Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / This research examines the ways in which local residents living in close proximity to the event perceived the Berg River Canoe Marathon as a major event in the Western Cape. By identif'ying these different patterns ofperceptions within the community, it is possible to gain a better understanding of both the tangible and intangible impacts of events and how they differently affect the quality of life of local residents as individuals and the community as a whole. The research method was based on a convenient sampling approach. A questionnaire survey of two hundred residents was conducted and five different dimensions of perceiving the impacts of events were examined ranging from extremely negative to very positive. The impacts analysed included social, economic and environmental impacts. The residents in all the five locations perceived community pride and entertainment to be very positive and were in favour ofthe continuation of the event. 1n profiling the residents who held each of the representations identified, it was found that the most negative group was those residents who had little or no involvement in tourism and are not interested in canoeing as a sport. Thus, it is necessary for event organisers and event managers to get the members of community involved in the planning and management of the event to spread the benefits to a larger portion of the community.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 2006 / The concept of service quality within sport tourism is important and plays a major role in differentiating each sport tourism product from its competitors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of service quality within South African sport tourism and in the tourism industry in general, by focusing on a specific case study, the Berg River Canoe Marathon. The study discussed the importance of service quality within sport tourism, while the methods and instruments applicable to assess the level of service quality within sport tourism, were also addressed. The survey was conducted across selected viewpoints, which included the starting and the finishing points of the marathon. A total of 100 survey questionnaires were distributed to spectators and participants at the event using purposive sampling, while stratified random sampling was used to determine the viewpoints. The SERVQUAL dimensions were incorporated in the questionnaires as the basis to determine the level of service delivery at the event. The key fmdings for the study include a lack of service delivery consistency across the selected areas, the acceptance of service delivery by some respondents owing to the nature of the event and less interaction between event organisers and spectators. In addition, the starting and the finishing points were the areas, which were found to deliver high quality services

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Previous studies have shown that the use of chloride mass balance (CMB) method is a suitable and practical approach to estimate groundwater recharge. This enables the prediction of groundwater availability to inform practical strategies for managing groundwater resources. However, such studies have largely applied the chloride mass balance method on national and catchment scales with limited focus on quaternary catchment level (QCL). Neglecting the chloride mass balance method at quaternary catchment level limits practical management and utilization of water resources at quaternary catchment level. The goal of the current study was to prove that 1) the chloride mass balance method should be applied at quaternary catchment level to ensure practical assessment of groundwater availability and that 2) chloride mass balance assessment should be accompanied with supplementary methods for its application in quaternary catchments of similar physiographic and hydrogeologic conditions. To achieve these goals, the present study assessed the application of chloride mass balance method on a pilot scale used alongside rainwater infiltration breakthrough (RIB) and water table fluctuation (WTF) methods to estimate the groundwater recharge as an indicator of groundwater availability. The pilot area (PA) was in the upper Berg River catchment in Western Cape in South Africa. Chloride concentrations were determined in groundwater samples collected from boreholes and rain water in rain gauges in the pilot area. Rainfall and borehole water levels in the pilot area were used in water table fluctuation and rainwater infiltration breakthrough analyses. As quality assurance, the specific yield data obtained from the pumping test were compared to those determined with the linear regression model. This established the reliability of the analysis i.e. the relationship between groundwater level and rainfall. Mean groundwater recharge values calculated using the chloride mass balance, rainwater infiltration breakthrough and water table fluctuation methods were 27.6 %, 23.67 %, and 22.7 % of the total precipitation received in the catchment, respectively. These results indicate that the use of these three methods have potential to estimate groundwater recharge at quaternary level which is the basic unit of water management in South Africa. These findings agree with previous studies conducted in the same catchment that indicate that mean groundwater recharge ranges between 18.6 % and 28 % of the total precipitation. In the future, these methods could be tested in catchments which have physiographic and hydrogeologic conditions similar to those of the current pilot area. / African Union (AU)

