Cycads first appeared about 300 million years ago and historical data indicates that they survived fluctuations of global temperature and carbon dioxide concentrations and reached peak abundance during periods where temperature and carbon dioxide concentrations were much higher than the present conditions as well as the predicted increased levels. With Africa being one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change and in the absence of an evaluation of predicted impacts of climate change on cycads, this study aims to contribute to our understanding of responses of Encephalartos longifolius to increased temperature. Encephalartos longifolius (Jacq.) Lehm is an Eastern Cape endemic and like most cycads has been around for millions of years with very little change to its basic structure. Photosynthetic rates showed E.longifolius seedlings have C3 photosynthesis and even under stress they do not switch over to CAM photosynthesis. The photosynthetic rates of seedlings showed a typical C3 -plant type response under elevated carbon dioxide levels. Increased temperatures could be detrimental to the species but coupled with elevated carbon dioxide levels the growth of Encephalartos longifolius are postulated to outweigh the negative impacts of increased temperatures. Whilst climatic conditions in the Eastern Cape might not impact the abundance of Encephalartos longifolius, the species however is declining rapidly to the present near-threatened status. Demographic studies revealed a high percentage of juvenile numbers in the wild; however juvenile plants are impacted on by animals thereby jeopardizing their survival. Adult plants are heavily impacted on by animals; this reduces the probability of new offspring being produced. Cycads are also very slow - growing which is the primary cause of their ruin in the wild. Encephalartos longifolius grows at just over approximately 1 cm per year with growth being more rapid in the juvenile plants. Once juvenile plants reach approximately 60 cm they stop growing in diameter but only get taller. Seed germination is also a very slow process with an optimum temperature of 28°C and a growth medium of at least 50 percent moisture. Regardless of the Eastern Cape predicted to become the hottest province in South Africa as a result of climate change, cycads will be able to adapt to the changing environment and conservation plans should focus on animal and human impacts that are the major force causing decreasing abundance of Encephalartos longifolius in the wild.

M.Sc. (Geography and Environmental Management) / Saldanha forms part of the heart of the Western Cape and is an integral part of the economic and social well being of South Africa. The recent development of the Namakwa Sands Smelter and the proposed Saldanha Steel Project indicate a possible new phase of industrial growth in the Saldanha area. The evolution of man into beings who are more environmentally aware and the proclamation of more environmentally related legislation, should integrate well with this development. These factors should ensure that companies and institutions implement better pollution control and management. In this study lead pollution caused by the handling and storing of lead concentrate for export purposes in Saldanha Bay, is investigated. The Small Bay area was identified as the area likely to be most polluted and this study concentrated on the pollution in this specific area. The lead pollution was measured for a certain period by monitoring lead concentrations in samples of biological material (black mussels), soil, sediment and dust. From the results the following conclusions are made. Lead concentrations in biological material in the Small Bay area remained constant with no real increase or decrease. Lead concentrations in the soil samples on the north easterly side of Small Bay showed a definite decrease during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in the sediments of the Small Bay area indicate a decrease during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in dust collected on the eastern side of Small Bay remained constant during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in dust collected on the north eastern side showed a decrease. In general, based on the above results obtained, it can be concluded that lead pollution in the Small Bay area of Saldanha decreased during the monitoring period. Lead concentrations in the biological material and dust that did not show a decrease, remained constant i.e. did not worsen.

