The geology of the Blouberg mountain area, Northern Province, South Africa is characterised by a number of successor basins developed over a region which is underlain by a cratonic suture (the Palala Shear Zone). The suture was formed during the Limpopo Orogeny, due to oblique convergence of the Kaapvaal Craton and the Central Zone of the Limpopo Mobile Belt at either 2.65Ga or 2.0Ga. Post-collisional brittle reactivation along the Palala Shear Zone in the Blouberg study area is accommodated on the parallel Melinda Fault. The earliest basin developed in this area was that of the Blouberg Formation, which is preserved in an area restricted to the eastwards extension of the Palala Shear Zone. The Blouberg Formation can be divided into Lower and Upper Members. The widespread Lower Member is thought to have been deposited in a pull-apart basin, is characterised by braided fluvial sheetflood deposits, and is generally steeply-dipping or overturned, reflecting a subsequent southwards-vergent basin inversion. The Upper Member contrasts with the Lower Member in that it is preserved only rarely, is generally flat-:lying, and is composed of conglomerates with sub-angular cobbles of foliated basement rocks with rare granulestone beds, reflecting deposition in debris flows and braided rivers respectively. The tectonic event responsible for the southwards-vergent basin inversion of the Lower Member probably also uplifted proximal basement sources to the north and east, leading to deposition of the Upper Member in localised basins close to the southern strand of the Melinda Fault scarp. The syn-tectonic deposition of the Blouberg Formation was followed by a period of relative tectonic quiescence, and deposition of the Waterberg Group. The fluvial Setlaole Formation was succeeded by the predominantly aeolian Makgabeng Formation. Strata of these two formations are not preserved north of the Melinda Fault, probably due to the syn-Blouberg tectonic activity, which had led to development of high topography in this area. This palaeohigh gradually denuded throughout Waterberg sedimentation. Ultimately, the Mogalalcwena Formation, the youngest of the Waterberg units in the study area, onlapped northwards over these denuding highlands. After the end of Mogalakwena deposition, renewed tectonic activity led to approximately north-south orientated extension. Syn-Blouberg northwards-dipping reverse faults along the southern strand of the Melinda Fault were locally reactivated as normal faults, resulting in a half-graben type environment. A depository was created above the hanging wall, which filled with the strata of the Soutpansberg Group; initially volcanics of the Sibasa Formation erupted, followed by the clastic deposition of the Wyllies Poort Formation. Late-stage reactivation along the Palala Shear Zone is represented by the northern strand of the Melinda Fault, which is generally a dextral strike-slip fault, with up to 17km of total displacement. / Thesis (DPhil (Geology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Geology / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 06back of this document / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Centre for Wildlife Management / unrestricted

Thesis (Ph.D. (Curriculum Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The main purpose of this research study is to investigate and analyse the role of the Principal towards effective educational leadership in selected Secondary schools in Waterberg Education District. The effectiveness of the educational leadership depends on the educational managers’ personal backgrounds, con-duciveness of the school climates, positive learning school cultures, availability of resources in the classrooms, utilisation of learner-teacher support material (LTSM), effective organisation of educational excursions, and other related issues. Principals, by virtue of their positions need to be empowered so as to coordinate activities and provide resources that can be used to enhance effect-tive educational leadership. The most important aspect pertaining to effective educational leadership in schools, is that it must be managed properly. This actually implies that correct and relevant resources should be provided to reinforce the quality of effective educational leadership. The primary study revealed that effective educational leadership cannot be achieved by school Principals in isolation, but through the School Management Team as a whole. Due to the nature of the study, the researcher has employed phenomenology, stratified random sampling and qualitative research design to achieve the in-tended goal of the research project. The researcher has also used case studies and interview research instruments to collect relevant data from twenty (20) SMT members in area of the study. The data collected through case studies and interviews was analysed by coding derived from audio tape recorder. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data whose findings were based on to make conclusions and recommendations. The results indicated that the role of the Principal contributes significantly to the quality of effective educational leadership. The results also showed that there is a need for continued support from the members of the School Management Teams. The need for support from the parents, SGBs and government in terms of resources, is vital. The abovementioned support, can also assist the Principals to make a positive impact on effective educational leadership. The researcher believes that, if the findings and the recommendations from the study can be applied properly, they can add value to the educational practice in Waterberg District in particular and Limpopo Province as a whole.

