A founder population of lion (Panthera Leo) was introduced into a 70 km² privately-owned, wildlife reserve in the Waterberg area of South Africa. The lion and prey species' populations were monitored between 2001 and 2004. In this period, 452 kills were recorded at a mean kill rate of one kill every 2.43 days. The lions killed 11 common prey species. Eland, warthog, kudu, wildebeest and zebra comprised 75 % of the lion's diet. The lions consumed an average of 8 % of the available common prey species population per annum. Initially, the mean ungulate population growth rate was 30.9 %, but this rate declined to -0.8 % during the study period. Significantly more animals were killed in open habitats than in closed habitats. The loss in game value for the study period was over one million Rand. A formula was compiled to quantify the cost versus return aspects of introducing lion. / Nature Conservation / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The fracture porosity and permeability of the Beaufort Seam 1 (BS1) and Ecca coal seams of the Waterberg Basin have been comprehensively characterised with the aid of geophysical wire‐line logs. The main aim of the thesis was to estimate the porosity and permeability of the coal seams using down‐hole wire‐line data; comparing results from injection falloff test to establish the validity of the technique as a fast an effective method. The study area is the largely under explored Karoo‐aged, fault bounded Waterberg basin Located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study employed mainly the density and dual lateral resistivity logging data (Las format) from eight wells (WTB45, WTB48, WTB56, WTB58, WTB62, WTB65, WTB70 and WTB72). Density logging data was used for coal identification and fracture porosity estimation while fracture permeability was estimated from dual lateralog resistivity data. Analysis of fracture porosity required coal cementation indices and fracture width as an input parameter. These were estimated with the aid of water pump out test data, coal quality and gas analysis data provided by Anglo Coal in addition to the above mention logs. The collection of sheet coal model was used to represent anisotropic coal reservoirs with non‐uniform fracture system was used to represent these coals. The mathematical formulas used to estimate both fracture porosity and permeability took into account the above coal model. The theoretical formulas are a modification from both Darcy’s equation and Archie’s equations. The coal seams were encountered at depths ranging from 198m to 385m in the wells and were marked by low density and very high resistivity. From the estimated results the coal reservoirs are characterised by high cementation indices ranging from 0.82 to 2.42, very low fracture porosity and low fracture permeability. Estimated results show that coal reservoir fracture porosity ranged from 0.0002% to 0.33% for both BS1 and Ecca seams. Estimated results also show that coal reservoir permeability ranged from 0.0045mD to 6.05mD in the BS1 formation and from 0.01 to 0.107mD in the Ecca. Results when compared with those of injection falloff test shows that the estimated permeability is slightly lower as expected since the model did not account for coal anisopropy. The fracture permeability was found to decrease with increase in vitrinite content, coal rank, coal burial depth and increases with increase in inertinite content. On a basinal scale the model estimated permeability was found to increase slightly from the east to the west of the basin. The porosity decreases with increase cementation index for deeper coal seams and increases with increase cementation index for shallower coal seams.

