Word processed copy. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-175). / In this thesis I draw on experiences in a particular neighbourhood within the Lagunya townships, New Crossroads, in order to examine the realities of local government housing administration at the local scale. The New Crossroads housing allocation process illustrates the insider/outsider polemic and the ways in which complex interrelationships developed between the local authorities and the community leadership structures, between the New Crossroads community and the residents of townships surrounding them, and among the residents of the New Crossroads community themselves. Such interactions speak to the ways in which both state and community actors adopted multiple and sometimes-dissimilar identities in order to access resources such as housing and to navigate the highly politicised terrain of the townships during the BLA era.

Includes abstract. / Includes bibliographical references. / This thesis explores the management of supermarket food waste in Cape Town. In doing so it highlights both its underutilisation and its potential transition from waste to resource. Through an extended micro study of a single case study store it traces the management of food waste from the supermarket into the wider systems of waste management in the city. It then explores the barriers and potentials for managing food waste further as a resource. While recycling has increased in the city over the past decade, this thesis demonstrates that at present there does not exist a comprehensive system for the recycling of supermarket food waste, particularly non-edible and animal protein wastes. As a result most of this waste is sent to landfill where it causes environmental damage and endangers human health.

Future climate change is generally believed to lead to an increase in climate variability and inthe frequency and intensity of extreme events. Mozambique is well known for its occurrenceof severe weather and extreme climate events such as floods, tropical cyclones and droughts.Such events have serious impacts on the livelihoods of most people who often rely on subsistence agriculture.This dissertation explores possible changes in extremes in temperature and precipitation over Mozambique, based on high-resolution (25 km) simulations of the regional climate model system PRECIS (HadRM3P), forced by the ECHAM4 global mode.

Includes bibliographical references. / Small-scale fisheries are increasingly seen as complex socio-ecological systems, requiring alternative management approaches. These new approaches to natural resource management advocate the inclusion of resource users in all aspects of management, including monitoring. Research suggests that involvement of local resource users in resource monitoring is beneficial as it promotes local empowerment, community stewardship and contributes to social and resource sustainability. This study aims to contribute knowledge about the nature and effectiveness of a community-based fisheries monitoring system at the Olifants River estuary in South Africa and documents lessons learned. This research reports on the revision and revitalisation of an existing community monitoring program operating at the Olifants River estuary and presents the results of data gathered from this one year monitoring program. It also compares these results with data gathered from previous years when the monitoring system was operational. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the community monitoring system are discussed. A participatory research approach was followed by employing members of the Olifants River community as catch monitors and working closely with the fishers and monitors to better understand their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the monitoring system. Findings of this research suggest that despite weaknesses in the community monitoring system, the data gathered provided useful information about the catch effort trends for the fishery for the year under consideration and also enabled some comparisons of selected fisheries indicators with previous data to be made. These comparisons suggest that catch per unit effort for the target species, harder (Liza richardsonii) is stable and there is no indication of overexploitation of this resource. A key weakness of the monitoring is that it is ad hoc and funding is insecure. Due to poverty levels in the community, local monitors may take up short-term employment opportunities in the community and thus neglect their monitoring responsibilities. This means that the data sets are not comprehensive. Key strengths include the fact that it is simple, cost effective and can be implemented by community members. Furthermore, local involvement in resource monitoring builds capacity and skills as well as local empowerment. Finally, this research contributes to knowledge that can inform the implementation of community monitoring programs proposed by the recently published Small-scale fishing policy of South Africa. Key Words: Small-scale fisheries; natural resource management; participation, community monitoring, local empowerment.

Climate and environmental change is a phenomenon which is having a significant effect on human-ecological systems around the world. It is predicted to have a detrimental impact on certain groups and populations; among those most at risk are those who have the highest exposure and sensitivity to the climate and environmental changes and the lowest adaptive capacity. This includes coastal fishing communities and therefore necessitates action at a variety of scales in order to build the resilience of these individuals and groups to the predicted changes and their potential impacts. Vulnerability assessments (VAs) have been identified as an effective way to discover who is most vulnerable and to what threats or hazards. This is valuable as assistance can then be provided to the individuals, groups, regions or countries identified as most vulnerable. VAs can be conducted at a variety of scales and can be either quantitative or qualitative. This research project focused on vulnerability assessments conducted at the local level. These community-scale assessments are important as they are able to elicit finer-scale details, identify the greatest hazards and stressors, and conceptualize adaptation strategies that are locally-informed, context specific and targeted towards a specific community. The focus of this research project was to first assess the vulnerability of two coastal communities in South Africa, namely Doringbaai and St Helena Bay, using a suite of mixed methods which included focus group discussions, the review of secondary data, and key informant interviews. Secondly, this project aimed to assess the potential contribution of a 'rapid vulnerability assessment' (RVA) methodology, conducted in the same two coastal fishing communities, to gain information required to identify appropriate adaptation strategies in the context of climate and environmental change. The RVA is conducted as a workshop over a two-day period and may be followed by key informant interviews on the third day, if appropriate and required. This research sought to compare and contrast the information emanating from the RVA workshops with information obtained from the triangulation of mixed methods used in this study with respect to: key threats and stressors faced by the two small-scale fishing communities, identified environmental changes, impacts of these changes on fisher livelihoods, current coping strategies and potential adaptation strategies. Criteria for assessing the performance of the two different approaches were drawn from the literature and systematically documented. The outcome of the assessment showed that the RVA has value as a VA methodology and is able to identify locally relevant, potentially viable adaptation strategies. It is an effective approach for obtaining a good overview of the vulnerabilities of a community and is thus especially useful in under-resourced and data-poor regions. The conclusion was therefore that it is an exceptionally useful tool as a starting point for vulnerability assessments but can be enriched by combining it with other methods such as the review of secondary data, focus group discussions, surveys, questionnaires and key informant interviews. Furthermore, it is recommended that the RVA includes follow-up research and focuses on flexible adaptation strategies.

