A fundamental understanding of the process of devolatilization requires extensive knowledge of not only the intrinsic properties of the parent coal and its subsequent formed products (tars, gases and chars), but also its characteristic reaction rate behaviour. Devolatilization behaviour has been extensively addressed in literature with the use of powdered coal samples, which normally do not adhere to particle size constraints of coal conversion processes utilizing lump coal. The aim of this investigation was therefore to assess the devolatilization behaviour (with respect to product yield and -quality; and reaction rate modelling) of four typical South African coals (UMZ, INY, G#5 and TSH) confined to the large particle regime. All four coals were found to be bituminous in rank, with vitrinite contents ranging between 24.4 vol.% and 69.2 vol.% (mineral matter free basis). Two were inertinite-rich coals (UMZ and INY) and the other two were vitrinite-rich coals (G#5 and TSH). From thermoplasticity measurements it was evident that only coal TSH displayed extensive thermoplastic behaviour, while a comparison between molecular properties confirmed the higher abundance of poly-condensed aromatic structures (aromaticity of 81%) present in this coal. Product evolution was evaluated under atmospheric conditions in a self-constructed, large particle, fixed-bed reactor, on two particle sizes (5 mm and 20 mm) at two isothermal reactor temperatures (450°C and 750°C) using a combination of both GC and MS techniques for gas species measurement, while standard gravimetric methods were used to quantify tar- and char yield respectively. Elucidation of tar- and char structural features involved the use of both conventional- and advanced analytical techniques. From the results it could be concluded that temperature was the dominating factor controlling product yield- and quality, with significant increases in both volatile- and gas yield observed for an increase in temperature. Tar yields ranged between 3.6 wt.% and 10.1 wt.% and increased in the order UMZ < INY < TSH < G#5, with higher tar yields obtained for coal G#5, being ascribed to larger abundances of vitrinite and liptinite present in this coal. For coal TSH, lower tar yields could mainly be attributed to the higher aromaticity and extensive swelling nature of this coal. Evolved gases were found to be mainly composed of H2, CH4, CO and CO2, low molecular weight olefins and paraffins; and some C4 homologues. Advanced analytical techniques (NMR, SEC, GC-MS, XRD, etc.) revealed the progressive increase of the aromatic nature of both tars and chars with increasing temperature; as well as subsequent differences in tar composition between the different parent coals. In all cases, an increase in devolatilization temperature led to the evolution of larger amounts of aromatic compounds such as alkyl-naphthalenes and PAHs, while significant decreases in the amount of aliphatics and mixed compounds could be observed. From 13C NMR, HRTEM and XRD carbon crystallite results it was clear that an increase in temperature led to the formation of progressively larger, more aromatic and structurally orientated polycondensed carbon structures. Reaction rate studies involved the use of non-isothermal (5-40 K/min) and isothermal (350- 900°C) thermogravimetry of both powdered (-200 μm) and large particle samples (20 mm) in order to assess intrinsic kinetics and large particle rate behaviour, respectively. Evaluation of the intrinsic kinetic parameters of each coal involved the numerical regression of non-isothermal rate data in MATLAB® 7.1.1 according to a pseudo-component modelling philosophy. Modelling results indicated that the intrinsic devolatilization behaviour of each coal could be adequately described by using a total number of eight pseudo-components, while reported activation energies were found to range between 22.3 kJ/mol and 244.3 kJ/mol. Description of the rate of large particle devolatilization involved the evaluation of a novel, comprehensive rate model accounting for derived kinetics, heat and mass transport effects, as well as physical changes due to particle swelling/shrinkage. Evaluation of the proposed model with the aid of the COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3 simulation software provided a suitable fit to the experimental data of all four coals, while simulation studies highlighted the relevant importance of not only the effect of particle size, but also the importance of including terms affecting for heat losses due to particle swelling/shrinkage, transport of volatile products through the porous char structure, heat of reaction and heat of vaporization of water. / Thesis (PhD (Chemical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This study examined the new Companies Act (71/2008) with a specific focus on Chapter 6, business rescue. This rather controversial legislation was implemented in South African company law on the 1st of May 2011 and redefines how legislation can possibly save financially distressed companies from distress and ultimately liquidation proceedings. The literature review has focused on the purpose of business rescue as set out by the new Companies Act. It has gone into much detail on the set processes, revealed the key stakeholders involved and their respective responsibilities set out by the new Act. The study touched on current international trends in saving distressed businesses. A published financial distress model was discussed and a link made about where best to initiate business rescue actions within this four-stage model. In this study the empirical research adopts content analysis as a research method. An investigation was conducted on all business rescue applications received by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Additional analysis of a large creditor’s portfolio of business rescue applications showed some initial success rates of this new legislation. The mini-dissertation concludes with limitations and challenges faced during the study, followed by recommendations about how to excel in business rescue practice in years to come. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The effectiveness of the Environmental Impact Assessment process has been questioned by its critics both locally and internationally, as there is a perception that EIA process is merely a rubber stamping exercise. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not the relevant provincial authorities in South Africa have issued EIA refusals and if so what the main reasons for refusal were. Both Basic Assessment and full EIA processes were considered. Access to the EIA refusals from the various provincial environmental departments and environmental consultants was limited. Only seventeen EIA refusals were received after extended requests over a 12-month period, after which each of these were analysed. The reasons for the EIA refusals encountered in this study have been categorised into seventeen sub-classes relating to the following environmental issues: site location, socio-economics, land use/zoning, lack of justification, Spatial Development Framework (SDF), biodiversity, incompleteness of information, legislation discouraging development, visual/noise impacts, lack of alternatives, services issues, cumulative effects, groundwater, waste, specialist studies, gross non-compliance and air pollution. It is important to note that an EIA application could potentially have more than one screening trigger, and therefore it is possible that the percentages explained in this study can add up to more than 100%. The highest number of the EIA refusals’ screening triggers (8 of 17 = 47.06%) were found to be due to the transformation and rezoning of undeveloped or vacant land, and 5 of 7 (71.4%) of those particular EIA refusals were attributed to applications for residential development. Biodiversity and ecological sensitivity of the site location, as well as construction of infrastructure were next on the scale, with three (17.65%) EIA refusal screening triggers each. Finally, concentration of animals for production and storing and handling of hazardous substances both had two (11.76%) screening triggers. Only one EIA refusal did not include any substantive reasons for refusal and was refused on purely procedural grounds. The lack of justification of the development, lack of technical information and inadequate alignment with future spatial planning also constituted reasons for negative authorisations. From the results it was evident that although it is usually the procedural issues that hinder EIA, this study encountered many substantive issues, making up the majority of the reasons for EIA refusal here. This goes against international opinion that EIAs are usually turned down due to lack of adherence to process. Other findings from this study of particular interest include that no database is maintained for the number and reasons of EIA refusals that are processed, only for those that are authorised. It was also found that there were provinces that have never issued an EIA refusal. Furthermore, it was interesting to note that the reasons given in the findings for the analysed EIA refusals did not necessarily correlate with the screening triggers. / Thesis (Master of Environmental Sciences)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The main objective of this study was to document, systematize and analyse the contributions of some leading Physical Educationists to the establishment and development of Physical Education in South Africa. The main methodological approach used to realise this objective was the historical-analytical method, by which the data were systematized and analysed thematically and chronologically. With a view to the systematization of data, tilt! following main aspects were chosen according to which the contributions were analysed: • Training and instruction • Research and publications • Administrative and organisational aspects - in particular to Physical Educational and sports associations and professional journals. Although several factors were considered in determining the value of the contributions, the emphasis fell on the nature, extent and quality of the contributions made in the fields already mentioned. To do research on only a few Physical Educationalists, a selection had to be made from 35 leading persons in this field in South Africa. Information on the work, approaches and involvement of these 35 persons were obtained by personal interviews and correspondence, and by studying documents, annual reports, minutes, journals, newspapers, dissertations and theses. After the relevant information had been gathered, the following criteria were applied to analyse the contributions of the chosen persons and to select three of them for further study: 1. Training and instruction 1.1. Establishment and development of the subject 1.1.1. Administrative control over training and instruction 1.1.2. Institution of courses and subjects, as well as the compilation of syllabuses 1.1.3. Implementation and expansion of facilities and equipment 1.1.4. Methods of presentation and aids used 1.2. Personal influence 2. Research 2.1. Own research 2.2. Project leadership and assistance to students 2.3. Publications 2.4. Papers presented 3. Administrative and organising aspects 3.1. Associations for Physical Education 3.2. Sports associations 3.3. Physical Educational journals 3.4. Festivals and public appearances 3.5. Other projects, such as fitness programmes and film production The