The Olieboomspoort (OBP) shelter is central to this reconstruction of the Later Stone Age (LSA) history in the lowlands of the Limpopo in the Waterberg. The archaeological excavations were undertaken to answer questions that arose during previous research conducted on the plateau. OBP was clearly an important place in the landscape over time. Preliminary excavations established a sequence of occupations that began with the apparent intermittent use of the shelter by Early Stone Age people who left some of their large cutting tools on what is now bedrock. Subsequently, during the many thousands of years that humans frequented OBP during the Middle Stone Age (MSA), they brought in enormous quantities of lithics. OBP is cited for the remarkably large assemblages of ochre recovered from the MSA contexts (Mason 1962, 1988; Volman 1984; Watts 1998, 2002; Mitchell 2002; Wadley 2005a), but my recent research demonstrates a similar focus on the collection of haematite and ochre during the more recent periods. Such iron oxides feature prominently during ritual activities and in symbolic behaviour of modern hunter-gatherers and it is likely that they also did so in the past. The Holocene occupational sequence is extensive, but my excavations and analyses focussed on the last 2000 years of complex LSA history. Apart from the remarkably large lithic assemblage and many thousands of ostrich eggshell beads and blanks produced at OBP, favourable preservation conditions resulted in the recovery of a wide range of tool types made from organic materials, as well as a representative assemblage of macroscopic plant taxa. The data are used to demonstrate how the formal spaces were differentially structured over time by multi-band clusters and small hearth groups to meet their particular social and economic requirements. The differential use of space through time, and the spatial distributions of the different classes of material remains and waste, are explored by using a model of unconstrained cluster analysis (UCA) (Whallon 1984). As the OBP deposits are palimpsests of repeated visits, the UCA, which defines broad boundaries within distinct clustering, detailed general trends in behaviour and site use, and highlighted how the use of shelter space changed when only nuclear groups frequented OBP during the more recent period. Data from the last 2000 years of occupation at OBP chronicle some of the responses of the hunter-gatherers to rapid change in the area as a result of advancing social, economic and political frontiers. The two main pulses of intensification at approximately 2000 BP and again at 1500 BP correspond to the movement of herders and African farmers into the lowlands of the Waterberg. OBP remained a central venue for the aggregation of multi-band groups for more than a thousand years before and during the initial contact period. During these alliance visits, diverse socio-economic activities resulted in the deposition of a rich lithic and non-lithic assemblage. The lithic assemblage is characteristic of classic Wilton. Cryptocrystalline silicas and quartz crystals were the preferred materials used to produce a comprehensive range of formal microliths, and felsites featured prominently in the production of larger tool types. Demographic changes following on contact are underscored by marked changes in site use. Over the last few hundred years the incremental decrease in the production of all classes of subsistence goods reflects social disintegration. In as much as there are evidently continuities in the material culture, the markedly lower frequencies of the lithics and a sharp decrease in the production of decorative items such as ostrich eggshell beads make it likely that only nuclear groups continued to frequent the shelter. Changes in site use, intrusive economic elements, and the production of the different rock arts suggest some fundamental transformations in the economic and ideational landscape. On the Waterberg Plateau similar post-contact changes were evident in the archaeological assemblages. The Waterberg Mountain Bushveld of the plateau cannot support such a large and varied animal biomass as the Limpopo Sweet Bushveld (Estes 1991; Low & Rebelo 1998; Driver et al. 2005; Skinner & Chimimba 2005), and the intensive occupation of this region from approximately 800 years ago parallelled the movement of farming communities onto the plateau. The archaeological data as well as historic documents emphasise that huntergatherers participated in complex interaction networks. The expansion of indigenous farmer settlements ultimately enforced the displacement of many of the hunter-gatherers, whereas others were incorporated into farmer polities. Contemporary lithic assemblages on the Waterberg Plateau are characteristic of the post-classic Wilton stone tool technology, and felsite and quartz crystals were the preferred raw materials. Whereas the composition of the archaeological assemblages of the lowlands and plateau corresponds broadly, the differential use of raw materials, a broader range of subsistence tools and decorative items, and much higher frequencies of all tool types at OBP demonstrate the central position of this locality within the hunter-gatherer landscape. The environment not only provided sustenance, but OBP became a social space with real meaning linked to the identities of the people who frequented the locality over thousands of years. The regional differentiation found within the Waterberg is parallelled by the sequences in the Soutpansberg (Van Doornum 2005) where similar differential use of a particular environment underscores the diversity and complexity evident in hunter-gatherer lifestyles.At OBP a representative assemblage of African farmer ceramics and a markedly larger collection of Bambata ceramics