Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) is a major cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality, annually accounting for approximately 2 million childhood deaths worldwide of which up to 90% resides in the developing world. In 12-39% of ALRI cases no aetiological agent is identified, despite comprehensive investigations, thus suggesting that additional unknown agents may be involved. Since 2001 a number of new viruses have been identified that may account for some of these cases including human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human bocavirus (hBoV), and two new coronaviruses (hCoV) NL63 and HKU1. The contribution of the recently identified respiratory viruses to annual seasonal lower respiratory tract disease in Sub-Saharan Africa where human immunodeficiency virus infections may exacerbate respiratory infections is not fully understood. In addition, the role and disease association of many of these viruses as primary or co-infecting pathogens, as well as the underlying factors that may determine the pathogenesis of these viruses, is not yet well defined. Quantitative multiplex real-time RT-PCR assays were developed and validated for the detection of 13 well recognized and newly identified viral causes of ALRI, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses A and B, parainfluenza virus (PIV) types 1, 2, and 3, adenovirus, hMPV, hBoV and hCoV-NL63, -HKU1, -229E, and -OC43. The newly designed assays were subsequently used to facilitate the investigation of the contribution of respiratory viruses in patients requiring hospitalisation or attending outpatient visits in public sector hospitals serving the Pretoria area, South Africa. During 2006, the prevalence of the aforementioned respiratory viruses was determined by investigating the well recognized viruses previously diagnosed by routine immunofluorescence assays (IFA) in 737 respiratory specimens as well as viruses retrospectively detected by multiplex real-time RT-PCR in a sample group of 319 specimens. The epidemiology and disease association of these respiratory viruses in children who were predominantly less than 5 years of age with acute respiratory tract infections was investigated. Specimens were received from 2 public sector hospitals in Pretoria, South Africa. In addition, the disease association of each virus as a single or co-infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected/exposed and HIV-uninfected children as well as the role of viral load was investigated. The multiplex assays could detect 2.5-25 recombinant plasmid DNA/RNA (in vitro transcribed) copies/μl, with a co-efficient of variation of less than 3.1%. Validation on 91 known positive respiratory specimens indicated similar specificity to IFA or single-round PCRs used in the initial identification of the viruses. Application of the multiplex assays to IFA negative specimens improved the detection of respiratory viruses by up to 44%. In children less than 5 years of age RSV was identified in 35.1%, followed by PIV 3 (8.3%); adenovirus (5.6%); influenza A (4.2%); hMPV (4.2%); hBoV (3.8%); hCoV-NL63 (1.6%); influenza B (1.0%); and PIV1, PIV2, hCoV-OC43, hCoV-229E, hCoV-HKU1 in less than 1% of cases. Co-infections were more common for the new viruses ranging from 58% of hMPV cases to 84% for hCoV-NL63 relative to 27% of RSV cases. Viruses were most frequently identified in children <1-year. RSV activity peaked in autumn and winter, PIV 3 in spring, while influenza A and B were mostly detected in winter. The observed seasonal distribution of hBoV and hMPV was less defined compared to traditional viruses, with both viruses showing variability over the two years. Comparable hospitalisation rates were observed for RSV, hMPV, PIV 3 and adenovirus, where approximately 60% of infected children were hospitalised. In addition, a high frequency of hospitalisations was observed in patients for both hMPV and hBoV in HIV-infected/exposed children. Co-infections occurred at higher frequencies with the new viruses, were more frequently associated with severe disease and were frequent in HIV-infected/exposed patients. Viral load was associated with severe RSV disease (p=0.014) however no significant association was observed for the new viruses as single infections. However, where hMPV occurred as a co-infection, higher viral loads of either hMPV or co-infecting agents occurred in severe cases. This association was also observed for hBoV. Most cases of hCoV-NL63 and hCoV-OC43 were co-infections in hospitalised patients. The newly developed multiplex assays demonstrates an improved sensitivity and scope of detecting respiratory viruses relative to routine antigen detection assays while the quantitative utility may facilitate investigation of the role of co-infections and viral load in respiratory virus pathogenesis. RSV remains the most significant viral cause of paediatric ALRI in South Africa. Viruses not currently included in routine diagnostic assays collectively contributed to 11% of ALRI cases in children <2-years in South African hospitals. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Medical Virology / unrestricted