application of this set of criteria to the nature, extent and quality of the work by the previously mentioned 35 persons facilitated the selection process, but still could not succeed in pinpointing only three persons for the study. For this reason, additional criteria were chosen according to which three persons could responsibly be selected. These criteria were connected with aspects such as the geographical regions where the persons worked for the longest periods of time; the particular subjects or fields of interest in which they specialised; the specific fields in which they made their most important contributions; and the period in which they made the contributions. On the basis of these additional criteria, the following three persons were selected: J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and D.P.J. Smith The contributions of these three persons to the development of the subject of Physical Education in South Africa were dealt with under the following headings: 1. Biographical sketch 2. Views on Physical Education and sport 3. Contributions to training and instruction 4. Research contributions 5. Contributions particular to Physical Educational and sports associations and professional journals To provide the necessary background information and to get a dear picture of the position these three persons had in the history of Physical Education in South Africa, as well as the conditions in which they had to work, one chapter was set aside for a survey of the development of Physical Education in South Africa between 1900 and 1982. Following that, the contributions of J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and O.P.J. Smith to the development of the subject were dealt with in separate chapters. During the study the following conclusions were drawn with regard to the contributions of J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and D.P.J. Smith to the development of Physical Education in South Africa. J W POSTMA Postma's contribution should be viewed in the light of the circumstances in which Physical Education was presented at that time. These were the formative years of Physical Education and Postma had to do pioneering work in various fields. Whereas certain aspects of the subject are nowadays being taken for granted, Postma then had to fight for the subject's right of existence. Postma's most important contribution with regard to the training of students of Physical Education was his management and the development of the Department of Physical Education at the University of Stellenbosch. He made a special contribution to the institution and development of courses and subjects, as well as the drafting of syllabuses. He was responsible for the institution of the section of Tests and Measurements in the Physical Education course at the Department. The importance of including this section in a Physical Education course has since been realised by other educational institutions. It is therefore largely owing to Postma (as well as Smith) that Tests and Measurements (later called Evaluation) was included in the courses for Physical Education students in South Africa. Besides Tests and Measurements, Postma also contributed to other theoretical sections of the subject such as Anthropometry, Principles, Method and Organisation, and Administration. He expanded factual knowledge on these subjects at Physical Education Departments throughout South Africa by means of publications and papers. Postma also strove for the implementation of better training facilities, especially in research. He also saw to it that the most vital scientific reference works and journals were made available to Physical Education students. Postma was an enthusiastic lecturer• and inspired his students. Postma's most important contribution in the field of research lies in the fact that he was one of the first Physical Educationalists in South Africa to begin research on the subject. Not only did he personally undertake many research projects, but he also inspired his students to do research and gave them valuable critical guidance in their work. The fact that Postma was an expert in the field of Physical Education as a whole, led to several publications on a wide spectrum of subsections within the subject. The large number of publications for which he was responsible, ensured that his views on the subject were propagated throughout South Africa. His book Inleiding tot die Liggaamlike Opvoedkunde should be seen as his biggest and most important research contribution to the development of the subject. Postma's involvement with Physical Educational journals and organisations in South Africa ensured growth in these two fields of the subject. Postma made a particularly valuable contribution to the development of the South African Association for Sport Science, Physical Education and Recreation. He was responsible in various capacities and in several fields for the establishment and development of this organisation. He can be seen as one of the most important founder members of this body, which came to be known as SAASSPER, and which is highly esteemed. C.M. SMIT As was the case with Postma, Smit had to pioneer and found the subject and had to fight for its development and survival. His contributions were especially in the following fields: the establishment and development of Physical Education at schools and Physical Educational organisations; the establishment and development of Physical Education and sport at the University of Pretoria; the development of the subject by means of research and publications, as well as through services rendered to Physical Educational and sports associations. With regard to the development of training and instruction as part of Physical Education, Smit did important work