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Being aware of our thinking as we perform learning tasks and then using this knowledge to actively self-regulate what we are doing, is commonly known as metacognition. This study investigated the influence of a story-based intervention on the development of metacognition among Intermediate Phase learners engaged in content area learning. Two intact Grade 4 class groups from two public schools in different socio-economic communities in the Western Cape participated in the study. This design-based research (DBR) study comprised of 2 iterative cycles. A pragmatic paradigm underpins the use of multiple data collection methods. This article reports on the pre- and post-intervention data from the second iteration, comparing the 2 groups. Most learners seemed to have improved in terms of metacognition and strategy knowledge on most data collection instruments. The data, however, revealed that learners in both groups struggled to verbalise their thoughts. Low literacy rates influenced both data collection and the outcome of the intervention. From the study, it appears that the story-based intervention could be a feasible and effective learning tool to develop metacognition within the contexts described in this study.

This article examines the effects of political, socio-economic and educational change on a South African teacher's identity trajectory. Our research was conducted at a primary school in a historically disadvantaged community in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. We applied a cultural-historical activity theoretical (CHAT) lens to explore the identity trajectory of one of the teachers. Our findings suggest that a teacher's identity is a social product, drawn from social history, actively internalized and re-authored in response to new circumstances. This was especially evident during the transformation at the macro-political, educational and institutional levels in South Africa since 1994.

We report the findings of a qualitative study embedded in an interpretive paradigm to determine the perceptions of South African primary school teachers and principals regarding the inclusion of learners considered gifted. Eight principals and 16 classroom teachers in the Foundation Phase (Grades 1-3) in public primary schools situated in communities that were representative of the different socio-economic and language groups in the Western Cape province participated in the study. Qualitative data collection methods included in-depth individual semi-structured interviews with the eight principals and two semi-structured focus group interviews with the 16 classroom teachers. Qualitative content analysis revealed the following themes: inclusive education and the learner who is gifted; curriculum differentiation; obstacles to curriculum differentiation; and possible solutions for more effectively including the gifted learner. Despite their diversity in terms of culture, language and positioning by the previous apartheid regime, the participants acknowledged the marginalisation by default of gifted learners. Gifted learners were most often those who were not receiving appropriate education and support and data suggested that a particular drive for the inclusion of gifted learners was absent in the agenda of education authorities.

In this article, we report the findings of a qualitative, collective case study exploring the academic experiences of six grade 11 gifted students in two schools in diverse socio-economic communities in rural Western South Africa. Gifted students represent an important component of a nation's intellectual capital. They possess the qualities needed to find innovative solutions for many scientific and social challenges. Despite inclusive education policy initiatives aimed at ensuring quality education for all, the extant research indicates that gifted students from all socio-economic levels and cultures are neglected in South African classrooms. In this study, the voices of the students themselves were analysed. Whilst they are on the receiving end of education policy and teaching initiatives, their contributions are seldom sought. Our data collection methods included multiple measures and six in-depth individual semi-structured interviews as well as a focus group interview with all the subjects. The informal findings showed that academically gifted students from both affluent and disadvantaged backgrounds face similar challenges. They often feel neglected and academically under-stimulated. Recommendations were made to address their needs more appropriately.

