The East Vaal area of the South African Post Office is faced with a high rate of teller absenteeism, which has been observed to be as high as 15 per cent. This adds to the cost of providing quality service to the company’s customers. The objectives of this study are to determine the factors that lead to the high rate of absenteeism in the East Vaal area and to make recommendations to the area management that could improve the attendance behaviour of the tellers in the area. To achieve these objectives, 51 questionnaires were prepared and handed out to the tellers with absenteeism rates of more than three percent in the East Vaal area to be completed. Face-to-face interviews with both the tellers and their branch managers were conducted. Absenteeism records and Employee Assistance Programme reports were also studied to collect more data. The findings highlighted lack of rewards for employees who reported for work regularly; employee illness; no recognition for good work performance; tellers receiving insufficient remuneration for their work; poor working conditions; and poor management style as the main reasons for the tellers taking unscheduled leave of absence. Based on the key findings, the main recommendations were that appropriate mechanisms for acknowledging and rewarding good work performance and attendance behaviour should be in place; a sick-leave pool system accessible to tellers should be introduced; establishment of performance evaluation and rewards for tellers; and introducing management practices which lead to a more open expression of opinion and participatory problem-solving / Business Management / Thesis (M.Tech. (Business Management))

Preface: For anyone standing on the ridge of the Witwatersrand on a spring day in September 1886 the sight immediately to the south represented a hive of activity and hope. Nearly a hundred years later ample evidence stretches away on both sides of the watershed to confirm the fulfilment of those early sentiments. It is, nevertheless, all too easy to ignore the struggles and failures which marked the beginnings of the world's greatest gold field in the light of its subsequent abundant success. Only when attention is turned to the individual companies formed to exploit the discovery does the true picture emerge of the lack of adequate technological and managerial knowledge amongst the early pioneers and of the financial frailty of their companies. The object of this thesis is to shed light on these beginnings by reviewing the histories of four of the earliest companies established to work the main reef. The approach adopted is to scrutinize the material available with a view to determining the motivations and actions of the managements of the various companies with regard to their economic environment, whether within or without the individual company. Clearly, the availability of information is a major determinant of the success of any such venture and this was particularly so in the case of the companies considered. With the exception of the Barlow Rand Limited holding of the H. Eckstein and Company Archives, which offers an integral coverage of that firm's dealings with the emerging industry, and which is certainly the most comprehensive source of information available to the researcher, little material relating to specific gold mining companies has survived. Under these circumstances it was necessary to rely heavily for information on the local press. These newspapers proved an invaluable source in this regard. As a mining camp with a limited capacity for generating newsworthy incidents, the newspapers of early Johannesburg found an eager readership for information about the industry which lay at the heart of the community. For their part, the managements of the various mining companies found in the pages of the local press an outlet for intelligence both true and false; the press was a useful vehicle for the publication of directors' and annual reports to meet a wider audience, but similarly it could be and was used to disseminate 'spectacular' reports calculated to influence the status of a company's stock on the local share market. As a research source the press has thus to be approached with caution but its value, if the warning is heeded, is in no way diminished. Beyond these two sources the next most valuable accumulation of data on the early industry is "The Gold Fields Collection" housed in the Cory Library for Historical Research at Rhodes University. As a collection it is far from complete and it is to be hoped that the donors will in future see fit to augment it with further material as this becomes available. It neverthess proved an invaluable source for the investigation of at least one of the companies of the study and for a general background to the industry.

The East Vaal area of the South African Post Office is faced with a high rate of teller absenteeism, which has been observed to be as high as 15 per cent. This adds to the cost of providing quality service to the company’s customers. The objectives of this study are to determine the factors that lead to the high rate of absenteeism in the East Vaal area and to make recommendations to the area management that could improve the attendance behaviour of the tellers in the area. To achieve these objectives, 51 questionnaires were prepared and handed out to the tellers with absenteeism rates of more than three percent in the East Vaal area to be completed. Face-to-face interviews with both the tellers and their branch managers were conducted. Absenteeism records and Employee Assistance Programme reports were also studied to collect more data. The findings highlighted lack of rewards for employees who reported for work regularly; employee illness; no recognition for good work performance; tellers receiving insufficient remuneration for their work; poor working conditions; and poor management style as the main reasons for the tellers taking unscheduled leave of absence. Based on the key findings, the main recommendations were that appropriate mechanisms for acknowledging and rewarding good work performance and attendance behaviour should be in place; a sick-leave pool system accessible to tellers should be introduced; establishment of performance evaluation and rewards for tellers; and introducing management practices which lead to a more open expression of opinion and participatory problem-solving / Business Management / Thesis (M.Tech. (Business Management))

