M.Ed. / The Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) aims to develop the full potential of each learner as a citizen of a democratic South Africa. It seeks to create a lifelong learner who is confident and independent, literate, numerate, and multi-skilled, compassionate, with a respect for the environment and the ability to participate in a society as a critical and active citizen (DoE, 2002:08). The aim of this study was to investigate educators’ views concerning the implementation of environmental education in the RNCS. It also seeks to identify difficulties/challenges, which they experience in implementing Environmental Education (EE) in line with the RNCS. The data was collected using qualitative techniques of lesson observations and focus groups interviews and the study was conducted in Mpumalanga province, Gert Sibande Region, with four schools in four different circuits. The findings indicate that most educators are happy about the new curriculum and the environment as an integral approach in the RNCS, but that they still need to learn more about dealing with the EE in the curriculum. It was found that educators are eager to learn, hence the majority indicated that they still need more workshops on environmental learning and RNCS. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that curriculum implementers and subject advisors take the leading role in ensuring that EE is well implemented in the RNCS. The main findings are that teachers are happy with EE in the RNCS, but that there is a need for support programmes for the RNCS and for the implementation of EE in the RNCS. / Prof. H.G. van Rooyen

A thesis submitted to the Faculty Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2017. / The study hopes to bring about the enlightenment to the operations of agricultural cooperatives at Nkomazi municipality namely ward 7, 25, 29 and 30. The study therefore assess the operations of agricultural cooperatives while identifying the operational processes of cooperatives; examining the management techniques of cooperatives; determining membership participation and commitment to cooperatives and identifying the measures adopted in the monitoring and evaluation of agricultural cooperatives. The research method that was used to gather data was qualitative research approach, the design adopted descriptive research design and the research method used is multiple case study method. The research data collection tools comprises of structured and unstructured interviews, policy document analysis, structured observations and this was done using a questionnaires an instrument for a sample size of 40 agricultural cooperatives. A non-probability sampling was used and the type on non-probability that is both purposive and convenience sampling to sample the respondents. The results showed that 75% of the respondents are employed by the agricultural cooperatives. Significantly, 90% agricultural cooperatives have members depends on agricultural cooperatives for income. It is noted that 10% of the agricultural cooperatives were established during the year 1993 and before significantly 8% (3) was operational in that particular year. Astonishingly, the results show statistically a constant growth by 45% of established and operational agricultural cooperatives in the year 2015 to 2016. The results shows that the operations of the agricultural cooperatives depended massively on the main activities associated and other several operational events such as funds, human resources and raw material.The outcome of the study was evident that even though some cooperative operate without proper management and monitoring and evaluations techniques, the cooperatives still contribute massively the local food nets and to the local economy within the study area.

The full text of this thesis/dissertation is not available online. Please <a href="mailto:upetd@up.ac.za">contact us</a> if you need access. Read the abstract in the section 00front of this document. / Thesis (DPhil (Consumer Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

