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SDG 11

Biotic homogenization and alien bird species along an urban gradient in South Africa
27 May 2010
Stellenbosch University

van Rensburg, Berndt;Peacock, Derick;Robertson, Mark

Similar to the process seen in invasion biology, urbanized environments lead to biotic homogenization with a few species, often alien, dominating the urban habitat. We investigated avian communities across an urban gradient in Pretoria (South Africa). We defined three urbanization zones: urban, suburban and semi-natural, based on land cover. We conducted point counts of all species at each of 13 sites in these zones over a four month period. We found significantly more species in the semi-natural zone than the urban zone but abundance was significantly lower in semi-natural than urban. The increase in abundance was mainly as a result of alien species with the three most abundant species in the urban zone being all alien. Semi-natural contained fewer alien species than urban and significantly fewer than suburban. The Common Myna Acridotheres tristis was the only alien species that was observed in all three urbanization zones and was the second most abundant species in the suburban and urban zones. Our study supports the process of biotic homogenization, where an increase in alien species occurs in the urban compared to semi-natural zone. Although the suburban zone made an important contribution towards native bird abundance in a larger city environment, this environment was also an important environment for alien species, especially for the Common Myna.
A global analysis of the impacts of urbanization on bird and plant diversity reveals key anthropogenic drivers
31 July 2014
Stellenbosch University

Aronson, M.F.J.;La Sorte, F.A.;Nilon, C.H.;Katti, M.;Goddard, M.A.;Lepczyk, C.A.;Warren, P.S.;Williams, N.S.G.;Cilliers, S.;Clarkson, B.;Dobbs, C.;Dolan, R.;Hedblom, M.;Klotz, S.;Kooijmans, J.L.;Kuhn, I.;MacGregor-Fors, I.;McDonnell, M.;Mortberg, U.;Pysek, P.;Siebert, S.;Sushinsky, J.;Werner, P.;Winter, M.

Urbanization contributes to the loss of the world’s biodiversity and the homogenization of its biota. However, comparative studies of urban biodiversity leading to robust generalities of the status and drivers of biodiversity in cities at the global scale are lacking. Here, we compiled the largest global dataset to date of two diverse taxa in cities: birds (54 cities) and plants (110 cities). We found that the majority of urban bird and plant species are native in the world’s cities. Few plants and birds are cosmopolitan, the most common being Columba livia and Poa annua. The density of bird and plant species (the number of species per km2) has declined substantially: only 8% of native bird and 25% of native plant species are currently present compared with estimates of non-urban density of species. The current density of species in cities and the loss in density of species was best explained by anthropogenic features (landcover, city age) rather than by non-anthropogenic factors (geography, climate, topography). As urbanization continues to expand, efforts directed towards the conservation of intact vegetation within urban landscapes could support higher concentrations of both bird and plant species. Despite declines in the density of species, cities still retain endemic native species, thus providing opportunities for regional and global biodiversity conservation, restoration and education.
Beta diversity of urban floras among European and non-European cities.
01 April 2015
Stellenbosch University

La Sorte, F.A.;Aronson, M.F.J.;Williams, N.S.G.;Celesti-Grapow, L.;Cilliers, S.;Clarkson, B.D.;Dolan, R.W.;Hipp, A.;Klotz, S.;Kuhn, I.;Pysek, P.;Siebert, S.;Winter, M.

Aim Cities represent an ideal study system for assessing how intensive land-use change and biotic interchange have altered beta diversity at broad geographic extents. Here we test the hypothesis that floras in cities located in disparate regions of the globe are being homogenized by species classified as invasive (naturalized species that have spread over a large area) or as a European archaeophyte (species introduced into Europe before ad 1500 from the Mediterranean Basin).We also test the prediction that the global influences of European activities (colonization, agriculture, commerce) have supported this outcome. Location One hundred and ten cities world-wide. Methods We examined the richness and composition of urban floras among European (n = 85) and non-European cities (n = 25) for species classified as native or non-native, or further classified as European archaeophyte or invasive. We modelled how geographic, climatic and anthropogenic factors were related to compositional similarity between European and non-European cities. Results We found that most plants in the cities we examined, particularly non- European cities, were native and unique to each city. Non-native species were similarly unique, but occurred in much lower proportions relative to natives. Although European archaeophytes and invasive species also occurred in lower proportions, they had similar compositions among cities. European archaeophytes were most prevalent in European cities, but were most similar among non-European cities. Contrasting European and non-European cities, geography and climate were most relevant for native and invasive species, whereas climate and agriculture were most relevant for European archaeophytes. Main conclusions Cities in disparate regions of the globe retain regionally distinct native and non-native plant assemblages, while invasive species, and especially European archaeophytes, were associated with lower beta diversity among cities. These findings suggest that intensive land-use change and biotic interchange, shaped through European influences, have had a world-wide effect on the beta diversity of urban plant assemblages.
The compositional similarity of urban forests among the world's cities is scale dependent
04 February 2016
Stellenbosch University

Yang, J.;La Sorte, F.A.;Pysek, P.;Yan, P.;Nowak, D.;McBride, J.

Aim We examined species composition of urban forests from local to global scales using occurrence and abundance information to determine how compositional similarity is defined across spatial scales. We predicted that urban forests have become more homogeneous world-wide, which should result in minimal scale dependence that is more pronounced for non-native species, especially when considering abundance information. Location Thirty-eight cities world-wide. Methods We estimated compositional dissimilarities of urban forests, including both spontaneous and cultivated trees, from local to global spatial scales using six dissimilarity metrics. We used redundancy analysis to determine how climate, geographic distance and anthropogenic factors are related to compositional dissimilarity among cities. These analyses were implemented for all species combined and for native and non-native species separately. Results The 38 cities contained a median of 77 tree species, with a greater percentage of these classified as native (median = 58%). The similarity of urban forests was scale dependent, declining as the spatial scale increased – an outcome that did not differ when considering native and non-native species separately. Climate, geographic distance and city age were the main factors describing variation in tree species composition among cities. The addition of abundance information resulted in lower dissimilarity across spatial scales. Main conclusions Compositional similarity of urban forests is a scale dependent phenomenon that is not affected by the presence or absence of non-native species, suggesting a limited role for biotic interchange in promoting homogenization. However, compositional similarity across spatial scales increased uniformly with the addition of abundance information, suggesting that patterns of abundance may have greater biological relevance when homogenization trends among urban forests are considered.
Boom-bust dynamics in biological invasions: towards an improved application of the concept
06 October 2017
Stellenbosch University

Strayer, D.L.;D'Antonio, C.M.;Essl, F.;Fowler, M.S.;Geist, J.;Hilt, S.;Jarić, I.;Jöhnk, K.;Jones, C.G.;Lambin, X.;Latzka, A.W.;Pergl, J.;Pyšek, P.;Robertson, P.;von Schmalensee, M.;Stefansson, R.A.;Wright, J.;Jeschke, J.M.

Boom-bust dynamics – the rise of a population to outbreak levels, followed by a dramatic decline – have been associated with biological invasions and offered as a reason not to manage troublesome invaders. However, boom-bust dynamics rarely have been critically defined, analyzed, or interpreted. Here, we define boom-bust dynamics and provide specific suggestions for improving the application of the boom-bust concept. Boom-bust dynamics can arise from many causes, some closely associated with invasions, but others occurring across a wide range of ecological settings, especially when environmental conditions are changing rapidly. As a result, it is difficult to infer cause or predict future trajectories merely by observing the dynamic. We use tests with simulated data to show that a common metric for detecting and describing boom-bust dynamics, decline from an observed peak to a subsequent trough, tends to severely overestimate the frequency and severity of busts, and should be used cautiously if at all. We review and test other metrics that are better suited to describe boom-bust dynamics. Understanding the frequency and importance of boom-bust dynamics requires empirical studies of large, representative, long-term data sets that use clear definitions of boom-bust, appropriate analytical methods, and careful interpretations.
How do invasive species travel to and through urban environments?
18 December 2017
Stellenbosch University

Padayachee, A.L.;Irlich, U.M.;Faulkner, K.T.;Gaertner, M.;Proches, S.;Wilson, J.R.U.;Rouget, M.

Globalisation has resulted in the movement of organisms outside their natural range, often with negative ecological and economic consequences. As cities are hubs of anthropogenic activities, with both highly transformed and disturbed environments, these areas are often the first point of entry for alien species. We compiled a global database of cities with more than one million inhabitants that data had on alien species occurrence. We then identified the most prominent pathways of introduction and vectors of spread of alien species in these cities. Most species were intentionally introduced to cities and were released or escaped from confinement. The majority of alien species then spread within cities through natural means (primarily unaided dispersal). Pathway prominence varied across the taxonomic groups of alien species: the most prominent pathway for plants and vertebrates was the escape pathway; for invertebrates the stowaway and contaminant pathways were most likely to facilitate introductions. For some organisms, pathway prominence varied with the geographical and climatic characteristics of the city. The characteristics of the cities also influenced the prominence of vectors of spread for alien species. Preventing the natural spread of alien species within cities, and into adjacent natural environments will be, at best, difficult. To prevent invasions, both the intentional and unintentional introduction of potentially harmful alien species to cities must be prevented. The pathways of introduction and vectors of spread identified here should be prioritised for management.
British plants as aliens in New Zealand cities: residence time moderates their impact on the beta diversity of urban floras
18 December 2017
Stellenbosch University

Ricotta, C.;Rapson, G.L.;Asmus, U.;Pysek, P.;Kuhn, I.;La Sorte, F.A.;Thompson, K.

Anthropogenic activities have weakened biogeographical barriers to dispersal, thereby promoting the introduction, establishment and spread of alien species outside their native ranges. Several studies have identified a number of biological and ecological drivers that contribute to the establishment of plant species in the invaded range. One long-term factor that is generally accepted as a relevant determinant of invasion success is residence time, or time since first introduction into the new region. Residence time is often an important correlate of range extent in the invaded region, such that alien species with longer residence times in the novel environment tend to be more widely distributed. Plant species that were introduced in different regions at different times provide a unique opportunity to examine the effect of residence time on invasion success. In this paper, we examined how residence time affects the beta diversity of alien plants in selected urban floras of New Zealand and of English and Irish cities. We used an intercontinental plant exchange as a model system, comparing groups of species introduced to New Zealand and to the British Isles at different times (i.e., species native to the British Isles, British archaeophytes and British neophytes) and asked if differences in their beta diversity can be related to differences in their residence times. Our results suggest that observed patterns of beta diversity among the urban floras of New Zealand and of English and Irish cities can be attributed to a combination of residence time and of pre-adaptation to urban habitats that evolved, or were filtered in association with human activities, before the species were introduced into the invaded range.
Ranking of invasive spread through urban green areas in the world’s 100 most populous cities
19 December 2017
Stellenbosch University

Hui, C.;Richardson, D.M.;Visser, V.

Urban landscapes are highly fragmented (leading to the extinction of native species) as well as transformed and disturbed (creating novel environments). Such conditions provide non-native species with opportunities to establish and spread through ‘‘urban green areas’’ (UGAs). UGAs can serve as stepping stones for many alien species to recruit and may become sources of propagules to launch invasions in adjoining natural ecosystems. There is great diversity in the spatial structures of UGAs worldwide; these are determined by the city’s level of development, human density, urban planning policy, and history. We explore the invasion risks of, and the potential of invasive spread in, UGAs in the world’s 100 most populous cities (in 40 countries). Based on maps of enhanced vegetation index at 250 m resolution over the extent of 25 by 25 km for each city centre, we simulate the invasion and spread of a reference species (a virtual ruderal invasive species) from the city centre into surrounding urban or rural areas. Doing so allowed us to provide an objective baseline for comparing urban susceptibility to such invasions across diverse cultures, histories and societies. We derive the global ranking of invasive spread potential for each city based on the rate of spread of the reference species, and the ranking of 40 countries, based on the average rate of spread in their cities. We explore correlates of spread rates after 100 time steps (years) by examining the roles of climate (mean annual temperature and rainfall), human demography (city population size and growth rate), and socio-economic indicators [human footprint, human development index and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita]. Small city population size and high GDP per capita are the only significant predictors of high potential for invasive spread. Among the G20 countries, Canada, South Korea, South Africa, France, USA and Brazil all feature in the top-10 countries, and Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Dallas in the USA, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Toronto in Canada and Brasilia in Brazil are listed among the top 10 cities overall. Our results can serve as a global baseline assessment of invasive spread risks through UGAs, and call for improved protocols for monitoring, planning and management of UGAs.
Invasion ecology goes to town: from disdain to sympathy
20 December 2017
Stellenbosch University

Cavin, J.S.;Kull, C.A.

How can one understand the increasing interest in ‘‘urban invasions’’, or biological invasions in urban environments? We argue that interest in urban invasions echoes a broader evolution in how ecologists view ‘‘the city’’ in relation to ‘‘the natural’’. Previously stark categorical distinctions between urban and natural, human and wild, city and ecology have floundered. Drawing on conceptual material and an analysis of key texts, we first show how the ecological sciences in general—and then invasion science in particular—previously had a blind spot for cities, despite a number of important historical and continental European exceptions. Then, we document the advent of an urban turn in ecology and, more recently, in invasion ecology, and how this has challenged fundamental concepts about ‘‘nativity’’, ‘‘naturalness’’, and human agency in nature. The urban turn necessitates more explicit and direct attention to human roles and judgements. Ecology has moved from contempt (or indifference) for cities, towards interest or even sympathy.
Is there an urban effect in alien plant invasions?
20 December 2017
Stellenbosch University

Kuhn, I.;Wolf, J.;Schneider, A.