The Wonderfontein Cave is located within the Witwatersrand Basin (Gauteng province, South Africa) and is associated with the river banks of the Wonderfontein Spruit. This cave system has for many years been subjected to the influx of polluted mine water. Since subterranean environments remain poorly studied, it is unknown what the effect of this might be on the associated ecosystem. Furthermore, water that enters the Wonderfontein Cave poses a severe health threat as it drains into the underlying aquifer, which is abstracted for human and animal use. The general aim of this study was to determine the extent of metal pollution (enrichment), as well as to study the toxicity hazard potential of the soils and sediments associated with the Wonderfontein Cave. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the extent of anthropogenic metal pollution of water, soils and sediments associated with the Wonderfontein Cave (2) and assessing the toxicity hazard potential of these substrates; (3) determining whether nematode taxa and C. gariepinus individuals represent isolated communities and a population within the Wonderfontein Cave, respectively; (4) measuring the effect of mining-associated pollutants on the soil and sediment health of the Wonderfontein Cave by making use of nematodes to serve as bioindicators; (5) evaluating and comparing biomarker responses to metal bioaccumulation in C. gariepinus populations associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and epigean (surface) environments and lastly (6) comparing the results of the above identified assessments over both a temporal and spatial scale. Sampling was undertaken during April (1st sampling interval) and September (2nd sampling interval) 2013, which respectively represented the end of the high and low flow periods. Also, sampling of the subterranean (Wonderfontein Cave) and associated surface (Wonderfontein Spruit) environments were undertaken. The findings of this study suggested that especially the sediments associated with the Wonderfontein Cave have been subjected to severe nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt, aluminium, cadmium, lead and uranium enrichment. Also, the concentrations of many of the studied metals exceeded the respective water, soil and sediment environmental quality guidelines. Thus, also taking into consideration that most of the sediments were classified as being toxic, a severe threat is posed to the health of the associated biota. Although 60 nematode genera were identified from soil and sediments samples collected from the respective sampling sites associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and Spruit, it was concluded that most of these genera were likely only temporary residents of the subterranean environment. Even though plant-parasitic and nonparasitic nematodes were present, most of the collected soil and sediment samples were dominated by bacterivores (non-parasitic nematodes). Zero genetic divergence was recorded between the C. gariepinus populations associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and Stoffels Dam (Wonderfontein Spruit). However, significant temporal and spatial variation was observed in some bioaccumulated metals and biomarker responses within and between the respective C. gariepinus populations. Furthermore, the metal bioaccumulation levels present in both these fish populations pose a substantial threat to human health and are thus not fit for consumption. Also, no significant fish condition differences were observed between the C. gariepinus populations associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and Spruit. This study served as an initiative to create awareness and promote the conservation of Africa’s karst landscapes. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The Wonderfontein Cave is located within the Witwatersrand Basin (Gauteng province, South Africa) and is associated with the river banks of the Wonderfontein Spruit. This cave system has for many years been subjected to the influx of polluted mine water. Since subterranean environments remain poorly studied, it is unknown what the effect of this might be on the associated ecosystem. Furthermore, water that enters the Wonderfontein Cave poses a severe health threat as it drains into the underlying aquifer, which is abstracted for human and animal use. The general aim of this study was to determine the extent of metal pollution (enrichment), as well as to study the toxicity hazard potential of the soils and sediments associated with the Wonderfontein Cave. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the extent of anthropogenic metal pollution of water, soils and sediments associated with the Wonderfontein Cave (2) and assessing the toxicity hazard potential of these substrates; (3) determining whether nematode taxa and C. gariepinus individuals represent isolated communities and a population within the Wonderfontein Cave, respectively; (4) measuring the effect of mining-associated pollutants on the soil and sediment health of the Wonderfontein Cave by making use of nematodes to serve as bioindicators; (5) evaluating and comparing biomarker responses to metal bioaccumulation in C. gariepinus populations associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and epigean (surface) environments and lastly (6) comparing the results of the above identified assessments over both a temporal and spatial scale. Sampling was undertaken during April (1st sampling interval) and September (2nd sampling interval) 2013, which respectively represented the end of the high and low flow periods. Also, sampling of the subterranean (Wonderfontein Cave) and associated surface (Wonderfontein Spruit) environments were undertaken. The findings of this study suggested that especially the sediments associated with the Wonderfontein Cave have been subjected to severe nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt, aluminium, cadmium, lead and uranium enrichment. Also, the concentrations of many of the studied metals exceeded the respective water, soil and sediment environmental quality guidelines. Thus, also taking into consideration that most of the sediments were classified as being toxic, a severe threat is posed to the health of the associated biota. Although 60 nematode genera were identified from soil and sediments samples collected from the respective sampling sites associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and Spruit, it was concluded that most of these genera were likely only temporary residents of the subterranean environment. Even though plant-parasitic and nonparasitic nematodes were present, most of the collected soil and sediment samples were dominated by bacterivores (non-parasitic nematodes). Zero genetic divergence was recorded between the C. gariepinus populations associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and Stoffels Dam (Wonderfontein Spruit). However, significant temporal and spatial variation was observed in some bioaccumulated metals and biomarker responses within and between the respective C. gariepinus populations. Furthermore, the metal bioaccumulation levels present in both these fish populations pose a substantial threat to human health and are thus not fit for consumption. Also, no significant fish condition differences were observed between the C. gariepinus populations associated with the Wonderfontein Cave and Spruit. This study served as an initiative to create awareness and promote the conservation of Africa’s karst landscapes. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology) / It is an accepted fact that the incidence of coronary heart disease has reached endemic proportions in South Africa. One of the fastest growing clinical populations in this domain is that of the coronary artery bypass patient. As a result the facilities catering to the biomedical needs of this population are amongst the most sophisticated in the world. However, facilities for the effective psychosocial rehabilitation of these patients are relatively scarce. When they are addressed they tend to focus essentially on secondary emotional factors impeding reintegration back into society. A sadly neglected psychosocial factor and independent risk factor is that of the Type A behaviour pattern. Extensive research in this area has not only found this behaviour pattern to be detrimental to effective rehabilitation but has also found it to be instrumental in the reocclusion of grafted blood vessels resulting in an elevated re-operation rate as well as putting these patients at risk for a potentially fatal coronary event. In an attempt to address this problem a rehabilitation group intervention program adapted for South African conditions was launched. This program was based on the Recurrent Coronary Prone Prevention Project intended for the treatment of post-myocardial infarct patients in San Francisco. Essentially the aim of the project was to ascertain whether this intervention could be applied effectively to the coronary artery bypass population and whether its duration could significantly shortened so as to be more economically viable given the limited economic resources characteristic of the health care services in this country. The modified programme was administered to a group of 13 post-coronary artery bypass graft patients at two local cardiac rehabilitation centres. A second group of 10 patients at these same centres served as a no-treatment waiting list control group, while simultaneously undergoing an aerobic exercise and cardiovascular counselling programme. Results of the study indicate the modified programme to be highly successful in modifying Type A behaviour and its components within the South African context in the post coronary artery bypass patient samples exposed to it. Comparisons of the experimental and control groups after the intervention showed statistically significant differences on the majority of measures. Thus it was- concluded that the modified programme has the potential to be an invaluable aid in the treatment of .this population in South Africa. Presently, however, this sample is being monitored longitudinally in order to ensure that the treatment benefits remain.