MPH, Occupational Hygiene, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009 / Introduction: By 2030 silicosis should be eliminated in South Africa. This statement was made by the Labour Minister, Mr. Membathisi Mdladlana on 28 June 2004 during the launch of the National Programme for the Elimination of Silicosis in Johannesburg. Following this launch the mining industry set its own milestone, which is to eradicate this disease by 2014. Historically research has generally focused on the health effects associated with exposures to coal dust, whilst limited work has been done on personal exposures to respirable crystalline silica (commonly known as quartz), which is the main cause of silicosis in the mining industry. Given the number of people that are involved in coal mining, together with the seriousness of diseases associated with respirable quartz exposure, such as silicosis and tuberculosis, it is important to quantify these exposures. The aim of this study was to ascertain the magnitude of employee exposures to respirable quartz, in the Mpumalanga region of the South African coal mining industry, over the period 2002 and 2006. Objectives: The objectives of this study are: • To describe respirable quartz concentrations in 41 coal mines in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa over the period 2002 to 2006; • To compare respirable quartz concentrations in nine magisterial districts of the Mpumalanga region of South Africa over the period 2002 to 2006, to the South African Occupational exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 and the American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit value of 0.025 mg/m3; • To describe twenty four activity areas in 41 coal mines in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa, over the period 2002 to 2006, which exceed 50 % of the South African Occupational exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 (generally referred to as the action limit). 3 Methodology: The study setting comprises the workings of coal mines within the Mpumalanga region, where various types of occupations exist. The research conducted consisted of a descriptive study of retrospective respirable Time Weighted Average quartz concentration results obtained from mines that use the company Colliery Environmental Control Services (CECS) as their occupational hygiene service provider. CECS provided the data that was analysed for this research. Sample collection and analysis for respirable quartz was done using widely accepted International methodologies. Results: The overall median respirable quartz concentration for all mines were 0.007 mg/m3, whilst the mean was 0.038 mg/m3. The highest respirable quartz concentration measured was 2.197 mg/m3 and the lowest 0.000 mg/m3. The majority of the mines, i.e. 30, are situated in the Kriel, Secunda and Witbank magisterial districts, these districts account for 78 % of the total number of measurements taken. A total of 191 measurements (8 %) and 674 (29 %) exceeded the South African OEL of 0.1 mg/m3 and ACGIH TLV of 0.025 mg/m3 respectively with the Secunda district having the most measurements that exceeded both sets of limits (58 and 205 respectively). The majority of measurements, i.e. 1784 (76 %), were from six activity areas and four hundred and ninety one (21 %) of the total measurements taken were from the continuous miner activity area. The highest ranked activity area is the longwall mining one, which has a median respirable quartz concentration of 0.044 mg/m3. The highest respirable quartz concentration, 2.197 mg/m3, was measured in the roving plant activity area, which was followed by measurements of 1.706 mg/m3 and 1.528 mg/m3 in the continuous miner and unknown activity areas respectively. The longwall mining activity area recorded the most measurements that exceeded the 50 % action limit and 0.1 mg/m3 OEL, these been 47 and 38 respectively. 4 Discussion and Conclusion: This research report describes similar exposure findings as has been reported internationally. Persons employed in the high risk activity areas on the 41 mines studied over the period 2002 to 2006 in the Mpumalanga region are at risk of developing quartz-associated diseases, such as silicosis. Recommendations: It is recommended that the effectiveness of implemented interventions need to be investigated and appropriate intervention strategies be implemented. Airborne quartz contents from the nine magisterial districts and 24 activity areas should be analysed and individual samples taken from the high risk tasks should be individually analysed for their percentage airborne quartz content.

M.Ed. / This research provides an analysis on provisioning of information and communication technology (ICT) resources at public further education and training (FET) at Gert Sibande region in Mpumalanga province. In particular the research focuses on the readiness of public FET schools in Gert Sibande region to implement e-Education policy. The main purpose of this inquiry is to conduct baseline surveys focused on the factors that may influence the provisioning of ICT resources in the Gert Sibande region in the MDE. The literature study revealed that computers can deliver and promote high quality education (Kuperstein and Gentile, 1998: 87). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adds more value to education systems (Forcier, 1996). Since the use of ICT in schools has been shown to be effective, many educators, parents and students already believe that ICT should be the integral part of the South African Education System (Department of Education, 1996). In this study I have collected quantitative data from the participants through survey questionnaires from both the school management teams (SMT) and ICT officials at Gert Sibande region. From the findings on analysis of data, I clustered survey questions (See Annexure A & B) with similar focus into four categories each of which will be explained in greater detail in chapter 4 and 5, namely: • White paper 7 (Interaction), derived from question 4 and 7, • Capacity development of ICT literacy of educators, resultant of question 2 • Policies on distribution/provisioning of ICT resources, derived from question 5, 6, 7 and 8, and • Feasibility of White paper 7 on e-education derived from question 9 and 10. / Prof. D. van der Westhuizen

