABSTRACTS

SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICAN GEOGRAPHERS

STUDENT CONFERENCE

2

Themes

ENVIRONMENTAL GIS ................................................................................................................................... 3

AGRICULTURE GIS ........................................................................................................................................ 7

HYDROLOGY & EROSION ............................................................................................................................. 9

DISASTER RISK ............................................................................................................................................ 13

INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS & SPACES OF INCLUSION & EXCLUSION ................................................................ 16

SOIL SCIENCE & GIS .................................................................................................................................. 18

CLIMATE, AGRICULTURE & LIVELIHOODS ...................................................................................................... 21

RIVER & COASTAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................................... 24

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 26

GREEN SPACES & URBAN CULTURE ............................................................................................................. 29

ATMOSPHERE & CLIMATE ............................................................................................................................ 31

AGRICULTURE, LIVELIHOODS & ENERGY ...................................................................................................... 33

ANIMAL GEOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................. 36

TOURISM, CULTURE & CONSERVATION ........................................................................................................ 39

WATER MANAGEMENT & SCARCITY ........................................................................................................... 43

ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION .............................................................................................................. 47

FOOD SECURITY/INSECURITY ...................................................................................................................... 50

URBAN GIS ................................................................................................................................................ 53

ARCHAEOLOGY & PALYNOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 55

METEOROLOGY & CLIMATOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 56

WASTE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................... 56

MILITARY .................................................................................................................................................... 57

3

ENVIRONMENTAL GIS

Estimation of canopy height in a complex vegetation environment using Sentinel-1 SAR

Arno Booyzen - University of Johannesburg

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data has attracted great interest for estimating various vegetation characteristics. Much of the focus in this regard has been on large spatial areas with distinct vegetation characteristics. There is a need to explore the performance of SAR in localized areas that have complex vegetation composition. This study investigates the performance of a high-spatial resolution Sentinel-1 C-band dual-polarisation (vertical-vertical (VV) and vertical-horizontal (VH)) SAR image for the estimation of canopy height in a localised and complex vegetation community. Tree height was collected in 51 sample plots using Vertex Hypsometer. A number of statistical metrics were extracted from SAR backscatter per plot and per polarisation (VV and VH). A generalised linear regression model was used to relate the SAR metrics as independent variables with field observation as dependent variable in R-project. The results returned a better correlation for VV than VH polarisation. In conclusion, SAR data is a promising tool for the estimation of canopy height even in complex vegetation environments. Further investigation is needed to improve the accuracy of SAR by increasing the sample size and fusing the data with higher spatial resolution optical data.

Semi-automated forest road detection from LiDAR

Roscoe Lawrence - Stellenbosch University

Traditionally road detection in urban areas was obtained using optical data. Similar methods perform poorly in heavily vegetated environments such as forests. This article proposes a semi-automated method to extract roads from LiDAR derivatives such as digital terrain models (DTM). To extract roads the slope is derived from a DTM. A lee-sigma filter is then applied to the slope layer to detect edges. Both the slope and edge layers are used as input for multiresolution segmentation which produces meaningful objects. Objects are classified into road classes using a rule-based system. Centerlines of the road objects are calculated using a skeletonization method. The centerlines are smoothed using the energy minimising “Snakes” algorithm. The accuracy results of the rule-based classification will be compared to a random forest classification.

Land cover mapping and change detection using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques: The case study of

Amatola Mountain Ranges

Masonwabe Dyosi - University of Fort Hare

Developments in earth observation techniques allow for interpretation of archival data to monitor land-cover dynamics. The study is conducted in the Amatola Mountain Ranges which is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The Amatola Mountain Ranges from the southernmost part of the Great Escarpment and boasts with high level of biodiversity in both flora and fauna. The perceived problem about the area is the lack of constant monitoring of land-cover dynamics and classification. The aim of this research is to document and quantify the amount of change in land-cover using Landsat imagery in the Amatola Mountain Ranges between the years 2009 and 2016. In order to achieve the above mentioned aim two objectives have been set out. Firstly, to assess the accuracy of Landsat imagery in quantifying land-cover distribution in a heterogeneous environment. Secondly, to assess the degree of land -over dynamics in Amatola and create a land cover map for the area using remote sensing. This research has the potential to assist various social, economic and environmental activities. As considering that the Amatola Mountains are one of the scenic sites in the Eastern Cape Province, the map can be used by the tourism industry. From an academic point of view, this research will produce a methodological framework for land-cover monitoring using remote sensing and GIS techniques. It will produce a literature in a form of a research which will be beneficial for future projects of similar nature.

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Assessing the impacts of Nandoni Dam on vegetation cover change in Mulenzhe Villagebetween 2000 –

2015

Thifhatelwi Mudau - University of Venda

The construction of the Nandoni Dam on the Luvuvhu River has had an extensive impact on the vegetation cover change of Mulenzhe village. This study assessed the vegetation cover change over a 15-year period and illustrates the large impacts of dams on vegetation cover change and their consequences for local development. The basis for change detection and process analysis was implemented by the integration of multi-temporal remotely sensed imagery. This study generated the vegetation cover map from Landsat 7 ETM+ (2000 and 2015) images using an unsupervised classification method. Remotely sensed data can be used to fill the gaps in the knowledge on the condition of vegetation cover change at Mulenzhe village. This study was based on secondary data, and using ERDAS IMAGINE 14 and ArcGIS 10.1 software’s to subset the study area. The results indicated that Nandoni dam construction resulted in vegetation cover change with most notable impact evident in the Mulenzhe village. However, there was a notable increase in the rate of vegetation cover change since the construction of the dam in the year 2005. The analysis of the multi-temporal vegetation indices illustrated an overall vegetation cover reduction mainly due to loss of land caused by inundation, the resultant relocation of human settlement thus resulting in increased anthropogenic activities. Based on these results, vegetation cover change was analysed quantitatively, and it was shown that the vegetation cover deteriorated as a result of human settlement and also decreased around the reservoir area as a result of tourism developments and settlements in recent years.

Assessing the human induced land degradation in Mulenzhe Traditional Council Villages using GIS and

remote sensing

Divhani Ramovha - University of Venda

Human induced land degradation is an environmental problem that needs continuous monitoring and assessment. The study aims at understanding the quality, estimating the extent and nature of the human induced land degradation in Mulenzhe Traditional Council Villages. Using Landsat 7 ETM_SLC 1999, Landsat 5 TM 2004 and 2009, as well as Landsat 8 TIRS_OLI 2014 the study NDVI analysis, image classification as well as change detection was conducted. The results reviewed that in the inter-annual variability of the mean of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, the fluctuation of the NDVI to the negative values is attributed to an increase in the size of the water bodies despite the decrease in vegetation cover in response to other activities from 1999 to 2014. The image classification shows that despite the degradation that has taken place in the area vegetation is still the dominant land cover at 67.97% (2014) with a growing number of built area at 3.62% (2014) from 1.79% (2009). It can be concluded that over the year’s population numbers in Mulenzhe Traditional Council Villages have grown rapidly. This was the effect of the construction of the Nandoni dam, which resulted in the increase in the volume of water in the dammed location along the Luvuvhu River.

An evaluation of the environmental impacts of sand mining using GIS and remote sensing at the Nzhelele

Valley

Maboshe Phaswana - University of Venda

The demand for construction sand is increasing in many parts of the world due to rapid economic development and subsequent growth of building activities. This has resulted in indiscriminate mining of sand from stream and floodplain areas which lead to serious damages to the river basin environment. The study seeks to evaluate the environmental impacts of sand mining from the in stream and floodplain areas of the Nzhelele river valley. Remote sensing and GIS will be used as a tool for data collection and analysis wherein the environmental impacts will be identified and measured through the application of aerial photo or GIS methodology, these include the use of multi-temporal images (Landsat TM & ETM) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Aspects that are going to be taken into account during data collection are the identification of the impacts, their magnitude and also measures that can be applied to mitigate the impacts.

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The use of Landsat data to monitor crops at Mukula fruit tree Orchards (Limpopo province)

Pfariso Davhana - University of Venda

The lack of market access has become barriers in agricultural activities in South Africa, with the harsh conditions of drought, the heat waves or global warming making it hard for farmers to continuously cultivate their fields. The study examines the use of remote sensing and GIS in classifying the fruit tree crops in Mukula area (Limpopo province) and mapping land use land cover change of between 2010 and 2015 in order to find the changes that has taken place. It is important for local government to know the types of crops being cultivated in order to come up with strategies and plans to help the small-scale farmers market and give them new agricultural knowledge. Remotely sensed data obtained online from the United States Geological Survey’s Earth Explorer (USGS) website were used and it will be processed in ArcMap 10.2 software in a computer laboratory experimenting research design. General types of crops expected to be obtained in the study area are fruit trees such as mango trees, avocadoes and banana trees and that most farmers have taken several gap years in cultivating their orchards since 2011 as the hot weather conditions and water scarcity is increasing.

An assessment of the impacts of land use change on the environment at Mbilwi Village, Sibasa, Vhembe

District

Humbulani Thavhanyedza - University of Venda

Over the past years the earth has experienced a gradual increase population. The population of Mbilwi Village has increased exponentially at a rate that has been the cause of extensive land use change that have threaten the ecological stability of the large piece of its fragile ecosystems. The main aim of the study is to assess the impacts of land use change on the environment at Mbilwi Village over the period of 10 years from (2005 to 2015). The study will also determine the extent to which vegetation has changed over time and identify management strategies for land use change on the environment. The study used naturalistic observation in descriptive design to observe and describe the relationship between land use change and the environment through observation and process satellite images by digital image processing of remotely sensed images using ArcGIS 10.2. Change detection analysis described changes on the environment and NDVI used to analyses vegetation change. Data collected through questionnaires will be analyzed by SPSS in graphs and charts. Land use changes leads to an extension of arable land resulting in the reduction of forest land and causes environmental impacts such deforestation.

Demographic change in the Upper Tsitsa Catchment: Dasymetric mapping of census and remote sensed

data for 2001 and 2011 (poster)

Danuta Hodgson - Rhodes University

The purpose of this research is determine if the integration of census and remote sensing data can provide evidence of spatial patterns and temporal change for the Upper Tsitsa Catchment. This research will be contributing to academic literature with regards to dasymetric mapping and secondly to provide a database that will be used by the Ntabelanga and Laleni Ecological Infrastructure Project. The research is taking place in the Upper Tsitsa Catchment which is located in the north eastern region of the Eastern Cape and falls within the uMzimvubu Catchment. Census and remote sensed data in the form of land cover for 2001 and 2011, were used to create dasymetric maps depicting demographic changes over time for the catchment area. The preliminary results show that there has been a general decrease in population within the catchment since 2001. The population of the rural area of the Upper Tsitsa Catchment has decreased between 2001 and 2011. The urban area of Maclear, however, has increase in population.

6

Investigating the occurrence of vegetation fires on a temporal scale on the Cape Peninsula: A Remote

Sensing approach (poster)

Genius Chando - University of the Western Cape

Vegetation fires are a natural phenomenon in many ecosystems across South Africa. In spite of their benefits to the natural environment, they are mostly perceived as a problem due to the potential devastating effects on the socio-economic environment. Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to improve our understanding of the occurrence of these fires. This study, focused on the Cape Peninsula area in the City of Cape Town, using satellite data to map fire occurrence and identify areas at risk of excessively frequent fires. Using a temporal scale of 10 years (2005-2015); Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI imagery were analysed in ArcGIS. Two proven spectral indices, the Normalised Burn Ratio (NBR) and the Differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR), were calculated from the Landsat imagery. The indices were applied to determine burned areas, burn severity and the fire perimeters of each year. The results of this study can potentially be used by fire management agencies, to help them understand, predict and manage the occurrence of vegetation fires.

Investigating the spatial and temporal changes of water surface area in wetlands on the Agulhas Plain

(poster)

Faeeza Fortune - University of the Western Cape

The water balance in wetlands is influenced by the hydrologic inputs (rainfall, overland flow, through flow and groundwater inflow) and outputs (evapotranspiration, surface outflow and groundwater outflow). The extent of the influence varies according to the type of wetland. The aim of this paper is to quantify the spatial and temporal changes of water surface area in wetlands on the Agulhas Plain and relate it to variation in water inputs. A series of Landsat TM, ETM+ and OLI images were acquired for the period between 1990 and 2015. A Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) as well as a MNDWI threshold was applied to discriminate between water and land. Digital elevation data was applied to mask shadows, as shadows often contribute to the misclassification of water. The results statically demonstrate that there is a positive relationship between water surface area in wetlands and rainfall on the Agulhas Plain. However, the slow response of wetlands to rainfall suggests that the occurrence of wetlands on the Agulhas Plain is not only related to rainfall, but more so to groundwater inflow.

GIS based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) as a decision-support tool for siting a landfill facility in

uMsunduzi Local Municipality (poster)

Phindile Ndlovu - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Although many waste management strategies concerned with reducing and recycling waste have been widely adopted; landfilling is still the dominant preferred choice in many municipal solid waste management systems. Landfill siting has become a challenge due to its complex spatial nature and is required to minimize environmental and public health hazards. The use of Multi-criteria Evaluation (MCE) based Geographic Information System (GIS) offers a methodology that enables conflicting objectives and preferences of decision-makers to be incorporated into spatial decision models. In this study, a landfill site suitability analysis was conducted for uMsunduzi Local Municipality with the aim of locating suitable landfill site (s). Variables critical in landfill site selection were determined using the local minimum requirements for waste disposal by landfill used in South Africa. Criteria weights were determined using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the form of pairwise comparison. According to the results, 16.62% of the land in this municipality is highly suitable. A post aggregation constraint based on area size yielded 17 potential sites of which three candidate sites were deemed suitable based on meeting varying environmental, economic and social factors. Integrating GIS and MCE techniques has shown to be a powerful decision-aid tool to solve landfill siting problems.

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Detection and mapping the spatial configuration of bracken fern species using the Landsat 8 OLI new

generation sensor (poster)

Trylee Matongera - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bracken fern (Pteridium) is an invasive plant that presents serious environmental, ecological and economic problems world over. An understanding of the spatial distribution of bracken fern is therefore essential for providing appropriate management strategies at both local and regional scales. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the freely available medium resolution Landsat 8 OLI sensor in detection and mapping of bracken fern in the Cathedral Peak, South Africa. To achieve this objective, the results obtained from Landsat 8 OLI were compared with those derived using the costly and high spatial resolution WorldView-2 imagery. To test the performance of the freely available Landsat 8 OLI we applied different sets of spectral analysis for the two sensors (analysis I: spectral bands; analysis II: derived vegetation indices and analysis III: spectral bands combined with vegetation indices). The results showed that the integration of the spectral bands and derived vegetation indices yielded the best overall classification accuracy (80.08% and 87.80% for Landsat 8 OLI and WorldView-2 respectively). However, considering the acquisition costs and limited spatial coverage for WorldView-2 sensor, it is recommendable to shift towards the use of freely and readily available new generation Landsat 8 OLI multispectral sensor.

AGRICULTURE GIS

An investigation of the harvesting of wild honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia)

Wouter van der Walt - Rhodes University

The aim of the research was to establish the efficiency of wild Honeybush harvesting in the Langkloof and the effect this may have on the sustainability of cropping. This was achieved using standard field work methods (vegetation surveys, harvester interviews and GPS tracking) in conjunction with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analysis to establish the location of honeybush populations and the activities of the harvesters. The research found that experienced harvesters are selective in their harvesting which is likely to ensure sustainability of the crop. Over harvesting has been found to damage the longevity of the crop and its yield per plant.

Prediction of Sugarcane yield using remotely sensed data: A case study of Tea Estate, Inanda

Ameen Abdulla - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

Sugarcane is a semi-perennial grass species, grown in tropical and subtropical regions which farmers can harvest every year for about 5 years without replanting. It is the main source of sugar for more than half of the world. Several by-products are produced from the crushed sugarcane including molasses, fibre cake and cane wax. Sugarcane yield prediction is vital for various stakeholders that are involved in the sugarcane industry, namely sugarcane growers, industrial producers and policy makers. The aim of this study is to predict sugarcane yield at Tea estate sugarcane farm in Inanda Durban, KwaZulu-Natal using the Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a remote sensing technique to better manage drought conditions. Due to the fact that tea estate is rain fed, the drought conditions that KwaZulu-Natal North Coast experiences has negative impacts on sugarcane productivity, poor rainfall decreases productivity therefore if yield is predicted for the future harvest season farmers will be able to better manage the drought conditions and negative impacts on productivity will be reduce. The study will make use of Landsat8 satellite imagery to determine the NDVI for sugarcane for the period 2009-2015. The calculated NDVI will be correlated with rainfall and actual yield. Future yield will be determined by making use of the correlation between actual sugarcane yield, rainfall and NDVI.

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Sugarcane mapping and harvest detection using polarimetric SAR

Michael Portnoi - Stellenbosch University

Harvest monitoring and detection within the realm of remote sensing has, traditionally, been performed with the use of optical data. Due to the limitations associated with optical sensors, the use of all weather, daylight independent SAR sensors is required. This is especially important in tropical regions where cloud cover is eminent. Sugarcane is the most important crop for the tropical island of La Reunion, occupying 25 000 hectares of approximately 31 500 hectares (80%) of primary agricultural land with a yield of 1.9 million tons per year (FAOSTATS 2016). The monitoring and identification of the sugarcane harvest is useful for the planning of and prompting of effective agricultural practices. These include optimized cutter development, transport operations, efficiency of factories and better estimation of the final yield. A multi-temporal single feature differencing method for harvest monitoring using Radarsat-2 C-band is proposed. This study also assessed Radarsat-2 C-band individual image sugarcane harvest classification methods, for both fully-polarimetric and simulated dual-polarimetric datasets. The results achieved in this study indicate the effectiveness of SAR datasets for sugarcane harvest monitoring and detection, as well as providing support for the use of dual-polarised data. This is especially important with the recent launch of Sentinel-1 sensors, which provide dual polarised SAR C-band data free of cost.

Mapping crop types using Sentinel 1 and TerraSAR-x space borne radar data with Landsat 8 optical data: A

machine learning approach using feature selection algorithms.

Barry Watkins - Stellenbosch University

The effective mapping of croplands is a key aspect in being able to maximise the output from a set of crops. Due to a lack of awareness farmers grow inappropriate crops in the wrong places which can lead to crops with low yields. Earth observation (EO) techniques have been widely exploited in agriculture and are a viable method for long term monitoring over large areas. Optical imagery is preferred due to the fact that plant phenology is strongly expressed in the absorption and reflectance spectra measured by optical imagery. However, cloud cover is a limitation when only using optical imagery. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a space-borne radar satellite technology which has the capability to penetrate clouds and function at night due to it being an active sensor that sends and receives its own signals and does not rely on an external source, such as the sun. This study aims to classify crops in the Berg River Catchment by utilising Sentinel 1 and TerraSAR-x data together with optical. This is done to determine not only which optical features produce the highest accuracy in a purely optical classification, but also to identify which Sentinel 1 and TerraSAR-x radar feature combine optimally with the optical features to provide the highest crop classification accuracy.

Establishing the relationship between point cloud measurements and biophysical parameters of

vineyards in Stellenbosch using Structure-from-Motion

Kyle Loggenberg - Stellenbosch University

The application of high resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery combined with Structure-from-Motion (SfM) presents an existing new domain of remote sensing in precision viticulture. This paper explores the use of SfM to calculate physical measurements of vineyards from 3D surface models. It will attempt to relate point cloud measurements to vine leaf area and canopy volume measurements. In addition, it will assess methods for separating the ground point cloud density from the vine point cloud density.