Water resources are under tremendous pressure as a result of the growing demand for water to meet human needs. Hence, it is necessary to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) to sustainably develop and manage groundwater resources. In this study, the geospatial-based analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and frequency ratio (FR) techniques were used to identify the GWPZs. Seven factors (geology, rainfall, slope, lineament density, soil, drainage density, and land use/land cover), which partially or entirely influence the groundwater potentiality of an area, were accessed separately and later combined to create GWPZ maps. Weights and ranks were assigned to the factors to perform the AHP model using existing knowledge. The FR was performed by calculating the percentage ratio between the dependent variable (boreholes) and the independent variable (factors). The preparation of the contributing factors and the creation of the resulting models was done using ArcGIS 10.8. The final GWPZ maps were classified into five zones: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. About 80 boreholes in the study area were randomly subset into training and testing datasets; 58% were used for model training, and the remaining 42% were used for validation purposes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the GWPZs models were generated, and the areas under the curves (AUC) were calculated. Validation of the models shows that the FR model is more efficient (85.3% accuracy) than the AHP model (83.2% accuracy). The findings show that the AHP and FR models are reliable and can be adopted to characterize GWPZs in arid or semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bredasdorp Basin covers the greater part of the larger Outeniqua Basin, representing a productive petroleum-bearing basin off the south coast of South Africa. However, uncertainty about the diagenesis, provenance, and their impacts on reservoir qualities of the sandstones has hindered further exploration, particularly in the southern Bredasdorp Basin. In this part of the basin, sandstones from the primary and secondary hydrocarbon targeted intervals within the 6At1 and 14At1 stratigraphic sequence were investigated using a combination of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques. Petrographic studies show that the sandstones are largely subarkose. The provenance analysis indicates that the sandstones are largely derived from granites and granite-gneisses of a continental block tectonic provenance, suggesting that the sandstones were derived from stable shields and uplifted areas. Furthermore, the tectonic diagram suggests that the basin developed on a rift passive setting (trailing edge) of the stable continental margins. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the reservoir quality of the sandstones are cementation by authigenic clay, carbonate, and silica, growth of authigenic glauconite, dissolution of minerals and load compaction. The development of secondary porosity as a result of the partial to complete dissolution of calcite cement and some detrital grains (i.e., feldspar) has improved the reservoir quality of the sandstones. The scattered plots of porosity and permeability versus cement+clays show inverse correlations, signifying that the reservoir quality is mainly controlled by cementation and authigenic clays. In general, there is no particular diagenetic process that exclusively controls the type or form of porosity evolution in the sandstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bredasdorp Basin comprises the majority of the larger Outeniqua Basin, which is a productive petroleum-bearing basin off South Africa's south coast. Despite the basin's distinct stratigraphic sequence and lithological variation, there are few sedimentological details about the lithofacies characteristics and grain size parameters. As a result, the mode of transport, hydrodynamic energy conditions, and depositional environment are poorly documented. Grain size and lithofacies studies on preserved cores from five exploration wells in the basin were performed to unravel their textural characteristics, hydrodynamic energy conditions, depositional processes and depositional environments. These cores are from the 6At1 and 14At1 stratigraphic sequences' primary and secondary hydrocarbon targeted intervals. The statistical parameters of grain-size distribution (mean grain size, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) indicate that the sandstones are primarily unimodal, fine-grained, moderately well sorted, mesokurtic, and near-symmetrical. The bivariate diagrams of the statistical parameters mentioned above show that the impact of wave and river processes on depositional environments was the greatest. The linear discriminant functions (LDF) analysis shows that the sandstones are turbidity current deposits under coastal dune and beach process in a shallow marine environment. Similarly, the C-M pattern (Passega diagram) indicates that the sandstones were deposited primarily by a tractive current process (beach/tidal). The log-probability weight plots suggest that the hydraulic depositional conditions are erratic (variable). Saltation is the primary mode of transportation, followed by suspension and traction. Thirteen sedimentary lithofacies were identified and classified into six lithofacies associations (FA1-FA6). These lithofacies associations FA1, FA2, FA3, FA4, FA5 and FA6 are interpreted as submarine channel-fills, submarine channel-levee, submarine sheet lobe, submarine lobe fringe/overflow, basin plain deposits, and deep-sea floor/basin plain deposits, in that order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article recounts the findings of a study that investigated pre-service teachers' attitudes and concerns regarding inclusive education and their degree of comfort when interacting with people with disabilities after completing courses on inclusive education. One hundred and eighty pre-service teachers from one higher education institution in South Africa completed the Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education Scale. They were all being prepared to teach at either the primary (41%) or secondary (59%) level of education. Pre-service teachers' mean scores on the sentiments scale increased following the intervention (p less than 0.001), as did the mean scores on the attitudes scale (p less than 0.001). However, mean scores related to their concerns decreased (p = 0.01). With respect to the latter finding, as a result of the intervention the pre-service teachers became more worried about resources to support inclusive education (p less than 0.001), the reality of large classes (p = 0.01) and their workload (p = 0.04). Recommendations based on the research findings are made, suggesting that the quality of courses on inclusive education should be enhanced in higher education institutions. (Contains 2 tables.)