Cities are known to be extraordinarily rich in alien plant species compared to rural environments. This is related to specific attributes of urban areas including the availability of natural resources and habitats (namely geological substrates and land cover), the dispersal pathways and associated propagule pressure due to trade and traffic, and the proximity many urban hubs have to rivers. Here we explored how richness and proportions of alien species introduced after the discovery of the Americas (so-called neophytes), can be explained by environmental covariates along the urbanization gradient from very rural to very urbanized grid cells. We tested whether there is a specific urban effect, either as an interaction effect of urbanized areas that changes these general relationships, or if there is an effect due to specific urban conditions. We found that the environmental covariates explaining richness as well as proportions of neophytes remain largely the same across the rural– urban gradient. There is, however, an effect of urbanized area on neophyte species richness and proportions, which also incorporates strictly urban conditions. Rivers, roads and railroads contribute disproportionately less to the increase of neophyte species diversity in more urbanized areas, which might be due to the already higher number of neophytes in cities. We argue that the conditions determining neophyte richness in cities are not fundamentally different from those in rural environments, but extend on the same environmental axis, i.e. having different positions along the gradient towards the upper end.
Are urban systems beneficial, detrimental, or indifferent for biological invasion?
03 April 2018
Stellenbosch University

Cadotte, M.W.;Yasui, S.L.E.;Livingstone, S.;MacIvor, J.S.

Urban environments are often seen as unique or degraded habitats that both present hardships for some sensitive species and provide opportunities to others. Non-indigenous species (NIS) are commonly referenced in the latter group, and are comprised of species that can tolerate the unique conditions or capitalize on the opportunities found in urban environments. Moreover, these urban beneficiaries may be those that normally cannot overcome competitive interactions in intact native communities, but find opportunity to flourish in urban habitats. We ask the question: do NIS benefit from urbanization? We answer this question using three strategies. First, we explore the problem conceptually, using community assembly theory. Second, we perform a broad literature review. Finally, we analyze studies with sufficient information using a meta-analysis. We show that the available evidence supports the proposition that NIS benefit from urbanization, with NIS obtaining higher abundances and greater diversity in more urbanized habitats. There were only 43 studies that measured NIS abundance and diversity while adequately quantifying the degree of urbanization surrounding plots, and effect sizes (measured by Hedge’s D) reveal that NIS obtain higher abundances in more urbanized habitats, and especially for invertebrates. Despite the intense interest in NIS dynamics and impacts, we note a general dearth of robust studies that adequately quantify ‘urbanization’, and we end with a general call for more detailed research.
Developing a framework of minimum standards for the risk assessment of alien species.
16 April 2018
Stellenbosch University

Roy, H.E.;Rabitsch, W.;Scalera, R.;Stewart, A.;Gallardo, B.;Genovesi, P.;Essl, F.;Adriaens, T.;Bacher, S.;Booy, O.;Branquart, E.;Brunel, S.;Copp, G.H.;Dean, H.;D'hondt, B.;Josefsson, M.;Kenis, M.;Kettunen, M.;Linnamagi, M.;Lucy, F.;Martinou, A.;Moore, N.;Nentwig, W.;Nieto, A.;Pergl, J.;Peyton, J.;Roques, A.;Schindler, S.;Schönrogge, K.;Solarz, W.;Stebbing, P.D.;Trichkova, T.;Vanderhoeven, S.;van Valkenburg, J.;Zenetos, A.

1. Biological invasions are a threat to biodiversity, society and the economy. There is an urgent need to provide evidence-based assessments of the risks posed by invasive alien species (IAS) to prioritize action. Risk assessments underpin IAS policies in many ways: informing legislation; providing justification of restrictions in trade or consumer activities; prioritizing surveillance and rapid response. There are benefits to ensuring consistency in content of IAS risk assessments globally, and this can be achieved by providing a framework of minimum standards as a checklist for quality assurance. 2. From a review of existing risk assessment protocols, and with reference to the requirements of the EU Regulation on IAS (1143/2014) and international agreements including the World Trade Organisation, Convention on Biological Diversity and International Plant Protection Convention, coupled with consensus methods, we identified and agreed upon 14 minimum standards (attributes) a risk assessment scheme should include. 3. The agreed minimum standards were as follows: (1) basic species description; (2) likelihood of invasion; (3) distribution, spread and impacts; (4) assessment of introduction pathways; (5) assessment of impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems; (6) Assessment of impact on ecosystem services; (7) assessment of socio-economic impacts; (8) consideration of status (threatened or protected) of species or habitat under threat; (9) assessment of effects of future climate change; (10) completion possible even when there is a lack of information; (11) documents information sources; (12) provides a summary in a consistent and interpretable form; (13) includes uncertainty; (14) includes quality assurance. In deriving these minimum standards, gaps in knowledge required for completing risk assessments and the scope of existing risk assessment protocols were revealed, most notably in relation to assessing benefits, socio-economic impacts and impacts on ecosystem services but also inclusion of consideration of climate change. 4. Policy implications. We provide a checklist of components that should be within invasive alien species risk assessments and recommendations to develop risk assessments to meet these proposed minimum standards. Although inspired by implementation of the European Union Regulation on invasive alien species, and as such developed specifically within a European context, the derived framework and minimum standards could be applied globally.
Life table invasion models: spatial progression and species-specific partitioning
20 August 2019
Stellenbosch University

Zhao, Z.H.;Hui, C.;Plant, R.E.;Su, M.;Carpenter, T.;Papdopoulos, N.;Li, Z.H.;Carey, J.R.

Biological invasions are increasingly being considered important spatial processes that drive global changes, threatening biodiversity, regional economies, and ecosystem functions. A unifying conceptual model of the invasion dynamics could serve as a useful tool for comparison and classification of invasion processes involving different species across large geographic ranges. By dividing these geographic ranges that are subject to invasions into discrete spatial units, we here conceptualize the invasion process as the transition from pristine to invaded spatial units. We use California cities as the spatial units and a long-term database of invasive tropical tephritids to characterize the invasion patterns. A new life-table method based on insect demography, including the progression model of invasion stage transition and the species-specific partitioning model of multispecies invasions, was developed to analyze the invasion patterns. The progression model allows us to estimate the probability and rate of transition for individual cities from pristine to infested stages and subsequently differentiate the first year of detection from detection recurrences. Importantly, we show that the interval of invasive tephritid recurrence in a city declines with increasing invasion stages of the city. The species-specific partitioning model revealed profound differences in invasion outcome depending on which tephritid species was first detected (and then locally eradicated) in the early stage of invasion. Taken together, we discuss how these two life-table invasion models can cast new light on existing invasion concepts; in particular, on formulating invasion dynamics as the state transition of cities and partitioning species-specific roles during multispecies invasions. These models provide a new set of tools for predicting the spatiotemporal progression of invasion and providing early warnings of recurrent invasions for efficient management.
A fine-scale assessment of the ecosystem service-disservice dichotomy in the context of urban ecosystems affected by alien plant invasions
11 February 2020
Stellenbosch University

Potgieter, L.J.;Gaertner, M.;O'Farrell, P.J.;Richardson, D.M.

Background Natural resources within and around urban landscapes are under increasing pressure from ongoing urbanisation, and management efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainable provision of ecosystem services (ES) are an important response. Given the limited resources available for assessing urban ES in many cities, practical approaches for integrating ES in decision-making process are needed. Methods We apply remote sensing techniques (integrating LiDAR data with high-resolution multispectral imagery) and combined these with supplementary spatial data to develop a replicable approach for assessing the role of urban vegetation (including invasive alien plants) in providing ES and ecosystem disservices (EDS). We identify areas denoting potential management trade-offs based on the spatial distribution of ES and EDS using a local-scale case study in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Situated within a global biodiversity hotspot, Cape Town must contend with widespread invasions of alien plants (especially trees and shrubs) along with complex socio-political challenges. This represents a useful system to examine the challenges in managing ES and EDS in the context of urban plant invasions. Results Areas of high ES provision (for example carbon sequestration, shade and visual amenity) are characterized by the presence of large trees. However, many of these areas also result in numerous EDS due to invasions of alien trees and shrubs – particularly along rivers, in wetlands and along the urban edge where tall alien trees have established and spread into the natural vegetation (for example increased water consumption, increased fire risk and reduced soil quality). This suggests significant trade-offs regarding the management of species and the ES and EDS they provide. Conclusions The approach applied here can be used to provide recommendations and to guide city planners and managers to fine-tune management interventions at local scales to maximise the provision of ES.
Drivers of compositional dissimilarity for native and alien birds: the relative roles of human activity and environmental suitability
20 April 2020
Stellenbosch University

Ascensão, F.;Latombe, G.;Anadón, J.D.;Abellán, P.;Cardador, L.;Carrete, M.;Tella, J.L.;Capinha, C.

We assessed the relative importance of human activity and environmental suitability as drivers of compositional dissimilarity of alien birds for 65 of the most populous cities of the Iberian Peninsula. We examined how these drivers relate to Zeta diversity (zeta) for alien Passeriformes and Psittaciformes. We performed the analysis using multiple orders of zeta, which provides insight on the role played by rare and common species in determining levels of dissimilarity. We also ran the analyses using the community of native Passeriformes as a phylogenetically close contrasting control. Our results showed that the proportion of urban area, a variable related to colonization and propagule pressure, had a strong influence on Psittaciformes but not on alien Passeriformes. This latter group showed to be primarily influenced by environmental factors, similarly to what was found for native Passeriformes. On other hand, human connectivity, as measured by distance through roads and railways seemed to play a significant role in shaping the compositional dissimilarity of alien Passeriformes, but not Psittaciformes. Regardless of the group analysed, the relative importance of the explanatory variables was similar for both rare and common species. Our findings highlight differences between the factors driving compositional dissimilarity for distinct groups of birds. While the emerging biogeography of Psittaciformes is mainly a reflection of distinctiveness in urban areas, alien Passeriformes are more strongly affected by the natural environment and thus their biogeography may increasingly resemble the one of their native counterparts.
A survey dataset to evaluate the changes in mobility and transportation due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Norway, South Africa, United States
02 February 2021
Stellenbosch University

Barbieri, D.M.;Lou, B;Passavanti, M.;Hui, C.;Lessa, D.A.;Maharaj, B.;Banerjee, A.;Wang, F.;Chang, K.;Naik, B.;Yu, L.;Liu, Z.;Sikka, G.;Tucker, A.;Mirhosseini, A.F.;Naseri, S.;Qiao, Y.;Gupta, A.;Abbas, M.;Fang, K.;Ghasemi, N.;Peprah, P.;Goswami, S.;Hessami, A.;Agarwal, N.;Lam, L.;Adomako, S.

COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted the global community. To curb the viral transmission, travel restrictions have been enforced across the world. The dataset documents the mobility disruptions and the modal shifts that have occurred as a consequence of the restrictive measures implemented in ten countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Norway, South Africa and the United States. An online questionnaire was distributed during the period from the 11st to the 31st of May 2020, with a total of 9 394 respondents. The first part of the survey has characterized the frequency of use of all transport modes before and during the enforcement of the restrictions, while the second part of the survey has dealt with perceived risks of contracting COVID-19 from different transport modes and perceived effectiveness of travel mitigation measures. Overall, the dataset (stored in a repository publicly available) can be conveniently used to quantify and understand the modal shifts and people's cognitive behavior towards travel due to COVID-19. The collected responses can be further analysed by considering other demographic and socioeconomic covariates.
Measuring the inward FDI potential of South African regions
01 July 2009
North West University

Krugell, Waldo;Matthee, Marianne

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to construct an index that captures the factors expected to affect a local economy's attractiveness to foreign investors. Problem statement: Following South Africa's reintegration into the world economy in 1994, foreign direct investment has been seen as a potential driver of growth and development. Concerns about the low investment rate in South Africa raise the possibility of augmenting domestic with foreign investment expenditure. The potential of technology spillovers and skills transfer from foreign direct investment have also been emphasised. As a result, Trade and Investment South Africa is involved in identifying, packaging and promoting investment opportunities. However, investments tend to be place-specific and this has lead to the decentralisation of foreign direct investment promotion. Currently the nine provincial development agencies are competing to attract investors and the larger local governments are also getting involved in the fray. This paper argues that some places have better potential to attract foreign investment than others. A first step to use scarce investment promotion resources more efficiently would be to measure the inward FDI potential of South African regionsApproach: This paper uses principal components analysis to construct an index that captures the factors expected to affect a local economy's attractiveness to foreign investors. This approach draws on UNCTAD's Inward FDI Potential Index and applies it to 354 magisterial districts in South Africa for the periods 1996, 2001 and 2006. The index creates a summary measure of FDI potential. Findings: The results show that different places present differential potential in urbanization and localization economies and market size. The high-potential locations are typically found in or around the major agglomerations, but there are a few smaller places on the periphery that offer FDI potential. Contribution: The index should aid the location decisions of prospective investors as well as local policymakers in their efforts to promote FDI-led economic development. Conclusion: The places with high FDI potential are not randomly scattered across South Africa, but tend to cluster together. Cities and towns can improve their attractiveness to foreign investors through the exploitation of natural resources, population growth, economic growth and strengthening links to metropolitan areas.
The commitee system for competitve bids in local government
11 August 2009
North West University

