The objective of this project is to design an antenna for use in the electronic monitoring of persons convicted of non-violent crimes. If implemented, electronic monitoring will lighten the load on the South African prison system. Electronic monitoring makes use of an electronic tether connected to the person being monitored. This led to specific performance requirements and size constraints being placed on the antenna. The antenna should be physically small while still being able to perform as specified. It is also necessary to test the design with various frequencies, to determine the best possible frequency to use. It was decided to use a Transformer Coupled Loop (TCL) antenna, after various designs were considered. The TCL antenna can be used in various configurations, with some of these configurations being simulated to determine the best antenna structure to use. After various antenna structures were discarded, a specific antenna structure emerged as a possible solution, which was then optimised to deliver the best possible performance. The optimised antenna model was constructed to test the antenna performance. The receiving antenna was a directional Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA), connected to a spectrum analyser. Tests were conducted in an open-field environment to minimise the effect of reflections. The azimuth- and elevation radiation patterns for the antenna could be compared to the simulated results. The same tests were performed with the antenna attached to a saline solution bag, simulating the effects of the human body on the antenna performance. The radiation patterns obtained from the measured results proved to be similar to the simulated results for both frequencies tested. When making use of the human analogue, the radiation pattern tended to be more omnidirectional in both the azimuthand elevation planes. These results are ideal, since omnidirectional communication by the tethering device is required by a security application. The primary objective was achieved, together with the secondary objectives of comparing different frequencies. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The objective of this project is to design an antenna for use in the electronic monitoring of persons convicted of non-violent crimes. If implemented, electronic monitoring will lighten the load on the South African prison system. Electronic monitoring makes use of an electronic tether connected to the person being monitored. This led to specific performance requirements and size constraints being placed on the antenna. The antenna should be physically small while still being able to perform as specified. It is also necessary to test the design with various frequencies, to determine the best possible frequency to use. It was decided to use a Transformer Coupled Loop (TCL) antenna, after various designs were considered. The TCL antenna can be used in various configurations, with some of these configurations being simulated to determine the best antenna structure to use. After various antenna structures were discarded, a specific antenna structure emerged as a possible solution, which was then optimised to deliver the best possible performance. The optimised antenna model was constructed to test the antenna performance. The receiving antenna was a directional Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA), connected to a spectrum analyser. Tests were conducted in an open-field environment to minimise the effect of reflections. The azimuth- and elevation radiation patterns for the antenna could be compared to the simulated results. The same tests were performed with the antenna attached to a saline solution bag, simulating the effects of the human body on the antenna performance. The radiation patterns obtained from the measured results proved to be similar to the simulated results for both frequencies tested. When making use of the human analogue, the radiation pattern tended to be more omnidirectional in both the azimuthand elevation planes. These results are ideal, since omnidirectional communication by the tethering device is required by a security application. The primary objective was achieved, together with the secondary objectives of comparing different frequencies. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the use of self-regulation by the tertiary distance learner and his or her academic achievement in a specific academic course unit. To attain this aim, a literature study was undertaken to: a) define and describe distance learning, b) describe the nature of learning, c) describe the nature of self-regulated learning and its implications for distance learning, and d) define and classify learning strategies and indicate the relationships between self-regulated learning, the use of learning strategies, and successful learning. Literature indicated a positive relationship between self-regulation, the use of learning strategies, learning success, and academic achievement: learning success results whenever pre-formulated learning goals are attained through the use of self-regulation and applicable learning strategies; and attainment of learning goals results in positive academic achievement. Self-regulated learners, who plan their learning, formulate learning goals, motivate themselves intrinsically, instruct themselves, apply different learning strategies to attain learning goals, continuously monitor and self-evaluate themselves during the learning process, are able to attain the formulated learning goals successfully and perform well academically. The