Master of Science / Despite Chrissie Lake being South Africa’s largest freshwater lake, the chemistry of this lake and the surrounding lakes and pans in the Mpumalanga Lake District has never been studied in detail. These closed systems show varying chemistry while being in very close proximity to one another, adding to the uniqueness of this area where pans, usually typical of arid regions, are found in a humid area. The factors affecting the water chemistry of these lakes needed to be identified and explained. In order to evaluate the water chemistry in this unique environment, water samples were taken at the end of the wet and dry seasons, in April and September 2007 respectively. The major pans were sampled, as were adjacent fountains or springs, indicative of the perched groundwater aquifers found in this area, as well as borehole water from the surrounding farms. Alkalinity was determined by manual titration upon returning from the field while pH and conductivity measurements were performed on site. Major cations and anions were analysed for using ICP-OES and Ion Chromatography respectively. Sediment samples were collected from the floor of each pan in the summer sampling and the mineralogy determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). During September 2007 sampling, precipitates found on the floors and banks of the pans were also collected and analysed using XRD, to identify mineral species precipitating from solution. Results from the above analyses show that each pan in the MLD has a unique chemistry, which cannot be inferred from neighbouring pans. The inorganic chemistry differs from pan to pan as a result of these separate, closed systems being at different stages of the evaporation process. Throughout the path from groundwater to the pan, waters are subject to mineral dissolution and precipitation, adsorption and biological mechanisms, which continually add or remove solutes from solution. Although seemingly simple, there are certainly other factors that play a role in the evolution of the water chemistry. Key to the current inorganic chemistry is the balance between import and export of solutes. The groundwater, predominantly the perched aquifer water, brings solutes into the pans and blowouts of precipitates on the pan floor at the end of the dry season, when the wind is strongest, results in the export of solutes. This process is significant in maintaining the overall freshness of the pans in the MLD, contrasting to their western counter parts that evolve to highly saline saltpans. Other factors such as the periodicity of pans drying completely, the surface area to catchment area ratio (CA/SA), the formation and dissolution of efflorescent crusts and the presence or absence of reeds all have varying effects on the water chemistry of the lakes and pans. Significantly, the amount of evaporative concentration that a pan evolves through has been shown to be dependant on the CA/SA ratio with pans having larger ratios being lower in salinity compared to those with low ratios being the most saline pans. The reservoir available to the pans with the large catchment areas sustains these pans through the dry months and slows the progression of evaporation. It is clear that the factors affecting the hydrochemistry of the pan waters can not be simplified to a single process affecting a single dilute inflow of water to produce our final solution of evaporated pan water. Instead, water in the pans reflects a long-term evolution of solute species, with some memory effect remaining after each season of evaporation. The result is an accumulation of solutes as they are added continuously via dilute inflow and then removed from the waters at various times, particularly during dry periods when evaporite minerals are formed and transported out of the system.

M.Sc. / Rivers always borrow a great part of their character from the terrestrial ecosystems – the catchments – through which they flow. A multitude of natural factors determines the health of a river ecosystem, however, together with these natural factors, the combined influences of urban development, pollution, bank erosion, deforestation (and ironically many forms of afforestation), and poor agricultural practices have so degraded our rivers that they are under severe threat. One particular group of organisms within river ecosystems that are affected by human-induced changes, are birds. Birds are rather adaptable organisms; many species are able to inhabit human environments very successfully. However, some bird species are highly specialized and adapted to specific environments, like riparian and riverine zones, and their absence or presence is a useful aid in indicating the ecological integrity of an area. In the past, management of aquatic ecosystems was based primarily on chemical water quality monitoring. However, it is impractical to monitor each component of river make-up in detail, therefore monitoring of biological components (biomonitoring) was also incorporated; using selected ecological indices that are representative of the larger ecosystem, and that are practical to measure. Common examples of biotic assemblages that have been incorporated into biomonitoring and used in biotic indices are aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish, plants and algae. Each assemblage is useful in its own particular way in providing us with an integrated view of the integrity of the ecological system as a whole. However, little research has been done on the potential of using birds in a suitable index to monitor changes in the environment. Because birds are so easily observed, their species so easily identified, and their distribution so widespread, it seems viable that birds could also be incorporated into an index of biotic integrity, and used for short- or long-term monitoring of river ecosystems. The river that was selected for the purposes of this study was the Sabie River, in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The Sabie River catchment falls within the Incomati River basin, which is an international drainage basin occupied by South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. Land use in the catchment is characterized by forestry, rural community activities (subsistence and small scale farming of livestock and fruit), and conservation activities, in particular the Kruger National Park. In order to gain better understanding of the functioning and composition of the instream and riparian zones of the Sabie River, certain indices were applied, namely the SASS 5 aquatic invertebrate index, together with the Index of Habitat Integrity (IHI). / Dr. G.M. Pieterse