The need for the study was prompted by discussions with my fellow photographers and friends that fewer people visited the Kruger National Park the last few years. Various reasons were given for it. I discussed it with Professors G. Puth and A. N. Schreuder, and members of the National Parks Board. Initially it was decided that a study should be done of why there was a decrease in the demand for accommodation in the Park, and how it could possibly be improved. Mr. P. Fearnhead and Professor A. N. Schreuder suggested that it would be better if a price sensitivity study should be done with a new computer program, namely conjoint analysis. This type of study has not been done in South Africa before. One of the major purposes of a conjoint analysis is to measure consumer preferences among competitive products and services. Basically it measures preferences of tourists by making trade-offs between five attributes and seventeen levels, and that consumers make complex decisions not on one factor alone but on several factors "jointly". Thus it was named conjoint analysis. Ranking a number of different combinations of attribute levels on a nine-point rating scale indicated their preferences. The results were then processed by a computer program, Conjoint Value Analysis (CVA), Version 2.0 system. They indicated their preferences by ranking a number of different combinations of attribute levels to give utility values for the attributes. Six representative camps (three large and three small ones) were used for a stratified sample of 428 respondents. The findings will give recommendations that can be used. AFRIKAANS : Die behoefte vir die studie is aangespoor deur gesprekke met my medefotograwe en vriende dat minder mense die Nasionale Kruger Wildtuin die laaste aantal jare besoek het. Veskeie redes is daarvoor gegee. Ek het dit met Professore G. Puth en A. N. Schreuder, en lede van die Nasionale Parkeraad bespreek. Oorspronklik is besluit dat 'n studie gedoen behoort te word oar hoekom daar 'n afname in die vraag vir akkommodasie in die Wildtuin was, en hoe dit moontlik verbeter kon word. Mnr. P. Fearnhead en Professor A. N. Schreuder het voorgestel dat dit beter sou wees indien 'n prysssensitiwiteit-studie met 'n nuwe rekenaarprogram, nl. gesamentlike analise ("conjoint analysis"), gedoen sou word. Hierdie tipe studie was nag nie voorheen in Suid-Afrika gedoen nie. Een van die hoof oogmerke van 'n gesamentlike analise is om verbruiksvoorkeure tussen mededingende produkte en dienste te meet. Basies meet dit voorkeure van toeriste deur kompromiee ("trade-offs") tussen vyf eienskappe en sewentien vlakke te maak, en dat verbruikers komplekse besluite maak nie oar een eienskap aileen nie, maar verskeie eienskappe gesamentlik ("jointly"). Daarom is dit gesamentlike analise ("conjoint analysis") genoem. Hulle voorkeure word gewys deur die toekenning van 'n rangorde aan 'n aantal veskillende kombinasies van eienskap-vlakke op 'n nege-punt skattingskaal. Die resultate is daarna deur 'n rekenaarprogram, Conjoint Value Analysis (CVA), Version 2.0 sisteem, verwerk. Hulle wys hulle voorkeure deur die toekenning van 'n rangorde van 'n aantal van verskillende kombinasies van eienskap-vlakke om nuttigheidswaardes vir die eienskappe te gee. Ses verteenwoordigende kampe (drie grates en drie kleintjies) is gebruik vir 'n gestratifiseerde steekproef van 428 respondente. Die bevindings sal aanbevelings gee wat gebruik kan word. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 1999. / Marketing Management / MCom / Unrestricted

AIM The objective of this study is to determine factors that may contribute to hospital admissions in a cohort of medically insured South African patients in the era of HAART. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort of all HIV-positive adult and paediatric patients enrolled on a medical aid disease management programme in South Africa over a period of three years. Patient-specific demographic and clinical information were obtained from the medical aid records. Survival analysis was used to analyse time to first admission looking at admissions occurring after enrolment to the programme, during the study period of between 01 January 2006 and 31 December 2008. Only the right censored cases were included in the analyses. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the key prognostic factors. Variables that were significant in the univariate were considered in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS A total of 8440 patients were included in the analysis. Half of these patients had at least one admission during the observation periods with 43.28% having had 2 or more admissions. The average admission rate was 2 admissions per patient over the 36 month observation period. Young children, adolescents and the very old (> 60 years) were significantly more likely to be admitted than the middle age groups, HR = 1.30 [95%CI 1.21 -1.40] p<0.01, 1.24 [95%CI 1.10 – 1.41] and 1.13 [95% CI 1.10 – 1.27] p<0.01 respectively. Low CD4 cell counts of < 200 cells/ µL were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of hospitalizations with hazard ratios even greater for CD4 cell counts of less than 100 cells/ µL, HR= 1.34 [95%CI 1.29 – 1.39], p<0.01. Cases were more likely to be admitted by a clinical haematologist or gynaecologist than by other specialist categories.HR =1.58 [95%CI 1.29 –1.94] and 1.17[95%CI 1.08 – 1.27] respectively with p<0.01. CONCLUSION Factors that are associated with hospital admissions in this private sector, medically insured population are a younger and older age, low CD4 cell counts and admission by a clinical haematologist and gynaecologist. These results suggest that disease management strategies should be intensified for the younger and older age groups. All HIV-positive patients should be closely monitored for CD4 deterioration so that treatment is initiated timeously. Routine haematological investigations should be recommended for all HIV-positive patients in order to pick up and treat haematological conditions before they result in a hospital admission. Evidence based guidelines, outlining the place of caesarian section deliveries in the HIV population, should be developed for use by gynaecologists specifically in the private sector. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Clinical Epidemiology / unrestricted

In South Africa (SA), the arboviruses West Nile virus (WNV), Wesselsbron virus (WSLV), Sindbis virus (SINV) and Middelburg virus (MIDV) are considered the most important flavi- and alphaviruses. Clinical presentation and importance of these viruses as animal pathogens in SA remains ambiguous. Although widely endemic in SA, lineage 2 (L2) WNV has rarely been associated with cases of neurological disease and was therefore assumed to be non-pathogenic. However, fatal encephalitis in a foal was diagnosed as L2 WNV in SA, 1996, leading to the thought that L2 cases were possibly being missed. As the above-mentioned arboviruses have the same transmission vectors, Culex mosquitoes for WNV and SINV and Aedes mosquitoes for WSLV and MIDV, co-screening for these viruses is important. We hypothesise that horses could be used as sentinels for virus activity in SA and cases of unexplained neurological disease or fever in animals overlooked, rather than being non-existent. To this end, the study aimed to screen horses displaying unexplained neurological disease or fever with Flavivirus family-specific RT-PCR. Additionally, samples were screened with an Alphavirus family-specific RT-PCR to determine whether co-circulating viruses could be responsible for neurological symptoms in horses. The results would aid in establishing the molecular epidemiology and disease description of each virus, virus distribution and disease seasonality in SA. In total 261 clinical specimens were collected from horses displaying these symptoms (2008 - 2010). Samples were screened with Flavi- and Alphavirus differential diagnostic RT-PCR and acute serum was screened for WNV-IgM and neutralizing antibodies. Serological screening (WNV haemagglutination inhibition, WNV IgG and/or WNV neutralization) identified 62 suspected WNV cases while 34 cases could be confirmed by RT-PCR (16/34), WNV IgM and neutralization assays (18/34) and virus isolation. Neurological disease made up 91% (31/34) of the cases, mortality was calculated at 44% (15/34). Phylogenetically 12/16 RT-PCR positives grouped with L2 SA strains. The first detection of L1 WNV and horse-associated abortion in SA was reported when a pregnant mare aborted her foetus in Ceres, Western Cape. The first cases of WSLV-associated disease in horses were identified by sequencing Flavivirus RT-PCR positive products from 2 horses displaying severe neurological disease; one being fatal. This suggests missed cases in the past. To elucidate virulence factors of WSLV, a human encephalitic strain AV259, was subjected to Roche FLX454 full-genome sequencing and compared to a previously sequenced febrile strain (H177). Several structural amino acid changes occurred in proteins NS2A, NS4B and NS5 of AV259; necessary for Flavivirus replication. Phylogenetically AV259, clinical horse strains and WSLV strains previously isolated from animals, humans and arthropods were similar. Additionally and in concurrence with other studies, WSLV clusters with Sepik virus (SEPV) within the YFV group of the Flaviviridae family. Alphavirus screening identified 17 cases; 6/17 SINV and 11/17 MIDV. SINV-WNV co-infections resulted in fatal neurological disease; remaining SINV cases recovered after displaying fever and/or mild neurological disease. MIDV symptoms varied from “three-day-stiffness” to severe neurological symptoms, with 2 fatalities. Co-infections with equine encephalosis and Shuni virus were identified. MIDV strains identified in this study were phylogenetically distinct from older strains. Results highlight the use of horses as sentinels for virus activity and suggest that these arboviruses may have been previously missed as horse pathogens in Africa. These viruses should be considered as the aetiological agents in animals displaying unexplained neurological or hepatic disease, fevers or abortions. Awareness of flavi- and alphaviruses and the disease manifestation they may have in horses was illustrated. These findings suggest that a WNV vaccine may be beneficial for horses in SA. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Medical Virology / Unrestricted