In this article we present a conceptual framework that we have found sufficiently robust and broad-based to offer a platform for engaging with social and educational challenges in collaboration with our students and research participants. In our framework we employ aspects of the work done by Engestrom (1987; 2001) in terms of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), Rule's (2004) concept of "dialogic space", as well as the notion of "doing reasonable hope" as developed by Weingarten (2007). We present it as our particular effort to make a contribution to reaching the millennium goals. We draw on two of the more prominent conceptual tools offered by Engestrom: his mediational triangle and notion of expansive learning, as well as his metaphor of knotworking and show how hopefulness-in-action allows us the scope to maintain that our way of working is centrally about doing reasonable hope. (Contains 3 figures.)

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the perceptions of youth regarding their wilderness rites of passage experience and its value for their lives. The researchers operated in an interpretive / constructivist paradigm and employed a qualitative research methodology. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and individual interviews, documents, records, observations and reflections were used to collect data. Data were analysed by means of content analysis. We argue that participation in a wilderness rites of passage programme can contribute to the personal growth and development of youth at risk of experiencing or manifesting emotional or behavioural difficulties in schools. The research findings indicate that wilderness rites of passage programmes can contribute significantly towards school support for young people. The findings also highlight the fact that young people in the South African context are in need of caring school communities and adult mentorship. Young people are in need of support, discipline and guidance, as well as experiences of trust, love and care. School environments should change from being places of disappointment to being places of safety and growth. Such a culture of care could possibly curb the anger, resentment and distrust of the youth and support learners who are experiencing or manifesting emotional or behavioural difficulties in schools.

U.S. education policy acknowledges the troubling differential rates of special education identification and placement for students who are culturally and linguistically diverse by requiring states to review annually student identification data from all local education agencies to identify and address disproportionate representation. Yet, little is known about the interaction between families that are culturally and linguistically diverse and the service providers they encounter at their local schools. The authors examine those relationships in South Africa and the United States, two countries where the legacy of racism lingers in the ways in which school personnel and families negotiate differences in how children are viewed, assessed, and offered support for learning needs. In both countries, sustained efforts from families and school personnel were needed to develop supports and services that worked well for students with disabilities and their families. (Contains 1 table.)

Parent participation is considered to be a vital component in the education of students with disabilities. Parents' roles in pivotal changes in special education--specifically, inclusion--are acknowledged, and their rights are protected in special education law. However, their perspectives are not always understood or considered in the decision-making process. In this study, parents of children with disabilities in South Africa and in a midwestern state of the United States participated in focus group discussions regarding inclusive education. The results indicated that parent perceptions, experiences, and barriers to effective family-school partnerships and parent advocacy were remarkably similar on the two continents. Implications and recommendations for preservice teacher education are discussed.