According to Baron and Richardson (1994:1), it is unusual to pick up a newspaper, watch the news on television or even page through a magazine without learning about aggression or violence. In South-Africa many such articles in magazines and newspapers indicate that aggression has found a place in society and is experienced daily by people. In addition, aggression is experienced daily by educators in the schools. Furthermore, examples are provided by newspaper headlines such as: “Pupil in hospital after being belted” (Sowetan, 13 May 2003:6) and “Bail for teacher accused of death beating” (Daily Sun, 2 August 2003:2). Some learners and educators encounter verbal insults, rough physical contact and hostile rejection. These aggressive encounters are sometimes perceived as aggression in a less intense form. Secondary school male educators are to supposed to build relationships with and set an example for the learners at their schools. Therefore it was hoped that a contribution could be made to lessen aggression, which is a destructive element in their relationships, not only with the learners, but potentially with all stakeholders, including colleagues, school management teams, school governing bodies and even figures within the structures of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. Against this background, the need arose for an effective way to reduce aggression, hence this research deals with secondary school male educators’ own aggression. The purpose of this research study was to explore and describe secondary school male educators’ experience of own aggression and furthermore to describe and to recommend guidelines to support those educators who experience own aggression. The participants in this research study were all white Afrikaans speaking, secondary school male educators from the Mpumalanga Department of Education. All the interviewees were between the ages of 36 and 58 years, with experience of teaching, both in the former Transvaal Education Department as well as the new Mpumalanga Department of Education. The research design was based on qualitative research because of its exploratory, descriptive and contextual nature. Qualitative research attempts to describe, interpret or reconstruct the depth, richness and complexity of an identified phenomenon in order to gain an understanding of it and insight into it (Burns & Grove, 1997:67). Qualitative research implies a direct concern with experience as it is lived, felt or undergone by people (Merriam, 2001:6; Sherman & Webb, 1988:7). During phase one data were collected through phenomenological interviews which were audiotaped, and field notes, reflecting the researcher’s observation during the interviews. Creswell (1998:51) explains that a phenomenological study describes the meaning of the lived experiences of several individuals about a phenomenon. Therefore the interviews were transcribed for data analysis purposes. Ethical guidelines, which served as standards and as the basis on which the researcher ought to evaluate his conduct during data collection, were followed. During phase two of the research study, the data were analysed according to Tesch’s method (Creswell, 1994:154-155), an approach for data reduction, after which a literature control was conducted to verify and complement the results. In a literature control, information from the literature is compared with the findings from the study, not only to substantiate the findings but also to enhance the trustworthiness of a research study. In addition, to ensure the trustworthiness of this research study, Guba’s model (Krefting, 1991:214-222; Lincoln & Guba, 1985:290-327) was applied. According to the data analysis, three themes were identified, namely: · Secondary school male educators experience their own aggression in a variety of ways. · Secondary school male educators are of the opinion that a loss of power and/or control elicits aggression. · Secondary school male educators are of the opinion that the implementation of guidelines will enable them to cope with their experience of own aggression. In view of these broad themes, guidelines were described to support secondary school male educators who experience own aggression and therefore also to facilitate mental health. The research findings showed that secondary school male educators experience own aggression in a variety of ways such as experiencing themselves as not being aggressive. They also associate their own aggression with positive as well as negative feelings. Furthermore, these male educators experience ambivalent feelings in relation to their own aggression. They experience a loss of power and/or control, and they are of the opinion that because of this loss these feelings of powerlessness and not being in control give rise to own aggression. Thus there is a need for the implementation of guidelines to support these secondary school male educators who experience own aggression. Based on these findings, guidelines were described to support secondary school male educators who experience own aggression and recommendations were made regarding an approach that would facilitate mental health. More importantly, this study firstly intended to be of value, not only to secondary school male educators, but to all educators in preventing aggressive behaviour (Aggressive behaviour refers to that behaviour directed towards the goal of harming or injuring another living being). Secondly this study also intended to prevent aggressiveness (that relatively persistent readiness to become aggressive) in a variety of different situations. / Prof. C.P.H. Myburgh