Magister Scientiae (Integrated Water Resource Management) / The Klein Berg River catchment is intensely cultivated with orchards, vineyards and wheat, while also ensuring a water supply to the main urban center, Tulbagh, and the two conservation areas (Waterval and Groot Winterhoek). The primary objective of this thesis is to determine channel change over a long and short time period, and to relate these changes to landuse change within the catchment. Assessing stability of a selected reach within the catchment was done on a short term basis with the use of erosion pins and cross profiles, while aerial photographs of over 55 years (acquired during 1942, 1967, 1987 and 1997) which were analysed using Geographic Informations Systems. Rainfall and discharge data, which were available for a period of 49-years were statistically analysed and used to determine trends. Vegetation characteristics were assessed by means of transects within the study reach. The results over the short time period (18 months) indicate noticeable channel change in the form of erosion and deposition within the channel. Bank material composition and riparian invasive alien vegetation play an important role in bank stability. Sand was the dominant grain size of the bank material, and fluvial entrainment occurred during periods of high flow. Woody alien trees prevent the growth of protective ground vegetation, and thus the soil is prone to erosion. Undercutting was also observed with the invasive woody trees, resulting in treefall. Debris dams were also common in the channel and depending on their position in the channel, either cause or prevent bank erosion. Landuse change over the 55-year period illustrated its effects on channel stability. Shrublands within the catchment has been replaced with invasive alien vegetation along the riparian zone, while shrublands along the Obiekwa Mountains, were replaced with cultivated lands. The patterns (shape and size) of lateral and point bars within the study area changed significantly within the 55-year period, which indicates a change in the discharge and sediment dynamics within the catchment. The change in sediment dynamics may be due to agricultural activities and urbanization. The increased trend in rainfall, especially during the winter season within the catchment is also an important catchment control. The study has revealed the integrated nature of variables within the catchment. It is thus recommended that a holistic and integrated approach at a catchment scale is required in the assessment of channel change of a river. / South Africa

Thesis (MSc Food Sc (Food Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Over the last decade, studies on the quality of the water in many of South Africa.s rivers revealed an increase in pollution levels (DWAF, 1996; DWAF, 2000). In agricultural areas of the Western Cape many farmers draw water for irrigation from nearby rivers without knowing what the microbial pollution level is. In order to investigate the current quality of river water in some of the Western Cape.s major rivers and to explore the possibility of pathogen carryover from water onto produce, this research project was initiated. In an exploratory study over a five month period, the microbiological and water chemistry of three selected sites from the upper Berg and two from the Plankenbrug Rivers were assessed. Studied organisms included Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria, endosporeformers, coliforms, Escherichia coli and intestinal Enterococci, while the chemical analysis consisted of pH, alkalinity, conductivity and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Faecal coliform counts ranging from 540 to 1 700 000 cfu.100ml-1 and 490 to 160 000 cfu.100ml-1 were found for the Berg and Plankenbrug Rivers, respectively. The water temperature ranged from 12º to 21ºC with COD values always below 100 mg.L-1. Potential human pathogens such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria, endosporeformers, E. coli and intestinal Enterococci were frequently isolated from all five sites that were sampled. These results are of great concern to farmers, fresh produce retailers and consumers alike as the river water is regularly drawn for irrigation of produce that is later consumed raw or after a minimal processing step. From the exploratory study it was concluded that the water from all the sites were not suitable for use in irrigation practices as they regularly exceeded the guidelines for faecal coliforms and E.coli as set out by South African authorities. Irrigation with faecally polluted river water is one way that fruit and vegetables can become contaminated with foodborne pathogens. The risk of disease transmission from potential pathogens present in the irrigation water is influenced by the microbial load present and the numbers carried over to the produce. In this study the carry-over and survival of Escherichia coli on green beans, sugar-snap peas and cocktail tomatoes was assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. The produce was exposed to E.coli under different combinations of exposure times (5, 15 or 30 min), drying times (30 or 120 min) and different inoculum concentration ranges (107, 105, 104, 10³ and 10ª). In all cases a reduction of at least one log value in original inoculum number was found with the 10ª inoculums showing no survivors. Follow-up studies with an exposure time of 60 min and increased drying times of 6 or 12 h. Neither of these parameter changes affected the variation