The Kaplan and Norton’s (1992) Balanced Scorecard model was designed for Western countries that operate within a capitalist system. African countries differ from Western developed countries in respect of aspects such as their infrastructure, markets and customers, sources of capital, government interventions, literacy levels, and socio-cultural frameworks. Thus, the original Balanced Scorecard model cannot be reconciled fully with an African environment that is more humanist, community-based and socialist in nature. Hence, the study set out to establish whether or not a different understanding or new perspectives on the Balanced Scorecard model were needed and could be conceptualised and developed specifically for organisations in Africa. A structured questionnaire was used for the primary data collection. Exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis, using SPSS Version 16.0, were employed to identify the four significantly intercorrelated perspectives of the African Balanced Scorecard model which is proposed in this study: (1) the relationships and culture perspective, which looks at an organisation’s continued stakeholder dialogue and relationships; (2) the stakeholder perspective, which looks at the recognition of contributions by individual stakeholders; (3) the value creation perspective, which considers maximum economy, efficiency and effectiveness when creating organisational wealth, and (4) the corporate conscience (resource allocation) perspective, which looks at the equitable allocation of organisational wealth to all stakeholders, especially those that are usually disregarded, such as local communities and the natural environment. The results of the study will facilitate the review and design of better corporate planning and performance measurement systems, the review and design of government and industrial policies and regulations, management consultancies, and will promote and facilitate change in accounting and auditing principles and practices. The study is subject to some limitations, particularly a lack of larger geographic coverage (as only Southern Africa was covered), the limited availability of information from some participants, and the need for further validation of the cause-and-effect relationships between the four perspectives of the proposed African Balanced Scorecard model. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Financial Management / unrestricted

Value-Added Tax (VAT) was introduced in South Africa in 1991 by the Value Added Tax Act No. 89 of 1991 (the VAT Act). The South African VAT system is based on the destination or consumption of the goods or service supplied. The initial place where these goods and services are supplied is not taken into consideration. As a result, non-residents in some instances will be liable to register as VAT vendors and account for VAT even if they are not physically present in South Africa. The absence of place of supply rules therefore impacts on determining where a supply takes place and on the VAT registration of for example non-residents. This study aims to determine whether the South African VAT legislation, to some extent, makes provision for place of supply rules, to establish whether general place of supply rules for certain African and developed countries exist, to draw a comparison between these countries and to determine the possibility of implementing similar rules for South Africa. The study concludes that although not sufficient, the South African VAT legislation provides for certain inferred VAT place of supply rules. Worldwide, different countries apply place of supply by different means, and it is therefore not viable to combine all the various countries’ rules into one set of rules for implementation in South Africa. However, in order for South African VAT legislation to be in line with international trends, the study suggests that South Africa should investigate and determine whether place of supply rules should not formally be introduced in its legislation. VAT place of supply rules is important, as introducing same will equip South Africa to better align itself with its international trading partners. It will enable the supplier and consumer to determine whether a person should register for VAT in South Africa, clarify where a supply takes place and at what rate VAT should be charged. It will also minimise confusion as to the application of VAT treatment of certain transactions and eliminate or limit the possibility of double or non-taxation that can arise. AFRIKAANS : Belasting op toegevoegde waarde (BTW) het in Suid Afrika in werking getree in 1991 deur die implementering van die Belasting op Toegevoegde Waarde Wet No. 89 van 1991 (die BTW Wet). Die Suid Afrikaanse BTW sisteem is van so aard dat BTW betaalbaar is by die uiteindelike bestemming of finale gebruik van goedere en dienste wat gelewer word. Die oorsprongklike plek van lewering word nie in ag geneem nie. Die gevolg hiervan is dat nie-inwoners in sommige gevalle aanspreeklik sal wees om te registreer vir BTW ondernemers en om BTW te betaal, selfs al is hulle nooit fisies in Suid Afrika teenwoordig nie. Die afwesigheid van plek van lewering reëls het ‘n invloed op die bepaling van die plek van oorsprong van die lewering asook die BTW registrasie van byvoorbeeld, nie-inwoners. Die studie het ten doel om te bepaal of Suid Afrikaanse wetgewing tot ‘n seker mate plek van lewering reëls insluit, om te bepaal of algemene plek van lewering reëls vir sekere Afrika en ontwikkelde lande in werking is, om ‘n vergelyking tussen hierdie lande se reëls te trek en om die moontlike implementering van soorgelyke reëls in Suid Afrika te ondersoek. Die slotsom van die studie is dat alhoewel nie