Considering the challenges faced by the City of Cape Town such as loss of biodiversity, limited supply of energy and unsustainable land use, it is argued that it is imperative for the construction industry to promote sustainable development. The objective of the research was to understand the contributions of the construction industry to over exploitation of resources such as biodiversity, energy and land. Secondly, the study considers initiatives to be undertaken by the construction industry to enhance the environment so as to promote sustainable development. The research mixed methods was used as the form of collecting required data. The collection of data comprised of the design and administration of open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires among a non-random selected population of building contractor, public works officials and practising Architectural firms within the City of Cape Town. The data obtained from open-ended questionnaire on building contractors and public works officials was analysed qualitatively and data from the closed-ended questionnaires through practising Architectural firms was analysed quantitatively. Research results showed that biodiversity in the City of Cape Town is under threat. Passive design has a significant role in protecting the biodiversity and should be encouraged by the construction industry and the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town should strongly enforce polices that support the conservation of biodiversity. This will have a positive impact through encouraging the construction industry to adhere to these polices. The City of Cape Town is faced with energy shortage. The construction industry needs to reduce its energy usage as a dominant energy user. This will be achieved through energy efficient designs and retrofitting the existing buildings. The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to promote sustainable land use. Land prices are highly priced in the City of Cape Town as a result the poor cannot enter the market without external assistance. The construction industry has a role to encourage sustainable land use in the city.

The majority of small-scale farmers in the Eastern Cape apply inadequate quantities of manure, inorganic (NPK) fertilizer and Gromor as lone fertilizers or tend to mix manure or Gromor with chemical fertilizers for crops, without any scientific basis (Mkile, 2001). Hence this study – aimed at achieving effective and efficient use of chemical fertilizers, manure and Gromor, either as lone fertilizers or mixed with one another, in maize production – was established. A three-year dry land field experiment, arranged in a RCBD with 3 replicates where cattle manure, chemical fertilizer and Gromor were mixed at different ratios – as treatments FM1 (10 percent fertilizer + 90 percent manure); FM2 (25 percent fertilizer + 75 percent manure); FM3 (50 percent fertilizer + 50 percent manure); MAP (100 percent fertilizer); M (100 percent cattle manure); FG1 (10 percent fertilizer + 90 percent Gromor); FG2 (25 percent fertilizer + 75 percent Gromor); FG3 (50 percent fertilizer + 50 percent Gromor); G (100 percent Gromor) and a control (with nothing applied) – was conducted at the Nolukhanyo agricultural project at Bathurst in the Ndlambe Local Municipality. Maize cultivars PAN 6480 and Sahara were used as test crops. Manure, Gromor and soil were analyzed for their nutrient composition. Data recorded involving number of kernels per cob-1, grain and dry matter (DM) yields for the 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, and leaf area index (LAI) – were subjected to Genstat Version 14.1 for statistical analysis. Grain yields of PAN 6480 and Sahara recorded in seasons 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 were significantly higher (p≤0.05) than those of the controls. In 2012-13, PAN 6480 on treatments FG3 and FG1 produced the highest grain yields (5 327 and 5 107kg ha-1) respectively, while in 2010-11 the highest yield was 3 780kg ha-1. In the 2012-13 season, Sahara on F treatment was the highest with 4 553kg ha-1 whilst there were no significant differences in F and M treatments. Dry matter yields of Sahara were higher than those of PAN 6480 in all seasons. The highest Sahara LAI obtained on FM2 was 5.85 in the 2012-13 season, whereas PAN 6480 had LAI of 4.77 on F treatment, followed by FG3 with 4.72 LAI. PAN 6480 number of leaves for 6 plants in m2 and LAI in week 8 of the 2012-13 season had a positive correlation, r2=0.84. PAN 6480 number of kernels and cob length in the same area correlated quite well (r2 =0.91). Chemical fertilizer corrects the imbalances of nutrients inherent in organic manures and increases both maize grain yields and dry matter yields, and also influences number of leaves and LAI. Treatments FG1, FG3 and FM1 of PAN 6480 resulted in high maize grain yields when planted 13 in late November of the 2012-13 growing season and when water in the soil profile was conserved as a result of good rains received prior to planting. Treatments FG1 (10 percent fertilizer + 90 percent Gromor), FG3 (50 percent fertilizer + 50 percent Gromor) of PAN 6480 produced the highest grain yields (5 107kg ha-1 and 5 327kg ha-1 respectively) in the 2012-13 season, whilst FM1 (10 percent fertilizer + 90 percent manure) gave the highest grain yield (of 4 277kg ha-1) for the same cultivar in the 2010-11 season.