literature review also revealed a high level of self-regulation as one of the prerequisites for performing successfully as a distance learner. Planning personal learning goals, using a variety of learning strategies to attain the goals, determining the correct personal learning tempo, monitoring learning progress, and self evaluating learning outcomes are typical characteristics of self-regulation necessary for effective distance learning and academic progress. The population of the research includes the PU vir CHO - Open Learning Academy-learners registered for the Further Diploma in Educational Management, module PSD 511 (Teaching and Learning) in the North West region of South Africa. The total number of students attending the three contact sessions in September 2000 at five sentra in the North West Province, and who participated in the research, was 143. Three questionnaires were used to obtain personal information, as well as information regarding self-regulation in the learners, namely, a biographical questionnaire, the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and the Self Regulated Learning Questionnaire (SRLQ). The data was statistically analized by means of: a) factor analyses, b) multiple regression analyses, and c) stepwise regression analyses. A difference was found to exists between the variables that determine the academic achievement of successful versus unsuccessful distance learners. Successful distance learners have better developed self-regulated learning skills than unsuccessful distance learners. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the use of self-regulation by the tertiary distance learner and his or her academic achievement in a specific academic course unit. To attain this aim, a literature study was undertaken to: a) define and describe distance learning, b) describe the nature of learning, c) describe the nature of self-regulated learning and its implications for distance learning, and d) define and classify learning strategies and indicate the relationships between self-regulated learning, the use of learning strategies, and successful learning. Literature indicated a positive relationship between self-regulation, the use of learning strategies, learning success, and academic achievement: learning success results whenever pre-formulated learning goals are attained through the use of self-regulation and applicable learning strategies; and attainment of learning goals results in positive academic achievement. Self-regulated learners, who plan their learning, formulate learning goals, motivate themselves intrinsically, instruct themselves, apply different learning strategies to attain learning goals, continuously monitor and self-evaluate themselves during the learning process, are able to attain the formulated learning goals successfully and perform well academically. The literature review also revealed a high level of self-regulation as one of the prerequisites for performing successfully as a distance learner. Planning personal learning goals, using a variety of learning strategies to attain the goals, determining the correct personal learning tempo, monitoring learning progress, and self evaluating learning outcomes are typical characteristics of self-regulation necessary for effective distance learning and academic progress. The population of the research includes the PU vir CHO - Open Learning Academy-learners registered for the Further Diploma in Educational Management, module PSD 511 (Teaching and Learning) in the North West region of South Africa. The total number of students attending the three contact sessions in September 2000 at five sentra in the North West Province, and who participated in the research, was 143. Three questionnaires were used to obtain personal information, as well as information regarding self-regulation in the learners, namely, a biographical questionnaire, the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and the Self Regulated Learning Questionnaire (SRLQ). The data was statistically analized by means of: a) factor analyses, b) multiple regression analyses, and c) stepwise regression analyses. A difference was found to exists between the variables that determine the academic achievement of successful versus unsuccessful distance learners. Successful distance learners have better developed self-regulated learning skills than unsuccessful distance learners. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

The rehabilitation and restoration of degraded landscapes adjacent to gold tailings disposal facilities (TDFs) that have suffered loss of efficiency through anthropogenic forces has become a primary concern to environmental sciences and management in recent decades. Due to the lack of environmental legislation and enforcement thereof, minimal surface rehabilitation took place on the Mine Waste Solutions (MWS) No. 5 TDF prior to 1992, a commonplace occurrence in South Africa at the time. In 2000, MWS intervened and committed to the rehabilitation of the entire site with profits generated by the reprocessing (extraction of residual gold and uranium) of certain TDFs. However, the adjacent grazing land north of the MWS No. 5 TDF had already been subjected to pollution from the TDF which resulted in a pollution plume on the land. Although it has been inactive since April 2011, the pollution plume can be seen from the north-eastern corner of MWS No. 5 TDF, with a north-eastern/south-western direction on the farm Stilfontein. During dry periods, significant amounts of sulphate salts accumulate on the soil