The British "Index for Inclusion" was selected to be used in three primary schools in the Western Cape Province in South Africa in order to develop a South African model to assist in the development of inclusive schools. The "Index for Inclusion" process entails progression through a series of five developmental phases and this paper, written by Petra Engelbrecht, professor in educational psychology and special education and senior research director at Stellenbosch University, Marietjie Oswald, lecturer in special education at Stellenbosch University, and Chris Forlin, associate professor in special education at the Hong Kong Institute of Special Education, is a reflection of the first two phases. Qualitative data were generated from the consultative process followed in the schools during the first phase and both qualitative and quantitative data from questionnaires regarding the perceptions of all school community members on the inclusive practices or lack thereof in their schools during the second phase. The authors drew out the following five themes from the three sets of data: an inclusive school philosophy; democratic leadership, structures, processes and values; collaboration; addressing learner diversity; and resources. Petra Engelbrecht, Marietjie Oswald and Chris Forlin, all of whom were working on a UNESCO-funded project to trial the use of the "Index for Inclusion" in South Africa, suggest that these themes provided invaluable insights into both the common and unique complexities, the problems and the assets of the different school communities. The themes are discussed in detail in this article, raising fascinating issues for the development of inclusion in different contexts around the world, and will be used to inform the three remaining phases of the "Index for Inclusion" process.

Parental involvement was a driving and decisive factor in the development of inclusive education worldwide. In South Africa parents also became the advocates of the inclusive education movement in the 1990s, paving the way for parents to be involved in the decision-making process regarding the school placement of their children with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to focus on the way in which equity, individual rights and freedom of choice manifest itself in the implementation of inclusive education with specific reference to the way in which parents experience it. Results indicate that the inclusion of a child into mainstream education is a challenging and dynamic process that starts with the parents' decision to place their child in a mainstream setting. In spite of legislation and the desires of parents, the development of inclusive educational practises in South Africa does not always reflect the values of equity and individual rights. Failure to establish collaborative and trusting relationships between teachers, parents and professionals poses a major challenge and can have a serious impact on the outcomes of inclusive education.

This study investigated stressors related to including learners with intellectual disabilities in 55 mainstream classrooms in two South African provinces. Analysis of teacher-completed questionnaires and interviews identified five main stressors: administrative issues; support; the behavior of the learner; the teacher's self-perceived competence; and the lack of interaction with the learner's parents. Implications for inclusive education are drawn. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Despite the growing literature on the sharing economy in the tourism and hospitality sector particularly in the context of car sharing, and accommodation sharing, research in other emerging domains of the sharing economy is lacking. The present study seeks to add knowledge in this area, by exploring the impacts of the sharing economy, in the food domain, on incumbent firms. Using two cities in South Africa, the study measures the impacts of meal-sharing platforms, which are apps for home restaurants, on restaurant performances. A difference-in-difference model was estimated using a population-based dataset of 467 restaurants from 2016 to 2018. Several robustness checks were carried out on the variables to avoid spurious results. The findings reveal that meal-sharing platforms significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively impacts on restaurant customers and has a non-significant impact on meal prices and restaurant revenue. An analysis of the impact across restaurant categories reveals that the impact is non-uniform, with restaurants catering to budget diners being the most affected. However, due to the nature of the restaurant service, the study concludes that meal-sharing platforms are not a disruptive innovation to the restaurant industry. A true meal in any self-respecting restaurant is tech-free, engaging, authentic and sensory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The south-western Karoo Basin is considered to be one of the prospective areas for shale gas exploitation in South Africa. The area is underlain by sources that give rise to interesting geophysical anomalies like the Beattie Magnetic Anomaly (BMA) and the Cape Isostatic Anomaly (CIA). To date, the possible sources of these interesting features are not well understood. In this study, we investigate the source(s) of the anomalies and produce 2½ D gravity models that unravel the basin architecture. The magnetic and gravity slices result shows that shallowest seated signatures