The aim of this study was to explore the role and contributions of elected student leaders in student governance positions, at the four higher education institutions in the Western Cape. The literature study revealed that whilst information on student politics is easily available, very limited information is available about the elected student leaders in student governance positions in higher education institutions, within the broader governance framework. The role of elected student leaders in contributing to the democratisation of universities was positively identified as an indicator of the evolving democratisation of universities. It was found that whilst elected student leaders are involved in, and do contribute to key decision-making in policy matters, this is not always the case. Of significance is the quality of the deliberative process and the level of seriousness in connecting the voice of students in a meaningful and consistent manner, to institutional decision-making, on matters that affect students. The theoretical framework of this study was grounded in Public Administration theory, deliberative democracy theory and governance theory within a higher education institutional context. The study intersects with deliberative democracy theory in understanding the advantage of good student governance as a way of contributing to the democratisation of universities and the student and the public good. The role of student leaders is fore grounded by illuminating ways in which they interpret their student leadership roles and how they interpret this in relation to the national and institutional policy framework referred to in the National Plan for Higher Education (Republic of South Africa, 2001). The policy context provides a basis for understanding the relationship between Public Administration and higher education. The Higher Education Act, No. 101 of 1997, provides the legislative framework for institutional governance, within which the statutory provision for student governance is situated. In particular, the Higher Education Act sets out the framework for institutional student governance and principles of good governance. The governance ethos of the Higher Education Act is derived from principles of good Public Administration as the basis for good governance, and the democratic values and principles as set out in Section 195 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. An empirical study was conducted which included the administration of questionnaires to students in student leadership positions at the four universities in the Western Cape. In addition to the questionnaire survey, interviews were conducted with students and staff. The data was analysed statistically, using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study illustrate support for the continued existence of the student governance framework and for the role of student leaders in the decision-making processes of higher education institutions. However, there is a need for a more serious and consistent commitment to involving students in deliberative processes on matters of student interest and the public good. Such involvement is fundamental to the values and principles of democracy and good governance. The challenge for change is to seek meaningful and sustainable ways to complement the student governance approach by drawing in and connecting the broader student voice to the representations and the decision-making processes on its behalf by those who represent them, and by the decision-makers. It may be useful to review the role of student leaders in how this role is interpreted and deployed by the student leaders and how this role is supported by staff and the decision-makers involved in decision-making that impact on students. This descriptive study explored key factors such as the role and contributions of student leaders in governance positions, their functions, skills and applications deployed within their specific environment of student governance, and the general institutional governance environment and its influences on institutional democratisation. The research study culminates in providing guidelines for an integrated student governance framework in contextualising and supporting a wider deliberative student governance approach in higher education. This requires commitment and support from the management and student leadership, in pursuit of effective student governance within an environment that is nurturing and embracing of the student voice as central to achieving the institutional vision. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The study was conducted in Eastern Cape Province to 1) investigate local people’s knowledge and perceptions on Euryops floribundus and 2) landscape distribution and effect of Euryops floribundus on herbaceous vegetation and soil. A total of 90 households who own livestock were randomly selected from the three communal areas, namely; Tsengiwe, Upper Mnxe and Manzimdaka for household surveys and group discussions. For landscape study, a total of about 5 ha of land were selected at Upper Mnxe communal area. Selection criteria included the presence of E. floribundus and different landscape gradients. A total of four 50mx50 plots were marked along the landscape gradients: Bottom, Middle, and Upper Slope and upland positions. To study the effect of E. floribundus invasion on the herbaceous vegetation and soil, a total of 4 ha communal land was selected in an accessible area which had a largely flat terrain. The area was selected to have adjacent sites with no invasion (< 5% shrub cover), light (5-15% shrub cover), moderate (>15-35) and heavy invasions (>35% shrub cover) of E. floribundus. The average household size in the study area was 6.8± 0.7. All people in the three communal areas unanimously ranked sheep as the most important species for their livelihood, but the ranking of cattle and goat varied among the communal areas. All elder groups agreed that Europs floribundus decreases both the quantity and quality of herbaceous forage as well as livestock production. Moreover, invaded patches create more bare areas which are responsible for the loss of top fertile soils and the formation of rills and gullies. The result showed that the total density of E. floribundus significantly increased from the topland (2301 plants ha-1) moving to the bottomland (4888 plants ha-1). Canopy cover was significantly lowest in the topland (17.9%), but the remaining gradients had similar cover. Grass dry matter yield was higher in the bottomlands and sloppy gradients than the toplands. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the flat than the sloppy terrain. Soils from higher elevations (toplands and upper sloppy) had significantly higher N than the lower elevations (bottomlands and Middle sloppy). The lowest dry matter was observed at low invasion and non-invaded sites. Soil chemical properties were generally different from all density levels. In conclusion, E. floribundus encroachment was found to be major cause of decline in the peoples’ livelihood because as this reduces the vegetation diversity and livestock production, both of which are the major of their livelihoods.