in numbers for the same inoculum or the E.coli survivors. Similar E.coli loads to those detected on the green beans were detected on the sugar-snap peas. The number of survivors on the cocktail tomatoes was much lower than found for the beans and peas. The number of survivors on the cocktail tomatoes was much lower than found for the beans and peas. This was attributed the 'smooth'surface of the tomato skin probably making attachment of the E.coli bacteria difficult. With the exception of the 10ª inoculum range, all E.coli survivors detected on the three types of produce studied exceeded the guideline numbers set for fresh produce. If similar survival patterns are to be found in the environment then results from this study should serve as a warning that the Plankenburg river water is unsafe for use in the irrigation of fresh produce. Some farmers are already treating river water with chlorine prior to irrigation to eliminate the chance of pathogen transfer onto produce. However, this is not a feasible solution for most farmers due to the high cost of implementing a system such as this. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Oor die afgelope tien jaar het studies oor die gehalte van die water in baie van Suid-Afrika se riviere 'n toename in besoedelingsvlakke getoon. Baie boere in landbou gebiede van die Wes-Kaap wat watertrek vir besproeiing uit die nabygelee riviere is onbewus van die mikrobiese besoedelingsvlak van die rivier. Hierdie navorsingsprojek is geinisieer ten einde die huidige gehalte van die water in sommige van die Wes-Kaap se riviere te monitor, asook die moontlikheid van patogeen oordrag van die water na vars produkte te ondersoek. Met behulp van 'n verkennende studie oor . vyf maande tydperk, is die mikrobiologiese en water chemie kenmerke van drie geselekteerde moniteringspunte uit die boonste Bergrivier, en twee uit die Plankenburgrivier bemonster. Die bestudeerde organismes het ingesluit: Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria, endosporeformers, fekale kolivorme, Escherichia coli en intestinale Enterococci. Die chemiese parameters het bestaan uit pH, alkaliniteit, geleiding, temperatuur en chemiese suurstof behoeftes (CSB). Fekale kolivorme tellings het gewissel van 540 - 1 700 000 cfu.100ml-1 en 490 tot 160 000 cfu.100ml-1 is gevind vir die Berg- en Plankenburgriviere, onderskeidelik. Die water temperatuur het gewissel van 12 º tot 21ºC met die CSB-waarde altyd onder 100 mg.L-1. Potensiele menslike patogene soos Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria, endosporeformers, E. coli en intestinale Enterococci is dikwels geisoleer uit al vyf die moniteringspunte. Hierdie resultate is van groot belang vir boere, kleinhandelaars en varsprodukte verbruikers omdat die riviere se water gereeld onttrek word vir besproeiing van produkte wat later gebruik word in rou of in minimale geprosesseerde vorm. Vanuit die verkennende en uit die langer termyn studie (12 maande) is die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat die water vanuit die riviere nie geskik is vir gebruik in besproeiingspraktyke waar die riglyne vir fekale kolivorme en E. coli, soos uiteengesit deur die Suid-Afrikaanse owerhede, gereeld oorskry word nie. Besproeiing met fekale besoedelde rivierwater is een manier waarop groente en vrugte besmet kan word met voedsel patogene. Die risiko vir die oordrag van moontlike patogene teenwoordig in die besproeiingswater word beinvloed deur die mikrobiese lading teenwoordig en die getalle wat oorgedra word na die produkte. In hierdie studie is die oordrag en oorlewing van E. coli op groenboontjies, ertjies en tamaties onder beheerde laboratoriumtoestande beoordeel. Die produkte is blootgestel aan E. coli onder verskillende kombinasies van blootstellingstydperke (5, 15 of 30 min), drogingstye (30 of 120 min) en verskillende inokulum konsentrasies (107, 105, 104, 10³ en 10ª). In elke geval is . afname van ten minste een log waarde van die oorspronklike inokulum konsentrasie gevind. Die 10ª inokulum reeks het geen oorlewende selle getoon nie. Opvolg studies is gedoen met 'n blootstellingstyd van 60 min en verlengde drogingstye van 6 of 12 uur. Daar is gevind dat hierdie parameter veranderings die variasie in getalle vir dieselfde inokulum of die oorlewende E. coli nie beinvloed het nie. Soortgelyke E. coli ladings wat op die groenbone aangetref is, is ook op die ertjies aangetref. Die aantal oorlewendes op die tamaties was heelwat laer as die resultate vir die boontjies en ertjies. Dit word toegeskryf aan die "gladde" oppervlak van die tamatie-vel wat waarskynlik die aanhegting van die E. coli selle bemoeilik. Met die uitsondering van die 10ª inokulum reeks, het al die E. coli oorlewende selle gevind op die drie tipes produkte, die riglyn getalle oorskry wat vir vars produkte gestel is. As soortgelyke oorlewingspatrone gevind word in die omgewing, behoort die resultate van hierdie studie as waarskuwing te dien dat die water van die Plankenburgrivier ongeskik is vir die besproeiing van vars produkte. Sommige boere is reeds besig met chloor behandeling van die rivierwater voor besproeiing, om die kans van patogeenoordrag na die produkte uit te skakel. Dit is egter nie 'n haalbare oplossing vir die meeste boere nie as gevolg van die hoe kostes verbonde aan die implementering van' n stelsel soos hierdie.