M.A. (Geography) / Fast growing urbanisation in South Africa has resulted in a shortage of housing. Therefore, a programme of informal housing projects was undertaken. The planning of these informal settlements was detrimental because it was done under crisis management. Informal housing will develop over time to formal urban residence and must therefore be properly planned. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of Orange Farm as an informal housing area. The goal was achieved by concentrating on certain physiographical (geology, soil, relief, vegetation and climate) and human aspects. Certain physiographical and human aspects were superimposed to establish areas suitable for informal settlement development. The process was aided by using a Geographic Information System. The fmding of the study was that no area in Orange Farm was suitable for informal settlement development. Areas of more and less suitability were indicated according to the physiographical aspects. The study stressed the role of the Government in addressing the problems of planning an informal settlement. Proper informal settlement planning is necessary to assure that these settlements can develop into healthy formal settlements with minimal cost and time. This research proposes certain factors to be considered very carefully in the planning of informal settlements, for ego detailed geological surveys, soil surveys, vegetation research, climatological research and assessment of costs to supply the necessary services and infrastructure. The above-mentioned factors must be taken into consideration, and therefore be analysed, for each settlement as well as the demographical, economical and cultural characteristics of the specific population group in the settlement.

D.Phil. / Over a century gold exploration and extraction on the central Witwatersrand has left a legacy of mine residue deposits. Although there have been numerous complaints and claims of health effects associated with dust from these residue deposits, mostly these have been dismissed as mere nuisance. This study hypothesized that gold mine tailings on the Witwatersrand pose significant health risks to the nearby communities due to respirable airborne tailings material. Preliminary review of information on the tailings led to the insight that tailings source material and atmospheric properties at receptor sites are poorly characterized from the point of view of particle size-mass distributions. For years, routine monitoring of emissions from tailings storage facilities has been limited to sampling of dust fallout (settlable particles ≥ 30 μm). A suite of fifty four source samples (thirty-six slime, six newer slime and twelve sand) were collected from tailings storage facilities along the mining corridor covering deposits in the Carltonville area through to Springs. Size class characterization of source material was performed in the diameter range 0.05 μm to 900 μm using a Malvern® MS-14 Particle Analyser with 64 channels, from which the respirable (dp< 5 μm) and thoracic (dp < 10 μm) components were measured. Secondly, source materials were sieved (using a sieving cloth) in dp < 5 and < 10 μm fractions and the data derived was used in validating the size class results from the Malvern® MS-14 Particle Analyser before subjecting the samples to chemical analyses (elemental, mineralogical and radioactivity). Two years of continuous dust fall samples were collected in two different residential areas close to selected tailings storage facilities and subjected to similar size class characterization with the Malvern® MS-14 Particle Analyser. Further, continuous size-mass characterization of airborne aerosols was conducted in two different locations in the vicinity of tailings storage facilities with the Grimm® aerosol particle counter, in the diameter range 0.25 μm to 32 μm. The Grimm® aerosol particle counter was collocated with the MicroVol® PM10 filter sampler ambient monitor. The risk zones around selected tailings storage facilities were established by conducting dispersion modeling with American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD). The spatial evolution of tailings storage facilities and built-up areas is assessed using multiple aerial photographic images, covering four periods from 1952 to 2008. Overall, detailed spatial analysis was conducted and human inhabitants are now at greater risk than before. We have quantified the number of inhabitants living within the high-risk zone surrounding selected tailings storage facilities. The combined areas occupied by tailings storage facilities have increased from ~4 km2 (1952) to 10 km2 (2002); and residential areas ~4 km2 (1952) to 27 km2 (2002) within a buffer of 2 km. Population grew between 1952 and 2002 by a factor x29 at Crown Gold Recoveries; x43 at Durban Roodepoort Deep (from 1976); and x25 at East Rand Proprietary Mines.

M.Ed. (Psychology of Education) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

A research report submitted to the WITS School of Education, Faculty of Humanities; University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education by combination of coursework and research, Johannesburg, 2017 / Student success at university is dependent on various academic and non-academic factors. Some students may face barriers to their success due to these factors. Academic development for students and staff, as well as student support programmes can play an important role in helping students to overcome the barriers they may be experiencing. This study aims to differentiate between different forms of academic development and student support, and their functions as well as to understand how these types of programmes or initiatives were conceptualised and operationalized at WITS. An important aim was to understand the provision of academic development and student support from the top-down, through examining WITS‟s policies on these issues. This was done through a comparative case study of two Schools in different Faculties at WITS. A series of interviews was conducted with practitioners working within programmes, at Faculty and School-level, and those who have had extensive experience within the field. What emerges from this research is that there are different programmes or initiatives in place in both Schools. These include teaching and learning development initiatives, student academic development programmes and student support programmes. However, without a policy or guidelines, the nature of academic development and student support tends to be uneven and each of the practitioners had varied perspectives based on their experiences in the field. There are various challenges faced by the programmes, but these are navigated differently by the practitioners given their context and agency. This unevenness and the varied experiences of the practitioners in this study tend to suggest the need for a policy to guide the implementation of academic development and student support. / XL2019