also contrast with sites on the plateau where mostly Eiland farmer pottery and a few sherds of Bambata were present. The ceramic sequence contains a particularly fine collection of the enigmatic Bambata, the stylistic origins of which are addressed in the discussion. The identities of the users and makers of the distinctive densely decorated and thin-walled early ceramics collectively known as Bambata have not yet been resolved. Whereas the paintings certainly indicate the presence of herders on the landscape, it is not clear whether they or the African farmers introduced the Bambata to the huntergatherers who were indisputably using most of the ceramics, as suggested by their continued presence and production of lithic and non-lithic assemblages at OBP. There is also a full complement of the local Early to Late African farmer pottery traditions of Happy Rest, Eiland, Broadhurst, and Icon/Moloko. The San, herder and indigenous farmer paintings, which are representative of the regional sequences, illustrate the continuing central role of OBP. Rock art is widely recognized to reflect religious beliefs and social concerns. The San rock art also served as a medium through which power relations were negotiated between first peoples and newcomers. The region is a renowned repository of rock art. The different arts and their contents complement the findings based on the excavations and the vast body of southern African ethnography. The data are applied to explore how OBP served as an arena where people with different world views and customs performed their ritual and social practices. Historical documents on the Waterberg confirm the archaeological data that suggest a gradual disintegration of hunter-gatherer organisation, and their ultimate displacement to the fringes of African farmer and colonist polities. Small dispersed groups of hunter-gatherers continued to wander through the lowlands of the Limpopo or withdrew to areas where they felt safe from oppression. Some moved across the border to Botswana and into the Kalahari. The remainder were gradually incorporated into farmer societies through intermarriage or as subordinates, living either at farmer villages or in their own small settlements. Today very few traces of the Waterberg hunters, gatherers and fishers remain apart from some corrupted names of places where they once lived.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2015. / Excavations conducted at Thaba Nkulu, an Early Farming Community homestead with associated metal working debris, led to the recovery of iron slag, tuyères, furnace lining, iron ore, copper artefacts and iron artefacts. Using the material recovered, this dissertation identified chemical signatures for metal artefacts and metal smelting and smithing associated material. This was achieved through the use of a combination of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The artefacts recovered were analysed, and 3 sets of possible chemical signatures were recorded.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to non-compliance to TB treatment amongst pulmonary TB patients in Waterberg district, Limpopo. The health-belief model was the conceptual framework which guided this study. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered by trained data collectors. Data was collected from 215 respondents. Informed consent was obtained from each respondent prior to data collection. MS Excel and SPSS were used to analyse data. Findings on significant factors contributing to noncompliance to TB treatment include; non-availability of food whilst taking TB treatment, disbelief in the fact that TB can result in death if not treated, belief in traditional medicine for curing TB, bad healthcare worker attitudes, long distance to the clinic for treatment, belief that TB treatment takes very long and the pill burden / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

dissertation submitted to the faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2015. / Global environmental change due to anthropogenic activity results in alterations to the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. This study focused on nitrogen and sulphur deposition, which results in the acidification of ecosystems. Alterations to these processes will have an effect on the diversity and ecophysiology of the vegetation; moreover, little is known about the long-term impacts on the vegetation structure and composition. Increased development, mining and industrialization, within the Waterberg area, particularly with the construction of the Medupi power station, have resulted in this area coming under study. The impacts of additional air pollution to the vegetation in this area are currently unknown. The aim of this research was to determine whether increased ambient levels of atmospheric nitrogen and sulphur, resulting from the power stations, will impact the structure, functional type and the composition of the vegetation, and the resultant impacts on vegetation structure and growth as a result of the added nitrogen and sulphur to the system and increased acidity. A baseline of quantitative data was needed in order for future comparisons to be made to assess whether biodiversity is changing and at what rate. One part of the study involved the collection of baseline vegetation data along a pre-determined transect in the Waterberg area. A transect was identified which could serve as a vehicle for monitoring changes over time, with areas downwind of the Matimba and Medupi power stations assumed to be more impacted than areas upwind. The two downwind sites and the two sites closest to the power stations were found to have the highest beta diversities, with the two downwind sites having a value of 0.60 and the downwind Landelani site and upwind Withoutpan site having a value of 0.53. The high species variation between these sites may already be an indication of pollution impacts within the area. The downwind site closest to the power stations, Landelani, is particularly vulnerable as it has a high Shannon diversity index, with a value of 2.84, and high tree biomass, 46.64 tonnes/ha, with low tree density, 625 trees per hectare. iii Functional groups are assumed to react similarly under changing environmental conditions. The second part of this research focussed on photosynthetic pathways, by using two C3 woody species and two C4 grasses. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse at the University of the Witwatersrand and showed that both tree and both grass species selected were sensitive to sulphur additions to varying degrees. Additionally Acacia sieberiana was found to be sensitive to nitrogen addition, however Combretum erythrophyllum responded to nitrogen when it was added alone. A positive response to nitrogen was seen in both grass species; however the positive response was negated by the addition of any sulphur in Eragrostis curvula. In Panicum maximum the positive response in growth to nitrogen addition exceeded any negative effects from the sulphur addition. The results of plant growth to increasing soil acidity were different between functional groups and within functional groups. A relationship between the increase in the average above and below ground mass was found to exist with a decrease in soil acidity in Acacia sieberiana (R2 = 0.45). A relationship between an increase in the average above and below ground mass with a decrease in soil acidity in Eragrostis curvula was also seen (R2 = 0.31). Changes to the structure and composition of vegetation in this area will impact land use and the management thereof, impacting land users and owners ability to generate an income and therefore their livelihoods. Changes to vegetation structure and composition will also have a greater overall effect by impacting ecosystem functioning and resilience to future disturbances.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to non-compliance to TB treatment amongst pulmonary TB patients in Waterberg district, Limpopo. The health-belief model was the conceptual framework which guided this study. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered by trained data collectors. Data was collected from 215 respondents. Informed consent was obtained from each respondent prior to data collection. MS Excel and SPSS were used to analyse data. Findings on significant factors contributing to noncompliance to TB treatment include; non-availability of food whilst taking TB treatment, disbelief in the fact that TB can result in death if not treated, belief in traditional medicine for curing TB, bad healthcare worker attitudes, long distance to the clinic for treatment, belief that TB treatment takes very long and the pill burden / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the vulnerability to HIV of rural male youth with regard to their beliefs, sexual attitudes and behaviour. The study took place in the Waterberg, a district of Limpopo in South Africa, and provided insight into and understanding of the youths’ attitudes to and intentions regarding HIV prevention and their perceptions of how they were influenced by the Boys2Men programme. The Theory of Reasoned Action and the Social Constructionist Theory provided a framework for the study. Nine participants between the ages of 19 and 26 were purposefully selected, and data was collected via individual face-to-face and focus group interviews. A number of semi-structured questions were used to guide the study, and data captured from the interviews was analysed by thematic content analysis. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The purpose of this study was to analyse the tracking systems used to identify patients with tuberculosis who missed a clinic appointment at primary health care facilities in Waterberg District. A quantitative descriptive correlation design was used to determine if there was an association between the tracking systems used and the defaulter rates. Data was collected using a questionnaire with nurses from 46 primary health care facilities, defaulter rates were accessed from the ETR.Net and the two sets of data were correlated. The results showed that the blue folder yielded the lowest mean defaulter rate while the green card yielded the highest mean defaulter rate. Nurses were unaware of the true defaulter rate in their facilities as they underestimated these rates. They therefore did not implement relevant intervention strategies to recall patients or find ways to improve the tracking systems used to reduce the defaulter rate in their health facilities. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to analyse the tracking systems used to identify patients with tuberculosis who missed a clinic appointment at primary health care facilities in Waterberg District. A quantitative descriptive correlation design was used to determine if there was an association between the tracking systems used and the defaulter rates. Data was collected using a questionnaire with nurses from 46 primary health care facilities, defaulter rates were accessed from the ETR.Net and the two sets of data were correlated. The results showed that the blue folder yielded the lowest mean defaulter rate while the green card yielded the highest mean defaulter rate. Nurses were unaware of the true defaulter rate in their facilities as they underestimated these rates. They therefore did not implement relevant intervention strategies to recall patients or find ways to improve the tracking systems used to reduce the defaulter rate in their health facilities. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)