Subtropical thicket supports a large variety of indigenous browsing herbivores, such as elephants, black rhino, kudu and bushbuck, but impala historically never occurred in the Eastern Cape. The aim of this study was to determine what impacts extralimital impala (Aepyceros melampus) have on subtropical thicket. The thicket of the Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, was used for the study. To quantify the effects of impala, feeding behaviour and diet was investigated during summer and winter. Sixteen impala were also enclosed in a camp of subtropical thicket where they would be limited to feedings on thicket. Vegetation composition and structure were monitored for a period of 12 months in the enclosure. Impala followed the expected high percentage graze and a low percentage browse in thicket in summer. However, the expected was not observed during winter: at this time grazing and browsing were equally important. Field collection of feeding behaviour data showed that impala are attracted to fringes of intact bush clumps or degraded thicket. Analysis of the impala diet confirmed this, with a significantly higher percentage graze (48 percent) than browse (22 percent) during summer. However, during winter, diet analysis indicated grazing to be much higher (36 percent) than browsing (6 percent) with the impala temporarily taking advantage of nutritious grasses still present. The enclosed portion of thicket was originally at 80 percent ecological status but it showed significant changes after addition of 16 impala. Animal trails increased in number and in width, resulting in a trampling effect. Grass cover was significantly different inside the enclosure after 12 months compared to outside. The amount of available browse of the enclosed thicket was also significantly different after addition of the impala. It is concluded that impala have a negative effect on thicket, with trampling the most significant effect. Long term monitoring of the effects of extralimital impala in different types of thicket will be required to accurately quantify their direct effects on subtropical thicket in the Eastern Cape. The main aim of this study was to determine the impacts of impala on Thicket. The study showed significant impacts on Thicket as found in Shamwari, and therefore the aim of the study was achieved.

White rhino populations did not occur historically in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (Skead 2007). They have, however, been introduced into a number of reserves within the Eastern Cape for reasons such as conservation, ecotourism and hunting. Based on the literature on the species, it was hypothesized that white rhinoceros would have been introduced in grass-rich habitats, as they are bulk grazers. White rhinoceros populations were further assessed in terms of population establishment by outlining their distribution and performance since introductions and this was done by extracting intercalving intervals from the literature of native populations and comparing such to the Eastern Cape intercalving intervals, extracted from data obtained from landowners. Finally, the diet of white rhinoceros was quantified, in order to identify plant species potentially at risk from white rhino herbivory using Shamwari Private Game Reserve as a study site. The distribution of white rhino in the Eastern Cape varies in terms of habitat and vegetation types. The majority (62%) of white rhino are located in grass-poor habitats and are primarily there for ecotourism purposes with only a small percentage kept for conservation purposes in the state reserves. Limited data for intercalving intervals of the white rhino in Eastern Cape are comparable to those of populations in the natural range. The ex situ conservation of white rhino in the Eastern Cape proved to be a success as population numbers have increased markedly since the first survey was conducted (Buijs 1999). The diet section of this study showed that white rhino are highly selective grazers even in a grass-limiting habitat which is dominated by browse. Twenty-five principal dietary items were identified in their diet, with only six being preferred in autumn. These are thus the plant species that could be the most vulnerable to white rhino herbivory. Supplementary food provision plays a big part of the feeding scheme of white rhino in Shamwari Private Game Reserve during the winter season, revealing the little confidence that the management has on natural resource availability to the animals at this time. These findings support the value of the Eastern Cape for ex situ conservation of white rhino, and highlight plant species potentially at risk. There is a need for further research on the population performance of these animals, and the plants identified here need to be monitored to assess white rhino impact on the vegetation