are due Karoo dolerite intrusions, which are concentrated in the northern part of the study area. The 2½ D gravity models revealed that the basin deepens to a depth of about 4600 m in the south-western region, near the front of the Cape Fold Belt. The Ecca Group which is the targeted group for shale gas exploration in the Karoo is observed within the depth range of 0-4 km. The model also revealed that the Karoo dolerite intrusions are interconnected at depth and mostly concentrated at the centre of the basin, which will pose a threat to fracturing the Karoo formations for shale gas exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an endemic bird to the Fynbos biome, prominently featured in literature and marketing material for the avifauna of the continent, the Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus is an iconic species of South Africa. Building on studies from the past decade, recent publications all point to a vulnerability to climate change due to temperature-related effects on their behaviour, physiology, and life history. Here we present a population viability analysis for the species based on knowledge of recent declines and making use of recently available information on their life history. We combined recent breeding success data (2016–2018) with that of a population monitored approximately two decades ago (1998–2000) and modelled the probability of extinction for four scenarios where the principal change was in juvenile (more accurately, nestling) mortality. We focused on juvenile mortality as there are previously identified areas of vulnerability that present potential areas for mitigation. With juvenile mortality set at the recently recorded rate of 80% there is a 49.1% chance of population extinction within 100 years, despite optimistic adult survival and breeding parameters used in the models. We then provide insights into factors that mediate juvenile mortality as potential avenues for the management of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic petrographic and geochemical studies of 92 representative sandstone samples from exploration wells E‐AH1, E‐AJ1, E‐BA1, E‐BB1 and E‐D3 in the southern part of the Bredasdorp Basin was undertaken to classify the sandstones as well as unravel the main diagenetic processes and their time relations. Petrographic study shows that the sandstones are largely subarkosic arenite and arkosic litharenite, which have underwent series of diagenetic processes as a result burial, rifting and subsequent uplift. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the reservoir properties of the sandstones are cementation by authigenic clay, carbonate and silica, growth of authigenic glauconite, dissolution of minerals and load compaction. The major diagenetic processes reducing the porosity are calcite cementation in the subarkosic arenite, and compaction and quartz cementation in arkosic litharenite. On the other hand, the formation of secondary porosity due to the partial to complete dissolution of early calcite cement, feldspars and minor grain fracturing has improved the reservoir property of the sandstone to some extent. The clay minerals in the sandstones commonly acts as pore choking cement, which reduces porosity. In general, there is no particular diagenetic process that exclusively controls the type or form of porosity evolution in the sandstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the intricate relationship between the flagship of the sharing economy, Airbnb and hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: To identify the impact of Airbnb on hotel RevPAR, the paper used a triple difference-in-differences framework that compares changes in cities in South Africa where Airbnb started operating relative to areas without Airbnb. A total of 569 hotels were analysed. Findings: While the study finds no evidence of adverse impacts of Airbnb on hotel RevPAR, the findings show that the entry of Airbnb led to a decrease in RevPAR of budget hotels. However, its impact is more pronounced during periods of peak demand, consequently, disrupting the pricing power of hotels. Research limitations/implications: The research was based on the impact of Airbnb on hotel RevPAR in hotels situated in specific cities in South Africa. Caution is therefore required when generalising the findings of this study to other hotels in other geographic areas. Moreover, if a longer time series data set of hotels in the post-Airbnb time period could become available, it would be interesting to further investigate the time-varying dynamic effects of Airbnb on hotel RevPAR. However, the findings underscore the notion that innovations are not intrinsically disruptive but only relative to another product. In so doing, the study adds to the limited body of work in the field on disruptive innovation and to the academic discourse on innovation in tourism more broadly. Practical implications: First, the findings suggest the impact on hotels tends towards Airbnb generally playing a largely complementary role rather than a diversionary one. However, to increase RevPAR, hotels should systematically change their pricing models to account for flexible capacity by rethinking the wisdom of seasonal pricing and reduce prices during peak seasons to avoid inviting more competition from Airbnb. Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the relationship between Airbnb and hotel markets using a triple difference methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major cause of reproductive failure in birds is nest predation. Predation risk depends on predator type, as predators vary in their ecology and sensory modalities (e.g. visual vs. olfactory). Snakes (generally olfactory predators) are a major nest predator for small birds, with predation strongly associated with higher temperatures. We investigated nest survival in a ground‐nesting alpine species, the Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus, endemic to alpine fynbos in southwestern South Africa. We collected 3 years of nest data, testing whether nest survival was related to (1) habitat stage (early post‐fire vs. late post‐fire habitat, ≤ 3 and > 3 years since fire respectively), (2) nest concealment and (3) temperature. We found that nests had better survival at lower temperatures, with snake predation (our main source of predation) increasing in higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Algoa Basin is a hydrocarbon potential basin which lies off the southern continental margin of South Africa, along the coastal region of Port Elizabeth area with both onshore and offshore components. Despite the continued consensus on the basin's hydrocarbon potential, both its structural and stratigraphic geodynamics are still not well documented. In this study, gravity data constrained by borehole data was modelled to reveal onshore subsurface geology whereas the seismic sections were used for offshore. In addition, magnetic data was used to delineate magnetic zones and lineaments. The onshore magnetic results show the localised occurrence of large-scale geologic bodies, with high and positive anomalies forming bounding rims coincidental with the edges of the basin. The average depths to the top of the shallowest and deepest magnetic sources were estimated from the power spectrum to be approximately 0.4–0.6 km and 9.5 km, respectively. The onshore Bouguer gravity map is characterised by a gravity low zone over the basin's sediment where it attains its lowest value over the depocentre. 2¾ D gravity modelling results along five profiles show that the basin comprises of two to three '"V" shaped' sub-basins of shallow crustal depth with sediment thickness of up to 4.6 km. The models also revealed discontinuity in sediment units, confirming the diachronous nature of the Uitenhage Group. Analyses of offshore seven seismic sections show that the stratigraphic sequence consists of diachronous geological units, which are characterised by displacements, forming a series of minor and major faults. Complementary to onshore gravity models, seismic sections also shows relatively shallow vertical extension to the Paleozoic crustal basement between 1.3 and 5.3 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to identify drivers of efficiency and their influence on airline performances in South Africa. Unfortunately, the methods currently used to measure airline efficiency fail to address the heterogeneity problem, which blurs inefficiency. Design/methodology/approach: To remedy the heterogeneity problem, this paper adopts the meta-frontier framework to identify drivers of efficiency. The interesting feature of the model is that it ensures that heterogeneous airlines are compared based on one homogeneous technology. The model is tested using a panel data sample of nine South African airlines, which operated from 2015 to 2018. Findings: The paper demonstrates that structural drivers, namely, "aircraft size", and "airline ownership" and one executional driver, namely, "the cost structure" significantly influence (p < 0.05) airline efficiency thereby corroborating evidence from some prior studies. Research limitations/implications: First, because of the small size of the industry, fewer airlines and a lack of detailed data, the study could not consider other important factors such as optimal routing and network structure. Second, a more rigorous analysis over a period of time would yield better understanding about the growth of the industry in South Africa and recognise the variation in the influence of drivers of efficiency on airline performances over time. Practical implications: The results have potential policy implications. First, as the market in South Africa is too small to operate with a smaller aircraft probably, for airlines that operate with smaller aircraft to operate efficiently they should first identify niche markets where they can have a route monopoly. Second, while all state-owned airlines are perfect statehood symbols that define and represent countries, most state carriers in South Africa are highly inefficient. The researcher recommends policymakers to privatise state airlines or seek equity partners. Many nationalised airlines have turned losses to profits in the run-up to privatisation. British Airways, once a large burden on the British taxpayer, is now one of the world's most efficient airlines. After the privatisation of Air France and Iberia, all two turned from loss-making concerns into profitable airlines. It, therefore, makes no sense for the South African government to expect state carriers to pursue a commercial mandate with such political interference. The very notion of efficiency itself is at risk. Originality/value: This paper is a first attempt to identify drivers of operational efficiency using a bootstrapped meta-frontier approach in the airline industry in South Africa. By applying the meta-frontier approach the paper ensures that all heterogeneous airlines are