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SDG 12

Phenotypic plasticity of gas exchange pattern and water loss in Scarabeus spretus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): deconstructing the basis for metabolic rate variation
03 November 2010
Stellenbosch University

Terblanche, J.S.;Clusella-Trullas, S.;Chown, S.L.

Investigation of gas exchange patterns and modulation of metabolism provide insight into metabolic control systems and evolution in diverse terrestrial environments. Variation in metabolic rate in response to environmental conditions has been explained largely in the context of two contrasting hypotheses, namely metabolic depression in response to stressful or resource- (e.g. water) limited conditions, or elevation of metabolism at low temperatures to sustain life in extreme conditions. To deconstruct the basis for metabolic rate changes in response to temperature variation, here we undertake a full factorial study investigating the longer- and short-term effects of temperature exposure on gas exchange patterns. We examined responses of traits of gas exchange [standard metabolic rate (SMR); discontinuous gas exchange (DGE) cycle frequency; cuticular, respiratory and total water loss rate (WLR)] to elucidate the magnitude and form of plastic responses in the dung beetle, Scarabaeus spretus. Results showed that short- and longer-term temperature variation generally have significant effects on SMR and WLR. Overall, acclimation to increased temperature led to a decline in SMR (from 0.071±0.004mlCO2h–1 in 15°C-acclimated beetles to 0.039±0.004mlCO2h–1 in 25°C-acclimated beetles measured at 20°C) modulated by reduced DGE frequency (15°C acclimation: 0.554±0.027mHz, 20°C acclimation: 0.257±0.030mHz, 25°C acclimation: 0.208±0.027mHz recorded at 20°C), reduced cuticular WLRs (from 1.058±0.537mgh–1 in 15°C-acclimated beetles to 0.900±0.400mgh–1 in 25°C-acclimated beetles measured at 20°C) and reduced total WLR (from 4.2±0.5mgh–1 in 15°C-acclimated beetles to 3.1±0.5mgh–1 in 25°C-acclimated beetles measured at 25°C). Respiratory WLR was reduced from 2.25±0.40mgh–1 in 15°C-acclimated beetles to 1.60±0.40mgh–1 in 25°C-acclimated beetles measured at 25°C, suggesting conservation of water during DGE bursts. Overall, this suggests water conservation is a priority for S. spretus exposed to longer-term temperature variation, rather than elevation of SMR in response to low temperature acclimation, as might be expected from a beetle living in a relatively warm, low rainfall summer region. These results are significant for understanding the evolution of gas exchange patterns and trade-offs between metabolic rate and water balance in insects and other terrestrial arthropods.
Putting plant resistance traits on the map: a test of the idea that plants are better defended at lower latitudes
13 December 2011
Stellenbosch University

Moles, A.T.;Wallis, I.R.;Foley, W.J.;Warton, D.I.;Stegen, J.C.;Bisigato, A.J.;Cella-Pizarro, L.;Clark, C.J.;Cohen, P.S.;Cornwell, W.K.;Edwards, W.;Ejrnæs, R.;Gonzales-Ojeda, T.;Graae, B.J.;Hay, G.;Lumbwe, F.C.;Magana-Rodriguez, B.;Moore, B.D.;Peri, P.L.;Poulsen, J.R.;Veldtman, R.;von Zeipel, H.;Andrew, N.R.;Boulter, S.L.;Borer, E.T.;Campon, F.F.;Coll, M.;Farji-Brener, A.G.;De Gabriel, J.;Jurado, E.;Kyhn, L.A.;Low, B.;Mulder, C.P.H.;Reardon-Smith, K.;Rodrıguez-Velazquez, J.;Seabloom, E.W.;Vesk, P.A.;van Cauter, A.;Waldram, M.S.;Zheng, Z.;Blendinger, P.G.;Enquist, B.J.;Facelli, J.M.;Knight, T.;Majer, J.D.;Martınez- Ramos, M.;McQuillan, P.;Prior, L.D.

• It has long been believed that plant species from the tropics have higher levels of traits associated with resistance to herbivores than do species from higher latitudes. A meta-analysis recently showed that the published literature does not support this theory. However, the idea has never been tested using data gathered with consistent methods from a wide range of latitudes. • We quantified the relationship between latitude and a broad range of chemical and physical traits across 301 species from 75 sites world-wide. • Six putative resistance traits, including tannins, the concentration of lipids (an indicator of oils, waxes and resins), and leaf toughness were greater in highlatitude species. Six traits, including cyanide production and the presence of spines, were unrelated to latitude. Only ash content (an indicator of inorganic substances such as calcium oxalates and phytoliths) and the properties of species with delayed greening were higher in the tropics. • Our results do not support the hypothesis that tropical plants have higher levels of resistance traits than do plants from higher latitudes. If anything, plants have higher resistance toward the poles. The greater resistance traits of high-latitude species might be explained by the greater cost of losing a given amount of leaf tissue in low-productivity environments.
Opportunities to improve sustainability on commercial pasture-based dairy farms by assessing environmental impact
25 October 2018
Stellenbosch University

Galloway, C.;Conradie, B.;Prozesky, H.;Esler, K.J.

For pasture-based dairy farming to become more sustainable, the negative environmental impacts associated with milk production must be minimized. These negative impacts include eutrophication, ammonia emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Two tools, a nutrient budget and a carbon footprint calculator, allow farm-level assessments of these negative impacts. In this study, a nutrient budget was used to calculate the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorous use, and a carbon footprint calculator was used to calculate GHG emissions. Farm system descriptors were used to identify the farm systems that had the lowest environmental impact. Soil carbon was measured as an indicator of soil health, and the link between soil health, nutrient use efficiency and GHG emissions was examined. Nitrogen and phosphorous were not efficiently utilized on the farms included in this study, with a large excess of nutrients imported onto the farms each year. The average use efficiency was 29% for nitrogen, and 36% for phosphorous. The GHG emissions per liter of milk production were higher on the farms included in this study than found in previous studies on dairy farms, with an average of 1.39 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents emitted per kilogram of energy-corrected milk. Farm systems which optimized milk production on the available land, while applying the least amount of fertilizer and feeding the least amount of purchased feeds per milk produced, had the lowest environmental impact. Farms with higher soil carbon levels had higher nitrogen use efficiencies and lower GHG emissions. This is the first South African research to examine environmental impact on pasture-based dairy farms in this manner. It is possible for pasture-based dairy farmers to reduce the environmental impact of milk production by adopting some of the principles identified in this study.
Levers and leverage points for pathways to sustainability
04 February 2021
Stellenbosch University

Chan, K.M.A.;Boyd, D.R.;Gould, R.K.;Jetzkowitz, J.;Liu, J.;Muraca, B.;Naidoo, R.;Olmsted, P.;Satterfield, T.;Selomane, O.;Singh, G.G.;Sumaila, R.;Ngo, H.T.;Boedhihartono, A.K.;Agard, J.;de Aguiar, A.P.D.;Armenteras, D.;Balint, L.;Barrington-Leigh, C.;Cheung, W.W.L.;Díaz, S.;Driscoll, J.;Esler, K.J.;Eyster, H.;Gregr, E.J.;Hashimoto, S.;Hernández Pedraza, G.C.;Hickler, T.;Kok, M.;Lazarova, T.;Mohamed, A.A.A.;Murray-Hudson, M.;O'Farrell, P.;Palomo, I.;Saysel, A.K.;Seppelt, R.;Settele, J.;Strassburg, B.;Xue, D.;Brondízio, E.S.

Humanity is on a deeply unsustainable trajectory. We are exceeding planetary boundaries and unlikely to meet many international sustainable development goals and global environmental targets. Until recently, there was no broadly accepted framework of interventions that could ignite the transformations needed to achieve these desired targets and goals. As a component of the IPBES Global Assessment, we conducted an iterative expert deliberation process with an extensive review of scenarios and pathways to sustainability, including the broader literature on indirect drivers, social change and sustainability transformation. We asked, what are the most important elements of pathways to sustainability? Applying a social–ecological systems lens, we identified eight priority points for intervention (leverage points) and five overarching strategic actions and priority interventions (levers), which appear to be key to societal transformation. The eight leverage points are: (1) Visions of a good life, (2) Total consumption and waste, (3) Latent values of responsibility, (4) Inequalities, (5) Justice and inclusion in conservation, (6) Externalities from trade and other telecouplings, (7) Responsible technology, innovation and investment, and (8) Education and knowledge generation and sharing. The five intertwined levers can be applied across the eight leverage points and more broadly. These include: (A) Incentives and capacity building, (B) Coordination across sectors and jurisdictions, (C) Pre‐emptive action, (D) Adaptive decision-making and (E) Environmental law and implementation. The levers and leverage points are all non-substitutable, and each enables others, likely leading to synergistic benefits. Transformative change towards sustainable pathways requires more than a simple scaling-up of sustainability initiatives—it entails addressing these levers and leverage points to change the fabric of legal, political, economic and other social systems. These levers and leverage points build upon those approved within the Global Assessment's Summary for Policymakers, with the aim of enabling leaders in government, business, civil society and academia to spark transformative changes towards a more just and sustainable world.
Corporate social responsibility, legislative reforms and mining in South Africa.
25 August 2009
North West University

Du Plessis, Willemien;Kloppers, Henk

The South African mining industry is currently one of the largest contributing sectors to the country’s economy. In the years preceeding the new constitutional era, the sole aim of the mining sector was the exploitation of South Africa’s rich mineral resources while the majority of South Africans only benefitted indirectly from the infrastructure and economy established by the mining sector. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the mining sector was to a large extent neglected and only received attention after the introduction of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the promulgation of legislation such as the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002. Although the concept of CSR has been developing since the 1970s, there is still no single universally accepted definition. South African legislation does not place an obligation on companies to fulfil their CSR. However, CSR language is used to bring about measures to achieve some of the CSR objectives. Since the abolition of the apartheid system several pieces of legislation were passed in parliament dealing with skills development and the redress of past discrimination, as well as to ensure that everyone in South Africa has an opportunity to share in the country’s wealth. The purpose of the paper is to indicate how South African legislation indirectly introduced CSR and how this legislation impacts on the mining industry. In this article a brief interpretation of the definition of CSR in the South African context is given, after which legislation that indirectly introduces CSR is discussed. Voluntary mechanisms are then discussed with reference to CSR practice in order to come to a conclusion and to make recommendations.
Who "owns" the country's mineral resources? The possible incorporation of the public trust doctrine through the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
26 August 2009
North West University

Van der Schyff, Elmarie

"Mineral and petroleum resources are the common heritage of all the people of South Africa and the state is the custodian thereof for the benefit of all South Africans."' This section can be regarded as one of the most controversial legislative clauses promulgated during the last five years. The reader is confronted with phrases and ideas foreign to the common law background of South African law. Until the courts have interpreted this section, lawyers will speculate about its true meaning. Two contradicting opinions have been voiced regarding the interpretation and implication of this section. For the aim of this article, it is important to refer cursorily to these viewpoints. According to Badenhorst and Mostert' the legislature borrowed from the law of the sea in formulating section 3(1). Applied to the law of property, this entails that section 3(1) vests mineral resources in the people of South Africa and these resources, therefore, became res publicae. Dale et al3 strongly object to this viewpoint. They hold that minerals were never regarded as res publicae in Roman law4 and argue that the act never changed the common law principle that unsevered minerals belong to the owners of the land in which the minerals are located. According to them section 3(1) did "nothing more" than to obliterate the legal institution of the rights of an owner to deal with and exploit his minerals.5 They motivate their viewpoint by arguing that the reference to "mineral and petroleum resources" is a broad reference to all the minerals and petroleum occurrences countrywide. It is this collective wealth, as opposed to minerals in situ on individual properties, that "belongs" to the nation. They hold further that no provision of the act vests minerals in situ on individual properties in anyone other than the owner of the land and therefore argue that the provisions of the act do not warrant an interpretation that the cuius est solum principle is abrogated. To strengthen their argument they hold that ownership cannot legally vest in the nation as the nation has no legal personality enabling it to acquire or hold ownership and that the formulation of custodianship does not fit a private law interpretation that ownership of minerals in situ vests in the state. Van der Walt' adds another dimension to the debate by stating that there is room to argue that the existing private-property dominated mineral dispensation was replaced with a public-property regulatory dispensation, thereby removing rights to minerals from the sphere of private property. This article advances the view that section 3(1) can be interpreted to indicate that the public trust doctrine has been incorporated into the South African mineral law dispensation, and that ownership of the country's mineral resources consequently vests in the state. The article is structured to set the scene for this controversial interpretation and then to provide a brief overview of the doctrine. In the final instance the consequences of accepting the public trust doctrine in South African mineral law are discussed.
A new approach to ensure successful implementation of sustainable demand side management (DSM) in South African mines
10 May 2010
North West University

Pelzer, R.;Mathews, E.H.;Le Roux, D.F.;Kleingeld, M.

Demand side management (DSM) is seen as a short-term solution to the imminent problem of electricity supply shortages in South Africa. DSM aims to reduce peak loads with immediate results in a short time. The mining sector in South Africa is a large energy user with pumping one of the largest consuming systems. Therefore, DSM potential (load shift) should be investigated on these pumping systems. For sustainable load shift, a system is required that simulates, optimises and controls the actual on-site situation. As no such equipment that performs all these processes could be found for deep South African mines, it was developed by HVAC International (Pty) Ltd. It is called the Real-time Energy Management System (REMS). With this system, maximum results can be obtained on a sustainable basis. In this study, four similar DSM projects were investigated. These are described as case studies at gold mines in the Free State Province. For each of these studies a different new innovation was implemented. The innovations described include the adaptation of REMS to handle multi-level intricate pump systems, mines without any instrumentation and control infrastructure, as well as Three Chamber Piped Feeder Systems (3CPFSs)
Radial variation in porosity in annular packed beds
14 May 2010
North West University

Du Toit, Charl G.

This paper describes the results of a study of the variation in the radial direction in the porosity of annular packed beds. A comparison is made between the predictions by a number of empirical correlations found in literature, the porosities obtained from physical experiments and the porosities obtained from the analysis of numerically generated packed beds. It is concluded that the numerical annular packed beds can be considered as acceptable representations of the actual annular packed beds. From the comparison between a number of exponential correlations proposed by various authors for the variation in the radial direction in the “averaged” porosity and the numerical results it is recommended that the correlation proposed by Hunt and Tien be used to describe the variation in the radial direction in the porosity. It is, however, also recommended that a further thorough study be conducted to develop a more detailed understanding of the porosity characteristics of annular packed beds
The continuous depolymerization of filled polytetrafluoroethylene with a continuous process
24 May 2010
North West University

Van der Walt, I.J.;Bruinsma, O.S.L.;Grunenburg, A.T.;Nel, J.T.;Maluleke, G.G.

A new method for beneficiating unfilled as well as filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) waste has been developed. This process does not use any carrier gas while forming the depolymerization products. It enables polymer manufacturers and end‐users to reuse and adds value to filled fluorocarbon polymer waste. The filler material was qualified by means of scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis and the success of the depolymerization process inside a rotating kiln was proved by visual observation. The PTFE was depolymerized inside a kiln‐type reactor declined at a 5° angle, with a central rotating paddle screw to scrape the inner wall of the reactor, which was able to operate within the temperature range of 600–800°C and pressure range of 10–90 kPa. Different ratios of the useful products tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and octafluorocyclobutane (OFCB) were produced. The optimum conditions for TFE production are 600°C and 10–30 kPa, for HFP production it was 800°C and 10 kPa, and for OFCB production 600°C and 90 kPa. Temperatures of 700°C should be avoided as this leads to considerable amounts of undesirable HFE and OFP as well as the very toxic PFIB
Community knowledge and sustainable natural resources management: learning from the Monpa of Arunachal Pradesh
07 January 2011
North West University

Singh, Ranjay K;Sureja, Amish K

Community knowledge and local institutions play a significant role in sustainable comanagement, use and conservation of natural resources. Looking to the importance of these resources, a project, funded by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Ahmedabad, India was implemented to document the community knowledge associated with agriculture and natural resources in few selected Monpa tribe dominating villages of West Kameng and Tawang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Dynamics of various indigenous practices, gender role, culture and informal rural social institutions, cultural edges significantly contribute in managing and using the natural resources sustainably. Experiential learning and location specific knowledge play a pivotal role in ecosystem sustainability. Study also indicates the synergistic relation existing between local knowledge and ecological edges, thereby helping in sustaining livelihood in high altitude. Indigenous resource management systems are not mere traditions but adaptive responses that have evolved over time.
The quest for sustainable agriculture
10 January 2011
North West University

Simon, Peter

Since the Brundtland Commission on Environment and Development published its report in 1983 the idea of sustainable development has become popular. Although many definitions of sustainable development have been proposed, the concept is not easily implemented in a world which believes that high rates of economic growth are essential and in which economic systems are run on the basis of money flows in a setting of private property. Environmental degradation is seen as external to the system. The article discusses the concepts of technicism and economism as the dominant features of Western culture, meaning that all problems can be solved by technical and economic means. This is followed by an analysis of technicistic and economistic concepts of sustainability. In order to develop a concept of sustainability that is not marred by technicism and economism, key features of reformational philosophy, as represented by D.H.Th. Vollenhoven are summarized, especially concepts of time. This leads to an idea of sustainability that seeks to maintain the integrity of the kingdoms of things, plants and animals through a human culture inspired by wisdom and careful stewardship.
Matsulu: A community in developmental fermentation and fusion
10 January 2011
North West University

Visser, Johan;Terblanche, Rian

Since 2004, the Drama Department (University of Pretoria) has engaged in the development and execution of Theatre-for-Development projects in accordance with the mission statement of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), as well as the White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management for South Africa (1998) – shifting governmental approach to this sensitive socio-economical issue from cure to prevention – to interrogate issues concerning the environment, sustainable use of resources and subsequently: conservation, within developing urban and rural communities. Theatrefor- Development (TFD) utilizes theatre to disseminate developmental messages. This paper should be seen as not so much as a report of an end result, but as research in progress. Continued projects addressing the issues of conservation, the environment, development and sustainability will in future lead to more definite reporting on results. The paper investigates the ability of TFD to affect changes of behaviour and encourage personal agency and empowerment in community members concerning waste management and the sustainable use of resources within a developing rural society. It will not claim to be definitive; results and conclusions can not be generalized.
Legal issues concerning mine closure and social responsibility on the West Rand
20 January 2011
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S;Liefferink, M;Durand, J F

Mining and, especially, gold and uranium mining have played a major role in the economy, history, and demography of South Africa. The contribution of the mines to the economy of South Africa over the past century has been overvalued, while the social injustices and negative environmental impacts that accompanied mining have been underplayed or ignored by the mining houses and government. The environmental situation has worsened significantly over the past few years due to the abandonment and pending closure of most of these mines. A reluctance is perceived on the part of the mining companies, and even government, to take responsibility for the damage caused by pollution, ecological degradation, and impact on human health by mining. Instead, the current informal policy appears to take smaller companies to court on minor environmental injustices to, perhaps, impress the broader public, while one of the biggest environmental concerns is stylishly treated. The inability of government to address the damage by mines effectively is in conflict with the National Water Act, the National Environmental Management Act, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act, the National Nuclear Regulator Act, and the Constitution of South Africa. The authors propose a multidisciplinary approach to address water-related environmental injustices on the West Rand and Far West Rand. We also describe the application of the National Environmental Management Act of South Africa (Act No. 107 of 1998) in the Wonderfonteinspruit and Tweelopiespruit Catchments and the current water quality situation.
Comparative analysis of energy impacts of traditional and partly electronic environmental auditing: Learning from the Japanese automotive industry case
26 January 2011
North West University

Mbohwa, C

This paper does a comparative analysis and assessment of energy impacts of traditional and partly electronic ISO 14001 environmental management system auditing that using videoconferencing systems. The focus is on the Japanese automotive industry. The idea is to quantify the environmental impacts of auditing and resolve the important question on whether or not the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in environmental auditing reduces environmental impacts in ISO 14001 environmental management systems. The main results show that there are no clear energy savings or environmental advantages associated with ICT use in environmental auditing for the set system boundary. However electronic auditing is shown to have clear advantages for stated variables within the model, for example when the distance travelled by the auditors by train and by car is less than 75 km and 17 km per day respectively. A comparison of modes of travel by auditors, shows that rail travel offers the most environmental and energy benefits. It is also noted that travel dominates in terms of energy consumption and environmental burdens compared to all other environmental aspects associated with auditing. The study contributes to knowledge in that among other things, it enables researchers to draw parallels from it applicable to other industrial sectors and other countries. Southern African countries can use this methodology in analysing auditing methods with little or no changes in the model used.
The binding effect of the constitutive documents of companies: The 1973 and 2008 Companies Acts of South Africa
30 March 2011
North West University

Morajane, Tebogo C R

This contribution examines the provisions of the constitutive documents of companies under two specific provisions, namely s 65(2) of the Companies Act 61 of 1973 and s 15(6) of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. The aim is to determine who is bound by these provisions, the circumstances which give rise to being bound by them, and the possible effect thereof on various parties. The provisions of the constitutive documents under section 65(2) of the 1973 Companies Act are interpreted by courts and academic writers to amount to a statutory contract between a company and its members and between members inter se. The members are said to be bound by the provisions of these documents only in their capacity as members. It is submitted, however, that the rights and obligations are granted to members in their capacity as such if they are membership rights which are granted by virtue on one’s membership. So far the courts have failed to provide a logical explanation of the concept “capacity of a member as such”. This failure and the “qua membership test” resulted in limitations in the interpretation of section 65(2): for example, the exclusion of persons who are regarded as outsiders. The directors, despite the fact that numerous provisions of the applicable article provides for their rights, have rights that are unenforceable via the articles, for being regarded as outsiders. The company on the other hand can enforce the obligations against the directors on the basis of breach of their fiduciary duties. These limitations called for a redraft of section 65(2). This contribution raises the legal challenges raised by the above. It arrives inter alia at the conclusion that the “qua membership test” may find application under the 2008 Companies Act, since members/shareholders may be allowed to exercise rights that are membership rights granted to them by virtue of their membership, and directors may be allowed to exercise rights that are granted to them in their official capacities as such.
Municipal tender awards and internal appeals by unsuccessful bidders
30 March 2011
North West University

Bolton, Phoebe

In recent years, bidders aggrieved by municipal tender awards are increasingly resorting to Section 62 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act1 for relief. The application of this provision to tender processes is however strictly confined, and in most instances bidders find that they have no option but to approach the courts for the judicial review of tender awards. In this article, the application of Section 62 to a municipality’s tender processes and decisions is critically analysed in the light of recent court judgments. Attention is also given to the relation between Section 62 and dispute resolution procedures in place under the Supply Chain Regulations,2 enacted under the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act.3 It is argued that at present, internal appeal and dispute resolution processes do not afford unsuccessful bidders adequate protection.
Fundamental consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008: A critical overview and analysis
31 March 2011
North West University

Jacobs, Wenette;Stoop, Philip N;Van Niekerk, René

South Africa was in need of a comprehensive framework of legislation, policies and government authorities to regulate consumer-supplier interaction. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, which was signed by the President of the Republic of South Africa on 29 April 2009 and published in the Government Gazette on 29 April 2009, now provides an extensive framework for consumer protection and aims to develop, enhance and protect the rights of consumers and to eliminate unethical suppliers and improper business practices. Certain areas of the common law regarding consumer rights have been codified by the Act and certain unfair business practices that were previously unregulated are now governed by the Act. The Act has a wide field of application. It applies to every transaction occurring within South Africa for the supply of goods or services or the promotion of goods or services and the goods or services themselves, unless the transaction is exempted from the application of the Act. The Act also specifically regulates aspects of franchise agreements. In terms of the Act, consumers obtain several new rights and some existing rights are broadened and reinforced. These rights are: the right to equality in the consumer market; privacy; choice; disclosure and information; fair and responsible marketing; fair and honest dealing; fair, just and reasonable terms and conditions; and fair value, good quality and safety. The last right in terms of the Act deals with a supplier's accountability to consumers. The authors critically analyse and discuss these rights. It is clear that the Act is written in favour of the consumer.Various provisions of the Act make inroads into the common-law position to strengthen the position of the consumer vis-à-vis the supplier and suppliers are undoubtedly facing an onerous task to prepare to comply, and eventually attempt to comply, with the Act. Although the Act has its own interpretation clause, which provides that it must be interpreted in a manner that gives effect to the purposes of the Act, the Act poses many uncertainties and interpretational and practical challenges. Many questions are therefore raised, some of which remain unanswered. These questions illustrate some of the uncertainties concerning the scope and possible interpretation of the fundamental consumer rights.
Temporary employment service (Labour Brokers) in South Africa and Namibia
04 April 2011
North West University

Van Eck, B P Stefan

South Africa currently allows labour broking although this area of commerce is problematic. The trade union movement, government and organised business are presently debating the future regulation of this industry. Namibia has experimented with, and failed, to place a legislative ban on labour broking. The Supreme Court of Appeal of Namibia considered International Labour Organisation conventions and provisions of their Constitution before concluding that labour broking should be regulated but not prohibited. In this article it is argued that South African policy makers can gain valuable insights from the Namibian experience. It is submitted that it would be appropriate for Parliament to take cognisance of international and foreign principles and to accept amendments that would provide for stricter regulation for labour broking, rather than placing an outright ban on this economic activity. Keywords: Africa
The application of a Business Intelligence tool for strategic planning in a higher education institution: a case study of the University of the Witwatersrand.
13 January 2012
North West University

Nyalungu, Vincent

This article presents a discussion on the importance of business intelligence (BI) and the role that a specific BI tool, Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, plays in the strategic decision-making processes in an organisation. The University of the Witwatersrand, often referred to as Wits, was used as a case study. The main objective of a business intelligence tool is to improve the quality and timeliness of the input of data to the organisational decision-making process. The quality of the data, which is an organisational asset, is therefore of the utmost importance. Approaches for the identification of business intelligence from corporate information and knowledge management were also assessed. A questionnaire was administered among key informants within the university in order to address some of the pertinent issues at higher education institutions. In addition, the role of a data warehouse within the business intelligence framework was presented. The paper itself covers a wide range of disciplines from information technology, knowledge management to decision sciences. The article also presents a proposed framework to be used in line with the best practices in the implementation of business intelligence solutions.
Developing an Environmental Performance Index (EPI): a focus on impacts of information and communication technology use.
13 January 2012
North West University

Mbohwa, C;Agwa-Ejon, J

There is a growing need for environmental performance measures that can be used by all stakeholders like surrounding communities, customers, suppliers and shareholders to gauge the environmental performance of organizations. The environmental performance measures that are used worldwide are normally not suitable for benchmarking organizations. This paper develops an environmental performance index using indicator and weight matrices of the full life cycle phases of an organization’s energy use for environmental management system activities. This work is transdisciplinary in nature and applies mathematical matrices and environmental productivity approaches, and borrows from the development of quality indices to consider a variety of impacts that cut across various phases of a product life cycle and different functions within an organization. The focus is on information and communication technology use in these systems. The model is applied to the Japanese automotive industry and the findings show that it is feasible and effective for comparing the environmental performance of companies in the same sector using the same weight matrices and indicators agreed to. The work informs decision making on the development of environmental performance measures that have worldwide applications, across many disciplines, in situations where suitable data are recorded. It also contributes to efforts on economic and social sustainability. Research efforts in similar areas in Southern Africa can benefit from the development and improvement of the proposed methodology.
A critical historical review on protagonist and proactive environmental activism towards addressing acid mine drainage and remediation needs in somer Gauteng goldfields.
16 January 2012
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S

• Opsomming: Sedert 2006 is Jan Publiek toenemend meer bewus gemaak van degraderende omgewings en ontoeganklike omgewingsverslae aangaande die degraderende omgewingstatus van die eertydse Verre Wesrand-gebied. As goudmyngebied het die Verre Wesrand vir baie jare internasionale aansien geniet, en is dit steeds ‘n streek wat nasionaal en plaaslik as onontbeerlik geag word vir die goudmynbedrywighede aldaar. Omgewingsverslae het egter die vermoede van omgewingsbesoedeling (asook die gevaar van sommige impakte op mens en omgewing) uitgewys. Vandaar dat omgewingsaktivisme in die verre Wesrand, veral onder leiding van die Federasie vir ‘n Volhoubare Omgewing (FSE), en onder direkte aanvoering van hoofdirekteur Mariette Liefferink, meer aktief betrokke geraak het. Leiding is vanaf veral 2007 geneem om gemeenskappe sowel as die regering bewus te maak van die goudmynbedryf se verwringde omgewingserfporsie aan huidige en toekomstige geslagte. Hierdie bewusmakende benaderingsvorm van leiding neem, het aanvanklik op ‘n protagonistiese wyse geskied. Enersyds is vereis dat die besoedelaar-betaal-beginsel gevolg moet word, wat inhou dat die besoedelaar ook ’n verantwoordelikheid teenoor die individuele gemeenskapslid het wat grond (en moontlik selfs gesondheid) moes inboet tot voordeel van goudmynontwikkeling. Verskeie redes bestaan vir die aanvaarding van ‘n proaktiewe omgewingsaktivistiese benadering tesame met ‘n protagonistiese ondertoon. Beide benaderings vorm deel van die bespreking. Steeds voortgesette omgewingsongeregtighede teen 2010 in die vorm van suur mynwater verspillings, bemoeilik hierdie tweeledige benadering in omgewingsaktivisme ten opsigte van die Verre Wesrand. Aktiewe prosesse tot remediëring vir die rekening van die goudmyne en ‘n ewe verantwoordelike regering blyk die vernaamste doelwit te wees in omgewingsaktivistiese bedrywighede rakende die Verre Wesrand. In hierdie opsig ondersteun die FSE die samewerking van meerdere kundigheid en rolspelers wat deurslaggewend is vir vooruitsigte op enige langtermyn sukses. Teen die agtergrond van omgewingsbesoedeling, en ingesluit ‘n proaktiewe benadering van hoe om dit te hanteer, het “asemteue” van ‘n “positiewe” omgewingsgerigtheid ook in akademiese kringe posgevat waaroor in die toekoms waarskynlik meer geskryf sal word, en waarby baanbrekerswerk ten opsigte van omgewingsaktivisme in die Verre Wesrand ‘n verbintenis in benadering mag vind. Of ‘n nog stewiger proaktiewe wending in omgewingsaktivisme die kalf van suur mynwater uit die spreekwoordelike put gaan trek, behoort die geskiedenis van die Verre Wesrand in jare vorentoe uit te wys.
A historiography on past scientific research and references to environmental health concerns in the Merafong gold mining region of South Africa.
18 January 2012
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S.;Nealer, Eric J.;Liefferink, Mariette

• Opsomming: Goudmynbedrywighede is sinoniem met die hoofstroom ekonomiese aktiwiteit in die Merafong Munisipale gebied. Die omgewing van Merafong (Carletonville), geleë in die verre westelike dele van die Gauteng Provinsie, is al vir dekades wetenskaplik nagevors en bepraat in konferensies, in regeringskantore, die parlement, op voetsoolvlak en in die media. Die geologies gevormde dolomiet (karst) kompartemente gevul met natuurlike ondergrondse water en gouddraende riwwe – het algaande geblyk nie net positief tot die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie te wees nie, maar uiteindelik negatief inwerkend op die omgewing te wees, menslike gesondheid te beïnvloed en selfs vrae te wek oor die haalbaarheid van plaaslike ekonomieë in die lang termyn. Navorsingsuitsette en individue se besorgde stemme oor tyd rakende die omgewing het nie noodwendig duidelik genoeg na vore gekom in resultate en verslae wat beskikbaar gemaak is nie. Waar dit wel duidelik en ondubbelsinnig was, is dit van Jan Publiek weerhou omdat navorsingsopdragte dikwels deur die goudmynbedryf (as synde die besoedelaar) of die Regering getaak is en as vertroulik hanteer is. Sommige navorsingsverslae sluit in amptelike dokumentasie aangaande radio-aktiewe besoedeling, ander gevaarlike afvalstowwe asook sediment neerslae se gevare in die fisiese en die mens-veranderde omgewing. Hierdie artikel fokus hoofsaaklik op ‘n bepaalde faset van die Merafong-omgewing se navorsingshistoriografie binne die konteks van gesondheidsgerigte verslae en navorsingsverslae wat indirek op die kenmerke van die fisiese omgewing gesinspeel het as synde fasette wat impakte om eko-gesondheid in die breë sou kon hê. In vele opsigte kan die etiese aspek waarbinne navorsingsverslae onderneem word, bevraagteken word.
A historical overview of the study of family business as an evolving field.
18 January 2012
North West University

Farrington, Shelley;Venter, Elmarie

• Opsomming: Ten einde ‘n begrip van die unieke aard van familieondernemings te bevorder, het daar met verloop van tyd talryke konseptuele modelle en benaderings tot die studie van familieondernemings ontstaan. In ‘n poging om te beskryf hóé hierdie studieveld sedert sy ontstaan ontwikkel het, poog hierdie artikel om ‘n historiese uiteensetting en beskrywing te gee van dié tersaaklike modelle en benaderings. Vroeëre benaderings het op die tipiese probleme van familieondernemings gefokus, en is later opgevolg deur ‘n nadere beskouing van die karaktereienskappe van die stigters van sulke ondernemings. Hierna volg die toepassing van die stelselsteorie, wat die familie en die besigheid as oorvleuelend, interaktief en interafhanklik beskryf. ‘n Verdere uitbreiding van hierdie model voeg ook die dimensie van eienaarskap tot dié van die besigheid en die familie by. ‘n Tekortkoming van baie van hierdie vroeër modelle is dat tyd en veranderinge buite rekening gelaat word. Die drie-dimensionele ontwikkelingsmodel oorkom dié probleem deur te toon dat elk van die drie subsisteme (eienaarskap, bestuur en familie) met verloop van tyd deur verskillende stadia beweeg. Die uitgebreide ontwikkelingsmodel van familieondernemings (DMFB) bou voort op vorige modelle deur die inkorporering van die bykomstige eienaar, besigheid en familie eienskappe, sowel as een addisionele eienaarskapsveranderlike. Die “Bulleye”, ‘n ope sisteembenadering, wat vlakke van ontleding behels, hanteer sommige van die basiese tekortkominge van vorige modelle. Dit blyk ook duidelik dat ’n bydrae tot die groei van die studieveld van familieondernemings te danke is aan die multi-dissiplinêre benadering wat deur navorsers in die veld gevolg word. Konsepte en teorieë vanuit ander dissiplines soos, onder andere, Psigologie, Sosiologie, Bestuur, Ekonomie, Regte en familiesisteme teorieë, word byvoorbeeld geïntegreer en toegepas om ’n beter begrip te verkry van hoe hierdie unieke tipe ondernemings funksioneer. In aansluiting hierby blyk dit dat as gevolg van die groot aantal familieondernemings wat wêreldwyd bestaan, hul belangrikheid tot nasionale ekonomieë en hul unieke aard, sowel as hul hoë mislukkingskoers, alles faktore is wat bygedra het tot die belangstelling van navorsers van ’n verskeidenheid vakdissiplines, en wat hul inspireer om hierdie tipe ondernemings te bestudeer. As gevolg hiervan was die groei in die studieveld van familieondernemings werklik beduidend. ’n Historiese beskouing van die studieveld van familieondernemings toon dat navorsing steeds gemoeid is met dieselfde kwessies, naamlik dié van opvolging, prestasiemeting en vergoeding, en ook die bestuur van familieondernemings, wat tot dusver die redevoering van die afgelope 20 jaar oorheers het. Die meeste navorsing is steeds gegrond op gevestigde teorieë afkomstig vanuit ander dissiplines. Gevolglik bly ‘n soliede teoretiese begronding in gebreke, en is die studieveld ietwat gefragmenteerd ten opsigte van sy fokus en bevindinge. Ondanks die toename in die aantal empiriese studies, wat gekenmerk word deur nougesetheid en groter steekproewe, word die veld nog steeds oorheers deur geykte navorsingsmetodes en ontledingsinstrumente. Dít dra nie by tot ‘n diepgaande begrip van die dryfveer van empiriese waarneming nie. Met die ondersoek van die studieveld kan die gevolgtrekking gemaak word dat alhoewel navorsing oor familieondernemings reeds gevorderd is, lei dit nog steeds as ‘n bestuursveld aan relatiewe isolasie. Dit sal nog lank neem voordat familieondernemings as ’n onafhanklike studieveld ‘n noemenswaardige invloed op die openbare beleide, besluite en verbeterde bestuurspraktyke sal hê, óf selfs vakliteratuur oor familieondernemings verder sou uitbrei.
Entrepreneur, social capital and the survival of Afrikaner business on the Witwatersrand, 1930 – 2007: the case of Burgers Brothers Clothing enterprise.
19 January 2012
North West University

Verhoef, Grietjie

• Opsomming: Die ekonomiese afswaaifase van die 1930s is verswaar deur die geweldige droogte, plae en peste in die landbou en toenemende verarming onder blanke Suid-Afrikaners. Verstedeliking het een oorlewingstrategie gebied. Ty Burgers het ‘n klerewinkel begin met as teikenmark die verarmde blankes veral verarmde Afrikaners op die Witwatersrand. Hierdie artikel maak gebruik van sosiale kapitaalteorie om die vestiging van nuwe netwerke deur die Burgers onderneming in die sake-omgewing te verduidelik, waardeur die oorlewing van die Afrikaneronderneming bewerkstelling is. Die Burgers onderneming moes vestig te midde van sterk mededinging in die klere- en modebedryf in Johannesburg. Mededinging is veral gebied deur Indiër- en Joodse handelaars. Die Burgers familiebesigheid het homself baie vernuftig geposisioneer tussen die Afrikaner kultuur- en politieke netwerk en die Joodse sakenetwerk sedert die vestigingsjare. Burgers het die voorkeurverskaffer geword van klerasie aan die Afrikaners in Johannesburg, asook later vir skoolklere en sportdrag. Die artikel ondersoek die ontwikkeling van die bestuurstrategie van die Burgers familiebesigheid sedert die na-oorlogse jare van mededingende nasionalisme in Johannesburg. Die opvolgstrategie en die impak daarvan op die onderneming word ook bespreek.
Gold mining in Zululand.
23 January 2012
North West University

Minnaar, Anthony

Hierdie artikel ondersoek die reeks kleiner “goudstormlope” wat gedurende die middel 1880’s plaasgevind het tot net na die Eerste Wêreldoorlog in Kwa- Zulu-Natal – histories bekend as Zululand. Goudprospektering was veral aangespoor deur die £1 000 beloning aangebied deur die koloniale regering van Natal aan enige delwer wat ‘n betekenisvolle goudrif in hierdie geweste sou ontdek. Alhoewel betreklike ryk ertsneerslae van gouddraende riwwe dikwels ontdek is, en wat gevolglik tot stormlope na vergeleë areas in hierdie gebied aanleiding gegee het, het almal op die lange duur min opgelewer. Die eenvoudige verklaring daarvoor was dat die Goudrif net in ertsneste of -holtes voorgekom het en dus nie aaneenlopend was nie. Die bergagtige aard van die terrein met sy diep valleie was grotendeels die vernaamste rede die gebroke goudriflyn. Twee fases van goudmynbedrywighede is geïdentifiseer. Uiteindelik sou dit blyk dat die meeste van die goudmynmaatskappye in Zululand ‘n beperkte groei gehandhaaf het as kleinerige myne met ‘n gesukkel om ‘n bestaan te maak. Bedrywighede is beëindig. Die uitsondering was ‘n kleinerige aanleg in die Pongolovallei wat die Wonderfonteinriwwe bewerk het. Na die Tweede Wêreldoorlog was daar net sporadiese pogings om bestaande goudriwwe te myn aangesien daar geen nuwes ontdek was nie. In hierdie artikel word die begin- en ontwikkelingsfase van die hoofgoudstormlope in Zululand ondersoek. Die lengte van elk se lewenssiklus sowel as die gesukkel om die “ertsneste” te vind en ‘n befondsing vir dié bedryf se velerlei uitdagings, word bespreek.
Road building and the environment.
23 January 2012
North West University

Goetze, Tim

Met die tegnologiese vooruitgang wat die industriële revolusie meegebring het, is die mens se beskouing van die natuur met die loop van tyd verander. Soos wat die samelewing verander het, moes die natuur dadelik aanpas en het die omgewing die knie moes buig voor die mens se kapitalistiese en industrialisasiebehoeftes. Die bou van paaie en treinspore teen die einde van die negentiende eeu het byvoorbeeld getoon hoe geweldig het die mens se beskouing van die natuur verander om aan te pas by die diktering van die industriële ontwikkeling. 'n Vergelykende studie van die bou van paaie deur twee omgewingsensitiewe, areas in twee verskillende gedeeltes van die wêreld: die Glenwood Canyon in Colorado in die VSA en die Tuinroete in die Suid-Kaap in Suid-Afrika, lewer verskeie interessante insigte, veral omdat beide snelweë opgegradeer is in 'n tydperk toe omgewingsake 'n sleutelrol in infrastruktuurontwikkeling begin speel het. Uit die navorsing blyk dit duidelik dat die verskerpte omgewingsbewustheid 'n leidende rol gespeel het in die beplanning van albei die paaie. Daar Ie 'n verpligting op historici om hul stem te voeg by die van andere uit ander dissiplines om die omgewingsdebat te stimuleer. 'n Bestudering en beskrywing van die geskiedenis van mense en gebeure is onherroeplik gekoppel aan die omgewing waar dit plaasgevind het. 'n Dokumentering van sodanige geskiedenis is om 'n stem te gee aan die stemlose omgewing.
The history of planning South African new towns: political influences and social principles adopted.
24 January 2012
North West University

Brockett, Linda

Suid-Afrika het baie nuwe dorpe waarvan die meeste as gevolg van die mynbedryf en groot semi-staat ondernemings soos YSKOR ontwikkel is. Hierdie nuwe dorpe is beïnvloed deur die internasionale nuwedorp-beweging. Hierdie referaat poog om die invloede te analiseer en om die verskille tussen fisiese uitleg en ideologiese werklikhede uit te wys. 'n Groot gedeelte van Suid-Afrika se geskiedenis is beïnvloed deur die ontdekking van minerale, wat grotendeels verantwoordelik was vir die ontwikkeling van nedersettings. Die ontdekking van diamante in Kimberley in 1869 het bv. 'n massiewe instroming van mense tot gevolg gehad na die voorheen onontwikkelde binneland. Vroeë ontdekkings van die mineraalrykdom van Suid-Afrika het ook voorgekom in Pelgrimsrus, Barberton en Johannesburg, wat almal tot permanente nedersettings gelei het. Vandag, as gevolg van die tipe mineraalafsettings, is individuele prospekteurs skaars. Suid-Afrikaanse minerale word deur net 'n paar mynbedrywe, wat die benodigde finansies en tegnologie besit, ontgin. Die opening van 'n nuwe myn benodig 'n groot aantal werkers, wat die voorsiening van behuising noodsaaklik maak, dikwels in verafgeleë areas. Die konstruksie van myndorpe en die ontwikkeling van groot semi-staat ondernemings beteken dat die meeste nuwe dorpe in Suid-Afrika terselfdertyd ondernemingsdorpe is en hul plasing tot 'n groot mate voorgeskryf is deur die voorkoms van minerale of grondstowwe. Selfs dorpe soos Sasolburg en Vanderbijlpark is ondernemingsdorpe wat naby groot kole-afsettings geplaas is. Die nuwedorpbeweging in Brittanje en sy voorlopers - byvoorbeeld die dorpe gestig deur die "Enlightened Industrialists", die tuinstede, en die Amerikaanse groengordelstede - het almal sterk sosiale beginsels onderliggend. In hierdie referaat word beweer dat in Suid-Afrika - ten spyte van die feit dat die fisiese vorm van nuwe stede ‘n groot invloed op Suid-Afrikaanse dorpsuitlegte gehad het - baie min van die sosiale beginsels toegepas is. Die referaat bevraagteken die geldigheid van die vervreemding van die fisiese uitleg van die sosiale beginsels wat dit onderlê. Hierdie referaat bevraagteken ook die doeltreffendheid om buitelandse uitlegte na te boots by die uitlê van dorpe.
Visiting our urban past: the Kimberley mine and Pilgrims Rest museums.
26 January 2012
North West University

Mabin, Alan

• Opsomming: Die museum in Pelgrimsrus en die Kimberley Mynmuseum Verteenwoordig besondere prestasies in die aanbieding van die verlede aan die publiek. Nogtans kan beide, ten spyte van hul inherente bekoring, gekritiseer word omdat hulle nalaat om die kragte onderliggend aan sosiale verandering uit te beeld. Sommige van die teenstrydighede tussen die jongste historiografie se interpretasie van die verlede en die museums se aanbieding van daardie verlede, word in die artikel bespreek. Voorstelle vir die verdere ontwikkeling van die museums om dié vraagstukke aan te spreek word dan ondersoek.
United Albany Brethren benefit society.
31 January 2012
North West University

Berning, J M

• Opsomming: In die vorige eeu het die sogenaamde "friendly societies" aan mans 'n vorm van versekering gebied deur die stigting van 'n gemeenskapsfonds waaruit hulle gehelp kon word in geval van siekte en nood. Die verenigings het ook gesorg vir vermaak en kameraadskap tydens byeenkomste. Die United Albany Brethren Benefit Society van Grahamstad was 'n voorbeeld van so 'n vereniging. Dit is in 1828 deur Britse Setlaars gestig en as een van die eerste plaaslike organisasies in Grahamstad en omgewing het dit 'n belangrike plek beklee en is sterk met die geskiedenis van Grahamstad en die Albany-nedersetting geassosieer. Hoewel lede hoofsaaklik geskoolde vakmanne was, het van bulle later hoë poste beklee. Die vereniging het al die teenslae van die 19e eeu deurstaan, maar die omwenteling wat die Anglo-Boereoorlog van 1899 - 1902 teweeggebring het, het hom die finale nekslag toegedien.
Industrialization in South Africa: a historiographical debate?
15 March 2012
North West University

Verhoef, Grietjie

Industrialisasie as 'n ekonomiese verskynsel het min aandag van historici ontvang Die meeste publikasies van historici handel oor die sosiale en politieke implikasies van die verskynsel. Hierdie artikel ontleed die werk van ekonomiese historici in die eerste plek, dan die werk van ekonome en daarna revisionistiese historici. Daar is groot ooreenstemming oor die koste van aanvanklike industriële proteksionisme, asook die aanvanklike nut daarvan ten einde ekonomiese groei te stimuleer. Ekonome het indringend gedebatteer oor die owerheid se desentralisasieprogram en veral die politieke rasionaal daaragter bevraagteken. Die revisionistiese publikasies oor industrialisasie handel hoofsaaklik oor die idee dat politieke beleidsrigtings geïmplementeer is om kapitalistiese ekonomiese ontwikkeling te verseker. Die skrywer beweer dat min werklike debat tussen die eerste groepe skrywers oor industrialisasie en laasgenoemde revisionistiese historici plaasvind.
The tin mines of the Waterberg (Transvaal), 1905 - 1914.
23 March 2012
North West University

Nattrass, Gail

• Opsomming: Van 1905 tot 1914 is tin in die Transvaalse distrik Waterberg veral by Rooiberg, Zaaiplaats en Union Tin ontgin. Die klem in hierdie artikel val op Rooiberg wat die algemene toestand op al drie myne weerspieël. Weens hul afgesonderdheid en die wisselvalligheid van tinneerslae het die myne dit uiters moeilik gevind om geskoolde en ongeskoolde werkkrag te werf en te behou. Afgesien van ingevoerde arbeiders (soos Chinese en Herero's) het die tinmaatskappye armblankes in diens geneem om hul ongeskoolde arbeiderskorps aan te vul. Dit het gelei tot die buitengewone sosiaal-ekonomiese toestande wat in die artikel onder die loep geneem word.
Public administration in Pilgrims Rest, 1915 - 1969.
11 April 2012
North West University

Pirie, G H

• Opsomming: Nadat die maatskappy Transvaal Gold Mining Estates (TGME) die plaaslike bestuur in Pelgrimsrus twintig jaar lank afgeskeep het, is die administrasie van onder meer sanitasie, die begraafplaas, skut en slagpale in 1915 aan die Pilgrims Rest Health Committee (PRHC) opgedra. Die mynmaatskappy het egter nog volle beheer uitgeoefen oor die gebruik en verkoop van grond, asook die verskaffing en koste van water en elektrisiteit. Gevolglik was die onbemiddelde en onbeduidende gesondheidskomitee op groot skaal aangewese op die TGME se steun en hulpbronne wat arbeidsvoorsiening en die gebruik van sy geboue soos pakhuise, kantore en werkwinkels ingesluit het. In hierdie artikel word die oorsprong en omvang van voormelde afhanklikheid ontleed.
Business, state and society - doing business apartheid style: the case of Pep Stores Peninsula Limited.
08 June 2012
North West University

Ehlers, A

This article uses the Pep Stores Peninsula Ltd case study (1973-1974) as a window on State-Business relationships during apartheid and to highlight the dynamics and outcomes generated by the combination of state controlled ideologically driven race based economic empowerment in tandem with corporate market driven initiatives. In the process it also sheds light on the role of Business during apartheid and the way they negotiated the apartheid context – in this case with specific reference to Coloured economic development and empowerment. The case study also underscores the viewpoint that the roots of black economic empowerment – despite the differences in context, aims and scale - in South Africa stretches back further than the much publicized post-1990 version that currently dominates State – Business relationships and debates.
Assessing the past and the present role of the National Nuclear Regulator as a public protector against potential health injuries: the West and Far West Rand as case study.
12 June 2012
North West University

Liefferink, Mariette

Recent national and international news media articles and television programmes, official public domain Government and peer reviewed academic reports drew the international and national public’s attention to the health risks and hazards and impacts pertaining to uraniferous waste from the gold mining industry within the Witwatersrand goldfields and the role of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) in this regard. The Dutch research organizations’ Wise and Somo’s recent report, entitled “Uranium from Africa – mitigation of uranium impacts on society and environment by industry and governments” found that that the lack of knowledge within institutions and lack of proper environmental management systems, both in industry and in the government, “render South Africa a poor example of environmental and human health protection….The government is failing.” It is especially the poor, the disempowered and the vulnerable members of mining communities that bear the highest risks and impacts. These communities have low adaptive capacity because of chronic and acute malnutrition and high HIV/Aids percentages. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently estimated that 34% of all childhood illness in the world (compared to 24% of all age illness) and 36% of deaths in children under age 14 are due to modifiable environmental factors. As with many illnesses, genes may create a loaded gun, but environment pulls the trigger. However, determining how impacts from gold mining waste within the West and Far West Rand as part of the Witwatersrand goldfields influence or determine human health is a challenge. This is due to the social, cultural and economic conditions (thus their broader well-being status) which influence the vulnerability of communities, and subsequently their resilience. The focus of the discussion will relate to this area and the NNR’s role – past and present – as public health protector in this area per se.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of options for reducing pollution in Khayelitsha township, South Africa
15 August 2012
North West University

Muchapondwa, E

Average levels of PM10 pollutants in Khayelitsha, a poor informal settlement nears Cape Town, are unusually high. The contributory factors are the burning of household waste, wood and used tyres; vehicular emissions; and dust. This paper gives guidance towards selecting interventions for reducing these pollutants. The options include planting windbreak trees; paving roads and walkways; using cleaner sources of energy; and supplying additional refuse skips. Based on cost data collected from relevant municipal departments and service providers, over a 20-year planning horizon, the following are cost equivalents: planting between 419 and 936 windbreak trees; paving 6 685m2 of exposed areas; replacing between 451 and 870 wood-fired meat traders’ braai (i.e. barbecue) sets with gas braais; and providing a 6m3 refuse skip. On the basis of cost-effectiveness in reducing PM10 pollutants, this paper ranks the interventions as follows: (1) providing gas braai sets; (2) planting windbreak trees; (3) paving exposed areas; and (4) providing the refuse skip. Thus, providing gas braai sets to the meat traders in Khayelitsha will significantly reduce PM10 levels, but will also contribute to the sustained livelihoods of some of the poor households. However, planting windbreak trees may nevertheless be undertaken because of this option’s linkage to climate change initiatives, which open up a wide range of potential funding opportunities.
South African mineral law: a historical overview of the state’s regulatory power regarding the exploitation of minerals.
24 August 2012
North West University

Van der Schyff, E

The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 [MPRDA] acknowledges that the country’s mineral resources belong to the nation. The State is subsequently appointed as custodian of these resources. As custodian the State has the ultimate responsibility to grant, issue, control, administer and manage all rights in minerals. As a consequence of this wide regulatory authority a landowner’s right to deal with the minerals imbedded in the soil of his property has completely been annihilated. This article gives an historical overview of the State’s regulatory power regarding the exploitation of the country’s minerals to determine the extent to which the State has, in the past, took upon itself the power to decide where, when and by whom the country’s mineral riches could be mined. A historical perspective of the extent of the State’s regulatory powers regarding the exploitation of minerals might be beneficial when the provisions of the MPRDA are interpreted.
Travel behaviour of tourists to a South African holiday resort
28 August 2012
North West University

Slabbert, Elmarie;Van Vuuren, Clarise Letitia

Travel behaviour refers to the way in which tourists behave according to their attitudes before, during and after travelling. Knowledge regarding travel behaviour can assist in marketing, product planning and development which can increase the number of visitors to tourism products such as resorts. However, it was found that very little research has been conducted regarding the travel behaviour of tourists visiting South African resorts. The purpose of this study was to determine the travel behaviour and, more specifically, the travel motivations and factors influencing travel decision making of tourists visiting a resort. Quantitative research was conducted by means of the distribution of questionnaires. The results indicated that the main travel motivations are resting and relaxation, enriching and learning experiences, recreational activities, personal motivators and social experiences. It was clear that there are various similarities with studies done in other countries and in South Africa which indicate the existence of universal travel motivations. The most important factors influencing travel decision making were found to be management and hospitality aspects, destination attributes, site attractiveness and economic benefits. These results also indicated similarities with the findings of previous research studies. However, studies focusing on factors influencing travel decisions in South Africa are scarce and demand attention, especially with the growing domestic market. It is therefore clear from the results that tourism marketers are required to do research on a continuous basis to determine tourists‘ travel behaviour to different tourism products such as resorts. The results can be used as a focusing point of the marketing strategies
Employer-employee relationships at Lonmin Platinum: a developing South African perspective
20 September 2012
North West University

Fourie, Lynnette Mitizi;Holtzhausen, Lida

More than ever, companies are confronted with the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with their strategic stakeholders, such as employees. These relationships should be aimed at balancing the interests of the company with the interests of said stakeholders. Managing relationships with stakeholders is difficult in itself and even more so within the complex context of the South African mining industry. The aim of this article is to determine guidelines that could be used to ascertain employer-employee relationship type and relationship quality in the mining sector. In 2004, a quantitative questionnaire survey was conducted with a stratified quota sample of 508 company employees as part of a commissioned stakeholder perception survey. In addition, qualitative focus-group sessions were conducted to contextualise and clarify the quantitative results. The research indicated that the employer-employee relationship at Lonmin Platinum could be classified as an exchange, rather than a communal relationship. Employees generally perceived the quality of their relationship with the company in a negative way. Employees from all job levels had low levels of trust in the company. This study contributes to a growing body of research aimed at trying to understand the nature of employer-employee relations within large companies in a developing society, where companies are faced with the challenge of communicating to and managing diverse workforces.
Effect of vermicompost on soil and plant properties of coal spoil in the Lusatian Region (Eastern Germany)
20 September 2012
North West University

Claassens, Sarina;Van Rensburg, Leon;Nada, Wael M.;Blumenstein, Oswald

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different wood vermicompost application rates on some soil physical and chemical properties as well as on growth parameters of a grass seed mixture (RSM 7.2.1) in tertiary sand contaminated with coal spoil. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse over a period of 42 days. Soil was mixed with vermicompost at ratios of 0.0, 3.0, 12.5, and 25.0% and sown with the grass seed mixture. Soil samples and plant material were analyzed to determine the effect of different vermicompost application rates on the physical and chemical properties. Results revealed that the physical and chemical properties of the soil improved with increasing application rates of vermicompost. In addition, soil treated with vermicompost showed significant increases in fresh- and dry-matter yields of the grass, as well as enhanced uptake of nutrients by the grass. This indicated that treatment of contaminated soils with vermicompost may be beneficial for reclamation processes by facilitating revegetation of disturbed areas.
Coal cleaning residues and Fe-minerals implications
03 October 2012
North West University

Silva, Luis F.O.;Waanders, Frans;Macias, Felipe;Oliveira, Marcos L.S.;Da Boit, M. Kátia

In the present investigation, a study was undertaken to understand the origin of Fe-minerals presents in Brazilian coal mining and to understand the environmental implication and the chemical heterogeneity in the study area. Coal cleaning residue samples rich in clays, quartz, sulphides, carbonates, sulphates, etc. were sampled from Lauro Muller, Urussanga, Treviso, Siderópolis, and Criciúma cities in the Santa Catarina State and a total of 19 samples were collected and Mössbauer, XRD, SEM/EDX, and TEM analyses were conducted on the samples. The major Fe-minerals identified are represented by the major minerals chlorite, hematite, illite, and pyrite, while the minor minerals include, ankerite, chalcopyrite, goethite, hematite, jarosite, maghemite, magnetie, marcasite, melanterite, natrojarosite, oligonite, pyrrhotite, rozenite, schwertmannite, siderite, and sideronatrile. Pyrite is relatively abundant in some cases, making up to around 10% of the mineral matter in several samples. The sulphates minerals such as jarosite and others, probably represent oxidation products of pyrite, developed during exposure or storage.
Are blue chip stock market indices good proxies for all-shares market indices? The case of the Brussels Stock Exchange 1833-2005
05 October 2012
North West University

Annaert, Jan;Buelens, Frans;Cuyvers, Ludo;Deloof, Marc;De Ceuster, Marc;De Schepper, Ann

In this article, we calculate a market-weighted return index for the 20 largest stocks listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange over the period 1833–2005, based on a new, unique and high-quality database. We find that this index captures the most important stylised facts of the value-weighted return of all shares listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange in this period. Our results support the empirical practice of concentrating on just the largest stocks. The indices we construct are based on one of the longest Belgian time series available. The indices take into account the exact dividends, the timing of the dividend cash flows and all capital operations. We are therefore able to decompose total returns into capital gain returns and dividend returns, which is not possible with most historical return series. We show that, to construct a credible return index, it is crucial to fully take into account dividends.
Assessing the catalytic effect of coal ash constituents on the CO2 gasification rate of high ash, South African coal
08 October 2012
North West University

Hattingh, Burgert B.;Everson, Raymond C.;Neomagus, Hein W.J.P.;Bunt, John R.

The catalytic effect of inorganic species, within the ash, on the CO2 gasification of three South African coals containing similar carbon-structural properties (elemental, structural and petrographical properties) was assessed. The reactivity of the coals with a particle size between 150 and 250 μm was determined in a thermo gravimetric analyser. The reactivity was measured at temperatures between 900 and 1000 °C, pressures between 1 and 10 bar, and fractions of CO2 between 10 and 30%. For the selected coals, the reactivity decreased with ash content, and was found to be dependent on the composition of the ash. Specifically, the reactivity increased with calcium and magnesium content and alkali index.
Volatile trace element behaviour in the Sasol® fixed-bed dry-bottom (FBDB)™ gasifier treating coals of different rank
08 October 2012
North West University

Bunt, J.R.;Waanders, F.B.

Trace element simulation and validation of model predictions for the elements Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb have recently been undertaken for the Sasol® FBDB™ gasification process operating on lump coal. The validation was conducted by interpolating the residual trace elements content remaining behind in the solid coal/char/ash fractions after sequential mining of a quenched commercial-scale gasifier operating on low rank grade C bituminous Highveld coal used for gasification in South Africa. This paper extends the research understanding by comparing the volatile trace element behaviour of these same elements, using the same gasification technology, but operating on North Dakota lignite. The focus will be on the behaviour of the volatile Class III trace elements: Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb within the Sasol® FBDB™ gasifier as function of coal rank. This study excludes the downstream gas cleaning partitioning and speciation behaviour of these elements. Findings indicate that although the feed concentration and mode of occurrence of these elements differ quite substantially between the two coal types studied, that the volatilization profiles of the elements are indeed quite similar; being within 0.1%–15% lower in the case of the lignite when compared to the bituminous coal. In both cases, Hg was found to be the most volatile and As the least; with the volatility order varying slightly for the metals Se, Cd and Pb for the two coal types. The differences observed in the trace element volatilization rate are supported by the temperature profile which was inferred from the reflectance of vitrinite (RoV) measurements of the dissected fuel bed material. The highly reactive lignite, is successfully gasified at a lower temperature than is the case for bituminous coal using the Sasol® FBDB™ gasification process. Speciation predictions have earlier shown that: H2 Se, CdS, PbS/Pb/PbCl, and AsH3 species possibly exist in the gas phase. In reality, organically-associated trace elements will also be volatilized into the gas phase, but due to a lack of thermodynamic data for the lignite organo-metallic species at this stage only inorganic associations could be modelled.
Correlation between brand longevity and the diffusion of innovations theory
31 October 2012
North West University

Gouws, Helena Catharina;Van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, George Peter

This article attempts to apply the diffusion of innovations theory to the current concepts of branding of products and services that have roots in both marketing and communication. The authors attempt to analyse the diffusion of innovation theory and to draw correlations between the fundamental principles of diffusion and those of branding of products and services in practice. The following research question was posed: What are the correlations between the diffusion of innovations theory and branding principles and practices today? The concepts of ‘diffusion of innovations’ and ‘diffusion of information’ are used interchangeably throughout this article. The rationale for this is that in some cases, a technology may be almost entirely composed of information although a methodological problem in such studies is that their adoption cannot be so easily traced or observed in a physical sense. The innovation–decision process is essentially an information-seeking and information-processing activity in which the individual is motivated to reduce uncertainty about the advantages and disadvantages of the innovation.
An investigation of the economic performance of sustainability reporting companies versus non-reporting companies: a South African perspective
01 November 2012
North West University

Andrikopoulos, Panagiotis;Buys, Pieter Willem;Oberholzer, Merwe

This study explores the potential differences in the economic performances of companies that report on their sustainability information and those companies that do not report thereon. Even though there have been similar studies conducted in 1st world countries, this is the first study of its kind in a developing economy, and considers the economic performances of South African publicly listed companies. Annual performance data, from 2002 to 2009, for the two groups of companies was taken from the McGregor BFA database. The significance of the average differences between key financial indicators of the test-group and the control-group was determined by the t-test, while the difference of positive or negative Economic Value Added and Market Value Added values between these two groups was also evaluated. Even though some evidence indicates that companies that disclose sustainability reports may experience better economical performance, the statistical analysis could not confirm a definite positive relationship between sustainability reporting and economic performance.
"Go out and gather each day ...": implications of the ethics of Exodus 16 for modern consumerism
01 November 2012
North West University

Vorster, Jakobus Marthinus

This article focuses on the implied ethical principles of the history of the manna in Exodus 16 and the relevance of these ethical principles for the contemporary culture of consumerism. The principles that can be derived from this history are the principle of labour and rest, of sharing, the ethical principles of responsible consumption, the protection of creation and of remembrance of God's concern for humankind and creation. Modern consumerism with its underlying neo-liberal economic philosophy appears to violate these principles in many ways. The implied ethical principles of the manna history is thus highly relevant in the ethical discourse about economic planning, labour and rest, the environment and God's involvement in the modern world.
Unravelling safety compliance in the mining industry: examining the role of work stress, job insecurity, satisfaction and commitment as antecedents
14 January 2013
North West University

Masia, Uanda;Pienaar, Jacobus

Orientation: Safety compliance remains a major issue in the South African mining industry. This article explores the roles of specific work-related job and attitudinal variables in predicting complianceResearch purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of work stress, job insecurity, satisfaction and commitment to safety compliance in a mine. Motivation for the study: The study aims to predict safety compliance through work-related variables in order to manage safet better. Research design, approach and method: The researchers used a cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample (n = 158). They distributed a survey booklet. It included a biographical questionnaire, scales for job insecurity, satisfaction, affective organisational commitment, workplace accidents and safety compliance as well as a work stress measure that comprised dimensions of role clarity, conflict and overload. Main findings: The results showed that work stress and job insecurity had a negative relationship with safety compliance. The researchers found that only job satisfaction was a significant predictor of safety. Practical/managerial implications: Although exploratory, this study suggests that promoting job satisfaction may improve safety compliance whilst job stress and job insecurity also relate negatively to safety compliance. Contribution/value-add: This study shows that job satisfaction is more important than organisational commitment, job security and work stress for predicting safety compliance
Motives for attending the Cultivaria Arts Festival
15 January 2013
North West University

Saayman, Melville

Festivals are becoming a key feature on the tourism calendar of many towns and cities. Cultivaria is one of South Africa’s newest arts festivals and is held at Paarl annually. The festival is one combining the arts, wine and food. The purpose of this research is to determine the reasons (motives) for visitors attending the festival. This information is needed so that a marketing plan can be developed, as well as to be able to ensure that visitors’ needs are fulfilled. In order to do this, the organisers’ need to know the reasons why people attend the festival. In order to achieve the goal of the research, a survey (N=450) was conducted where 409 questionnaires were successfully retrieved for use in a factor analysis. The results showed the three main motives for attendance were the event attraction, cultural exploration and escape. Escape was found to be the main motive, which contradicted similar research done in other parts of the world. The results also indicated that, even though Cultivaria is an Afrikaans-language festival, language did not play a significant role as a motivator to the event. This contradicted similar research conducted at Aardklop National Arts Festival, also primarily an Afrikaans-language festival. From the results, recommendations are made that will contribute to a more sustainable event.
Some comments on the scheme of arrangement as an "affected transaction" as defined in the companies act 71 of 2008
31 January 2013
North West University

Luiz, S M

A scheme of arrangement involving a regulated company and its shareholders is defined as an "affected transaction" in the Companies Act 71 of 2008. Although scheme of arrangements, which can be used to achieve a takeover of a company, are a common occurrence, the Act provides no definition of such schemes. The importance of knowing what actually constitutes a scheme of arrangement becomes apparent when it is noted that section 121 of the Actprovides that any person making an offer which if accepted would result in an affected transaction is obliged to comply with all the relevant reporting and approval requirements in the Act, as well as the Takeover Regulations, unless the Takeover Regulation Panel has granted an exemption. Giving effect to an affected transaction is prohibited, unless the Panel has issued a compliance certificate or granted an exemption. The article comments generally on the definition of a scheme of arrangement as an affected transaction, highlighting the elements of a scheme of arrangement. Specific consideration is given to transactions which include a re-acquisition by the company of its own previously issued securities and when such a re-acquisition on its own would be considered to be a scheme of arrangement and an affected transaction. Comment on the obligation to appoint an independent expert to report on the scheme and the relevance, if any, of the solvency and liquidity of the company embarking on a scheme of arrangement is included. Finally, consideration is given to the need to have a scheme of arrangement approved by a special resolution and the potential exclusion of certain voting rights. The article exposes a number of difficulties with the interpretation of the applicable provisions and suggests that these need to be revisited by the legislature for clarification.
Driving corporate social responsibility (CSR) through the companies act: an overview of the role of the social and ethics committee
20 May 2013
North West University

Kloppers, Henk J

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement can be described as a bundle of trends comprising regulatory frameworks aimed at improving corporate practices and leading to changes in these practices, the mobilisation of corporate role players to support the development of states, and a management trend the purpose of which is to enhance the legitimacy of a business. Government is regarded as one of the most important driving forces behind the CSR agenda and it has a particularly important role to play in the creation of an enabling CSR environment. In general, advocates of legislative involvement in framing the CSR policy highlight the failure of existing voluntary systems as one of the main reasons why the state should play a more important role in the facilitation of CSR. Although governments realise the importance of encouraging socially responsible business, it should be noted that CSR should not replace regulation or legislation concerning social rights. Furthermore CSR should not be seen as shifting (or outsourcing) the state's responsibility for the provision of basic services (such as education or the provision of health services) to the private sector and thus "privatising" the state's responsibilities. However, the legacies of apartheid remain firmly entrenched in the social problems facing South Africa and it seems as if the Government is unable to deliver the social and physical infrastructure required to effect the desired transformation, thus necessitating the engagement of the private sector. The role of Government in establishing a CSR policy framework and driving CSR has become increasingly important. The (perceived) failure of the welfare state has given further impetus to the move of governments toward tapping into the resources of the private sector (through their CSR) in order to address socio-economic challenges. A purely voluntary approach to CSR without any legislative intervention will not succeed – a clear public policy requiring the implementation of socially responsible practices by the entire private sector is a necessity. Governments in general are increasingly beginning to view CSR as cost-effective means to enhance their sustainable development strategies, and as a part of their national competitiveness strategies to attract foreign direct investment. Given South Africa's history, legislation should be viewed as one of the main instruments enabling the Government to address the private sector's social, environmental and economic outreach activities. Against this background, this contribution identifies the regulations released in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 in which the issue of the social and ethics committee is dealt with, as an important measure taken by Government to create a possible CSR platform. This contribution argues that the requirements regarding the creation of a social and ethics committee have the potential to embed the CSR notion in the corporate conscience. The aim of the contribution is to provide an overview of the role of the social and ethics committee, as envisaged by the Companies Regulations, 2011, as a potential driver of CSR.
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.
An exploration of the role of communication during the in-crisis situation
16 August 2013
North West University

Le Roux, Tanya

‘The critical component in crisis management is communication’, but somehow the vague concept of ‘communication‘ is always cited as a problem in in-crisis situations. Furthermore, available corporate communication literature mainly focuses on pre- and post-crisis reputational communication, relying only on following lists or a linear one-way push of information for the in-crisis stages. The exploratory method of reflective or interpretive action research of a hazardous material emergency desk-top simulation exercise was used to examine (1) what is meant by the term communication in the in-crisis situation, and (2) the contribution that corporate communication and the corporate communication practitioner can make during an in-crisis situation. This study found that there is confusion regarding the term communication, but even more, that each person involved also interpreted the term slightly differently, which could easily lead to confusion and/or the creation of an unclear common operating picture. The extent of the contribution that the corporate communication practitioner, as conduit of the corporate communication discipline, can make is also discussed. This paper comes to the conclusion that the contribution of corporate communication to the in-crisis situation will greatly add to the successful clearing up of an emergency situation.
Environmental factors affecting tourists' experience in South African national parks
18 October 2013
North West University

Saayman, Melville;Du Plessis, Liezel;Van der Merwe, Petrus

This study, the first of its kind involving South African National Parks, aimed to determine which environmental factors in these parks have a negative effect on tourists’ experience, and whether tourists who visit parks frequently are more aware of environmental impacts than those who visit only occasionally. The findings will help to inform South African National Parks (SANParks) management about the impacts of tourism in the parks and how these affect tourists’ experience. Data was obtained from 451 questionnaires completed in a survey on the SANParks official website. A factor analysis identified five environmental factors that had a negative impact on tourists’ SANParks experience: pollution, tourism product offering, park violation, environmental management, and tourism impacts. An ANOVA test was then conducted to examine the relationship between the frequency of tourists’ visits and the effect of these factors on their experience. It was found that the more frequent the visits, the more the environmental impacts of tourism were perceived. These findings should help to develop management strategies to reduce negative nature-based experiences.
Establishing and developing business networks: the importance of trust
18 October 2013
North West University

De Klerk, Saskia

The purpose of this research was to explore the importance of trust in establishing and developing business networks. The perceived levels of trust, commitment, cooperation, common interest and openness needed for successful business relationships were explored. A multi-method design, consisting of focus groups and a survey, provided a deeper understanding of such robust networking, such as trust and business networking. The mixed methods and then a survey for triangulation were used sequentially with focus groups to gather rich descriptive data and to measure content validity and trustworthiness. Participants (business owners or manager) were included and responses were received from opinion leaders in businesses, mainly from the services, retail and manufacturing sectors. Trust was identified as the singular most important cornerstone of a relationship and therefore of a network. The experiences of the participants showed that they feel that to build a relationship on trust, the partners in the relationship should be credible, have integrity, add value and communicate this value in a clear and non-obtrusive way. Trust was mentioned by both genders, all ages and for supplier, customer and partnering relationships, as the crucial element in determining business networking success. The mixed methods provide a more in-depth look at a multidimensional topic, such as trust. The individual experience of business owners and managers with regard to their measurement of trust in their relationships are unique and gives valuable insight for future investigations and understanding. Conducting their business at these festivals better. Training, facilitation and creating networking opportunities and engagement on higher levels of entrepreneur and management development might then be developed.
Exploring branding associations in festival branding
18 October 2013
North West University

Dreyer, Adriana;Slabbert, Elmarie

Arts festivals in South Africa are growing tremendously and it has become more important for these types of tourism products to position themselves competitively. Branding plays a major role in positioning and the associations made with the brand. It is necessary to understand these associations as well as factors influencing the associations. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore brand associations in festival branding and to determine the influence of demographic characteristics on festival associations. Very little research in this regard has been conducted in South Africa. This study was done at the KKNK (Klein Karoo National Arts Festival) held annually in Oudtshoorn, by means of a structured questionnaire where 394 questionnaires were completed. The statistical analysis was descriptive in nature, including a factor analysis (to determine the brand associations) and the calculation of effect sizes (to determine differences between the brand associations and certain demographic variables). Firstly, the results revealed three brand associations, namely brand judgements, brand attributes and brand performance. Secondly, the results indicated no significant differences between age, gender, marital status, province, qualification, number of times visited and the identified brand associations. The results therefore confirm that brand associations exist but that demographic characteristics do not influence these associations.
Factor identification in managerial ethics
18 October 2013
North West University

Bisschoff, Christo Alfonzo;Lotriet, Ronald Aubrey

Business is expected to serve the common good of all stakeholders and have special legal interests with regard to upholding the values embedded in the constitution. Proper managerial ethics is becoming more of a concern within the context of business as the risks involved have grown in number, complexity, likelihood and significance. The extent of organisational pressure on management to perform accordingly on various indicators may also lead to compromises on organisational standards of ethical business conduct in order to achieve the bottom line and related objectives. The aim of this research is to measure the dimension of ethical attitudes amongst managers along a number of stated business scenarios which illustrate that managers may often be exposed to situations where they experience problems with role definition and other related interactions at their work place. The research used a questionnaire as measuring instrument to assess the attitudes pertaining to the ethical perceptions of managers. Data collection was implemented by administering the survey to a sample of managers with at least 2 years managerial experience. Six categories of factors were identified from the data analysis which are labelled as indirect ethical grey areas; devious behaviour; insider trading; leaking of competitive information; integrity and bribes.
Radical business ethics: a critical and postmetaphysical manifesto
10 January 2014
North West University

Engelbrecht, Schalk Willem Petrus

Business ethics, as it is understood and practised generally, lacks a component of radicality. As part of the contemporary ‘return to ethics’ it displays an undesirable conservatism and blocks off possibilities for systemic alterity. I argue that a normal and ‘apologetic’ business ethics should therefore be supplemented with a radical or utopian business ethics. Put differently, business ethics should not only contribute to more responsible business practices, more morally sensitive business managers and more ethical organisational cultures, but should also facilitate social hope via hermeneutic strategies aimed at changing the way we think about ourselves, our economies and the roles and responsibilities of business as such.
Towards contextualising stakeholder relationship indicators for corporate-community relationships
13 January 2014
North West University

Fourie, Lynnette Mitizi;Van Dyk, Louise

In circumstances that are substantially different from the norm, new ways of thinking about those alternative contexts are necessary. In the context of corporate governance and corporate social investment (CSI) the relationship between corporate donors and community organisations is regarded as important, but the indicators used to describe this relationship need revisiting. The argument in this article is that context-specific indicators are needed to bring the true nature of the corporate-community relationship to the fore. In addition, a suggestion is made that such indicators be both rigorous and relevant in describing the relationship. In an interpretative, qualitative exploration of data from individual interviews it was revealed that well-known relationship indicators were inadequate to describe the relationship between corporate donors and community organisations accurately. The article could serve as the first step in reviewing stakeholder relationship indicators from organisational communication research and adapting these indicators to a specific context.
Metal ion transport through a polystyrene-based cobalt arsenate membrane: application of irreversible thermodynamics and theory of absolute reaction rates
14 January 2014
North West University

Arfin, Tanvir;Rafiuddin, A.

Polystyrene-based cobalt arsenate membranes have been prepared by sol–gel method for various 1:1 electrolytes (KCl, NaCl and LiCl) at different concentrations. The conductance values of cobalt arsenate membranes have been found to increase with increase in concentration (0.1 ≤ c (M) ≤ 0.01) as well as temperature (10–50) ± 0.1 °C. The conductance values of the investigated electrolytes have been found to follow the sequence K+ > Na+ > Li+. The larger the positive hydration of ions, the higher the activation energies of conductivity of the salt and the sequence for energy of activation followed this order: Ea K+ > Ea Na + > Ea Li+. The changes of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), entropy (ΔS), and enthalpy (ΔH) for the transition of ions from one quasi-equilibrium state were calculated at different concentrations.The values of ΔH, ΔG and ΔS were found to be positive and negative respectively. Among the ions of the same valence the order of ΔS was as follows Li+ > Na+ > K+. The prepared membranes were characterized by thickness, porosity, water uptake, swelling, chemical stability, morphology analysis and particle size. The membranes were found to be stable in acidic as well as basic environment.
Soil mesofauna as bioindicators to assess environmental disturbance at a platinum mine in South Africa
15 January 2014
North West University

Maboeta, Mark Steve;Theron, Pieter Daniel;Wahl, Jurie Johannes

South Africa is rich in mineral resources and is one of the leading raw material exporters in the world. Mining is essential for economic development, but also has detrimental environmental consequences in the form of chemical waste products which are being dumped as tailings material. The aim of this study was to establish whether mesofauna could be utilized to assess the influence of the tailings disposal facility on the surrounding soil environment. The sampled soil was chemically analyzed and the extracted mesofauna identified. High metal concentrations on the tailings dam (Cu, Cr and Ni), apparently had the greatest influence on the soil mesofauna. Only a few mite species were abundant at the two sites on the tailings dam, representing the prostigmatic-, cryptostigmatic- and the mesostigmatic-taxa. Metal pollution is evident in the sites on the tailings dam facility and the number of species generally increased towards the more natural environment.
Influence of chemical pretreatment on the internal structure and reactivity of Pyrolysis chars produced from sugar cane bagasse
20 January 2014
North West University

Carrier, Marion;Knoetze, Johannes;Neomagus, Hendrik Willem Johannes P.;Görgens, Johann

The characterization of char obtained from the vacuum pyrolysis (8 kPaabs, 460 °C, 18 °C/min) of sugar cane bagasse followed by steam gasification (60 wt % of steam, 700−900 °C) was studied. The influence of different chemical pretreatments prior to pyrolysis (acetone, ethanol, HNO3 and HF) on the ash content, the pore structure, and chemical composition of resulting chars and activated carbons were investigated. Changes in the pore structure were observed during the pyrolysis process and the steam gasification, namely, the development of a channel network and the increase of meso- and macroporosity distributions, respectively. These porous changes affect the pyrolytic yields. Clear influences of the surface area and ash content on the pyrolytic water yields and the inorganic devolatilization effect on the meso- and macropore distributions of chars were shown. Furthermore, the structural reorganization of chars obtained during the vacuum pyrolysis of HF and solvent-leached bagasse was beneficial to their reactivity toward steam gasification.
A multidisciplinary approach for the assessment of rehabilitation at asbestos mines in South Africa
21 January 2014
North West University

Claassens, Sarina;Van Rensburg, Leon;Liebenberg, Danica

The asbestos mining industry has left a legacy of pollution that continues to poison former mining areas and surrounding land-posing a significant health risk to local communities. In order to assist the effective rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless asbestos mines it was critical to develop a scientific database to indicate the status of rehabilitation at specific sites. The rehabilitation prioritisation index (RPI) was developed in 2007 to indicate the sequence for rehabilitation of asbestos pollution by quantifying the risk associated with a specific pollution site. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach was applied to sites in three provinces as identified in the RPI, to facilitate the development of the rehabilitation monitoring index (RMI) that would assist in the successful monitoring and long-term rehabilitation of asbestos mines. Quantitative and qualitative parameters were assessed in all three provinces and applied in the RMI as weighted factors from which the rehabilitation status of a specific site can be calculated. From the quantitative data, those parameters which had the greatest influence on the rehabilitation process were identified. Qualitative data contributed 25 % and quantitative data 75 % to the calculation of the RMI value. The Limpopo Province was identified as the province with the least successful rehabilitation. The results from this investigation show that a multidisciplinary approach is a step in the right direction to facilitate the successful monitoring of rehabilitated post-mining sites such as asbestos mines.
Walking the sustainability assessment talk - Progressing the practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA)
21 January 2014
North West University

Retief, Francois Pieter;Morrison-Saunders, Angus

Internationally there is a growing demand for environmental impact assessment (EIA) to move away from its traditional focus towards delivering more sustainable outcomes. South Africa is an example of a country where the EIA system seems to have embraced the concept of sustainability. In this paper we test the existing objectives for EIA in South Africa against sustainability principles and then critique the effectiveness of EIA practice in delivering these objectives. The outcome of the research suggests that notwithstanding a strong and explicit sustainability mandate through policy and legislation, the effectiveness of EIA practice falls far short of what is mandated. This shows that further legislative reform is not required to improve effectiveness but rather a focus on changing the behaviour of individual professionals. We conclude by inviting further debate on what exactly practitioners can do to give effect to sustainability in EIA practice.
Granulites, CO2 and graphite
30 January 2014
North West University

Huizenga, Jan Marten;Touret, Jacques

Externally derived, pure CO2 that mixes with a carbon-(under)saturated C-O-H-fluid in lower crustal granulites may result in graphite precipitation if the host-rock oxygen fugacity (fO2rock) is below the upper fO2 limit of graphite. The maximum relative amount of graphite that can precipitate varies between a few mol% up to more than 25 mol%, depending on pressure, temperature, and host-rock redox state. The maximum relative amount of graphite that can precipitate from an infiltrating CO2 fluid into a dry granulite (C-O fluid system) varies between zero and a few mol%. Thermodynamic evaluation of the graphite precipitation process shows that CO2 infiltration into lower crustal rocks does not always result in a carbon (super)saturated fluid. In that case, graphite precipitation is only possible if carbon saturation can be reached as a result of the reaction CO2 → CO + ½ O2. Graphite that has been precipitated during granulite facies metamorphic conditions can subsequently be absorbed by a C-O-H fluid during retrograde metamorphism. It is also possible, however, that significant amounts of graphite precipitate from a C-O-H fluid during retrograde metamorphism. This study shows that interpreting the presence or absence of graphite in granulites with respect to CO2 infiltration requires detailed information on the P–T–fO2rock conditions, the relative amount of CO2 that infiltrates into the rock, and whether H2O is present or not.
Sustainability assessment: the state of the art
07 February 2014
North West University

Bond, Alan;Pope, Jenny;Morrison-Saunders, Angus Neil

Sustainability assessment is a recent framing of impact assessment that places emphasis on delivering positive net sustainability gains now and into the future. It can be directed to any type of decision-making, can take many forms and is fundamentally pluralistic. Drawing mainly on theoretical papers along with the few case study examples published to date (from England, Western Australia, South Africa and Canada), this paper outlines what might be considered state-of-the-art sustainability assessment. Such processes must: (i) address sustainability imperatives with positive progress towards sustainability; (ii) establish a workable concept of sustainability in the context of individual decisions/assessments; (iii) adopt formal mechanisms for managing unavoidable trade-offs in an open, participative and accountable manner; (iv) embrace the pluralistic inevitabilities of sustainability assessment; and (v) engender learning throughout. We postulate that sustainability assessment may be at the beginning of a phase of expansion not seen since environmental impact assessment was adopted worldwide.
What intellectual property lawyers can learn from Barbra Streisand, Sepp Blatter, and the "Coca-Cola cry-baby": Dealing with "trademark bullying" in South Africa
12 March 2014
North West University

Louw, André M

This article suggests some pause for reflection amongst intellectual property lawyers, and for serious consideration of the words of an internationally-renowned IP law expert: "Possessing a right does not mean that it is a good idea to enforce it always, and to the hilt. Discretion may be nine parts of possession". It provides some prominent, recent examples of trademark bullying or overly-aggressive enforcement in the IP law context. These examples are mainly from other jurisdictions but they are directly relevant to some of the IP law challenges present in South Africa at the moment. The article further examines why lawyers and rights' holders engage in trademark bullying (why it's done), and start to deal briefly with some of the legal implications. A future article is to examine the legal aspects of trademark bullying in much more detail and considers its legitimacy within the context of IP law, more generally, and some other areas of law, more specifically.
Formulation effects of topical emulsions on transdermal and dermal delivery
18 March 2014
North West University

Otto, A.;Du Plessis, J.;Wiechers, J.W.

It has been recognized that the vehicle in which a permeant is applied to the skin has a distinctive effect on the dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. The cutaneous and percutaneous absorptions can be enhanced, e.g. by an increase in thermodynamic activity, supersaturation and penetration modifiers. Furthermore, dermal and transdermal delivery can be influenced by the interactions that may occur between the vehicle and the skin on the one hand, and interactions between the active ingredient and the skin on the other hand. Emulsions are widely used as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations because of their excellent solubilizing capacities for lipophilic and hydrophilic active ingredients and application acceptability. This review focuses, in particular, on the effect of emulsions on the dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. It is shown that the type of emulsion (w/o vs. o/w emulsion), the droplet size, the emollient, the emulsifier as well as the surfactant organization (micelles, lyotropic liquid crystals) in the emulsion may affect the cutaneous and percutaneous absorption. Examples substantiate the fact that emulsion constituents such as emollients and emulsifiers should be selected carefully for optimal efficiency of the formulation. Moreover, to understand the influence of emulsion on dermal and transdermal delivery, the physicochemical properties of the formulation after application are considered.
Reflections on how to address the violations of human rights by extractive industries in Africa : a comparative analysis of Nigeria and South Africa
14 April 2014
North West University

Kamga, Serges Djoyou;Ajoku, Ogechukwu

Transnational companies (TNCs) in general and those operating in the extractive industry sector in particular have an impact on the realisation of human rights. Yet under international human rights law, instruments regulating TNCs’ obligations in terms of human rights are non-binding. Consequently, the state in which TNCs operate remains the only duty bearer of human rights and should ensure that companies under its jurisdiction comply with human rights. The aim of this article is to examine the extent to which Nigeria and South Africa comply with their obligations to ensure that TNCs in extractive industries operating within their borders promote and respect human rights. Ultimately it is argued that the legal architecture in the countries under study does not satisfactorily shield people from the actions of TNCs. In an attempt to remedy the situation, it is suggested that a way forward could be constructed on the following pillars: inserting human rights clauses into international trade and investment agreements; raising awareness of and sensitization on the importance of corporate social responsibility as a "profit maximising mechanism"; turning corporate social responsibility into binding human rights obligations; and using international human rights monitoring mechanisms. Though the points made in this article generally engage the human rights impacts of extractive industries in Nigeria and South African, the proposed solutions are generalisable to other societies in which these industries operate.
Benchmarking of Johannesburg Stock Exchange CEO compensation
23 June 2014
North West University

Oberholzer, Merwe;Theunissen, Marli

The purpose of the study is to empirically compare CEO compensation benchmarks set by the frequently used Linear Regression Analysis (LRA), which is based on “averages” and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which is based on “best practices”. To fulfill this purpose, an empirical investigation on South African listed companies was executed using a sample of 187 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies, grouped into three categories according to their sizes by using total assets, i.e. large, medium and small companies. For the LRA model, total CEO compensation is the dependent variable (y) with return on equity (as a measurement of performance) and total assets (as measurement of company size) as the independent variables (x). In the LRA model, the expected CEO compensation was calculated as a benchmark for each company and then compared to the actual value of the CEO compensation. In the DEA model, total CEO compensation is the input variable and return on equity and total assets the two output variables. The input-orientated technical efficiency estimate was calculated and the input targets (benchmarks for CEO compensation) set by the DEA model were compared to the actual CEO compensation. The study found that, using the LRA model, CEOs are on average actually underpaid in monetary terms by 36.8%, 33.2% and 17.8% for the large, medium and small companies, respectively. In contrast, the results for these three groups using DEA have shown that CEOs are on average actually overpaid in monetary terms by 47.6% 55.3% and 49.9%. This implies that LRA favors CEOs in comparison with the DEA model. Therefore, the study concludes that the frequently used LRA model is probably a reason that contributes to excessive CEO compensation.
The importance of a people-centred approach for Corporate Social Responsibility: a case study of Welverdiend and the surrounding community
26 June 2014
North West University

Bester, Vidette;Cronjé, Freek

Despite the contribution of mining to the South African economy, this industry has impacted negatively on the environment and society for many decades. These negative impacts are mostly evidence of poor corporate actions. Instead of contributing to society, it seems that mining companies, more often than not, neglect their corporate social responsibilities (CSR) mostly in the pursuit of financial profit. It has been well documented that it is mostly local populations, living close to mining operations, that pay the price of social and environmental damages and degradation, while the industry’s benefits are measured in economic and political terms. Such an imbalance between the economic, environmental and social factors makes Sustainable Development impossible to achieve. Welverdiend, on the Far West Rand of Johannesburg, South Africa, is a community paying a dear price in terms of social problems caused by mining operations. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of mining on the social wellbeing of Welverdiend and the surrounding community’s residents. In the light of these findings on different social issues, the research aimed to confirm the importance of a people-centred approach to Corporate Social Responsibility.
Unsystematic risk in South African privately-owned company valuations
10 July 2014
North West University

Oberholzer, Merwe;Van Rooyen, Surika;Erasmus, Henro

The purpose of the study is to determine whether advisory firms valuing privately-owned companies in South Africa take unsystematic risk into account and, if they do, how objectively it is done. A literature search was reviewed and used as a foundation in a questionnaire to gather information from the big four audit, advisory and taxation firms (PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte & Touch and Ernst & Young). The study found that unsystematic risk is incorporated into privately-owned company valuations, but that the whole subject of valuations, especially privately-owned company valuations, does not entail entire objectivity. The study further concluded that it is possible to use unsystematic risk as a device to bring the final results of a valuation in line with the clients’ objective. Further research should be done by extending the population to include medium- and large advisory firms and comparing the approaches used by each group.
A multivariate rank test for comparing mass size distributions
11 July 2014
North West University

Lombard, F.;Potgieter, C.J.

Particle size analyses of a raw material are commonplace in the mineral processing industry. Knowledge of particle size distributions is crucial in planning milling operations to enable an optimum degree of liberation of valuable mineral phases, to minimize plant losses due to an excess of oversize or undersize material or to attain a size distribution that fits a contractual specification. The problem addressed in the present paper is how to test the equality of two or more underlying size distributions. A distinguishing feature of these size distributions is that they are not based on counts of individual particles. Rather, they are mass size distributions giving the fractions of the total mass of a sampled material lying in each of a number of size intervals. As such, the data are compositional in nature, using the terminology of Aitchison [1] that is, multivariate vectors the components of which add to 100%. In the literature, various versions of Hotelling’s T2 have been used to compare matched pairs of such compositional data. In this paper, we propose a robust test procedure based on ranks as a competitor to Hotelling’s T2. In contrast to the latter statistic, the power of the rank test is not unduly affected by the presence of outliers or of zeros among the data.
A framework for good corporate governance and organisational learning: an empirical study
21 July 2014
North West University

Kearney, W.D.;Kruger, H.A.

The importance of applying good governance principles has grown over the past decade and many studies have been performed to investigate the role and impact of such principles. One of the difficulties in the governance arena is to provide sufficient empirical evidence that good corporate governance and good governance of information technology is beneficial. This paper describes a framework, based on a value-focused approach, which is used to identify unique dimensions for evaluation in a large organisation. Following the evaluation a practical phishing experiment was used to show how a learning process can be initiated through security incidents and how organisational learning can be used to focus on the improvement of specific governance areas.
Landscape functionality of plant communities in the Impala Platinum mining area, Rustenburg
07 August 2014
North West University

Van der Walt, L.;Cilliers, S.S.;Kellner, K.;Tongway, D.;Van Rensburg, L.

The tremendous growth of the platinum mining industry in South Africa has affected the natural environment adversely. The waste produced by platinum mineral processing is alkaline, biologically sterile and has a low water-holding capacity. These properties in the environment may constitute dysfunctional areas that will create ‘leaky’ and dysfunctional landscapes, limiting biological development. Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) is a monitoring procedure that assesses the degradation of landscapes, as brought about by human, animal and natural activities, through rapidly assessing certain soil surface indicators which indicate the biophysical functionality of the system. The “Trigger–Transfer–Reserve–Pulse” (TTRP) conceptual framework forms the foundation for assessing landscape function when using LFA. The two main aspects of this framework are the loss of resources from the system and the utilisation of resources by the system. After a survey of landscape heterogeneity to reflect the spatial organisation of the landscape, soil surface indicators are assessed within different patch types (identifiable units that retains resources that pass through the system) and interpatches (units between patches where vital resources are not retained, but lost) to assess the capacity of patches with various physical properties in regulating the effectiveness of resource control in the landscape. Indices describing landscape organisation are computed by a spreadsheet analysis, as well as soil surface quality indices. When assembled in different combinations, three indices emerge that reflect soil productive potential, namely: the (1) surface stability, (2) infiltration capacity, and (3) the nutrient cycling potential of the landscape. In this study we compared the landscape functionality of natural thornveld areas, rehabilitated opencast mines and rehabilitated slopes of tailings dams in the area leased for mining in the Rustenburg area. Our results show that the rehabilitated areas had a higher total SSA functionality due to higher infiltration and nutrient cycling indices than the natural thornveld landscapes. The length of interpatches and the width of patches greatly influenced the landscape function of the studied areas. The natural thornveld areas had a marginally higher total patch area than the rehabilitated areas. Vegetated patches (grass-, sparse grass-, grassy forb-, and grassy shrub-patches) generally scored the highest functionality indices, whilst bare soil interpatches contributed to the landscape functionality of the various plant communities the least.
The effect of temperature and moisture on the amorphous-to-crystalline transformation of stavudine
12 August 2014
North West University

Strydom, Schalk;Liebenberg, Wilna;Yu, Lian;De Villiers, Melgardt

Stavudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor active against HIV, and is known to exist in two polymorphic forms designated as forms I and II, and a hydrate form III. An amorphous solid of stavudine was successfully prepared and characterized during this investigation. A comprehensive evaluation of the stability of this amorphous solid showed that the amorphous solid transforms to either form II (anhydrous) or form III (hydrate) when exposed to temperature, in the absence or presence of moisture, respectively. The amorphous-to-hydrate transformation occurred at relatively low RH (>32%) and led to the formation of crystal aggregates of the hydrated form. Steady state growth rate analyses also showed that the amorphous-to-crystalline transformation occurs at a greater rate in the presence of moisture, compared to the transformation at the same temperature in a dry environment. Crystal growth studies showed that it is possible to stabilize the amorphous solid of stavudine against crystal transformations in the absence of moisture by coating it with poly(methyl methacrylate). However, this polymer coating could not prevent crystal growth from the amorphous solid during exposure to moisture.
E-retailing adoption and innovativeness, implementation capacity and business performance of
03 November 2014
North West University

Dubihlela, Job;Grobler, Wynand C.J.

Research on e-retailing in the context of developing countries such as South Africa has remained scarce. In order to fill this gap, the current study is done to explore the relationship of e-retailing adoption, e-retail implementation, e-retail innovativeness, brand recognition and impact on business performance, particularly in this growing South African economic sub-sector. Five hypotheses were posited in this study and in order to test these hypotheses a sample of 273 was used. The findings in this study showed that, e-retailing adoption, mediated by e-retail implementation and innovativeness positively influences brand recognition and consequently business performance in a significant way. Management implications and limitations of the findings are discussed and future research directions proposed. The paper also suggests measures designed to create an enabling and nurturing environment that promotes and accelerates e-retailing adoption within the SMEs
To be or not to be? The role of private enquiries in the South African insolvency law
21 January 2015
North West University

Joubert, Yvette;Calitz, Juanitta

This article analyses the role of the so-called private examinations in our South African insolvency law and deals with the question of whether or not section 417 of the Insolvency Act (Act 24 of 1936) is adequately and effectively framed in order to fulfil its intended purpose in South African law. The contribution also points out that although the scrutiny of private examinations is not novel; it is argued that further exploration of the subject is justified by virtue of the fact that robust and innovative legislative changes have been experienced in the South African corporate landscape. Although the section has already passed the test of lawfulness and constitutionality, the aim is to ascertain whether the section serves a legitimate purpose and is essential and relevant in a democratic society. This is done by considering the South African law relating to South African private examinations and includes academic texts and judicial interpretation. Both section 417 of the Companies Act (Act 61 of 1973) and the matter of Kebble v Gainsford in particular are discussed. A brief comparative analysis of a similar provision in the Insolvency Act of the United Kingdom (UK), namely section 236 of the Insolvency Act 1986 is also included. Finally recommendations are made on aspects where the section may be enhanced by reform which in part relies on the premise that South African insolvency law in toto is desperately in need of an overhaul. The article concludes that it is vital that section 417 be retained in a new insolvency regime as there is a greater awareness of the interdependence between companies and the society in which they function, and it is submitted that there should be an increased responsibility in the insolvency process on the reasons why companies have failed. The accessibility of the section to practitioners, the inquisitorial nature of the proceedings, the wide scope of the section and the effective sanctions should examinees not comply together combine to make a formula that has over the years proved impervious to circumvention and it therefore fulfils its function with prudent efficiency.
The role of quality in the adjudication of public tenders
21 January 2015
North West University

Quinot, Geo

The quality of the goods or services that government procures is obviously a very important consideration in deciding which supplier should be awarded a particular public tender. It follows that in the regulation of public procurement, particular attention should be given to the role of quality (also called functionality) in the adjudication of public tenders and the final award decision. In South African public procurement law, the role of functionality in public tender adjudication has been a fairly controversial issue that has resulted in a continuing interaction between courts and law-makers on how and when quality should be assessed and should impact on the final award decision within the framework for public procurement found in section 217 of the Constitution. This contribution tracks the development of the role of functionality in public tender adjudication as prescribed by public procurement regulation since the enactment of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000, which spearheaded the development of contemporary public procurement regulation in South Africa. The analysis shows how the role of functionality has constantly changed since the enactment of the PPPFA and remains uncertain. This uncertainty relates to different interpretations of the constitutional requirements for public procurement primarily contained in section 217(1) of the Constitution. Whether functionality is used as a qualification criterion, an award criterion or both holds particular practical implications for both suppliers and contracting authorities. It is accordingly important to have certainty on this question. However, it cannot be said that the Constitution and section 217 in particular dictates one approach rather than another. The issue should thus be resolved with reference to the statutory scheme adopted under the PPPFA.
Peel v Hamon J&C Engineering (PTY) Ltd: ignoring the result-requirement of Section 163(1)(a) of the companies act and extending the oppression remedy beyond its statutorily intended reach
22 January 2015
North West University

Beukes, H G J;Swart, W J C

This case note provides a concise and understandable version of the confusing facts in Peel v Hamon J&C Engineering (Pty) Ltd, and deals with the remedy provided for in section 163 of the Companies Act (the oppression remedy). The importance of drawing a distinction between the application of this section and the orders that the Court can make to provide relief in terms of subsection (2) is explained, after which each requirement contained in subsection (1)(a) is analysed. With reference to the locus standi-requirement, it is indicated that the judgment is not to be regarded as authority for the contention that a shareholder or a director who wants to exercise the oppression remedy need not have been a shareholder or a director of the company at the time of the conduct. With reference to the conduct-requirement, it is indicated that it would have been more appropriate for the applicants to have made use of a remedy in terms of the law of contract. Most importantly, the result-requirement is indicated to have been ignored, as a lack of certainty that there will be a result is argued not to constitute a result. Ignoring the result-requirement is explained to have resulted in ignoring the detriment-requirement, in turn. Accordingly, it is concluded that the oppression remedy was utilised without the specified statutory criteria having been satisfied and that the applicants' interests were protected by a remedy which should not have found application under the circumstances, as this was beyond the remedy's statutorily intended reach.
The different worlds of labour and company law: truth or myth?
04 February 2015
North West University

Botha, Monray Marsellus

Recently the South African company law landscape underwent a dramatic overhaul with the introduction of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. Central to company law is the promotion of corporate governance. It is clear that companies are no longer accountable just to their shareholders but also to society at large. Leaders should, for example, direct company strategies and operations with a view to achieving the triple bottom-line (economic, social and environmental performance) and should thus also manage the business in a sustainable manner. An important question in company law still today is in whose interest the company should be managed. Different stakeholders of importance to companies include shareholders, managers, employees, creditors etcetera. The Companies Act aims to balance the rights and obligations of shareholders and directors within companies, and it encourages the efficient and responsible management of companies. When considering the role of employees in corporations it must be noted that the Constitution grants every person a fundamental right to fair labour practices. Social as well as political changes were evident after South Africa's re-entering the world stage in the 1990s. Changes in socio-economic conditions within a developing country were also evident. These changes had a major influence on the South African labour law dispensation. Like company law, labour law is to a large extent also codified. Like company law, no precise definition of labour law exists. It is clear from the various definitions of labour law that it covers both the individual and collective labour law and that various role-players are involved. Some of these role-players include trade unions, employers/companies, employees, and the state. The various relationships between these parties are ultimately what will guide a certain outcome if there is a power play between them. In 1995 the South African labour market was transformed with the introduction of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. The LRA remains the primary piece of labour legislation that governs labour law in South Africa. The notion of industrial democracy and transformation of the workplace are central issues in South African labour law. This is due to the constitutional changes that have taken place in South Africa, where the protection of human rights and the democratisation of the workplace are advanced. Before the enactment of the LRA, employee participation and voice was a much-debated topic not only locally but also internationally. It is therefore essential when considering employee participation to take due cognisance of both the labour and company law principles that may be pertinent, as well as the need for workers to have a voice in the workplace and for employers to manage their corporations. This article will attempt to indicate how the different functions, theories and models of labour and company law accommodate and promote the interests of employees in corporations and will also attempt to reconcile these differences.
The regulation of acid mine drainage in South Africa: law and governance perspectives
04 February 2015
North West University

Feris, Loretta;Kotzé, Louis J

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is arguably one of the most serious environmental concerns in South Africa. AMD is a legacy left behind by abandoned, derelict and defunct mines, and is a continuing by-product of existing mining activities. In addition to its environmental impacts, AMD will also impact on all the parameters of sustainability, including ecological, social and economic concerns. In particular, AMD is set to affect infrastructure, displace people and affect their livelihoods, influence economic activity, impact on the resource extraction industry, and affect South Africa's policies and actions in relation to climate change and its efforts to move towards a low carbon economy; and it will test the efficiency of regulatory interventions emanating from both the private and the public sector to the extreme. Given these pervasive challenges, in this article we provide a survey of the AMD problem in South Africa through the law and governance lens. We commence by highlighting the various issues and challenges that result from AMD in the environmental context on the one hand, and the law and governance context on the other hand. We then describe the many provisions of the regulatory framework that we believe would be instrumental in responding to the threat. We conclude the article with brief remarks on what we believe are important considerations in the future regulation of AMD.
Telling or selling? Experiencing South African cultural heritage tourism products
02 March 2015
North West University

Ivanovic, Milena;Saayman, Melville

With the advent of the experience economy the unique experiential value of cultural heritage products comes to the forefront of cultural tourism development and is the main value proposition for emerging destinations, including South Africa. As South Africa’s democracy divedends had paid out by 1998, South African Tourism was left with an array of dormant cultural heritage resources (still) unable to turn them into meaningful tourist experiences. The reason is lack of understanding of tourist experience as opposed to tourist consumption. Consumer segmentation and marketing mantra of telling and selling simply does not work on tourist experience arising from consumption of cultural heritage products. Two propositions underline this type of experience: attractions cannot speak for themselves and we tell the story to sell the experience. The art of telling the story converges on both sides of experiential paradigm (tourist and attraction) thus telling is selling principle is a point of sale for cultural heritage products. Unpacking this principle in creating unique experiential value of cultural heritage products is the main theoretical contribution of this paper to South African cultural tourism discourse. The proposed experiential framework pertinent to cultural heritage sites integrates three paradigms namely product, experience and interpretation and the resultant tourist experience as a gestalt phenomenon. Against this framework the experiential value of South African cultural heritage products is assessed with data from official South African sources
The impacts of a major South African arts festival: the voices of the community
02 March 2015
North West University

Slabbert, Elamrie;Viviers, Pierre-André

One of the fastest growing segments of tourism globally is that of events and festivals. In the South African arena alone, there are more than 300 annual festivals of which arts festivals especially have grown significantly. These arts festivals aim to provide unique experiences to both tourists and residents. The communities act as the hosts, and to sustain their members’ support for their festivals it is important to determine their perceptions of the impacts of these festivals and aspects influencing these perceptions. Ultimately, negative attitudes towards the event and the visitors may create difficulties and endanger the sustainability of any particular festival. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the impacts of an arts festival on the community and identify differences in perceptions based on socio-demographic characteristics. The quantitative research was conducted by means of a survey during the annual Aardklop National Arts Festival (Potchefstroom). A factor analysis was performed to determine the underlying impacts of the festival on the residents, while t-tests and ANOVAs were used to determine differences between various demographic variables and the impact statements. The factor analysis revealed five factors that were labelled: Positive economic impacts; Negative community impacts; Positive community impacts; Community opportunities and Tourism impacts. This study identified very few significant differences between gender, qualification and occupation regarding the impacts which are important in the planning and marketing of the festival. Thus the festival impacts positively on the community but attention can be given to the negative impacts of the festival
The utilisation of lucerne (Medicago sativa): a review
20 April 2015
North West University

Mielmann, Annchen

Purpose – The aim of this review is to focus on the potential utilisation of lucerne which could contribute more effectively to human nutrition and food sustainability. It aims to explore a proposed cycle for the promotion of lucerne for human consumption. Furthermore it seeks to propose lucerne as a potential vegetable and to briefly discuss the chemical composition, protein application, safety and medicinal uses of lucerne. Design/methodology/approach – A non-experimental approach, namely a systematic literature study, was used. During the study searches were done on the scientific databases Science Direct, Sabinet online, Emerald, EbscoHost and SpringerLink. Moreover internet searches were undertaken on the search engine, Google Scholar. Additionally, available textbooks and theses were consulted. Different combinations of keywords as well as synonyms for keywords were used during the searches. Some keywords used included lucerne, alfalfa and legumes. Findings – The high costs of animal protein have led to a growing interest in the industrial applications of lucerne in developing countries as lucerne is a valuable source of protein, suitable to produce nutritional food for human consumers. The full development of lucerne’s potential is hindered by a lack of awareness among consumers as well as by a lack of capacity within a research community. Therefore the key steps in the proposed cycle can be used to aid in the diversification of lucerne in the market place. Originality/value – To the author’s knowledge there exists a lack of previous reviews on lucerne. It is important for scientists to become aware of the nutritional and entrepreneurial potential and contribution for human consumption purposes in the future in order for the lucerne industry to diversify.
The enchytraeid reproduction test (ERT): a potentially quick and affordable tool for the assessment of metal contaminated soils in emerging economies
21 April 2015
North West University

Voua Otomo, Patricks;Wahl, Jurie;Maboeta, Mark S.

The enchytraeid reproduction test (ERT) was used to assess the ecotoxicity of selected mine tailings and agricultural soils from South Africa. The mine tailings had higher cumulative metal concentrations than agricultural soils. The most contaminated mine tailings significantly reduced the survival of the oligochaete Enchytraeus doerjesi whose reproduction was suppressed in all mine waste substrates. Because it reliably singled out the most contaminated substrate and was found easy to perform, we suggest that the ERT could be a quick and affordable tool for assigning intervention values for soil remediation in emerging economies such as South Africa.
Utilizing Eisenia andrei to assess the ecotoxicity of platinum mine tailings disposal facilities
15 May 2015
North West University

Jubileus, Mandy T.;Theron, Pieter D.;Van Rensburg, Leon;Maboeta, Mark S.

South Africa is an important platinum mining country which results in environmental impacts due to the construction of tailing disposal facilities (TDFs). It is unclear what the effects of ageing are on the ecotoxicity of TDFs and whether it increases or decreases over time. The aim of this study was to determine the ecotoxicity of differently aged TDFs by investigating earthworm (Eisenia andrei) responses viz. growth, reproduction, neutral red retention times (NRRT) and tissue metal concentrations. Further, to evaluate the status of these in terms of a geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index and integrated pollution index. Results indicated that earthworms showed reduced reproductive success (hatchlings per cocoon) and decreased NRRT in all the sites. Juveniles per cocoon between all of the different treatment groups were; control (2.83 ± 0.54)[site 2 (20 years old; 1.83 ± 0.27)[sites 1 and 3 (40 years old; 1.06 ± 0.15 and 6 years old; 0.88 ± 0.39). This might be ascribed to the elevated levels of Cr (±200 to 1,166 lg g-1) and Ni (±100 to 316 lg g-1) in all of the sites. Earthworms did not bioaccumulate metals with bioconcentration factors for all the different treatments\0.01. Studies like these could be useful when establishing a ranking of TDFs in the future to provide legislative institutions with an indication of the environmental liabilities of platinum mines.
Application of evolutionary algorithms to develop a rule set for assessing the rehabilitation status of asbestos mines in South Africa
19 May 2015
North West University

Bezuidenhout, J.J.;Liebenberg, D.;Claassens, S.;Van Rensburg, L.

Asbestos mining has left a legacy of pollution in former mining areas that continues to negatively affect both the environment and local communities. In 2007, the Rehabilitation Prioritisation Index was developed as a scientific tool to indicate the preferred sequence for mine site rehabilitation and served as a departure point for the present investigation in which a database for the rehabilitation success of asbestos sites was developed. Broad-based quantitative and qualitative data, typically used for monitoring rehabilitation success, including amongst others, soil cover depth, physical and chemical soil properties, microbial activity, vegetation properties and small mammal abundance were analysed using multivariate statistics, specifically a redundancy analysis. The most representative model was subsequently selected for the classification of the rehabilitated sites. The multivariate analysis revealed those factors typically associated with rehabilitation success or failure, as well as essentials to be addressed. The feasibility of development of a rule set for rehabilitated site classification was firstly investigated using neural networks which also assisted in the selection of significant parameters. Results from the neural network approach were then used to guide parameter selection for the evolutionary algorithm software. The coordinate scores for the first two axes of the redundancy analysis served as targets for the evolutionary algorithms. Overall, a targeting match of 71 % for the first axis coordinates and 38 % for the second axis coordinates were obtained. Contributing parameters for the rule set included: Cl, K, pH, percentage organic carbon, Zn, NH4 and SO4 content of the sites.
Advancing the theory and practice of impact assessment: setting the research agenda
19 May 2015
North West University

Pope, Jenny;Bond, Alan;Morrison-Saunders, Angus;Retief, Francois

Impact assessment has been in place for over 40 years and is now practised in some form in all but two of the world's nations. In this paper we reflect on the state of the art of impact assessment theory and practice, focusing on six well-established forms: EIA, SEA, policy assessment, SIA, HIA and sustainability assessment. We note that although the fundamentals of impact assessment have their roots in the US National Environmental Policy Act 1969 (NEPA) each branch of the field is distinct in also drawing on other theoretical and conceptual bases that in turn shape the prevailing discourse in each case, generating increasing degrees of specialisation within each sub-field. Against this backdrop, we consider the strengths and weaknesses of collective impact assessment practice, concluding that although there are substantial strengths, the plethora of specialist branches is generating a somewhat confusing picture and lack of clarity regarding how the pieces of the impact assessment jigsaw puzzle fit together. We use this review to suggest an overarching research agenda that will enable impact assessment to evolve in line with changing expectations for what it should deliver.
The South African Companies Act and the Realisation of Corporate Human Rights Responsibilities
24 June 2015
North West University

Gwanyanya, Manson G

The Companies Act 71 of 2008 (the Companies Act) was promulgated in April 2009 and came into effect on 1 April. The purpose of this Act is, among other things, to promote compliance with the Bill of Rights as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution), in the application of company law. This gives recognition to the constitutional imperative to bring company law within the South African constitutional law framework. This article argues that by including the promotion of compliance with the Bill of Rights as provided for in the Constitution in the application of company law, the Companies Act effectively reinforces a duty for companies to ensure that they should always seek to prevent violations of human rights, particularly those human rights that are directly linked to their operations. This article looks at certain provisions in the Companies Act and argues that the inclusion of these provisions if interpreted in a certain manner will reconcile the values and practices of company law with the related human rights concerns. It argues that the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the application of company law ensures that human rights concerns are also considered within the functioning of the company. The article then looks at the various provisions in the Act which have the potential to ensure that this position is achieved in the application of company law.
Solution-mediated phase transformation of different roxithromycin solid-state forms: implications on dissolution and solubility
21 July 2015
North West University

Aucamp, Marique;Stieger, Nicole;Barnard, Neil;Liebenberg, Wilna

The objective of this study was to describe the solid-state forms in which roxithromycin may exist and the significant influence of solution-mediated phase transformation on the dissolution and solubility behavior of these forms. Roxithromycin may exist as: Form I (monohydrate), Form II (amorphous), Form III (anhydrate) and a mixture of Forms I and III. Form III and Mixture I/III have not been reported previously, probably due to incomplete solid-state characterization or the use of a standard production method which consistently yielded the same solid-state form. Solution-mediated phase transformations of Forms II and III to the stable Form I were proved through dissolution studies and quantification of the phase proportions, as a function of time, utilizing XRPD. This study showed that pharmacopoeial identification methods for roxithromycin do not allow accurate identification of the different solid-state forms. The various forms differed significantly in terms of dissolution profiles, which could have a marked influence on bioavailability and performance of the final dosage form. It was demonstrated that solvent replacement, during dissolution testing, masks the characteristic profile usually obtained with a metastable form undergoing solution-mediated transformation. Finally, we propose that peak dissolution concentrations should be used to give a more exact indication of the aqueous solubility enhancement ratio obtained with metastable forms of APIs.
Adoption of human resource practices within a South African small business: a case study
17 August 2015
North West University

Havenga, Werner;Linde, Herman

Until recently, human resource management has been considered inappropriate and too costly for small businesses and consequently research in this direction has been at a relatively minimum level. It is also evident that the effectiveness and competitiveness of SMEs can be increased through the application of sound HRM practices. In order to establish how SMEs can successfully apply HRM, the objective of this study is to establish, in an exploratory manner, the applicability of HRM in a small business in order to ensure its effective operation and consequent competitiveness. The research method applied is an interpretive and qualitative approach by means of a single case study of a photographic equipment store. The owner-manager perceives that personnel problems pose a major barrier to the success of the business; however, he also believes that outside aid in HRM would not resolve the problems. The HRM process of the SME growth model adds value in the sense that it also illustrates the relationship between the owner-manager's personal characteristics, external market conditions, nature of the work environment, and the business structure. Given the small business-specific problems that were identified, the information obtained in this study paves the way for a quantitative study of a number of SMEs and comparative research.
The performance of environmental impact assessment in the explosives manufacturing industry in South Africa
17 August 2015
North West University

Sandham, Luke Alan;Van der Vyver, Felicity;Retief, Francois Pieter

Explosives manufacture in South Africa is a major component of the chemical and mining industry, and as an important producer of hazardous chemicals it is also a potential contributor to significant environmental impacts. Environmental authorisation of explosives manufacturing activities is based primarily upon the quality of information made available in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), but the quality of EIR for explosives manufacturing projects has never been investigated. A modified version of the Lee and Colley review package was used to determine the EIR quality of a sample of four explosives projects. The findings reveal that the EIRs were of a generally satisfactory quality, but with some areas of weakness that are readily linked to potentially significant environmental impacts, pointing to limitations in the EIA process regarding the production of explosives. Recommendations include improved training of EIA practitioners, the use of quality review checklists and external specialist review, development of guidelines and the use of risk assessment as additional tools to the EIA regulations.
An investigation of the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the perceived success of agribusinesses in South Africa
02 March 2016
North West University

Lotz, H.M.;Van der Merwe, S.P.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of an entrepreneurial orientation on the perceived success of agribusinesses in South Africa. Business success, for the purpose of this study, was measured by means of two dependent variables, namely Business development and improvement and Business growth. Structured questionnaires were administered to managers in five of the largest and three smaller agribusinesses in South Africa. In total, 533 usable questionnaires were returned. Construct validity of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of a principal component exploratory factor analysis and by calculating Cronbach alpha coefficients. The results show that the managers in the participating agribusinesses perceived that the entrepreneurial orientation factors of Proactiveness, Risk-taking and Autonomy have a positive influence on their business development and improvement. A positive relationship was also found to exist between the entrepreneurial orientation factors of Proactiveness, Autonomy and Innovativeness and the dependent variable Business growth in the participating businesses. To enhance the entrepreneurial orientation in agribusiness, it is recommended that the word "entrepreneurship" should specifically be included in the vision statement of the business, setting goals and developing strategies for entrepreneurship. The focus of the business then becomes opportunity identification, discovery of new sources of value, and product and process innovation that could lead to greater success
Stewardship doctrines of public trust: has the eagle of public trust landed on South African soil?
10 March 2016
North West University

Van Der Schyff, Elmarie

The idea of a doctrine of public trust is a controversial one in South African law. Despite the fact that international commentators argue that a constitutional and statutory foundation has been laid for a doctrine of public trust to operate in South African law, very little has been written in South African literature on what the subject might entail. The reality is, however, that the philosophical notion that governments exercise a fiduciary trust on behalf of their people, and that ‘certain interests are so particularly the gifts of nature’s bounty that they ought to be reserved for the whole of the populace’ has been incorporated in different pieces of environmental and natural resources-related legislation. This notion, as embodied in s 24 of the Constitution and subsequent statutes dealing with natural resources, establishes a stewardship ethic of public trusteeship and state custodianship in South African natural resources law. An analysis of the relevant natural resources legislation leads to the conclusion that the concept of public trusteeship has, in limited fields, been incorporated in South African law in unique stewardship doctrines of public trust. As this stewardship ethic has been created in different statutes, the consequences brought about by this statutory intervention depend exclusively on the symbioses between the provisions of each individual statute
Some thoughts on environmental claims in liquidation
01 April 2016
North West University

Stander, A.L.

The purpose of this note is to establish if it is ever possible, after completion of the liquidation process, to recover the balance of a claim for damages not fully paid during the liquidation of an insolvent company. The focus is specifically on the situation where the activities of an insolvent company are found to have caused damage to the environment. Given the nature of this discussion, reference is made to the situation where an insolvent debtor is involved and is rehabilitated after the completion of the sequestration process. For the sake of completeness, reference is also made to the priority of the claims considered during the seques- tration/liquidation process. Also relevant to this topic (namely the enforcement of a claim for damages against the insolvent as a result of harm to the environ- ment) are the stay of legal proceedings after the issuing of the sequestration/ liquidation order; the effect that the dissolution of the insolvent company has on claims for damages that are not fully paid out during the liquidation process; and of the perpetrator’s latent environmental obligations
Ethics as commodity in higher education of South African natural science and engineering students
19 April 2016
North West University

Du Toit, Jean

The fields of the natural sciences are increasingly shying away from purely theoretical approaches to knowledge and are instead looking toward real-world applications and products to be derived from research projects. This phenomenon is seen even in the academic setting, which increasingly seems to mimic the goals of the outcome-driven engineering world. Such developments are deemed necessary in a worldwide economy that is driven more by practical economic results and less by the ideal of contributing to discipline-specific facts and knowledge. This shift in research-perspective means that science and engineering are faced with a host of ethical and social issues which extend beyond the confines of the laboratory. With these changes, the importance of an ethical grounding for graduate students becomes ever more pressing. This article will look at the influence that a purely positivist worldview may have on the ethical and value-related education of university students in the natural sciences and engineering. It will attempt to show how the teaching of ethical approaches need not be seen as an obstacle for the training of a potential scientist or engineer, but rather as an opportunity for growth in the individual as a contributing member of his or her society and immediate community. A solution to this continually growing need for ethical grounding is suggested: educators should look at the underlying worldviews and collateral or hidden curriculum (that which is not taught formally in classes, but which the students learn anyway) and the null curriculum (that which is not taught in classes) to provide their students with ethical guidance, rather than simply focusing on adding extra ethics modules to highly technical university or college courses
An assessment of selected family business values in small and medium-sized family businesses
19 April 2016
North West University

Van der Merwe, S.P.;Venter, E.;Farrington, S.M.

This study highlights the influence of selected business family values on the success of small and medium-sized family businesses. Success, for the purpose of this study, is measured using two variables, namely Harmonious family relationships and Perceived future continuity. The primary objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to identify the potential influence of selected business family values on the success of family businesses and secondly, to make practical recommendations on actions that families in business can take to ensure harmonious family relationships and the future continuity of their family businesses. The target population of this study was small and medium-sized family businesses in South Africa, and a total of 931 individual questionnaires were returned from 173 family businesses. The data collected was subjected to various statistical analyses, including exploratory factor analysis, calculating Cronbach alpha coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings of this study show that the more family members perceive fair treatment in the family business, the more harmonious family relationships and perceptions of business continuity will be. In addition, the perceived level of trust, commitment and effective communication has a positive influence on family harmony and business continuity. This study has added to the empirical body of family business research, and provides an important first step in gaining insights into selected family business values that influence the effective functioning of family businesses
South African mineral law: a historical overview of the State's regulatory power regarding the exploitation of minerals
20 April 2016
North West University

Van Der Schyff, Elmarie

The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 [MPRDA] acknowledges that the country’s mineral resources belong to the nation. The State is subsequently appointed as custodian of these resources. As custodian the State has the ultimate responsibility to grant, issue, control, administer and manage all rights in minerals. As a consequence of this wide regulatory authority a landowner’s right to deal with the minerals imbedded in the soil of his property has completely been annihilated. This article gives an historical overview of the State’s regulatory power regarding the exploitation of the country’s minerals to determine the extent to which the State has, in the past, took upon itself the power to decide where, when and by whom the country’s mineral riches could be mined. A historical perspective of the extent of the State’s regulatory powers regarding the exploitation of minerals might be beneficial when the provisions of the MPRDA are interpreted
Shift-share analysis of production in the manufacturing industry of South Africa's Southern District Municipality
28 April 2016
North West University

Kleynhans, Ewert;Sekhobela, Moloto J.

In this study, the development and structure of value-added production in the manufacturing industries of the Southern District Municipality (SDM) of South Africa are investigated. The field of study focuses on spatial economic development, with the aim of identifying industries that can offer future growth and job creation. The methodology of shift-share analysis, often applied to studies of Economic Geography, is used for the empirical analysis. The SDM district municipality includes the local municipalities of Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp, Merafong City and Wolmaransstad. The economy of these municipalities is mainly dependent on gold mining, which is declining as their gold reserves are becoming depleted which will lead to a large section of its population being unemployed in the near future. Shift-share analysis provides insight into the shifts of production between various sectors over time and is comprehensible to policymakers. It provides further insight into the national share effect on production of the sectors in the region, as well as the regional industrial mix and the competitive share effects. It was found that the sectors with the highest growth potential are Transport Equipment, Petroleum and Chemicals, Furniture, Metal Products, and Wood and Paper Products, and they merit attention in future development initiatives.
The efficiency of South African mining companies to create shareholder and stakeholder value from enivronmental exploitation
17 May 2016
North West University

Oberholzer, Merwe

The aim of the study is to estimate the relative efficiency of nine South African mining companies in converting their environmental impact into shareholders’ gains and stakeholders’ gains. A data envelopment analysis model was used to estimate the relative technical efficiency of the companies in converting environmental impact factors (greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and energy usage) into shareholder gains (EBITDA, dividends and reinvestments). Another model was used to estimate how these environmental impact factors are converted into stakeholders’ gains (number of employees, taxes, donations and payments to suppliers of goods and services). The study found that all the companies in the selected sample perform relatively more efficiently in creating stakeholder gains than shareholder gains from the exploitation of the environment.

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