Two pocket sandy beaches, Eastern Cape, South Africa, were investigated, to determine whether these beaches were subsidised by an adjacent mangrove estuary, by using stable light isotope (δ 13C and δ 15N) analyses. The trophodynamics and macrofaunal food webs of these two beaches, situated between the Mgazi and Mgazana estuaries (in a warm-temperate/subtropical transition zone,), were described. Two to 2.5 trophic levels were identified for the macrobenthic community, with suspension feeders and omnivorous scavengers as the primary consumers, and carnivores as the secondary consumers. Mangrove material and terrigenous inputs were not driving the sandy beach food webs. Instead, marine allochthonous inputs (carrion, macroalgae), possibly phytoplankton, sediment organic matter, and resident macroinfauna were the dominant food sources. Cattle dung could have been the only important terrigenous food source utilised by the beach benthos. The macroinfauna displayed generalist/omnivorous feeding strategies, but within the limits of predominantly marine food sources. There was evidence that carnivores actively preyed on resident beach fauna. Omnivory and intraguild feeding might also be important biological processes in these communities. Seasonal and spatial variability in stable isotope composition of the fauna was observed, but few patterns were evident. There was a general trend of more enriched δ 15N and δ 13C composition of animal tissues in summer as opposed to winter. This was accompanied by a general decrease in C:N ratios in summer. It was hypothesised that these isotopic and biochemical changes were in response to increased food availability during summer. Although mangrove material appeared not to play an important role in the nutrition of these sandy beach communities, it was suggested that a high retention time of particles in the bay could enhance bacterial decay of particulate mangrove material, which could then act as fine, bacterial-enriched particulate food to the macrobenthos. This remains to be tested.

The aim of the study is to establish the challenges that are experienced by traditional leadership that are prohibiting them from performing their roles. The reality is that despite the fact that there are guidelines on roles of traditional leaders, policies that are in place that entail the roles of traditional leaders, there are always problems such as disputes, grievances and complaints of unfair treatment by traditional leaders. The study seeks to explore the community of Mbhashe Local Municipality that has been hailed in developing its communities through the traditional leadership. This study shows the lessons learnt in this municipality that could be utilised as a model for other areas and thus assist in the improvement of other communities through similar relationships. The objectives of the study are based on the above introduction and problem statement namely: those traditional leaders, who have a role to play in the development of their communities, they have a potential to contribute towards the development by involving government departments and other relevant stakeholders with potential to develop the rural communities. The reality is that government has not succeeded in empowering the traditional leadership institutions in terms of development, their roles and functions. The study seeks to establish the meaningful roles and functions of the traditional leaders in their communities with reference to the local governments of municipalities. The study is conducted within the qualitative and quantitative paradigm, based on a literature review, personal visits and interviews with traditional leaders and elected municipal councillors of municipalities and community members. The study concluded by arguing that traditional leaders do have a role to play in the development of their rural communities also government has a big role to ensure that the Traditional Leaders are capacitated. The study therefore seeks to explore the reasons as to why some traditional leaders are not playing their roles as expected, what can be done to improve their understanding of their role in terms of development. The conclusion of the study is based on the fact that the institution of traditional leadership in South Africa dates back to the pre-colonial era. The power and influence of traditional leaders in South African societies has been weakened over the years due to the adoption of Western style political systems. However at the dawn of democracy in 1994, a lot of effort includes legislative and other regulatory steps aimed towards the empowerment of traditional leaders in areas where there is customary law system. Traditional Leaders have served as the spokesperson of the people as well as bringing the gap between the government and the people. The results of the study found that traditional leaders are pivotal in the community development programmes in the Mbhashe Local Municipality. Traditional leaders need empowerment in local government through a vivid policy framework aimed at establishing how they can actively partake in the affairs of the municipality. Also the study found that at present, traditional leaders appear to be operationally parallel with councillors, a situation which creates tension and damage to their morale. Such a policy framework would do a lot to give traditional leaders an engagement model, roles and responsibilities at municipal level. More importantly the manner in which they can cooperate with councillors towards sustainable community development needs more attention and intervention from local government.

This research investigates the impact of the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) on tourism development by comparing the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) with the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM). In the latter instance, there is no development agency involved. A qualitative approach to research is applied with a specific focus on in-depth interviews. The literature review focuses on responsible tourism, local economic development (LED) and development agencies. The research is grounded in the Endogenous Growth Theory. The research notes the phenomenal success of the development agency model for delivery of LED projects. There is a notable growth in the tourism sector within the BCRM. With 45 permanent jobs created, the BCRM is a better place as compared to what it was in the era prior to the establishment of the BCDA. This surpasses by far the number of jobs created in the SRVM where the development agency model does not exist. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) prefers a district-wide development agency as opposed to a local development agency. The establishment of Cacadu Development Agency (CDA) follows this suggestion. The findings of this research are thus very significant for the SALGA in their pursuit for best practices in LED. Both the BCRM and the SRVM are under-marketed, a negative factor on their tourism growth and development. Placing of billboards at the Ncanara interchange to advertise them would ideally enhance their tourism marketing campaigns. The research also finds that both local municipalities have inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems for projects. In this respect, the research suggests that the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) should consider conducting a provincial research covering all the districts, on the contribution of tourism to the local economies. As a provincial entity, the ECPTA would be better placed to undertake that task. They would have less legal restrictions imposed by jurisdictional issues than would a local municipality. The research recommends the relocation of the CDA and the CDM from the metropolitan city of Port Elizabeth to one of the local municipalities. That would most likely increase business tourism, thereby boosting the local economy in the relevant small municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the presence of a development agency enhances tourism growth and development in the BCRM.

