Each year, approximately 75 billion tons of soil are eroded from the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems and the majority of agricultural land in the world is losing soil at rates of between 13 tons/ha/year and 40 tons/ha/year. South Africa is prone to soil erosion, because of poor farming methods, together with soils which are erodible. In order to understand more about the nature of soil erosion in South Africa, the geology and lithology needs to be well understood too. This study adds to the understanding of the relationship between soil erosion and land use. In South Africa soil erosion research has been undertaken, however, each and every region requires its own research on a different scale and using different technique to fit the unique characteristics of the area. This research begins by investigating the studies which have been undertaken concerning soil erosion and land use, and how these processes are defined and expressed in different contexts. An historical analysis of the former Homeland areas, recreational resorts and Royal Natal National Park in the upper Tugela catchment was conducted over a 50-year period (1964 to 2014). Field trips were conducted in six study sites, in the Bergville district, Drakensberg, to carry out ground-truthing, obtain onsite imagery and validate/verify findings from the research. Desktop research entailed the use of ArcGIS, Google Earth, statistics and an analysis of aerial images which date from 1964 to 2014. The results show a greater number of erosion features and more extensive erosion in the former Homeland areas, which form part of the rural area of the study site, compared to the Park (Royal Natal National Park) and recreational resorts. Erosion in the study sites was defined according to the SARCCUS framework, and this involves the development from primarily sheet erosion in 1964, to intricate gully patterns and river bank erosion in 2014. The study also shows that there is a relationship between population and the vegetated area: as the number of households increased from 1964 to 2014, the grass cover, trees and grazing land in the area declined. Overgrazing plays a role in determining the extent of the erosion. However, it is the relationship between increasing population numbers and the nature of livestock keeping among village dwellers which influenced overgrazing levels, and subsequently the extent of erosion. Mitigating soil erosion impacts is an issue which has to be addressed not only on the local scale, but national government also needs to make it a point that the general landscape of the country is well managed with regards to soil erosion. The outcomes from this study support the notion that soil erosion processes are very complex and that delineation of soil erosion features entails a certain level of subjectivity. Human influences and land use dynamics also influence the rates of soil erosion and this study shows how different land uses, but similar environmental factors, can lead to different rates and intensities of soil erosion. In conjunction with GIS and remote sensing, satellite imagery and aerial photos play an important role in the analysis and understanding of the study area and the different geological, biological and anthropological features present. The presence and the availability of high quality imagery helps then in ensuring that resolute and reliable information is established. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / MSc / Unrestricted

This research was prompted by the gruesome killing of elderly women within the very communities they live in. Elderly women are falsely accused due to lack of knowledge and education in these communities. Focus will be on why are elderly people victims of brutal killings in their societies. Furthermore, the study will be looking at empowering societies in understanding the stages of ageing and health challenges related to this topic and to educate and create awareness that will change the attitudes of the communities as far as elderly women are concerned. Communities need to be educated, to understand that there are neurological illnesses that are challenging our elderly people when they grow old such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. People suffering from these illnesses often have memory loss and disorientation. Sometimes this can be so severe that they would even forget names of their own children. In some instances, they would get out of their homes as if they were taking a walk, but fail to know the direction coming back home, and consequently that is how they get lost. For those that are living with them and taking care of them, it becomes a challenge, as they are unable to follow a conversation. Most African people do not understand these life changes of the elderly, when they happen, they are quick to judge and label them as witches. A stigma that is grossly rejected and punishable in the African society. This study will endeavour to develop a pastoral model that will move elderly women from the shameful position they find themselves in. Wimberly states, “The sense of mission and purpose in life is a central distinguishable factor in moving forward in life despite rejection.” (Wimberly 1999: 42). In the African context, so much value is put on the elderly people where they are seen as a source of experience and wisdom, their rejection is the same as rejection of ancestors. According to the researcher, this is closely related to a biblical teaching that says “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12). This is proof enough that elderly people should be respected in their communities. In conclusion, the researcher is of the view that pastors, priests and ministers cannot stand and fold their arms whilst the elderly are being killed in the very communities they live in. / Dissertation (MA (Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Practical Theology / MA (Theology) / Unrestricted