In this study the main focus is on the experiences of former street children as learners. The main emphasis of this study is the manner in which such experiences influence these children’s learning towards constructing new identities. By examining the experiences of former street children in a school environment, namely a teaching and learning environment, this study will contribute towards the literature by providing focused and relevant information pertaining to the way former street children experience learning. By focusing on these particular learners from the street, the study attempts to explore and build an insightful knowledge in terms of understanding how former street children perceive learning in relation to their present personal and past life on the streets. Through this study the researcher will hopefully be able to determine how former street children feel, experience and relate to teaching and learning within a school context. Data collection for this study included the researcher’s observations and face-to-face unstructured in-depth phenomenological interviews with learners who are formerly from the streets. Among others, the study found that these particular learners have low self- esteem, a low opinion of themselves, and lack of self- confidence. The study also revealed that some of these learners are struggling academically and would appreciate it if academic was parallel with vocational skills so as to equip them for the world of work. It also transpired that learners who have relationships with those who have not been to the streets changed their lives for the better by learning from their peers but those who have relationships with other former street children at this school continue to engage in deviant behaviour, for many schooling has helped them to reclaim their childhood identity.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology Human Resource Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / It is acknowledged that the South African Department of Education has accomplished some of its goals in changing the Further Education and Training (FET) sector through transformation initiatives such as mergers of colleges of education within a short period. The FET sector has made great strides in enhancing equity, redress of resource allocation and providing high quality education for all South Africans and enhancing access to Further Education and Training. However, the problem of staff retention and attraction still remains a setback. There is a growing concern in South Africa that the FET sector is losing or unable to retain its staff, with specific reference to academic and support staff. This problem is exacerbated by the growing number of learner enrolments within in the sector. This study investigated the factors affecting retention of staff within one specific FET college in Cape Town, South Africa. Due to the position taken by the said college on confidentiality and anonymity, the institution will be referred to as "College X". The objective was to assess the extent to which these factors influenced the decision to stay or leave College X. Linked to the objective was to come up with recommendations of how College X can build staff capacity and develop more innovative ways of attracting valuable talent and become an employer of choice. In order to assess the factors affecting retention in College X, the study used a blend of qualitative and quantitative research approach including the literature review. The survey questionnaires were used to collect data. In addition to the survey, the study also used focus group discussions. The study found that career development, remuneration and benefits, as well as performance management, were key in the retention of staff and this was congruent with the objectives of the study. However, the issue of culture, location, environment and leadership style varied across the college community but these were not deemed to be significant in the study. The study will confirm the important role that the factors affecting retention of talent plays in motivating employees to stay or quit College X. This study can be extended and repeated in a similar public FET college environment. Other possible areas for research include discovering from the entire FET sector what the factors are affecting the motivation of staff to stay or leave the sector. The study will also highlight the career development, remuneration and performance management which are critical factors to address if College X is to retain its staff and become competitive in the FET sector.