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HYDROLOGY & EROSION

Comparison of supporting and regulating ecosystem services in eroded and non-eroded hillslope seep

wetlands in sub catchments T35E and T35D in the Upper Mzimvubu Catchment: Implications for wetland

management

Chloe Karstadt - Rhodes University

Wetlands provide ecosystem services that support human wellbeing particularly to rural people living in poverty. Ecosystem services are damaged when wetlands erode, but very little is known about the vulnerability of hillslope seep wetlands to erosion. The aim of this research was to identify the vulnerability of hillslope seep wetlands to erosion and examine the impact of this on ecosystem services in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Research was conducted through field work and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It was found that there was no significant relationship between wetland size relative to its slope but that wetlands with a greater average slope were more eroded than wetlands with a lower average slope. Wetlands with a greater average area were less eroded than wetlands with a smaller average area. Wetlands with a greater average vegetation cover were also less eroded than wetlands with a lower average vegetation cover. On average sites with no evidence of erosion provided more regulating and supporting ecosystem services than eroded sites. It is evident from this research that there is a need to better understand the functioning of hillslope seep wetlands.

Effectiveness of gully restoration in the Kromme River Wetlands, Eastern Cape

Matthew Hermon - Rhodes University

Physical restoration structures are used extensively across wetlands in South Africa to control gully growth and gully formation. These structures are put in place to nullify the headward propagation of gullies within wetlands in an overall goal of wetland conservation. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not the gullies that have been restored (with physical structures) differ in any way to the gullies that have not been restored. Surveying using a total station was carried out in two restored and two non-restored gullies. The longitudinal slope of the gully bed and the original wetland surface were compared (between restored and non-restored), as well as the width and depth of the gullies. An unpaired t-test was carried out on the longitudinal slope of the restored and unrestored gully beds. Results show a higher slope percentage in restored gullies (on the gully bed) and one restored gully has cut to bedrock below the structure. Results also show a greater depth in the restored gullies, compared to the non-restored gullies. The width of the gullies was also one of the considerations in this study, but the width has not shown any significance. Further results will be presented at the conference.

Rainfall erosivity in the Tsitsa catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Natasha Moore - Rhodes University

Soil erosion is a major issue facing South Africa, with the Eastern Cape considered to have one of the greatest soil degradation problems. The Mzimvubu Water Project involves the construction of two multi-purpose proposed dams – Ntabelanga Dam and Laleni Dam. High rainfall and easily erodible soils could lead to enhanced sedimentation of these proposed dams. In order to study the rainfall erosivity, five rain gauges were set up in the upper Tsitsa catchment to monitor rainfall for one season. Rainfall data for 41 storm events of > 10 mm rainfall volume, at least 25 mm h-1 intensity, and bracketed by a 2-hour rain-free period; and a second selection of > 10 mm d-1 rainfall to include low intensity but erosive rainfall, were converted to 5-minute rainfall intensities. The rainfall events were analysed using the rainfall erosivity index of the Soil Loss Estimation Model for Southern Africa (E = 29.82 – 127.51/I). The results show high rainfall variability throughout the catchment, high kinetic energy storm events with the potential to enhance soil erosion, and altitude being a contributing factor.

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Identifying sources of sediments through Sediment Tracing in the Tsitsa River, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Camille Trollope - Rhodes University

The Tsitsa River of the Mzimvubu Catchment in the Eastern Cape is currently undergoing strategic planning for the implementation of two dams - the Ntabelanga and Lalini Dams. The duplex composition of the soil in the region and its erosive nature is contributing to the high sediment load in the river and is expected to result in heavy siltation in the dams. The focus of this study is to investigate the sources of sediments by using colour scanning and magnetics. Sediments were collected in and around the Tsitsa River, the upper catchment into the basalt line and especially from erosive features such as gullies, as well as from integrated samplers in 6 of the surrounding tributaries leading into the Tsitsa River. Different source samples were identified such as grassland, cultivated land, gullies and channel banks. By using colour tracing and magnetics, the aim is to trace the provenances of these sediments and determine which sediment sources is contributing the most to the time integrated samples installed in the six tributaries leading into the Tsitsa River. The second intention is to validate the use of these two tools as being cheap and accessible methods from which one can reliably trace sediments for future studies.

The reduction of erosion and sedimentation in the Tsitsa catchment; public participation as core control

Mateboho Ralekhetla - Rhodes University

Sedimentation due to soil particles eroded into water bodies is a major challenge faced by dam managers everywhere. For the proposed dams in the Tsitsa Catchment, it might be a result of excessive erosion in the catchment, mainly because of the nature of soils in the area and human activities. Events in the upstream affect the downstream, that was why research in Qobong village in the upper Tsitsa catchment used a participatory approach to get the locals to make their own decisions about erosion control, giving them a sense of ownership. Involving people in decision-making process that directly affects them usually leads to better sustainability of such projects. During the two-days workshop, the group of land users agreed that early burning of grass and cattle walking on the same path were the major contributing land use activities. The major challenge of this process was that of power dynamics in the village, which could have affected the input made by others during the discussions. Good interventions already exist, but technical support is required for better execution.

Runoff modelling and land use change in the Siyaya River catchment, northern KwaZulu Natal

Mivan Howard - University of the Western Cape

A runoff modelling study was conducted on the Siyaya River catchment located immediately south of the town of Mtunzini in northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. An assessment of land use change, rainfall data and stream discharge was undertaken with the use of the WRSM/Pitman Model for water resource simulation. Findings indicate that between 1978 and 2015 extensive land use change has occurred. Sugar cane has been converted to eucalyptus plantations, residential expansion into the catchment has occurred in the northern fringe and mining activities are underway despite strong opposition from community and conservation societies. Monthly rainfall has also decreased and stream flow is now negligible. The natural state of the catchment and river are severely compromised by agricultural, mining and residential change and expansion. Further study and investigation is required to link land use change directly to runoff and discharge reduction.

11

The suitability of ASTER and SRTM DEMs in detailed geomorphological mapping: A comparative case study

in Dzanani Area of Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sylvia Motene - University of Venda

Geomorphological mapping, particularly slope mapping, is important for monitoring and decision making concerning dynamic environments. Digital elevation models and field measurements can be integrated in a GIS to enable rapid mapping of slopes for use in geomorphological studies. Digital elevation models are an efficient data source for deriving slope within a GIS environment. This study sets out to evaluate the suitability of ASTER and SRTM generated DEMs in delineating accurate slope classes using GRASS GIS software. To meet the primary objective of this study, slope maps will be generated from DEMs of varying resolution (30×30m and 90×90m resolution SRTM DEMs, and 30×30m ASTER DEM) using GRASS GIS software. The results will be compared with field based measurements and slope map generated from stereoscopic interpretation of aerial photos, in order to assess the accuracy of DEM generated slope classes. Spearman’s Rank Correlation will be used to evaluate the strength of the correlation between the DEM slope estimates and field measured slope values. An error matrix will also be computed to determine the difference or similarity between the GIS classification and reference data. Paired t-test will be performed between GRASS GIS slope estimates and field measured slope values to assess whether GRASS GIS underestimate or overestimate slope values generated from the different DEMs.

The effect of water erosion on Transnet railway lines in the Bloemfontein Operations Area (poster)

Teboho Modise - University of the Free State

Soil erosion is a major problem confronting land and water resources in many parts of South Africa. In addition to natural resources, soil erosion, specifically large gullies, also threatens and damages infrastructure such as roads, powerlines, etc. Gully erosion is a process where water concentrates in flow paths and removes the soil resulting in incised channels. Gully erosion can have minor or even major defects on the structural deformation of the railway lines in the event of a heavy rainfall especially in the summer season. This study investigates the effect of water erosion on Transnet’s railway lines with specific to the Bloemfontein Operations Infrastructure Area. The railway lines of the Bloemfontein Operations Infrastructure Area were spatially correlated with a gully location map of the same area. The areas where gullies threaten (intercept or within close proximity) the railway lines were mapped. After determining the spatial extent of the problem, the factors causing gully erosion at latter-mentioned gullied sites were established by means of overlay analysis in a GIS. More specifically, the study performed overlay analysis of the gullied sites with existing maps including, slope, soil and vegetation cover. Factors leading to the development of gullies near the railway lines are saturated areas along drainage paths with a large contributing area, erodible soils and poor vegetation cover. The study finally describes how gully erosion could be prevented and rehabilitated near railway lines.

Oxygen and hydrogen isotope values of precipitation and surface water on sub- Antarctic Marion Island

(poster)

Michael-James Stowe - University of Cape Town

Hydrological systems in the sub-Antarctic are important indicators for identifying early and subtle signals in response to climatic change. In particular, small sub-Antarctic watersheds are characterized by a high degree

of sensitivity, making them valuable and unique research environments. This study reports δ18O and δ2H

values of both precipitation and stream water from sub-Antarctic Marion Island, South Africa. Stream water samples were collected over a 16-day sampling campaign from the Soft Plume River; the only undisturbed,

perennial lotic water body on the island. Monthly averaged precipitation δ18O and δ2H values for the

period 1961 - 2013 were extracted from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) database.

Regression results yielded a Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) defined by the equation δ2H = 6.77δ18O +

2.54. This equation is a useful reference point for future studies that investigate surface water and

groundwater interactions. Results from surface water δ18O and δ2H add to the Global Network of Isotopes

in Rivers (GNIR) database and provide initial insight into a longer term monitoring program on Marion Island that will investigate inter-seasonal and intra-seasonal hydrogeochemical dynamics.

12

The use of Periphyton and Macro-invertebrates and their susceptibility to changes in river flow

characteristics and nutrient composition as an indicator of river health (poster)

Samiksha Singh - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Freshwater systems are a valuable resource threatened by pollution. In South Africa, river ecosystem management has shifted from water quality improvement to the creation of ecological reserves. This shift has allowed for the increased use of bio-indicators such as macro-invertebrates to determine river ecosystem health. However, there is an increasing need to include periphyton as a bio-monitoring tool due to their ability to indicate changes environmental conditions. Current algal research use only diatoms as a bio-monitoring tool. This study aims to determine patterns and trends in periphyton communities though their relationship with changing nutrient and flow regimes in a summer rainfall region. Increased rainfall resulted in increased river depth and velocity which influenced algal biomass growth. Increased nutrients resulted in peaks in algal biomass while decreases in algal biomass occurred due to an increase in invertebrate grazers. General trends showed peaks in algal biomass in early summer and autumn. This research suggests that established periphyton patterns and trends can allow for periphyton to be used as an important bio-monitoring.

The formation of gullies/dongas by virtue of water erosion in the area of Meloding (poster)

Tebello Raputhing - University of the Free State

Water erosion is one of the most dangerous forms of soil and land degradation in the world, as it clears away the nutrients in the soil. This research is based on the formation of gullies (dongas) by virtue of water erosion. The aim is to integrate information between different sources to see what plays a significant part in the formation of gullies in the area of Meloding - Virginia, and also which factors that might have led to the formation of this landforms, as well as the causes and impacts of the gullies on the environment, by looking at previous activities as compared to the current situation. The data includes taking soil samples and conducting fieldwork, such as measuring the gullies, and only a few interviews will also be used, as the research is more based on physical nature rather than on people - although they might play a part in the behaviour of nature into a constant change. In conclusion, it is important to see which factors have played a major role in soil erosion, particularly, by forming gullies, as well as whether this action would be continuous and end up affecting the environment in another detrimental way or not.

An assessment of soil erosion vulnerability levels using geo-information systems and earth observation in

uMgeni Catchment, South Africa (poster)

Nosipho Makaya - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Soil erosion remains a major environmental threat in the eastern region of South Africa. Information on the vulnerability and severity of erosion is necessary for soil conservation planning that will ensure that the negative effects of erosion are avoided. However, high cost and time required for data collection using conventional methods is a major challenge in identification of areas vulnerable to erosion. Geo-spatial techniques therefore offer a timely, affordable and robust method for the identification of areas vulnerable to erosion. The main objective of the study was to assess and map erosion vulnerability based on Geo-spatial techniques in the upper catchment of uMgeni, South Africa. To determine the level of importance in influencing erosion vulnerability, the Analytical Hierarchy Process in a Geographic Information Systems environment was utilised to calculate the weights of erosion causing factors. These included slope, vegetation cover, soils, rainfall, land cover and drainage density. The Weighted Linear Combination was then used for the soil erosion sensitivity analysis and showed 41.3% of the total area was under high to very high risk of erosion. The obtained soil erosion vulnerability results proved to be effective and accurate and could be useful in soil conservation planning.

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DISASTER RISK

Drought Risk Assessment in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Curtis Mashimbye - University of the Free State

South Africa has a history of recurrent droughts, and in terms of their prevalence and economic significance, droughts are the most important natural hazards. Drought is a persistently recurrent natural phenomenon associated with below average water availability, over a period of time. The Eastern Cape has the highest amount of the households engaged in agriculture in S.A. and most receive water from a river or stream. The communities that are expected to be at higher risk are the ones engaged in subsistence agriculture for an extra source of food and those highly dependent on social grants. Drought risk assessment is a methodology used to determine potential drought hazard and existing conditions of vulnerability that together could harm an exposed community. The aim of this study is the assessment of drought risk in the Eastern Cape Province, using the information from rainfall data, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), and socio-economic vulnerability. A time series analysis of the rainfall and Standard Precipitation Index data (1950-2016) was undertaken, in order to identify the trends or association in the frequency, intensity and severity of drought. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used as an analysis tool.

Drought coping strategies: The case of Tshivhuyuni irrigation scheme at Limpopo province South Africa

Maipfi Matovheke - University of Venda

Drought is a period of dry weather, especially a long one that is injurious to crop. The aim of this study is to analyse drought coping strategies used by farmers at Tshivhuyuni irrigation scheme and determine possible strategies to enhance crop production. The research methodology to be used will be a phenomenological approach, purposive sampling, primary and secondary methods of data collection. Data will be obtained through interviews and participant observation. The sample will consist of 20 farm owners who will be selected purposefully at Tshivhuyuni irrigation scheme. Data will be explained narratively and represented by means of computed excel spread sheet through pie charts and graphs. The study will analyse farmers drought coping strategies used by farmers and come up with possible strategies that can be implemented to enhance the level of crop production, furthermore enable farmers to be aware of what type of crops to cultivate during drought conditions.

The impacts of floods on livelihoods along Dzindi River at Mapate Village Thulamela Municipality

Mashudu Mudau - University of Venda

Loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of floods is currently one of an important topic being discussed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of floods on the livelihoods along Dzindi River, Mapate village, Limpopo Province. The study assessed the loss and damage from floods on farms and the rural livelihoods affected along the Dzindi River flood plain. The objectives have been to assess the impacts of floods on farms along the river flood plain, determine how livelihoods are affected by flood on their agricultural lands, assess community differential resilience level and coping strategies after floods. The study employed a qualitative approach, using a questionnaire to collect data and adopted an oral history research design. During data analysis interpretation, comparison, arguments of raw data were made. It was established that floods impacted on people’s socio-economic livelihoods. Recommendations made include community initiated mitigation measures should be promoted to build community resilience and community based floods early warning system should be developed. The study concludes by promoting a multi-sectoral approach to flood mitigation as opposed to single sector should be promoted as there are inter-linkages in terms of flood impact on various aspect of society.

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An assessment of flood vulnerability and adaptation: a case study of Hamutsha-Muungamuwe Village,

Makhado Municipality

Rendani Munyai - University of Venda

The study assesses determinants of flood vulnerability and coping strategies to flood hazards, in which the vulnerability and resilience of the local communities are key concepts in this study. Every rainy season, the majority of households are vulnerable to flood hazards. It is therefore important to measure their level of vulnerability and assess their responses for current and future planning. Flood Vulnerability Index was applied to measure the extent of flood vulnerability. Key Informant interviews, field surveys and household questionnaires were used to collect data. Results show that vulnerability to flood in this community is determined by the nature of soil, dwelling type, employment, education and amount of rainfall which fall in a particular season. Social and economic components scored higher vulnerability than the physical environment while social factors are higher than economic. Contextual coping strategies in this community were temporary relocation, evacuate to a safe area and waiting for government and neighbours to help. The study recommends that public awareness campaigns, early warning systems and that disaster management strategy must take into considerations differentiated levels of vulnerability and community coping mechanisms and preferences.

Identifying flood prone areas in the Crocodile West River catchment, North West Province

Kobie Krog - North-West University - Potchefstroom Campus

Floods are an occurrence of extreme weather that produces a large amount of surface water over land. It is one of the worst natural hazards on earth and has become one of the most frequent natural events in the past few decades. These physical actions that, among others, make an area more prone for flooding are rapid urbanization, density of settlements, development and habitation in flood plains, lack of water and sanitation services, also deforestation and impenetrable surfaces. In the present study the Crocodile River catchment in the North West Province of South Africa will be analysed through a multi-criteria. Various parameters will be used in this analysis and used in a fuzzy overlay in ArcMap to identify possible flood areas in this region. The outcome will be represented and showed through various maps. This flood prone identification is needed to indicate were relevant mitigation measures is needed most in the catchment.

Tropical cyclone tracks and the occurrence of extreme weather over Southern Africa

Tisang Ncube - University of Venda

The main aim of this study is to examine the role of tropical cyclones affecting the Mozambique Channel in producing extreme weather over the mainland of Southern Africa. Approximately 9-12 tropical cyclones form every year in the SW Indian Ocean tropical cyclone basin, however it has been noted that less than 5% of them make landfall over Southern Africa. Case studies of tropical cyclones Domoina (January 1984), Eline (February 2000), Japhet (March 2003) and Favio’s (February 2007) are employed for storm tracks, and extreme weather investigations via composite analysis. Storm tracks, rainfall circulation and thermodynamics fields are analyzed using the NCEP reanalysis data. Extreme weather associated with strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by tropical cyclones affect mainly the eastern coastal and adjacent interior of Southern Africa. Other than causing heavy rains and flooding, prolonged droughts are experienced over Mozambique, Zimbabwe and some parts of South Africa as a result of tropical cyclones being quasi stationary in the Mozambique Channel. Heavy rainfall and flooding continues even after the cyclone has weakened and may be linked to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone which is normally in the vicinity during this time. Subtropical anticyclones are expected to push tropical cyclone tracks equator-ward.

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Impacts of the 2015/16 El Niño drought on surface hydrology, crop yields and vegetation in Vhembe

district

Percy Muofhe - University of Venda

The drought phenomenon occurs when rainfall in a particular area is below the long term average. In southern Africa, drought is often associated with El Niño event which is linked with climate cycles over the equatorial Pacific Ocean which have a global impact. Vhembe District Municipality which is situated north of Limpopo Region is one of the districts which was negatively affected by 2015/16 El Niño induced drought. The main aim of this research is to analyze the extent to which drought negatively impacted the water levels of major dams, rivers and other surface water resources, crop yields and vegetation in the district. Long term records (1985-2016) from South African Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Department of Water Affairs, Agriculture Research Council (ARC) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) are analyzed for anomalies. Composite analysis is used to analyze the drought impacts at monthly, sub-seasonal and seasonal timescales. It is found that that while the 1997/8 El Niño drought was comparable to the 2015/16 El Niño drought, their impacts were significantly different. Results of this study contribute to the understanding impact of El Niño induced droughts and how affected communities may build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.

An investigation of the relationship between the state of C. Intermedia (Honeybush) populations and fire

history in the Langkloof, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Michael Cohen - Rhodes University

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between the state of wild honeybush populations and fire incidence in the Langkloof. The Langkloof is a mountainous area and an important water catchment for Port Elizabeth and the agricultural industry of the Langkloof and Gamtoos. Over time an export industry has formed around the wild harvesting of the fynbos plant Cyclopia intermedia (Honeybush), traditionally used to make tea. A major component of the dynamics of fynbos ecosystems is fire which has an important impact on the distribution, abundance and diversity of fynbos. With C. Intermedia being a resprouter, the impact of the presence, or absence, of fire in the region on the Honeybush population may be determined by observing how fire incidence correlates with measures of C. Intermedia’s health at various locations within the Langkloof. Being a resprouter, C. Intermedia is reliant on fire in order to reproduce. Standard field techniques were used for plant allometry and frequency, and MCD45A fire incidence data from the MODIS sensors and LANDSAT images were used to determine fire histories of each site. Thus far, results indicate a significantly higher frequency, presence of saplings, and potential plant mass between sites which have been burnt within the last 5 years and those that haven’t been burnt recently.

