M.Sc. (Geology) / Three anomalous borehole core sequences from the north eastern Karoo Basin are examined. The boreholes are located up to 30 km from each other and are lithostratigraphically completely atypical for the Vryheid Formation, Ecca Group, Karoo Supergroup. The lithologies of the three boreholes are intensely brecciated for the most part, while all of the surrounding boreholes reveal normal stratigraphy; their sedimentary strata are normally horizontal with no faulting present. The only known disturbances to the Vryheid Formation in the study area are the occurrence of intrusive mafic dolerite sills and dykes, which are known to have been contemporaneous with and immediately following the eruption of the Drakensburg Group basaltic lavas. The borehole core lithologies are described in detail with reference to their textural, mineralogical and petrographic characteristics. Mineral and bulk rock chemical data are presented. Several modes of origin of the brecciated core sequences are considered, with the primary hypothesis that the brecciation is due to diatreme activity. A review of diatremes and their mode of emplacement is proposed with reference to their occurrence within the Karoo Igneous Province, as some diatremes in the Karoo are associated with dolerite sill emplacement. The isolated occurrences, lithologies, petrography, alteration and geochemistry of the sequences are used to argue that the Vryheid Formation, intersected in the form of the three anomalous boreholes, was disturbed by diatreme activity, which are genetically related to the late dolerite sill emplacement into the Karoo Supergroup rocks.

Evaluation determines the impact of social services as well as job performance and assures communities that social workers render effective services. Post audits are done as part of performance management at the Christian Social Councils in the Highveld Synodal Region. The purpose of this research is to look at the experiences of social workers that had a post audit to determine whether adjustments to improve the audit system are needed. A qualitative approach with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed. Participants were identified according to the purposive sampling method. Data was collected during semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed and verified according to the models of Tesch (in Creswell, 2003) and Guba (in Krefting, 1991), respectively, and processed in the research report. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Science)

Evaluation determines the impact of social services as well as job performance and assures communities that social workers render effective services. Post audits are done as part of performance management at the Christian Social Councils in the Highveld Synodal Region. The purpose of this research is to look at the experiences of social workers that had a post audit to determine whether adjustments to improve the audit system are needed. A qualitative approach with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed. Participants were identified according to the purposive sampling method. Data was collected during semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed and verified according to the models of Tesch (in Creswell, 2003) and Guba (in Krefting, 1991), respectively, and processed in the research report. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Science)

In spite of the relative simple vegetation structure, the Grassland biome has surprisingly high species diversity. The Grassland biome is also the most transformed biome in South Africa, with cultivation having the largest impact. When croplands are abandoned, secondary succession leads to low diversity Hyparrhenia hirta dominated grassland. A combination of two seed mixtures, two seeding densities and two establishment methods was established in plots on a recently abandoned cropland at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve to evaluate their effect on secondary succession. The rip plots, where more resources were available between the rip lines, have shown higher densities of relic weeds as well as local perennials, showing some progressive successional movement. However, Hyparrhenia hirta was one of the non-sown perennials increasing in the rip plots. Hyparrhenia invasion and relic weeds were best controlled in the plough plots. Although Hyparrhenia was successfully controlled in plough plots, no secondary succession occurred in these treatments. / Agriculture, Animal Health & Human Ecology / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

In spite of the relative simple vegetation structure, the Grassland biome has surprisingly high species diversity. The Grassland biome is also the most transformed biome in South Africa, with cultivation having the largest impact. When croplands are abandoned, secondary succession leads to low diversity Hyparrhenia hirta dominated grassland. A combination of two seed mixtures, two seeding densities and two establishment methods was established in plots on a recently abandoned cropland at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve to evaluate their effect on secondary succession. The rip plots, where more resources were available between the rip lines, have shown higher densities of relic weeds as well as local perennials, showing some progressive successional movement. However, Hyparrhenia hirta was one of the non-sown perennials increasing in the rip plots. Hyparrhenia invasion and relic weeds were best controlled in the plough plots. Although Hyparrhenia was successfully controlled in plough plots, no secondary succession occurred in these treatments. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)