M.Ed. / Key legislative acts and policy papers have been adopted to guide the transformation process these include the National Policy Act 27 of 1996, the National Qualifications Framework, South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, Curriculum 2005, and the Employment of Educators Act 1998 to name but few (Meyer and Motala 1998:1). Over and above these there is the Mpumalanga School Education Act 8 of 1995, Norms and Standards for school funding and numerous Educator Labour Relations Council resolutions that serve to guide the transformation process. All these acts and policy papers are initiatives of the state to ensure school competency and hopefully school effectiveness. Their dependence is substantially on strengthening capacity to plan, manage and supervise schools. Meyer and Motala (1998:1) further indicate that for the implementation of all acts and policy papers require a change in organisational culture and the development of appropriate capacities. The most important source of the required capacity to ensure school management and leadership is broadly in the hands of the principal. These rapid changes in acts and policies in our school system are creating a leadership crisis in the Mpumalanga schools. School principals as such commonly blame these rapid changes for their paralysis. On the other hand the Mpumalanga Department of Education (MDE) is randomly and sporadically conducting induction programmes, seminars, conferences and workshops for principals to ensure that principals understands and at least develop the capacity for effective school leadership. According to Bailey and Jenkins (1996:14) these initiatives alone can hardly sustain the needs of the school principals. / Prof. T.C. Bisschoff

M.Sc. / The impact of air pollution by power stations on water quality, just like any other source of water pollution, is an issue of concern for all the water users since any degradation in water quality affects the water's suitability for use. The study area in which Majuba power station is located was chosen because it is in an area free of industrialisation, and is also part of the Vaal catchment. This catchment area is very important because of its water supply for Gauteng province and provides an ideal opportunity to monitor surface water pollution from atmospheric sources such as power stations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the chemical, physical and biological quality of surface water in the vicinity (within a 31 kilometre radius) of Majuba power station. The study will determine whether this power station is causing any salinity and acidity problems at the chosen sampling sites. Salinity and acidity are water quality problems associated with atmospheric pollution. The aim of the study is to determine whether proximity to Majuba power station has an effect on the surrounding surface water quality. The research was conducted by means of water quality sampling, analyses and assessment. Water quality samples were taken from six sites (Majuba 1 to Majuba 6) in the vicinity of Majuba power station over a period of three years (1997 to 1999). The approach was to take four samples in a year coinciding with the four seasons of the year. Due to logistical problems only two sampling trips were undertaken, during 1997. In 1998 and 1999 the full four sampling trips were undertaken however in some instances the river was dry or was flooded hence no samples could be taken at the affected sampling sites (although a trip to the sampling site was made). The biological analyses where done on site using the biomonitoring technique while chemical analyses were performed at the laboratory at Eskom. The biomonitoring assessment was done using the biomonitoring technique. The chemical results were assessed in terms of the suitability for use for the aquatic environment. This was done by using the water quality guidelines for the aquatic environment. The chemical results indicated that in terms of salinity and acidity the site closest to the power station, namely Majuba 1 had the worst water quality of the six sites. Majuba 1 also had the worst results in terms of biomonitoring. Majuba 2 indicated elevated salinity levels. The other four sites, namely Majuba 3 to 6, did not indicate either salinisation or acidification. However, the biomonitoring results at these sites indicated, with the exception of Majuba 4, some deterioration in water quality. Majuba 4 had the best water quality in terms of biomonitoring. Reasons for this could not be determined. At present it is still premature to say whether acidity in the water is a problem. This is a preliminary study and currently a more detailed multidisciplinary study that includes disciplines such as atmospheric deposition, groundwater chemistry, soil profiles and hydrology is being undertaken on the Upper Vaal catchment to comprehensively determine the impact of air pollution from power stations on the surface water quality. The proposal will be presented to the South African Water Research Commission. The ultimate aim of the multidisciplinary study is to inform decision makers in water quality management sector regarding the impact of air pollution on surface water quality, in order for them to put in place abatement technologies or strategies to mitigate surface water quality pollution.