in two aspects. In the first instance, he did pioneering work as the first organiser of Physical Education at the Union Education Department and the National Advisory Council for Physical Education (NACPE). He had the gigantic task of establishing Physical Education at the widely diffused schools of the Union Education Department and to advise all voluntary physical culture clubs throughout the country. To succeed in this, he had to design new systems, present training courses, give professional advice, decide on the purchase and supply of Physical Educational and sports equipment, and manage several administrative affairs. One of Smit's biggest assets was his ability to instill in teachers and instructors his own knowledge, love and enthusiasm for Physical Education. During his involvement with the Union Education Department and NACPE Smit was responsible for the compilation of the national syllabus for Physical Education in South Africa. This can rightly be seen as one of Smit's most important contributions to improve the instruction of Physical Education in South Africa. Secondly, Smit made a great contribution to promote the training and instruction of Physical Education in South Africa by the work he did as professor at the Depa1•tment of Physical Education and as Director of the Institute for Physical Education at the University of Pretoria. He had to establish and manage both these departments. He was responsible for the creation of sport structures at the University of Pretoria, the planning and development of sport grounds, the purchase of equipment and for adv1sing sport clubs. As head of the Department of Physical Education, he had a big part in the instituting and developing courses and subjects, as well as in making adjustments and changes to upgrade the quality of training of Physical Education students. The standard of training was improved further by Smit's constant efforts to increase the quality of the facilities used in training. In this regard, special mention has to be made of the construction of the building in which the Department of Physical Education is housed, and the building of the L. C. de Villiers Stadium and sport grounds. The efficient way in which Smit managed the Department of Physical Education led to the expedient and effective training of students. Apart from the efficient control which Smit had over the Physical Education building and its staff, he also made an effort to maintain good relation between the personnel and students. For example, he took the initiative in organising Physical Education tours and forming a Physical Education Society at the University of Pretoria. Because of the heavy work load that Smit had to bear during his employment at the University of Pretoria and the Union Education Department, he had little time left for research work and publications. He tried to expand his knowledge of the subject by studying publications, undertaking study tours and attending conferences on Physical Education. His contribution to research on the subject consisted of some research projects he completed on his own, as well as guidance to post-graduate students. With regard to publications, he was responsible for some books (mostly as co-author) and several articles published in journals such as Physical Education and Vigor. Smit contributed his services to outside organisations. He was involved in the South African Association for Sport Science, Physical Education and Recreation from r its inception. During this time he acted as chairman (1952) and worked on several of the organisation's committees. Apart from being involved in several branches of sport at the University of Pretoria, he also offered his services to national and provincial sport bodies. D.P.J. SMITH As was the case with Postma and Smit, Smith's contributions to the development of Physical Education in South Africa should be seen against the circumstances surrounding the subject at that time. Because the subject was not given recognition, Smith had to do pioneering work in many fields. He was one of the few Physical Educationalists who succeeded in making a balanced contribution to each of the following aspects of the subject: training, research and services rendered to outside organisations. Smith's contributions in the field of training are mainly related to his involvement with the Potchefstroom Teachers' Training College and the Potchefstroom University. He was the first person to be permanently appointed as lecturer of Physical Education at the Potchefstroom University. In this capacity he was not only responsible for the training of Physical Education students, but also for the organis11tion and presentation of advancement classes for teachers. In both cases Smith did pioneering work, especially in the establishment and development of Physical Education courses and subjects, as well as the compilation of syllabuses for these subjects. Because of his efforts to improve the quality and quantity of Physical Educational facilities and equipment at the College, the standard of instruction improved. During this time Smith was also responsible for the organisation and presentation of several exhibitions related to Physical Education. In this way the public was introduced to the nature, content and methods of instruction of the subject, and prospective students were motivated and recruited. Smith's work as lecturer, marked by enthusiasm, energy and purposefulness in presenting the subject, played a definite role in improving the standard of training at the College's Department of Physical Education. The contributions Smith made to training during his involvement with the Potchehtroom University, can be summarised as follows: In the first place he established and developed the Department of Physical