surface on the farm Stilfontein over a distance of at least 3.5 km from the TDF. The presence of sulphate salts in association with gold TDFs is highly common but not particularly common, in the chert-poor dolomites of the Oaktree Formation itself, in which the presence of sulphate salts is a rarity. The primary concern of this study was to determine both the quantitative and extent of the pollution observed on the farm Stilfontein over a period of 30 months via monthly monitoring of the different soil geochemical assessments across twelve fixed points, and quarterly interval assessments of three transect lines. In addition, the study was also concerned with the identification of potential linear structure anomalies associated with the pollution plume and weathered zones (fractures, joints and cavities) in the Oaktree Formation dolomites. These zones may be associated with, or may result in, the pollution extending over the area despite a topography as well as geological dip and strike that is adverse. These features and weathered zones create pathways for groundwater to flow and it was anticipated that, if present, these anomalies and weathered zones may be primary contributing factors to the pollution plume forming in a north-easterly direction and extending over the farm Stilfontein. The MWS No. 5 TDF has a hydraulic pressure head of approximately 40 m; the elevations of the north-eastern corner of the TDF and fixed point (FP) 8 (the farthest FP from the TDF) are 1368 m and 1360 m respectively, falling in close range of each other. It is anticipated that as the TDF material dries, the phreatic water level inside the TDF will lower; causing the pressure exerted by the hydraulic head of the TDF to lower over time, which will eventually end the pollution process on the soil. This study discusses the results of a holistic approach towards the evaluation of soil, vegetation and water pollution by utilizing soil quality parameters and indicators, geohydrology, geophysical surveys, Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) and other means of vegetation assessments. Salt accumulation on the soil surface was common in specific areas from 2010 – 2012. X ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that the salts originated from the No. 5 TDF due to the similarity in mineralogy. The pH values from the start of the 30-month monitoring period remained neutral to slightly alkaline due to the neutralising effect of the dolomitic bedrock. The electrical conductivity (EC) values of the soil decreased significantly from 2010 to 2014; during dry seasons since 2012, no sulphate salts accumulated on the soil surface. Joints, fractures and cavities were found within the bedrock dolomites which created pathways for the polluted TDF water and groundwater to flow towards the study area. It was also established that there were no adverse effects on the natural vegetation, other than encroachment by Seriphium plumosum which affected the grazing quality (overgrazed sites) of the area. It was therefore concluded that after the TDF became dormant in April 2011, the pollution plume in this area is decreasing in magnitude and severity due the lowering of the phreatic water level inside the TDF to significantly lower levels. Consequently, the decrease of the hydraulic pressure head of the TDF as well as rainwater infiltration and high percolation due to the presence of fractures, joints and cavities in the dolomites resulted in the leaching of the sulphate salts to a significant extent. It was also concluded that while there were no apparent adverse effects of the pollution on the functionality of the land, additional monitoring and maintenance would be required for at least the next five years in order to ensure the continuance of current conditions. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Antiretroviral drugs are successful in controlling HIV/AIDS and reducing disease progression. Antiretroviral regimens are stopped in up to 25% of all patients during their initial treatment therapy as a result of adverse drug effects, failing treatment and nonadherence within the initial eight months of treatment (Sharma et al., 2007: 235). A pharmacovigilance surveillance system makes it possible for physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers to report suspected ADRs. The purpose of this system is to operate as a guide in identification of new ADRs and predisposing risk factors to known ADRs. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and documentation of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in the private and public antiretroviral clinics in Maseru district, with special reference to zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF) - based regimens. The empirical investigation was divided into two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional quantitative retrospective drug utilisation review study which focused on the occurrence of adverse drug reactions in patients taking zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF). The second phase, a survey in a form of questionnaires for the health professionals. Drug utilisation review: The sample size of patients was 300. Of the 44 patients who experience ADRs, 72.73% (n = 32) were female and 27.27% (n = 12) were male. A greater number of patients who experienced ADRs were females with 43.18% (n = 19) presenting with skin rash, 27.27% (n = 12) with nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) with diarrhoea. In male patients, 2.27% (n = 1) had peripheral neuropathy, 18.18% (n = 8) skin