Cheetah are difficult to census and as a result there is only a limited amount of information regarding the status of cheetah populations across South Africa making it difficult to identify and address potential threats and to plan effective conservation strategies. The aim of this study was to determine if scatology could be used as a non-invasive method for genetic analysis of cheetah in South Africa. Corresponding blood and faecal samples were collected from cheetah at the De Wildt Cheetah Centre. The faecal samples were aged and then collected and stored in ethanol after four days and after two weeks. Faecal samples of suspected wild cheetah were also collected in the Thabazimbi area in the Limpopo Province. DNA was than isolated from all the blood and faecal samples. A species-specific primer set was developed in the mitochondrial control region to reliably identify cheetah faecal samples. The PCR amplification success of the species-specific marker was high, all fresh faecal samples had a positive result (100%), four-day-old samples were 83% positive and two-week-old samples were 94% positive. The species-specific primer was found to be effective in accurate cheetah identification and had greater amplification success on fresh samples. Twelve microsatellite markers were used to profile the blood and faecal samples. Multiple PCRs were performed per faecal sample per marker to ensure that the genotype obtained was correct. Amplification success of the 12 microsatellites was 59% for fresh samples, 20% for four-day-old samples and 2.4% for two-week-old samples. Difficulties associated with the technique included poor DNA quality and quantity and genotyping errors, resulting in allelic dropout and false alleles. Genotyping errors were determined by comparing the genotype of the faeces with that of the matching blood sample. Overall, allelic dropout experienced was 16% and 7% for false alleles. These values correspond to the results of similar studies. Samples of suspected wild cheetah were collected in the Thabazimbi area and were analysed. The alleles obtained were similar to those from the pilot study. Data of 45 De Wildt cheetah samples obtained from the NZG were analysed and compared with the results of the pilot study, as expected, all alleles in the De Wildt population occurred in the NZG samples. The alleles found in this study and in the NZG samples can be used as the standard when using molecular scatology techniques. The results of this study provide valuable guidelines for future studies of cheetah using the non-invasive technique of scatology. The genotypic information from the 12 microsatellites can now be used as a standard when analyzing samples of cheetah origin. Using this information, additional markers can now be tested for improved amplification success and decreased rates of allelic dropout and occurrences of false alleles. The results prove the feasibility of using cheetah faeces as a potential source of DNA for population studies of cheetah in South Africa in addition to the methods currently employed. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The project is an astronomical educational facility with entertainment features. The main feature of the facility is the planetarium. The site of the project is located in The National Zoological Gardens forecourt in the northern part of the Inner City Tswane. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Architecture / unrestricted

Maize is the most important grain crop produced in South Africa, serving as a food source for humans and animals, an input provider to other sectors, a source of job creation, a contributor of value added to the national economy, and an earner of foreign exchange. The South African maize industry plays an important role in the South African economy and consequently its role players should be supported to promote the industry. However, since the abolishment of the agricultural marketing boards and the deregulation of South African agriculture, farmers have suddenly found themselves exposed to global competition and a liberalised economy. Maize prices are uncertain and volatile, leading to increased risk. In addition, input prices have increased more rapidly than maize prices in some instances, and since no government protection exists, the cost squeeze effect places many farmers in a financial predicament. In order to mitigate the cost squeeze effect, farmers have started exploring farming methods and strategies that can improve their financial position. Precision farming (PF) is identified as a technological tool that can improve the profitability of a maize farm through higher yields and lower input costs, and can also indirectly assist in the general farm management and financial functions on the farm. The literature indicates that PF has been successfully implemented on various occasions with subsequent benefits, whether financial or qualitative. It could also be a useful tool to improve the profitability of South African maize farmers. Despite its various benefits, PF is associated with high capital expenditures and therefore farmers are reluctant to implement this technology on their farms. However, a PF service system that requires little capital expenditure is implemented by an agribusiness (Griekwaland-Wes Koöperasie) in the Northern Cape Province. Farmers who are part of this program only pay PF service fees that are charged on a perhectare basis. Most of the PF technologies and knowledge are provided by GWK and/or affiliated fertilizer companies, which subsequently mitigate the burden of high capital expenditures. The general objective of the study was to investigate the impact of PF on the profitability of selected maize irrigation farms in the Northern Cape Province. This was achieved by comparing the profitability and risk position of selected farms under a conventional farming (CF) system with the profitability of the same farms when converting to a PF system. The specific objectives of the study were to determine whether PF would generate better profits than CF; to determine whether PF would improve the farmer’s ability to repay his debt and generate an income (thereby improving the financial survivability of the farm); to determine whether PF would improve the debt-to-asset position of the farmer; and to determine whether