With the prediction that South Africa will be water-stressed by the year 2025, it becomes necessary for all the cities in the country, including Johannesburg to take the necessary measures to ensure that they manage their water resources effectively in order to ensure the water security of their cities. This research report is a secondary case study of the groundwater situation in Johannesburg, which delves into the literature on groundwater and presents a review of the groundwater problems in Johannesburg and the management strategies used in managing the problems. Some of the groundwater issues identified in Johannesburg include recharge problems due to the geological formation and nature of aquifers in Johannesburg, and the growth and urbanization of Johannesburg, which places increasing demands on water. There is also the problem of pollution, the sources of which in Johannesburg are mainly municipal waste, industrial processes and mining activities. There are also institutional capacity problems regarding the management of groundwater in Johannesburg. The second aspect of the research report delves into the management strategies employed in the city of Johannesburg for the management of groundwater resources. Some of the management strategies or tools discussed include the National Water Resource Strategy 2 (NWRS), the Groundwater Strategy 2010, the guideline for the assessment, planning and management of groundwater resources in South Africa and the NORAD toolkit. Although these tools are well developed for the management of groundwater, there are deficiencies in implementation, which are mainly due to the undervaluation of the importance and significance of groundwater resources, shortage of expertise and adequate data, centralization of power, disregard of groundwater ecosystems and associated goods and services, and the lack of adaptive management. In order to deal with the issues and problems surrounding groundwater in Johannesburg, some of the solutions recommended include effective administration, capacity building and cooperative governance, acknowledging the importance of groundwater-dependent ecosystems, the need for adaptive management, and integrating supply side and demand side measures in the management of groundwater, and the development of a groundwater management framework (GWMF) for the city of Johannesburg. Key Words: Groundwater, sustainable development, management strategies, Johannesburg

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of the Built Environment (Housing), to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / Johannesburg like many rapidly urbanising cities around the world has the problem of a lack of affordable accommodation and inadequate access to basic services (Tissington, 2013). Residents in the inner city use spaces and buildings in a way that reclaims the promises of the city to a better life. As historian and cultural theorist Abdou Maliq Simone (2004) has noted people within African Cities have a probable tendency to improvise. In this research I use the concept of evolutionary resilience, which has been described to account for individuals and households ability adapt in constantly changing environments (Simmie & Martin, 2010) to explore the responses of residents to precarious living conditions and vulnerability that is created by conditions of insecure tenure and evictions. There is little comparative empirical research about how inner city residents talk about their lives and experiences. This research contributes to filling this gap by examining the experiences of residents and highlighting the ways in which as Cirugeda (2004) points to, residents often use empowerment strategies that encourage inhabitants to subvert laws and regulations, in order to maximise self-help by appropriating structures for better living conditions (Cirugeda 2004). This research utilises in depth interviews that were conducted within selected buildings in the inner city using a semi structured interview guide. The objective is to examine the strategies of coping with the exposure to risk and how individuals respond to these shocks. Şoitu (undated) states that vulnerability is a situation of social, economic and physiological need when individuals are marginalised and resilience is a personal resource that allows individuals to face stress and shocks and provides strength (Şoitu, undated). This research finds that there are many difficulties, threats and vulnerabilities that residents are exposed to and residents invoke various strategies and responses for coping. KEYWORDS ‘Bad buildings’, inner city, Johannesburg, vulnerability, evolutionary resilience, precarious living conditions, basic services, insecure tenure / XL2018

The underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) and their subsequent low long-run performance represents one of the anomalies observed in primary markets worldwide. However, the depth and breadth of it varies from country to country, and sector to sector. Literature has documented that the phenomenon surrounding the long-run post issue performance of IPOs is not unique and that quite similar patterns can be found regarding firms making seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). This study is an empirical analysis of public equity offerings listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Using data for 141 South African IPOs that were listed on the JSE Mainboard from 2001 to 2010, significant short-run underpricing is found. A sector wise analysis of three broad sectors indicated that the ‘other’ sector had the largest IPO underpricing after the first few days of trading. The year-wise analysis is also documented. In the long-run this study showed that IPOs in South Africa underperformed two out of three benchmarks in 36 full months post listing. In contrast, using data for 50 South African SEOs during 2003 to 2010, superior SEO performance is found over a 36-month period when assessed using a size and industry adjusted benchmark. Various cross-sectional and time-series patterns in the aftermarket performance of IPO and SEO firms are also documented