The 2008 financial crisis shifted the focus of governments and their tax authorities and led to efforts to prevent base erosion and profit shifting through ‘tax transparency’. As a result, tax authorities are marking their territories and exhibiting determination to identify perpetrators who are seen to be benefiting from profits being shifted with the sole intention of avoiding, evading or even reducing their tax liability. Organisations such as the OECD, governments and tax authorities have come together to combat the erosion caused by gaps that had been identified and used by taxpayers to their advantage. This has led to the drafting and implementation of legislation and standards, the signing of financial and tax information exchange agreements between countries, and an emphasis on the disclosing of information in reports, such as country-by-country reports or reports provided directly to tax authorities. The aim of this study was to review the available literature on three precise techniques that can be used to aid the exchange of information; to identify the similarities and/or differences between the way in which these techniques are applied in the USA, the UK and SA; and to conclude on whether the methods that have been implemented to in fact enhance tax transparency in the USA, the UK or SA in any way, shape or form. / Mini Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Taxation / MCom / Unrestricted

The care, compassion and empathy that healthcare professionals exhibit towards their clients/patients can prove physically, psychically, mentally, and economically costly. Exposure to a client/patient�s trauma or distress can negatively impact on the healthcare professional�s mental and physical health and wellbeing, and can adversely affect their quality of life. This systematic review focussed on the role of the arts therapies to reduce burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious traumatisation. A total of 19 relevant studies were identified, of which eight were qualitative, eight were quantitative and three were mixed methods. Investigation showed that burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious traumatisation are prevalent in the field of healthcare work, and that South African healthcare workers are particularly susceptible to the development thereof. Studies reported mixed results of arts therapy interventions. Seventy-two percent of studies reported results supporting the use of the arts therapies as interventions for these conditions in the healthcare profession. Recommendations are made for longer term studies, and for follow-up information to be included in research. / Mini Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Music / MMus

Over the past decade, the poaching of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) has increased dramatically. More than 7000 animals have been killed and approximately 200 animals annually survive the poaching attempts with life threatening injuries, which require immediate medical attention. Despite their need for veterinary care, knowledge on the treatment of white rhinoceros is scarce. Approved drugs are non-existent and dosages need to be extrapolated arbitrarily from other species. In order to successfully treat injured poaching victims and to increase their chance of survival, potentially effective drugs and corresponding dosages need to be assessed. For this study, we evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of enrofloxacin in combination with carprofen, administered to immobilised rhinoceros. From the pharmacokinetic evaluation, intravenous enrofloxacin (12.5 mg/kg) was characterised by an AUC, Cl and t1/2 (Gmean ± SD) of 64.5 ± 14.44 μg*h/mL, 0.19 ± 0.04 L/h*kg and 12.41 ± 2.62 hours, respectively. Of these, the unexpected finding was the extremely long half-life of elimination, which was significantly longer than that of the horse and of any other mammalian species. Subsequent pharmacodynamics modelling showed that daily intravenous application could be useful and could be achieved by means of a light butorphanol sedation, followed by the enrofloxacin administration through an indwelling catheter. To further evaluate if the intravenous priming dose could be maintained by subsequent oral dosing, animals in phase two of the study were treated with a second dose of enrofloxacin in the feed following immobilisation. The oral treatment was deemed inappropriate, as the oral bioavailability of 33.30 ± 38.33% was surprisingly low. Intramuscular carprofen (1 mg/kg), was characterised by an AUC, Cl and t1/2 of 904.61 ± 110.78 μg*h/ml, 0.0011 ± 0.0001 L/h*kg and 105.71 ± 15.67 hours, respectively. As for enrofloxacin, the major finding was the considerably long half-life, which was the longest reported in any species this far. Based on the changes in plasma thromboxane concentration, we surmise that the drug would have an anti-inflammatory effect for a minimum of 48 hours. To gain a better understanding of the prolonged half-life of elimination, two in silico studies were undertaken. For the first study, allometric pharmacokinetic modelling was conducted with enrofloxacin to ascertain if the slower metabolism evident in the rhino could be attributed to the size of the species. Despite the goodness of fit of different models, none were predictive of the actual pharmacokinetic parameters. This leads to the conclusion that the slower metabolism resulted from metabolic constraints as opposed to size-related slower metabolism. To provide insight into the metabolic constrains in the rhino and to ascertain if the rhino genome coded for the enzymes described in the horse, a species closest related to the rhinoceros, the published rhino genome was evaluated using BLAST algorithms. The white rhino nucleotide sequences were 90.74% identical to the equine sequences, which represents the highest degree of similarity amongst all evaluated species sequences. Even though all CYP450 families present in the horse coud be identified in the white rhino, the horse genome contained additional gene sequences for a larger number of iso-enzymes, which were not present in the rhino. Thus, the difference in the metabolic capacity cannot be directly attributed to an absolute deficiency of a CYP enzyme family. However, with the difference possibly being the absence of specific isoenzymes in the rhino, this could suggest that the horse is a more efficient metabolizer. Based on the results of this study, we believe that carprofen shows good promise as an analgesic for use in rhinoceros. While enrofloxacin should be effective, its use is rather limited due to the frequently required intravenous administration. The subsequent in silico modelling suggested that the rhino may exhibit metabolic constraints, which may result from their lower number of isoenzymes. The latter assumption does however require further evaluation. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / PhD / Unrestricted