This study investigates the temporal, spatial and impact characteristics of severe convective storm hazard and risk in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Using historical data on severe convective storms dating from 1897, patterns of the hazard threat and risk to various geographic populations were investigated. A conceptual framework that emphasises the combined role hazard and vulnerability play in defining risk was used for the study. A methodology for ranking the severity of the storms in the historical dataset, based on recorded damage/impact, was specifically developed for the study. It is intended that this methodology will have a potentially wider application and may be adapted to a range of hazard impact and risk studies in South Africa and internationally. The study was undertaken within the context of the South African Disaster Management Act of 2002. Findings of the study show that severe convective storms can occur throughout the province, but there are clearly demarcated areas of higher frequency and concentration. The impact of storms is particularly severe on impoverished and vulnerable rural populations in the eastern parts of the province, where there is an urgent need for building capacity in disaster risk management. A major outcome of the study is the production of a severe convective storm hazard/risk map of the Eastern Cape, which it is hoped will be of benefit to a number of stakeholders in the province, particularly disaster management, but also the South African Weather Service, agricultural organisations, development/planning authorities, educational authorities and risk insurers. It is hoped that this map and the study in general will assist in guiding the operational responses of the various authorities, especially in terms of those interventions aimed at disaster risk reduction in the Eastern Cape.

Desertification is the diminution or destruction of the biological potential of land, and can lead ultimately to desert-like conditions. The vegetation of southern Africa is claimed to have altered over the past 100 years and much of the change is attributed to pastoral practice. In recent years however there has been much debate around the issue of the deterioration and loss of productivity of the natural rangelands, specifically those under communal management. It is one thing to claim that the vegetation has changed but quite another to produce data and analyses to show this unequivocally. Furthermore it is generally difficult to determine the nature and extent of change in natural ecosystems, as one does not know what the optimal base-line conditions should be. For this reason emphasis has been placed on developing models of potential or expected vegetation. By comparing a model of potential or expected vegetation with that of the contemporary vegetation, areas that deviate from expectation can be identified, in so doing providing evidence of the direction of change in the rangelands under various management treatments. The objective of this study was to determine shifts in the vegetation under different land-use treatments, by developing a technique to predict the potential vegetation of an area. In order to explore the nature and extent of degradation at the landscape scale a study site was selected where a range of land-use and rangeland management practices could be studied in parallel. The mid-Fish River valley consists of three markedly different units of land management, namely commercial rangelands, communal rangelands and nature conservation areas. The vegetation within the mid-Fish River valley falls within the Thicket biome and consists of three main vegetation types namely, Short Succulent Thicket, Medium Succulent Thicket and Mesic Bushclump Savanna. The creation of this potential vegetation model was dependent on the direct gradient analysis approach of relating the community patterns with environmental variables. To achieve this, floristic information was collected at sites along a topographical-moisture gradient. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) between the environmental variables and the plant communities produced a classification from which the conditions normally associated with the major plant communities were predicted. When projected as a digital map, the qualifying sites provided a testable hypothesis of the potential vegetation. The results of this study showed a definite grazing gradient, which reflects a change from a more mesic environment towards a more arid environment with an increase in utilisation pressure. The predictive vegetation model proved to be useful for predicting the occurrence of the valley thicket communities within the Eastern Cape.

Land use and land transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Only a small percentage of land and thus biodiversity is protected within reserves. The majority of biodiversity lies in the hands of private and communal farmers and in order to protect biodiversity they must perceive it as having some value and have the means and incentive to conserve it. This study examined two things: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and measures of ecosystem health, range condition, primary production and presence of useful plants that would be expected to be of relevant use to land users, (ii) the perceptions of farmers of vegetation states that differ in the abovementioned attributes. Within the Eastern Province Thornveld of the Smaldeel area, four different vegetation states were selected for the study, namely park-like grassland with scattered Acacia karroo (“savanna”), heavily infested Acacia karroo grassland (“acacia”), thicket-grassland mosaic (“thicket”) and heavily utilised thicketgrassland in communal lands (“communal”). The four states are a consequence of different patterns of browsing and fire, in both pre-colonial and recent times. Different ecological attributes were assessed and compared for each state and the relationships between the different attributes determined. Ecosystem health, in terms of stability or resistance to erosion, infiltration/water-holding capacity, and nutrient cycling were compared using Landscape Function Analysis. The agricultural value of the different landscapes was measured using range condition assessment techniques. Plant species richness and other measures of diversity, along with their conservation and usefulness values, were compared between states. Plant productivity and biomass were compared using satellite data. The thicket state was found to be the most functional due to the added habitat complexity provided by the vegetation. It was the most biodiverse, the most useful and contained many, but not all of the important conservation species. The communal state had high biodiversity and was be fairly resilient to heavy usage, not showing the expected signs of land degradation. The savanna state, although thought of as the optimum state for cattle production, was not significantly different from the other states in terms of agricultural potential, but had the lowest values for plant diversity, browse potential, abundance of useful plant species and biomass. The acacia state had the highest and least stable values in terms of biomass production, however it was found to contain species of conservation importance. The preference that four groups of land users, namely men and women from commercial and communal farming areas, expressed for the four vegetation states was assessed using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with A3 colour photographs. The men and women from the communal areas and the men from the commercial areas valued the thicket state highly for its farming potential. The male commercial farmers also valued the savanna state highly as they perceived it as being most productive for cattle farming. Both the thicket state and the savanna state were found aesthetically pleasing by all the user groups, in line with theories of preference for modified savannas and for familiar environments. There appears to be potential for preserving biodiversity on farmland. The farmers in this study, with their very utilitarian perspective, were found to intuitively gauge the health of the landscape and recognise biodiversity as indicating good farming land. The commercial farmers were strongly influenced by economic motives and thus attracted to the savanna state, but also recognised the opportunity for a wider variety of farming activities in the thicket state. The communal farmers have a high dependence on the land for their livelihoods and preferred the thicket state for its overall usefulness. The views of the farmers indicate that the opportunity for conservation is good, however much of the thicket state lies in the communal land, where the openaccess land use system makes managing for biodiversity difficult.

From an apicultural point of view the Cape fynbos is under-utilised and our knowledge of its utilization by the Cape honeybees is incomplete. The key aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the Cape honeybees utilize the fynbos species as the preferred source of nectar and pollen. Subsidiary aims included distinguishing vegetation communities in the area, identifying pollen and nectar sources, the relationship between brood population and seasonal pollen collection patterns, examining the effect of meteorological factors on pollen collection. The study site was on Rivendell Farm within the Eastern Cape Albany district: an area of high species richness. A checklist of vascular plant species was produced revealing 97 families, 271 genera and 448 species. A classification by two-way indicator species (TWINSPAN) recognized seven vegetation communities: Forest, Bush clumps, Acacia savanna, Grassland, Grassy fynbos, Fynbos and Shrubland. Direct field observations of the foraging of Cape honeybees identified 54 nectar and pollen source plant species. Honeybee pollen loads trapped from four colonies of hives identified 37 pollen source plants of which Metalasia muricata, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Erica chamissonis, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Helichrysum anomalum, Crassula cultrata and Acacia longifolia were the predominant pollen source plants. It was also found that 60% of pollen yield derived from fynbos vegetation. The pollen source plants came from both Cape endemic and from nonendemic species. Thus we reject the hypothesis that Cape honeybees selectively forage fynbos species as a preferred source of pollen and nectar. The examination of the effect of temperature, wind-speed and temperature on pollen collection activity of honeybees revealed that: a temperature range of between 14°C to 26°C was optimal for pollen collection; wind speeds of up to 4m/s were conducive for pollen collection; relative humidity was found to have no significant influence on pollen collection. Pollen collection and brood rearing patterns are positively correlated with flowering intensities, but we found in our Eastern Cape study site that brood rearing was not limited to the spring flowering season but did extend to the end of summer. In order to determine the available nectar yield of common plant species hourly secretion of nectar volumes was measured for 24 hours to determine the variation of available nectar during different times of the day. In all nectar producing species the nectar volume was high in the early morning and declined as the day progressed. We found that the volume of available nectar was affected by prevailing temperature and humidity around the flowers.