Bolton, B

When a municipality contracts for goods or services, it must make use of competitive bidding / a public call for tenders for contracts over R200 000 as well as for long term contracts. A competitive bidding process generally consists of different stages, for example, compiling bid specifications, advertising the bid, the receipt and evaluation of bids, and the award and implementation of the contract. The Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations require a municipality’s Supply Chain Management Policy to provide for a committee system to oversee the different stages. Such committee system must, moreover, consist of at least a bid specification committee, a bid evaluation committee and a bid adjudication committee. Until recently, little attention has been given by the courts to the roles and composition of the different committees in the committee system. It is only after government, and in particular, municipalities have begun to implement the committee system in their procurement processes that it is evident that problems are arising. In recent months, the courts have increasingly had to deal with issues pertaining to the implementation of the committee system. In this article, the relevant legislative provisions on the committee system for competitive bids in local government are discussed. The functions of each committee are explained and all the cases that have thus far involved the implementation of the committee system are critically analysed. Much attention is given to the cases since they serve as a warning to municipalities to uphold and comply with the rules relating to the roles and composition of the different committees. The cases illustrate how important it is for municipalities to ensure that the different committees are properly constituted and that decisions at meetings are properly taken. They also highlight the importance of the supervisory role of the municipal manager over the different committees. In light of the cases it is clear that failure to comply with all the legislative requirements results in very costly litigation.
Local service delivery enhancement – attitudes: a case study of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
06 August 2010
North West University

Tsatsire, I;Taylor, J D;Raga, K

In this article, the new developmental mandate assigned to local government is reviewed using the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (hereafter referred to as the NMBM) as a case study. The concept of developmental local government is of cardinal importance as it imposes additional specific obligations on municipal councils. In addition, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (hereafter referred to as the Constitution) requires local government to render quality, affordable and sustainable basic services. Therefore, councillors are now required to meet specific Constitutional and other developmental legislative prescriptions pertaining to their communities and areas of jurisdiction. An empirical survey was conducted at the NMBM to test selected senior officials and councillors’ attitudinal responses to service delivery and the new developmental mandate assigned to local government. The survey intended to establish whether there was institutional capacity to enhance basic service delivery. These findings are elaborated upon in this article.
From disaster relief to disaster risk reduction: a consideration of the evolving international relief mechanism
19 January 2011
North West University

Van Niekerk, D

Disaster risk reduction is an ever-growing concept and finds its application within various disciplines. This article investigates the development of disaster risk reduction and some of the most important aspects which shaped it. The early years of international disaster relief are discussed and it is shown how a change in this system was necessitated by a variety of factors and international disasters, which exposed its weakness. The article argues that disaster relief and development aid were inextricably linked and it is this linkage which provided a catalyst for questioning the manner in which relief, and development assistance, were provided. The later emphasis on disaster preparedness and management is discussed, and international policies and mechanisms, which contributed to a gradual shift in focus towards disaster risk reduction, enjoy attention. The article concludes that solutions to disaster risks lie within a rigorous transdisciplinary focus.
Parallel planning mechanisms as a "Recipe for disaster"
30 March 2011
North West University

Van Wyk, J

This note offers a critical reflection of the recent landmark decision in City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality v Gauteng Development Tribunal which lay to rest the negative consequences of employing the DFA procedures of the Development Facilitation Act 67 of 1995 (DFA) alongside those of the provincial Ordinances to establish townships (or to use DFA parlance, “land development areas”). The welcome and timely decision in City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality v Gauteng Development Tribunal has declared invalid chapters V and VI of the DFA. Moreover, it has formalised planning terminology in South Africa, delineated the boundaries of “municipal planning” and “urban planning and development” as listed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and, in the process, clarified the structure of planning law. This note examines the decision of the SCA and focus on the role it will clearly have in reforming some of the law relating to planning. It considers the facts of the case, uncertainties around terminology, the structure of planning in South Africa, the content of municipal planning, the role of the DFA and the consequences of the declaration of invalidity by the SCA.
Jordan v Farber (1352/90) [2009] ZANCHC 81 (15/12/2009)
31 March 2011
North West University

Barnard, J;Nagel, C

This case note deals with several aspects of the law of contract, such as public policy and validity, error, cancellation, repudiation, undue influence and damages. It concerns the case of an elderly couple who had to stop their farming operations because of ill health. The attorney whom they approached for assistance offered to lease the farm, equipment and animals from them in his personal capacity, although in his professional capacity he also drafted the contracts of lease. It later transpired that the attorney used his position to mislead the couple as regards the contracts in question and that he was guilty of unethical and unprofessional conduct. The couple applied to court to have the leases declared void, alternatively cancelled, and to have the attorney evicted from the farm. The order was granted; however, the discussion seeks to demonstrate that the couple were afforded only minimal justice in that they did not claim, nor were they granted, any damages. The various possibilities open to them in the circumstances are examined and the conclusion is that ventilating the matter by way of application was probably not the best manner in which to have sought assistance.
When certainty and legality collide: The efficacy of interdictory relief for the cessation of building works pending review proceedings
04 April 2011
North West University

Summers, R

Effective legal redress against unlawful building works or construction activities can be an elusive target. Given the desirability of legal certainty attached to administrative decisions in terms of which building plans are approved, should the practical implications of this principle trump the equally important principle of legality? This article examines the – at times – competing imperatives of certainty and legality in the context of several recent decisions of the Western Cape High Court that related to applications for interdictory relief for the cessation of allegedly unlawful building works. The practical difficulties for an applicant in these circumstances are particularly acute when the relief is sought pending the final determination of an application for judicial review of the impugned administrative decision to grant building plan approval. The article highlights the approach of the Western Cape High Court in three cases to invoking considerations of legality in circumstances where building works had reached an advanced stage and the respondent had effectively achieved what has been described as an "impregnable position". The principal difficulty for an applicant lies in the fact that where interdictory relief is sought against building works that have reached an advanced stage, this potentially renders an eventual successful review application brutum fulmen.
The sero-conversion of the people of the Nelson Mandela metropole, 1985 - 2021.
23 January 2012
North West University

Shell, Robert C H;Rama, P

The authors draw attention to the little researched pandemic of HIV/AIDS in the Western area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. They use population projection programs and new historical case level data which has a broader base than the national ante natal clinic (anc) data. They demonstrate the utility of the component method for projecting urban population trends as opposed to commonly used mathematical (exponential or logistic) projections. While there is much more work involved in an urban component projection because of problems of recovering reliable in-migration data, the final product of the component projection are of such value to planners that it is suggested that all South African city planners could benefit from such projections. This study also attempts to establish that if the HIV pandemic is allowed to run unchecked, the total population of the Nelson Mandela Metropole will be just under two million people by the year 2021. Without Aids it would be between 2.5 and 4 million. The authors analyze the new data with a view to understand the probable historical vectors of the pandemic and to enable policy formulation, interventions and planning. Any attempt to forecast the course of an urban HIV pandemic is fraught with difficulties and uncertainties. These relate primarily to the number of assumptions which must be made in building forecasting models, often with historical data that is not reliable. The results of any model should therefore be treated with caution and must be used responsibly. That uncertainty, however, should not deter attempts at developing realistic forecasts for the future course of the HIV/AIDS pandemic at the urban level, since these local projections are essential in attracting and recruiting the attention of the stakeholder urban planners and managers who need to understand the possible impact of this disease on their communities, and to plan appropriately.
The role played by women in the Uitlander refugee crisis, 1899 - 1902, a case-study of the East London humanitarian effort.
26 January 2012
North West University

Tankard, Keith

• Opsomming: Voor die uitbreek van die Suid-Afrikaanse Oorlog in Oktober 1899, het baie Uitlander-vlugtelinge hoofsaaklik in die kusdorpe toevlug gesoek. Vlugtelingondersteuningskomitees, soos die "Mansion House Fund" het vinnig tot stand gekom om hulle by te staan. Veral mans het tot nou toe erkenning vir die filantropiese werk gekry, maar in baie gevalle was dit vroue wat die leiding geneem het. Hierdie artikel bespreek een so 'n groep: "The Ladies Relief Committie" van Oos-Londen.
Greytown: a South African townscape.
01 February 2012
North West University

Haswell, Robert F

• Opsomming: Op enkele uitsonderings na is die stedelike nedersettings van Suid-Afrika deur mense van of Hollandse of Britse herkoms gestig. Die Hollands-Afrikaanse dorp en die British-settler town is as tipes duidelik van mekaar te onderskei, maar die Britse oorname van elk van die vier provinsies het telkens 'n tydperk van vermenging van dorp- en town-elemente ingelui. Hierdie proses van interkulturele ontlening het Suid-Afrikaanse dorpsbeelde na vore gebring waarvan Greytown in Natal 'n sprekende voorbeeld is. Dorpsbeelde weerspieël die kultuurgeskiedenis duidelik en die vertolking daarvan kan daarom 'n bruikbare toevoeging tot ander geskiedkundige bronne wees.
What is in a name?
16 February 2012
North West University

Strauss, Johann

Name changing goes hand in hand with new governments; this has happened all over the world. Name changing has become part of South Africa in recent times and seems to continue in the near future. Name changing confuses the man on the street, teachers and learners. Text books and atlases become outdated and this involves costs. Most names represent the history, people and topography of the area.
Race, class and comfort on rural buses, 1925 - 1955.
22 March 2012
North West University

Pirie, G H

• Opsomming: In 1912 het die Suid-Afrikaanse Spoorweë 'n padmotordiens ingestel vir passasiers en ligte vrag in die yl bevolkte platteland waar min verkeer nie spoorverbindings geregverdig het nie. Blanke passasiers het geriefliker as swartes gereis, 'n voorreg wat hulle vurig beskerm her. Dit was veral die opgevoede, middelklas swart passasiers wat kapsie gemaak het teen die swak toestande waaraan hulle blootgestel was. Hulle het aangedring op betel geriewe wat hul hoër status sou weerspieël. Te midde hiervan het die Spoorweë dit moeilik gevind om 'n diens te bedryf wat al sy kritici tevrede sou stel en, ondanks die wisselende vraag, tog ekonomies lewensvatbaar bly.
Regional, local, urban and rural history as nearby spaces and places: historiographical and methodological reflections.
08 June 2012
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S

The purpose of this article is to review the almost 50 years of formal regional and local history research practices in South Africa under the umbrella of a variety of rural and urban trends, themes and phenomena. This revisit of research practice is not approached from the traditional angle of critically debating the visibility of the research in historiography through publications (it is, after all, an extraordinarily broad field of study to cover, which may not correctly serve each author in the broader and/or local history). Rather the focus is on analysing where and when regional or local history in South Africa got its momentum and how historians have broadly assessed their progress and future in presenting and carrying out regional and local history research. International influences on historians and other academics in the humanities and social sciences which surface are also discussed. The reader is also exposed to a concise exposition of modern-day efforts in the field of integrative research that have been necessary in regional and/or local history research for decades. Local research methodologies used in the past have been combined with integrative methodology models to create an integrative multidisciplinary research methodology required for carrying out regional and local research in modern-day practice. Because no single definition of the concepts of local and regional history exists, its meaning in literature is first thrashed out to strengthen understanding of the term and the approach to it in this discussion. This debate, among others, was inspired by, and is part of, the commemoration of the journal New Contree’s 35 years of existence. The journal’s involvement in the dissemination of regional and urban history, especially during the early part of its existence, is discussed. It is hoped that this article’s review of the past will inspire South African historians to revisit regional, local, urban and/or rural spaces and places in South Africa. This could be done perhaps with the view to strengthening the methodologies used in regional history studies and to ambitiously embrace possibilities for engaging in a variety of integrative research from bottom-up and top-down perspectives. This may be the only way to progress towards inclusive regional histories as contributions to the understanding of regions.
A transdisciplinary approach to understanding the causes of wicked problems such as the violent conflict in Rwanda
14 August 2012
North West University

Velthuizen, A

The paper is presented against a background of many wicked problems that confront us in the world today such as violent crime, conflict that emanates from political power seeking, contests for scarce resources, the increasing reaction all over the world to the deterioration of socio-economic conditions and the devastation caused by natural disasters. This article will argue that the challenge of violent conflict requires an innovative approach to research and problem solving and proposes a research methodology that follows a transdisciplinary approach. The argument is informed by field research during 2006 on the management of knowledge in the Great Lakes region of Africa, including research on how knowledge on the 1994 genocide in Rwanda is managed. The paper will make recommendations on how transdisciplinary research is required to determine the causes of violent conflict in an African context and how practitioners and academics should engage in transdisciplinarity. It was found that transdisciplinary research is required to gain better insight into the causes of violent conflict in an African context. It requires from the researcher to recognise the many levels of reality that has to be integrated towards a synthesis to reveal new insights into the causes of violent conflict, including recognising the existence of a normative-spiritual realm that informs the epistemology of Africa. It furthermore requires a methodology that allows us to break out of the stifling constraints of systems thinking and linear processes into the inner space at the juncture where disciplines meet (the diversity of African communities).
Human rights that influence the mentally ill patient in South African medical law: a discussion of sections 9; 27; 30 and 31 of the constitution
03 September 2012
North West University

Swanepoel, M

The personalised nature of mental illness obscures from general view the intolerable burden of private and public distress that people with serious mental illness carry. Invariably the mentally ill person encounters rejection and humiliation that are in some way tantamount to a "second illness." The combination either disrupts or puts beyond reach the usual personal and social life stages of marriage, family life, raising children, sexual relationships, the choice of treatment, affordable housing, transportation, education and gainful employment. As a result of their lack of financial and social support and their experience of rejection from society, persons with mental illness tend to neglect themselves and their diet, and frequently delay seeking treatment. Against this background, this contribution critically focuses on the human rights that influence the mentally ill patient in South African medical law. Specific attention is paid to the relevance and meaning of sections 9 (the equality clause), 27 (access to health care services), 30 and 31 (language, culture and religion) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Recent business transformation in intermediate-sized cities in South Africa
09 October 2012
North West University

Coetzee, Hendrik Christiaan;Geyer, H.S.;Du Plessis, D.;Donaldson, R.;Nijkamp, P.