An assessment of smallholder famers’ vulnerability and adaptation to drought

Phindulo Sagida - University of Venda

Drought has affected the country’s harvest especially summer crops such as maize affecting both smallholder farmers and commercial farmers. Smallholder farmers are heavily dependent on rainfall for agricultural production. Smallholder farmers of local village Shayandima are vulnerable to period of low rainfall, experiencing low crop production and increases in food prices which threaten their livelihoods. The aim of the study is to assess smallholder farmers’ vulnerability and adaptation to drought. The objectives are to determine the socio-economic impacts of drought on smallholder farmers, determine factors that lead to smallholder farmer’s vulnerability and assess the coping and adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers to deal with drought. A survey research design with a stratified sampling method is adopted. A qualitative method is used for data collection through interviews and primary data is obtained from smallholder farmer. A Drought Vulnerability Index analyzes data in five classes, the least, mild, moderate, severely and critically vulnerable, then the data is entered in to Microsoft excel to be represented in graphs, tables and pie charts. At the end of this study better coping and adapting strategies are to be introduced to smallholder farmers, they will also have access to information regarding agricultural production maintenance.

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INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS & SPACES OF INCLUSION & EXCLUSION

Township renewal in KwaMashu, Durban

Siphesihle Hlatshawayo - University of the Free State

In 2001, National Government launched the flagship Urban Renewal Programme to address infrastructure deficiencies and declining economies in areas characterised by widespread poverty and neglect. Urban renewal strives to combat crime, unemployment and improve the quality of life for township dwellers in the area of KwaMashu in Durban and other townships in South Africa. This research seeks to determine what change is occuring in townships like KwaMashu, specifically if urban renewal processes in informal settlements have been appropriate or not. The paper focuses on the economic, social and environmental aspects of the community. The eThekwini municipality, the Department of Environmental Affairs and private companies such as Hullets have been working together in order to ensure that urban renewal becomes a reality in the township of KwaMashu. Township renewal has benefited the community by providing jobs and by bringing services closer to the people, but has also been negative due to poor management of the disposal of waste products which lead to land disturbance and pollution.

Can informal settlements be empowering spaces? The case of Marikana informal settlement, Cape Flats

Nosiviwe Mnyaka - University of the Western Cape

Informal settlements in South Africa are a reflection of the rapidly urbanising population and the growth of poverty across cities. Marikana, in Cape Town, is one of the most recent and fastest growing informal settlements in the city. Significant national literature on informal settlements focuses on deprivations faced by residents of informal settlements. However, international literature on informal settlements reveals that informal settlements can be an incubator of informal enterprises and are often empowering spaces. This study investigates the livelihood strategies that residents of Marikana informal settlement have adopted in order to survive in the city and how the informal settlement has empowered its residents. The main aim of this research is to identify factors that shape and strengthen livelihood strategies in Marikana informal settlement. A qualitative research methodology involving in-depth interviews with Marikana residents was used in the study.

Post-apartheid land invasion: Evaluating the socio-economic and environmental impacts of Imizamo Yethu

informal settlement on Hout Bay, Cape Town

Ashlin Ontong - University of the Western Cape

During apartheid the geographical terrain of urban South Africa was governed by racialized policies that ensured the separation and division of people according to their racial profile. The Group Areas Act of 1950 coupled with the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Act of 1951 allowed the National Party to control movement and the location of settlements. This era in South African history was characterised by forced removals which ensured the establishment of buffer zones. After the collapse of Apartheid, laws governing the physical occupation of space were replaced by democratic policies that promoted the free movement of all South Africans. Within Cape Town the luxurious mountain slopes of Hout Bay have been ‘invaded’ by informal dwellers who attempted to safeguard their access to land and resources. This form of migration was perceived to be an infringement upon the economic and social status of settled residents who had occupied these spaces in order to maintain their exclusive lifestyle. Within post-apartheid South Africa the inadequate enforcement of laws coupled with the scarcity of land and formal houses has forced many low-income black dwellers to transgress the boundary between rich and poor. This paper will therefore attempt to investigate the underlying causes of contestation that has manifested itself within this area.

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Spatial ‘equality’ in post-Apartheid Bloemfontein Hoffman Square: A right to the City approach

Nomzamo Jolintini - University of the Free State

Public spaces are important elements in both urban and rural areas. These spaces act as areas where the public can conduct both social activities and political activities. They also help in strengthening social interaction among the inhabitants residing over the areas. It is thus considered essential for every inhabitant to have the right to use these public spaces equally regardless of race, gender, age group and class. Hoffman square is a public space in Bloemfontein that African inhabitants use to practise their daily social activities. It is also a space that used to discriminate access against Africans and Coloureds during the period of apartheid. Using Lefebvre’s (1968) right to the city framework, the study seeks to uncover the trends of social equality that can be observed since the end of apartheid. It also seeks to explore and analyse the levels of social equality in the public space called Hoffman square, of which as history tells us has been an urban context of social inequality for the African and Coloured societies. Participant observation, formal and informal interviews are used to obtain data from users of the square and urban officials of the city.

Special Rating Areas: Improvement or Exclusion? A Case Study of Observatory, Cape Town

Nick Budlender - University of Cape Town

This paper uses qualitative research conducted in the Cape Town neighbourhood of Observatory to analyse the relationship between suburban Special Rating Areas (SRAs) and exclusion and marginality in South African cities. Special Rating Areas, otherwise known as Improvement Districts, were initially developed in the Global North and hailed as innovative solutions to issues of urban renewal in city centers. However, they have also come under significant criticism for their exclusionary nature, and numerous scholars have claimed that they are inappropriate in postcolonial contexts. This paper argues that SRAs often only represent the views and desires of wealthier residents and businesses, which leads to the exclusion and marginalization of people that already have limited socio-economic and discursive power. Not only are poorer residents essentially excluded from the establishment and operation of SRAs, but they are also most likely to be negatively affected by them. By focusing explicitly on the perspectives of marginalized groups, it is shown that SRAs and related urban governance schemes have the potential to thwart the post-apartheid drive for integration and desegregation. While SRAs in city centers have been relatively well researched, this study contributes to the small body of knowledge relating to those located in suburban areas.

Participatory governance and the reproduction of Hoffman Square in post-apartheid Bloemfontein

Tshepo Masuoane - University of the Free State

Lefebvre’s theoretical framework, “the right to the city”, is used in this study to assess the level of participatory governance observable in the redevelopment of Hoffman Square in the post-apartheid Bloemfontein, South Africa. The framework presumes that people have the right to participation and appropriation, and therefore have the right to participate in every decision making that affects their lives; the redevelopment of Hoffman square in this case. The public spaces play a vital role in a city’s wellbeing and therefore, the state, together with the inhabitants need to work together in any adjustments on such spaces. There has not been any research study conducted on Hoffman Square Bloemfontein, hence this research will uncover in depth the redevelopment of Hoffman square.

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Investigating sustainability for residences of the University of the Free State

Mari-Jeanne Botes - University of the Free State

A university is the ideal setting for developing a culture of sustainability. This is an opportunity that is missed by many South African universities. The current study argues that a shift towards sustainability can not only improve the state of the environment of a campus, but also save funds in order to aid the #feesmustfall campaign. There has been little to no investigation or implementation into more sustainable ways in which to run residences in terms of electricity and water. The study investigates the sustainability of two residences – one male and one female – at the University of the Free State. Questionnaires were handed out to the respective residences in order to gain an understanding of how the residents’ current lifestyles make use of water and electricity. Housing and Residence Affairs (HRA) were questioned on the current workings of how the water and electricity of the residences are managed. The questionnaires reflected that residents’ in the two residences were not conscientious in trying to save electricity or water, even during one of the worst droughts in South Africa. HRA shed light on the management of water and electricity of these two residences and that they are not currently run in a sustainable manner. Suggestions on how to start to improve residence sustainability are then explored.

Established Socio-economic Differences Made by Higher Education Institutions to their Local Surrounding

Communities: Case of University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Sibulele Bongoza - University of Fort Hare

Universities can be valuable contributors to their local community’s economy and social development. Every higher education institution serves as an economic or social anchor in its respective community. The study seeks to contribute in showing differences made by the University of Fort Hare to the local surrounding communities of Nkonkobe Local Municipality. This study will adopt a triangulation approach where mixed methods will be used to enhance confidence in the ensuing of findings. Data will be collected using questionnaires and focus groups within the local communities and in-depth interviews with the local businesses and schools that are surrounding University of Fort Hare and also to some of the staff members of the university with the concern of infrastructural development to the communities of Nkonkobe. Data will be analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel to record and construct graphs. University of Fort Hare might be making a difference on local communities by creating jobs and offering training or education to local residents. The university might be supporting local businesses since it attracts people from different regions or facilitating community service projects that have an economic contribution to local people. There might be infrastructural developments that have emerged through the establishment of Fort Hare in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality.

SOIL SCIENCE & GIS

An assessement of the impact of soil extraction on biodiversity in Tshandama Village, Mutale Local

Municipality

Ronewa Tshikhudo - University of Venda

Soil mining is one of the serious environmental challenges around the globe in recent years. A major threat to biodiversity has been the land use activities which have resulted in habitat destruction due to Population growth and overexploitation of resources. This study intended to assess the impacts of soil extraction on plant biodiversity. The aim for this study is to measure and analyse the area where soil is extracted, evaluate the density of plant species and compare the disturbed area with an un-disturbed area. Collection of data involved both primary and secondary data source. Primary data was obtained through field observation. This work was carried out through qualitative and quantitative approach in assessing the impacts of soil extraction in Tshandama village. Outcrops was observed and identified based on their mode of occurrence, and then species checklist was made. Secondary data was gathered from articles, journals and books. Studying articles and journals of related literature review to the research study was used in order to achieve the objectives of the study. Data is analyzed quantitatively wherein the density of plant species was calculated using chi square for disturbed and undisturbed area.

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Sinkhole precursor detection through SAR interferometry: Towards a sinkhole early warning system for

Gauteng

Andre Theron - Stellenbosch University

Sinkholes are an unpredictable geohazard that endangers life and structures globally. They are a major geohazard in Gauteng, South Africa, where ~24% of the province is susceptible to sinkhole formation. Sinkholes have led to the loss of life and significant infrastructure damage and mitigation measures, such as early warning systems, are critical for future development. Sinkholes generally appear suddenly with little warning. However, early signs of their development are often seen due to ground subsidence leading to tension cracks in the ground and infrastructure. Such precursory deformation is thought to occur in the weeks to years before sinkhole formation. Detecting these precursors is key to an operational early warning system and is a challenge for sinkhole hazard research. However, the in situ monitoring of large areas for small-scale deformation is not feasible due to the unpredictability of sinkholes. Satellite remote sensing, specifically Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR), is able to frequently monitor large areas for millimetre scale deformation. DInSAR has proven to be valuable and effective for many applications and is now being explored for sinkhole precursor detection with promising, though limited, results. This research explored the potential and limitations of DInSAR for sinkhole precursor monitoring in the Gauteng Province. Numerous sinkholes occurred during the course of the investigation and provided an ideal opportunity to investigate the ability to detect precursors using DInSAR techniques. 21 High-resolution, X-band, images were acquired over Gauteng between 29 January 2015 and 27 January 2016. Several deformation basins related to sinkhole development could be detected and monitored. However, several sinkholes were reported for which no precursory deformation could be detected. These highlighted the operational limitations of using DInSAR for sinkhole early warning.

An investigation of the relationship between soil erosion and slope stability at Mutandani Community,

Lwamondo Village in Limpopo Province

Mulalo Tshitabia - University of Venda

Soil erosion is the down slope movement of soil by water or wind. Increased rates of soil erosion can result into loss of vegetation productivity and reduce plants for animal pasture. This study aims to investigate the relationship between soil erosion and slope stability at Mutandani Community, Limpopo province. The main aim of the study is to investigate how slope (in)stability causes soil erosion. The study objectives include assessing and measuring the shear strength of soil from different slopes, asses if and how the gradient of the slope is responsible for soil erosion occurrence in the area, and lastly investigate if erosion rate is accelerating or decelerating on different selected slopes with no vegetation and on slopes with dense vegetation. Research design that will be used are experimental topographical maps and orthophoto maps which are to be used as sources of data collection. Simple random sampling will be used to select. Each selected slope is going to be divided into 5 plots, each with different cover soil depth and the plots in total will be 25, and then collect soil samples using auger and measure different soil properties. To analyse the data regression analysis and SPSS are going to be used.

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Assessment of soil erosion hazard around the Nyala abandoned mine in Mutale Municipality, Limpopo

Province, South Africa

Abidence Bvindi - University of Venda

The mining industry has been associated with environmental pollution since its inception in South Africa. Abandoned mines are of concern since most were traditionally decommissioned before the introduction of environmental legislation; namely The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 and the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 23 of 2002. These mines were thus abandoned without proper remediation and monitoring of the pollution. Soil erosion is one identified environmental hazard associated with abandoned mines. This study seeks to assess soil erosion hazards of Nyala abandoned mine to prioritise water resources in support of reclamation and rehabilitation planning. In order to achieve this, an improved method of Soil Loss Estimation Model for Southern Africa (SLEMSA) for soil erosion hazard assessment will be used in a GIS to estimate the spatial variation of erosion hazard of mine wastes. Factors that will be considered for the model are relief (S&L), soil erodibility (Fb), and vegetation cover (C) and erosivity of rainfall (E). The watershed analysis tool will be used to determine the transport flow pathways of contaminated surface run-off in order to identify the spatial extent of potential water contamination risk areas. The study is expected to develop a methodological approach to prioritise surface water erosion during abandoned mine reclamation and rehabilitation efforts. Other expected outcomes include a GIS-based environmental database for Nyala abandoned mine as well as a potential contamination drainage map indicating surface pollution dispersal pathways from identified contamination sources.

Monitoring of post-mining rehabilitated landscapes through satellite –based techniques

Shelley Haupt - Stellenbosch University

Mining has severe environmental and social implications and post-mining rehabilitation needs to take place before land re-zonation can occur. Post-mining rehabilitation is the process in which previously mined areas are returned to some degree of its natural state or to a condition that can sustain an intended post-mining land use. Common rehabilitation practices, specifically in open-pit mines, include backfilling and subsequent re-vegetation. The process of backfilling by nature leads to varying degrees of ground settlement over both space and time. This can be harmful to surrounding settlements as well as the environment. To comply with legislation governing mine closure, mining companies have developed deformation monitoring systems for areas where surface deformation is a high probability. Conventional field-based approaches have been employed which are inefficient over large areas. To overcome these limitations, satellite based monitoring techniques such as Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (dInSAR) has been employed. dInSAR is known to be an effective operational tool to detect measure and monitor surface deformation up to a millimetre level of accuracy. The study aims to determine to what extent remote monitoring systems can address the known challenges of monitoring post-mining rehabilitated strategies. Firstly, conventional differential SAR interferometry methods will be implemented to detect and monitor surface deformation in backfilled open-pit mines. Secondly, a combination of SAR and optical data will be used to assess the health and productivity of vegetation on rehabilitated mines. If successful, the results can be used to guide the design of monitoring system for the long-term operational monitoring of areas subject to post-mining rehabilitation.

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The use of aerial photographs to map landslides prone areas along Nzhelele River Valley, Makhado

Municipality

Mashudu Muhuma - University of Venda

Different hazards are striking different parts of the globe at an increasing rate. Landslides are among the most widespread geological hazard that threatens human lives worldwide. This study focuses on the use of aerial photographs to map landslide prone areas along Nzhelele river valley, Makhado municipality. The study is motivated by natural disasters which are progressively imposing unprecedented impacts on human lives and property around the globe. There is a need to examine the susceptibility of landslides in the area of study in order to prevent such loss. The study aims to map the slope classes, to identify the area which is more susceptible to landslides and to identify the type of landslides that can occur in Nzhelele. Landslides claim human lives, damage property, and infrastructure so it is important to do this type of study in this area in order to limit the loss of people’s lives and property damage. The study will require the stereoscopic analysis of aerial photographs to be undertaken in order to map geomorphic units and on slope and to determine slope classes.

Uncertainty and visualization

Sven Christ - Stellenbosch University

Data quality is an important aspect of data. Users of spatial data often assume products are highly accurate while not checking the accuracy assessment or metadata supplied with the data. Metadata usually supplies statistics such as the Kappa statistic, root mean square error (RMSE) or a confusion matrix that may not always be intuitively understood and holds averages for the entire dataset. Visualization has however been found to trump text in its impact and appeal. Therefore, visualization of uncertainty can aid in bringing a better understanding of data quality to the foreground. In this research, the understanding of uncertainty in spatial data was measured in the absence of a visualization method. An open-source tool (Uview) was created to provide both users and producers of spatial data with a tool to visualize uncertainty. The usefulness of the Uview tool was determined through focussed interviews. Through visualization, Uview can provide both novice and experienced users of GIS and statistics with a better understanding of the statistics and the quality of the data.

CLIMATE, AGRICULTURE & LIVELIHOODS

The interaction between climate change and small-scale farming: A case of smallholder farmers in

Vhembe District, South Africa

Zongho Kom - University of Venda

Climate change has been considered as one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century because it affects all countries in the world. Climate change threatens to deepen the problems already faced by smallholder farmers in Africa and especially South Africa which is a semi-arid country. The climate has changed over the past years and will continue changing; crops yields production are getting reduced due to periods of little or inconsistence rainfall, extreme drought and high heat waves. This climate scenario is emerging as a challenge to small-scale farming systems. The aim of the study will be to investigate the interaction between climate changes and small-scale farming and smallholder farmers’ livelihood in Vhembe district. The research design will be multidimensional. A mixed method of different sources of data collection instruments will be employed. Data will be collected from smallholder farmers at household level through interviews, focus group discussion, key informant interview and questionnaires and also obtained from South Africa Weather services and Agricultural Research Council. Data analysis will be done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and regression models. Descriptive statistic will be used for data presentation. The study will suggest a self-sustaining small-scale farming systems and recommendations to adapt to climate change and improve livelihoods.

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The Futures of Water and Agriculture under Projected Climate Change Scenarios: A case study of Malawi’s

Subsistence Farmers

Chifundo Kamwaza - University of Cape Town

Meeting the food demand of the global population will require changes in agricultural production systems as the population is expected to double. To achieve sustainable and improved agricultural food production there is a need to address and improve water management and invest in water as a major issue of concern in the context of persistent poverty and food insecurity. The research aims to explore how projected climate change scenarios play out in relation to water and food focusing on the aspect of maize yield and how this feeds into food security. The research will also examine the how subsistence farmers retain and gain access to water in climate scenarios that reduce water availability. The research would like to add to the food and water nexus discussion in Malawi in order to better prepare for the different climate scenarios that have been highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

An impact assessment of agro-ecology in climate change mitigation and economic sustainability: A case

study of Mopani District Municipality

Tshilidzi Manyanya - University of Venda

Global institutions advocate the adoption of agro-ecology in climate change, however most of the projected outcomes concerning agro-ecological were not empirically tested for universal application. Agro-ecology is theorised to increase yield and crop health over ago-ecological farms and decrease over conventional farms. Increased crop health means increased carbon sequestration and thus less CO2 in the atmosphere. Agro-ecology affects crop health, soil carbon content and yield which guided the objectives of the study. Economic sustainability is directly related to yield capacity, theorized to increase by 3-10% in a space of ten years as a result of agro-ecological implementation. This study aimed at empirically assessing the practicality and validity of these assumptions over a longitudinal period (2013 – 2015). Agro-ecological farms were compared to conventional farm in the same general climatic conditional and geographical location. Crop health was assessed using satellite images analysed through ArcGIS and Erdas. Linear regressing assessed the relationship between LST and crop health. Yield was analysed from production records acquired from farmers. Results showed increasing temperatures over 80% conventional farms and a decrease over 80% organic farms. Crop health, soil carbon and yield revealed an increase over agro-ecological farms and a decrease over conventional farms.