PF is less risky than CF with respect to net farm income and cash position. The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) farm-level model developed by Strauss (2005) proved to be a useful tool to achieve the set objectives, since the BFAP farm-level model is linked with the BFAP sector model, which enables it to accurately analyse the impact of changes in policies and markets at both farm and sector level in South Africa. A positivistic approach was followed in order to answer the question, “What will the likely outcome be?” The model has the capacity to do simulations in both deterministic and stochastic modes. Three maize irrigation farms in the Northern Cape Province were chosen by a panel of agricultural specialists who are accustomed with the irrigation farms and PF system in this province. The farms were analysed by means of the BFAP farm-level model in order to determine the impact of PF on the profitability of each farm. The BFAP baseline of 2008 was used for this purpose. Key input variables were identified and simulated based on the BFAP baseline of 2008, as well as actual data, assumptions regarding PF and CF farming, and reported features and benefits associated with PF. In order to simulate the risk associated with CF and PF through stochastic modelling, correlated probability distributions were assigned to the relevant key input variables by de-trending the historical data of the key input variables. A correlation matrix based on the absolute deviation of a specific variable from its trend was subsequently constructed. Each variable was then simulated by means of a correlated empirical distribution, with 500 model iterations being run for each simulation in order to obtain stable probability distributions. From the results obtained in the study, the conclusion can be drawn that PF not only improves profit margins, but indirectly contributes to improved financial management. Considering the higher profit margins, more cash is at the disposal of the farmer. When this extra cash is again reinvested in the farming business, debt (in terms of production loans and medium- and long term loans) can be repaid more quickly and/or less debt has to be incurred, leading to lower interest payments that in turn further increase profit margins, ultimately improving the debt and cash position of the farm. The results also indicate that the risk position of the participating farms improved significantly with the implementation of PF. It can therefore be concluded that PF could also serve as a valuable risk management tool. From the discussions with the farmers it also became apparent that their overall farm management abilities were improved significantly, due to the informative nature of PF. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the hypothesis as stated in Chapter 1 cannot be rejected. In addition, several other aspects pertaining to PF should be considered. Firstly, the results are applicable to the specific participating farms in the study only, and cannot be attributed to all maize farms in general. Secondly, despite a meticulous process of data verification and validation, the conclusions drawn in the study are based on the quality of the data provided by the stakeholders. Thirdly, factors such as farming operations, management decisions, market, weather and disease conditions might divert from the assumptions made in the study and thereby affect the actual results in future. Fourthly, since the study focuses solely on irrigation farming, a similar study can be conducted on dryland maize farming, since the majority of maize is produced under dryland conditions. Fifthly, the study could serve as a starting point for a comprehensive study on the impact of PF on maize farming throughout South Africa. Sixthly, the study could pave the way for an investigation into using PF as a tool to negotiate lower crop insurance premiums for farmers. Lastly, it would be useful to conduct a similar study on the impact of PF on maize farming where farmers are responsible for the acquisition of their own PF equipment, unlike on the participating farms where no extra capital expenditures were required. This could enable researchers to provide a better answer on the question of costs involved when converting to a PF system, as well as the ideal farm size in terms of economies of scale. Copyright / Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

This study presents an exploration of the structure, dynamics and utilisation of woody plants in vegetation units of northern Maputaland. Animal (in Tembe Elephant Park) and human (in the rural community of Manqakulane) utilisation of woody plants were compared against a control area (Tshanini Community Conservation Area) where animals were extirpated and people were precluded through tribal rules. The tree assemblages of the unique Sand Forest were explored, and compared with previous studies. A new classification was proposed and a new subcommunity was established. Contrary to previous studies, a gradient from Short to Intermediate to Tall Sand Forest was defined, and it was suggested that structurally different Sand Forest subcommunities represent a mosaic of different evolutionary states, rather than stationary states as perceived currently. Animal utilisation appeared to have transformed Sand Forest in conserved land to such an extent that it no longer resembled Sand Forest outside conserved areas. The structure of Sand Forest and woodlands of the region was evaluated at the vegetation unit level (21 vegetation units), through a size and height class distribution analysis of woody plants. Humans and animals had clearly modified the woodlands and appeared to force succession from closed woodland to open woodland. The Sand Forest appeared to benefit from low intensity animal utilisation, with increased diversity, and possibly enhanced dynamics. However, signs that current animal utilisation have negative effects were perceived. The size class distribution of Sand Forest and woodland woody species was presented and an analysis of species grain was performed. The grain concept was successfully applied to woodland species for the first time. It appeared that nearly all vegetation units were fine-grained, and therefore governed by small-scale dynamics. Frequent small disturbances are necessary