Education at the University. Due to his capable administration of the Department, the training of students could be effected successfully and effectively. In the second place Smith did pioneering work in the institution of courses and subjects, as well as the compilation of syllabuses. He saw to it that the contents of the courses were scientific, applicable and practical. In the third instance, the quality of instruction which Smith offered his students was exceptionally high. Not only were his lectures well prepared, systematic and of a high standard, but his method of presentation was also stimulating, interesting and very effective. His example had a positive influence on his students. In the fourth instance, the standard of instruction was improved due to the acquisition of better facilities and equipment, which was largely the result of Smith's efforts. Smith's contributions in the field of research in Physical Education can be summarised as follows: He did pioneering work in establishing research in Physical Education at the Potchefstroom University. He provided expert and inspired guidance to students in their own research projects. He maintained good contact with experts and remained informed on new developments in the subject by attending conferences and symposia. He was responsible for several publications which were scientific, orderly and polished. With regard to services rendered to outside organisations, Smith made large and valuable contributions. Apart from his involvement with organisations such as the Road Safety Council and the Church, Smith did extremely valuable work for Physical Educational and sports associations. He was involved in the research section and several committees of the Physical Educational organisation SAASSPER, and made valuable contributions during discussions at its conferences. In the field of sport, he offered his services in various capacities, such as coach, administrator, selector, official and president, on club and national level. Although he was principally concerned with athletics and tennis, his assistance was valuable to sportsmen across the board. For him it was his life's work to be of service to sportsmen and sports women. He was also of service to the public through his involvement with several fitness projects. In the 1940's he presented exercise classes to the public in Parys, and during the 1960's and 70's he played a leading role in fitness projects launched by the National Fitness Scheme. CONCLUSION This study showed that the following three leading South African Physical Educationalists - J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and D.P.J. Smith - had made valuable contributions to the development of Physical Education in South Africa. Their contributions were analysed under the following headings: Training and instruction Research and publications Administrative and organising aspects - in particular to Physical Educational and sports associations and professional journals All three of them succeeded to a large extent in maintaining a healthy balance between these three aspects of their work. The researcher hopes that this study will give the Physical Educationalist of today new insight into the origins of this subject and that there will be a renewed appreciation of the work done by the pioneers of Physical Education in South Africa. / Proefskrif (DEd)--PU vir CHO, 1987

Concern on a global scale gave rise to the founding of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with a view to restrict the use and production of these toxic chemicals. As a signatory, South Africa is legally bound to abide to the Convention’s objectives, including participating in relevant research and monitoring. However, developing countries such as South Africa have limited information concerning POPs, partially because these countries do not have sufficient analytical capabilities, and thus method development and refinement are necessary. One group of POPs consisting of polychlorinated dibenzo-pdioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), collectively referred to as dioxins, are of particular concern due to their high toxicity and persistence. Additionally, the analysis of dioxins is recognised as one of the most analytically challenging of its kind. This study investigated the effect of different preparatory protocols on the semi-quantification of dioxins using the H4IIE-luc-reporter gene assay. The protocols evaluated were either Soxhlet or pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) combined with a manual acid digestion, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Florisil fractionation clean-up procedure as well as the automated Total Rapid Prep™(TRP) system which makes use of a PLE combined with a multi-layer silica, alumina and carbon column clean-up procedure. To evaluate the protocols, an eight point matrix matched calibration curve, two soil samples and a certified reference material (CRM) were used. The extracts were semi-quantified by the H4IIE-luc bio-assay. During the course of the assay, the appropriateness of different standards was investigated, and a mixed standard containing all 17 toxic PCDD/Fs was chosen for quantification. During the data review process, higher bioassay equivalent (BEQ) values were obtained from PLE compared to Soxhlet extraction, while no statistically significant difference (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA: p > 0.05) was found between the assay quantifications for the different preparatory techniques. However, the results of the H4IIE bio-assay were larger than the expected values. The identity of the chemicals that were in all likelihood responsible for the higher response was investigated through instrumental analysis