Significant spatial and structural changes have occurred in the business sector of intermediate-sized cities in South Africa since the mid-1990s. These changes can largely be ascribed to responses of entrepreneurs, from both formal and informal sectors, to the profound changes that have taken place in business markets in those cities over the period. This paper addresses the question how the business environment has changed in three rather representative intermediate-sized cities in the North West Province of South Africa since the demise of apartheid and what economic, environmental, social and political key factors may have played a role in those changes. It analyses changes in the spatial distribution of formal and informal businesses in those cities and, based on that, identifies general trends in the structural changes that have become apparent in them since the political transition. Some general conclusions are drawn from our survey results.
Rent control: a comparative analysis
15 January 2013
North West University

Maass, S

Recent case law shows that vulnerable, previously disadvantaged private sector tenants are currently facing eviction orders – and consequential homelessness – on the basis that their leases have expired. In terms of the case law it is evident that once their leases have expired, these households do not have access to alternative accommodation. In terms of the Constitution, this group of marginalised tenants have a constitutional right of access to adequate housing and a right to occupy land with legally secure tenure. The purpose of this article is to critically analyse a number of legislative interventions, and specifically rent control, that were imposed in various jurisdictions in order to provide strengthened tenure protection for tenants. The rationale for this analysis is to determine whether the current South African landlordtenant regime is able to provide adequate tenure protection for vulnerable tenants and therefore in the process of transforming in line with the Constitution. The legal construction of rent control was adopted in pre-1994 South Africa, England and New York City to provide substantive tenure protection for tenants during housing shortages. These statutory interventions in the different private rental markets were justified on the basis that there was a general need to protect tenants against exploitation by landlords. However, the justification for the persistent imposition of rent control in New York City is different since it protects a minority group of financially weak tenants against homelessness. The English landlord-tenant regime highlights the importance of a well-structured social sector that can provide secure, long-term housing options for low-income households who are struggling to access the private rental sector. Additionally, the English rental housing framework shows that if the social sector is functioning as a "safety net" for low-income households, the private sector would be able to uphold deregulation. In light of these comparisons and the fact that the South African social sector is not functioning optimally yet, the question is whether the South African private sector is able to provide the required level of tenure protection for struggling tenants. Recent case law shows that tenants are at liberty to lodge unfair practice complaints with the Rental Housing Tribunals on the basis that the landlords' ground for termination of the lease constitutes an unfair practice. The Court defined an unfair practice as a practice that unreasonably prejudices the tenants' rights or interests. This judicial development signifies some transformation in the private sector since it allows the Tribunals to scrutinise landlords' reasons for termination of tenancies in light of tenants' personal and socioeconomic circumstances. The Tribunals are therefore empowered to weigh the interests of both parties and decide whether to confirm termination of the lease or set aside such termination. In light of this recent development, the Tribunals can provide strengthened tenure protection for destitute tenants on a case by case basis, which incorporates a flexible context-sensitive approach to the provision of secure housing rights in the landlord-tenant framework. This methodology is similar to the German approach. Even though this judicial development is welcomed, it raises some concerns with regard to landlords' property rights and specifically landlords' constitutional property rights since Tribunals are now at liberty to set aside contractually agreed grounds for termination of leases without any statutory guidance. The legislation fails to provide any information regarding legitimate grounds for termination, which might have to be rectified in future. The grounds listed in the rent control legislation should serve as a starting point to determine which grounds for termination of a lease should generally be upheld. However, German landlord-tenant law shows that a statutory ground for termination of a lease should not be imposed in an absolutist fashion but rather place a heavier burden on the tenant to prove why the lease should not come to an end.
The influence of passenger satisfaction on relationship formation in the South African domestic airline industry
16 January 2013
North West University

Mostert, Pieter Gerhardus;De Meyer, Christine Frances

Customers are increasingly becoming aware of alternative offerings in the market place, and are thus more demanding in terms of their expectations pertaining to service delivery. As airlines in particular are vulnerable to competitors' offerings, they should offer passengers high levels of service and ensure that passengers are satisfied with their service offering in an effort to build long-term relationships. Building long-term relationships is important due to the financial and social benefits it holds to both the business and its customer. This study investigates whether passenger satisfaction influences whether or not passengers have formed a long-term relationship with the airline they fly with most often. Data was collected from South African domestic passengers departing from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg by means of a convenience sample. Main findings from the study indicate that the majority of dissatisfied respondents have not formed a long-term relationship with the domestic airline, while satisfied respondents are more inclined to form a long-term relationship.
Planning in all its (dis)guises: spheres of government, functional areas and authority
31 January 2013
North West University

Van Wyk, J

The Constitution determines that the legislative and executive powers regarding 'regional planning and development', 'urban and rural development', 'provincial planning' and 'municipal planning' are divided among the three spheres of government. Yet the boundaries between these items listed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution are opaque and their precise content is not always apparent. Overlaps, conflicts and uncertainty may occur. In a number of landmark decisions the courts have provided content to these different functional areas. Clarity on what 'municipal planning' comprises leads to more certainty on the content of the other planning areas. Draft legislation such as the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill (B14-2012) can also assist in adding substance to a demarcation of these different functional areas. Yet uncertainties still remain, occasioned by constitutional provisions such as sections 100, 139(1) and 155(6)-(7), that permit intervention by national and provincial government in provinces and municipalities respectively, as well as the support and monitoring by provincial government in respect of municipalities. Few clear solutions are immediately apparent. The role of the constitutional principles of co-operative government where uncertainty and conflict exist is examined, especially where no veto of one sphere over another is possible. Principles of interpretation can also assist in delineating the boundaries of the different functional areas. It seems, however, that the courts will find themselves having to address the remaining inconsistencies.
The influence of the consumer protection act 68 of 2008 on the common law warranty against eviction: a comparative overview
31 January 2013
North West University

Barnard, J

The implementation of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) has great implications for the South African common law of sale. In this contribution the influence of the CPA on the seller’s common law duty to warrant the buyer against eviction is investigated. Upon evaluation of the relevant provisions of the CPA, the legal position in the United Kingdom – specifically the provisions of the Sales of Goods Act of 1979 – is investigated.
A letter from the Director of the African Centre for Disaster Studies - The different faces of vulnerability: are we making any impact at all?
15 August 2013
North West University

Van Niekerk, D

Vulnerability is the common cause of the immense disaster risk present on the African continent.
The need for an integrated disaster risk reduction management strategy in North African cities: a case study of urban vulnerability in Algiers (Algeria)
15 August 2013
North West University

Benouar, Djillali

For the North African countries, geological, environmental and technological hazards constitute a constant threat to human life and property, sometimes causing major economic losses and disruption. The rapid urbanization, development of critical engineering works such as dams, decaying building stock, implementation of various industries within and around the main cities, industrialization of cities with modern types of buildings and the large concentration of populations, with a heavy dependency on infrastructure and services, living in large cities and/or settling in hazardous areas, are matters of growing concern, as they contribute to heavier loss of life and seriously increasing the economic losses in future disaster damage. The environmental concerns and an increased official and public awareness of various hazards have, in the last decade, led to a rapid rise of interest in hazard and risk evaluations and thus in disaster risk management.
Reducing disaster risk through vulnerability assessment: an agricultural perspective
15 August 2013
North West University

Van Zyl, Koos

A growing population, economic and environmental losses due to natural or human-made disasters, provides the need for a systematic approach to the management of risks. It is generally accepted that a multi-disciplinary understanding of disaster risk management is required.
Towards a methodology for the use of geo-information technology in disaster assessment
15 August 2013
North West University

Van Vuuren, Dawie

Disaster assessment entails the description of disaster events and their impact on human lives, property and the environment. Information is a vital component of this process, and geo-information technology in particular should have a key role in this regard.
Foreword
15 August 2013
North West University

Tau, Mmaphaka

The conditions prevailing in the world, where fast growing populations are coupled with rapidly expanding urbanization and a general increase in poverty levels, are greatly aggravating the disaster risks and vulnerabilities of a large part of the world’s populations.
Letter from the director of the African Centre for Disaster Studies
15 August 2013
North West University

Van Niekerk, Dewald

The African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS) has come a long way since its inception in 2002. Not only has the Centre found a new home within the Research Focus Area: Sustainable Social Development, but its staff component has grown from three to nine members.
Editorial
15 August 2013
North West University

Van Riet, Gideon

When O’Keefe, Wisner and Westgate (1976) in their now seminal article wanted to “take the naturalness out of natural disasters” the response from the broader academic and development communities was not very positive. How could you prevent something that was inevitable or an act of God?
Public management and disaster risk reduction: potential interdisciplinary contributions
15 August 2013
North West University

Van der Waldt, Gerrit

This article investigates the interdisciplinary nature of Disaster Risk Reduction as an emerging field of study. The development of this field of study is interpreted within the context of the evolution of Public Management as an academic discipline. The author argues that the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of both Public Management and Disaster Risk Reduction share commonalities. Thus, the foundational and functional aspects of Public Management did, and should continue to, inform and enrich the study of Disaster Risk Reduction.
The contribution of ineffective urban planning practices to disaster and disaster risks accumulation in urban areas: the case of former Kunduchi quarry site in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
15 August 2013
North West University

Malele, Benedict F

This study examined the link between urban planning practices and disaster risks. The study used the former Kunduchi Quarry Site within the City of Dar es Salaam to demonstrate how laxity in enforcing the laid down planning rules, regulations and procedures facilitates the accumulation and occurrence of disaster risks and disasters in urban areas. This undermines one of the central roles of urban planning, which is to protect the lives of people from disaster risks and disasters. In exploring this, the study specifically focused on understanding the rules, regulations and procedures of planning in Tanzania; the extent to which they are followed and, where they are not followed, their implications for disaster risks and disasters; the coping initiatives adopted by local communities to reduce risks and their level of success or failure; and finally the drawing of lessons and recommendations for disaster risk reduction in urban areas. Strongly emerging from this study is the finding that although planning rules and regulations do exist, they are not enforced. As a result urban communities suffer from disaster risks and disasters caused by unregulated activities. The study analyzed the coping initiatives that urban communities apply to reduce disaster risks in their areas. It noted that, while a range of “coping” responses could be observed, these are not lasting solutions to the disaster risks being faced. Sustainable solutions seem to be known by the local community but they are not adopted for fear of compromising or undermining their existing livelihood strategies.
The December 2004-January 2005 floods in the Garden Route region of the Southern Cape, South Africa
15 August 2013
North West University

Tempelhoff, Johan;Van Niekerk, Dewald;Van Eeden, Elize;Gouws, Ina;Botha, Karin;Wurige, Rabson

The December 2004-January 2005 floods in the Garden Route region of the Southern Cape in South Africa have had a significant impact on local development and economic activities, tourism products andlocal institutions. This article aims to capture the dynamism between a number of related fields within the context of transdisciplinary research. Qualitative research methods were used to target a representative sample of the affected population. This article considers the history of the flooding events of December 2004/January 2005 along the Garden Route, as well as the manner in which emergency/disaster management personnel responded to the crisis. The effect of the floods on the tourism sector along the Garden Route was researched in general and the effects of the floods on tourists, local residents, and particularly communities in disadvantaged areas were specifically determined. The research reflects on the disaster risk management strategies that were in place at the time of the floods to determine what local authorities could have done to cope with the potential conditions of crisis. The research found that although some tourism products were severely affected, the 2004/2005 floods did not have a significant impact on the number of tourists frequenting the area. In terms of disaster risk management, concerns remain regarding the lack of the following factors: capacity, adequate early warning systems, proper infrastructure maintenance, local institutions, and an in-depth understanding of the disaster risk profile of the area.
The risk society: towards a new modernity [Review]
15 August 2013
North West University

Korstanje, Maximiliano E

The present review discusses one of the pioneer projects authored by Ulrich Beck, regarding risk perception issues, which was originally titled Risikogesellshaft, Auf dem weg in eine andere Moderne or in English The society of risk, towards a new modernity. This review is part of a broader project related to a Social Psychology doctoral thesis on fears of travelling in urban circumstances.
An introduction to neglected disasters
15 August 2013
North West University

Wisner, Ben;Gaillard, JC

This theme issue of Jàmbá takes up the question of neglected disasters. It is an important topic because the world is changing, disasters are changing, and theory is changing. All these changes call for a re-assessment of why some human suffering and social disruption receive attention from authorities, donors, researchers and the media, while some does not. Recent progress in both development studies and disaster studies provides tools for answering this question. Development and disaster studies date in their current forms to ways of thinking that were current in academic and policy circles in the late 1950s and 1960s. At that time the world was recovering from world war and former colonies of Europe were gaining independence. It was a world in which (with some exceptions) conflict was held in check in an uneasy cold war balance. It was also a world where a growing UN system held the promise of meeting humanitarian needs when they arose. That world is no more. ‘Development’ has changed.
From marginality to further marginalization: experiences from the victims of the July 2000 Payatas trashslide in the Philippines
15 August 2013
North West University

Gaillard, JC;Cadag, Jake Rom D

Victims of disasters are disproportionately drawn from the marginalized segments of society. Disaster victims are marginalized geographically because they live in hazardous places, socially because they are members of minority groups, economically because they are poor, and marginalized politically because their voice is disregarded by those with political power. #e victims of the July 2000 Payatas trash slide in the Philippines show all these characteristics. Most of the victims of the disaster were urban migrants who came all the way from their poor provinces to settle on the lower slopes of the largest dumpsite of the country. #ey scavenged recyclable materials to sell as a way to make a living, but their limited incomes did not allow them to a$ord safer locations for their homes, farther removed from the slopes of the dumpsite. On the morning of 10 July 2000, 300 of them lost their lives when a large section of the dumpsite collapsed in a massive debris %ow which buried their houses. In the aftermath of the disaster, the survivors who used to live on the dumpsite, and who were the poorest victims, were also those who were relocated by the Philippine government. In the present case, the most vulnerable families in the face of the trash slide were eventually those who had to su#er again from life-disrupting relocation while being the less able to recover quickly from the disaster. Daily incomes of relocated families are today much lower than those who remained in the vicinity of the dumpsite. For the victims of the July 2000 Payatas tragedy, poverty thus acted as a vicious, worsening circle which ranged from vulnerability to poor recovery, or from marginality to further marginalization.
Population vulnerability and disaster risk reduction: a situation analysis among the landslide affected communities in Kerala, India
16 August 2013
North West University

Santha, Sunil Damodaran;Sreedharan, Ratheeshkumar Kanjirathmkuzhiyil

Landslides affect at least 15% of the land area of India, exceeding 0.49 million km2. Taking the case of landslide affected communities in the state of Kerala in India, this paper demonstrates that the focus has seldom been placed on assessing and reducing vulnerability. From the perspective of political economy, this paper argues that vulnerability reduction has to be the main priority of any disaster risk reduction programme. This paper also demonstrates that the interactions between ecological and social systems are usually complex and non-linear in nature. In contrast, interventions to tackle landslide risks have followed a linear course, assuming that one hazard event acts independently of another. The key findings of the study show that lack of access to political power, decision making, and resources, insecure livelihoods,environmental degradation, and ine#ectiveness of the state approach to disaster risk reduction are some of the major factors that lead to increasing vulnerability. Qualitative in nature, the primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with people from different groups such as farmers affected by the landslides and secondary floods, men and women living in the temporary shelter, government representatives involved in relief activities, health authorities, and elected representatives.
Disaster risk reduction: cases from urban Africa [Review]
16 August 2013
North West University

Faling, Willi

Very little has been written on the growing number of urban disaster risk hotspots, or the integration of disaster risk reduction and human settlement planning in Africa aside from publications by the World Bank, United Nations and a few other international organisations. This book aspires to fill these gaps, and I recommend it as essential reading for any urban development or disaster management practitioner or academic concerned with risk reduction in African cities. I also recommended the book for courses on sustainable human settlements, development planning and disaster risk reduction.
The vulnerable state of the Ghana coast: the case of Faana-Bortianor
16 August 2013
North West University

Oteng-Ababio, Martin;Owusu, Kwadwo;Addo, Kwasi Appeaning

Coastal communities worldwide are becoming increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of potential hazards including shoreline erosion and coastal resource degradation. The problem is exacerbated due to rapid urbanization and the concomitant anthropogenic beach changes which influence coastal processes. The lack of basic services and disaster warning as well as response mechanisms makes the situation daunting. Using mainly qualitative methods, which include two Focus Group Discussions and 17 in-depth interviews, the authors explore the perception of respondents in regard to coastal erosion and how to mitigate the observed condition. Thee research incorporates both physical and social science knowledge. Our key finding is that although the Faana coastline is eroding at a signi%cantly high rate, residents are resolved to maintain their occupancy for as long as they have the opportunity to practise their trade. The authors argue that proactive measures can be taken to reduce vulnerability and provide the enabling conditions for communities to absorb and bounce back from disruptions in basic services and economic activities.
Challenges to disaster risk reduction: a study of stakeholders’ perspectives in Imizamo Yethu, South Africa
16 August 2013
North West University

Roth, Ann-Sofie;Becker, Per

South Africa is a complex and dynamic society, with overwhelming and increasing problems with disaster risk in the vulnerable urban communities in and around its rapidly growing metropolitan centres. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the challenges for disaster risk reduction in such communities. It focuses on the case of Imizamo Yethu, in the Western Cape, in order to build theory that is grounded in the empirical realities of stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction there. The result points towards five interrelated key challenges, which must be concurrently addressed through large-scale development efforts. Without such investments, it is unlikely that disaster risks can be reduced to tolerable levels.
Evaluating earthquake disaster risk management in schools in Rungwe Volcanic Province in Tanzania
16 August 2013
North West University

Haulle, Evaristo

This article establishes existing knowledge on earthquakes and coping mechanisms employed in reducing the severity of adverse impacts caused by an earthquake disaster in a specific locality. The purpose of the study was to recommend useful measures for disaster risk management. It also more particularly aimed at assessing mechanisms employed in reducing the disaster risk and integrating knowledge of disasters and hazards in primary and secondary school curricula. The study was carried out in Rungwe Volcanic Province in Rungwe District, Tanzania, and included recording people’s attitudes towards earthquake disaster and locations of schools. It employed focus group discussions, public hearings and interviews in order to capture the actual situation relating to risk and vulnerability assessments by the community. The study revealed high levels of risk and vulnerability to the impact of earthquakes on the part of the community, who accepted earthquakes as a normal phenomenon and therefore did not employ special measures to reduce the impact. The study showed that the community’s coping mechanisms and the extent to which disaster management knowledge has been integrated in school curricula are inadequate in addressing earthquake disasters. It is thus recommended that traditional and modern technologies be integrated in curricula and later in sustainable practices; such technologies include the belief in ‘Nyifwila’, traditional housing style and wooden housing, and non-structural planning for disaster risk management.
Corruption: the hidden perpetrator of under-development and vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters
16 August 2013
North West University

Lewis, James

My lecture is based upon a fully referenced paper but it is not an academic paper that contains evidence from which it draws conclusions. It’s in the nature of corruption that there is little evidence and there are no text-books, no journals devoted to its practise and no guidelines. Instead there is observation, #nancial calculation, investigative journalism, and an increasing number of legal investigations and trials of its perpetrators to draw upon. When evidence is in short supply, therefore, it becomes necessary to rely upon inquiring minds.
Drought preparedness, impact and response: a case of the Eastern Cape and Free State provinces of South Africa
16 August 2013
North West University

Ngaka, Makala J

Drought is a major disaster in South Africa in terms of total economic loss and number of people affected. This study investigated and analysed the preparedness, impact of and response by the farming community to the 2007/2008 drought using the Eastern Cape and Free State provinces of South Africa as case studies. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in this study. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews with sampled recipients of the 2007/2008 drought relief scheme. These were analysed using MedCalc® software and various statistical tests and correlations were performed to test for statistical differences on key variables. Major findings of this study included inadequacy of the extension support service, particularly as a vehicle for disseminating early-warning information. The most significant impact was livestock losses, and t-test results supported the hypothesis that there was a significant difference in terms of drought impact for the three categories of farmers (i.e. small, medium and large scale), particularly with regard to the proportion of livestock lost. A Logit analysis showed that the decision to reduce livestock during drought was influenced by access to land and race. The main constraint to the drought relief scheme, as perceived by the respondents, was the turnaround time − they felt that the relief was provided long after the disaster had occurred.
Recurrent drought in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality of the North West Province in South Africa: an environmental justice perspective
16 August 2013
North West University

Van Riet, Gideon

This article adopts an environmental justice approach to recurrent drought in the North-West Province of South Africa. It is based on a secondary data analysis of a study – of which the author was a research team member – conducted in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality in February 2007, which assessed the impact of drought on older people. The methodology used during the initial study included observation, individual interviews, focus group interviews and participatory research. The author of the present article suggests, however, that discourses of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and ’legislative compliance’, as in many other South African contexts, have not yet been a particularly useful framing for issues of disaster and drought. The author suggests that environmental justice discourses might offer a more useful framing or conceptualisation for those concerned with the issue of recurrent drought in the study area or similar contexts.
Flooding, flood risks and coping strategies in urban informal residential areas: the case of Keko Machungwa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
16 August 2013
North West University

Sakijege, Tumpale;Lupala, John;Sheuya, Shaaban

This article presents findings from a study carried out in Keko Machungwa informal settlement in Dar es Salaam under the auspices of the Disaster Management Training Centre of Ardhi University, Tanzania. The settlement has experienced frequent flooding in the past five years, and this study explores the causes, risks, extent of flooding and coping strategies of residents as well as municipality and city officials. Key methods employed in capturing empirical evidence included mapping of zones by severity of flooding, interviews with households, sub-ward leaders, and municipal and city officials. Non-participant observation, primarily taking photographs, complemented these methods. Laboratory tests of water samples taken from shallow wells in the settlement were performed to establish the level of pollution. In addition, records of prevalence of water-borne diseases were gathered from a dispensary within the settlement to corroborate flooding events, water pollution and occurrence of such diseases. Findings show that flooding is contributed to by the lack of a coordinated stormwater drainage system; haphazard housing development within the valley; and blocking of the water stream by haphazard dumping of solid waste and construction. Risks associated with flooding include water and air pollution, diseases, waterlogging and blocked accessibility. The most common coping strategies at household level are use of sandbags and tree logs; raised pit latrines and doorsteps; provision of water outlet pipes above plinth level; construction of embankments, protection walls and elevation of house foundations; seasonal displacement; and boiling and chemical treatment of water. Recommendations for future action at household, community and city level are made.
Local governance in disaster risk reduction in Cameroon
16 August 2013
North West University

Gaston, Buh-Wung;Tongwa, Aka F;Burnley, Clementine

At the 2005 World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Hyogo, Japan, 168 countries including Cameroon adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action, committing to take action to reduce human and socio-economic disaster losses. Geotechnology, Environmental Assessment and Disaster Risk Reduction was commissioned by the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Risk Reduction as the coordinating organisation in Cameroon to evaluate progress in implementation of the framework from the civil society perspective, particularly the role of local governance in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Seven regions of the country were identified for evaluation, where people have suffered losses from disasters during the last three decades. Three approaches were used: administration of questionnaires; consultations with local communities; and four case studies. It was found that there was significant scope for improvement on individual local governance indicators, and that effective progress depends on:1. level of achievement in the decentralisation process currently under way.2. adoption of a participatory approach to DRR.3. clear distribution of roles in the DRR process.4. adequate allocation of necessary financial and human resources.5. enhancement of capacity of local communities to prepare for and respond to all types of disasters.Creation of an independent body to carry out fundamental research, forecast new and emerging hazards and manage all disasters in the country will contribute greatly to moving things forward.
Disaster risk reduction through school learners’ awareness and preparedness
16 August 2013
North West University

Rambau, Takalani S;Beukes, Lukas D;Fraser, William

In 2006, the ISDR (International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) (2007) initiated a campaign called Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School to encourage the integration of disaster risk education into school curricula in countries vulnerable to disasters. A study was initiated to determine how education, in particular curriculum development and teaching, contributes to South African learners’ hazard awareness and disaster preparedness. Mixed method research (consisting of questionnaires, interviews and document reviews) was done to collect data. 150 educators from Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and the Eastern Cape completed questionnaires. Five curriculum coordinators, three disaster specialists and two disaster lecturers were interviewed to record their perspectives. The first finding of the study was that the majority of educators, disaster specialists and curriculum coordinators identified floods, fire, droughts, epidemics, road accidents and storms as the most prevalent disasters in the country. The second finding from the literature and empirical data collection revealed that South African communities, particularly people residing in informal settlements and other poor areas, are more vulnerable to disasters than their counterparts in more affluent areas. The third finding of the study was that teaching learners about hazards and disasters is vital and must be expanded.
Investigating the significance of disaster information management
16 August 2013
North West University

Mutasa, Mukundi

Disaster information informs disaster risk management interventions. However, it is the systematic management of this key resource that has not yet been fully embraced. In some cases, information is still haphazardly collected, analysed, managed and disseminated. This paper, utilising mainly secondary literature sources, explores the importance of disaster information and its systematic management in disaster risk management programming. It presents challenges associated with information management in disaster situations and critiques the trend whereby the collection, management and dissemination of information are usually limited to disaster situations. This only serves to further marginalise post-disaster recovery processes, which are integral with regard to generating knowledge essential for the formulation of future disaster mitigation strategies. The paper concludes by arguing for the integration of disaster information management into current disaster risk management curriculum.
Analysing risk and vulnerability of South African settlements: attempts, explorations and reflections
16 August 2013
North West University

Van Huyssteen, Elsona;Le Roux, Alize;Van Niekerk, Willemien

With the world’s urban population now estimated to be at 52% (United Nations 2012:1), towns and cities are increasingly becoming the stage where disaster risk has to be managed and mitigated. Understanding the risks and vulnerabilities in these complex socio-ecological systems thus becomes of utmost importance to be able to intervene in the underlying root causes, dynamic pressures and unsafe conditions. In this paper, the authors share their experience in, and reflect on, recent attempts at exploring integrated and place-specific risk and vulnerability analyses of settlements in South Africa. An overview is first provided of the attempt to develop multi-criteria indicators for integrated assessment of socio-economic vulnerability at a regional level. Secondly, an indication is provided of some first steps in interpreting projections for environmental risks and hazards in terms of possible implications for settlements at this regional level. The paper concludes with some reflections on the challenges and breakthroughs experienced in this exercise, as well as implications for on-going and future research.
Governance of disaster risk reduction in Cameroon: the need to empower local government
16 August 2013
North West University

Bang, Henry N.

The impact of natural hazards and/or disasters in Cameroon continues to hit local communities hardest, but local government lacks the ability to manage disaster risks adequately. This is partly due to the fact that the necessity to mainstream disaster risk reduction into local governance and development practices is not yet an underlying principle of Cameroon’s disaster management framework. Using empirical and secondary data, this paper analyses the governance of disaster risks in Cameroon with particular focus on the challenges local government faces in implementing disaster risk reduction strategies. The hypothesis is that the governance of disaster risks is too centralised at the national level, with huge implications for the effective governance of disaster risks at the local level. Although Cameroon has reinvigorated efforts to address growing disaster risks in a proactive way, it is argued that the practical actions are more reactive than proactive in nature. The overall aim is to explore the challenges and opportunities that local government has in the governance of disaster risks. Based on the findings from this research, policy recommendations are suggested on ways to mainstream disaster risk reduction strategies into local governance, and advance understanding and practice in the local governance of disaster risks in the country.
Views from the frontline: a critical assessment of local risk governance in South Africa
16 August 2013
North West University

Botha, Doret;Van Niekerk, Dewald

In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action’ (HFA) aimed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction. Subsequently, the ‘Global Network for Disaster Reduction’ (GNDR) was formed to support the implementation of the HFA. The GNDR initiated a country-based, international research project called ‘Views from the Frontline’ (VFL) in order to measure progress at local level in terms of compliance with the HFA. The VFL 2011 project focused on local risk governance, which is critical for effective implementation of policy and provision of resources at grassroots level. This article provides insight into the findings for South Africa. The project made use of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was gathered by means of a survey and/or questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on ‘indicators’ which assessed progress toward the goals of the HFA. The surveys also provided for qualitative commentary. The target population for this research consisted of local government officials and community representatives. Based on the quantitative scores for all the different indicators, the research showed that South Africa could still improve significantly in terms of compliance with the HFA. More attention must be given to operationalise the HFA at local level, a culture of safety must be fostered, local actors and communities must be involved directly and consulted, indigenous knowledge must be recognised, and significant capacity development for disaster risk reduction is necessary.
Translating disaster resilience into spatial planning practice in South Africa: challenges and champions
16 August 2013
North West University

Van Niekerk, Willemien

It is highly likely that hazards and extreme climatic events will occur more frequently in the future and will become more severe – increasing the vulnerability and risk of millions of poor urbanites in developing countries. Disaster resilience aims to reduce disaster losses by equipping cities to withstand, absorb, adapt to or recover from external shocks. This paper questions whether disaster resilience is likely to be taken up in spatial planning practices in South Africa, given its immediate developmental priorities and challenges. In South Africa, issues of development take precedence over issues of sustainability, environmental management and disaster reduction. This is illustrated by the priority given to ‘servicing’ settlements compared to the opportunities offered by ‘transforming’ spaces through post-apartheid spatial planning. The City of Durban’s quest in adapting to climate change demonstrates hypothetically that if disaster resilience were to be presented as an issue distinct from what urban planners are already doing, then planners would see it as insignificant as compared to addressing the many developmental backlogs and challenges. If, however, it is regarded as a means to secure a city’s development path whilst simultaneously addressing sustainability, then disaster resilience is more likely to be translated into spatial planning practices in South Africa.
Communication management during the veld fires of 23 August 2011 in the Tlokwe Local Municipality: a cautionary tale
16 August 2013
North West University

Wiggill, Magrita N

Background: A veld fire disaster in the Tlokwe Local Municipality on 23 August 2011, resulted in an estimated monetary loss of over R43 million. The veld fire disaster was characterised by a lack of strategic management and a subsequent lack of planned, coordinated communication between all role players involved. The lack of strategic communication management indirectly contributed to the losses suffered during the disaster, and afterwards relationships between many role players were strained. Objectives and method: The objectives for the qualitative research project were to determine the different role players’ perception of communication management during the veld fires of 23 August 2011, and in what way relationships between role players were affected by the lack of communication management during the veld fire disaster. Data were gathered by means of semi-structured interviews with the relevant role players.Results and conclusion: Most of the role players were convinced that communication was not managed effectively on 23 August 2011. It resulted in, most especially, a loss of trust and perceived lack of commitment between some of the role players. It is recommended that emergency services and other role players receive more training (also focusing on communication management), participate in simulations and incorporate a communication and relationship management approach to disaster risk management.
Disaster risk assessment at Roburnia Plantation, Mpumalanga, South Africa
16 August 2013
North West University

Makhado, Rudzani A;Saidi, Amani T

This study reports about disaster risk assessment undertaken at Roburnia Plantation, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were followed to collect data. A total of eight experienced foresters and fire fighters were purposively sampled for interview at Roburnia Plantation. A questionnaire survey was also used to collect the data. Risk levels were quantified using the risks equations of Wisner et al. (2004) and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR 2002). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA, single factor) was also applied. This study found that Roburnia Plantation is highly exposed to fire risks. The mean (± s.d.) output from the Wisner risk equation shows that fire is the highest risk at 7.7 ± 0.3, followed by harsh weather conditions at 5.6 ± 0.4 and least by tree diseases, pests and pathogens at 2.3 ± 0.2. Similarly, the mean (± s.d.) output from the UNISDR risk equation also shows that fire is the highest risk at 2.9 ± 0.2, followed by harsh weather conditions at 2.2 ± 0.3 and least by tree diseases, pests and pathogens at 1.3 ± 0.2. There was no significant deference in the risk analysis outputs (p = 0.13). This study also found that the number of fire incidents were low during summer, but increased during winter and spring. This variation is mainly due to a converse relationship with rainfall, because the availability of rain moistens the area as well as the fuel. When the area and fuel is moist, fire incidents are reduced, but they increase with a decrease in fuel moisture.
Dynamics of configuring and interpreting the disaster risk script: experiences from Zimbabwe
16 August 2013
North West University

Bongo, Pathias P;Chipangura, Paul;Sithole, Mkhokheli;Moyo, Funa

People in Zimbabwe have been faced with disasters in different forms and at various levels. When people experience hazard events and disasters, they perceive these phenomena through lenses that are largely shaped by their local day-to-day experiences and some external influence. As they do this, they develop their own local conception of hazards and disasters, and they tend to model their response or preparedness through this. This article argues that on the basis of this premise, each society therefore develops its own unique and localised way of interpreting the disaster, which comes in the form of a ‘script’, that needs to be deciphered, read, analysed and understood within local priorities and knowledge systems. The hazard may be the same, say, fire, but as it occurs in different communities, they configure and read the fire script differently, hence spawning different response and prevention strategies. The way people anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a particular disaster stems from their perception of it, based on their own local conceptions of reality. The article argues that effective disaster risk reduction must focus on people’s holistic understanding of the unfolding scenario, thereby feeding into disaster risk early warning systems. For effective understanding of the utility of early warning systems, the socio-cultural processes involved in the ideation of the disaster cannot be ignored. It is also critical to examine people’s past experiences with external early warning systems, and how much faith they put in them.
Counterurbanisation and the emergence of a postproductivist economy in South Africa’s arid Karoo region, 1994-2010.
03 September 2013
North West University

Ingle, Mark

This review article serves to broach the concept of the “post-productivist countryside” where the primacy of agricultural production is supplanted by tertiary industries such as tourism, recreational farming, and arts and crafts production. The essay maintains that advances in communications technology have facilitated the phenomenon of “counterurbanisation” whereby a new breed of well-qualified, highly mobile professionals (a “creative class”) opt for rural living, all the while continuing to derive urban-denominated incomes. In recent years South Africa’s arid Karoo hinterland has enjoyed something of a renaissance occasioned by an influx of human capital from the cities. Although the onset of post-productivism inevitably entails costs it is argued that these are more than compensated for by the beneficial cultural and economic impacts of the new rural creative class in the Karoo.
Street name-changes, abjection and private toponymy in Potchefstroom, South Africa
30 October 2013
North West University

Goodrich, André;Bombardella, Pia

In 2008, many residents of what was then Van Riebeeck Street in the small city of Potchefstroom in South Africa defied the city council's renaming it Peter Mokaba Avenue by erecting replica Van Riebeeck Street signs on their private property. Our interviews with these residents revealed a theme of moral, discursive and spatial straying and lostness. To explain this lostness we first show that Van Riebeeck and Mokaba are the master signifier and abject other of modern South Africa's symbolic order. Second, we demonstrate how this symbolic order is inexorably linked to the racialised relations of production embodied in planned urban spaces such as Potchefstroom. Preserving the spatio-symbolic coincidence forged in the 1952 Van Riebeeck festival that tied Van Riebeeck, the bringer of modernity, to the Foreshore Plan, its first spatial manifestation, is what motivates this privatisation of toponymy. To move Mokaba from abject other to signifier of a new mythology that fails to coincide with the unaltered spatial embodiment of racialised relations of production is to stray too close to the uncomfortable message of Peter Mokaba - namely that the revolution has yet to happen.
Contingency planning in southern Africa: Events rather than processes?
26 November 2013
North West University

Mabaso, Elias;Manyena, Siambabala B

With the increasing frequency, magnitude and impact of disasters, there is growing focus on contingency planning as a tool for enhancing resilience. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that reflects on the practice of contingency planning systems within the context of disaster risk reduction. This article explores the practice of contingency planning in southern Africa, focussing on Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A qualitative comparative analysis informed by fieldwork was used. The findings show that (1) there was a wide gap between theory and practice in contingency planning, (2) response activities rarely reflected projected scenarios and (3) resources were inadequate for effective contingency planning. We conclude that unless these issues are addressed, contingency planning is likely to remain a theoretical rather than a practical tool for building disaster-resilient communities in southern African countries. Although a generalisation cannot be made on the status of contingency planning and practice in southern Africa without a wider analysis of more examples, the findings may apply beyond the examined contexts and also offer insights into research gaps.
Disaster event: Window of opportunity to implement global disaster policies?
26 November 2013
North West University

Manyena, Siambabala B

Disasters have been predominantly construed as destructive events causing loss of lives, livelihoods and hard-won development. Much less attention has been paid to the constructive nature of disasters as creating potential windows of opportunities to address the overlooked and neglected aspects of disaster risk reduction. Using material from Zimbabwe, this article examines whether the humanitarian crisis, as manifested in the cholera disaster of 2008–2009, created a window of opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action. The findings suggest that the humanitarian crisis did not necessarily create a window of opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the framework, owing to (1) inadequate authority and power of the agency responsible for disaster risk reduction, (2) an inadequate legal and institutional framework that outlines clear coordination, accountability mechanisms, resource mobilisation, community participation, and integration of development with regard to disaster risk reduction and (3) a lack of an integrated evidence-based approach to advocate disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe.
High apartheid and the erosion of “official” local politics in Daveyton in the 1960s.
08 January 2014
North West University

Nieftagodien, Noor

The paper discusses the apartheid state’s onslaught against the limited rights enjoyed by Africans in urban areas in the 1960s. It focuses attention on the “modern model township” of Daveyton, which was seen in the early years of apartheid as a space where a settled urban African working class could be assured of a permanent presence in “white” urban spaces. But, crucial changes to apartheid policies from the late 1950s saw a reversal of these initial intentions and resulted in African’s urban existence constantly being under threat. Not only were the very limited “urban rights” further eroded but, importantly, “official” local politics was eviscerated of any substance, even to its conservative participants.
Urban ecology in Cape Town: South African comparisons and reflections
15 January 2014
North West University

Cilliers, Sarel Stephanus;Siebert, Stefan John

Little urban ecological research has been done in South Africa. The papers in the Ecology and Society special feature Urban Ecological and Social-Ecological Research in the City of Cape Town make, therefore, an important contribution to the development of urban ecology locally and globally. Different approaches have been used in the study of urban ecology of different urban areas in South Africa. Cape Town is situated in a biodiversity hotspot and is the only South African city which includes a national park. As a result the urban ecological studies were mainly driven by urban nature conservation concerns. In other cities such as Durban, open space planning and environmental management were the major issues which focused ecological studies on urban areas whereas other studies of urban areas in the Eastern Cape and North-West provinces included private and public open spaces and man-made habitats. We reflect on the Cape Town studies in a South African context and highlight conservation of biodiversity, protection of ecosystem services, management of control measures, and the conflict between humans and nature. A brief synthesis has also been given of South African urban ecological research in general.
Habakkuk: a guide to prayer
27 January 2014
North West University

Rochester, Kathleen Margaret

We often do not know how to pray, especially when we are faced with overwhelming questions, blatant injustice or likely disaster. The book of Habakkuk can profitably be seen as a prayer guide, especially for such times. As we draw alongside Habakkuk through the twists and turns of his prayer journey we find a model to inspire our own.
A critical investigation of the relevance and potential of IDPs as a local governance instrument for pursuing social justice in South Africa
12 March 2014
North West University

Fuo, Oliver Njuh

Unlike the situation in the past, when local government’s role was limited to service delivery, local government is now constitutionally mandated to play an expanded developmental role. As a “co-responsible” sphere of government, local government is obliged to contribute towards realising the transformative constitutional mandate aimed at social justice. South African scholars and jurists share the view that social justice is primarily concerned with the eradication of poverty and extreme inequalities in access to basic services, and aims to ensure that poor people command sufficient material resources to facilitate their equal participation in socio-political life. In order to enable municipalities to fulfil their broad constitutional mandate, the system of integrated development planning (IDPs) came into effect in South Africa in 2000. Each municipality is obliged to design, adopt and implement an integrated development plan in order to achieve its expanded constitutional mandate. The IDP is considered to be the chief legally prescribed governance instrument for South African municipalities. The purpose of this article is to explore and critically investigate the relevance and potential of IDPs in contributing towards the achievement of social justice in South Africa. This article argues inter alia that the multitude of sectors that converge in an IDP makes it directly relevant and gives it enormous potential to contribute towards social justice because, depending on the context, municipalities could include and implement strategies that specifically respond to diverse areas of human need. In this regard, the legal and policy frameworks for IDPs provide a structured scheme that could be used by municipalities to prioritise and meet the basic needs of especially the poor. Despite its potential, it is argued that the ability of IDPs to respond to the basic needs of the poor is largely constrained by a series of implementation challenges partly attributed to the underlying legal and policy framework.
Reflections on judicial views of Ubuntu
12 March 2014
North West University

Himonga, Chuma;Taylor, Max;Pope, Anne

Since S v Makwanyane, ubuntu has become an integral part of the constitutional values and principles that inform interpretation of the Bill of Rights and other areas of law. In particular, a restorative justice theme has become evident in the jurisprudence that encompasses customary law, eviction, defamation, and criminal law matters. This contribution explores the scope and content of ubuntu, as pronounced on by the judiciary in various cases, and demonstrates that its fundamental elements of respect, communalism, conciliation and inclusiveness enhance the constitutional interpretation landscape. Two major epochs are highlighted in the development of ubuntu, marked by the constitutional decisions in Makwanyane and PE Municipality respectively. The former carved the central avenue of development for ubuntu, while the latter marked the start of the thematic development of the concept in the direction of restorative justice. Furthermore, the article engages critically with the use of ubuntu, with criticisms levelled against the conceptualisation of ubuntu as a legal notion, ranging from its ambiguity to its redundancy, to perceptions of dichotomies, and issues of exclusion. The paper also questions the manner in which the courts have applied the legal concept of ubuntu uncritically, without reference to African sources to illustrate its meaning in different contexts, and without questioning its compatibility with the Bill of Rights. Finally, it attempts to reveal the connections between ubuntu and the values underlying the Bill of Rights.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
10 April 2014
North West University

Office, Editorial

The editorial team of Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies recognises the value and importance of peer reviewers in the overall publication process – not only in shaping individual manuscripts, but also in shaping the credibility and reputation of our journal.
Lessons in managing the visitor experience at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
10 July 2014
North West University

Kruger, Martinette;Erasmus, Joffrey;Saayman, Melville

The event industry, in particular arts festivals, is one of South Africa’s fastest growing tourism sectors in tourism industry. However, only minimal research has been done to identify factors that arts festival visitors view as important for a good festival experience. This study identifies the key success factors (KSFs) in managing visitors’ experience at one of South Africa’s most popular Afrikaans arts festival, the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK). A questionnaire survey (n=443) and factor analysis was used to identify seven KSFs: Safety and personnel, Marketing and accessibility, Venues, Accommodation and ablution facilities, Activities and community, Parking and restaurants and Shows and stalls. Factors that KKNK visitors regarded as important to satisfy their needs and provide a special festival experience were: a wide variety of good and affordable shows and stall products, friendly informed staff, visible emergency and security services, and sufficient air-conditioned venues with good technical aspects. Parking and restaurants and Shows and stalls can be regarded as KSFs that are particularly applicable to South African arts festivals. The study also indicated that other stakeholders play an important role in visitors’ experience.
Memories of forced removals: Former residents of the Durban Municipal Magazine Barracks and the Group Areas Act.
11 December 2014
North West University

Gopalan, Karthigasen

Two powerful phenomena around which people coalesce in the present, and which consequently give rise to notions of “community”, are recollections of historical suffering, and an affiliation to low income working class districts. Exploring both themes are particularly useful when looking at the experiences and the memories of the nearly three and a half million South Africans who were displaced from long standing settlements, beginning in the late 1950s as a consequence of the Group Areas Act. It has been argued that in response to being victims of land dispossession, many have created a counter narrative to the Apartheid justification of Group Areas. Over years this has led to the construction of romanticised memories of life before forced removals which has a profound influence on the way they see themselves today. While the motives and the broader political and economic impact of the Group Areas Act has been widely studied, it also crucial to look at these subjective experiences of ordinary South Africans and how they were both, impacted upon, and responded to forced removals in different ways. Historians trying to access this kind of information, not contained in official state records, are dependent on oral testimony and consequently human memory. Oral testimony does however present various methodological challenges. This paper is concerned with the subjectivities and fluidity of human memory, and focuses specifically on former residents of the Magazine Barracks, with their own unique experiences and interpretations of forced removals. Rather than seeing the fluidity of memory as only a limitation, looking at what former residents chose to speak about and what they chose to omit is also revealing about how they responded to the state laws imposed upon them. Built in 1880 to house Indian municipal employees of the Durban Corporation and their families, the severely overcrowded Magazine Barracks was home to over seven thousand people by the 1960s when it was evacuated and residents sent to Chatsworth. Despite poverty and very poor living conditions, former residents today speak nostalgically about the community that they had created and have very fond memories of growing up in the Magazine Barracks. They established numerous voluntary associations to promote cultural and welfare endeavours as well as many sporting bodies. Albeit the improved living conditions and economic opportunities that former residents of the Magazine Barracks were able to take advantage of after moving to Chatsworth, today some of them argue that if it were possible they would prefer to go back to way that they lived in the barracks.
Monumentalization and the renaming of street names in the city of Durban (Ethekwini) as a contested terrain between politics and religion.
11 December 2014
North West University

Kumalo, R Simanga

Responding to one of the key recommendations of the transition from apartheid to a democratic South Africa, the government promulgated the South African Geographical Names Council Act No. 118 of 1998.1 The aim of this policy was to change the names of public places and roads. The City of Durban (eThekwini) started implementing this policy in 2006. However, the implementation process was dominated by political organizations with minimal participation by other civil society groups and a total nonparticipation of religious groups such as churches. For instance out of the 182 new names that were promulgated, only two of them (Denis Hurley and Diakonia) were drawn from the religious sector. The aim of this paper is to highlight the contestations and contradictions around the monumentalization of the history of South Africa through the geographical renaming process. It seeks to critically examine the implications for the non-participation of the religious sector in the geographical renaming process. The paper is concluded with a few propositions that can be embarked upon in order to enable effective and meaningful engagement in such a process in order to evince a generally inclusive and broadly accepted list of geographical names, representing most of the key sectors of society, rather than the dominant political organizations.
Unlawful occupation of inner-city buildings: a constitutional analysis of the rights and obligations involved
22 January 2015
North West University

Strydom, Janke;Viljoen, Sue-Mari

The unlawful occupation of inner-city buildings in South Africa has led to a number of legal disputes between vulnerable occupiers and individual landowners that highlight the conflict between individuals' constitutional right not to be evicted in an arbitrary manner and property owners' constitutional right not to be deprived of property arbitrarily. The cause of this tension is a shortage of affordable housing options for low-income households in the inner cities, a fact which shows that the state is evidently struggling to give effect to its housing obligation embodied in section 26(1) and (2) of the Constitution. In the majority of cases the courts assume that any interference with private landowners' rights beyond a temporary nature would be unjustifiable, but they do this without undertaking a proper constitutional analysis to determine whether a further limitation of the individual landowner's property rights might be justifiable and non-arbitrary in the circumstances of each case. In general the courts can allow, suspend or refuse the eviction of unlawful occupiers, provided that the order does not amount to an arbitrary deprivation of property. Nevertheless, in some instances the arbitrary deprivation of property is unavoidable, despite the court's best efforts to protect property entitlements. These eviction cases show the limits of the courts' powers both to provide adequate solutions to protect owners' property rights and to give effect to the constitutional housing provision. In the light of three eviction cases, namely Blue Moonlight, Modderklip and Olivia Road, this article explains the role of the court and the local authority, together with the entitlements and social obligations of inner-city landowners within the framework of the property clause, in order to analyse the constitutionality of the courts' decisions and to suggest ways in which the inner-city housing shortage may be addressed more effectively. This article also considers how two foreign jurisdictions, namely England and the Netherlands, have managed the precarious relationship between urban landowners – who often allow buildings to decay and stand vacant – and the homeless. These jurisdictions provide innovative alternatives to the expropriation of the ownership of private inner-city properties for housing purposes. Similar measures, tailored to accommodate the South African constitutional, economic and socio-economic landscape, may be a welcome addition to the existing statutory powers of the local authorities tasked with combatting homelessness in urban areas.
Economic empowerment zone programmes in Soweto, South Africa: a case of urban renewal projects
03 February 2015
North West University

Mzini, L.B.;Maoba, S.P.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa stipulates guidelines for local government functions. Section 152, of the Constitution lists six objectives of local government. According to the six objectives, local government is required to promote social and economic development for its communities. In South Africa, this objective is met through urban renewal projects, among others. Urban renewal is an economic engine and a reform mechanism for the growth and development of local government. Urban renewal projects comprise of Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) programmes. In Soweto, EEZ is delivered by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) through the Department of Economic Development. Ten EEZ programmes were initiated in the CoJ. These programmes are designated by law that focuses on historically under-developed areas. The programme aims to empower poor persons, particularly the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to become self-sufficient. The programme package includes job creation and resources and business opportunities for the most economically distressed areas of South Africa. In Soweto, the programme aims tofoster increased investment, business formation and business expansion. Globally, unemployment is one of the most important challenges facing poor people. The promotion of SMMEs has become an objective across government departments in a developmental state. Urban renewal projects have their successes and failures. This article evaluates the EEZ programme and the perceptions of the beneficiaries in Soweto. Theoretical analysis and empirical surveys will be conducted. A series of recommendations will be offered towards increased performance of EEZ programmes.
Spatial practices in Lowliebenhof: the case of Maphango v Aengus Lifestyle Properties (Pty) Ltd
04 February 2015
North West University

De Villiers, Isolde

In Maphango v Aengus Lifestyle Properties (Pty) Ltd 2012 5 BCLR 449 (CC) the question before the Constitutional Court was when a landlord may legally cancel contracts of lease and evict tenants. In answering this question the court had to consider the constitutional protection against arbitrary evictions in section 26(3) and the provisions of the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999. The applicants sought a declaratory order that the landlord had terminated their leases unlawfully, because the termination had been intended to double (and in some instances more than double) the rent. The applicants argued that this escalation violated contractual and legislative provisions governing the procedure and conditions under which a landlord can increase the amount of a rental. The Constitutional Court found in favour of the tenants and postponed the appeal to allow any of the parties to lodge a complaint at the Gauteng Rental Housing Tribunal. The narrow focus of this note is the manner in which the Constitutional Court in the Maphango case interpreted the concept of "practice" in the Rental Housing Act and how this in turn corresponds to perceptions of urban spaces. The inquiry is informed by the spatial justice turn and relies on the works of Michel de Certeau, Henri Lefebvre and Doreen Massey.
Water and the City
21 April 2015
North West University

Tempelhoff, J.

The growth and development of urban spaces in all parts of the world is an outstanding feature of modern history. Apart from being notable growth generators of economies, cities have also been localities where the poorest of the poor congregate seeking the opportunity to make a living. Another outstanding feature of cities has been the growth and development of their comprehensive water infrastructure. The theme included eleven sessions with 37 presented papers and one Round Table Panel with five presentations that were regrouped for synthesis under the following categories: water and urban landscape, ancient urban water, managing urban water systems (technological breakthroughs, integration and regionalisation, flood control, policy and politics, challenges in developing and transition economies, sanitary and environmental education) and water privatisation. By 2007 more than a half of the world’s population were living in urban areas; urban growth is fastest in the third world. Thus, the theme will only grow in importance in the future. Several presentations showed that decisions on water resources and services are to a large extent public by nature. The paradigm shift under way towards more efficient water use is limiting the growth of water use. The use of traditional technologies should also be considered when striving towards sustainability. Finally, understanding their pasts is a basic requirement for any sound strategic and visionary planning of preferable futures for cities.
Urban land planning: the role of a master plan in influencing local temperatures
04 May 2015
North West University

Viegas, Cláudia V.;Saldanha, Dejanira Luderitz;Bond, Alan;Ribeiro, José Luis Duarte;Selig, Paulo M.

Land use planning (LUP) is central for managing issues related to climatic variation in urban environments. However, Master Plans (MPs) usually do not include climatic aspects, and few studies have addressed climate change at the urban scale, especially in developing countries. This paper proposes a framework with ten categories for assessment of climatic variation in urban LUP. Each category comprises attributes that describe a complex of relationships in influencing local temperature variations. They are analyzed for the case of the Master Plan of Porto Alegre (MPPA), the Southernmost metropolis of Brazil. It is concluded that the MPPA is strongly grounded in climate-related land and zoning coordination, but exhibits weaknesses in building, cartographical and social aspects considered synergistically relevant for tackling problems related to urban climate variation. Furthermore, the MPPA does not contain provisions related to monitoring of local climate and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and it is ineffective for improving energy efficiency. Specific MPPA failures stemming from these weaknesses include: an increase of 21.79% in the city’s urbanized area from 1986 to 2011 to accommodate a similar increase in population, with significant horizontal sprawl; average temperature rise of 0.392 C from 1991–2000 to 2001–2010, with statistically significant increases in temperature found since 1931; significant vehicle traffic increases, especially since 2007. From these findings, it is possible to conclude that the MPPA does not offer answers to all the imbalances related to land use, and therefore gives insufficient support to tackle the issue of rising temperatures.
Determinants of property damage recovery time amongst households affected by an extreme flood event in Metro Manila, Philippines
23 June 2015
North West University

Francisco, Jamil Paolo

This study identified the factors that influence household recovery following an extreme flood event, measured in terms of the length of time to repair, rebuild or replace damaged private property. Data was obtained through a survey of 400 households in Marikina City in Metro Manila, Philippines. Results from the empirical analysis indicated that household income, access to credit (borrowing), the use of a flood alarm system, access to safe shelter, membership in a community organisation, adoption of disaster-specific anticipatory measures and adoption of general preventive measures significantly reduced the time it took for affected households to recover from property damage. Evacuation, relief aid, type of housing, education, household size and frequency of flooding in the area did not have significant effects.
Disaster risk reduction in the Omusati and Oshana regions of Namibia
24 July 2015
North West University

Amadhila, Elina;Shaamhula, Loide;Van Rooy, Gert;Siyambango, Nguza

Namibia often experiences heavy rains in the north and north-eastern parts of the country, which results in severe flooding. For this reason, the country has endorsed the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) which seeks to develop the resilience of nations and communities to disasters and to assist countries to move away from the approach of emergency response to one of integrated disaster risk reduction. The aim of this article is to assess the resilience of the communities within the identified regions. A quantitative questionnaire was designed to assess people at risk of disaster related impacts. The questionnaire used 20 indicators to measure the level of progress at local level and how local governance plays a role in the mitigation and management of disasters. Analysis of data was done on a limited number of descriptors such as age, gender and local governance involvement, amongst others. There was generally a very high perception of threat (38%) in the study regions. Women perceived threat more accurately (mean = 4.09) than men. The community perceived threat more accurately than local government and civil society (mean = 4.08).
Land tenure insecurity, vulnerability to climate-induced disaster and opportunities for redress in southern Africa
24 July 2015
North West University

Chagutah, Tigere

Land tenure is an important variable impacting on vulnerability to climate-related disaster. Land tenure insecurity is widespread in southern Africa and manifests itself in a number of ways that accentuate vulnerability to climate change impacts. Insecure tenure is seen to heighten vulnerability against growing demand for land for residential purposes and working space in urban areas while in the rural areas insecure tenure militates against diversified livelihoods and hinders investment in appropriate technologies and uptake of sound environmental management practices. Using the focused synthesis method, this article (1) maps the intersections between land tenure insecurity and vulnerability to climate induced disaster in southern Africa; and (2) identifies the opportunities tenure reforms hold for vulnerability reduction in a region predicted to suffer widespread impacts from climate change. The paper contends that land tenure is a critical component of the milieu of factors – economic, social, cultural, institutional, political and even psychological – that are known to shape vulnerability and determine the environment that people live in. The study finds that land tenure reforms can help to reduce vulnerability and enhance community resilience to climate change. In this regard, the article outlines how tenure reforms can help build diverse household livelihoods, improve environmental management, particularly in the rural areas, and encourage investment in robust housing and safe neighbourhoods among the urban poor – all of which are integral to the region’s response to climate change.
Local communities and health disaster management in the mining sector
24 July 2015
North West University

Cronje, Freek;Reyneke, Suzanne;Van Wyk, David

Mining activities throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have impacted on the health and safety of mining communities for many decades. Despite the economic contribution of mining to surrounding communities, a huge amount of social and environmental harm is associated with the industry. In this regard, mining companies have, on the one hand, contributed toward improved social development by providing jobs, paying taxes and earning foreign exchange. On the other hand, they have been linked publicly to poor labour conditions, corruption, pollution incidents, health and safety failings, as well as disrespect of human rights. The objectives of this study are to give an overview of social and natural factors relating to health disasters in selected communities in the mining environment. Regarding the findings, this paper focuses on the social and natural factors involved in the creation of health disasters. The social factors include poverty, unemployment, poor housing and infrastructure, prostitution and a high influx of unaccompanied migrant labour. Major health issues in this regard, which will be highlighted, are the extraordinary high incidence rate of HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections), addiction and mental illness. The environmental (natural) threats to health that will be discussed in the study are harmful particles in the air and water, excessive noise and overcrowded and unhygienic living conditions. In conclusion, the paper also finds that communities need to be ‘fenced in’ in terms of health disaster management instead of being excluded. Specific recommendations to mining companies to reduce health and safety disasters will be made to conclude the paper.
Questioning the use of the Mandament Van Spolie in Ngqukumba v Minister of Safety and Security 2014 5 SA 112 (CC)
13 January 2016
North West University

Boggenpoel, Zsa-Zsa T

This cursory note reflects on the outcome of the Constitutional Court judgment of Ngqukumba v Minister of Safety and Security. The decision presented the Court with the opportunity to consider what happens to existing common law remedies in light of legislation that has been enacted to regulate a specific area of the law. The Constitutional Court held that the Traffic Act did not place an absolute prohibition on the possession of tampered vehicles and therefore the Court granted the spoliation remedy. The Court’s conclusion that the mandament van spolie is in principle available in these instances, creates the impression that the common law remedy would be appropriate even though the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) contains a remedy to claim the property back. This note argues that such a conclusion is problematic. If the CPA has a remedy to restore possession, that option should first be exhausted. In this regard, it is necessary to regulate the choice of remedy if the common law and the legislation provide a remedy to vindicate the violations of rights. Furthermore, in instances where legislation has been enacted to regulate a specific area of the law (or to give effect to a constitutional provision) the mandament van spolie should in principle not be available. Finally, this note concludes that in instances where the Traffic Act prohibits possession of certain vehicles, it should not be possible to use the mandament van spolie to by-pass the legislation.
Push and pull factors of three Afrikaans arts festivals in South Africa
17 February 2016
North West University

Botha, Karin;Perl, Cliff;Viviers, Pierre-Andre

Afrikaans arts festivals are facing increasing competition and, at times, lack differentiation given the increasing numbers of festivals in the South African festival market. This ultimately threatens the sustainability of these events and its role-players, including artists, local economies and the community. The purpose of this research was to analyse the push and pull motivations of visitors to three South African Afrikaans arts festivals (KKNK, Aardklop and Innibos), in order to understand these visitors’ travel behaviour and be better able to cater for their needs. Surveys were conducted during 2011, with approximately 400 completed questionnaires at each festival. Statistical analyses entailed an ANOVA on the individual motivational items across the three events, followed by factor analyses regarding the push and pull motives of attendees at each festival. Homogeneous travel motivation behaviour was evident. Visitors across all three festivals travel for Escape and Exposure as push factors. Art and Festival Experience emerged as a common pull factor. This implies that the management of these festivals should not only focus their marketing campaigns on the identified travel motives, but also focus on each festival’s unique characteristics, in order to contribute to the sustainability of each of these valuable events
Some perspectives on constitutional conflict in local disaster management through the lens of Pheko v Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality 2012 2 SA 598 (CC)
10 March 2016
North West University

Du Plessis, Anél;Van der Berg, Angela

Socially created vulnerabilities are largely ignored in the hazards and disaster literature because they are so difficult to measure and quantify. Social vulnerability is partially a product of social inequities – those social factors and forces that create the susceptibility of various groups to harm, and in turn affect their ability to respond, and bounce back (resilience) after the disaster. But it is more than that. Social vulnerability involves the basic provision of health care, the liveability of places, overall indicators of quality of life, and accessibility to lifelines (goods, services, emergency response personnel), capital, and political representation
Pricing guidelines for graded hotels and guesthouses in South Africa
18 March 2016
North West University

Du Plessis, Engelina;Saayman, Melville

Pricing accommodation is a complex process. This study attempted to provide guidelines for determining competitive prices for hotels and guesthouses in South Africa, the two types of accommodation that hold the largest share of the South African market. A survey was conducted in cooperation with the major role players in South Africa’s accommodation sector: the South African Tourism Service Association (SATSA), the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). A total of 2,288 questionnaires were sent out via e-mail and 247 were returned completed. The significance of the mean price differences of the star grading levels was tested, and hotels and guesthouses were compared using an independent test. A significant difference was found between the prices of hotels and guesthouses, especially in the five-star category. The study also revealed a 20% difference between the prices of the star categories. The pricing guidelines provided here can sustain competitiveness with growing profitability
Public participation in town–planning applications: Tlokwe local municipality as a case study
18 March 2016
North West University

Puren, Karen;Goosen, Tjaart;Jordaan, Tarina

Although public participation is deemed important in South Africa, negative perceptions of its legitimacy are widely acknowledged. Inclusive town-planning processes, as instruments to address inequality, have a significant role in enhancing democracy. This article reports on a study done from a communicative planning perspective, with the aim to investigate the influence of public participation in town planning by means of an analysis of town-planning application procedures between 1992-2008 in the Tlokwe Local Municipality, North-West province, South Africa. The results indicate that only 6% of all commentary on planning applications consists of objections from the public. Technically motivated objections and town-planning firms had the most influence on planning outcomes. This seems to indicate reactive and consultative participation wherein the final decision resides with the local authority. It appears that public participation’s idealistic ‘feel good’ mask does not live up to the expectations of an empowered civil society
Case study for evaluating benefits of pavement research: final results
18 March 2016
North West University

Plessis, L.;Liebenberg, L.;Nokes, W.;Mahdavi, M.;Burmas, N.;Holland, T.;Harvey, J.

Heavy-duty pavement innovations developed through research for a major rehabilitation project in California were evaluated. The performance benefits of the innovations were examined, and the economic benefits from implementation of the pavement designs were analyzed. Benefits are presented through descriptions of the rehabilitation project, background on the development of long-life pavement rehabilitation innovations, and design requirements that limit permanent deformation (rutting) within the first 5 years of service. Results from field measurements confirmed that the innovative pavements met the performance criterion. The final results of a pilot study to quantify direct benefits stemming from accelerated pavement testing are presented. Cost-benefit analysis that included agency costs with and without road user costs was used, and the influence of the discount rate in net present value calculations is given. Road user costs had a significant influence on cost-benefit calculations, especially in the case of a heavily congested freeway. This influence led to cost savings ranging from $1.128 million to $121.570 million, which emphasized the importance of performing a sensitivity analysis instead of reporting a single estimate of savings and benefit-cost ratio. The final results showed clear field performance benefits of the pavement innovations and indicated positive economic benefits from the research that led to innovations
Ecosystem services of urban green spaces in African countries: perspectives and challenges
01 April 2016
North West University

Cilliers, Sarel;Cilliers, Juanee;Lubbe, Rina;Siebert, Stefan

The concept of ecosystem goods and services is increasingly used to describe how biodiversity and ecosystems are linked to human well-being and that it should be placed at the core of sustainable urban development. Predictions of a tremendous future increase of urbanization in Africa necessitate an investigation into the research on ecosystem goods and services in the urban green infrastructure of Africa. Ecosystem goods and services (ES) are described as the benefits humans derive directly or indirectly from ecosystem functions and are classified as supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services. A literature study focusing on journal papers was conducted. Additionally a case study based on two masters studies was further refined. ES studies in African cities are biased towards South Africa and include assessments and economic valuations in which several different methods were used to determine direct consumptive and non-consumptive and indirect use values. Emphasis was placed on the multifunctional nature of ES. The main objectives of these studies were to sensitize policy makers, planners and the general public about the importance of biodiversity and ES. Ecosystem-based adaptation is discussed as the most appropriate approach in terms of applying knowledge about ES and their values in African cities as many residents still rely on ES from natural areas, but the major ecological, economic and political challenges are acknowledged. A case study focusing on domestic gardens (private green spaces) have indicated that the demand and supply of certain ES differ along a socio-economic gradient due to poor service delivery and smaller plots in the poorer areas mainly due to the legacy of separate development of the past. Where provisioning services are mainly outsourced in cities, it was found that plant species useful as food, medicine, etc. were more frequent in the gardens of poorer residents than in those of more affluent areas. The tendency to pay more for residential properties close to public open spaces, as in Europe, could not be statistically proven in the more affluent areas of a South African city, although the property values in proximity of public open spaces in some of the areas studied were lower than further away
Rhetoric or action: are South African municipalities planning for climate change?
27 June 2016
North West University

Faling, Willemien;Tempelhoff, Johann W.N.;Van Niekerk, Dewald

In 2008 the South African National Disaster Management Centre commissioned a study into measures taken by local municipalities to plan for climate change. Two areas were selected for their dissimilar climatic challenges: the //Khara Hais Municipality,1 a semi-desert area in the Northern Cape Province plagued by droughts and severe weather events, and the George Municipality, an area in the Western Cape Province plagued by droughts, the rising sea level and flash floods. It was found that despite South African laws and regulations requiring local government to take action to reduce the risk of disasters, planning for climate change is still no more than sophisticated rhetoric in the two municipalities. This lack of urgency can be ascribed to local municipalities having other more pressing developmental priorities. It would, however, be short-sighted of municipalities not to plan for climate change, as major setbacks in hard-won economic and social development follow a disaster
Water and the city
29 June 2016
North West University

Katko, Tapio S.;Juuti, P.S.;Tempelhoff, J.

The growth and development of urban spaces in all parts of the world is an outstanding feature of modern history. Apart from being notable growth generators of economies, cities have also been localities where the poorest of the poor congregate seeking the opportunity to make a living. Another outstanding feature of cities has been the growth and development of their comprehensive water infrastructure. The theme included eleven sessions with 37 presented papers and one Round Table Panel with five presentations that were regrouped for synthesis under the following categories: water and urban landscape, ancient urban water, managing urban water systems (technological breakthroughs, integration and regionalisation, flood control, policy and politics, challenges in developing and transition economies, sanitary and environmental education) and water privatisation. By 2007 more than a half of the world's population were living in urban areas; urban growth is fastest in the third world. Thus, the theme will only grow in importance in the future. Several presentations showed that decisions on water resources and services are to a large extent public by nature. The paradigm shift under way towards more efficient water use is limiting the growth of water use. The use of traditional technologies should also be considered when striving towards sustainability. Finally, understanding their pasts is a basic requirement for any sound strategic and visionary planning of preferable futures for cities.
Disaster risk reduction policy for sustainable development in the Southern African development community: a policy perspective
30 June 2016
North West University

Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.;Lukamba, T.M.

Africa is prone to disasters due to various factors including natural disasters and upheavals precipitated by humans. Complementary challenges are a vulnerable population and the low levels of economic wellbeing that predominate in the region. Disasters of every form hinder the development process in a country and it is thus crucial that there be an appropriate disaster risk reduction process to cushion their impact on development.The rationale of the article is to underline the view that countries investing in capacitating institutions with specialised resources will have a significant impact on minimising the intensity of disaster risks and thus enhance sustainable development. It is imperative that governments collaborate at regional, national and local spheres to create awareness on the disaster risk reduction (DRR) process. This article utilises official reports, scholarly articles and conference proceedings to acquire relevant data in order to explore the status of disaster risk in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Through an analytical and descriptive approach, the article aims to assess the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy in SADC countries from a policy perspective. The gaps in the DRR process are identified, and corrective actions for improvement are recommended

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