A comprehensive deposition and dispersion model was built for the South African Highveld and Waterberg areas using CALPUFF with the aim of studying the effects of biogenic NOx emissions on sulphur and nitrogen deposition. The effect of industrial H2S emission on sulphur deposition was also investigated for the Highveld. Emission sources inventoried or the Highveld and Waterberg area included industrial sources, vehicle exhaust emissions, household fuel burning emissions and emissions from power stations. The Highveld model was the most extensive. Three scenarios were modelled: average rainfall year (2001), below average rainfall year (2003) and above average rainfall year (2010). The modelling domain was 350 km × 350 km. The Waterberg priority area was only modelled for 2006 and the domain size was 130 km ×100 km. To quantify biogenic soil NOX emissions, models was constructed for both areas using land use data from CALMET, rainfall data and atmospheric ground level temperatures covering each modelling domain. Use was made of work done by Yienger and Levy (1995). To accommodate CALPUFF each area was divided into smaller area sources, each with a specific hourly NOX emission rate. The biogenic NOx emitted made up 3.96 %, 4.14 % and 3.34 % of total released NOx for 2001, 2003 and 2010 respectively. This is significantly more than is released by household fuel burning, small industrial sources and biomass burning. Dry nitrogen deposition rates were affected most, adding between 1.69 - 6.19 % at various receptor locations. Wet deposition rates were affected very little (0.13 % to 0.75 %). Effect on total nitrogen deposition rates ranged from 0.32 % to 1.77 %. CALPUFF was unable to account for H2S conversion to SO2 in its reaction scheme model, therefore conversion rates had to be approximated from observations made on the Highveld by Igbafe (2007). Assuming different conversion percentages for each season, and inputting the converted emissions rates as SO2 emissions sources into CALPUFF, it was predicted that H2S contributes an average of 4.85 %, an average of 5.95 %, and an average of 5.15 % for wet S, dry S and total S deposition respectively Highveld dispersion and deposition predictions are reported on for the three modelling periods of 2001, 2003 and 2010. The modelled biogenic emissions were included in the model. Spatial plots for wet, dry and total S and N deposition were produced. Wet, dry and total S and N deposition rates at specific receptor locations are reported on. Waterberg biogenic emission are only 2.3 % of total NOx emissions for the Waterberg area and would affect nitrogen deposition values very little compared to the nitrogen deposition produced by the emissions from Matimba and Medupi power stations. Because of this it was decided not to run a CALPUFF dispersion and deposition model for the Waterberg area. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Chemical Engineering / MEng / Unrestricted