to maintain diversity. There was cause for concern that current animal and human utilisation threaten such fine-scale dynamics. The utilisation level by the browsing mammals guild in Tembe Elephant Park and by small browsers and people in Manqakulane Rural Community were evaluated over two periods. Small to medium browsers utilised more woody species and height classes than any other agent, but with short-term effects. However, utilisation marks linked to elephants and people were accumulating significantly, and the long-term effects of these agents were threatening the dynamics of Maputaland vegetation. The case of woody species utilisation by elephants was evaluated further and compared with a previous study. Overall utilisation by elephants reached 100% of individuals for several woody species, while other species’ regeneration potential was severely threatened. Woody species preferred in 1994 were nearly extirpated. Utilisation of woody species by elephants throughout Tembe Elephant Park appeared correlated with distance to permanent water points during a dry spell. In conclusion, it appeared clear that policies in favour of high animal numbers in formally conserved areas were not suited for northern Maputaland and this result should be considered when the expansion of the South African protected areas of Maputaland into Mozambique becomes effective. Community-based conservation appeared promising, but novel ways of generating income should be investigated. / Thesis (PhD (Wildlife Management))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

This mini-dissertation critically analyse the use of anti-dumping regulations between South Africa, the European Union and China. South Africa, the European Union and China are all members of the World Trade Organisation. Dumping is legally defined in terms of Article VI of the General Agreements Act on Tariffs and Trade as “a product that is exported from one country to another at a price less than a price at which like goods are sold from domestic consumption in the exporting country”. The only way to protect a country from dumping is to use their universal, legal instruments set out by the World Trade Organisation, namely the most commonly used trade remedy, anti-dumping, countervailing and subsidies and lastly safeguards. On the 14th of November 2003, South Africa promulgated their anti-dumping regulations that had a broader overview regarding dumping than the previous legislation on this matter. Although there had been several opportunities to properly legislate anti-dumping substance and procedures, the existing South African legislation including the International Administration Act, still does not conform to the requirements and standards of the World Trade Organisation. In the early 20th Century, a number of European countries came together and formulated an Anti-dumping Agreement and was also known as the European Union. The European Union is seen as one of the biggest trade actors in the world. In 1994 the European anti-dumping laws were laid down. Regarding to non-market economies, the European legislation did not have a lot of change during the last decade. The European Union conforms to the requirements and standards set out by the World Trade Organisation. On 25 March 1997 the state council of the People’s Republic of China promulgated anti-dumping and countervailing regulations. At this point in time, China is undergoing an economic transformation, but before China plays an important part in the World Trade Organisation, it must learn to use the World Trade Organisation and integrate the World Trade Organisation laws that are directly related to China by looking at the international trade’s advantages and disadvantages. China is under severe dumping and anti-dumping status quo, which is directly paired with the development of China's anti-dumping legislation where new demands are being brought forward. South Africa’s relationship regarding China, lead to a Memorandum of Understanding in December 1999 where the regional trade protocol was signed between the two countries in terms of textiles, that South Africa won’t impose any duties against China until December 2013, but antidumping duties can be imposed on any other country. South Africa and the European Union have not yet created such a relationship of that between South Africa and China, but South Africa and the European Union, both signed the Trade Development and Co-operation Agreement. This was the first bi-lateral framework agreement between South Africa and the European Union. The final ratification occurred in 2004 and was revised in March 2007. The international trade war against China and the European Union has been won by China, because the WTO recently came to the conclusion that the European Union’s trade policies against China were discriminatory. It should be mentioned that these three countries will play an important role in the development and implementation of international trade relations and regulations and by their collusion, it could only improve the visions of international trade. / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Mercantile Law / unrestricted

The objective of this thesis is to develop alternative forms of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models for forecasting the South African economy and, in turn, compare them with the forecasts generated by the Classical and Bayesian variants of the Vector Autoregression Models (VARs). Such a comparative analysis is aimed at developing a small-scale micro-founded framework that will help in forecasting the key macroeconomic variables of the economy. The thesis consists of three independent papers. The first paper develops a small-scale DSGE model based on Hansen's (1985) indivisible labor Real Business Cycle (RBC) model. The results suggest that, compared to the VARs and the Bayesian VARs, the DSGE model produces large out-of-sample forecast errors. In the basic RBC framework, business cycle fluctuations are purely driven by real technology shocks. This one-shock assumption makes the RBC models stochastically singular. In order to overcome the singularity problem in the RBC model developed in the first paper, the second paper develops a hybrid model (DSGE-VAR), in which the theoretical model is augmented with unobservable errors