Global climate change models predict a reduction in rainfall and rise in air temperature for the Cape Peninsula of South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region (CFR). The CFR is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its high level of floral endemism, but the high level of endemism also applies to the region’s freshwater fish assemblage. Whereas the current threats to endemic freshwater fish include habitat modification, water abstraction, pollution and impacts of non-native species, climate change is predicted to further exacerbate negative impacts on fish communities. The endemic CFR fish species, Cape Galaxias, Galaxias zebratus Castelnau, 1861, is widespread throughout the region, and occurs in both non-perennial and perennial rivers, and wetlands. The species is thought to be a relict group of ancient species originating from the break up of Gondwanaland 180 – 135 million years ago. Endemic CFR freshwater fish, like G. zebratus, may be sensitive to the thermal regime of their environment and may thus be influenced by climate warming. The most commonly used experimental approach for determining the effect of elevated temperature on freshwater biota is the Critical Thermal Method (CTM). The CTM determines the upper thermal tolerance limit or critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of a species. Thermal history is the range of temperatures experienced by an organism in its natural habitat over time and this may be an important factor determining the thermal tolerance of species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal history, reflecting a stream’s thermal profile, on upper thermal tolerance limits of G. zebratus. We hypothesised that G. zebratus from warmer sites would have a higher CTmax than individuals at cooler sites. To examine the influence thermal history has on the thermal tolerance of G. zebratus, hourly water temperature data were collected and the CTmax values were determined for fish (n=30 per site) from 10 different sites in rivers of the Cape Peninsula. The CTmax values from all sites for the November-December experimental period ranged from 30.00°C to 32.45°C. CTmax values for all sites from the JanuaryFebruary experimental period ranged from 31.29°C to 33.42°C. Upper thermal tolerance limits of G. zebratus increased from the November-December experiments to the January-February experiments. Regression analyses show that G. zebratus upper thermal tolerance limits are significantly influenced by its thermal history as characterised by the seven day moving average of daily mean (Mean_7) two weeks preceding the experiments, implying that changes to the thermal regime will influence the thermal tolerance of G. zebratus. The resultant regression equation allows G. zebratus CTmax to be predicted by thermal history based on Mean_7, providing valuable information to set thermal limits of G. zebratus and guide future research. This is the first study on the thermal ecology of G. zebratus in the CFR and in Africa. The data not only enhance understanding of the thermal ecology of the species, but also further our understanding of their potential vulnerability to climate change.