rash, 2.27% (n = 1) Fanconi syndrome, 2.27% (n = 1) nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) diarrhoea. Patients whose ART regimen changed due to ADRs were five. 60% (n = 3) of the patients were females and 40% (n = 2) were males. There was an estimated increase of 0.0025 cell/mm³, 0.0026 cell/mm³, 0.0024 cell/mm³, 0.0025 cell/mm³, and of 0.0019 cell/mm³ in CD4 cell count per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. An estimated increase of 0.00021 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, 0.00018 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, and of 0.00020 g/dL in Hb profile per day occurred according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000062%, 0.000046%, 0.000068%, 0.000062%, and of 0.00017% in neutrophil count according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs per day, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000044 IU/L, 0.000043 IU/L, 0.000046 IU/L, and of 0.000028 IU/L in ALT according to sex, age group, weight group, and initial ART regimen per day, respectively. An estimated decrease of 0.000013 IU/L in ALT according to ADRs per day also occurred. There was an estimated decrease of 0.00038 μmol/L, 0.00039 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, and of 0.00028 μmol/L in serum creatinine per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated decline of 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00022 mmol/L, 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00024 mmol/L, and of 0.00015 mmol/L per day in urea according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. Health professional’s questionnaire: 49 health professionals responded to the questionnaire. 100% (n= 49) of the participants showed that they did not use the yellow card scheme to report ADRs. 34.65% (n = 17) use the individual case safety reports. 57.14% (n = 28) used the structured databases to report ADRs. 85.71% (n = 42) documented in the patient bukana, and 6.12% (n = 3) used the HIV/AIDS ART card to document ADRs occurrence. 91.84% (n = 45) of the health professionals never filled the ADR reporting form in their working environment. In conclusion, adverse drug reactions occurring in a hospital or healthcare facility should be recorded and reported by the medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and the pharmacy technicians. Therefore, it is important to assess the continuous evaluation of the benefits and harm of medicines which will help in achieving the ultimate goal of making safer and more effective treatment available for patients. As well as to help the health professionals to participate in the very important process of continuous surveillance of safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products used in clinical practice. / MPham (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The rehabilitation and restoration of degraded landscapes adjacent to gold tailings disposal facilities (TDFs) that have suffered loss of efficiency through anthropogenic forces has become a primary concern to environmental sciences and management in recent decades. Due to the lack of environmental legislation and enforcement thereof, minimal surface rehabilitation took place on the Mine Waste Solutions (MWS) No. 5 TDF prior to 1992, a commonplace occurrence in South Africa at the time. In 2000, MWS intervened and committed to the rehabilitation of the entire site with profits generated by the reprocessing (extraction of residual gold and uranium) of certain TDFs. However, the adjacent grazing land north of the MWS No. 5 TDF had already been subjected to pollution from the TDF which resulted in a pollution plume on the land. Although it has been inactive since April 2011, the pollution plume can be seen from the north-eastern corner of MWS No. 5 TDF, with a north-eastern/south-western direction on the farm Stilfontein. During dry periods, significant amounts of sulphate salts accumulate on the soil surface on the farm Stilfontein over a distance of at least 3.5 km from the TDF. The presence of sulphate salts in association with gold TDFs is highly common but not particularly common, in the chert-poor dolomites of the Oaktree Formation itself, in which the presence of sulphate salts is a rarity. The primary concern of this study was to determine both the quantitative and extent of the pollution observed on the farm Stilfontein over a period of 30 months via monthly monitoring of the different soil geochemical assessments across twelve fixed points, and quarterly interval assessments of three transect lines. In addition, the study was also concerned with the identification of potential linear structure anomalies associated with the pollution plume and weathered zones (fractures, joints and cavities) in the Oaktree Formation dolomites. These zones may be associated with, or may result in, the pollution extending over the area despite a topography as well as geological dip and strike that is adverse. These features and weathered zones create pathways for groundwater to flow and it was anticipated that, if present, these anomalies and weathered zones may be primary contributing factors to the pollution plume forming in a north-easterly direction and extending over the farm Stilfontein. The MWS No. 5 TDF has a hydraulic pressure head of approximately 40 m; the elevations of the north-eastern corner of the TDF and fixed point (FP) 8 (the farthest FP from the TDF) are 1368 m and 1360 m respectively, falling in close range of each other. It is anticipated that as the TDF material dries, the