Efficiency of irrigation systems in the Lowveld Region: A case study of Tambankulu Estate, Swaziland

Patrick Sifundza - University of Fort Hare

Agriculture is an important activity in southern Africa in terms of food security, economic activity and water use. Swaziland and the Southern African region are currently experiencing severe drought period. Thus, water demand and usage in the agricultural sector has doubled or tripled over this period. On this basis, the current study intends to assess water efficiency of irrigation systems used at Tambankulu Sugarcane Estates in Swaziland. The aim of the study is to identify the most efficient and effective irrigation model that minimises water usage and wastage. Data on water consumption per irrigation systems, and cane yield as well as sugar cane varieties from 2005/6 to 2015/16 would be the sources of the secondary data for this research. Qualitative research methods will be used to collect primary data to achieve some of the objectives of the study. Questionnaires and non-participant observations research techniques will be adopted for additional data collection. Quantitative methods will be used to analyse the statistical data (recorded water consumption figures) on water utilization per irrigation systems. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software will be used to analyse the recorded data per irrigation system. Statistical procedures such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), coefficient of variation (CVq), correlation coefficients, and so on, will be used to analyse the recorded data. It is anticipated that the analysis of these data would reveal which irrigation system is efficient and effective.

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A socio-economic and environmental analysis of subsistence farming: A case study of KwaThathani Village,

KwaZulu-Natal Nontando Xaba - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

A significant proportion of rural livelihoods are based on subsistence farming. There is a need to view subsistence farming from socio-economic and environmental angles as it creates a holistic approach to the activity, subsequently creating a diverse and integrative analysis. Subsistence farming is underlined by various political, socio-economic and environmental factors. The poor and vulnerable are subjected to unproductive small scale land, thus the challenge to expand into commercial farming. The absence of the necessary capital for agricultural equipment and other essential inputs, as well as sufficient land, all contribute towards the challenges faced by the previously disadvantaged subsistence farmers. In addition, climate change, deferred land reform, rural urban migration and the HIV/AIDS pandemic also contribute towards adversities challenging the productivity of subsistence farming. Rural urban migration poses a threat to agricultural labour supply, as people move to the city in the quest for employment as a means to escape rural poverty. Climate change is a serious phenomenon that cannot be reversed but rather mitigated through adaptive strategies. An understanding of climate change and its long term effects are essential to the formulation of adaptive policies and practices. Rural knowledge of climate change is predominately through media and word of mouth, hence there is a shortage in the informative incentives about the phenomenon. The primary intention of this study is to investigate the socio-economic and environmental constraints and opportunities provided by subsistence farming in the rural village of KwaThathani. Furthermore, the study seeks to answer the following questions: what are the socioeconomic conditions underlying the community of KwaThathani? What are the various types of subsistence farming existing in KwaThathani? How does rural urban migration impact the sustainability of subsistence farming? Finally, is indigenous knowledge still prevalent in the contemporary settings of KwaThathani?

Understanding climate variability: The case of livestock herding in Makolokwe, North West province,

South Africa

Semakaleng Llale - University of the Western Cape

Climate variability is a concept which means different things to different people. This research aims to assess the perception of climate variability amongst livestock owners and herders in the community of Makolokwe in the North West Province of South Africa, while also seeking to investigate the variability of the natural vegetation using remote sensing. A fundamental question in this research is: “Does climate variability impact on livestock owning and herding in Makolokwe?” A combination of qualitative and quantitative evaluation is used in the research. In total 10 livestock owners and herders were interviewed. The variability of the natural vegetation is explored using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Preliminary results indicate that farmers perceive a changing environment in Makolokwe with hotter temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Although the respondents indicate that climate variability is largely responsible for the decrease in vegetation in the area, the impact of increased livestock in the area is also recognised as an important factor. In addition to the impacts of climate variability, livestock farmers are also faced with many other challenges which affect their livelihood resulting in various mitigation strategies.

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RIVER & COASTAL RESOURCES

Exploring the potential role of Catchment Management Forums (CMFs) in the emerging Mzimvubu to

Tsitsikamma Catchment Agency (CMA) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Marthyn de Jong - Rhodes University

The study explored the potential role that Catchment Management Forums (CMFs) could have in one of the nine Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs), in particular the Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma CMA (MT CMA), in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. South Africa has troubles with “difficult hydrologies”. Troubles are due to the high level of needs and low ability to invest, in terms of institutional and infrastructure investment. Therefore, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) was encouraged at the Rio Earth summit in 1992 and at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg. The National Water Act and the Water Services Act (No 98 of 1997) provides a legal framework which adopted IWRM at the catchment level through Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs). CMAs have been found to be more effective when working closely with CMFs which are not formally established under the National Water Act, although the minister may make regulations for consultative forums. Therefore, to explore the potential role of CMFs in the MT CMA, various workshops were held within the CMA. Data collected included recordings and ‘concerns and actions’ of the participants. The data was analysed using Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to examine the potential role that these CMFs could have.

The impact of various land uses on the microbial quality of tributaries in the Klein Jukskei River

Christian van der Hoven - University of Pretoria

Faecal contamination of surface water flowing through highly populated areas is a critical water quality concern that contains many serious human health implications. This particular study seeks to investigate the overall microbial quality of two tributaries flowing into the Klein Jukskei River, using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a faecal indicator organism, and to investigate whether the main land uses surrounding these tributaries have an impact on its abundance. The land uses focussed on in this study are informal residential, urban residential and industrial land uses. The study is conducted over a period of two months (July and September 2016), where 8 surface water samples are taken once weekly. Total coliforms and E. coli within the water samples are isolated and enumerated using the ColilertTM 18 / Quanti-Tray 2000 (IDEXX) method. Other parameters focussed on are the sampling site surface water temperatures, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen. Seasonal variation of the two months as a possible influence on the abundance of E. coli is also investigated.

Unlocking Small Scale Fisheries Value Chains through Information Communication Technology

Robin George - University of Cape Town

This research project focuses on the soon to be established small scale fisheries sector and the usage of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to unlock its value chains. It brings together different spheres of knowledge from fisheries management, ICT, development studies as well as tourism studies. This research is part of the Abalobi smartphone application in the Environmental and Geographical Science Department of UCT; an engaged scholarship project working with fisher people and related stakeholders. The research seeks to discover how value chains can work for small scale fisher communities. This research engages broader role players in the value chain from commercial entities such as chain stores and restaurants and also explores the possibility for new complementary value chain activities to fishing. The possibility of fisher community based tourism as part of a value chain is discussed alongside fishing activities in these communities. Some of these value chains through which fishers sell their catches are in existence but needs better coordination to be maximised. In gaining insights into the value chains of fisher communities, this research seeks to understand how an ICT tool such as Abalobi can improve and facilitate the interactions between fisher people and their desired markets.

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Food security and livelihood threats: an investigation into the lives of the fishermen bordering the

Tsitsikamma National Park

Ella-Kari Muhl - University of Cape Town

In 1978, fishing was closed to the local community residing next to the Tsitsikamma National Park when it was declared a Marine Protected Area. Fishermen were barred from angling within the area despite having historically having had access to the ocean and the fishing resource. This affected not only food security but also their cultural identity and heritage. This research project looks at how limiting access to the Marine Park has not only led to food insecurity but has also affected the livelihoods of the fishermen and their families in the Stormsrivier area in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Census data, household surveys and aerial photographs were used to outline the economic and employment situation of the local population in order to determine their level of food insecurity while quantative interviewing of 48 fisher households found that fishermen felt that they had been deprived and criminalized against and had lost access to a resource that historically was theirs. This in return had affected their quality of life as observed through interviews, focus groups, police records and analysis of the 2011 census data gathered in 2016.

Deriving Bathymetry from Multispectral Landsat 8

Michael Johnson - Stellenbosch University

Nearshore bathymetry is a basic geophysical parameter and is therefore essential for understanding coastal processes. However, the acquisition of accurate and sufficient nearshore bathymetry data is constrained by costs, the environment and availability of technology. This has contributed to an increased interest in the development of alternative remote sensing-based near-shore bathymetric derivation techniques for coastal monitoring and research. This study examines the potential of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data for the derivation of nearshore bathymetry along the coast of South Africa. A band ratio transform algorithm was used to obtain satellite derived bathymetry (SDB) maps for two coastal sites (False Bay and East London) located on South Africa’s south western and south eastern coasts. The algorithm was calibrated and validated with available sonar data. A comparison between the derived and actual depths is presented. The East London study site produced the most promising results with an R2 value of 0.82 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.72m. It was found that the accuracy is depth dependent and decreases with increasing turbidity, which is demonstrated in the False Bay study site (R2 = 0.69 and RMSE = 3.64m). The results demonstrate that such technique does indeed hold potential for the, quick and low-cost, extraction of nearshore (< 30m) bathymetry along the South African coast.

Land-use /cover mapping in a heterogeneous coastal landscape in KwaZulu-Natal: a comparison of

Landsat -8 and Sentinel – 2 satellite imagery

Makhaye Sandiswa - University of Witswatersrand

Land-use and Land-cover (LULC) dynamics have direct impacts on a variety of the earth’s systems and functioning, such as the earth’s ecosystems, hydrological cycle, and carbon dynamics etc. Mapping the spatial distribution of land-use/cover (LULC) has long been based on remotely sensed data. Over the past decades, efforts to improve the reliability of LULC maps have seen a proliferation of sensors development and image processing techniques. Despite these efforts, derived LULC maps are still often judged to be of insufficient quality for operational applications, due to disagreement between generated maps and reference data. In South Africa, Landsat have long been used for LULC mapping. However, there are several major concerns arising regarding the accuracy of national LULC map especially in the high complex ecosystems. Consequently, there is constant need for improvement of imagery characteristics and classification algorithms for reliable LULC map. The advent of new Sentinel-2 is seen as a trade-off between benefits offered by multispectral and hyperspectral imagery. The Sentinel-2 mission is a land monitoring constellation of two satellites that provide high resolution optical imagery free of charges and provide continuity for the current SPOT and Landsat missions. The main objective of this study were to compare between LandSat-8 and the new-generation multispectral Sentinel-2 imageries in LULC mapping in a heterogeneous coastal landscape and to determine the importance of the new Sentinel-2 bands on the LULC classification. The results indicate that superior accuracy was obtained from Sentinel-2 where the additional spectral bands appeared to have the greatest contribution on the classification output. Two different classification algorithms produced similar results.

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VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

An investigation on the relationship between the rural community and immigrant shop owners: Case

study of Burgersdorp Village

Hitiyise Mtebule - University of the Free State

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the rural community and immigrants shop owners. The study was conducted by using the quantitative methodology whereby interviews were conducted with local community and immigrant shop owners. A literature review was conducted focusing on international as well as national perspectives of immigrants and their relationship with community in host areas. Most of the literature focused on urban places and little is said on rural areas. The relationship between the community in urban places and immigrant shop owners is in most cases not a good one, it is a relationship filled with competition, resentment and hatred towards the immigrants. Findings of the study found that in rural areas the relationship between the two is completely different compared to that of urban areas, with some misunderstandings between the two groups that do not go out of hand as in urban areas. Immigrants shop owners in rural areas perceive themselves as part of the community as opposed to outsiders. The two groups have a mutual relationship and they benefit from each other instead of fighting against each other. In some cases there are even marriages between immigrant shop owners and local community.

Trauma, displacement and reintegration of female migrants: A case study of Isipingo

Kemantha Gounder - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

Migrant women in Isipingo have been experiencing more insidious forms of xenophobia such as rape, battery, ethnic discrimination and emotional abuse. These acts have left women traumatized and displaced. This study focuses on the trauma, displacement and reintegration of female migrants in reference to the 2015 xenophobic attacks that emanated in Isipingo. It examines the health and safety conditions of displacement camps and the Human Rights violations of female migrants. The displacement camps that were situated along the Isipingo Beach domain and the Chatsworth areas, had housed a massive population that diminished the adequacy of separate basic facilities for women. Re-integration of displaced women back into their society has been one of the most important consequences of xenophobia. This paper assesses the various impacts of emotional and physical violence that migrant women endure during and after the xenophobic attacks in Isipingo. Migrant women in Isipingo have been experiencing more insidious forms of xenophobia such as rape, battery, ethnic discrimination and emotional abuse. These acts have left women traumatized and displaced. This study focuses on the trauma, displacement and reintegration of female migrants in reference to the 2015 xenophobic attacks that emanated in Isipingo. It examines the health and safety conditions of displacement camps and the Human Rights violations of female migrants. The displacement camps that were situated along the Isipingo Beach domain and the Chatsworth areas, had housed a massive population that diminished the adequacy of separate basic facilities for women. Re-integration of displaced women back into their society has been one of the most important consequences of xenophobia. This paper assesses the various impacts of emotional and physical violence that migrant women endure during and after the xenophobic attacks in Isipingo.

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The social interaction between locals and migrants: A case study of KwaNdengezi Township

Nokukhanya Sibisi - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

Due to the influx of immigrants in many host countries, there has been an emergence of new ethnic communities in the receiving countries. This has not only changed the ethnic composition of societies but has also led to the increased tension between minority and majority members. Many citizens have started viewing ‘foreigners’ as a serious social problem and there have been questions about the terms of inclusion of immigrants within the national community. South Africa has been receiving its fair share of immigrants and has become more infamous since the 2008 outbreak of xenophobic violence. The hatred of foreigners from other countries has escalated over the years resulting in irrational behaviour and sheer bitterness. This paper examines the nature of the social interaction that takes place between foreign migrants and locals. Furthermore, the study will provide insight into certain underlying factors that lead to conflict between foreigners and locals. There is a traditional view that migrants take jobs from locals, commit crime, send their earnings out of the country, exploit the welfare services and bring diseases. In contrast this study focuses on the social interaction between foreign migrants and locals in KwaNdengezi Township. The findings of this research have revealed that there is a lot more interaction that takes place between locals and migrants of KwaNdengezi. Migrants are neighbours, friends, partners and “loan sharks”.

A geography of street harassment: Women of colour and pedestrianism in the Voortrekker Road

Corridor Improvement District

Alana Johannes - University of the Western Cape

Space is not a neutral setting but plays a role in the production and reproduction of social relations. Emotions linked to spaces are influenced by culture, gender and body politics. Women are socially constructed as more vulnerable in public spaces, and as a result have disrupted mobility as they purposefully adapt their mobility as a strategy to avoid being harassed as pedestrians. Through the use of autoethnography as well as mobile ethnographic methods, this paper will narrate the experiences of women of colour and their responses to street harassment within the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID) in Bellville, Cape Town. It also delineates areas where street harassment often occurs within the VRCID and map participants’ geographies of street harassment. Preliminary results underscore the contention that women of colour experience street harassment more often than other women, and demonstrate the impact of street harassment on pedestrian mobility.

Shifting livelihood strategies: Lived experiences of Zimbabwean migrants in De Doorns after the

xenophobic attacks

Eketsang Madwakasa - University of the Western Cape

Rural space in South Africa is becoming a troubled space of xenophobic violence, mostly against African migrants, as was the case in De Doorns in the Hex River valley in 2009. In recent years De Doorns has found itself under the spotlight following xenophobic attacks on migrants from neighbouring, countries especially Zimbabwe. Xenophobia has been prevalent in the area due to the relatively high presence of migrants in the area whose livelihoods are dependent on semi-skilled jobs as farmworkers and vendors. This study focuses on the experiences of Zimbabwean migrants who have continued to reside De Doorns since the 2009 xenophobic attacks. A qualitative research methodology involving in-depth interviews was used in the study. Interviews were particularly useful in probing experiences of the Zimbabwean migrants in order to understand the struggles and conflicts they encounter on a regular basis. Preliminary findings indicate that although the Zimbabwean migrants have decided to remain in the area, they face several livelihood challenges.

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Making the invisible visible: Geographies of inclusion and exclusion within the context of students with

disabilities at UWC

Adrian Paulsen - University of the Western Cape

Abled-bodied people may take the everyday politics of movement for granted. For such individuals, movement across space, from home to work and back again is something that is only constrained by the availability of public or private transportation. For people with disabilities, moving across space is sometimes fraught with complications that are mostly invisible to able-bodied people. This research aims to make visible the invisible everyday politics of movement for students living with disabilities through the use of qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, ethnography and personal travel journals. This paper is rooted within the discipline of geographies of mobility, social inclusion and exclusion as well as the geographies of disability. Using this theoretical framework this research aims to uncover how students with disabilities are socially included or excluded through their everyday movement through space both on and off campus. Preliminary findings suggest that students face many instances of social exclusion while navigating spaces both on and off campus. Personal travel journals also give rich insights into invisible and visible instances of exclusion.

Experiences of personal safety and security of Zimbabwean migrants living in Strand, Cape Town Eunison Mugamu - Stellenbosch University

Post-apartheid South Africa has witnessed increasing numbers of African immigrants crossing its borders. The xenophobia experienced by immigrants has been well documented. These experiences result in feelings of personal insecurity which impacts negatively on their daily lives and shapes various life spaces. This research focuses specifically on the insecurity experienced in the living spaces, mobility spaces and leisure spaces of Zimbabwean migrants in Strand, Cape Town. Interview data was collected from one hundred respondents with the aid of a questionnaire. Differences in residential safety are reported by respondents who live in the township and those who reside in gated communities. Respondents are of the opinion that they are targets for criminals more so because they are foreigners. This is compounded by the view that law enforcement officials are unhelpful for the same reason. Fluency in a local language is used as a mechanism to access law enforcement services and as an attempt to blend in with the local community, with a view to mitigate criminal attacks. However, criminals have identifiers which they use to target migrants. No matter what strategies Zimbabwean migrants employ to mitigate threats against personal safety and security they are still identified and targeted.

Exploring children’s geographies: A child’s perspective of living in the informal settlement of Blikkiesdorp,

Delft, Cape Town (poster)

Laurnay Abrahams - University of the Western Cape

Informal settlements in South Africa have drawn local and international attention. Blikkiesdorp or ‘tin town’ in Delft, Cape Town, is one of the most impoverished areas in South Africa. Constructed in 2007 as a temporary settlement, it is now regarded as an established informal settlement. Drawing on the field of children’s geographies, this study evaluates how children in Blikkiesdorp perceive their physical space and whether living in this crowded space negatively affects their learning capabilities. The main objective was to explore how children experience their space in the gated informal settlement. Twelve children participated and the methodology comprised of in-depth qualitative interviews with three additional focus group sessions. A semi-structured questionnaire and a range of visual methods were employed. The results suggest that children perceive their space in terms of its functionality rather than on aesthetic appeal and availability of services. The poor spatial condition of Blikkiesdorp does not appear to affect how they experience the world. This suggests that in understanding and portraying their circumstances, children focus on the functionality of their immediate environment rather than its poor physical condition.

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GREEN SPACES & URBAN CULTURE

The Greening of Buildings in Gauteng: The case of Green Roofs

Shayna-Ann Cuthbertson - University of Johannesburg

The supply and demand of green roofs in South Africa and more specifically Gauteng for commercial and residential buildings is an under-researched theme within the green building literature. This paper offers an analysis of the current supply and demand for green roofs in Gauteng and determines whether or not this is a growing trend. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with suppliers of green roofing materials as well as property developers who have utilised this green technology have provided the basis for this analysis. It is apparent that the cost of green roofs and the intensive maintenance regime has resulted in only a small number of Gauteng residential and commercial buildings installing this green technology. The research shows that commercial buildings are more likely to install green roofs for three main reasons. First, green roofs create natural space within or on top of buildings where the occupants can relax and enjoy the space and fresh air. Second, green roofs contribute to the green score sheet of the building. Finally, green roofs are established for environmental reasons such as compensation for lost green urban space.

The impact of suburban gardening practices on natural sustainability

Anjali Mistry - Stellenbosch University

An undervalued impact of urbanisation on the environment, is the decline in sufficient areas of green or natural spaces, such as domestic gardens. Preserving and maintaining green or natural spaces within the urban environment is a crucial contribution to urban sustainability and liveability. It is within the garden, where nature-human interfaces occur through the practice of ‘gardening’, providing both challenges and opportunities for sustainable practices among householders within residential spaces. The association between the suburban domestic garden and the various forms of sustainability and sustainable practices has been rarely explored in the existing research within the South African context. This research explores the influence of suburban gardening practices on natural sustainability in Soneike, Cape Town by investigating homeowner gardening practices regarding utilisation of: gardening land, the water for it, and waste disposal methods. The outcome of this study would inform sustainable urban practices with regard to middle-class residential gardens.