having a VAR representation. The model is estimated via maximum likelihood technique. The results suggest DSGE-VAR model outperforms the Classical VAR, but not the Bayesian VARs. However, it does indicate that the forecast accuracy can be improved alarmingly by using the estimated version of the DSGE model. The third paper develops a micro-founded New-Keynesian DSGE (NKDSGE) model. The model consists of three equations, an expectational IS curve, a forward-looking version of the Phillips curve, and a Taylor-type monetary policy rule. The results indicate that, besides the usual usage for policy analysis, a small-scale NKDSGE model has a future for forecasting. The NKDSGE model outperforms both the Classical and Bayesian variants of the VARs in forecasting inflation, but not for output growth and the nominal short-term interest rate. However, the differences of the forecast errors are minor. The indicated success of the NKDSGE model for predicting inflation is important, especially in the context of South Africa - an economy targeting inflation. / Thesis (PhD (Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Economics / unrestricted

This research study deals with the role of ward committee members in local government and administration in South Africa with reference to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM). Most importantly, the transformation of local government and administration in South Africa and the role of the state as well as local government from the public administration perspective in this study highlight the importance of municipal regulatory framework and policies in decision-making. There are two scientific research methodologies called qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this research project, the qualitative research methodology has been used to assess the roles, functions and performance of ward committees in enhancing service delivery in the local communities. It involved collecting data, processing and analysing data to necessitate a reflection on the planning, and the structuring and execution of the research in order to comply with the demands of truth, objectivity and validity. The methodology has resulted in a research project through which the ward committee system in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) can be understood within the government service delivery programme and one that attempts to clarify the involvement of local communities and stakeholders. A hypothetical process model for ward committees in the City of Tshwane outlines and clarifies the roles and functions of ward committees in the service delivery processes. A City of Tshwane ward committee model system is proposed to promote working relationships in the municipality and efficacy in service delivery to the local communities other stakeholders by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) departments. The recommendations from the findings is that the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) should build the capacity of ward committee members through continuous training and development and consider increasing the term of office of ward committees to be concurrent with the elections of councillors and that communication, verbal and written for the local communities meetings, should be improved. Monitoring and evaluation of departments within the current performance management system of both ward committee members and local communities, holding the municipal government accountable should be included. Copyright / Dissertation (MAdmin)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted

This research article is an overview of the traditional and current cuisine of the Mbila community. The Mbila community lives in the area of Sodwana Bay, Maputaland situated on the north eastern coast of South Africa. The community has a high unemployment rate which leads to poverty. The promotion of the Mbila cuisine as a sustainable tourism product could be used to uplift the community. The tourism industry of Sodwana Bay was also investigated and discussed according to sustainable tourism principles. The focus was on the three aspects of sustainable tourism, namely: the economy, the environment and the host community. The main goal is to investigate and describe the traditional and current cuisine of the Mbila community and the place thereof in the tourism industry of Sodwana Bay. Guidelines for the implementation of the research project are provided. The implementation of the research project can play a positive role in the community. It could result in employment, entrepreneurial activities, improvement of infrastructure, development of secondary trades and the expansion of food production. There are other similar communities in South Africa that could benefit from the implementation of this research project. Copyright / Dissertation (M Consumer Science (Food Management))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

Many land reform projects have been implemented in South Africa since 1994 in an attempt to redress imbalances in land ownership which resulted from the racially biased policies of the South African government prior to 1994. The objective of land redistribution is commercially viable land reform projects, but evidence from various reports and other documents suggests that a large number of these projects have failed. Factors such as poor beneficiary selection, the problematic land acquisition process and a lack of post-settlement support have been reported in a number of studies as contributing to the failure of these projects. This study expands on the work of Kirsten and Machethe (2005) with the main aim of revisiting land reform beneficiaries who were interviewed in 2004/5 and to assess their current performance and status, and to determine whether the prediction and classifications of the 2005 review were correct. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the socio-economic profile of land reform beneficiaries over the five years since the previous study, to show changes in their farming activities, to determine factors affecting the performance of the already transferred projects in the study area and to make recommendations that may help to improve the performance of the land reform projects in South Africa. The performance of projects in 2010 was analysed and compared with that of projects in 2005. A total of 37 of the 43 land reform projects studied in 2005 were revisited and interviews were conducted with representatives of the projects using a structured questionnaire. Government officials responsible for these projects were also interviewed and field observations of the farms were made to verify the responses of the beneficiaries. The results show that the performance and situation of a number of beneficiaries of land redistribution in North West province have not improved since the previous study. Most of the beneficiaries still depend on remittances and social grants. The results indicate decreased production in 43% of the projects visited. As many as 27% of the projects are no longer in operation. Production in some of the projects that displayed success in 2004/5 has decreased, and the number of projects that are not in operation has increased. No production has taken place in four out of ten nonoperational projects visited since the acquisition of the land. The study identified poor infrastructure and limited access to capital and to the market as challenges that the beneficiaries of land reform face in their farming businesses. Conflict among project members was also reported to contribute to the poor performance of the projects and have led to the discontinuation of some projects. Most of the beneficiaries are still not aware of government support programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), even after more than five years in farming. Recommendations have been made to address the poor performance of many land reform projects, both at the programme and project levels. The effectiveness of the existing support programmes should be monitored to ensure that beneficiaries receive assistance. Suggestions from the study include a strong partnership between government and former cooperatives, acknowledging the external and internal factors affecting the relationship between farmers and these agribusinesses. Cooperation between the beneficiaries of land reform, the government and other agricultural stakeholders is essential for the success and sustainability of South Africa’s land reform projects. The results of the study can be used for future evaluations of the performance in land reform programmes. Copyright / Dissertation (MInstAgrar)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

If tourism is to contribute to the reduction of poverty and create employment, tourists also need to be attracted to smaller towns and rural areas. Development of rural tourism routes are often supply-side driven and the role of marketing is not well understood. This study therefore explores the experiences and insights of key supply-side stakeholders in two rural KwaZulu-Natal tourism routes, regarding the marketing of these routes, as well as the critical success factors that ensure future sustainable competitiveness, which may lead to local economic development and thus poverty relief. The researcher adopted an interpretivist epistemology along with subjectivist ontology, to allow for empathetic investigation of the perceptions of the stakeholders in rural tourism routes and of the marketing of such routes. Three approaches converged in the empirical study namely: a qualitative approach which allowed the researcher to gain more in-depth understanding of the factors related to route marketing; an exploratory approach which allowed the researcher to pursue new issues uncovered during the research process; and a case study approach which triangulates a variety of sources of information. Two very different routes were selected to provide wider insight into the research problem, namely the Midlands Meander and the Battlefields Route. The population was restricted to supply-side stakeholders and semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 respondents, selected through a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. The literature review explores rural tourism as a catalyst for economic development. The role of stakeholders in tourism routes is examined and the range of stakeholders is identified. The concept of societal marketing as an orientation that may give support to local economic development is explored. Destination marketing and the destination marketing mix, is discussed as the foundation of tourism route marketing. Particular attention is paid to destination branding and positioning, and a number of critical success factors in destination marketing are identified. The nature of tourism route marketing, the elements in the route marketing mix, and critical success factors in rural tourism route marketing are identified from the literature. The marketing practices of several international rural tourism routes are examined to determine good practice. Existing marketing activities and structures within KwaZulu-Natal are described as the background against which the two routes market their offerings. The empirical findings of the study reports on the benefits of rural tourism routes as perceived for various stakeholders. The roles of product owners on the route, the local community, and municipal and tourism marketing structures are described. Strategic route marketing issues are reported on, including sustainability of a route, insufficient visitors, responsibility to market the route, market targeting and factors that impact on marketing success. The elements of the route marketing mix are reported on with reference to the route product offering and experience, people, physical evidence and signage, pricing, and promotion. The study revealed a number of enabling factors that need to be in place for a route to succeed, namely leadership and co-operation on all levels; a functional route structure with broad representation; financial viability of the route; and route accessibility and signage. Several factors critical for the successful marketing of rural tourism routes are identified. These include the establishment of a strong identity and brand; providing a unique experience; balancing the route product mix, promotion of the route by all stakeholders; and effective use of electronic media. Recommendations are made for further research on rural tourism routes. / Dissertation (MPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Tourism Management / unrestricted