phreatic water level inside the TDF will lower; causing the pressure exerted by the hydraulic head of the TDF to lower over time, which will eventually end the pollution process on the soil. This study discusses the results of a holistic approach towards the evaluation of soil, vegetation and water pollution by utilizing soil quality parameters and indicators, geohydrology, geophysical surveys, Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) and other means of vegetation assessments. Salt accumulation on the soil surface was common in specific areas from 2010 – 2012. X ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that the salts originated from the No. 5 TDF due to the similarity in mineralogy. The pH values from the start of the 30-month monitoring period remained neutral to slightly alkaline due to the neutralising effect of the dolomitic bedrock. The electrical conductivity (EC) values of the soil decreased significantly from 2010 to 2014; during dry seasons since 2012, no sulphate salts accumulated on the soil surface. Joints, fractures and cavities were found within the bedrock dolomites which created pathways for the polluted TDF water and groundwater to flow towards the study area. It was also established that there were no adverse effects on the natural vegetation, other than encroachment by Seriphium plumosum which affected the grazing quality (overgrazed sites) of the area. It was therefore concluded that after the TDF became dormant in April 2011, the pollution plume in this area is decreasing in magnitude and severity due the lowering of the phreatic water level inside the TDF to significantly lower levels. Consequently, the decrease of the hydraulic pressure head of the TDF as well as rainwater infiltration and high percolation due to the presence of fractures, joints and cavities in the dolomites resulted in the leaching of the sulphate salts to a significant extent. It was also concluded that while there were no apparent adverse effects of the pollution on the functionality of the land, additional monitoring and maintenance would be required for at least the next five years in order to ensure the continuance of current conditions. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Antiretroviral drugs are successful in controlling HIV/AIDS and reducing disease progression. Antiretroviral regimens are stopped in up to 25% of all patients during their initial treatment therapy as a result of adverse drug effects, failing treatment and nonadherence within the initial eight months of treatment (Sharma et al., 2007: 235). A pharmacovigilance surveillance system makes it possible for physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers to report suspected ADRs. The purpose of this system is to operate as a guide in identification of new ADRs and predisposing risk factors to known ADRs. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and documentation of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in the private and public antiretroviral clinics in Maseru district, with special reference to zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF) - based regimens. The empirical investigation was divided into two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional quantitative retrospective drug utilisation review study which focused on the occurrence of adverse drug reactions in patients taking zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF). The second phase, a survey in a form of questionnaires for the health professionals. Drug utilisation review: The sample size of patients was 300. Of the 44 patients who experience ADRs, 72.73% (n = 32) were female and 27.27% (n = 12) were male. A greater number of patients who experienced ADRs were females with 43.18% (n = 19) presenting with skin rash, 27.27% (n = 12) with nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) with diarrhoea. In male patients, 2.27% (n = 1) had peripheral neuropathy, 18.18% (n = 8) skin rash, 2.27% (n = 1) Fanconi syndrome, 2.27% (n = 1) nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) diarrhoea. Patients whose ART regimen changed due to ADRs were five. 60% (n = 3) of the patients were females and 40% (n = 2) were males. There was an estimated increase of 0.0025 cell/mm³, 0.0026 cell/mm³, 0.0024 cell/mm³, 0.0025 cell/mm³, and of 0.0019 cell/mm³ in CD4 cell count per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. An estimated increase of 0.00021 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, 0.00018 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, and of 0.00020 g/dL in Hb profile per day occurred according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000062%, 0.000046%, 0.000068%, 0.000062%, and of 0.00017% in neutrophil count according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs per day, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000044 IU/L, 0.000043 IU/L, 0.000046 IU/L, and of 0.000028 IU/L in ALT according to sex, age group, weight group, and initial ART regimen per day, respectively. An estimated decrease of 0.000013 IU/L in ALT according to ADRs per day also occurred. There was an estimated decrease of 0.00038 μmol/L, 0.00039 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, and of 0.00028 μmol/L in serum creatinine per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated decline of 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00022 mmol/L, 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00024 mmol/L, and of 0.00015 mmol/L per day in urea according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. Health professional’s questionnaire: 49 health professionals responded to the questionnaire. 