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A study was conducted between 2000 and 2002 in the lower Berg River catchment of the semi-arid Western Cape Province to investigate the effect of irrigation developments (wheat fields to table grapes) on the quality of the Berg River as well as the sustainability of these developments. This study was necessitated by the mineralisation of both the Breede and Berg River, probably due to irrigation together with the higher pressure on these water resources from the growing demand for fresh water from the Cape Town metropolitan area. Water and Salt balances of two dominant soil patterns (Glenrosa/Swartland and Oakleaf/Hutton soil forms) from the catchment area were monitored at two localities. Vineyard blocks of different ages in the same soil forms were used to study the effect of irrigation over time. The electrical conductivity of the soil water extracts (ECe) was measured three times over depth at the selected sites and the quality of irrigation and drainage return-flow were monitored. Soil water storing capacities of these stony (high rough fragment' fractions) soils were also characterised for more efficient drainage quantity prediction. Glenrosa/Swartland soils showed the highest ECe's (200-400 mx.m") that decreased significantly after four to five years of irrigation and distribution became more uniform over depth. These high salt concentrations were explained due to natural occurrence of salts, mineral weathering and salts from the irrigation water. Oakleaf/Hutton soils showed lower ECe's « 200 nfS.m") but they are subject to the quality of the irrigation water, which is not that constant over years. Localised salt accumulation was observed due to the irrigation method and became more prominent over years. Drainage quantities were under predicted because of the big/high rough fragment fractions and the occurrence of preferential-flow. This prohibited the accurate calculation of the soil water house holding characteristics. It also led to the under calculation of salt return-flow, but it was very evident that the most salt retumflow occurred from the Glenrosa/Swartland soils. Effective irrigation management to achieve and maintain optimal soil water levels and to reduce the negative impact of high ECe's is essential for the sustainability of these irrigation developments. At present it does not seem that the irrigation return-flow is causing dramatic mineralisation of the lower Berg River, but it is a situation that must be monitored as the developments extent and become older (come into production). It seems that irrigation return-flow only has an influence on the quality of the river at the beginning of such a development, but after about three years the influence directly correlates with the quality of irrigation water and mineral weathering. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Studie is gedurende die jare 2000 tot 2002 in die benede Bergrivier opvanggebied van die semi-ariede Wes-Kaap Provinsie gedoen om die effek van besproeiingsontwikkelings (koringlande na tafeldruiwe) op die kwaliteit van die Bergrivier se water, asook die volhoubaarheid van besproeiingslandbou te ondersoek. Hierdie studie was genoodsaak deur toenemende versouting van beide die Breede- en Bergrivier, waarskynlik a.g.v. besproeiing, tesarne met groter druk op hierdie waterbronne van wee die groeiende aanvraag na vars water deur die Kaapstadse metropool. Water- en soutbalanse van twee dominante grondpatrone (Glenrosa/Swartland en Oakleaf/Hutton grondvorms) binne die opvanggebied was by twee lokaliteite gemoniteer. Wingerdblokke van verskillende ouderdomme binne dieselfde grondvorms is gebruik om die effek van besproeiing oor tyd te ondersoek. Die elektriese geleiding van die grondwaterekstrak (EGe) was drie maal op verskillende dieptes by geselekteerde persele gemeet en die kwaliteit van besproeiingswater en dreineringsterugvloei was deurgaans gemoniteer. Grondwaterstoringskapasiteite van hierdie klipryke ( hoe 'growwe fragment fraksie) gronde was ook gekarakteriseer vir meer doeltreffende voorspellings van dreineringshoeveelhede. Glenrosa/Swartland gronde het die hoogste EGe's getoon (200-400 mx.m') wat na vier tot vyf jaar se besproeiing aansienlik afgeneem het en meer uniform met diepte versprei was. Die hoe soutkonsentrasies is veroorsaak deur die natuurlike voorkoms van sout in die grond, minerale verwering en sout vanuit die besproeiingswater. Oakleaf/Hutton gronde het laer EGe's getoon « 200 mS.m-I ), maar hierdie gronde se soutinhoud is ook onderhewig aan die kwaliteit van die besproeiingswater en dreinering wat oor jare nie baie konstant was en nog is nie. Gelokaliseerde soutaansarneling tussen wingerdrye is ook waargeneem a.g.v. die besproeiingsmetode en dit word meer prominent oor jare. Dreineringshoeveelhede was onder-voorspel a.g.v. die groot/hoe growwe fragment fraksies en voorkoms van voorkeurvloei, wat die akkurate modellering van grondwaterhuishouding beperk het. Dit het ook daartoe gelei dat soutterugvloei ondervoorspel was, maar dit was duidelik dat die meeste soutterugvloei vanuit die Glenrosa/Swartland gronde plaasvind. Effektiewe besproeiingsbestuur, om optimale grondwaterpeile te handhaaf en om negatiewe effekte van hoe EGe te beperk, is noodsaaklik vir die volhoubaarheid van hierdie tipe besproeiingsontwikkelings. Tans blyk dit nie of besproeiingsterugvloei drarnatiese versouting van die benede Bergrivier veroorsaak nie, maar dit is egter 'n situasie wat deeglik gemoniteer moet word soos wat ontwikkelings uitbrei en ouer word (in produksie kom). Besproeiingsterugvloei het dus net aan die begin van so 'n ontwikkelling 'n invloed op die EG van die rivier, maar na ongeveer drie jaar hou die invloed direk verband met die kwaliteit van die besproeiingswater en minerale verwenng.

