Dr K. Kuman initiated the Limpopo research programme that at present is based on excavations conducted at three sites, Hackthorne, Kudu Koppie and Keratic Koppie. They are situated atop a remnant of an ancient Miocene terrace, approximately 4km from the present day course of the Limpopo River in the Mapungubwe National Park. A broad range of stone tool types is represented in the area, with mostly Earlier and Middle Stone Age artefacts found on the higher ground and Later Stone Age pieces found primarily on the Limpopo’s floodplain. One of the obstacles to understanding the archaeology of the region is the widespread episodic deflation that occurred here during arid periods of the Pleistocene, which had an impact on stratified sequences in the Stone Age. While all three sites have been subject to deflation, Hackthorne and Keratic Koppie are single component sites. Kudu Koppie, however, preserves some stratigraphy and provides a means of comparing and assessing the single component assemblages which have undergone varying degrees of mixing. It was therefore vital to establish a pattern of change through time at Kudu Koppie, with a sequence of late Earlier, Middle and Later Stone Age deposits, using a combination of strategies including typology, technological analysis and a study of raw material exploitation. These data suggest that Hackthorne is primarily a late Earlier Stone Age (ESA) assemblage with some Middle Stone Age (MSA) mixing, while Keratic Koppie preserves an ESA assemblage with a more significant MSA component. The ESA component is further argued to be a final post-Acheulean industry with a major component of woodworking tools, suggesting it may be a local variant of the Sangoan Industrial Complex.

Freshwater resources play an important role in the integrity of natural ecosystems as well as livelihoods of communities. However, South Africa has limited freshwater resources and many of this country’s inland water streams are polluted as a result of human activities. Various legislations such as the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) were promulgated in order to address the issue of sustainable management of these resources. In this study, the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model was applied to determine water quality challenges and threats in and around the Mapungubwe National Park and Heritage Site (MNPHS). This study area was declared as a heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and is also a national park. Several research objectives were formulated and various methodologies were used to address the research aim. In determining land uses around the study area, site visits, visual inspections, literature reviews as well as the analysis of the national land use data were undertaken. Various land uses that have potential to negatively impact water quality were identified. In order to determine the status of water quality in the study area, water samples were analysed in-situ and in the laboratory. The results obtained showed that water quality was generally compliant with a few exceptions. For example, the concentrations of nitrates, microbes, and few metals such as mercury and beryllium were not complying with water quality guidelines and standards. Finally, in formulating the DPSIR framework for the MNPHS, a participatory approach was used where stakeholders were interviewed by means of a questionnaire. One of the most salient finding of the DPSIR modelling in this study was institutional weaknesses associated with the poor implementation of existing water related laws and regulations. The study also highlighted a few recommendations for further action and research. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)