Exploring the ecological and social benefits of the Khayelitsha Wetlands Park

Fezile Mathejwa - University of Cape Town

The Khayelitsha Wetland Park described as the ‘green heart’ of Khayelitsha, is considered to be one of the best urban green spaces that have been incorporated in low income areas of the City of Cape Town. The park’s location and extent presents outstanding gateway into the Khayelitsha township. Firstly, the current study describes the role of management and use the park, towards understanding the perceived value of the Khayelitsha Wetland Park. Secondly, it explores the current status of the water quality in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the wetland. Finally, it assesses and maps the vegetation structure in and around the wetland. This study, states the perceived value of ecological and social services offered by an urban green space in a township setting.

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An assessment of the Moses Mabhida Stadium Post the 2010 World Cup and its impacts on the immediate

and surrounding precinct

Sherwyn Pather - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

The study focuses on the Moses Mabhida stadium which is located on the previous grounds of the King’s Park soccer stadium in the Durban sports precinct suburb of Stamford Hill. The Moses Mabhida stadium is known as one of Durban’s key tourist attraction sites and landmarks and was developed to host the FIFA 2010 Football World Cup. The hosting of mega events in relation to the Moses Mabhida stadium stands to be of great economic purpose, which in turn tends to promote the vicinity of Durban. The topic under study was chosen as a result of the major problems associated with the lack of post-event analysis associated with the impacts of stadiums upon local economies. The study is important due to the fact that there tends to be limited amount of research done in relation to the post event analysis of the Moses Mabhida stadium. Therefore, the current study aims to explore whether Durban’s Moses Mabhida stadium is able to create a benefit or constraint in relation to businesses and development in the immediate and surrounding precinct of Stamford Hill, Durban. The aim of the study is to assess the Moses Mabhida Stadium post the 2010 World Cup and its impacts on the immediate and surrounding precinct, by conducting a critical post-event analysis of the socio-economic impacts of stadium development in Durban, investigating the perceptions of businesses and users in and around the stadium precinct location as well as to critically reflect on the politics associated with the stadiums development. The research will evaluate the extent to which the Moses Mabhida stadium precinct has sustainably utilized and influenced socio-economic development in Durban. Thus this evaluation will add to research and provide a critical insight towards the sustainable management of the Moses Mabhida stadium and its developmental impact upon the vicinity of Durban. The research would additionally provide critical insight towards future developments of stadiums as well as a stimulus that can help with the prediction of hosting of future mega-events such as the 2022 Commonwealth games in Durban.

Exploring the role of green spaces (parks) in improving water quality or rivers in Johannesburg

Devon du Plessis - University of Witwatersrand

Green Spaces, such as urban parks, have becoming increasingly important to the incorporation of nature and sustainable ideals to urban areas, such a Johannesburg. Green spaces are often able to provide valuable ecosystem services, both ecologically and socially, to local communities. Parks are commonly known to provide spaces that act as buffers to urban streams, protecting them from the polluted urban runoff. Currently, very little to no research has been done to identify, whether or not, parks aid in improving river water quality. This further raises questions of what it means to be sustainable in modern society. Utilising a theory based policy approach, a comprehensive monitoring program will be used to monitor the change in specific water quality variables at five different sites across the City of Johannesburg. A paired t-test of variables, such as water temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate, sulphate, iron and chloride will be compared from the top of the stream to the bottom of the stream within the park. An overall change in the variable concentration will indicate whether or not parks aide in improving the water quality of those rivers. Based off the results, understandings of what makes a park sustainable will be determined.

Determining the influence of tombstone aspect, age and type of lithology on weathering rates

Lerato Boihang - University of Pretoria

Tombstones provide a large number of samples which are well suited for statistical analysis. For this reason, many researchers have used tombstones in order to study the deterioration of stone. Similar to other tombstone studies, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of tombstone aspect, age and type of lithology on the extent of weathering. This study is of significance as it contributes towards the conservation of tombstones and therefore, has cultural implications. The extent of weathering was measured on two rock types (marble and sandstone) of various ages both under shaded and non-shaded conditions using the difference between lead lettering, visual weathering class, hardness, and the difference between the widths of the base and the top of the tombstone.

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Arts and Cultural festivals in Bloemfontein: Building long-term cultural capital and social integration

Lorna Pangwa - University of the Free State

The study was conducted in Bloemfontein, a city in which the spatial patterns of racial segregation are more visible. The main aim of the study is to find whether festivals have an influence on building long term social integration and cultural capital in a city like Bloemfontein. Qualitative interviews were conducted with people that attended the Vryfees festival held in Bloemfontein in July 2016. Survey findings showed that local community is a vital role player in success of events like festivals, social integration often being a desired outcome for everyone involved. The festival is important as a family-based event as it offers a variety of activities for everyone. Another set of interviews with exhibitors and organisers of the event revealed that exhibitors agreed that it is worthwhile coming to the festival. Friendships occur and opportunities for more relationships with people around Bloemfontein and South Africa were created. Organisers said ‘art transforms’ and to display cultural capital and social integration new extensions of the festival supporting emerging and upcoming artists nationally also form part of the Vryfees.

ATMOSPHERE & CLIMATE

Evolution of anomalous tropical lows over Botswana

Sandile Ngwenya - University of Venda

In the tropics, intense heating of the earth surface and an influx of moisture may lead to the formation of tropical lows, resulting in intense rainfall and flooding over land areas. This work examines the nature, characteristics and impacts of tropical lows over Botswana. Whilst Botswana lies under the descending limb of the Hadley cell resulting in a semi-arid climate, anomalous tropical lows can produce very high rainfall amounts over this region. Daily ECMWF ERA Int. rainfall and sea level pressure data and satellite imagery were used to identify recent anomalous tropical lows from 2008-2013. The meteorological structure and propagation characteristics of the tropical lows are analyzed via composite analysis and also as individual case studies. During the late summer, tropical easterly trough edges into the region, allowing for the anomalous evolution of tropical lows. The Limpopo valley provides a conducive avenue for propagation resulting in extensive floods affecting southern Mozambique and South Africa’s Lowveld. It appears the SSTs of the SWIO and La Niña may have a significant influence on the landfall of tropical lows from the Mozambique Channel. It is also found that the Botswana High is weakened and displaced southwards, allowing for tropical easterly flow at the steering levels in the mid troposphere.

An analysis of rainfall characteristics and river discharge in the Luvuvhu River catchment (1986-2015)

Todani Phuluwa - University of Venda

Globally, rainfall and stream flow patterns have been changing on a variety of timescales. The study aimed to analyse rainfall characteristics at seasonal and inter-annual timescales and how they influence river discharge in the Luvuvhu River catchment. In order to enhance knowledge and understanding of climatic variations and hydrological variations on surface water. Monthly rainfall data for selected stations in the catchment were obtained from South African weather services (SAWS) for the period, 1986-2015 and the river discharge data was obtained from the Department of water affairs (DWA) for the same period. Time series analysis was employed to determine rainfall and river discharge trends whilst correlation analysis were used to establish the relationship between the two parameters. It was found that the El Niño Southern Oscillation has a negative correlation with seasonal rainfall in the catchment. The knowledge acquired from the study will be useful for the purpose of water resource management of surface water and for floods and draught prediction.

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Assessment of the impacts of climate variability on groundwater tables in Thulamela Local Municipality

Ntanganedzeni Ramugondo - University of Venda

This study is designed to assess the availability of groundwater through monitoring the fluctuations of groundwater table in response to climate variability. The indicators of focus are; increased temperatures and decreased precipitation in Thulamela local municipality. Most of the studies focused on surface water resources and had little emphasis on groundwater due to lack of instrumentation and access. The study is very important as it brings about results which can be utilized in planning for future provision of groundwater to residential areas in and around Thohoyandou. Climate variability phenomena are a dynamic and robust study meaning that it is a continuous process so new information is required often. A few boreholes have been selected as monitoring points, and the temperature data adopted from the South African weather services will be used to predict areas of higher vulnerability to decrease in groundwater depth. The temperature data is compared with the borehole data acquired from GRIP Limpopo, Department of water affairs and Thulamela municipality offices in Thohoyandou. The results are interpreted in hydrographs and maps such as the borehole contour map, these results will serve as a basis for drought action planning since groundwater has become a backup for diminishing surface water resources.

A spatial analytical investigation of seasonal rainfall patterns over the Western Cape

Nthabiseng Maseko - University of the Free State

The inter-annual variability and the seasonal rainfall patterns in the Western Cape is investigated as well as the impact on the seasonal rainfall variability of the province. There has been a lot of investigated done on the rainfall variability of South Africa and particularly the Western Cape. The province has a Mediterranean climate. It typically experiences wet, warm winters and hot, dry summers. Changes in the typical inter-annual and seasonal rainfall variability may have detrimental impacts on the province and the country as a whole. The main aim of this research is to investigate the seasonal trends and inter-annual rainfall patterns from 1950 to 1999. Rainfall data from the Quaternary Catchments in the Western Cape was used as input data, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient were determined and mapped using Geography Information System ArcMap. Hot Spot analysis in ArcMap is used to calculate the Getis-Ord Gi*(z-score) to indicate clustering for each feature in the dataset. The results show pronounced trends in rainfall variability during different seasons.

Intensity, kinetic energy and erosivity of individual rainstorms on Marion Island, sub-Antarctic

Mmeli Tyekela - University of Fort Hare

Marion Island is a typical sub-Antarctic summit of a shield volcano which is mostly overlain by black lavas and scoria. Rainfall depth, duration, intensity, kinetic energy, and erosivity were analyzed for (x) erosive events at one location over a twelve-month period (April 2014 to April 2015). One South African Weather Service station located on the eastern side of Marion Island provide detailed rainfall data at 60-minute intervals. Erosive storm events differ markedly with regard to the frequency, the total rainfall generated, the duration, total kinetic energy, and total erosivity of individual events. Mean kinetic energy, mean and maximum rainfall erosivity (EI30), and maximum intensities (I30) from individual events were analyzed. The distribution of kinetic energy and erosivity generated by individual events were also analyzed. Erosivity measured during the summer exceeds that recorded in winter, although large percentages of winter rainfall events on Marion Island are erosive and rainfall from cyclones can pose a substantial mass movement. Mass movement occurs from storm-scale and synoptic-scale events, and high intensity rain events generate the bulk of the erosivity. This research also highlights the top ten erosive events related to synoptic and its implications for climate change.

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AGRICULTURE, LIVELIHOODS & ENERGY

An assessment of the socio-economic impacts of land reform and redistribution on livelihoods in

Mganduzweni village, Mbombela municipality, Mpumalanga province.

Senciah Nyundu - University of Venda

The study explains the impacts of land reform and redistribution. Its main focus is on the assessment of socio- economic impacts of land reform, the effectiveness of land redistribution as a pillar of land reform and the identification of strategies that can be employed to address the impacts of land reform and redistribution on the livelihoods of Mganduzweni village under the Mbombela municipality in Mpumalanga province. The study is quantitative in nature, and a randomised cross sectional survey design was adopted. Questionnaires will be administered to community members and key informant interviews to local authorities for data collection. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages will be used to analyse socio-economic characteristics, impacts and coping strategies. Tables, graphs and pie charts will be implemented for data presentation and grouping. The study will identify socio-economic impacts of land reform and, strategies that need to executed to improve government’s policy and stimulate economic development in rural areas. The study will describe the effectiveness of land re-distribution.

An investigation of factors inducing piping erosion: A case study of a farm in the vicinity of Seaview, Port

Elizabeth in Eastern Cape Province. Sive Mlamla - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Development of piping erosion has been a serious problem facing farmers along parts of the eastern seaboard of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, particularly in the vicinity of Sea View. A number of farms in the Sea View area of Port Elizabeth have been affected by this phenomenon. This study sought to investigate stratigraphic underpinnings, soil properties and topographic attributes associated with piping erosion on a farm hillslope in Seaview. Trial pits of 1.5 m deep were excavated along the hillslope to gain stratigraphic understanding of the site. Soil samples were taken from distinct stratigraphic units for analysis of soil properties; bulk density and soil texture (%), the relative proportions of sand, silt and clay. Topographic configuration of the hillslope was surveyed along longitudinal profiles showing the position of piping erosion relative to slope angle and position as well as micro topographic attributes such as slope depressions. The results of the study showed that piping can be attributed to dispersive clays that underlie Aeolian sand. Excessive infiltration in hillslope depressions promotes clay dispersion and eventual piping. Diversion of runoff from depressions in order to reduce excessive infiltration is recommended.

Development of adoption and utilization model of biogas as an alternative source of energy for emissions

reduction in rural villages of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Solomon Uhunamure - University of Venda

Access to improved, reliable and affordable energy is fundamental in the development of any economy in achieving sustainability. The research employs a purposive sampling procedure involving the selection of villages that have used for demonstrating and benefited from the biogas project and those that have not with the aim of capturing their experiences of biogas technology. The research takes a case study design to utilize both qualitative and quantitative approaches with the integration of relevant literatures. Primary data will be collected through personal observations, field surveys, interviews and questionnaires, while secondary data will be reports and publications from private sectors, government and non-governmental organizations. The generated data will be analysed and simplified using Microsoft Excel and statistical procedures of Statistical package for the Social Sciences. The results of the data will be clearly displayed in graphs of cluster column, bar and pie charts, simple and contingency tables. Descriptive statistical procedures and techniques such as frequencies, mean, standard deviation will be used to portray the detailed analysis. A conceptual framework based on adoption theories will guide the analysis of factors influencing biogas adoption. It is expected that the outcome of this study will be a robust model that will ease the adoption and utilization of biogas technology in rural areas.

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An investigation into rural energy problem and their mitigation strategies at Rhulani in Malamulele,

Limpopo Province

Thabelo Mnisi - University of Venda

The study investigates rural energy problems and their mitigation strategies at Rhulani, Malamulele, Limpopo province, South Africa. Various studies have indicated that having electricity in rural areas is beneficial towards human health and the environmental. But informal settlements remains a challenge to the government and rural electrification services which results in deforestation in most countries and diseases to those who are exposed to harmful energy sources. The study departed from other studies because its main goal is to assess the use of household energy in an informal settlement and come up with strategies to allow for greater access to energy and ensure positive benefits to human health and the environment. Descriptive information (through interviews and images from research) would be used to offer an explanation or interpretation of the research. The study recommends that the government to distribute solar energy to the residents as well as awareness campaigns on advocacy to help people connect to the national grid.

The perception of Cosmo City residents regarding the installation of energy efficient technologies

Mfundo Ndovela - University of Witswatersrand

The purpose of this is research is to understand beneficiary attitudes and experiences regarding the implementation of energy efficient technologies in Cosmo City. The energy efficient technologies consist of Solar Water Heaters (SWH), insulated ceilings, and Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL). The investigation combines both primary and secondary data. The research consists of 20 respondents who were beneficiaries of the programme. Interviews, questionnaires and financial dairies will be used on the respondents within their households and this will constitute the primary data. The secondary data will consist of key documents published by the City of Johannesburg and key departments that influenced the Cosmo City energy efficiency project. The implementation of the three energy interventions in Cosmo City had a number of impacts on residents. The residents received training and employment opportunities which enhanced their skills in terms of maintenance and effective utilization of energy efficient technologies. The energy saving technologies resorted in a decline in the amount of money that residents use for electricity. There was an improvement in indoor air quality because of a decrease need for harmful fuels for space heating. The compact fluorescent lightbulbs have offered a cheap source of light that lasts longer compared to the incandescent lightbulbs however the fact that they are expensive to replace still forms as a hindrance. Solar water geysers are highly valued by the residents for their ability to produce warm water without the use of electricity. The inability of solar geyser to produce warm water during cloudy and winter months is still a problem among residents.

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The Role of Policy, Legislation and Institutional Frameworks in Sustainable Renewable Energy

Development in South Africa

Chris Humphries - University of Witswatersrand

What are the roles of policy, legal and institutional frameworks in the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in South Africa, how do these roles determine future policy outcomes and how can South Africa transform its energy sector at a faster rate? The study seeks to make conclusive insights into the South African renewable energy market by means of analysing a wide array of literature (policy, legislation, white papers, academic literature and grey literature) to systematically extract key outcomes to approach these questions. Renewable energy allows one to implement 21st century infrastructure in both an optimistic and realistic manner of reactionary instead of precautionary environmentalism. Energy is a key driver to economic growth. The issue for the South African energy sector however is two-fold, firstly an undersupply of electricity, and secondly a lack of implementation of renewable energy infrastructure, and in so doing, not meeting sustainable development goals agreed to by the South African government in various treaties. Creating sustainable solutions in the energy sector in South Africa offers major upsides to both public and private sectors due to the creation of a sustainable future with an energy reserve (Bilec, Ries & Scott Matthews, 2007). There is significant capacity to implement renewable energies in South Africa, especially because of the need to further expand access to electricity access (post-democracy) as well as to ensure that South Africa is able to build innovative capacity in industry and production, all supported by sustainably sourced energy. The fulfilment of the South African national energy policy needs to consider the transformation of the energy sector, a point with which environmentalists vehemently agree (Pegels, 2013; Menyah & Wolde-Rufael, 2010; Krupa & Burch. 2011). This thesis seeks to explore gaps in an existing knowledge base in order for future policy entrepreneurs to find ways of introducing better incentive based solutions in the renewable energy sector.

Transition to a green economy: Analysis of the REIPPP programme in the expansion of renewable energy

in South Africa.

Ariel Sarah Prinsloo - University of Witwatersrand

Present day South Africa is experiencing an energy and economic crisis. It is not only the task of redistribution of electricity following the legacy of apartheid but also access to reliable clean energy sources, although abundant, are relatively limited. In the midst of this, the country is challenged with threats of a credit downgrade to junk status. As such, this paper aims to analyse the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP) as a transition vehicle to a green economy development path as a response to these issues. Through documentation analysis and semi-structured interviews, reviews and reports of the programme as well as the experiences of large and small companies who have bid for projects utilizing the programme will be examined. Supplementary opinion by Eskom representatives and renewable energy researchers about the programme will also be identified. It is hoped that this research will contribute to current academic literature on a green economy, provide greater understanding on the expansion of renewable energy in South Africa as well as highlight the power relations involved in developing the renewable energy sector as compared to the Minerals-energy complex (MEC) in which strong ties between energy producers and sellers of energy have already been established.

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ANIMAL GEOGRAPHY

Impact of meteorological drought on Mega-Herbivores (Wildlife population) of Kruger National park (KNP),

South Africa

Andani Makhale - University of Venda

The aim of the study is to investigate the impacts of meteorological drought on Mega-herbivores. Wildlife react differently to the impact of drought, some have the ability to survive throughout the drought period while others do not cope and eventually die during or after the drought period. It is therefore important to protect such species by studying their tolerance to drought and coming up with coping mechanism strategies. The study of rainfall distribution was done in order to know when the drought events were experienced; this is best done when rainfall distribution pattern data is over 30 years. This type of rainfall data was then correlated with the number of wildlife population (Mega-herbivores) for the same years. It gave a clear indication showing that drought had impacted on the availability of mega herbivores over the past 30 years. When the intensity of drought is high, the availability of drought was low. Co-ordinates will be located at Kruger National Park and imported into ArcGIS(10.2). Hot spot analysis will be performed using Getis_Ord Gi tool to check for the cold spots and hot spots concentration areas of meteorological droughts. Prolonged drought impact negatively on wildlife population and rainfall distribution differs through years.