using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS). Instrumental results indicated a high level of PAHs in the extracts, which could lead to super induction of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and therefore, to a positive bias in the results. Instrumental screening proved that all selected preparatory protocols were inadequate at removing interfering compounds and not sufficiently selective for PCDD/Fs, although the TRP was more successful in removing interferences. The high matrix interference hindered peak identification. Additionally, as indicated by instrumental analysis, the weak recovery of PCDD/Fs could be ascribed to high evaporation temperatures. The effect of different reference standards in the H4IIE bio-assay used during semi-quantification needs further investigation; similarly, the optimisation of extraction, evaporation and clean-up protocols and the use of different GCxGC-TOFMS column combinations aimed at more efficient separation needs to be investigated. The assistance of the National Metrology Institute (funded through the Department of Trade and Industry) towards this research is hereby acknowledged. / Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of this study was to identify the algal genera found in the different freshwater bodies on Marion Island, to relate the presence or absence of the genera to the chemistry of the water bodies and to group the genera according to their limno-chemical preferences. The Island's freshwater algal genera were also compared with genera found on other Southern Ocean islands. The major factors influencing the chemical composition of the freshwaters of the island are the surrounding ocean and the manuring of seals and seabirds. The Western and Southern lakelets and wallows had higher mean conductivity values than most of the other water bodies. Eastern Inland lakelets, crater lakes and glacial lakes had low ion and nutrient concentrations, since they are mainly situated inland, away from bird or seal colonies. The chemical composition of wallows was influenced by manuring of seals and seabirds. The freshwaters are acidic and lakelets tend to be more acidic than glacial lakes. The lentic waters were more acidic than the stream. In total, 106 genera, mainly belonging to Chlorophyta (60 genera; 56% of total) and Cyanophyta (29 genera; 27% of total), were found in the freshwaters on the island. Other algal divisions found were Chrysophyta (7 genera), Euglenophyta (4 genera), Pyrrophyta (2 genera) and Xanthophyta (4 genera). Mean number of genera per sample ranged from 8 (in wallows) to 16 (in Eastern Inland lakelets). Filamentous algae were present in all the samples. Abundant green algae were Cosmarium, Klebsormidium, Mougeotia and Oedogonium. The most common cyanobacteria were Lyngbya and Chroococcus. The filamentous yellow-green alga, Tribonema, was also common. There were distinct differences in the algal composition between the southern, western and northern lakelets and the lakelets on the eastern side of the island. Sixty percent of the algal genera were present in waters with low conductivity values. Trichodesmium, Sphaerocystis and Tolypothrix occurred in freshwater bodies with higher conductivity values. Variance analysis showed that 87 of the 106 genera were less likely to occur in nitrogen and phosphate containing waters. Chlamydomonas, Prasiola, Spirogyra Trachelomonas, Tribonema, Ulothrix and Xanthidium were among the genera commonly found in nitrogen and phosphate containing waters. Diversity (number of genera per sample) was negatively correlated with conductivity, PO4-P, NH4-N and NO3-N. Diversity declined significantly with increasing salinity and eutrophication. Genera likely to occur in acidic waters include Binuclearia, Chlamydomonas, Chroococcus, Cosmarium, Klebsormidium, Microspora, Oedogonium, Oocystis, Prasiola, Scenedesmus, Staurastrum, Stigeoclonium, Tetrastrum, Ulothrix, Lyngbya, Synura and Tribonema. Marion Island’s algal flora shows a high affinity with that of Îles Kerguelen and Crozet, both located in the same biogeographical province (South Indian Ocean Province) of the sub-Antarctic than Marion Island, and a lesser affinity with islands in other sub-Antarctic provinces. Algal genera were grouped according to their limno-chemistry preferences. / Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The growth performance of the South African economy over the past two and a half decades has been disappointing. The economy has not reached the high growth rates of the 1960s, which is desperately needed to alleviate poverty in the country. While the sources of growth have been a subject of much debate, recently the notion that the Real Exchange Rate (RER) level of a country matters for growth has attracted attention. While it is generally expected that the value of the currency should not remain constant and that the exchange rate fluctuates over time, in the long-term, it is expected to converge to an equilibrium level South Africa follows an inflation targeting framework and a free floating exchange rate regime. The exchange rate has been highly volatile since the abolishment of the dual exchange rate system in 1995. This implies that there were periods of overvaluation and undervaluation from the equilibrium level; in other words the rand experienced times of misalignment. In the event of misalignments, the RER is moved to levels which make it difficult for an economy to sustain international competitiveness over the long-run, and this is harmful to growth rates in the economy. This is especially true for countries, such as South Africa, which is heavily dependent on exports. The RER is therefore very powerful and has been argued to be the cause of loss of competitiveness and growth slowdowns. This