voldoende, die Suid Afrikaanse BTW wetgewing wel voorsiening maak vir toevallige plek van lewering reëls. Verskillende lande hanteer plek van lewering reëls op verskillende wyses en dit is dus nie moontlik om een stel gekombineerde reëls op te stel en toe te pas in Suid Afrika nie. Om die Suid Afrikaanse BTW wetgewing egter in lyn met internasionale tendense te bring, stel die studie voor dat Suid Afrika ondersoek instel en bepaal of plek van lewering reëls nie formeel ingesluit moet word in diewetgewing nie.BTW plek van lewering reëls is belangrik omdat die implementering daarvan Suid Afrika beter sal toerus om in lyn te wees met sy internasionale handelsvennote. Dit sal ook die verskaffer en verbruiker in staat stel om te bepaal of ‘n persoon in Suid Afrika moet registreer vir BTW, duidelikheid verskaf rakende die oorsprong of plek van lewering en teen watter koers BTW gehef moet word. Dit sal ook die verwarring rondom die korrekte hantering van BTW op spesifieke transaksies verminder en die potensiaal van dubbel of geen belasting beperk of elimineer. Copyright 2011, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Janse van Rensburg, Z 2011, An explorative study : place of supply rules for Value-Added Tax in South Africa, MCom dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03192012-163350 / > F12/4/171/gm / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Taxation / unrestricted

Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are small (<3mm) blood feeding flies. These flies are biological vectors of viruses, protozoa and filarial nematodes affecting birds, humans, and other animals. Among the viruses transmitted those causing bluetongue (BT), African horse sickness (AHS) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) are of major veterinary significance. Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer, a proven vector of both AHS and BT viruses, is the most abundant and wide spread livestock-associated Culicoides species in South Africa. Field isolations of virus and oral susceptibility studies, however, indicated that a second Avaritia species, C. bolitinos Meiswinkel may be a potential vector of both BT virus (BTV) and AHS virus (AHSV). Differences in oral susceptibility, which are under genetic control, of populations from different geographical areas to viruses may be an indication of genetic differences between these populations, which may be the result of limited contact between these populations. A good knowledge of the distribution, spread and genetic structure of the insect vector is essential in understanding AHS or BT disease epidemiology. In the present study, an effort was made to gather field specimens of both C. imicola and C. bolitinos from different areas within their natural distribution in South Africa. The aim was to partially sequence two mitochondrial genes from these specimens and to analyse the sequence data making use of phylogenetic trees to clarify the genetic relationships between individuals or groups collected from geographically distinct sites. The two species were collected from four geographically separated areas in South Africa viz. Gauteng Province, Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province as well as the Free State Province. DNA was extracted from a total of 120 individual midges of the two Culicoides species using DNA extraction kits. Extracted DNA was analysed using PCR, sequencing as well as phylogenetic methods. A total of 117 mitochondrial DNA COI and 104 mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA Culidoides</i. sequences were analysed. DNA sequence polymorphism and phylogenetic relationships of various groups of C. imicola and C. bolitinos midges were determined. The results of the phylogenetic analysis of Culicoides populations using mitochondrial COI gene fragment showed that, at least one subpopulation of C. imicola and two distinct genotypes of C. bolitinos species do exist in South Africa, and further analysis is necessary. This study showed that COI has the potential to separate Culicoides midges based on their geography / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

The African continent has been beset with violent conflicts, civil wars and extended periods of instability. The continent’s future depends on the capacity to prevent, manage and resolve conflict. Reacting to conflict has proven highly expensive for the international community and has strengthened the case for a greater focus on conflict prevention. This study will examine the role, relevance and success of preventive diplomacy in responding to and preventing violent and protracted conflicts in Africa, in particular recent international efforts to seek a concrete, comprehensive and all-inclusive peace settlement to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had resulted in what many analysts considered to be ‘Africa’s First World War’. The aim and objective of this study will be to assess the role of preventive diplomacy, in particular efforts by the international community to resolve the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study of the success of preventive diplomacy in responding to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo will cover three distinct phases. The first phase will assess the historical development of the crisis in the former