M.Sc. (Aquatic Health) / Urban impoundments play both a recreational and functional role in the urban areas. From the recreational point of view these impoundments offer aesthetically pleasing environs as well as habitat for aquatic organisms in a built environment. The functional role of impoundments is related to attenuation of storm water run-off that is released into urban water courses. Storm water run-off can have adverse effects on the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Water quality will influence other physical and biological components of these systems. It is for this reason that the ecological health of impoundments is assessed from an ecotoxicological perspective, focusing on Westdene and Emmarentia dams in Johannesburg. It has become common practice to use aquatic biota to assess the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. This is because animals and plants can provide a long-term integrated reflection of water quality, quantity, habitat quality and other environmental conditions. Water and sediment quality were assessed by applying standard techniques and protocols. Fish were utilized as bioindicator organisms in order to quantify the concentrations of metals available in the dam. Abundance of the macro invertebrate community was also measured. Physico-chemical water analyses were done during each sampling period to assess the water quality against the South African Water Quality Guidelines. Ammonia, which can be toxic to aquatic life, remained high in both dams. High phosphate concentration during the low rainfall season in Westdene Dam could result in eutrophication related problems. The microbiological analysis of the water suggests that the main cause of faecal and total coliforms contamination of the impoundments possibly originates from dominant birds, African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis v aethiopicus) and Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca ) in the dam and others water birds frequenting the dams. Abnormally high concentrations of the heavy metals Nickel and Chromium were found in the water body and fish (Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia sparmanii ) thus indicating bioavailabity of these metals resulting in bioaccumulation in fish. High concentration of Lead in sediment was recorded and may greatly impact benthic macroinvertebrates population and their habitat.

M.A. (Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.A. (Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this case study research was to develop a theoretical model of integrated reporting for Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies. Design/Methodology/Approach – The goal of this case study research was to understand how and why integrated reports are prepared, to develop a theoretical model of integrated reporting for JSE listed companies through literature review and analysis of published integrated reports. In addition, to investigate the perceived success of integrated reporting by examining its requirements, objectives, enforceability and implications to the listed companies. Based on the above, to determine how companies fulfil the requirements of integrated reporting and what those requirements are. To determine by comparing published integrated reports of companies, similarities or comparability of the information published on integrated reports ascertaining the measurability of the success of the application of integrated reporting. Practical implications – This case study research provides a useful insight into drivers of integrated reporting. Limitations to the study – The lack of responses from industry experts contacted for interviews considered a limitation in validating the outcome of the study. Originality/Value – This case study research looks at the current adoption and application of integrated reporting by JSE listed companies.

M.Tech. (Fine Art) / The focus of this research is an exploration of aspects of liminality and how it manifests in selected unsanctioned public art interventions in ‘urban places’, specifically, the Johannesburg Central Business District. Liminality informs my own art work and to contextualise my practice I investigate Steven Cohen’s performance/intervention entitled Chandelier (2001-2002), and Alison Kearney’s The Portable Hawkers Museum (2003). I argue that unsanctioned public art maintains a liminal identity, a fluidity of ‘repurposing a space’ that is in constant shift between different dimensions of liminality. Such works create a zone between physical and conceptual space, challenging the relationships between people and places, the artist and the audience. Liminal spaces (such as the underside of bridges for example) provide the platform for new mediation to happen outside of the normal social structures. Homi Bhabha (1994:54) refers to this as a “third space” where transformation may occur, and it is this transformation of space and experience that I aim to explore in my work. In my practical component I present a body of unsanctioned public art interventions consisting of ceramic sculptures placed in urban liminal spaces in Johannesburg. I populate the chosen spaces with imaginative objects that playfully reflect my own cultural hybridity, and resultant liminal existence, in a post-colonial urban society. My practical work thus draws on analyses of the liminal aspects of Cohen and Kearney’s works as well as on aspects of my hybrid existence arising from my status as an immigrant in Johannesburg. Through my art works I attempt to engage with the local inhabitants without the restrictions of institutionalised arenas, allowing for a new experience of both the space and the artwork. Finally I record my own interventions in detail and compile an annotated photographic catalogue to document the sculptures in situ and the ephemeral life span of these unsanctioned public art interventions.