The control of an inventory where spare parts demand is infrequent has always been complex to manage because of the randomness of the demand, as well as the existence of a large proportion of zero values in the demand pattern. However, considering the importance of spare parts demand forecasting in production manufacturing and inventory management, several forecasting methods have been developed over the years to allow decision makers in industry to optimize the management of inventory where the demand pattern is infrequent. The Croston method is one of the traditional forecasting method, known because of its ability to take into consideration periods with zero demands. Yet, despite the Croston method’s advantage over other traditional methods, there are still shortcomings in the method because it does not consider the condition of the components to be replaced. This dissertation proposes an alternative forecasting method to the traditional methods, by means of condition monitoring. This method overcomes the Croston method’s shortcomings by considering the condition information of the component under operation. A statistical model, the so-called proportional hazards model (PHM), which is a regression model, blending event and condition monitoring data, is used to estimate the risk of failure for the component under analysis, while subjected to condition monitoring. To obtain optimal decision making on spare parts demand, a blending of the hazard or risk with the economics is performed, and an optimal risk point is specified. The optimal risk point guides optimal decision making on spare parts policy for the component under analysis. To generate the data needed to construct the proportional hazards model, a numerical investigation was performed on a fan axial bade where a crack was inserted and propagated to estimate the fatigue crack life and corresponding natural frequencies. The simulation was run using MSC.MARC/MENTAT 2016 software. To validate the finite element model, an experiment was run by using a 50kN Spectral Dynamics electrodynamics shaker to apply base excitation to the fan axial blade specimens. The treatment and computation of data generated from experimental and numerical approaches allowed the construction of the proportional hazards model, with the fatigue lifetime as event data and the blade natural frequencies as covariates or condition monitoring information. The baseline Weibull parameters were estimated by maximizing the likelihood function using the Newton Raphson method and the MATLAB package. This allowed the computation of an objective function to determine the shape, scale and location parameters. Instead of defining the covariate behaviour needed to build the cost function by means of the Markov process, a simulation procedure was utilized to define the cost function and determine the optimal risk which minimizes the cost. Furthermore, as the proportional hazards model depends on both, time and covariates, it was also shown how the PHM behaves when time or covariates carry more weight. The added value of the proportional hazard model as forecasting spare parts method lies in the fact that it allows one to proactively gather failure information which enables a ‘just in time’ supply of spare parts as well as an optimal maintenance plan. Forecasting spare parts demand, using condition information, performs better than traditional methods because it reduces an overly large spare parts stock pile. By allowing a ‘just in time’ part availability, the spare parts management becomes more related to the condition of the asset. Additionally, the supply chain management and maintenance cost are optimized, and the preventive replacement of components is optimized compared to the time-based method where a component can be replaced while still having a useful life. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / MSc / Unrestricted