The investigation of challenges relating to rhino poaching in Limpopo province from 2008-2015

Nkhumbudzeni Mukwevho - University of Venda

Poaching is the illegal practice of killing of wildlife on someone’s property or property of the government without the permission of landowner. The illegal killing of this species pose a threat to the biodiversity and the economy of the country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges of rhino poaching in Limpopo province from 2008 to 2015. The challenges of this study were identified from various case studies of different national parks and private owned game reserve in Limpopo province. The statistics of rhino poaching was also used to establish the pattern of rhino poaching for a period of 8 years (2008 to 2015). The statistics data were subjected to a time series analysis in order to display the years were there were high and low level of rhino poaching in Limpopo province. A trend was also identified from the data that was recorded in terms of graphs. The causes of rhino poaching were also identified, it was established that even the tourists who visited the park were behind the killing of Rhinos. Increase in number of rhino being poached in Limpopo province was because of high demand of its horn from the Asian countries.

Towards a point of inclusion: Understanding how the feral cat is perceived and accommodated at the

University of the Western Cape

Ashrick Alexander - University of the Western Cape

The University of the Western Cape, founded as part of apartheid higher education, is located on the Cape Flats adjacent to a mixed industrial and low income residential area. The institution found a unique way to combat the educational restrictions on the oppressed, marginalised and disadvantaged, and continues this battle today. Recently, scholars in the field of post-human geographies have proposed that animals can be understood in similar terms to marginalised human communities. With this in mind, this paper focuses on UWC’s actions with regard to the resident population of feral cats. The University of the Western Cape Feral Cat Project (TUFCAT), a trap, non-profit, neuter-and-rescue animal programme, was established on campus in the 1990s. It aimed to bring about change and campaign for the rights of the feral cat, as an audience worth recognizing. This paper is thus rooted in the emerging sub-discipline of ‘animal geographies’ and concerns itself with understanding conflicting viewpoints of how far the feral cat, a non-human active body, has moved to a point of inclusion where it is recognized as an active agent worth respecting and acknowledging, not just in policy but also being. The paper employs a humanistic approach to the question, based on interviews with students, the TUFCAT programme volunteers, Cape Flats Nature Reserve officials, and other interested parties on campus.

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A comparison of the impacts of animal trampling and alien vegetation invasion on landscape functionality

in Ngqushwa Rural Municipality, Eastern Cape.

Lyroy Camille - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Severe soil erosion is regarded as a serious environmental problem on extensive tracts of lands in the communal areas of the Ngqushwa Rural Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This trend of severe soil erosion has largely been attributed to, among other things, overgrazing and woody shrub encroachment as a result of bad land management practices in the past. This study compared the impacts of cattle trampling and alien vegetation invasion, specifically Pteronia incana invader shrub, on the landscape function in Ngqushwa rural district by investigating spatial and temporal patterns in vegetation patchiness loss and soil surface conditions. Sequential satellite imagery for the year 2000 and 2010 was used to analyse temporal changes in patchiness loss and object-oriented post-classification was performed to identify changes in land cover classes between the years. Field analysis of patch dynamics was also performed using the ‘Landscape Function Analysis’ (LFA). Landscape metrics namely Number of Patches (NP), Largest Patch Index (LPI), Mean Patch Size (MPS) were used to analyse the distribution of the different land cover classes, hence change in patchiness over time. Landscape spatial metrics analyses revealed greater patchiness loss and increased bare areas on invaded hillslopes. Also, soil crusting was noted as being more pronounced on invaded hillslopes as opposed to trampled areas. These can be attributed to the inherent patchy nature of the karroid invader shrub Pteronia incana. Additionally, loss of landscape functionality was also greater on invaded lands. Promotion of disconnectivity as well as restoration of natural vegetation patches are therefore recommended as rehabilitation approaches.

The response of phytoplankton upon exposure to high levels of nutrient along the Tshinane River,

Limpopo Province

Hangwelani Sinthumule - University of Venda

The study aimed at assessing the response of phytoplankton upon exposure to high levels of nutrients along the Tshinane River Limpopo Province. Nutrient levesl were used to identify phytoplankton abundance as phytoplankton have different nutrient requirements to survive thus identifying different sources of pollution. The water quality of the river was determined by measuring physio-chemical parameters. Some of the results obtained include: variation in their concentration at different sampling points; different phytoplankton assemblages with different changes in physio-chemical levels; Environmental factors do have a noticeable effect on phytoplankton abundance as it was shown by statistical analysis. Results computed by the Czekanowski coefficient showed that various environmental factors components contributed to the different composition and types of phytoplankton abundance (P<0.05). A total of 64 species were identified downstream and 103 species identified downstream. Phytoplankton spectrums were recorded from six taxonomic groups namely Chrysophyta, Dinophyta, Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta and Dinophyta. The results support the assumption that an increase in nutrients led to more phytoplankton species to be recorded even if all the other parameters are within the South African Water Quality Range for Aquatic ecosystems which indicated that the commercial farms had minimal impact on the ecosystem health of Tshinane River.

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The relationship between topography, soil type and Ardvark (Orycteropus Afer) burrow distribution in

Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa.

Amy Burness - University of Pretoria

A number of studies have shown that burrowing mammals prefer to burrow in hills and on aspects that receive increased amounts of solar radiation (Smits et al., 1987; Rayners et al., 2007; Schooley & Wiens, 2001, Kaufman et al., 2005). Other studies show that mammal burrows are not constructed in wet soils or in highly exposed areas (Mickevicius, 2002). However, surprisingly little is known of the preferred burrow site conditions of one of Africa’s major burrowers, the aardvark. In light of this, the aim of this study is to understand the burrow distribution of the aardvark (Orycteropus afer) as a response variable to the topographical predictors of elevation, slope aspect, slope angle and soil type at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria. Comparing the burrowing behavior of aardvark with that of other species is not only interesting from a scientific perspective, but maps showing preferred burrowing habitats can also be used for research and conservation purposes within the reserve. Burrow presence/ absence where collected from 4 × 4 meter quadrats at 180 randomly generated points over the entire area of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. The slope aspect, slope angle and elevation at each point where derived from a DEM layer and associated slope and aspect layers in ArcGIS. Analysis of the data is yet to be completed. Due to the binary nature of the response variable a logit (logistic regression) model with a binomial distribution will be used in R. This model will statistically predict the exact predictors or characteristics that contribute significantly to the response. This model will show the contribution of each potential predictor to aardvark burrow distribution.

Nature in the city: Exploring the social construction of the Western Leopard Toad in Cape Town

Kayleen Marhota - University of the Western Cape

The Western Leopard Toad is an endangered toad species endemic to the low-lying areas of Cape Town and the Agulhas Plain. This research, embedded within the field of animal geographies, explores the relationship and interaction between people and animals in the city, focusing on nature as a social construction and how the toad is constructed and represented in this regard. Protection measures, both legislated and informal, have been put in place to protect this endangered toad. This species co-exists with people in the suburbs and remains ‘invisible’ until the eventful nights during the breeding season when they migrate to nearby waterbodies. Since their breeding ponds are surrounded by development and toads have to migrate over busy roads, volunteers assist them during migration. Road signs highlight the presence of the toads and the possibility of interruptions to traffic. Interviews were conducted with urban planners, a conservation committee, volunteers and homeowners in order to explore representations and perceptions of the toad. Participant observation was also undertaken as a volunteer during the breeding season. Preliminary results suggest that many homeowners were prepared to put up with some inconvenience – they felt honoured to share their space with these toads and felt a sense of responsibility to protect and conserve their existence.

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‘Holy cow!’: A case study of livestock keeping in Blue Downs, Cape Town

Deidré Thomas - University of the Western Cape

Livestock within urban spaces has become a common sight in and around Cape Town townships and working class suburbs. Cape Town is home to a diversity of cultures and languages and with more people moving towards the city and larger towns, they bring with them new cultural practices, traditions and habits. Existing research and literatures focus on the reasons behind livestock keeping or the importance of it. This paper explores perceptions among residents of Blue Downs concerning livestock keeping. Thus, this project asks: Why are some animals (e.g. dogs and cats) more easily into urban spaces than others, such as cows or pigs? And by whom? Furthermore, what are the arguments different groups present in support or against livestock keeping in these spaces? Interviews with local people about current livestock keeping within a racially mixed neighbourhood suggest that race and ethnicity influence the acceptance or rejection of these animals. Preliminary findings suggest that residents who have migrated from rural areas were more likely to regard livestock keeping as normal and acceptable in the urban space, whereas residents originally from Cape Town areas thought of livestock keeping and its owners in negative terms, as a nuisance, potentially harmful and out of place in the city.

Investigating Urban Agriculture in Mthatha, Eastern Cape (poster)

Lithemba Mabongo - University of the Free State

The increased movement of people to cities seeking better livelihoods increases poverty rates and the demand for job opportunities for the poor. The need for food for the urban poor in developing countries seems to be growing on daily a basis and urban agriculture is seen to be of importance in terms of managing poverty and food insecurity. Questionnaires were used focusing on the background as to how it started, when it started and the current state of urban agriculture; the progress so far. Surveys and interviews were also used to collect data on the role of urban agriculture as a way of alleviating poverty and food insecurity. There is not much information on this area of study so the knowledge gaps were filled using information from other successful projects. Preliminary results show that urban agriculture is benefiting some of the poorest urban households and is a way of alleviating poverty. It also provides an alternative source of income for those with no access to steady and descent revenue. Urban agriculture has become one of the survival strategies for the urban poor and it is modeling a progressive future in terms of unemployment and poverty for cities in developing countries.

TOURISM, CULTURE & CONSERVATION

A ‘Paradox of the Commons’? The Planning and Everyday Management of Green Point Park

Leani de Vries - University of Cape Town

Green Point Park is a beautiful, safe, popular and free public space, boasting an appealing recreational, educational and ‘green’ character. Although in a privileged part of a post-apartheid city characterised by inequality, it is today a magnet for diverse urban residents coming from all over Cape Town. First, this paper reflects on the ‘conflictual’ planning process embedded in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup and new urban park on the old Green Point Common. Second, it explores the everyday operation of a safe, clean and pristine metropolitan park, run by the City through a unique management vehicle. This is placed in conversation with a local and global debate that assumes neoliberal forms of planning and management to be limiting or destructive, resulting in ‘tragedy’ or an ‘end’ to the commons and public space. While these processes in the making of this park are marked by global and neoliberal pursuits of ‘exception’, it also drives an accessible, inclusive and nurtured ‘public’ space. This offers a possible ‘paradox of the commons’ in the fact that the ‘legacy’ of a disputed neoliberal endeavour, in the form of a highly expensive and regulated park, has revived what used to be a deteriorated Common.

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Livelihoods and tourism along the west coast of South Africa

Daniel Smith - University of Cape Town

The area from Verlorenvlei in Elands Bay to the Olifants river mouth at Ebenheaser is known by local people as ‘the best kept secret along the West coast’. The area is unique, with the prospect of tourism, and more specifically eco-tourism providing a niche market which is largely untapped. The West Coast Crayfish Trail (WCCT) was established to cater to this market, but has done so with mixed results. The WCCT was established due to the recognition of the pressing demand for alternative livelihoods among members of the small communities along the West coast. The majority of these people are engaged in the dwindling fishing and agriculture sectors. This specific venture emerged out of Coast Care, a branch of the government’s Environmental Public Works Programme (EPWP) which was funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). Originally, the aim of the trail was that community members would guide, feed and accommodate their guests over 4 nights along the 60 km stretch of the coastline. The trail was established as a co-operative, however the reality is that the venture has moved away from a co-operative ethos with organizational structures towards one which is increasingly facilitated by private service providers. Through participant observation, interviews and other engagements with the various actors who have been involved, this paper documents and contextualizes the WCCT from its establishment to where it stands today. This research unpacks some of the many stumbling blocks which the members of the WCCT Co-operative have faced over the past 13 years. It draws on development and livelihood literature to make sense of these obstacles. The trail is presently facing a turning point; and appears to be inclining towards collapse.

Should risks drown opportunities? Exploring flooding impacts on tourist accommodation establishments.

Mercia Southon - University of Witswatersrand

Floods have increasingly become the world’s leading and most common natural hazard in terms of frequency of occurrence, property and infrastructure damages, business economic losses and fatalities. The consequences of floods are being recognised as a growing global problem. Increased attention has shed light on how particular tourist destinations can adapt in order to reduce the risks of flooding whilst increasing opportunities mainly for the economy. Debates around flooding costs, recovery processes and adaptive capacities of tourist accommodation establishments are affirmed to be more challenging compared to other tourism businesses. The study aimed to explore flooding impacts on different types of tourist accommodation establishments to determine if floods hindered any tourist bookings, tourist length of stay and tourist offerings. The exploration verified the possible flood risks to exposed and vulnerable establishments and the lack of adequate adaptation plans. Data was collected from a purposive sample, 119 establishments located across three flood-prone regions of the Limpopo Province. Each establishment answered a semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire to put across their flooding experiences from a management perspective. Content analysis allowed for coherent theme development to fit the theoretical framework of the study. In result, floods during peak-seasons do pose threats to the establishments and those affected fall behind in business due to the costly and lengthy recovery process. Those not affected benefitted with increased tourist demand and new opportunities in the hospitality industry. Alongside the destruction of tourism in these regions, were concerns of the wider flooding impacts on the environment and the surrounding local communities.

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Regional development and the cultural and creative industries in the Sarah Baartman District in the

Eastern Cape of South Africa

Fiona Drummond - Rhodes University

In 2002 Richard Florida published “The Rise of the Creative Class,” which sparked a renewed interest in the cultural and creative industries as a means of promoting economic growth and regional development. This interest in culture has been highly influential in development policy, as governments around the world are implementing culture-led economic growth and development strategies. The question therefore arises as to whether the Cultural and Creative Industries, as defined by UNESCO (2009), are capable of promoting regional development in the Sarah Baartman District of South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The cultural and creative industries have been shown to be highly concentrated around larger cities, and there is little research on their potential in more rural areas. This study utilized GIS technology to map the locations of the cultural and creative industries within the district, to establish what UNESCO cultural domains exist where, and which domains are prominent in the region. On an individual town level, the locational data was used to determine whether clustering has occurred. Where clusters exist or the potential for cluster formation is present, the town has a competitive advantage in that particular domain and so should pursue local economic development within that area. Clustering usually occurs in cities, however the towns in the Sarah Baartman District are mainly small towns. The presence of clusters or potential clusters indicates that cultural-led local economic development could be successfully implemented in rural and small town South Africa, as has been the case in other parts of the world.

The value of indigenous knowledge system in weather and climate forecasting in Numbi village,

Mbombela Municipality, Mpumalanga

Nohlahla Dlamini - University of Venda

The study focuses on the value of indigenous knowledge system in prediction of weather and climate in Numbi village under the Mbombela Municipality in Mpumalanga Province. The aim of the study is to examine how indigenous knowledge and environmental predictors are being used by local communities to forecast weather and climate in their environment. A descriptive survey was implemented using open ended questionnaires and interviews in order to assess human’s beliefs, attitudes and understanding on the value of traditional knowledge. Key informant interviews were used to collect data targeting those that are older than 35 years in the village. Focused group discussion and purposive sampling were used in the study area to get more knowledge from those that are claimed rich in indigenous knowledge in order to determine the accuracy and reliability of indigenous knowledge predicting system. This study contributes new knowledge which may be used to integrate indigenous knowledge systems with environmental prediction based on physical science.

Wine tourism development in South Africa

Caitlin Hunter - Stellenbosch University

Wine tourism is a form of special-interest tourism. The phenomenon of wine tourism is considered to be a driver of economic and social development in rural areas. Limited job opportunities and unemployment is a reality in most countries especially in South Africa. In 2013 the wine industry generated close to 300 000 employment opportunities. The study aimed to determine the current state of wine tourism development in SA, the role that this sector plays in regional development as well as the social responsibility of the leading estate farms involved in wine tourism activities. A mixed-methods approach was followed, comprising of two questionnaire-surveys and in-depth case studies. The first survey focused on determining the current state of wine tourism development and were distributed among 566 wine producing farms on South Africa’s wine routes. The study produced 319 completed questionnaire-surveys. Secondly, 19 wine routes were analysed according to their level of development in accordance with Butler’s life cycle model. Thirdly, a second survey was conducted among 500 visitors around the Cape Town area, enquiring about their wine experiences in the Western Cape. The last step in the data collection phase was conducting in-depth case studies with leading estate farms regarding their social contribution in the industry.

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Resilience of conservancies in the Western Cape: A social, economic and spatial perspective

Nina Botha - Stellenbosch University

Pressure on the environment is ever increasing as a result of social, economic and spatial development, and South African conservancies offer a novel approach to conservation, where conservation takes place alongside agriculture. This promotes landscape scale conservation and increases the quality of the ecosystem services delivered to society. There is an urgent need to determine ways to enhance the resilience of conservancies, especially in terms of connectivity, diversification of economic activities and broader social participation. The aim of this project is to determine the factors that can contribute to the resilience of conservancies in the Western Cape Province, from social, economic and spatial perspectives. This will be achieved by doing research on multiple scales: key organising stakeholders will be interviewed to determine their various roles, focus groups will be held with conservancy management in order to determine the resilience of each of the case study conservancies, and questionnaires completed by conservancy members will be analysed. This will give a holistic view of the state of the selected conservancies, and also give an indication of what can be done to promote the success of new and existing conservancies.

The Expenditure Pattern of Zimbabweans Travelling to and from South Africa for Visiting Friends and

Relative Purposes

Dzikiti Lianda - University of Witswatersrand

Tourism is viewed as a way of achieving economic development, both in developed and developing countries. One way of achieving economic growth is through Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel. Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel is one of the largest forms of tourism on a global level. With limited research over the past decades, VFR travel was underestimated. However this perception changed due the rise of migration, thus influencing the promotion of regional tourism through VFR travel. In the Sub-Saharan region, the concept of VFR travel is prominent, especially in South Africa even though the emphasis is on VFR travel on a local level thus overlooking international VFR travel. As a result of an influx of migrants in South Africa, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the expenditure pattern of Zimbabweans travelling to and from South Africa for VFR purposes. Since tourism brings benefits, this study will also evaluate the significance of VFR travel to individual households in Zimbabwe. Using the quantitative framework, 200 questionnaires were distributed with Zimbabweans as key participants and the data was analysed using SPSS. Thematic analysis was implemented to discuss the findings of the study. The findings revealed that VFR travellers from South Africa spend more than VFR travellers to South Africa and the expenditure is based on socio-demographic and travel-related characteristics. As a result of VFR traveller’s expenditure, the benefits which are directed to individual households in Zimbabwe include household upkeep, education, business investment, health and other reasons. Based on the study, there is a need for further research on VFR travel and expenditure pattern in developing countries. South Africa should pay more attention on VFR international VFR travellers as a result of migration thus promoting regional tourism. The study also contributed to the body of knowledge of VFR travel.

Exploring the gendered impacts of tourism development on household livelihoods: Understanding gender

issues and livelihood strategies in Mabibi, Northern KwaZulu-Natal (poster) Andisiwe Mseswa - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, constituting a variety of human practices, behaviours and activities which are gendered in nature. Women and men are involved differently in the construction and consumption of tourism. Women represent the majority of people that are employed in the tourism sector, however they are concentrated in low paying jobs, unskilled sectors of the industry and in some cases carry large amount of unpaid work. Furthermore, women have been left out of stakeholder meetings, policy making and project implementation. Women form an integral part of society and therefore need to be empowered. In rural Mabibi, tourism is one sector contributing to the livelihood of women as the area still experiences a developmental backlog and there is minimal support from government. Seeing the lack of women empowerment and inequality in the construction of tourism, the study aims to understand the impact of tourism on household livelihoods, the issues and challenges faced by women and the forces that reinforce inequality and patriarchy in tourism.

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WATER MANAGEMENT & SCARCITY

The spatial variance of burglaries within the gated communities of Pretoria

Jason le Roux - University of Pretoria

Gated communities are viewed by many people as safer places to live in than ‘normal’ residential areas. Most of these communities have high walls, electric fences, full time security guards as well as controlled access for anybody wanting to go in and out the premises. This study will look at the applicability of Crime Pattern Theory in determining the spatial variance of burglaries within the gated communities of The City of Tshwane, Pretoria. The study will also look at how the complexity and design of street networks within these gated communities influences burglary rates. It is hypothesized that the design of street networks influences how people move around within these communities and, consequently their familiarity with specific houses. Therefore houses that are located in streets that have the most passing traffic should have higher burglary rates than those that are in isolated areas.