<p> SE Botswana, located in the NW part of the Kaapvaal Craton is a long lived tectonically stable environment dominated by brittle deformation for more than 2.6 Ga. </p> <p> Relative chronologies in the development of fractures are rationalized according to major unconformities that developed during the Proterozoic in areas around Moshaneng and Kanye in SE Botswana. Periods of brittle deformation are divided into pre-Transvaal Supergroup, post-Transvaal Supergroup/ pre-Waterberg Group and post-Waterberg Group times. Pre-Transvaal lineaments trend ENE and NE and were probably formed as fractures in a rifting environment Dikes are intruded along some of these lineaments. Post-Transvaal/ pre-Waterberg fractures consist of strike-slip faults that form a conjugate system of two major sets trending NE and NW. These fractures probably formed as a result of E-W compression. The displacement along the NE trending faults depicts reactivation along pre-existing fractures. Regional patterns of fault termination are discemable. Epidermal folds and thrusts were produced in the Transvaal Supergroup rocks. Rotational bulk strain is locally significant. PostWaterberg deformation was dominated by dip-slip faults, vertical displacements and drape folds. </p> <p> An orthogonal system of bedding-normal joints predominates in the layered rocks. Inversion of the relative magnitudes of a2 and a3 probably accounts for a two phase tensile failure of layered rocks during the formation of the joint system. A diagonal system of bedding normal joints is superimposed on the orthogonal system possibly because of pre-existing folds that perturb the remote stress field. Joint spacings have a negatively skewed normal frequency distribution. Systematic joints show that spacing of set1 <set2 <set3 <set4. </p> <p> Relics of joint patterns in chert breccia provide insight about post-Transvaal/ pre-Waterberg karstification residuum. The joint pattern accounts for the initial process of fragmentation that resulted in the formation of chert breccia. </p> <p> On the subcontinental scale, high strain tectonic belts provide a chronology of large scale stress fields that could explain the intracratonic brittle deformations. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (M. Sc. (Geology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / The Glentig, Alma and Swaershoek Formations were deposited after the emplacement of the Bushveld igneous complex (BIC). The sediments accumulated in what is termed as the proto-basin of the Waterberg Group. The Glentig Formation is an unconformity bounded formation that is overlain by the Swaershoek and Alma Formations of the Waterberg Group. This study revisited the stratigraphy and put perception on the petrography, lithofacies, provenance, paleoweathering, tectonic setting and source rock characteristics of the lower parts of Waterberg Group (Swaershoek and Alma Formations) and Glentig Formation. The methodologies employed in achieving the aforementioned goals include stratigraphical analysis, petrographical and modal composition analyses, lithofacies analysis and geochemical analysis. In the study area (northeast of Modimolle town), the Glentig Formation lies or bounded between the Swaershoek Formation and Schrikkloof Formation of the Rooiberg Group. The Glentig, Swaershoek and Alma Formations attained a maximum thickness of about 400 m, 300 m and 190 m, respectively. Based on the stratigraphical analysis, the Swaershoek, Alma and Glentig Formations can be correlated. The basis for the correlation rests solemnly on the similarities in the lithological characteristics that can be found in the three formations. Six facies were identified based on lithofacies analysis. The lithofacies are grouped into 2 facies association (FA1 and FA2). The two facies associations are FA1: Conglomerate and massive sandstone, and FA2: Cross-bedded sandstone, and planar cross-bedded sandstone. Sedimentological characteristics of the identified facies associations are interpreted as debris flow, and longitudinal and transverse bars (fluvial channel deposits). Petrography and modal composition analyses indicate that the detrital components of the sandstones are dominated by monocrystalline quartz, vi feldspar and lithic fragments. The sandstones of the Swaershoek, Alma and Glentig Formations can be classified as subarkosic arenite and lithic arkosic arenite. Also, provenance analysis indicates that the sandstones are derived from both felsic igneous provenance and intermediate igneous provenance. The modal composition analysis and geochemical tectonic setting discrimination diagrams show that the sediments are from both the passive and active continental margin tectonic settings. Also, the geochemical data of major and trace elements suggested that the studied formations have been derived from the same provenance source area. The indices of weathering indicated that the studied rocks have been subjected to moderate to the high degree of chemical weathering. / Mining Qualification Authority (MQA)

The Matimba and soon to be completed Medupi power stations located in close proximity to the town of Lephalale are a cause for environmental concern due to the known effects that coal combustion has on air, soil and water quality. The Medupi power station is currently being constructed, while the Matimba power station may have already negatively altered the water quality of the rivers especially those downwind of the power stations. The Lephalala (perennial river, upwind), the Mokolo (perennial river, upwind) and Matlabas (seasonal river, downwind) Rivers were selected due to the locations relative to the power stations. The concentrations and flux of cations and sulphate ions within the rivers in the Waterberg District Municipality were investigated for any seasonal or annual patterns using monthly data from a single sampling station along each river. Data for the concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium and sulphate were analysed in conjunction with river discharge, rainfall and ambient temperature data available for each hydrological year from 1999 to 2010. The data were converted to seasonal and annual values in order to determine the influence of the quality and quantity of coal combusted as well as climatic variables (rainfall, temperature and discharge) on ion fluxes measured. Sodium was the dominant cation in all rivers, reaching a maximum concentration of 0.0015 mol.ℓ-1 (in 2007), 0.0007 mol.ℓ-1 (in 2007) and 0.0006 mol.ℓ-1 (in 2001) in the Lephalala, Mokolo and Matlabas Rivers, respectively. Other cation concentrations were four times lower in the Lephalala and Mokolo Rivers, while they were eight times lower in the Matlabas Rivers. Sulphate concentrations were approximately nine, five and 15 times lower than the cation concentrations measured within the Lephalala, Mokolo and Matlabas Rivers, respectively. The mean summed cation flux was highest in the Lephalala River (0.0015 ± 0.0010 Eq.ℓ-1), which was approximately 1.7 and 2.1 times higher than summed cation fluxes measured in the Mokolo (0.0009 ± 0.0002 Eq.ℓ-1) and Matlabas (0.0007 ± 0.0006 Eq.ℓ-1) Rivers. Cation fluxes were highest during the rainfall season (summer and spring) in the river closest to the Matimba power station (Mokolo Rivers) while summed cation flux in the Lephalala and Mokolo Rivers (located further away from the power station) showed no specific seasonality. It was, however, noted that the cation fluxes during spring and winter were elevated for both rivers, possibly indicating