study investigates this notion for South Africa. The main aim of this study is therefore to investigate the effects of RER misalignment on economic growth in South Africa. This implies that the study aims to determine the level of RER equilibrium, the misalignment in the real value of the rand, and how this misalignment has affected economic growth in the country. The Behavioural Equilibrium Exchange Rate (BEER) approach is followed to determine the Equilibrium Exchange Rate (EER), which allows for the use of fundamental macroeconomic variables to determine the real equilibrium level of the rand. Identified fundamental variables, which are the main drivers of the current RER in South Africa, include GDP per capita, trade openness, terms of trade, gross fixed capital formation and the real interest rate differential. A Vector Error-Correction Mechanism (VECM) is used in the estimation of the Real Equilibrium Exchange Rate (REER). Misalignment is calculated as the difference between the actual and the equilibrium real exchange rate. It is found that during the period under investigation (1985 to 2011) there have been substantial misalignments in the RER of the rand, though the currency was mostly overvalued. It is also shown that the rand does revert to its equilibrium level over time. The least square method is used to determine the effect of this RER misalignment on economic growth. Additional variables such as the initial level of GDP per capita, trade openness, terms of trade as well as gross fixed capital formation, are included in the growth specification. Trade reforms emphasise the importance of export-led growth in a commodity-rich economy, such as South Africa. The results indicate that the RER misalignment has a positive coefficient; this implies that a misalignment in the rand has not necessarily been harmful to economic growth. Therefore, it can be concluded that in the case of South Africa, misalignment is generally stimulating growth, but more so when the currency is undervalued. The results therefore show that the RER should be kept at competitive levels in order to boost economic growth in the country. The results also show support for the strategy of export-led growth in South Africa. / Thesis (MCom (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The study was based on the evaluation of specific business–related factors concerning small businesses in the formal sector. The purpose of this study was to gain a clear understanding of the current education level of employees in the small business industry. Income and business related costs applicable to small businesses and formal business support was also evaluated in terms of its availability to small businesses. By means of investigation it was possible to conclude to what extent small businesses contribute towards economic growth in South Africa. The South African government is definitely aware of the important role which small businesses play in economic growth and poverty reduction. Small businesses were analysed to determine the education level of both employees and business owners. The contribution which business owners made to training and development of their employees was also investigated. The income over a period of five years were analysed to determine the financial sustainability of the businesses. The impact of business related costs and the global economic recession were also investigated to determine the future sustainability of small businesses. The empirical research was conducted at a financial institution in Klerksdorp to assess the contribution which small businesses made towards economic growth and development. Small businesses' contribution towards education and training must be reconsidered as limited opportunities exist within small business for training. Small business owners cannot afford to send their employees away to obtain training and mainly make use of on–the–job training. SETAS must focus more on small businesses when it comes to training and alternative training methods must be reconsidered. The implementation of complex labour legislation and the minimum wages law make unskilled labour very expensive for small business owners. This must be reconsidered as small businesses cannot afford to employ additional employees. Formal business support available to small business owners were perceived not to be marketed very well although the lack of internet access may contribute to the limited knowledge in this regard. The South African government must reconsider its strategy to utilize small businesses to create jobs and to develop skills. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children worldwide. The prescribing patterns of the medication used to treat asthma in South Africa, as well as the prevalence of paediatric asthma are of interest and need to be investigated. A drug utilisation review was performed to determine the prevalence of asthma, and in particular paediatric asthma in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. The prescribing patterns of asthma medication were investigated according to different demographic factors, such as gender, geographical area and prescriber type. Data from a medical claims database were extracted and processed to reveal the different prescribing patterns from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008. Medication from the MIMS® pharmacological groups 10.2 and 10.4 were used as a basis for asthma medication. Patients had to use at least one medicine item from one of these groups to be included in the study. The prevalence of asthma in the general population showed an increase from 2005 to 2008. The prevalence of asthma as a part of the total database according to the number of patients increased from 23.01% in 2005 (n=347342) to 