Water scarcity in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Lusanda Maxhakane - University of the Free State

The water shortage crisis in the Manguang Metropolitan Municipality is due to environmental and structural scarcities. With environmental scarcities being the change in rainfall patterns and low precipitation while structural scarcities are water use, available water reservoirs and water management. However these are not the only factors; population growth, water demands, water provisions and water loses also factor in. These factors have put severe pressure on available water resources leading to water restrictions being implemented in Mangaung. Of the three towns covered in the study area, Bloemfontein consumes the most water reasons being: population density better developed and is the highest provincial economic hub. The Blue Drop Report has reveals that the water quality in the study area has deteriorated over the years, the municipality appears to be losing large amounts of water, Mangaung lost about 167 million on water this year alone, these water losses significantly incline in poorer communities. Data collected from secondary sources from the Department of water and Sanitation, Bloem water and Statistics South Africa to mention a few, have provided information that better explains how this crisis has affected Mangaung and observations made on the dams convey how dramatically the water quantity has decreased.

A thematic presentation of water provision/access across Gweru, Zimbabwe for the pre- and post-2000

period and its impact on service delivery and social poverty

Rosebud Marembo - University of Fort Hare

Water scarcity has played a role in service delivery and social poverty challenges that are present in a good portion of developing countries. These challenges normally differ between areas for example, with low-density suburbs having better service delivery and social stature in comparison to the high-density suburbs. Water provision challenges date back to the colonial era when it was used as a tool for oppression. This resulted in unequal distribution of water resources within a town with the “white” areas having good provision and the “black” areas having poor provision if any at all. Gweru, is trying to redress such inequalities, but water usage remains a challenge due to issues such as infrastructure and finances. Soon after independence, Zimbabwe had six water zones to manage water allocation that were later merged into seven catchments in 2000. The new catchments were expected to improve water service delivery and assist with alleviation of social poverty in all the sub-catchments. The assessment for Gweru will be done using scholarly articles and geospatial technologies, (GIS and RS). The paper compares temporal water usages pre-2000 and post-2000, namely tap, borehole, tanker, neighbour’s tap, communal tap, dam/river and no access for different suburbs comparing.

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Urban water supply and demand issues in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Province

Madzanga Malovhele - University of the Free State

Water demand is one of the most difficult issues challenging municipalities all over the country. Urban growth has increased urban water use especially household water consumption. This study presents the current water supply and demand issues in Louis Trichardt town and it also discusses the challenges faced by the Makhado Local Municipality regarding water services. This study indicated that the existing faulty piping infrastructure has over lived its lifespan and cannot meet daily household needs. The data of this study was collected through mixed methodological design, including quantitative, qualitative and GIS. Self-administrated surveys were used to evaluate the nature of water demand and consumption. Key informative interviews were carried out with individuals who are very knowledgeable about the research problem. Systematic sampling was used to obtain households where the questionnaires were administrated. According to the findings total water demand will increase continuously along with population growth and inadequate water supply has negatively affected the standard of living of residences in Louis Trichardt town.

Towards sustainable water resource management: an evaluation of Gauteng water policies in a changing

climate

Gray Stocker - University of Pretoria

Water scarcity is an issue that could in effect bring society to a standstill. As a resource vital for life, we can no longer simply close our eyes, and hope the issue passes. Immediate attention is required to help reduce water wastage, improve water storage, and introduce new technologies in order to secure the future of the globes most precious natural resource. This paper undertakes to evaluate the policies in place for sustainable use of water resources in Johannesburg, South Africa, as well establish any municipal shortcomings, brought about through either poor management, or simply a lack of care. To achieve this international solutions, past and present academic work, as well as a hands-on evaluation of the current state of water infrastructure and water policies in South Africa will be studied.

Assessment of water supply and accessibility in Ha-mutsha Village, Limpopo Province

Mpho Munyai - University of Venda

Inadequate supply of water is a global problem, while other people in some parts of the world maybe having enough supply of water, others are faced with water challenges. South Africa is not an exception in this regard because some do not have access to water but rely on distant water sources. The aim of the study is to assess water supply and accessibility particularly in Ha-mutsha village. The objectives are to: determine the water sources available, assess the accessibility of water and also identify the impacts of rainfall variability on water supply. Descriptive research design will be used, using both quantitative and qualitative research design. The study will use both primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through questionnaires, site observation and interview and the secondary data will be collected from the South African Weather Services. Simple random sampling method will be used to choose select respondents. Literature review will look at the water sources available, the accessibility of water and the impacts of rainfall variability on water supply and also other factors affecting water supply.

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Investigation of Household Water Security in Ilitha Township, Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape,

South Africa

Zukhanye Moko - University of Fort Hare

Water is an essential element in maintaining life and is needed for economic endeavours. However, water resources are threatened by global changes both anthropogenic and natural. These then have led to increased water contamination, shortages, and scarcity (Fried & Schenfig, 2009). South Africa, like other countries has been found to be water scarce. Consequently, water stress and scarcity created a research gap to the existing body of knowledge on water security. It is observed that water security has been studied largely in regional scale, catchments and basins and barely studied in household level. This study aims at investigating household water security at Ilitha Township in the Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study will adopt a triangulation approach where mixed methods will be used. The results of the study show that there is inequality in water access and supply, quality, socio-economic status and reliability in different household types of the Ilitha Township. The study reveals that water security is also related to the quality of service, maintenance and operation of infrastructure.

Amanzimtoti River pollution: Initiatives and communicational impediments (poster)

Happy-boy Msizi Mleti - University of KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa is a predominantly semi-arid country, rapidly urbanising and experiencing concomitant increases in water demand and wastewater generation. In accordance with the water legislation, the SA government emphasises the right to sanitation, however, infrastructure fails to sustain increased wastewater, resulting in infrastructural failure and pollution of rivers. KwaZulu-Natal is an epitome of this phenomenon boasting the highest number of rivers polluted as a result of sanitation deficits. Identification of causes of wastewater pollution is crucial under conditions of stringent water availability and pollution. The Amanzimtoti River has been subjected to a recurring problem of wastewater pollution. With the aim to determine the communicational impediments research interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders representing the municipality and decision-makers from the community representing the views of Amanzimtoti community. Archival records were consulted, they provided vital information regarding initiatives by eThekwini Municipality and Amanzimtoti stakeholders. Results from the interviews were analysed using the DIA technique and scores were assigned to the answers of correspondents. Overall, it is revealed that the municipality is relatively inefficient in terms of pollution remedial efforts and the communicational relationship between Amanzimtoti stakeholders and eThekwini Municipality is poor. Success of wastewater pollution remedial initiatives would necessitate collaborative efforts between the two parties due to the complexity of the phenomenon.

Water quantity of Witbank dam: the effect of temperature, precipitation and population growth (poster)

Marina Bosch - University of Pretoria

This research paper aim to study how climate characteristic, such as temperature and precipitation, together with population growth of the upper Olifants River catchment area effects the water fluctuation of Witbank dam over a period of 20 year. We hypothesize that these factors will have a significance effect. South Africa is a semi-arid country and the Olifants River specifically supply water to over 3,400,000 people. Witbank Dam, located in the upper catchment area of the Olifants River is the biggest municipal dam in the Southern Hemisphere and also the main source of water for the municipal area. Of the water supplied to eMalahleni and the western suburbs, 76% emanate from Witbank dam. As water is one of the most fundamental and indispensable natural resources it is crucial to know the effects of climate and development on the availability of water to be able to manage this very necessary resources.

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Developing an approach for using existing wetland assessment tools to determine the rehabilitation

potential of wetlands for improving water quality in the Baynespruit Catchment, Pietermaritzburg,

KwaZulu-Natal (poster)

Adwoa Awuah - University of KwaZulu-Natal

The Msunduzi monitoring Programme highlighted the Baynespruit River as one of Pietermaritzburg’s most polluted rivers with consistently high E. coli levels. The current research investigates the nature and magnitude of human impact on selected wetlands within the Baynespruit catchment (using WET-Health); assess the current effectiveness of the wetlands in improving water quality (WET-EcoServices); and determine the rehabilitation potential for enhancing current effectiveness in improving water quality. Seventy three wetlands had been identified and delineated in the Baynespruit catchment by the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) project. A desktop assessment was conducted to verify the presence of these wetlands in the catchment as well as describe them in terms of their hydrogeomorphic (HGM) type, location in the catchment, location relative to pollution and artificial water sources. The wetlands were screened with a list of criteria (size, accessibility, surrounding land use and cover, HGM type, and location relative to streams and pollution sources) to select suitable study sites. Three wetlands were selected and assessed to determine their condition and functionality. These results were then used to determine rehabilitation potential for enhancing current effectiveness in improving water quality. Rehabilitation measures will be suggested to the municipality to inform rehabilitation and management plans.

Critical water scarcity: A case study of Kroostad and Mosselbay (poster)

Desire Fouche & Ephenia Mathou - Stellenbosch University (Military Academy)

Water of acceptable quality is essential for the maintenance of all forms of life and economic sustainability. South Africa is a water scares country. Research shows that at least six out of nineteen water management areas in South Africa will not have enough water to meet the demand by 2030. Provision of clean drinking water for citizens is a priority for the South African Government. Currently the situation in Kroonstad is that water sources have dried up while Mosselbay cannot meet the supply and demand. This paper focus in particular on the Free State (Kroonstad) and Western Cape (Mosselbay) provinces as they were singled out to be experiencing the worst water crisis compared to other provinces. Information was obtained from the Municipalities to determine the current state of affairs. Case studies were conducted at both Kroonstad and Mosselbay in order to understand and explore the causes, implications, the management and solutions for water crisis in the areas. The main focus was to investigate how both municipalities handled the situation and what sustainable alternatives were put in place. Interaction with municipalities, specialist, community members, which included interested and affected parties and individuals, took place. The research data were compared by means of a final report.

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ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION

Reaching for Sustainability: Ecological Modernisation and Environmental Justice in South African Policy

and Practice

Dianne Long - University of Witswatersrand

Sustainable development is one of the major discourses of the twenty first century. This discourse has not only captured the attention of the scholarly society, but governments and the general public as a whole (Giddings et al., 2002). Ecological modernisation, as a discourse, has been proposed as an entreating means to reach the ideal of development that is sustainable (Gibbs, 2000; Murphy and Gouldson, 2000). Ecological modernisation, having been developed in Germany, has by and large only been tested within developing nations, and as some might argue has proved to be rather successful in curbing the environmental impacts associated with development (Christoff, 2009; Spaargaren and Mol, 2009). There is, however, a prominent academic debate centred on the potential social and environmental justice concerns that may emanate from the promotion of ecological modernisation in policy in developing countries (Beck, 1997; Blowers, 1997; Bond, 2000; Oelofse et al., 2006). This research aimed to build an environmental justice policy framework for ecological modernisation in a bid to address environmental justice concerns. This research was conducted in South Africa, a developing country, said to have adopted ecological modernisation principles in policy and practice (Long and Patel, 2011; Oelofse et al., 2006). Civil society hold an esteemed position in ecological modernisation and as such in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a number of civil society activists who are involved in a range of campaigns that seek environmental justice. Their insights and solutions to potential environmental justice concerns that would result from using ecological modernisation were investigated. The result is a list of criteria that can be used to inform policies based on ecological modernisation to ensure just development. These criteria address the role of government, the role of society at large, as well as industry, and for the most part seek to amend the disparate power dynamics that exist amongst these three actors.

Attitudes and perceptions of desalination in the La Mercy area (KZN)

Renell Soobramanian - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

Climate change is a daunting issue that has impacted people and the environment tremendously. Although most of the earth is covered by different forms of water, only one percent of this water is water that can be used without being desalinated. South Africa is one of many countries that has encountered ever-increasing freshwater problems and will experience prolonged water shortages within the next 25 to 30 years if current patterns of water use continue unchanged. Many areas located north of Durban have been severely affected by water shortages recently. Residents have been left without running water for up to three days at a time, district water supplies have therefore be reduced to instances where some areas will receive water and some do not (Singh, 2015). Due to the water shortages in KZN, Umgeni Water is proposing to construct and operate a seawater desalination plant in the Tongaat area, KwaZulu-Natal (CSIR, 2014). Desalination is one of the many alternatives to increasing water supply that has been studied over the years. Yet the concept and process of desalination is conflictual, contested and poorly understood by the public. Desalination, a fairly new topic in the media and a ‘buzz’ word in the north coast of KZN (South Africa), has led to backlash and criticism due to its environmental impacts. Desalination could potentially be the solution to the water problem in the North coast of KZN or it could be an environmental detriment. The way in which people perceive the notion of desalination as well as water issues will in the long run impact the implementation of desalination and other water saving techniques or tools. This study seeks to provide a broad and in depth analysis of desalination, the public’s attitude towards desalination and other water issues within the Tongaat area, Durban, South Africa. It will also aim to clarify whether current attitudes towards desalination and water issues are well informed. Issues that are brought to light by this study, may assist planners and policy makers to address the situation, for example, educating people on the positive benefits of desalination compared to some of the disadvantages of this sort of technology. Therefore, studies such as the present need to be undertaken to understand the attitudes and perceptions of residents so that timely interventions could implemented to avoid conflictual situations.

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Socio-economic factors as causes of non-compliance and biodiversity loss at Makushu Village, Nzhelele

Valley

Vhutshilo Mbulaheni - University of Venda

This research studies the main socio-economic factors that lead to non-compliance and biodiversity loss at Makushu Village of the Nzhelele Valley, Limpopo Province. A questionnaire and interviews were used collect data. Simple random sampling was used to sample the respondents. Field survey was also conducted to measure plant species abundance using the quadrat in affected and non-affected areas. The Czekanowski coefficient was used to measure the level of similarity in terms of species composition between the affected and non-affected areas. The level of similarity was found to be lower between the two places. The findings of the study also indicated that biodiversity loss is strongly associated with socio-economic factors such as lack of employment, education, gender, absence of by-laws, lack of awareness and size of the household. The relationship between biodiversity loss and the size of the household was determined using the Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between household size and biodiversity loss in the area. The results from the questionnaire and interviews were analysed using one-way ANOVA.

Environmental and socio-economic impacts of freight transport in Limpopo: Towards a green transport

approach

Elelwani Mmbadi - University of Venda

Road freight transport generates a series of problems such as pollution, congestion, and health hazards, as well as various environmental and socio-economic challenges and benefits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent to which freight transport achieves sustainable development within the context of a green economy in Limpopo Province. The study objectives include: determination of knowledge of the freight transport owners and transporters about the green economy, assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of international and local freight transport in Limpopo province. The study was conducted using a mix-method survey approach incorporating quantitative and qualitative interview methods. A survey was conducted to determine knowledge of freight transport owners and transporters about the green economy. Qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. Results found that freight transport had both positive and negative impacts on the sustainability of Limpopo Province with several freight companies aware of the green economy imperatives but concerned about the cost of transitioning into the green economy. The study recommends the need for awareness raising among owners and transporters; and a green transport approach for transitioning into the green economy by Limpopo Province.

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Drivers of, and Barriers to, Award Winning Environmental Management in the South African National

Defence Force: A Case Study of Western Cape Units (2011-2015)

Lundi Ncubukezi - Stellenbosch University (Military Academy)

The main task of a country’s Armed Forces is to defend and protect its sovereignty and interest in accordance with the constitution. Due to the nature of its mission, the military has a great potential to harm the land it controls in a highly visible manner. In South Africa, the military controls land of approximately 4200km2. To ensure that this land is managed in an environmental sustainable manner and in accordance with the constitution, the Department of Defence (DOD) has formally regulated the management of the environment within its properties since 1979. In 1998 the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) was enacted and required all organs of state to develop environmental implementation plans (EIP’s). The DOD has since published two EIP’s. These two EIP’s identified capacity gaps in terms of environmental governance and set out best practice for environmental performance. Despite these actions and stated mechanisms in the EIP’s, drivers and barriers that are prevalent in the environmental award winning units are not documented or well known. The aim of this paper is to identify drivers and barriers prevalent in the military environmental award winning units in the Western Cape. In order to identify the drivers of and barriers to good military environmental management, the EIP’s were analyzed to ascertain the expected actions required from the environmental managers and soldiers in general. The next step in the research consisted of identifying units in the SANDF who won one or more annual environmental awards in the 5 years preceding 2016. A semi structured interview was developed to interview the relevant military environmental personnel in order to isolate drivers of and barriers to good military environmental management.

Influence of topography and proximity to roads on the distribution of pompom weed (Campuloclinium

Macrocephalum) in Rietvlei nature reserve, Pretoria (poster) Pheladi Tlhatlha - University of Pretoria

This study focusses on the distribution of Campuloclinium macrocephalum, an alien plant species.This species is indigenous to South America, but has invaded grasslands, savannas and wetlands in South Africa. C. macrocephalum is likely to displace native species resulting in reduced biodiversity and carrying capacity. It also utilizes vast amounts of water. Research has shown that disturbed areas, such as road sides, are susceptible to colonization by alien plant species. However, there is limited research on the influence of other abiotic factors, such as slope aspect and angle on alien species distribution. Such knowledge can aid in focusing management actions to eradicate the plant. In this study, I determined the influence of topography and disturbance (specifically associated with road sides) on the local occurrence patterns of C. macrocephalum. The presence, abundance and height of C. macrocephalum were recorded in 180 plots of 4 x 4 m, in Rietvlei Nature Reserve (an urban grassland reserve in Pretoria). Topography (slope aspect and angle, and elevation) and road proximity were derived in ARCGIS. The preliminary results showed that none of the topographic variables, nor road side disturbance, were related to the species’ distribution. Therefore, other variables are driving the distribution of the species.

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Determinants of invasive species richness in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria (poster)

Rouxleen Burger - University of Pretoria

Biological invasions cause harm to many biomes due to declines in biodiversity and loss of ecosystem services (Mooney & Drake, 1986) (Soulè, 1990). Understanding potential determinants of invasive species richness is therefore important. The present study aims to determine whether six abiotic factors, namely slope angle, slope aspect, soil type, geology, soil cover and rock cover and three biotic factors, namely plant cover, burrow presence and termite mound presence influence invasive species richness in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria. Presence/absence data for 10 commonly occurring invasive plant species were recorded from 4 x 4 m quadrats at 180 randomly selected sites within the reserve. Total plant cover (including native plant cover), soil cover, rock cover and burrow presence/absence were also recorded from these quadrats. Slope angles and aspects were derived from a DEM layer of Rietvlei, whilst soil type and geology were determined from soil and geologic maps. Preliminary results show that invasive species were present at all of the quadrats containing burrows, whilst quadrats with no burrows were more variable, ranging from no invasive species to high invasive species richness. Furthermore, total vegetation cover and invasive species richness are positively correlated and slope angle has a significant effect on invasive species richness.

FOOD SECURITY/INSECURITY

Exploring the contestation over small-scale fishing in the tourism economy in the coastal town of

Arniston, Western Cape

Rantin Fortuin - University of the Western Cape

Within the tourist economy of small towns, attractions such as fishing, local crafts shops and restaurants provide an important source of income for local populations at the same time as they provide an authentic experience for tourists. This paper explores the contestation over small-scale fishing in the tourism economy, as it relates to the needs of local residents against those of tourists in the small coastal town of Arniston in the Southern Cape. With particular reference to fishing as both a local livelihood strategy and tourism attraction, this research uses qualitative methods to examine the activity of local fishing and its role in the tourism economy. Results demonstrate both contestations and commonalities in the views of fishing in the tourism economy. Tourists highlight the fact that fishing provides a unique setting to the tourist town. At the same time, while residents recognise the role of the old style harbour with colourful, hand-made boats as a principle drawcard for tourists, they also believe that the image of a fishing village - and not fishing itself - provides the potential for tourism growth. Through the analysis of results from interviews with tourists and locals, this investigation highlights other contestations while also unlocking key points and ideas overlooked by both tourists and fishermen.