This study deals with water service delivery for improved quality of life in the Mbizana Local Municipality. The study sets out to determine how the inner workings of water service delivery work in the Mbizana Local Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape, and how this should function in terms of South African legislation. The objectives of the study are to understand the current state of water service delivery in the Mbizana Local Municipality, finding out information about South African legislation regarding the ideal state of water service delivery, and recommending development programmes to improve water service delivery. This study is about understanding trends in the body of scientific knowledge or literature, and studying (as objects) the ideas and writings of other scholars. No empirical study was conducted. The research methodology for this study is descriptive, with data sourced from available literature. The findings in this study indicate that backlogs for water service delivery remain high in the Mbizana Local Municipality. Regrettably, the situation has worsened since 2004; backlogs have shifted from 45 percent to 94 percent of households with no access to tap water. A number of normative criteria to deal with the research problem were extracted from available literature, from which conclusions were drawn and recommendations made.

The study was about the impact of income generating projects on poverty alleviation and was conducted on Ibuyambo Secondary Cooperative Ltd at Emalahleni Local Municipality within Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Ibuyambo Secondary Cooperative Ltd consisted of seven primary cooperatives from which data was collected from 18 respondents through questionnaires. To complement that, interviews were conducted with six key informants from government departments and other development stakeholders in the same area. The study was conducted in August 2013. The study covered a literature review on poverty as one variable, with focus on its definition; theoretical perspectives of poverty; poverty in development thought; global statistics on poverty; historical background of poverty in South Africa; structural adjustment programmes as a major cause of poverty; and causes of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature review of income generation as another variable was also undertaken, with emphasis on definitions; the experience of income generation projects/activities (IGPs/IGAs); key factors for the successful implementation and management of projects; income generation projects and sustainable livelihoods; income generation and poverty alleviation programmes in South Africa; as well as a case study of projects under IRDP in India. The results of the study indicated that Ibuyambo Secondary Cooperative Ltd was generating income. However due to poor governance, mismanagement of funds and theft it was running at a loss and was struggling to finance its working capital and other member benefits. As such it was not making a meaningful impact on alleviating poverty on its members. The study also gave recommendations on the findings.

Rationale: It cannot be denied that there has been improvement in demographic representation in South Africa since the implementation of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. Whilst there may still be room for improvement, especially on employer attitudes towards the implementation of employment equity, improved representation of the Previously Disadvantaged Groups has evidently appreciated, however, marginally. Research purpose: This study sought to explore stakeholder perceptions as to why Engcobo Local Municipality had not successfully implemented the Employment Equity Act. Research design, approach and method: This exploratory study was conducted at Engcobo Local Municipality on Councillors, Managers, Key Employees and representatives of Organised Labour. Main findings: a) Engcobo Local Municipality was found not to have complied with various aspects of the Employment Equity Act; b) Respondents mainly believed that failure to implement the Employment Equity Act by Engcobo Local Municipality was due to lack of capacity on the part of the municipality‟s stakeholders; c) Different countries followed different models in the implementation of their Employment Equity, depending on the peculiarity of their circumstances; and d) The most appropriate change management model on which the implementation of the South African Employment Equity is modelled is Hayes‟ Generic Change Management Model. Managerial implications: Future research may be that the municipality can benefit from the recommendations made by the respondents with regard to what they believe needs to be done to remedy the situation. Some of the suggestions include the intensification of communication, establishment consultative structures to facilitate communication and the capacitation of stakeholders to ensure that they understand their responsibilities regarding the implementation of the Employment Equity Act. Contribution: The contribution of the research is supporting the current knowledge base of stakeholders towards the implementation of the Employment Equity Act. Proactive implementation measures should be taken to ensure that people who should benefit from the implementation of the Act are not disadvantaged by the municipality‟s failure to implement the Act. The introduction of the alignment with human resource management practices that complement the implementation of Employment Equity, could overcome the barriers currently being experienced in the effective implementation of the Employment Equity Act.