Zaïre dating back from 1997 to 1998 and initial steps that were taken to address the conflict. The next phase will cover the period dating from 1999-2000 following the signing of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, while the final phase will assess developments and efforts to secure peace by the international community from 2001 until 2004, while providing for a brief discussion on possible future developments. The research will commence by examining various theoretical contributions and insights produced on conflict prevention and the concept of preventive diplomacy. The examination of conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy will be rooted in theoretical insights produced by Michael Lund (1996) and other influential contributions on preventive diplomacy. The theoretical framework for this study will be based on Michael Lund’s model of preventive diplomacy. Although Lund’s conceptual framework provides a valuable insight into the theory of preventive diplomacy an additional theoretical consideration may be included into his assessment. Lund’s theoretical framework fails to address the impact of psychological variables and the extent to which prevailing conflict attitudes may exert a negative influence on a conflict situation. This may render the effectiveness of preventive diplomacy at the level of unstable peace obsolete if it fails to take prevailing conflict attitudes into account. This dissertation will also propose the inclusion of social-psychological approaches to augment the strategy of preventive diplomacy as developed by Lund. Very little conclusive and in-depth research has been conducted on how psychological variables, particularly conflict attitudes such as negative images, attitudes, perceptions and conflict behaviour can fuel and exacerbate a conflict situation, especially conflicts in Africa and how this may derail the success of preventive diplomacy in resolving such severe conflicts. In the numerous efforts to secure peace in the embattled Democratic Republic of the Congo scant consideration, evaluation and analysis has been produced on the way in which conflict attitudes such as misperception, fear, distrust, hostility and suspicion, became not only a major stumbling block to the peace process, but also negatively affected the outcome of the various peace agreements that were negotiated. One of the core arguments this dissertation will posit is that preventive diplomacy has not been successfully applied in resolving conflicts in Africa, and will continue to fail, unless greater emphasis is placed on structural prevention, that includes an assessment and strategy for responding to conflict attitudes, such as misperception, hostility, suspicion, fear and distrust. It could be argued that preventive diplomacy initiatives when taken alone and independently of a broader strategy of conflict prevention are likely to fail unless they are linked to measures and actions that tackle the deeper or structural causes of conflict. Greater emphasis should be placed on timely and adequate preventive action, through the vigorous promotion of preventive diplomacy, particularly structural prevention. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is intermittently erupting and will continue to do so, unless the structural causes of the crisis and the various conflict attitudes are effectively dealt with. The study will commence with the theoretical and conceptual framework of the study, consisting of a discussion of conflict, preventive diplomacy, and conflict prevention. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be discussed as well as the underlying factors that contributed towards the brutal and excessively violent nature the conflict came to assume. The study will also examine the international response to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as the immediate diplomatic efforts initiated to resolve the crisis from 1998-1999, which culminated in the signing of the Lusaka Cease-Fire Agreement on 10 July 1999. An assessment of the intervention efforts initiated by the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other key African states, in particular South Africa will also be undertaken. The impact of psychological variables and the importance of assessing the crucial contribution of social-psychological approaches towards understanding and resolving conflict will be briefly considered with particular reference to the protracted tensions which persisted between Rwanda and the DRC, despite the conclusion of numerous peace agreements between both countries. The final chapter will form an evaluation of the prospects for peace in the DRC beyond 2004 and will conclude the study with particular reference to the extent to which the research questions have been adequately addressed with final recommendations on the role of preventive diplomacy in addressing conflict. / Dissertation (MA (International Relations))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