Includes abstract. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-119). / The current understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of clouds over southern and central Africa is poor and the regional processes governing cloud occurrence is only weakly understood. This study seeks to improve the current understanding of cloud diurnal variability over this region by providing a base-line diurnal climatology of lowlevel, mid-level and high-level cloud cover. Diurnal variations of cloudiness are examined using ten years of cloud data from latest version of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP-D1). The broad seasonal average diurnal variability is explored across the region. Thereafter a more detailed analysis of regionally specific variability is made using a Self-Organising Map. The findings of this study are in broad agreement with previous work. Cloud over the southern and central African region shows clear spatial organisation, most significantly associated with the location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The diurnal variation of high-level cloud is large, closely correlated to its mean and is enhanced by orographic features. Minimum high-level cloud occurs at 1100 LST and maximum extent is reached during the evening around 1800 LST, except in locations experiencing deep convection which displayed a redevelopment of cloud in the early morning (0300 LST). This redevelopment of HLCA is hypothesised to be due to the destabilization of the upper troposphere through nighttime cloud radiative cooling. Mid-level cloud exhibits smaller diurnal variations, reaching maximum coverage at approximately 0300 LST. Clouds at this level are severely obscured by higher clouds and therefore the detected diurnal variation is due to both real and artificial signals and care needs to be taken in interpreting the results. Low-level cloud shows strong diurnal variations when not obscured by higher clouds, reaching a maximum just after midday. The results of this study are interpreted in terms of the life-cycle of deep convective cloudiness. A number of mechanisms are suggested to explain the regional differences in diurnal variations with land surface heating being the primary mechanism.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 90-99). / The primary objective of the study was to investigate the necessity of equipping professional jazz teachers with general music educational principles. A sample was drawn from the students and lecturers at three selected tertiary institutions. The secondary objective was to determine who is deemed competent to teach jazz at tertiary institutions: professional players, professional players with a teacher-training qualification in jazz, or both. Three of the tertiary institutions in South Africa that offer jazz as part of their curricula were chosen: the University of Cape Town, the University of Natal, Durban, and the Technikon Natal. A questionnaire survey and interviews were utilised as the means of collecting information about issues concerning jazz education. A quantitative research design was used to analyse the results obtained from the questionnaires. The results were tabulated in basic descriptive statistical form and the interviews were qualitatively analysed. In addition, five hypotheses were formulated and tested using chi-square tests. A number of the interviewees supported the idea of equipping professional jazz teachers with general music educational principles; however, there were those who felt that their experience in the field was sufficient to enable them to be competent jazz teachers. The results from both the student questionnaire and lecturer interviews indicated that a combination of both professional players and professional players with a teacher- training qualification are needed. It was recommended that further research on jazz education should be undertaken to account for issues relating to teacher training in music education in South Africa. A curriculum that suits students and professional players who are interested in becoming competent jazz educators should be developed.

Bibliography: leaves 140-151. / The Swartland and Sandveld are situated in the Western Cape province (political limits) in what is also known as the southwestern Cape region . This area falls within the winter rainfall (or Mediterranean) region of South Africa and has a sharply defined seasonal climate. Vegetation in the region is unique. The soils in the Swartland and Sandveld vary greatly over short distances, making this area vulnerable to varying erosion rates. Land use in the Swartland and Sandveld is mainly agricultural. Soil erosion is driven by the force of wind and or water. Sheet flow is what is considered as unconstrained water erosion together with rainsplash, while piping, rill and gully erosion are all forms of constrained water erosion. Erosivity and erodibility are both important factors in determining the vulnerability of an area to soil erosion. By their understanding of the factors involved in the course of degradation, researchers can determine the most effective conservation policies for a region. Of course, the influence of humans on the land should never be under-estimated and should be seen as a potent determinant of the erosion potential. The use of remote sensing and G.I.S. are essential in the development of erosion maps, and to assess possible changes that over time in the erosional situation in a region. As an analytical and data storage tool, these techniques are very useful, even essential. The total decrease in gully erosion from 1938 to 1989 in the Swartland amounts to 85% compared to the gully erosion in 1938. In the Sandveld wind erosion decreased with 17% from 1928 to 1986. Soil conservation in South Africa has come a long since the 1930's and much of the experience and the lessons gained in the last six of seven decades have been incorporated in the countries new conservation Act. It has been concluded that the slowing down of the denudation process in the region, coinciding with effective new conservation strategies, are the principal reasons for the results obtained in this research project. It must be noted however that without the intervention of the conservation efforts in the Swartland and Sandveld, the remarkable improvement in the water erosion situation (85%) would not have been obtained. The overall improvement (17%) in the Sandveld lags that in the Swartland and even shows a slight deterioration of the wind erosion situation found in 1974. There are therefore grounds for caution, since wind erosion is still very much relevant and not fully contained in the Sandveld. Further research into this situation would indeed be beneficial.

Bibliography: p. 54-57. / This report is concerned with the environmental impact assessment of two alternative access roads, the Western Access Route (WAR) and the Least Cost Alternative Route (LCAR), to the proposed Mohale Dam site, Lesotho. The procedure adopted by the Environmental Evaluation Unit (EEU) study team for the assessment of environmental impacts associated with the development of the two routes, is critically reviewed. A comparative evaluation of the alternative routes is undertaken. The preferred access route, which best satisfies the above environmental criteria, is recommended . In January 1993, the Environmental Evaluation Unit (EEU) of the University of Cape Town was appointed by Gibb-Bergman Joint Venture (GBJV), to assess the environmental impacts associated with the development of an access road from the Lesotho-South Africa border to the construction site of the proposed Mohale Dam (Phase lB), Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), Lesotho. An existing road, termed the Western Access Route (WAR), was identified as a possible access route. This route would require upgrading to a suitable standard for the passage of heavy construction vehicles, and, in addition, the construction of a bypass of the central business district of Maseru . At an early stage of the study, an alternative access route to the WAR was identified from eight possible alternative routes. This route has been termed the Least Cost Alternative Route (LCAR). The EEU study team undertook a full assessment of the environmental impacts associated with upgrading the Mountain Road/Western Access Route (WAR) and the construction of the LCAR. These detailed impact assessments are documented in Report EEU/2/93/104a, EEU/2/93/104b and EEU/2/93/104c, submitted with this report.