The Klein Berg River catchment is intensely cultivated with orchards, vineyards and wheat, while also ensuring a water supply to the main urban center, Tulbagh, and the two conservation areas (Waterval and Groot Winterhoek). The primary objective of this thesis is to determine channel change over a long and short time period, and to relate these changes to landuse change within the catchment. <br /> <br /> Assessing stability of a selected reach within the catchment was done on a short term basis with the use of erosion pins and cross<br /> profiles, while aerial photographs of over 55 years (acquired during 1942, 1967, 1987 and 1997) which were analysed using Geographic Informations Systems. Rainfall and discharge data, which were available for a period of 49-years were statistically analysed and used to determine trends. Vegetation characteristics were assessed by means of transects within the study reach. The results over the short time period (18 months) indicate noticeable channel change in the form of erosion and deposition within the channel. Bank material composition and riparian invasive alien vegetation play an important role in bank stability. Sand was the dominant grain size of the bank material, and fluvial entrainment occurred during periods of high flow. Woody alien trees prevent the growth of protective ground vegetation, and thus the soil is prone to erosion. Undercutting was also observed with the invasive woody trees, resulting in treefall. Debris dams were also common in the channel and depending on their position in the channel, either cause or prevent bank erosion. Landuse change over the 55-year period illustrated its effects on channel stability. Shrublands within the catchment has been replaced with invasive alien vegetation along the riparian zone, while shrublands along the Obiekwa Mountains, were replaced with cultivated lands. The patterns (shape and size) of lateral and point bars within the study area changed significantly within the 55-year period, which indicates a change in the discharge and sediment dynamics within the catchment. The change in sediment dynamics may be due to agricultural activities and urbanization. The increased trend in rainfall, especially during the winter season within the catchment is also an important catchment control. The study has revealed the integrated nature of variables within the catchment. It is thus recommended that a holistic and integrated approach at a catchment scale is required in the assessment of channel change of a river.

The Klein Berg River catchment is intensely cultivated with orchards, vineyards and wheat, while also ensuring a water supply to the main urban center, Tulbagh, and the two conservation areas (Waterval and Groot Winterhoek). The primary objective of this thesis is to determine channel change over a long and short time period, and to relate these changes to landuse change within the catchment. <br /> <br /> Assessing stability of a selected reach within the catchment was done on a short term basis with the use of erosion pins and cross<br /> profiles, while aerial photographs of over 55 years (acquired during 1942, 1967, 1987 and 1997) which were analysed using Geographic Informations Systems. Rainfall and discharge data, which were available for a period of 49-years were statistically analysed and used to determine trends. Vegetation characteristics were assessed by means of transects within the study reach. The results over the short time period (18 months) indicate noticeable channel change in the form of erosion and deposition within the channel. Bank material composition and riparian invasive alien vegetation play an important role in bank stability. Sand was the dominant grain size of the bank material, and fluvial entrainment occurred during periods of high flow. Woody alien trees prevent the growth of protective ground vegetation, and thus the soil is prone to erosion. Undercutting was also observed with the invasive woody trees, resulting in treefall. Debris dams were also common in the channel and depending on their position in the channel, either cause or prevent bank erosion. Landuse change over the 55-year period illustrated its effects on channel stability. Shrublands within the catchment has been replaced with invasive alien vegetation along the riparian zone, while shrublands along the Obiekwa Mountains, were replaced with cultivated lands. The patterns (shape and size) of lateral and point bars within the study area changed significantly within the 55-year period, which indicates a change in the discharge and sediment dynamics within the catchment. The change in sediment dynamics may be due to agricultural activities and urbanization. The increased trend in rainfall, especially during the winter season within the catchment is also an important catchment control. The study has revealed the integrated nature of variables within the catchment. It is thus recommended that a holistic and integrated approach at a catchment scale is required in the assessment of channel change of a river.

Thesis (DTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. / Includes bibliographies. Also available online.

Thesis (DTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. / Bibliography: leaves 208-236. Also available online.