This study considers the L2 actor’s engagement with L2 text, within a multilingual South African actor-training context, and includes an authoethographic element as I draw from my lived experience as lecturer-director at a university with a multilingual student body. It investigates the challenges that the L2 actor navigates when required to embody and envoice text in a L2 and investigates the prosodic elements of speech as a base for designing creative explorations that could aid the L2 actor and the director in a multilingual context. Prosody is explored, as communicative devise that conveys the meaning and intent of the speaker and utterance, with specific focus on the universal patterns applied to express the primary emotions. This is complimented by consideration of how prosody is implied and applied in the approaches to the actor’s training in acting and theatre-voice. A series of pilot experiments, productions created with L2 actors is discussed through ex-post-facto reflection. This reflection, informed by relevant literature, traces the development of creative explorations that are applied in the study’s formal experiment, a production of Chekhov’s Three Sisters in which the embodied prosody based explorations were used as primary creative and directing strategy. The participants (cast) and researcher (director)’s reflection of the process and elements of the final performance is discussed. The formal experiment concludes that applying creative explorations that are based in pre-linguistic bodyvoice patterns and escalate to include paralinguistic and L1 content could assist the L2 actor in the embodiment of L2 text, towards communicating the character’s intent in performance. / Drama / PhD / Unrestricted

Organisations are vulnerable in terms of the potential reputation damage social media can cause. Social media provide a voice to all, whether it be based on fact or fiction. A low tolerance for corporate wrongdoing (however minor), deep-rooted anti-corporate sentiments and the demand for compliance with the triple context philosophy fuel social media conversations about brands. Potentially damaging reputation incidents often grow to full-blown crises due to the intensity, reach and immediacy of social media. Thus the ultimate question organisations face is how they should manage this specific management dilemma. This study followed the interpretive qualitative approach in a comparative case study. Four South African organisations from the tertiary (services) sector participated in the study. Three executives in each organisation (communication/marketing, risk management and social media specialists) participated in interviews. A number of secondary sources (organisational and archival documents) were also included in each case study. The empirical results and literature suggest that organisations need a multi-pronged approach to navigate this management dilemma. The first leg is Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), which should be grounded in corporate strategy and encompass the entire organisation. The interconnectedness of risks and organisational dynamics confirm that linear thinking would not address problems adequately. Establishing a risk culture in organisations is pivotal and would enable the implementation of ERM. All employees, not just the board or executive managers, ought to feel compelled to report and manage risks according to specific policies and procedures. They need to understand their potential contribution to shielding their organisation from damaging factors. The second leg is purposeful corporate reputation management. This approach is deliberate and ought to guide the corporate communication strategy. While a chief executive officer or board carry the ultimate symbolic responsibility for corporate reputation, all employees ought to understand their roles in a reputation culture, with the emphasis on avoiding reputation damage. Training employees regarding corporate reputation and appropriate social media behaviour are valued within most organisations. The final leg pertains to understanding crisis management in the broadest sense and social media crises in particular. Preventing issues from escalating into crises is the ideal. Managing an organisation’s reactions to such incidents One participating organisation illustrated the need for carefully weighed responses when it incurred a boycott campaign when a specific population segment. This thesis further considers the notion of a management framework to deal with reputation risk in relation to the social media landscape. Organisations agree that the fluidity of social media and society make such a notion futile. However, they agree on a number of key principles such as executive level knowledge of and involvement, well-established response procedures and adequately equipped teams of specialists. The original contribution of this thesis lie in both the propositions in relation to each of the objectives and the suggested framework for the management of corporate reputation risk in relation to the social media landscape. / Communication Management / PhD / Unrestricted