24.72% in 2008 (n=240854), although the number of patients on the total database decreased from 2005 to 2008. When investigating the number of prescriptions that were dispensed during 2008, asthma prescriptions comprised 7.16% (n=484983) of all prescriptions and the number of asthma medicine items that were dispensed made up 3.72% (n=611139) of the total number of medicine items dispensed in 2008. Paediatric asthma was divided into two age groups for the purpose of this study namely, 0 - 4 years of age and older than 4 years, but younger or equal to 11 years of age ( >4 - 11 years), according to a previous study done by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The results from the data confirmed that the prevalence of asthma was higher in the younger age group. The number of patients using asthma medication in the 0 - 4 years age group comprised 44.40% (n=11306) of the total number of patients in this age group on the database in 2008, compared to 32.84% (n=28347) in the >4 - 11 years age group. Asthma was more common among male patients, whether they were included in the paediatric groups or not. The geographical distribution of paediatric asthma seemed to be connected to the provinces without coastlines and different mining facilities. The combination of asthma medication with antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids were investigated and it was concluded that antibiotics that were used for respiratory tract infections were prescribed the most frequently to asthma patients. The refill–adherence rates of patients with asthma were not satisfactory when considering that asthma is a chronic disease. The average adherence rate for all the asthma products that were brought into account when calculating the refill–adherence rate was 60.95%. A rate above 90% indicates optimal patient adherence. In conclusion this study determined that asthma has a significant prevalence among children in South Africa. The prescribing patterns for the different medication used in the treatment of asthma were investigated and recommendations for further research in this field of study were made. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Studies in both children and adults indicate that waist circumference (WC), a measure of abdominal obesity is closely related to cardiovascular risk factors. The accurate identification of abdominally obese children in health screening programmes for early intervention is of importance. There are, however, concerns about using international definitions for screening purposes because in most instances these have been derived from Western populations and, therefore, may have limited usefulness to children in other parts of the world. When these cut–off points are used in developing countries, they ignore the fact that the growth patterns of children and burdens of disease vary between countries. Due to lack of population specific cut–off points for children in the developing world it may be tempting and convenient to use the same cut–off points as for children in developed countries, but such a practice runs the risk of exporting failure. Ideally, a screening tool should have both high sensitivity and specificity, and these are important considerations in choosing the definition for the detection of childhood abdominal obesity. High sensitivity is necessary to avoid failure of identifying obese children and high specificity of the screening tool ensures that non–obese children are not misclassified as obese, which may otherwise lead to unnecessary treatment and psychosocial implications of stigmatisation. Failure to identify the abdominally obese child may have more serious consequences than misclassification, since it results in an increase in adult morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis was to examine fat distribution patterns of black South African (SA) children in relation to health risk. The specific objectives were to: compare the body composition of black stunted and non–stunted children from two rural communities in South Africa; to describe and compare the age and sex specific WC percentile distribution for black SA children from different study populations and compare the WC percentile distribution with those for African–American (A–A) children and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of waist–to–height ratio (WHtR) as a marker for high blood pressure, a cardiovascular risk factor in SA children. Findings of this study demonstrated increased total adiposity in non–stunted children, but trends of increased central adiposity, measured as WHtR in stunted children. This warrants further investigation on this relationship among children older than 13 years in the African context where many children are stunted. The differences observed between the different data sets and between SA and A–A children suggest that nationally representative data should be used to develop age, sex and ethnic specific WC percentiles for this population. The results indicate clearly that the median WC of children from SA studies is smaller than those of A–A children, with a medium to large effect size for the difference. Results also suggest concern with respect to high WC values (> 80 cm) among some children. The recommended universal WHtR cut–off value of 0.5 for assessment of cardiovascular risk is not suitable for black SA children because it had low sensitivity in predicting high blood pressure. The absence of locally developed cut–off values for WC and WHtR for children warrants research due to the associations between being overweight and obese and disease outcomes. It is fundamental to detect risk at an early stage so that appropriate intervention can be initiated timeously. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.