100% (n= 49) of the participants showed that they did not use the yellow card scheme to report ADRs. 34.65% (n = 17) use the individual case safety reports. 57.14% (n = 28) used the structured databases to report ADRs. 85.71% (n = 42) documented in the patient bukana, and 6.12% (n = 3) used the HIV/AIDS ART card to document ADRs occurrence. 91.84% (n = 45) of the health professionals never filled the ADR reporting form in their working environment. In conclusion, adverse drug reactions occurring in a hospital or healthcare facility should be recorded and reported by the medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and the pharmacy technicians. Therefore, it is important to assess the continuous evaluation of the benefits and harm of medicines which will help in achieving the ultimate goal of making safer and more effective treatment available for patients. As well as to help the health professionals to participate in the very important process of continuous surveillance of safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products used in clinical practice. / MPham (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Windblown dust remains a persistent problem within South African urban and peri-urban areas due to the prevailing dry climatic conditions, extensive surface mining and mineral processing. Despite deposition monitoring guidelines and national dust regulations, South Africa still has persistent dust problems in especially gold mining districts. The main aim of the research is to critically evaluate all the potential challenges within dust management which could be responsible for persistent dust problems within gold mining regions of South Africa. The research methodology included a literature review to provide important information regarding the requirements for successful dust management internationally. Data were gathered by using the survey method through questionnaires and interviews as this type of survey method allows for descriptive reporting where respondents provide information on their attitudes and perceptions. In total 37 questionnaires were distributed among two district municipalities, seven gold mining companies, ten interested and affected parties including two non-governmental organizations, as well as five specialists. A total response rate of 81.1 % was achieved. The results of the questionnaires revealed that the most significant challenges to dust management within gold mining regions of South Africa are the following: monitoring networks; monitoring methods; deposition standards; financial provisions; technical skills and capacity; lack of specific dust management plans within air quality management plans; limited regulation and enforcement; limited information and participation of government, lack of participation of interested and affected parties as well as specialists‟ expertise. All the challenges identified were then successfully linked back to the referenced literature from which the challenges were initially derived. The main aim of this research was thus successfully completed by initially identifying the challenges facing dust management within gold mining regions of South Africa and then critically evaluating them and making recommendations. / M. Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Windblown dust remains a persistent problem within South African urban and peri-urban areas due to the prevailing dry climatic conditions, extensive surface mining and mineral processing. Despite deposition monitoring guidelines and national dust regulations, South Africa still has persistent dust problems in especially gold mining districts. The main aim of the research is to critically evaluate all the potential challenges within dust management which could be responsible for persistent dust problems within gold mining regions of South Africa. The research methodology included a literature review to provide important information regarding the requirements for successful dust management internationally. Data were gathered by using the survey method through questionnaires and interviews as this type of survey method allows for descriptive reporting where respondents provide information on their attitudes and perceptions. In total 37 questionnaires were distributed among two district municipalities, seven gold mining companies, ten interested and affected parties including two non-governmental organizations, as well as five specialists. A total response rate of 81.1 % was achieved. The results of the questionnaires revealed that the most significant challenges to dust management within gold mining regions of South Africa are the following: monitoring networks; monitoring methods; deposition standards; financial provisions; technical skills and capacity; lack of specific dust management plans within air quality management plans; limited regulation and enforcement; limited information and participation of government, lack of participation of interested and affected parties as well as specialists‟ expertise. All the challenges identified were then successfully linked back to the referenced literature from which the challenges were initially derived. The main aim of this research was thus successfully completed by initially identifying the challenges facing dust management within gold mining regions of South Africa and then critically evaluating them and making recommendations. / M. Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014