The implementation of Music according to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in the Foundation Phase is not adequate. Reasons for this incorporate inter alia lack of knowledge of Music pedagogy by Foundation Phase educators, lack of resources and poor assistance and monitoring from the Department of Education. The study was based on qualitative case study method, exploring the experiences of Foundation Phase educators in implementing Music according to CAPS. Interviews were held with three Foundation Phase educators. Data was also collected by means of observations and analysing personal documents such as learners‟ class work books and educators‟ Music files. Analyses of the data obtained showed that Foundation Phase educators who participated in the research did not have Music teaching experience before the introduction of CAPS in 2012. A key concern is that these participants did not plan for Music and the time allocated for it was used to teach the so-called core subjects such as Mathematics and Languages. Moreover, educators who participated in this study would only make learners to sing at the beginning of lessons of study areas such as beginning knowledge and Mathematics as an effort to integrate Music with other subjects. Recommendations included development of a partnership between any University that offers Music and the North West Department of Education which may assist with Music pedagogy and to augment resources such as relevant books and Musical instruments. / Mini Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Music / MMus / Unrestricted

The main purpose of this research was to establish how institutions of higher learning (IHLs) in Lesotho can enhance the implementation of their strategic plans by engaging stakeholders in the communication planning and implementation process. This was achieved by exploring how four IHLs in Lesotho, National University of Lesotho (NUL), Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP), Lesotho Agricultural College (LAC) and Centre for Account Studies (CAS) use communication strategies to engage their internal and external stakeholders for effective implementation of their strategic plans. The research was a phenomenological, exploratory and descriptive inquiry in to stakeholder engagement and it employed non-empirical and empirical phases of research. The non-empirical aspect comprised extensive literature review of three primary themes, namely: stakeholder engagement, communication strategy, strategy formulation and implementation; as well as content analysis of institutional strategic plans. The empirical research phase encompassed collection of primary data through interviews and questionnaires while secondary data was collected through strategic plans of the institutions. A convergent mixed-methods design was used to collect and analyse research data. Data analysis of both qualitative and quantitative strands was done independent of each other, while interpretation of obtained results was merged. A computer aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), Leximancer, was used to analyse the qualitative data while SPSS software analysed the quantitative data of the study. Thematic analysis of strategic plans and transcriptions of interviews conducted with members of IHLs senior management were analysed using Leximancer, whereas closed-ended responses of questionnaires were analysed using SPSS software. Content analysis was carried on with open-ended question responses of the questionnaires. An exploratory-based mixed method was applied to sort raw data into four public institutions due to their relative similarity. Subsequently the entire set of interdependent relationships amongst the institutions was analysed simultaneously. Research findings from the internal and external stakeholders of the institutions revealed that it was in the institutions’ culture to practise a one-way/top-bottom communication to inform and engage stakeholders in the implementation of their strategic plans. They use improper and inefficient communication platforms. Therefore, a communication strategy implementation framework was developed. The framework proposed that the IHLs practise three steps recommended for enhancement of effective implementation of strategic plans. Whilst the institutions engage in a two-way communication process to enhance stakeholder engagement, they should firstly align formulation and implementation of strategic plans with the institutional culture because institutional culture can enforce certain types of institutional growth or oppose some institutional values. Secondly, it was proposed that IHLs identify their strategic and legitimate stakeholders, and maintain long-term relationships with them. This would enable identification of implications of strategic issues on institutions and stakeholders. Thirdly, the institutions were encouraged to use proper and clear communication platforms for the right type of message to engage stakeholders. The use of these platforms should be inclusive, regardless of the type of stakeholder or their length of affiliation with the institutions. / Communication Management / PhD / Unrestricted