Water scarcity and food security in South Africa: A case study of the Ngqeleni location in Eastern Cape.

Laura Dotse - University of Witswatersrand

After several years of political and economic successes made since 1994, South Africa continues to experience major challenges in water availability, increased poverty, high levels of unemployment and more recently, steep increases in food and fuel prices. The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is one of the regions that has been negatively affected by changes in climate variability, thereby, increasing the vulnerability and subjecting a significant number of households to increased poverty; water scarcity and food insecurity. Using field based data collected through mixed methods and inspired by the tradition of participatory research, the paper discusses relationship between water scarcity and food security in Ngqeleni in Eastern Cape. It is suggested in the paper that there is a significant relationship between water scarcity and food insecurity. This relationship has been compounded by increased population growth, a lack of political will and deficiencies in water resource infrastructure, as well as weaknesses in the institutional framework. These factors have combined to affect water availability and food security in Ngqeleni. It is argued that until effective and sustainable water resource management systems are identified and implemented, food insecurity in Ngqeleni will continue to escalate.

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Exploring public green spaces of Cape Town, South Africa through the lenses of food security and

ecosystem services

Jess Drewett - University of Cape Town

Food security is one of the food system challenges facing urban spaces today. With their many important functions and benefits, public green spaces may provide a means of addressing food security in urban areas. The aim of this proposed research is to explore the use of these spaces in the city of Cape Town as a food security response and examine whether these practices and related policies are inclusive or exclusive from the perspective of food security and ecosystem services in the urban space. In order to achieve this aim, three objectives have been identified. These objectives include reviewing the literature on the use of these plants in public green spaces as a food security response, examining past and current practices and policy linked to plant selection and management of Cape Town’s urban forest in chosen public green spaces, and assessing the extent to which these practices and policies are inclusive or exclusive from the perspective of food security and ecosystem services in the urban space. Proposed methods include semi-structured interviews, review of the literature and policies, in addition to site visits. The proposed research will contribute to the growing literature within South Africa.

Veldkos and imifino: assessing knowledge about wild edible plants in Gansbaai, Western Cape

Lila Kelly - University of Cape Town

Wild indigenous vegetables grow abundantly across Africa and have traditionally played an important role in rural South African household food security. This paper analyses differences in knowledge about wild indigenous vegetables and plants within two Western Cape communities. Through an engagement with locals who have grown up in the Gansbaai area and Eastern Cape migrants, results reflect that knowledge of wild edible plants is being lost. On the whole, aspirations towards modern, urban lifestyles reflect a disregard and loss of knowledge about wild indigenous vegetables. Findings suggest that individuals who were raised in rural areas and played in natural areas as children possess significantly more knowledge about edible plants than those who were raised in urban areas and played in gardens. Differences in knowledge did not exist for wild edible plants that were known to be commodified. These findings suggest that the survival of edible plant knowledge requires a multi-faceted approach which aims to reaffirm traditional food systems. Furthermore, more work needs to be done to re-establish childhood connections to the land and to nature. This will enable not only increased food security, but also break cultural misperceptions about what it means to ‘eat well’ in modern society.

Urban agriculture and sustainable living; A case study of the Hambanathi Agrihub

Sue-Anne Govender - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)

The world today faces population growth and a corresponding demand for food. The high rate of unemployment and diminishing job market complicate the above which leads to the escalation of urban poverty. Although a number of solutions have been suggested none have delivered the anticipated results. The idea of urban agriculture which is one of the perceived and less complicated, is a means toward tackling the threat of food availability of the urban poor. The benefits of urban produce is that it is freshly marketed, without further processing. This research endeavour was initiated because of the significance of urban agriculture and its ability to create positive change in the lives of people. Although the above is not a new phenomenon, urban agriculture it has gained much attention after a critical event in world history which is urbanization. Records show that more than fifty percent of the world’s population resided in cities. Urbanisation has been spreading rapidly across the globe, particularly in developing countries. It has to be borne in mind that the former is connected to a range of concomitant challenges such as urban poverty, increased land degradation and pollution, food insecurity and high unemployment. Although there is insufficient evidence to prove the level of impact that urban agriculture has on developing societies it goes without saying that the concept is a beacon of hope. This research undertaking focuses on urban agriculture as community ventures toward sustainable development and food security. The study area is the small town of UThongathi, specifically the Hambanathi Agrihub.

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The role of rural women as subsistence farmers and their contributions to household food security: a case

study of Lidgetton, Kwa-Zulu Natal (poster)

Hlengiwe Kunene - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Agriculture is regarded as the main strategy that enhances food security for the poor in rural areas of South Africa. This study focuses on the role played by rural women subsistence farmers in ensuring household food security in the Lidgetton community, KwaZulu Natal. The objectives of the study were i) To determine the role played by female farmers in food production in Lidgetton, ii) To investigate the extent to which female subsistence production contributes to household food security in Lidgetton iii) To assess the factors that affect and those that constrain women’s roles in household food security in Lidgetton and iv) To forward possible alternative strategies and recommendations aimed at enhancing the existing conditions of females with respect to household food security. The study employed the use of both qualitative (participatory approaches) and quantitative (questionnaire) techniques. Participatory exercises (problem ranking matrix and transect walks) were conducted within focus group discussions. This study reveals that women in the Lidgetton community play a crucial role in ensuring household food security. Through subsistence production, women in Lidgetton are able to provide food for their families despite constraints in their roles of food production.

Fishers’ perceptions of estuarine resource use management initiatives in the Heuningnes Estuary, Western

Cape (poster) Samantha Williams - University of the Western Cape

Estuaries play an important role in the recreational sector, providing various opportunities, benefits and recreational activities such as fishing to residents and tourists. The use and management of estuaries as a resource may sometimes result in incompatible perceptions from different stakeholders. It is thus important to understand resource users’ perceptions of resources usage as well as management initiatives. The study explores the extent to which recreational fishers’ perceptions are accommodated in current resources use management initiatives in the Heuningnes Estuary in the De Mond Nature Reserve, located on the south-west coast of the Western Cape Province. The results include a map displaying preferred fishing locations. Analysis of catch card data on the biographical data of fishers and their catch profiles was also undertaken, including whether they are engaged in catch-and-release (non-consumptive) and/or catch-and-keep (consumptive) practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to capture perceptions of recreational fishers on issues such as biodiversity conservation, flexibility and adaptability, and co-management of estuaries and nature reserves. The evidence points to considerable contestation over catches and monitoring systems, but also the development of constructive relationships that may bode well for stronger co-management relationships in the future.

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URBAN GIS

Possible deployment of mobile RADAR systems in defence of Saldahna Bay

Tseko Ramotsie - Stellenbosch University (Military Academy)

The military has played an important role in advancing technology around radar systems and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is one of the leading military forces in pioneering the innovation and utilisation of the systems. Since World War II South Africa has deployed radars, static and mobile, throughout the country in defence of its borders. Radar systems provide an early warning system to the SANDF of any imposing threat, further making it a target in military operations. The Saldanha Bay area is important to South Africa in terms of its location, geographical profile and vital institutions which are found there. The paper identifies possible deployment sites for rapid mobile radar systems and approach routes in defence of the Saldanha Bay Municipality. The SANDF uses different types of radars for daily use and in operations, however, for the purpose of this paper a commercial system was used to illustrate GIS capabilities in military operations. Radar systems are able to provide necessary information to enable planning and execution of operations successfully. The paper created a scenario of an invasion force trying to infiltrate Saldanha Bay. A 25m DEM Lunof the Saldanha Bay area, georectified Google Earth imagery, and Saldanha Bay administrative vector data were used to determine best deployment sites and analyse their coverage of the area. The selection of deployment site was done according to criteria set for the exercise. Analysis determined seven points as possible deployment areas of which three were established as the best site for deployment. The paper determined that in order to achieve maximum detection and coverage, the three best points should be used simultaneously in the operation.

Assessing spatial planning and development of Thulamela Municipality using GIS and remote sensing-

Case study of Thohoyandou Town

Gundo Phaswana - University of Venda

The purpose of this research is to determine the effects that are brought by the process of rezoning of residential areas into commercial areas and to other land uses such as agriculture. Rezoning of residential areas into commercial areas involves changing an area that was once used as an area where people resides into an area of business. This research uses map work to spatially analyse the locations of land uses and land zones. And the observations, reconnaissance survey; and both explanatory and descriptive survey were used to determine the effects rezoning residential areas into commercial areas. Data obtained from the rezoned areas is analysed. The results of this analysis can be used to determine the effects the rezoning taking place in the area. The anticipated outcome of this research is identification of effects that the rezoning of residential areas into commercial areas has on other land uses. The findings may be useful to which land uses are more affected and can be used to solving other related land use problems.

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An analyses of urbanisation / urban growth vs vegetation reduction between 2000 and 2015 in

Stuttereihm Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Yanga Willie - University of Fort Hare

Simply defined as the shift from a rural to an urban society, urbanization is an essential corollary of industrialization that goes hand in hand with the role of human settlements as engines of growth in the economy and as promoters of scientific, socio-cultural and technological development. Urbanization is the outcome of the social, economic and political development, it is also a factor of development associated with modernization and is a means of and consequences of modernization and has a positive and accelerating effect on development. An urban area is often regarded as a place with spatial concentration of people whose lives are organised around non-agricultural activities. An urban area is a function of population size, space, ratio of population to space, and economic and social organisation. Urban areas are dominated by built up and artificial land with impervious surfaces. A consequence of this is the accompanying shrinkage in vegetation and an increase in impermeable surfaces. Hence basically urbanization together with urban expansion exerts pressure on land resources causing environmental and social problems in the process. Tackling these impacts of urban expansion requires knowledge of the spatial phenomena of landscape components including vegetation dynamics this can be achieved through spatio-temporal analyses methods, remote sensing and GIS techniques have become an efficient tool to carry out such analysis. This study is aimed mapping and through various forms data also quantify the dynamics in vegetation cover and urban expansion from 2000 to 2015 in Sutterheim Town, Eastern Cape province.

Work and play? Using GIS to explore ludic spaces at UWC

Tafadzwa Ngulube - University of the Western Cape

Ludic geographies, relating to the spatial dimension of play and playfulness, have received little attention in the South African context. In spite of this, the role of play in the context of work and/or education may yield critical insights in the perception and use of campus spaces. This research explores student awareness of, and access to, available outdoor recreational spaces at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Using students’ space-time geographies, this multi-strand ethnographic and GIS-based study traces the negotiation of work and play in the UWC campus environment in order to understand ludic spaces through their location, utilization, and value placed upon them by students. This research is significant in understanding student awareness, perception and utility of available recreational spaces at UWC. Furthermore, the research attempts to give insight to policy makers working to improve the student experience at an institutional level, in the quest to produce graduates equipped to excel in their various career paths through a healthy balance of work and play.

Health care in the Eastern Cape: A GIS based analysis of resources in relation to need

Melanie Fetting - Rhodes University

South Africa is plagued by a large number of health related issues which are magnified in the Eastern Cape, the country’s poorest province. These include a high prevalence of disease and poor access to health care, with far reaching consequences. Access to health care as it has been defined for this project does not refer exclusively to physical location in relation to health care facilities, but relates to factors which determine whether a person’s health care needs can be met. Therefore, the aim of this project was to investigate the nature and state of health care resources relative to the needs of the population of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This investigation was carried out spatially using standard Geographical Information System methods in conjunction with ‘expert mapping’. Census 2011 data was combined with spatial information about the province’s health care facilities to map resources in relation to need, and the ‘expert maps’ were used to predict future health care scenarios for the province. It was found that those who are most vulnerable have the worst access to health care and that the former homelands are current problem areas as well as the areas flagged for future concern.

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Urban Land use change between 1998 and 2012 in Victoria, Seychelles

Jemima Bijoux - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Land is known to be one of the primary natural resources that a country needs. In this study, urban land use changes in Victoria, Seychelles, was analysed through the use of ortho-rectified imagery taken in 1998 and 2012, and geographic information systems (GIS). The objective of this study is to provide insight and information to assist and guide city planners to make important decisions when developing the city, help the government towards policy making pertaining to land use, and ensure minimal impact of natural resources. The two major methods that were adopted for classification were visual image interpretation and maximum likelihood supervised classification. The results obtained from the two images were compared so as to depict changes in land use which had taken place between the two years. The results revealed that the proportion of people residing in Victoria had increased. Other services that were included in the study also experienced a positive change. Amendment and review of planning policies are therefore recommended to control urban sprawl.

ARCHAEOLOGY & PALYNOLOGY

Using charcoal analysis as proxy evidence to understand fire history at Lake St Lucia, South Africa (poster)

Amanda Khuzwayo - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Lake St Lucia is known for its high biodiversity and maintaining it is critically important. Some terrestrial environment activities may lead to a shift in the vegetation type. To avoid such a scenario requires sound management practices that are based on good scientific data. The aim of this study was to investigate past fire regimes and frequencies in and around Lake St Lucia using charcoal analyses. It was conducted using core (288cm) sediment samples and surface sediments from North Lake. The North Lake core was dated using

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and calibrated using SHCal13. A 3-day wet sieving (>150μm) method

was done on the sediments. Sediment samples were analysed for number of charcoal particles, width to length (W/L) ratio, length and area. The W/L ratio is a good indicator for woody (>0.5) verses grassy (<0.5) fuel type. Core samples indicated predominantly grassy fuel type throughout the past ca. 3000 years. The results indicate that since ca. 1900 cal yr BP there was an increase in fire frequency and this corresponds to human settlement during the Iron Age. This study shows that the predominant fuel type is grass and that fire frequency has increased in the last 140 years due to human influences.

Floodplain paleoenvironmental analysis by the use of palynology for investigation of blocked valley lakes

on The Mfolozi floodplain, northern KwaZulu-Natal (poster)

Salona Reddy - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Records from the Holocene period are used to confirm possible inferred climatic changes, serve as an archive against which modern environmental dynamics are assessed and can reveal the responses of species to climate changes. Blocked valley lakes are formed when tributaries are impounded by the relatively rapid aggradation of a large river and its floodplain. One such blocked valley lake is the highly organic peat deposit of Lake Futululu in the Northern edge of the Mfolozi River floodplain which has young sediment dating back to >3900 cal years BP, placing the record within the Holocene period. Peleoenvironmental techniques including optically stimulated luminescence, pollen and charcoal analysis were applied to produce a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Lake Futululu by using a 470cm sedimentary core extracted from the blocked valley lake. Detailed analysis will show conditions, dominance of species and expansions of Podocarpus forests during the Holocene period. The Charcoal analysis will indicate fire intensities and the arrival of the first agriculturalists in the area. This record will contribute to an improved understanding of the Holocene changes in climate, vegetation history and human impact in the northern edge of the Mfolozi River.

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METEOROLOGY & CLIMATOLOGY

Impact of spatio-temporal variability of the Mascarene High on weather over southern Africa

Nathi Xulu - University of Venda

Subtropical highs form over the subtropical belts for both the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH). They influence weather and climate variability in many regions around the world. The study focused on investigating the spatio-temporal variability of Mascarene High on (anomalous) weather over southern Africa at intraseasonal, seasonal, interannual and event time-scales. Spatio-temporal characteristics of the Mascarene High investigated in this study span for the period 1985-2100 using reanalysis datasets for the presnt period and the Conformal-cubic atmospheric model (CCAM) for future projections. The present climate investigation of the climatology of the Mascarene High over the SWIO was for the period 1985-2014. Identification of the Mascarene High was done using mean surface sea level pressure (MSLP) extracted from ECWMF ERA-interim monthly reanalysis field data via KNMI archives and verified using MSLP from NCEP-NCAR reanalysis data. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis, depicting eastern and southern parts of the South Indian Ocean to be dominant regions of seasonal MSLP. This assisted in illustrating variations of spatial dominance and seasonal positioning of the weather system over the SWIO. Whereby, the Mascarene High migrates south (north) in austral summer (winter). Event scale analysis was also employed for investigating Mascarene High blocking and induced anomalous. It appears that Mascarene High blocking leads to anomalous rainfall events over southern Africa and South Africa is severely affected.

Using Personal Weather Station Data to Study The Urban Heat Island Effect (poster)

Caroline Hardy - University of Johannesburg

The use of personal weather stations (PWS) have become increasing popular and the data collected by a PWS network is easily crowd-sourced via an online platform. Meteorological parameters acquired from a PWS network can readily supplement observations from the traditional weather station network due to the availability, ease of acquisition and simplicity of data sharing of PWS observations. One application of PWS observations is the study of the urban heat island (UHI) effect within urban areas, where the PWS network is most dense and provides higher spatial coverage than traditional weather stations. In this study we examine the use of PWS observations to analyze the UHI effect in Johannesburg.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Environmental impacts and management of medical waste (poster) Khutadzo Mulovhedzi - University of the Free State

Medical Waste Management (MWM) is a major problem in most developing countries. Poor MWM have a potential of exposing workers, patients and the community to infections, injuries and potentially polluting the environment. This study investigated practices that are employed in MWM in four different clinics in Limpopo, Thulamela municipality. It analyses the methods that the healthcare facility (HCF) uses in order to avoid medical waste environmental impacts. This research used questionnaires and physical observation. Both primary and secondary data were used for data analysis. The results of the research showed that general waste (GW) and Medical Waste (MW) are generated within the facility. Wastes are then separated. These clinics use containers and wheeled trolleys for on-site transportation to temporary storage area. Most of the clinics the researcher visited have poorly secured storage rooms. Clinics have a private company (Buhle) for off-site transportation. Staff members are provided with training on handling waste. It will be of great help if there is an improvement on medical waste management in these facilities.

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MILITARY

Assessing the validity and effectiveness of EIP within the South African National Defence Force (poster) Laicken Narrainsamy & Vanessa Mkhize - Stellenbosch University (Military Academy)

The First Edition of the Department of Defence (DOD) Environmental Implementation Plan (EIP) was drafted in the year 2000 for the purpose of implementing sustainable environmental practices within the DOD. This came after the need was highlighted by National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 calling all state organs who cause any sort of threat to the environment to harmonize their activities with the policies and programs set out in the relevant documents. This study aims at investigating whether the responsible environmental personnel within the DOD are aware of their responsibility in terms of their level of knowledge and application of the EIP in their environmental duties; whether they carry out their duties and responsibilities as highlighted within the EIP, and whether they know the aims and objectives of the EIP. The study seeks to question the validity and effectiveness of the EIP document. To ascertain the level at which the DOD units are at, and evaluate how the units of the DOD have embraced the concept of environmental sustainability, as well as the knowledge that environmental personnel possess within the units. This will be achieved by means of assessing the extent to which the drafted or available documents are utilized according to the plans, policies and instructions at local bases, in comparison to the activities conducted on a daily basis during exercises and deployments. This study is conducted with a sample of units across all arms of services at units within the West Coast Military Region namely: Langebaanweg Air Force Base, Saldanha Naval Base, 4 Special Force Recce and the Saldanha Sickbay. The study adopts qualitative research methods such as, interviews and structured questions, to collect data. The findings from this research will serve as an environmental audit document to the Department of Defence’s Environmental Management Office.

Residential and commercial development near military installation. A case study: Military base Saldahna

(poster)

Nomboniso Moss & Ukosana Tshabalala - Stellenbosch University (Military Academy)

The South African Department of Defence controls approximately 420 000 hectares of land and more than 30 000 infrastructures country wide. Most of this land must relatively be in isolated locations in order for the military to function effectively and efficiently. These areas and infrastructures are utilized for several military purposes such as storage of military equipment, facilitation military training, execution of operations and residential area for military personnel. The rapid residential and commercial development has brought communities closer to military perimeters and consequently jeopardising the ability for the military to operate effectively. The land use activities by the local population around military base threatens the safety of local population by means of encroachment which has implications for both the military and the local population. The military installation may threaten the local population through exposure to artillery fire, aircraft noise, dust and accidents from unexploded ordinance. The study aims to use remote sensing data in order to visualise, compare and delineate land use changes and development near the military area of Saldanha Bay over the past 20 years.