THE 1977 UNITED STATES ARMS EMBARGO AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA: INSTITUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION TO 1997 The institution and implementation of the 1977 mandatory United States arms embargo against South Africa and the impact thereof on relations between the United States and South Africa is investigated in this study. The investigation centers around the objectives of the United States in instituting the arms embargo, whether these objectives were met through the implementation and enforcement of the arms embargo, and whether the South African reaction to the embargo indicates the failure of the embargo to meet its objectives. The relation of the arms embargo to the foreign policy of the United States Government of the day, as well as the impact of the embargo on the South African military industry is discussed. The basis on which the problem statement is built is that close scrutiny of the implementation of the arms embargo would allow one to judge the seriousness that the United States assigned to the objectives of the arms embargo. The main objective of the embargo was to force the South African Government to abandon apartheid. Full compliance with the embargo would demonstrate the commitment of the United States to this objective, while non-compliance would be regarded by critics as a retreat from that objective. The United States’ implementation of the arms embargo would furthermore demonstrate the ability of major arms producers like the United States to reduce the threat of global violence by putting measures in place to successfully block arms and related items from being exported to potential belligerents. In conclusion to the study, it was found that the implementation of the embargo was linked to external objectives of the United States Government of the day. Thus, the strengthening or weakening of arms embargo regulations occurred according to the objectives that the Government of the day wanted to achieve. Nonetheless, the United States’ implementation of the arms embargo was generally very effective. It was also concluded that the arms embargo indeed acted as the main stimulant for the development of the world-renowned South African arms industry. This industry developed out of the determination of the white South African minority Government to remain in power, which in turn resulted in a defiant disregard for the arms embargo. Clandestine activities became the order of the day. These activities later had a major impact on the first democratically elected black government in South Africa. This government inherited a legacy of embargo violations, which led to much tension in relations with the United States in the first few years after the 1994 South African elections. The research therefore also paints a picture of the inherited struggles that the new South African Government had to face as a result of the arms embargo, and the resultant difficulties in normalizing relations with the United States. / Thesis (DPhil (History))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Historical and Heritage Studies / unrestricted

"This paper is therefore inspired to look at education with respect to girl children in Africa. This paper, by drawing inspriation from other settings, is also motivated by the need to find solutions on how best the rights of the girl child can be protected in conjuction with the educational policy of African countries. ... The study is divided into six chapters. Chapter one provides the context in which the study is set, the objectives of the study and its importance. Chapter two examines the importance of the right to education and in education and takes note of the issue of discrimination with respect to girl child education in Africa. In chapter three various international treaties that concern provisions on education and the discrimination factor as to gender are identified. Also in the international milieu, the role of international bodies in the effective and efficient insurance of girl child education is included. Chapter four examines on a regional level, the extent to which the African Commission has effectively monitored the provision of the African Chater. The African Children's Charter and the Draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women (the Draft Women's Protocol) in Africa are also discussed in relation to provisions in the African Charter and work done on girl child education by the African Commission. In this chapter, a comparative study is also done of instruments and the implementation mechanisms offered by the Inter-American and European systems to the African human rights system in terms of the girl child education. This is so because in terms of experience, jurisprudence and institutions, these systems are considered to be more advanced than the African human rights sytem. Finally chapter five discusses girl child education on a national level in Africa. This chapter focuses on the experiences of South Africa, Egypt and Cameroon. Educational policy and other national legislative instruments such as the constitutions of these countries are included. In the conclusion, the paper puts forward recommendations to assist new and old African democracies in advancing an administrative and political approach to the issue of discrimination with respect to girl child education." -- Chapter 1. / Prepared under the supervision of Dr. Enid Hill at the Department of Political Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, The American University in Cairo, Egypt / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/academic_pro/llm1/dissertations.html / Centre for Human Rights / LLM