M.Ed.(Educational management) / The extensive changes in South Africa since the first democratic elections in 1994 have impacted immensely on educational governance. The South African Schools Act (RSA, 1996a) has brought about a major reform in education administration by decentralizing school governance to local school communities. The Constitution and its Bill of Rights (RSA, 1996b) has also impacted significantly on all areas of school governance. School management has to take cognizance of the South African Schools Act and the Bill of Rights when developing and implementing all school policies. One of the policies that all schools must have is a disciplinary policy. Notwithstanding the requirement that every public school should have a disciplinary policy to ensure a disciplined teaching and learning environment, there is a perception amongst educators and other stakeholders such as parents that learner discipline at schools is emerging as a serious problem. This is causing many schools to become ineffective institutions of teaching and learning. The aim of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of school managers and educators of learner discipline in the school and classroom environment, as well as to ascertain from them their perceptions of a zero - tolerance approach to managing learner discipline. This was undertaken in order to formulate principles and guidelines for school managers and educators to effectively implement a zero - tolerance management approach to learner discipline. A qualitative research design that was explorative, descriptive and contextual was employed. This paradigm was chosen because of the relative newness of the topic to be researched in the South African context. The researcher conducted focus group interviews in order to collect data. The data collected were analysed and interpreted from which various themes and categories were identified. Quotations from transcribed interviews were given to substantiate the themes and categories identified through analysis. A literature control was also undertaken whereby these themes and categories were compared further with the relevant literature and also discussed. Several categories could not be substantiated and thus reflects the unique contribution of this research study. The themes and categories that were identified by the researcher and the independent coder, and the literature reviewed, provided the basis for the proposed guidelines formulated by the researcher. The guidelines focused on two aspects, namely, principles on which a zero - tolerance management approach towards learner discipline should be based and, guidelines for educators to use in dealing with the problem of learner discipline in the classroom situation. Since this research study has been limited to the city of Johannesburg one of the recommendations made by the researcher is that further research should be undertaken on the efficacy of a zero - tolerance approach to managing learner discipline in South African schools. Future research studies on this phenomenon must be based more broadly with special emphasis on the experiences and perceptions of educators in the townships of South Africa. Also, this research study should ultimately form the basis for further quantitative research.

M.Tech. (Architectural Technology) / This book is based in, and begins with, dialogue. This is the exchange between author and reader, as consumer of its narrative. Portions of this work are interactive in order to extend and capture this dialogue between each of us and the ‘material’ content that “constitutes the city, as lived experience, encounter and representation. The book is an imagining of the city. It is a visual-textual craft anthology that develops over time as a collection of artefacts that point to an alternate future reality. This is done through the process of design. [0.1] The dialogue is interlaced with cross-stitched personal histories[G] of both author and the site. There are many personal reflections about place, image and experience of space comprising the presented material. These are woven into the subject matter. The book sews together these patches of the experiential, the visionary and the idiosyncratic nuances of the existing and future city, and site. The format and composition of the pages that follow resemble material ‘things’ as the manifestations of city. Using montage and collage as devices of visual narrative, the subject and design process is suggested, developed and compiled. The ‘image of the city’ is derived through collection and accumulation of textile-tectonic narrative. This is presented as assemblages that can, at any point, be read as past, present or possibility.