MSc (Eng) dissertation - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment / Fertilizers are defined in the broadest sense as products that improve the levels of available plant nutrients or chemical and physical components that directly or indirectly enhance plant growth, yield and quality. The aim of this study was to produce slow controlled release fertilizers from oxidised coal. Two types of coals namely, Waterberg and Twistdraai (products, middlings) were utilised for the production of humic acids through slurry phase oxidation. The highest yields of humic acids were obtained in Waterberg and Twistdraai products samples. Subsequent to that, a nitrogen element was successfully inserted into the humic acid substrate. Humic acids are potential feedstock for modern manufacturing of organic fertilizers. The chemical substances regarded as hazardous to human consumption or those elements that negatively impact on the soil were significantly less detectable.

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are the most endangered large carnivore in Southern Africa. There are as little as 5,000 individuals globally and less than 450 African wild dogs in South Africa alone. African wild dogs are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Therefore, the time has never been more crucial to conserve the species. With increased human encroachment and inhabitation in and around protected areas, so are increased conflicts between humans and carnivores. Human-wild dog conflict is likely to rise where a common resource is found. Human-carnivore conflicts have often been induced by the uncomfortably close inhabitation of humans in areas predominantly occupied by large carnivores. For this reason, it is becoming vital to establish a harmonious relationship between carnivores and humans. This research investigated the extent and causes of human-carnivore conflict specific to private landowners and the African wild dog in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa between April 2018 and January 2019. The causes of conflict in the Waterberg and levels of tolerance by the farmers for African wild dogs were investigated. The methodology was two-fold, using spatial analyses and an online survey. Three African wild dogs from the same pack were collared using telemetry collars (Tag 2651, Tag 2953 and Tag 3017). These data were used for the spatial analysis part of the research, using Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine the African wild dogs’ home ranges, movement patterns, and proximities to commonalities with humans and preferred land use. The private landowners possibly experiencing human-carnivore conflict were surveyed using an online survey (n = 81), and this information was used to determine the extent of conflict and tolerance of African wild dogs amongst the farmers in the Waterberg. The information gathered will be used by the Endangered Wildlife Trust to develop an early warning system for private landowners affected by the presence of free-roaming African wild dogs in the area. In general, English speaking farmers in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve were more tolerant of African wild dogs compared with Afrikaans speaking farmers. Results also showed that areas near food and water sources are high potential conflict hotspots. The results also showed that African wild dog movement patterns in Waterberg Biosphere Reserve have an influence on conflict hotspot areas during denning season, wet and dry months, different phases of the moon, and overall hunting patterns of African wild dogs. This research facilitated an understanding of aspects of utilisation, persecution, and how to mitigate conflict between humans and African wild dogs within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. / Dissertation (MSc (Environment and Society))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / GreenMatter Fellowship Mapula Trust Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) National Research Foundation (NRF) / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / MSc (Environment and Society) / Unrestricted

Although the opportunistic feeding habits of leopards were evident in this study, scat analysis showed that ungulates were by far the predominant food, with impala being the most frequent item. The fact that cattle calves were only taken up to ± 100 days old, emphasize the relevance of a proper stock management program to prevent stock losses. In addition, where such measures were impractical, temporary physical barriers such as electric fencing showed potential for application. Modification on different capture techniques were investigated not only to capture leopards for radio collaring but also for the elimination of problem leopards. The effective home range size of a resident male and female leopard in the Naboomspruit area were calculated at 303 km2 and 157 km2 respectively. A density of one leopard per 53 km2 are suggested for the Naboosmpruit study area. Both leopards were predominantly nocturnal with some crepuscular activity. Translocation experiments revealed different results. The conducting of translocations in farming areas, where problem leopards are involved are however not suggested. Leopard density and distribution patterns showed that numbers are relative safe, and that populations are currently to a large extent linked, which makes natural gene flow a possibility. Although suitable areas for leopards thus exist, these may not be available as homogenous units in the future, due to increasing human pressure. / Dissertation (MSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted