Search

Modern day societies and economies are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the continued erosion of the stocks and flows of essential ecosystem services. Thus, the management of complex socio-economic systems to effectively provide these essential services has become a global priority policy and academic research area. Understanding how underlying processes and functions contribute towards the provision of final ecosystem services can facilitate improved dissemination of credible, legitimate and salient information to decision-makers. This paper presents an ecosystem service value chain analysis framework that applies basic system dynamics modelling in the form of causal loop diagrams to facilitate an alternative analysis of ecosystem service value chains. A scoping application of the framework is applied to a case study for flood attenuation services in the Baviaanskloof catchment in South Africa. The framework enables the identification of forward linkages and ripple effects in individual value chains of final ecosystem services as well as the identification and assessment of challenges and opportunities within individual causal pathways. Ultimately, providing the potential to advance strategies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of final ecosystem service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current management of solid waste from pulp and paper activities represents an environmental and economic burden worldwide due to pollution emissions. This study investigates the potential of hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) treatment as a sustainable alternative for producing cleaner and energy-dense solid fuel from paper mill sludge. The effect of process parameters (temperature, reaction time and solid load) on hydrochar fuel formation from paper sludge was evaluated and, for the first time, the paper sludge-derived hydrochar was optimised to maximise the mass yield and calorific value using response surface methodology (RSM). The physicochemical characteristics, thermal fuel behaviour, energy recycling efficiency and electricity generation potential were assessed by proximate and ultimate analysis, thermogravimetry, bomb calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy and process energy assessment. Results showed that hydrochar fuel formation and properties were mainly influenced by the process temperature and residence time, and governed by dehydration and decarboxylation reactions which reduced the atomic H/C and O/C ratios by 35.5% and 64%, respectively. The produced hydrochars presented low sulphur, nitrogen and ash content with a maximum calorific value (HHV) of 22.9 MJ/kg, equivalent to the HHV of coal for commercial utility in South Africa. The HHV of the hydrochar corresponded to a 49.80% increase over the HHV of the initial feedstock. The optimum operating conditions were 231 ± 1 °C and 1.99 h for a hydrochar yield of 74.4% and calorific value of 18.5 MJ/kg. The energy assessment showed that up to 58.34% of the energy produced by hydrochar fuel combustion may be recycled as heat or power, while the remaining 41.66% of the combustion energy could be utilised to sustain the HTC treatment of paper sludge. The substantial water demand was concluded to be a drawback. Thus, water recirculation and the potential to catalyse the HTC reactions to increase overall process efficiency will constitute a future study to make the process more environmentally friendly for industrial-scale application. [Display omitted] • Dehydration and decarboxylation were predominant. • Optimum energy yield of 18.5 MJ/kg and 74.4% hydrochar was achieved under 231 ± 1 °C and 1.99 h. • Higher HTC reaction severity enhanced the physicochemical properties of the hydrochar. • Hydrochars produced have low nitrogen and sulphur (<1%) content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluent arriving from the Mondi Kraft paper mill at Piet Retief, South Africa, was filtered through tubular poly(ether sulphone) (PES) ultrafiltration membranes under constant pressure cross-flow conditions. The effluent that was fed into the membranes and permeate produced during filtration were characterised by UV–VIS light-spectroscopy. Substances that absorbed onto membranes during filtration caused changes to the permeability characteristics of the membranes. Changes in membrane performance were monitored by pure-water and product flux (pf) measurements.A colourimetric staining technique was developed to determine the nature of foulants adsorbed onto the membranes. Membrane cleaning solutions were subsequently selected using information obtained from the characterisation studies. In addition, the anti-fouling potential of non-covalently attached coating materials was investigated as a possible membrane pretreatment technique. Results showed that foulants present in the effluent are of phenolic and hydrophobic nature. Increasing the hydrophilic characteristics of membranes prior to filtration could reduce the amount of organic foulants that adsorbed onto the membranes. Membrane pretreatment not only reduced fouling, but also improved the effectiveness of cleaning methods. Membranes were effectively cleaned by a combination of mechanical and chemical cleaning techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Theoretically placing strategic communication management within the DRR paradigm. [•] Defining DR4 in the South African environment. [•] Indicating the need for DR4 communication in the South African environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Neutron monitor (NM) observations provide a unique, long-term record of galactic cosmic ray intensities, from which many valuable insights have been drawn as to the transport and modulation of these particles. In this paper, the African Neutron Monitor Network, which provides NM observations for broad range of cutoff rigidities, and spanning an exceptional period of time, is introduced. Aspects of these NM observations from this network are discussed, followed by a demonstration of time-dependent numerical cosmic ray modulation modelling done at the North-West University in South Africa, which hosts this network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lists the paper and books published by South African Association of Botanists members in 2001.

Phosphate rock is mined on a large scale as a source material for fertilizers and other phosphorous containing products, such as phosphoric acid and gypsum. The potential problem of high concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in the phosphate industry has been recognized for many years. The industry is responsible for the production of millions of tons of phosphogypsum waste, which is usually stockpiled and might impact the surrounding environment. The presented study aims to assess the natural radioactivity concentrations in raw and waste sub-products from phosphate mining and fertilizer production in South Africa and determine the potential radiological risk associated with the industry. Activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra and 232Th in phosphate rock, phosphogypsum, tailings, fertilizer, soil and sediment were found to be similar to values reported in previous studies conducted in South Africa. Concentrations of the 232Th decay series were higher than those of the 238U series in rock and ore. The low concentrations of 238U and 226Ra in rock and ore, compared to other countries, makes it more suitable to be used for fertilizer production, and therefore increases the demand for export of rock phosphate and fertilizer from South Africa. 228Ra concentrations in phosphogypsum were higher than 226Ra. The activity of 228Ra was also enriched compared to 232Th, with a ratio of 0.45–19.8. Similar equilibria as described in literature were observed, with almost all the 228Ra and 226Ra present in the phosphate rock observed in the phosphogypsum. Only a low percentage of 232Th present in the original rock remained in the phosphogypsum, with more than 60% present in the fertilizer. The activity concentrations of all nuclides in the analysed samples from the phosphate industry were less than the 1000 Bq kg−1 exclusion value proposed internationally for regulation of NORM. With the exception of phosphate rock samples, concentrations in all solids were lower than the 500 Bq kg−1 limit proposed by the National Nuclear Regulator in South Africa. The obtained values of Ra eq for all phosphogypsum, tailings and soil samples were less than the recommended limit of 370 Bq kg−1. The gamma index for the majority of samples was less than 0.5. The index exceeded the limit of unity only for phosphate rock and fertilizer samples, indicating some radiological risk to people living in the vicinity of the industry. The results suggested that members of the public were unlikely to receive any significant dose from the use of phosphate rocks and fertilizers, with an annual effective dose of less than 0.5 mSv.a−1. The highest external dose of 0.45 mSv a−1 is expected from phosphate rock. The suitability of use of phosphogypsum as building material was evaluated. Based on the calculated gamma index [ I γ = 0.52 ± 0.14] use of phosphogypsum as building material is permitted. • Characterization of natural radioactivity in samples from the phosphate fertilizer production industry in South Africa. • Comparison of measured activity concentrations in these samples with those in similar products worldwide. • Evaluation of the radiological impact associated with the phosphate industry in South Africa. • Evaluation of utilization of by-products such as phosphogypsum as building material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• South Africa is not spared from the adverse effects of climate change which alters the ecosystem and have a ripple effect on food security. • This paper reviewed the impacts of climate change on the phenology, physiology, and economic benefits of wild fruits and vegetables in South Africa. • The possible productivity of wild fruits and vegetables was evaluated with spatial-based data through land use/land cover which showed that South Africa had varied vegetation and land cover dynamics. • There is a need to develop cultivation strategies for edible wild fruits and vegetables to expand knowledge and create options in utilizing the wild species. • This will boost the country's economy, help to improve diet, and can play a crucial role in food security. Overdependence on exotic plant species constitutes a major setback for the consumption of wild fruits and vegetables among South Africans. The country is not spared from the adverse effects of climate change which play a substantial role in altering the ecosystem and have a ripple effect on food security. Wild fruits and vegetables have been identified to be underutilized despite the country's struggle in nourishing its population. This paper reviewed the impacts of climate change on the phenology, physiology, and economic benefits of wild fruits and vegetables in South Africa. Furthermore, spatial-based data was used to evaluate the possible productivity of wild fruits and vegetables through land use/land cover (LULC) assessment. The result showed that South Africa had varied vegetation and land cover dynamics. For example, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces are dominated by shrubland and barren land, thus unsuitable for fruit and vegetable production. In contrast, Limpopo, North-West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, some parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces are covered with grassland and cultivated areas which made them good for vegetable farming and potential ground for wild fruit and vegetable cultivation. Thus, there is a need to develop cultivation strategies for edible wild fruits and vegetables with known nutritional characteristics to expand knowledge about nutritional benefits and options in utilizing the wild species. This will boost the country's economy, help to improve diet, and can play a crucial role in food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sappi Saiccor mill in Umkomaas, KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Province, is a global pulp producer. It is also a major emitter of noxious substances in the heavily polluted and historically marginalised South Durban area. Taking a qualitative, narrative approach, this paper examines Saiccor's legacy of contamination, community opposition to the mill, and responses of state actors responsible for governing industrial risk. Through a conceptual framework combining theories around participatory environmental governance, legitimacy and state capture, the article explores the extent to which measures deployed by/on behalf of the Sappi Saiccor mill to engage with local residents and activists can be considered legitimate. The paper argues that prevalent corporate instrumentalism and a lack of political will continue to undermine the legitimacy of community engagement processes, which remain characterised by mistrust. It concludes the South African state cannot be relied upon to support genuinely inclusive, deliberative, empowering and reflexive governance practices. It is therefore left to organised civil society to force discourse beyond hegemonic, ecologically-modernised, technocentric ideals, and to bring issues of power, agency, and social justice to the fore of public and policy debate. The way might then be paved for strong political leadership committed to transparent, equitable environmental governance processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: South Africa is pursuing a malaria elimination initiative, with the goal of zero local transmission by the year 2018. The South African National Department of Health has developed a 24 Hour Electronic Reporting System that is expected to decrease the time required for malaria cases to be reported from the health facility level, to the district, provincial and national levels. This will facilitate case investigation within 48 hours and response within 72 hours upon/of diagnosis, the objective of our study was to compare timeliness of data input between the paper-based and the 24-hour reporting system and to assess the acceptability of end users to use the new 24-hour reporting system. Methods & Materials: This is a prospective descriptive study, using a questionnare with open and close ended questions which was developed using Epi Info 7. We compared 148 cases of the current reporting paper-based system and the 24-hour reporting system (Unstructured supplementary service data-USSD platform). We analysed the responses using STATA version 13. Results: The preliminary findings from the study show that the mean time difference in days from date of diagnosis to the case being captured was one day for the 24-hour reporting system and seven days for the current papaer-based system. the mean time difference in days for case investigation to occur using the papaer based system is 5.4 days. all 120 health care facility workers interviewed found the system to be simple to use and were willing to use the system to report malaria cases. Conclusion: The 24-hour reporting system has decreased the time required for maaria cases to be notified from the healthcare facility to the district, provincial and national levels. the next step will be to assess whether this system will improve investigation timeliness (48 hours from diagnosis) and response (72 hours) for those sub-districts that have an annual parasite rate of <0.1/1000 population at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the connection between water supply and energy consumption in a circular economy is crucial for managing the demands of these resources. Sankey diagrams have the potential to enhance the visualisation of resource flows. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effective use of Sankey diagrams to capture the water-energy nexus and circularity of water. This study focused on effectively utilizing Sankey diagrams to model the nexus of water and energy flows and to assess the circularity of water. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on major studies on water material flows and modelling. This was supported by a review of approaches for modelling circularity, which have evolved from the material circularity index. The newly developed framework in this paper models water resource flows at all stages of the water supply chain, embedding the nexus as an interaction and considering resource intensity and material circularity index at each node. A city-level case study in South Africa was then used to apply the recommendations, model circularity, and the water-energy nexus using Sankey diagrams. In terms of circularity, the results indicate that water loss in the study area was very high, accounting for up to 40% of the total water supply and the water recycle rate was still very low, ranging from 3% to 7%. In terms of the nexus, the residential sector was found to have the highest energy intensity for water supply, primarily due to energy demand for water heating. Exploring the use of renewable or solar energy for water heating will be of interest and value. The new approach presented in this study allows for the simultaneous consideration of objectives, enabling a more robust analysis of energy-effective water use and water circularity along the water supply chain. [Display omitted] • A new framework for modelling the water energy nexus enriched by circularity options, energy intensity factors and confidence modelling. • Options for embedded circularity through the water supply chain. • The urgent challenge to address massive water loses in water supply systems for water scarce regions. • New Sankey diagrams showcasing how to model nexus and circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cowpea is a highly valued fruit and leafy vegetable crop contributing to food, nutrition, and health security. • Low cowpea production and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa and globally are due to a lack of improved cultivars with multiple disease, and insect pest resistance and drought tolerant; moreover, there is a lack of seed system research in cowpea. • The extensive phenotypic and genotypic variation found in cowpea genetic resources is useful for the development of cultivars with enhanced grain yield, leafy yield and nutritional values as well as drought tolerant. Despite the contribution of cowpeas to food security and the crop's numerous nutritional and health attributes, consumers in South Africa have labelled cowpeas, among other leguminous crops as a "poor people's food" ; this contributed to the gradual decline in the cultivation and use of the crop. This, in turn, resulted in the observed high reliance on limited number of plant based protein crops and excessive consumption of livestock products. In this paper, three aspects are interrogated, i.e., genetic resource management, production constraints as well as the trade performance and consumption of cowpeas in South Africa. A clear understanding of these aspects renders an informed decision upon which recommendations for the necessary practical interventions that are needed to be put in place to spur the development of target products and cowpea's value chain. The assessment of genetic resource management and seed production constraints of cowpeas was based on a review of relevant literature, while descriptive analysis of secondary data spanning a period of 10 years (2010-2019) obtained from Trade Map and FAOSTAT databases was used to interrogate the trade performance and consumption of cowpeas. Findings reveal that seed production constraints are largely anchored on the limited attention government and policy making institutions have accorded to the seed system of orphaned crops, thereby compromising their potential by failing to supply affordable good quality seeds to smallholder and commercial farmers. However, South Africa has one of the largest and most diverse collections of cowpea germplasm housed at the Agricultural Research Council. With regard to trade performance and consumption, results show that South Africa is a net exporter of cowpeas, with a 10 years' period annual average worth R2.9 million. Given that South Africa does not re-export cowpeas, yet on average 4848 tonnes are produced annually, it is a clear indication that the country produces lightly more than what is consumed domestically – on average 4634 tonnes per annum. Therefore, recommendation is made to bolster cowpea production and productivity through mainstreaming the legume seed system towards boosting local and export markets as well as strongly enhancing local consumption by creating awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of cowpeas. Furthermore, there is a need to increase awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of cowpeas and other leguminous crops, among other socio-economic benefits. This is important in spurring cowpeas consumption domestically, while countering the over reliance on animal products as protein sources and the associated risks such as such as high greenhouse gas emissions and obesity for people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The highly invasive Nassella neesiana, N. tenuissima and N. trichotoma are naturalised in high altitude mountain grasslands of South Africa. • The current knowledge of Nassella invasion dynamics is based on limited research mainly done before the 1990s or research being done in Australia and New Zealand. • Current control methods are not coping with invasions. • There's a potential to use biological agents to control Nassella invasions. • There are many knowledge gaps that require urgent research in order to effectively manage invasions. Three species of Nassella have naturalized in South Africa. Nassella trichotoma and N. tenuissima are declared weeds under category 1b of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) and occur mainly in the montane grasslands of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. Nassella neesiana is not listed in NEM:BA but is naturalized in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Free State provinces. Research conducted in the 1970s and 1980s led to vigorous government-funded awareness and control campaigns which ended in 2000. No research on Nassella distribution or control has been undertaken since then. Despite this hiatus, Nassella remains a dangerous genus in southern Africa, given the serious impacts of these species in similar social-ecological systems in Australia and New Zealand. This paper presents a synthesis of available information about Nassella invasions in South Africa and identifies research gaps. It specifically addresses these questions: What identification issues exist? What is the current spatial distribution of Nassella ? What is the autecology of the genus? What are the social-ecological impacts of Nassella ? What control measures are currently applied and what are their strengths and limitations? What do we know about Nassella distribution and its response to climate change? This paper highlights many knowledge gaps about Nassella, such as the species' current distribution range, field identification and detection difficulties, and the uncoordinated control efforts that require urgent research to inform an effective management response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between managerial qualities and risk management is unclear, particularly for small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) in developing market economies such as South Africa, because much research has focused on big enterprises in industrialized nations. To address this knowledge gap, this paper investigates the relationship between SME owner-manager characteristics and risk management, using upper echelons theory in a novel approach to provide a better understanding of how owner-manager characteristics may be linked to risk management strategies. This was achieved by the distribution of questionnaires to 320 purposely selected SMEs in Cape Town as well as personal interviews with two risk experts. The results show that risk avoidance is SMEs' most prevalent risk management strategy. The findings also show that SME owner-manager characteristics and risk management strategies are firmly and significantly linked, revealing the key determinants of effective risk management in SMEs. This paper is unique because it focuses on the often-overlooked topic of applying echelons theory to SMEs. Aside from bridging this knowledge gap, it has significant implications, such as informing SME owner-managers and policymakers on key variables that influence SME risk management strategies and making recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is threatened in Southern Africa, because of unpredictable droughts and higher summer temperatures brought on by climate change and global warming. Durable and hardy plants that grow easily and quickly in such conditions must be adopted to ensure sustainable and reliable food supplies. The young cladodes (nopalitos) from the cactus pear plant, which adapts to hot and dry climates, is an underutilised alternative food source that can serve as a healthy vegetable. It thrives in many environments such as deserts, below sea level, high altitude regions and tropical regions with temperatures above 50°C. Nopalitos are a traditional staple vegetable and have been consumed in Mexico for over 9000 years. However, it is underutilised and unknown as an alternative vegetable in Africa. Research on the physiochemical and nutritional content has been conducted. However, the information on harvesting nopalitos from cultivars available in South Africa for optimal edible quality is not available. Good quality nopalitos are young, thin, bright green, soft, fresh and not too sour or slimy. This paper aims to identify the effect of and the interaction between size, cultivar and harvesting season to obtain optimal eating quality. Data were obtained for two cultivars (Morado and Fusicaulis) at 9 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 18 cm, 21 cm and 24 cm, which were harvested in spring (October) and autumn (March) over two years. The quality characteristics were translated into the measurable attributes of morphology (weight, width, diameter, volume and surface area), texture (firmness and compressibility), colour (L*, a*, b*, C*and h°), turgidity (moisture content, mucilage yield and viscosity) and gustatory (percentage titratable acidity, pH and total soluble solids). ANOVA and Principal Component Analyses were performed to determine significant differences and interactions between the length groups, two cultivars and two seasons. The results showed that the size, cultivar and season influenced the edible characteristics. Both cultivars were most tender at 15 cm and presented the best edible qualities in spring. Morado showed better colour, turgidity and gustatory qualities. Morado was thinner, a brighter green colour, less sour and less slimy compared to Fusicaulis nopalitos. • Nopalito quality is highly influenced by harvest size, cultivar and season. • At 15 cm, nopalitos from both Morado and Fusicaulis were the most tender. • Morado nopalitos was the preferred cultivar, but Fusicaulis also performed satisfactorily. • Spring harvest was preferable, but autumn harvest nopalitos were acceptable. • Morado was thinner, a brighter green colour, less sour and less slimy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa's unique flora and extensive use of African traditional medicines has created a unique research opportunity on medicinal plants for local and international scientists. In this paper, submitted to a special issue of South African Journal of Botany (SAJB) dedicated to "sub-Saharan Ethnobotany", we aim to explore the research landscape on medicinal plant research as published in SAJB. A bibliometric assessment (1982–2017) showed that medicinal plant research represents 24% of the published volume in SAJB and that contributions on this topic are increasing exponentially. Although most papers are broad-based invitro screening studies, the range of topics covered is impressive. Antimicrobial (41%) and anti-oxidant (21%) studies dominate the research space with fewer studies focusing on diseases highly relevant to the African continent, e.g. malaria (3%) and tuberculosis (2%). Although the SAJB has contributed greatly to disseminating knowledge on important species (e.g. Aspalathus and Cyclopia) several taxa of potential economic relevance remain poorly investigated (e.g. Adansonia , Bulbine etc.). The citation footprint and authorship networks which have been established attest the pivotal role the SAJB has played to build research capacity and create awareness in this important field of research. • Medicinal plant papers contributed 24% of papers published in SAJB (1982–2017). • The 629 papers considered attracted 6313 citations. • In vitro studies represented 89% of experimental papers. • Highest number of published papers were antimicrobial (41%) and anti-oxidant (21%). • Few studies focused on relevant diseases like tuberculosis (2%) and malaria (3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The early COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa was highly heterogeneous looking at the epidemiological progression between major provinces. • Early transmission in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was associated with multiple international introductions of SARS-CoV-2. • The dominating lineages during this time of the epidemic were B.1 and B, which mainly originated from Europe. • Evidence for transmission clusters during the first month of the epidemic suggested locally acquired infection. • A clustered outbreak was linked to a major hospital outbreak in Durban, which inflated the early mortality in KZN. The Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) was formed to investigate the introduction and understand the early transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in South-Africa. This paper presents the first results from this group, which is a molecular epidemiological study of the first 21 SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes sampled in the first port of entry – KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – during the first month of the epidemic. By combining this with calculations of the effective reproduction number (R), it aimed to shed light on the patterns of infections in South Africa. Two of the largest provinces – Gauteng and KZN – had a slow growth rate for the number of detected cases, while the epidemic spread faster in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. The estimates of transmission potential suggested a decrease towards R = 1 since the first cases and deaths, but a subsequent estimated R average of 1.39 between 6–18 May 2020. It was also demonstrated that early transmission in KZN was associated with multiple international introductions and dominated by lineages B1 and B. Evidence for locally acquired infections in a hospital in Durban within the first month of the epidemic was also provided. The COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa was very heterogeneous in its spatial dimension, with many distinct introductions of SARS-CoV2 in KZN and evidence of nosocomial transmission, which inflated early mortality in KZN. The epidemic at the local level was still developing and NGS-SA aimed to clarify the dynamics in South Africa and devise the most effective measures as the outbreak evolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, developments and innovations in television technology, including the launch and growth of over-the-top television services (OTT TV), have affected traditional pay-TV operators' ability to grow a subscriber base and retain existing customers. Despite attempts made by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to ascertain the impact of the OTT TV on pay-TV services, the results have remained inconclusive. In the absence of a comprehensive assessment and credible evidence, this paper sought to ascertain the impact that OTT TV services have on traditional pay-TV services in South Africa. A quantitative research method was adopted using a non-probability sampling technique for data collection. A total of 391 responses were collected utilising an online survey questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics on IBM® SPSS® version 26. The main findings of the study showed that OTT TV services are a complementary service to pay-TV services as opposed to a substitute. Low-income earners are using free/paid mobile applications to consume TV content, and for those who have neither OTT TV nor pay-TV services, free-to-air services are the preferred platform for TV consumption. This study benefits all stakeholders in digital media and business strategy, as well as marketing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa is widely distributed across the globe for its multiple uses as well as high nutritive content and great economic attributes; subsequently it has been highly commercialised. Even though moringa is fast becoming an important crop in several parts of the world, in South African context, it is not recognised for such, and is listed on the Species Under Surveillance for Possible Eradication or Containment Targets (SUSPECT) under National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), since it is not native to South Africa. Where it is established in South Africa, people perceive the numerous qualities of moringa as beneficial and this can result in conflict generation between communities and policy makers who have to safe guard against alien and invasive species spread and impact. In this paper, we review the ecological, social and legal status of moringa in South Africa, and highlight the importance of conducting research on non-native species with the focus of improving evidence base prior listing of species on national regulations. Moreover, we highlight the need to also focus on social aspects of invasive species, using a cost–benefit approach to assist in decision making regarding control, management and eradication of moringa and other non-native plants. • In South Africa, moringa is on the Species Under Surveillance for Possible Eradication or Containment Targets (SUSPECT). • Moringa has the potential to be a conflict-generating species, particularly between communities and policy makers. • Listing of non-native species under NEMBA should be guided by impact-based evidence to ascertain their risks and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thesium L., section Hagnothesium is endemic to the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR), South Africa. In the past there has been a propensity in revisionary work of the section Hagnothesium to split taxa into distinct species or vice-versa. Consequently, 15 different names exist although only 6 are accepted formally. Following recent molecular phylogenetic studies, the monophyly of the section Hagnothesium is now well-established but the circumscription of species within the section remains problematic given the complicated nomenclatural history which has added further confusion. In this paper we revise the section using a total evidence approach to propose a revised taxonomy. We studied both herbarium collections as well as plants in their natural populations to circumscribe species boundaries, determine their geographical ranges and estimate their conservation statuses. Species of the section Hagnothesium are dioecious, generally having four-merous campanulate flowers produced in spikes borne in bract axils and arranged along the length of branchlets, with valvate perianth lobes and a short to absent hypanthial tube. We recognise eight species, of which one is described in this study as new: T. fragile L.f., T. fruticulosum (A.W.Hill) J.C.Manning & F.Forest, T. hirtum (Sond.) Zhigila, Verboom & Muasya comb. nov., T. leptostachyum A.DC., T. longicaule Zhigila, Verboom & Muasya nom. nov. T. microcarpum A.DC., T. minus (A.W.Hill) J.C.Manning & F.Forest) and T. quartzicolum Zhigila, Verboom & Muasya sp. nov. We provide updated taxonomic keys, species descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, new combinations, synonyms, and notes on the red list status for each species. • A review is given of Thesium section Hagnothesium (Santalaceae) an endemic clade to the GCFR. • Eight species are recognised, of which one, T. quartzicolum is described here as a new. • Key to the species in section Hagnothesium is provided • Species delimitations and nomenclatural changes are provided. • Species geographical ranges and the estimate of their conservation statuses are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reported for the first time the aroma profile and essential oil composition of eight species of Helichrysum endemic in South Africa but grown in Italy (CREA-Sanremo collection). The volatiles of all the studied Helichrysum were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, except for H. basalticum , where sesquiterpene hydrocarbons was the main class of compounds with β-caryophyllene (13.7%) and α-guaiene (11.9%) as major components. Despite the great diversity of compounds obtained in the volatile emission (more than 130), only four compounds were responsible for at least 34% of the identified fraction. These compounds were: sabinene (16.0%), β-caryophyllene and α-guaiene in H. basalticum ; sabinene (57.7%) in H. foetidum ; (Z)-β-ocimene (34.6%), tricyclene (16.2%) and myrcene (10.0%) in H. incanatum ; myrcene (29.3%), tricyclene (21.5%) and limonene in H. indicum ; tricyclene (32.1%) and (E)-3-hexanol acetate (20.1%) in H. montanum ; limonene (10.3%), sabinene (8.9%), 1-decene (7.6%) and 1-hexanol (7.0%) in H. mutabile ; α- and β-pinene in H. patulum (27.6% and 44.9%, respectively) and α-pinene (36.3%) and α-fanchene(15.6%) in H. setosum. The EOs composition of these species was also different from each other with sesquiterpene compounds as the prevalent class. Valerianol (16.3%, os, in H. basalticum), ledol (16.3%, os, in H. foetidum), β-caryophyllene (11.0% and 13.4%, sh, in H. indicum and H. patulum , respectively), viridiflorol (18.3%, os, in H. montanum) and valerianol (30.1%, os in H. setosum) were found to be the main constituents. It is worthy to highlighting that the H. incarnatum EO showed a similar behaviour to that of the spontaneous emission with a predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons (60.7% in EO vs 81.4% in VOC), both represented by (Z)-β-ocimene as main constituent. • First chemotaxonomic characterisation of eight South African Helichrysum spp. • These South African were grown in the same edaphic and climatic conditions. • Monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated VOC samples except for H. basalticum. • Sesquiterpenes had the highest percentage in seven EO samples. • Helichrysum incarnatum EO was characterised by high amount of monoterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a demand-driven growth model is used to explore climate change scenarios faced by the South African economy. The focus is on key macroeconomic variables including employment, productivity, income distribution, trade, and fiscal balances. Results show that emission reduction alone will not put South Africa on a sustainable and equitable growth path. Expansionary macroeconomic policies are necessary. We show that, under sufficient global mitigation, expansionary fiscal and monetary policies lead to faster output and productivity growth, higher employment, and lower inequality. By contrast, macroeconomic tightening or "free riding" on global emission reduction lead to inferior outcomes, putting sustainable development out of reach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socio-economic development and economic growth is connected with the intensive use of energy resources, which poses also risks to long-term viability of the biosphere by causing natural resource depletion and environmental degradation. One of the options to reduce Human and environmental risks from extensive energy generation are renewable energy sources. However, there are several barriers for transformation of energy sector towards a greater share of renewable energies. Human factors such as social support or opposition are crucial drivers for this transition. This paper examines the state of infrastructure projects in South Africa and assesses how lessons from these projects can contribute to improve development of energy transformation in the country. It analyses the challenges of applying participatory governance in the energy transition in South Africa, as a critical component of successful infrastructure project implementation, and of insights into fostering environmental leadership. The paper is based on the case studies analysis of ten large infrastructure projects in South Africa and focuses on public participation in these projects, its effects and challenges by applying the ladder of public participation methodology. Findings from the study support the scientific arguments that public participation in decision-making regarding deployment infrastructure projects creates an enabling environment for successful implementation. In conclusion public participation was only in the context of environmental impact assessment which is a mandatory requirement for infrastructure projects in South Africa. Currently public participation is manly regarded as a reactive measure to conflict resolution. It is organized to provide feedback on the results of environmental impact assessment, mainly as a way to address conflict, which has already emerged. Our results show that provision of information and consultation are the two most frequent levels of public participation. Land use issues and questions about benefits and impacts from infrastructure projects on local communities are the most frequent concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, a series of controversies has arisen about equity and justice in the rooibos industry, centred both on the biological resource and on the traditional use and knowledge that fostered the growth of this lucrative trade. Accusations of biopiracy, meaning the misappropriation and patenting of genetic resources and knowledge without consent, have taken centre stage, leading to a reassessment of the conditions under which rooibos is traded. Claiming to be the primary holders of traditional knowledge relating to rooibos, indigenous San and Khoi have also launched demands—to date unmet—for a stake in rooibos benefits. Meanwhile, small-scale coloured rooibos producers, despite their involvement in fair trade, remain marginalized. All remain embedded in a political history of rooibos that is characterized by dispossession and adversity, having been propped up by the South African apartheid system. The melding of these issues with a complex and ambiguous legal framework has led to a situation described by some as “the mother” and “testing ground” of so-called access and benefit sharing. Such approaches stem in part from the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Nagoya Protocol, which lay down new and more equitable ways of treating trade in genetic resources and the use of traditional knowledge. With growing international interest in rooibos tea and its bioactive compounds, a surge of patents associated with the plant, the successful granting of geographical indication status, and threats to the industry of changing climates, ecologies and ecosystems, the stage is set for a reconceptualization and transformation of the industry. Drawing on longitudinal research over the past 20 years, this review paper aims to bring conceptual clarity and a holistic analysis to an often emotional, divided and, to date, narrowly framed debate. Through exploration of rooibos histories and traditional knowledge claims, bioprospecting and patent activities, and conservation imperatives, this paper reviews the spectrum of issues that require attention when considering access and benefit sharing in the rooibos industry and provides suggestions for a more integrative, environmentally responsive and just approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa is the economic hub of southern Africa and is regarded as an important source region of atmospheric pollutants. A nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) hotspot is clearly visible from space over the South African Mpumalanga Highveld, while South Africa is also regarded as the 9th largest anthropogenic sulphur (S) emitting country. Notwithstanding the importance of South Africa with regard to nitrogen (N) and S emissions, very limited data has been published on the chemical composition of wet deposition for this region. This paper presents the concentrations of sodium (Na + ), ammonium (NH 4 + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), nitrate (NO 3 − ), chloride (Cl − ), sulphate (SO 4 2− ) and water-soluble organic acids (OA) in the wet deposition samples collected between 2009 and 2014 at four South African IDAF (IGAC DEBITS Africa) sites, which are regarded as regional representatives of the north-eastern interior. Also, wet deposition fluxes of the ten ions are calculated and presented in this paper. The results show that the total ionic concentrations and fluxes of wet deposition were much higher at the two sites closer to anthropogenic emissions, while the pH of wet deposition at these two sites were lower compared to that of the two sites that were less impacted by anthropogenic emissions. . The major sources of the ten ions included marine, terrigenous (crust), fossil fuel combustion, agriculture and biomass burning. Significant contributions from fossil fuel combustion were determined for the two sites in close proximity to anthropogenic source regions. The results of back trajectory analysis, however, did indicate that the two remote sites are also affected by air masses passing over the source region through anti-cyclonic recirculation. The largest contributions at the two sites distant from the anthropogenic source regions were marine sources, while the impact of biomass burning was also more significant at the remote sites. Comparison to previous wet deposition measurements at the South African IDAF sites indicated increases in the wet deposition fluxes of S and N, and more wet deposition events with lower pH. This could be ascribed to a significant increase in anthropogenic activities and population growth in this part of South Africa with an associated increase in energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging can play a key role in reducing food waste and enabling resource efficient logistics operations. This paper offers insights into why this potential is not fully adopted by companies in food supply chains by exploring adoption barriers for sustainable packaging practices in ten companies in South Africa and Sweden. The paper develops an analytical framework from theory and applies it to the empirical data. This resulted in ten propositions that structure adoption barriers for sustainable packaging practices in food supply chains and explain the reasons for their occurrence. The propositions can form a basis for researchers to understand why the adoption of sustainable packaging practices in food supply chains may be lacking. Corporate decision-makers can use the propositions to form strategies and initiatives to overcome adoption barriers. The study also identified some contextual differences, but overall, the contextual impact on adoption barriers was surprisingly low. To deepen research and practice insights about the complexity of adopting sustainable packaging practices, the paper offers a process view on the adoption barriers in which their relationships are linked. The analytical framework and the process view offer integrative views on adoption barriers for sustainable packaging practices that enable researchers and practitioners to address them with a structured approach. This explorative study finally unfolds further research opportunities. • Explore adoption barriers for sustainable packaging practices in food supply chains in South Africa and Sweden. • Ten propositions structure adoption barriers explain the reasons for their occurrence. • Help to understand why the adoption of sustainable packaging practices may be lacking. • Support corporate decision-makers to form strategies to overcome adoption barriers. • Identify contextual differences, which overall were surprisingly low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the scale of energy poverty remains elusive. It is, however, a key metric in the global effort to eradicate poverty. The analysis presented in this paper provides insights into the true scale and impacts of unreliable electricity service provision. The paper introduces a simple and novel approach to quantifying the difference between electricity supply and demand, accounting for both met and unmet demand in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To assess unmet demand, generator use, reduced utilization due to unreliable electricity service, unrealized demand from unelectrified households, and the effect of tariff reductions are considered. We find that at 2018 prices, SSA (excluding South Africa) on-grid power networks had annual unmet demand of 8.83 TWh for on-grid users and 42.9 TWh with the inclusion of the off-grid sector. With a 50% reduction in tariff by country, the on-grid power sector would face a 21.46 TWh of unmet demand in the region, rising to 55.53 TWh with the inclusion of off-grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Responsible tourism is embraced globally as one of the vectors to achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this article attempts to establish the understanding of responsible tourism among owners of small budget hotels in the Johannesburg West Rand Region, South Africa. The conclusion it reaches is that a general appreciation of responsible tourism does not translate into being responsible in daily operations. The paper proposes a 'Best Responsible Tourism Model', which identifies four ways that small hotels can be encouraged by the public sector to participate in responsible tourism, including education, economic motivation, marketing motivation and building social networks. Combined, these feed into the Theory of Planned Behaviour variations, normative beliefs, behavioural beliefs and control beliefs, which will determine the behaviour and perceptions of hoteliers on Responsible Tourism Practice. Participatory democracy should be adopted by hoteliers and other key responsible tourism actors to augment understanding and practice of responsible tourism in small hotels. Highlights • The Theory of Planned Behaviour, established the understanding of responsible tourism among owners of small budget hotels. • A 'Best Responsible Tourism Model', identifies four ways that small hotels can be encouraged by the public sector to participate in responsible tourism. • Participatory democracy should be adopted by hoteliers and other key responsible tourism actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A hierarchical model predictive controller is developed. • Little to no modification is required on the architecture of the existing system. • A stable power exchange between the renewable system and the grid is achieved. • Fast variations are completely removed from the battery power. • Increased utilization of intermittent renewable energy is achieved. This paper presents a two-layer control strategy designed for easy integration of supercapacitors in a grid-integrated solar photovoltaic-battery hybrid renewable system, initially controlled by a typical model predictive control method. To operate the upgraded energy system, either without or with little modifications of the pre-existing architecture, an additional control layer is applied at the bottom of the original control system. Considering the complementary characteristics of batteries and supercapacitors, the design of the new model predictive control layer and its coordination with the original one help to deliver a stable power flow between the hybrid renewable system and the utility grid, and remove fast variations from the battery power. Actual measurements of solar radiation in South Africa are used to test the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Simulations carried out on a 1-MW photovoltaic plant confirm the benefits in terms of adherence to power quality regulations, improved conditioning of the power generated by the intermittent renewable sources, and lifetime extension of the battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study describes total mercury (THg) levels in surface water, sediment and biota from the Olifants River Basin (ORB) (South Africa) and investigates the trophic transfer of THg by means of trophic magnification factors (TMFs) in the subtropical ORB food web. Although levels in surface water, sediment and invertebrates were low, elevated levels of THg were measured in fish species of higher trophic levels (0.10–6.1 μg/g dw). This finding supports the biomagnificative character of mercury. THg concentrations in fish from the present study were find to be higher than most values reported in fish from other African aquatic ecosystems and comparable or lower compared to more industrialized regions. Fish length, trophic level, sediment THg levels and TOC in sediment were determining factors for THg levels in fish tissue. Concentrations were found to be higher in larger (and older) fish. Mercury has a high affinity for organic matter and will bind with the TOC in sediment, thus reducing the bioavailability of THg for aquatic biota which is reflected in the significant negative correlation between THg and TOC in sediment. A significant positive relationship between relative trophic level and THg concentrations was observed and also TMFs indicate biomagnification in the ORB food web. However, the trend of lower TMFs in tropical areas compared to temperate and arctic regions was not supported by the results. The consumption of fish from higher trophic levels at the average South African consumption rate is expected to pose a significant health risk. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Large data gap on THg levels and trophic transfer in (sub)tropical ecosystems. • Pollution status and biomagnification of THg in the subtropical ORB is studied. • This study confirms the previously reported biomagnificative character of Hg. • Higher levels of THg in fish species of higher trophic levels and TMFs > 1. • The consumption of fish from ORB is expected to pose a significant health risk. This paper contributes to the knowledge gap on the fate and transport of THg in (sub)tropical aquatic ecosystems, specifically in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rubus L. is a highly diverse and taxonomically complex genus with a worldwide distribution. Although southern Africa is not a major centre of Rubus diversity, a number of indigenous and naturalised taxa have been recorded from the region, although their taxonomy, nomenclature and evolution are either confused or poorly studied at best. This paper represents the first results of a wider project focusing on the biosystematics of the southern African Rubus flora, and presents a taxonomic revision of the brambles of the Cape Floristic Region, including an estimation of ploidy levels. A total of eight taxa are recognised, including the two indigenous taxa R. pinnatus and R. rigidus agg., the four introduced species R. armeniacus , R. bergii , R. rosifolius and R. titanus , and two hybrids between indigenous and introduced taxa. Rubus rigidus agg. is an unresolved and variable species complex with at least two ploidy levels (5x, 6x). The hybrid taxon R. bergii × R. rigidus appears to be widespread and behaves as an independent apomictic complex. In addition, hybridization between R. bergii and R. pinnatus is relatively common in the contact zones between the two species. The two introductions Rubus armeniacus and R. titanus are recorded from South Africa for the first time. The invasive potential of the introduced species is regarded as low but the potential for hybridization by R. bergii seems to be high. An identification key, morphological descriptions, and notes on nomenclature, distribution and ecology are provided, and all taxa are illustrated. Highlights • Rubus is revised for the CFR. • Eight native and naturalised taxa are recognised. • Rubus armeniacus and R. titanus are recorded from South Africa for the first time. • All taxa are described and fully illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to give an ecological description of the vegetation of the Jurisdam-Seekoegat section of the Mountain Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The effect of different land use practices on the vegetation composition was also investigated. Vegetation classifications and descriptions are of immense value to scientists and land managers and provide information on the composition, structure, diversity and effect of management on the different ecosystems present. The Braun-Blanquet approach was used to classify the different plant communities, while the veld condition was determined using the Ecological Index Method. Plant community data was analysed using the JUICE software package while diversity of the different plant communities was determined using the Shannon–Wiener and Gini–Simpson Indices. From a TWINSPAN analysis eight plant communities that can be grouped into six major communities were identified. Two plant communities not previously described for the Park were identified. The different plant communities can all be related to topography and effect of previous land use. Grasses and dwarf shrubs are the most prominent species. The plant communities of the rocky midslope areas achieved the highest species richness and diversity for the study area. The areas least affected by heavy grazing had a higher veld condition score than those heavily grazed by domestic animals in the past. The results of this study also emphasises the importance of resting overgrazed veld, while it seems that heavily grazed areas will not recover without further human intervention. A vegetation map of the different plant communities was produced using ArcGIS. Highlights • Vegetation classification improves our knowledge and understanding of complex ecosystems. • Rocky hilly areas act as refuge areas for vegetation with the highest diversity of plant species. • Resting of overgrazed veld in arid areas assists in veld condition recovery. • Wildlife has less of an impact on veld condition than domestic animals with continued grazing. • Overgrazing seems to alter nutrient structure of soil thereby altering vegetation composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity production has a significant impact on the Water-Energy-Food nexus sectors as it requires substantial amounts of water and land, whilst also being a primary polluter of these resources. In addition, electricity production is a key contributor to global carbon emissions. With electricity production predicted to increase by over 50% by 2050, the impact of electricity production on water and land resources, as well as on carbon emissions, will need to be significantly reduced. This is particularly important in countries facing water, energy, and food scarcity and insecurity, such as South Africa. This paper therefore investigates the impact of electricity production on the Water-Energy-Food nexus sectors and on carbon emissions in South Africa. To do this, we conduct a lifecycle assessment of the water and land required for electricity production, as well as its carbon emissions in South Africa, by electricity source, and under key scenarios. The results from the Integrated Resource Plan 2030 scenario show that despite a 34% increase in electricity production targeted from 2018 to 2030 in South Africa, the water and land requirements, and the carbon emissions of electricity production would decrease by 29%, 9%, and 5.5%, respectively. Compared to the Business-as-Usual 2030 scenario, it was shown that the water and land requirements and carbon emissions of electricity production would be 55.5%, 42.6%, and 41.5% lower in the Integrated Resource Plan 2030 scenario, respectively. Overall, the results show that to reduce the impact of electricity production on the Water-Energy-Food nexus sectors and on carbon emissions, switching away from fossil fuels (particularly coal), and promoting the use of non-hydro and non-biomass renewables is required. [Display omitted] • We quantify the water and land requirements, and carbon emissions, of electricity. • In 2018, it required 312 Gl of water, 929 km2 land, and emitted 152MtCO₂eq. • If the electricity mix does not change, all impacts will increase by 63% by 2030. • With planned changes, the impacts could decrease by 29%, 9%, and 5.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The output power is conducted using 3D-PV model. • A new fusion of improved bi-archive multi-objective optimization algorithm is proposed. • A new hybrid MCDM method is considered to choose the most desirable configuration. • An accurate hybrid numerical method is used for validation of the proposed method. • Performance of optimum designs are evaluated for both cases: Malaysia and South Africa. Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind turbine (WT) systems are the most promising options for rural energy delivery. In the literature, numerous studies have simply considered only on economic efficiency, while maximizing dependability by a constant value for the given demand load. Moreover, a single set Pareto optimal front (PF) has been attained for the multi-objective optimization problem. Furthermore, the primary challenge of various the off-grid multiple renewable energy sources is excessive energy loss, resulting over/under sizing and a highly total cost for the system. Therefore, this paper presents a unique improved bi-archive approach to develop the diversity and convergence independently in order to find four optimum sets of PF solutions. In addition, a new integration based on best worst method (BWM) and preference ranking organization for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE II) method along with group decision making (GDM) mechanism are addressed to sort and rank the optimal sets PF solutions with full consistency ratios of the three experts opinions and high degree of stability in ranking configurations. The theoretical results based on actual hourly meteorological data in Malaysia and South Africa indicated that the suggested improved two-archive-BWM- PROMETHEE II-GDM method is not only able to construct a uniform set of Pareto optimal solutions with fast convergence and high diversity, but can also rank and select the most desired design for the PV/WT/Battery system. The optimum configurations of the two cases studies are composed of a single WT, 105 PV modules, and 69 batteries storages at zero LLP, 60185 ($) of LLC, and 13548018 (KWh) of P dump for Malaysia case study, meanwhile it composes of 16 WTs, 80 PV modules, and 69 batteries storage at zero of LLP, 66073 ($) of LCC, and 31371 (KWh) of P dump. The proposed standalone hybrid renewable energy sources system is verified and assessed in a comparison with existing hybrid methods in terms of increasing the reliability, lowering overall cost, and reducing wasted energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic facial comparison (FFC) is a scientific technique used to link suspects to a crime scene based on the analysis of photos or video recordings from that scene. While basic guidelines on practice and training are provided by the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group, details of how these are applied across the world are scarce. FFC is frequently used in South Africa, with more than 700 comparisons conducted in the last two years alone. In this paper the standards of practice are outlined, with new proposed levels of agreement/conclusions. We outline three levels of training that were established, with training in facial anatomy, terminology, principles of image comparison, image science, facial recognition and computer skills being aimed at developing general competency. Training in generating court charts and understanding court case proceedings are being specifically developed for the South African context. Various shortcomings still exist, specifically with regard to knowledge of the reliability of the technique. These need to be addressed in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and discusses fifteen years (1999–2013) of continuous hourly atmospheric radon ( 222 Rn) monitoring at the coastal low-altitude Southern Hemisphere Cape Point Station in South Africa. A strong seasonal cycle is evident in the observed radon concentrations, with maxima during the winter months, when air masses arriving at the Cape Point station from over the African continental surface are more frequently observed, and minima during the summer months, when an oceanic fetch is predominant. An atmospheric mean radon activity concentration of 676 ± 2 mBq/m 3 is found over the 15-year record, having a strongly skewed distribution that exhibits a large number of events falling into a compact range of low values (corresponding to oceanic air masses), and a smaller number of events with high radon values spread over a wide range (corresponding to continental air masses). The mean radon concentration from continental air masses (1 004 ± 6 mBq/m 3 ) is about two times higher compared to oceanic air masses (479 ± 3 mBq/m 3 ). The number of atmospheric radon events observed is strongly dependent on the wind direction. A power spectral Fast Fourier Transform analysis of the 15-year radon time series reveals prominent peaks at semi-diurnal, diurnal and annual timescales. Two inter-annual radon periodicities have been established, the diurnal 0.98 ± 0.04 day −1 and half-diurnal 2.07 ± 0.15 day −1 . The annual peak reflects major seasonal changes in the patterns of offshore versus onshore flow associated with regional/hemispheric circulation patterns, whereas the diurnal and semi-diurnal peaks together reflect the influence of local nocturnal radon build-up over land, and the interplay between mesoscale sea/land breezes. The winter-time diurnal radon concentration had a significant decrease of about 200 mBq/m 3 (17%) while the summer-time diurnal radon concentration revealed nearly no changes. A slow decline in the higher radon percentiles (75th and 95th) for the winter and spring seasons is found over the 15-year data set, with most of the change occurring in the first 9 years (1999–2007). This observed inter-annual decline appears to be associated with changes in the frequency of air masses having originated from over the African continental surfaces, and no significant trend is found in the lower radon percentiles associated with oceanic air masses. The general decrease of atmospheric radon-associated with continental air-masses at Cape Point could be attributed to changing meteorological conditions, possibly driven by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently more than 600 million of the 800 million people in SSA are without electricity, and it is estimated that an additional 2500 GW of power is required by 2030. Although the woody-biomass market in the developed world is relatively mature, only four woody-biomass plants in SSA have been established, all of which were closed by 2013. With its affordable labour, favourable climate and well-established forestry and agricultural sectors, South Africa appears to have the potential for a successful woody-biomass industry. This paper documents a first attempt at analysing why these plants failed. It aims to contextualise the potential role of a sustainable woody-biomass sector in South Africa, through firstly developing a SES-based analytical framework and secondly, using this to undertake a retrospective resilience-based risk assessment of the four former woody-biomass pellet plants in order to identify strategies for increasing the resilience of the industry. The SES-based framework advances previous theory, which usually focuses on natural resources and their supply, by introducing a production process (with inputs and outputs), internal business dynamics and ecological variable interactions. The risk assessment can be used at a broad level to highlight important aspects which should be considered during feasibility assessments for new plants. Further work is proposed to focus on splitting the social-ecological system at different scales for further analysis, and to investigate the long-term ecological impacts of woody-biomass utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of water footprint sustainability indicators and economic water productivities is regarded as a cornerstone of the world’s sustainability goal and the reduction of the fresh water scarcity risk. These assessments are gaining much prominence because about four billion people face severe water scarcity, globally. Attaining sustainable and economically efficient water use goals requires a thorough assessment of all the existing sectors that use water. This paper examined the water footprint and economic water productivities of dairy products in South Africa for the periods 1996–2005 and 2006–2013 using the water footprint network assessment methodology. We found the total water footprints of all the selected dairy products in South Africa to be higher than the global averages are. During the period of 1996–2005, South African dairy producers utilized more green water in their dairy production. The production of butter and cheese products, whether grated or not grated, powdered or not powdered, blue-veined and cheese of all kinds had the highest total water footprints among all the dairy products in South Africa. Dairy production under a sole grazing system has high water footprints and low economic water productivities, relative to mixed production systems, for the period 2006–2013. With blue water becoming scarcer in South Africa, it is time for dairy livestock producers to shift their production to a system that is highly productive and has low water footprints. The water footprints of most of the dairy products for period 2006–2013 have reduced by varying amounts, relative to 1996–2005, which shows that water users along the dairy industry chains are managing water cautiously. Our findings have revealed dairy products that have high economic water productivities, and suggest that profit maximising and environmentally sustainable dairy producers and water users should integrate both blue water sustainability and economic water productivity indicators in their production decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the large energy consumption of hotels requires an understanding of the factors that drive this consumption. This enquiry is crucial for South Africa which has experienced significant strain in meeting its domestic energy demand. This has occurred alongside increases in international tourists, adding to the pressure on already strained resources. This paper tests hypotheses on drivers of energy consumption in hotels using a novel panel dataset which presents daily consumption data for 22 hotels across South Africa. Findings from various specifications of the Dynamic Random Effects Model suggest that the number of rooms in a hotel, the services and facilities offered, and climatic conditions are strong drivers of consumption. While the role of occupancy could not be robustly ascertained due to severe data limitations, findings indicate that price regulation plays a significant role in curtailing electricity consumption, even in high-end hotels. Results further suggest that in the design of guidelines for energy efficiency in South African hotels, the energy consumption of the facilities and services offered should be the first point of call, and the strenuous impact of extreme weather conditions on energy consumption needs to be factored in at the phase of building design and construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common wetland vegetation types categorized as temperate grassy wetlands have tall or medium tall graminoids that are found in the Highveld and other grassland areas in South Africa, but can extend into other biomes. The data on temperate grassy wetlands were extracted from a nationwide wetland vegetation database, consisting partly of historical vegetation data and partly newly collected data. A classification of these vegetation types took place using cluster analysis. Some of the vegetation data contained detailed soil parameters, which were used in canonical ordination to illustrate which environmental variables have the most impact on these vegetation types. Temperate grassy wetlands consist of twenty-five communities, which have been summarized in this paper into thirteen community groups. These wetlands occur over a wide altitudinal range as many of the species occurring in them have broad ecological amplitudes and are competitive even outside of their optimum range. The environmental variables that were the most important in explaining both the variation in the dataset and the vegetation types were wetness and altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the influencing factors of ecological footprint is a hot issue. However, the impacts of energy consumption and globalization on ecological footprint are inconclusive due to the complex and nonlinear relationships among variables. The objective of this paper is to explore the nonlinear effects of energy consumption and globalization on ecological footprint in BIRCS countries. The quantile-on-quantile approach is employed, and the results display that in China and India, energy consumption has a positive impact on ecological footprint at most quantiles, while in South Africa, the negative impact appears at most quantiles. Furthermore, a positive effect of globalization on the ecological footprint is found at the most quantiles of the ecological footprint in China, South Africa. For Brazil, India, and Russia, the negative impact occurs at most quantiles of the ecological footprint. Finally, some policy recommendations are presented for the BRICS to achieve long-term sustainability. [Display omitted] • A quantile-on-quantile method is used to explore the effects of energy consumption and globalization on ecological footprint. • The impact of energy consumption and globalization on ecological footprint is heterogeneous among different quantiles. • We provide some policy recommendations for the BRICS to achieve long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to construct sustainable buildings has triggered the deployment of solar photovoltaics (PV) but tools are required to facilitate the process and accelerate the transition at a faster pace. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present a PV deployment acceleration model (PVDAM) to advance the sustainability of buildings in public universities in South Africa. The data were collected using questionnaire surveys and analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The PLS-SEM results and recommendations from panellists were used to develop and validate the PVDAM. It was found that the category of drivers that have a significant positive influence on deployment was 'direct benefits'; these include reduction of energy cost, enhancement of university image, boosting university sustainability performance and contribution to sustainable development goals (SDG) realisation. In contrast, the lack of incentives, lack of demand from project financiers, and inadequate funding were found to be factors that contributed to the significant negative influence of 'government-related barriers' on PV deployment. To boost deployment, six major actions were recommended to reinforce the 'direct benefits' and eliminate the 'government-related barriers'. Overall, the study provided empirical evidence which can help stakeholders/policymakers take action to accelerate deployment in the public university sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global water scarcity situation is a major issue of concern to sustainable development and requires detailed assessment of water footprints and water productivities in all sectors of the economy. This paper has analysed economic water productivities along the dairy value chain in South Africa. The findings reveal that the value added to milk and water as it moves along the value chain varies from stage to stage; with the highest value being attained at the processing level, followed by the retail and farm gate levels, respectively. Milk production in South Africa is economically efficient in terms of water use. Feed production accounts for about 98.02% of the total water footprint of milk with 3.3% protein and 4% fat. Feed production is economically efficient in terms of cost and water use. Value addition to milk and economic productivity of water are influenced by packaging design. Not all economically water productive feed products are significant contributors to milk yield. Future ecological footprint assessments should take into account the value added to output products and economic water productivities along the products' value chain, rather than relying only on water footprint estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience has either been assessed on system or individual scale so far. Ignoring the other scale may potentially change the interpretation of resilience in socio-ecological systems (SES). Thus, this paper argues that the co-evolution of both resiliencies must be studied to capture multi-scale complexity. We attempt to close this gap by assessing resilience at both scales of a village community in Thaba Nchu, South Africa. Villagers use a commonly managed rangeland for beef cattle production. An agent based model of household interaction coupled with a biophysical model of the rangeland measures the resiliencies of the SES towards a shock, a stress and a policy intervention. Currently, the SES remains in a stable attractor in terms of SES resilience. Household resilience, however, degrades in a process of structural change. A drought scenario shows improved SES resilience but structural change at household level accelerated. An increase in the number absentee herders increases the likelihood for SES collapse by eroding social embededdness. Finally, an introduced basic income grant demonstrates that the SES is able to cope with an increased number of appropriators. However, interaction of the policy intervention with an exogenous stress translates into an increased probability of SES decoupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first detailed assessment of the invasive potential of Melaleuca hypericifolia Sm. in South Africa. This woody, fire-adapted shrub, native to Australia, is considered a high risk invader which could potentially occupy 4% of the country if allowed to spread. As such, it is a listed invader under South African legislation. Melaleuca hypericifolia is known to have naturalised at five sites in the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa and several introduced but non-spreading populations represent a further risk of invasion. An integrated management approach involving mechanical and chemical control was tested on an invasive population (20.4 ha extent) on Chapman's Peak in Cape Town, Western Cape Province. Management interventions began in 2012 and were repeated annually. The number of reproducing individuals was reduced over the four year period reported on here. The treatment used was shown to be effective as no re-sprouting occurred although some plants were overlooked during clearing operations owing to the density of the surrounding native vegetation. Low detectability presents a major impediment to extirpation of the population despite the distinctive flowers and leaf arrangement of this species. We recommend the use of fire where feasible to increase visibility and stimulate seed germination. We estimate that extirpation of M. hypericifolia from the Chapman's Peak site will be possible with an annual investment of ZAR 10000 over the next 10 years. Uncertainty around the extent of plantings of Melaleuca hypericifolia around the country limits the suitability of the species as a national eradication target. However, based on the invasive risk it poses and given encouraging results from the extirpation effort as shown in this study, we conclude that site-specific extirpation is a feasible management goal for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water footprint assessment is a developing method that is being increasingly applied to quantify water use, prioritise reductions, assess sustainability and provide information to achieve sustainable, efficient, and equitable water use. The objectives of this paper were to conduct a water footprint assessment of primary citrus production within the Lower Sundays River Valley in South Africa using local, high-resolution data and to examine indicators (water scarcity, pollution, efficiency, productivity and access) to determine the sustainability of blue, green and grey water footprints of a wet, dry and average year. Lemons were found to have the lowest blue and combined green-blue water footprint per ton of production across all climatic years, followed by soft citrus, valencias and navels. Valencias had the lowest, and navels the highest grey WF (relating to inorganic nitrogen). Lemons, despite their high crop water and fertiliser requirements, were regarded more economically efficient in comparison to valencias, soft citrus and navels, in that they provided higher net income and more employment hours per m 3 of water in comparison to other citrus crops. In an average season, lemons generated approximately 39% more income per m 3 of water than navels, despite navels being the dominant cultivar. Blue water consumption for citrus in the catchment was calculated to be 58.7 Mm 3 for an average season and 89.2 Mm 3 for a dry season. Due to an inter-basin transfer scheme, no physical water scarcity occurred, and both environmental and basic human needs are met. Water pollution levels related to nitrogen however, exceeded the assimilative capacity of the run-off in dry years. The area also experiences institutional and infrastructural scarcity and 14% of the population do not have access to piped water. Stakeholders and governments may use the results of water footprint assessments to determine the status of river basins, make evaluations for future water usage and the potential impacts of expanding agriculture and different management strategies. Including environmental and socio-economic indicators will also improve the integrity of water footprint assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African rocky subtidal and intertidal habitats are rich in diversity and abundance of non-geniculate coralline red algae. Despite their ubiquity, they are still a comparatively poorly known group of marine organisms. Ongoing taxonomic changes have meant that the classification and characterisation of these algae have been in constant flux. In light of these ongoing changes, the aim of this paper was to reconcile the most recent publications with previous consolidated records to produce the most up-to-date keys to the non-geniculate coralline red algae of South Africa. As a consequence of ongoing taxonomic changes and additional, more focused collections, currently 45 species of non-geniculate coralline red algae, belonging to three orders (Corallinales, Hapalidiales, Sporolithales), three families (Corallinaceae, Hapalidiaceae, Sporolithaceae), seven subfamilies (Choreonematoideae, Hydrolithoideae, Lithophyloideae, Mastophoroideae, Melobesioideae, Metagoniolithoideae, Neogoniolithoideae) and 18 genera are now recognised to occur along the South African coast. South Africa has representative species from more than half of the currently recognised extant genera of non-geniculate coralline red algae, with the order Corallinales best represented. Nearly one in four species are endemic to the South African coastline and nearly one in three species are endemic to the region. Recent molecular evidence has pointed to a large number of cryptic species, suggesting that the true diversity for South Africa is substantially greater than what is currently recognised based solely on morphology and anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distributive consequences of monetary policy have been researched only recently and almost entirely in advanced economies. This paper sheds light on the effect of conventional monetary policy shocks on the wage distribution in South Africa, where inequality – mostly driven by the segmented labour market – remains a large issue. Impulse response functions estimated from local projections show that the wage distribution significantly worsens in response to monetary shocks. Wages in the top half of the distribution, that benefit from unanticipated expansions, are less responsive to surprise contractions, remaining protected by skill-biased technology and strong labour unions. • As most of emerging markets, South Africa features several dimensions of worker heterogeneity. • Wage inequality significantly worsens in response to unanticipated monetary expansions. • The redistributive effects are transmitted through the deeply segmented labour market. • A surprise hike boosts skilled-job wage inflation and curbs down real wages at the bottom of the distribution. • A countercyclical use of monetary policy effectively contributes to lower wage inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Species distribution models (SDM's) may perform poorly when transferred in space and/or time. • Very few studies have tested SDM performance using independent testing data. • We showed that an SDM was able to predict the establishment of an intentionally introduced insect in South Africa using native-range MaxEnt models (Australia). • Model usefulness was affected by model parameters chosen and model evaluation metrics. Species distribution models (SDM's), such as the popular MaxEnt software, are frequently used to guide conservation programmes, predict the potential distribution of invasive species, forecast the impacts of climate change and develop applied ecological research (e.g., biological control). Many applications of these models require that SDM's be transferred in either space and/or time. However, few studies to date have tested the transferability, and thus usefulness, of MaxEnt models using fully independent data. Moreover, numerous authors have raised concerns over how model complexity (controlled primarily by feature class and regularisation multiplier settings) may affect MaxEnt model transferability. In this paper, we evaluated the usefulness of MaxEnt models when transferred in space using the native Australian insect Dasineura rubiformis Kolesik (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) which has been intentionally introduced as a biological control agent of the invasive plant Acacia mearnsii De Wild (Fabaceae) in South Africa. MaxEnt's models were developed using native-range records only (Australia) and projected over South Africa to identify the potential climatic suitability for the insect, using a range of model parameter configurations. Model transferability was assessed using independent post-release data from South Africa. Our results demonstrated that MaxEnt scores were positively correlated with increased probabilities of recording D. rubiformis at field sites in South Africa. However, the accuracy of the MaxEnt models and their climatic suitability projections depended on the parameter configurations (i.e. features classes and regularisation multipliers) used to calibrate the models. Taken together, MaxEnt models can be useful in predicting where a species may establish, even when projected into a novel geographic area, but users need to be aware of how model parameter configurations and model extrapolation can influence model outputs and uncertainty. We demonstrate how statistical validation of the D. rubiformis MaxEnt models can be used to develop an environmental management programme towards improving the biological control of A. mearnsii using D. rubiformis by selecting optimal release sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]