assessed based on their distance from a common and identical frontier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The sharing economy has caught great attention from researchers and policymakers. However, due to the dearth of available data, not much empirical evidence has been provided. This paper aims to empirically assess the impacts of Airbnb on hotel performances in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: Using South Africa as a case study, the study measures the impacts of Airbnb on hotel performances on three key metrics, namely, room prices, occupancy and Revenue per available room (RevPAR). A difference-in-difference model is estimated using a population-based data set of 809 hotels from 2016 to 2018. Findings: The results reveal that despite Airbnb significantly and negatively impacting on hotel occupancies it has a non-significant effect on hotel prices and RevPAR. Although from the theoretical perspective a disruptive innovation business model such as Airbnb can possibly have a negligible effect on hotel performances because it may attract a different group of customers and create a new market, the empirical findings of this study fail to support this theoretical hypothesis. Consequently, the findings diverge with newly developed knowledge in other markets and point to nuanced and contextual complementary effects. Research limitations/implications: Although some interesting findings are revealed into his study, some caveats remain. For instance, the study relied on data from hotels not from Airbnb. If the data of Airbnb can become available, it would be interesting to further examine whether the aggregated RevPAR of Airbnb can compensate for the aggregated loss of hotel RevPAR. This type of analysis could provide a broader evaluation scope regarding the overall effect of Airbnb on hotel performances. Moreover, if a longer time series data set of hotels in the post-Airbnb time period could become available, it would be interesting to further investigate the time-varying dynamic effects of Airbnb on hotel performances. Practical implications: While hotels have launched a campaign to portray Airbnb as being commercial operators looking to compete illegally with hotels for the same segment of customers, this study shows that the rhetoric has been exaggerated. Airbnb, and more broadly, vacation rentals do not represent a war with hotels. They represent an answer to a different need. Indeed, the study reveals that Airbnb's offer is a mere supplement to the market contrary to media rhetoric that it is meant to substitute hotels. The study has several implications for practitioners. First, these results are important because they serve as evidence against news articles that claim Airbnb is driving hotels out of business. They also show that if current trends continue, employees in the hotel industry in South Africa do not need to be concerned about losing their jobs because of Airbnb's emergence. It is also important information for investors who may be concerned that Airbnb is hurting the hotel industry's bottom line. Second, as the share of Airbnb listings on the accommodation market varies dramatically between cities, it is likely that eventual regulations/restrictions should be introduced in the provincial levels, while most of the cities continue benefiting from the increasing number of Airbnb visitors. Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, this study is the first in South Africa to provide empirical evidence that Airbnb is significantly changing consumption patterns in the hotel industry, as opposed to generating purely incremental economic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research endeavour locates the manifestation of Islam in the context of tourism, arguing for its viability as a significant component of an emerging global Islamic tourism market. By way of empirical research focused on Muslim tourists visiting Cape Town, this study presents a South African case study, with it arguing for the need to capitalise on the opportunities that the market represents. A mixed-methods research design was followed. The views of hoteliers were explored (qualitative) and 400 Muslim travellers of eight hotels successfully completed questionnaires (quantitative). Analysis of variance, correlation and regression analysis were performed to reach the objectives of the study. Prayer facilities highly influenced Muslim tourist experiences, whilst halal food highly influenced their return intentions to a hotel. The study provides hotel management with an improved understanding of the unique attributes that impact on Muslim tourist experiences and return intentions to South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale gas has been the exploration focus for future energy supply in South Africa in recent time. Specifically, the Permian black shales of the Prince Albert, Whitehill, Collingham, Ripon and Fort Brown Formations are considered to be most prospective rocks for shale gas exploration. In this study, outcrop and core samples from the Ecca Group were analyzed to assess their total organic carbon (TOC), organic matter type, thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential. These rocks have TOC ranging from 0.11 to 7.35 wt%. The genetic potential values vary from 0.09 to 0.53 mg HC/g, suggesting poor hydrocarbon generative potential. Most of the samples have Hydrogen Index (HI) values of less than 50 mg HC/g TOC, thus suggesting Type‐IV kerogen. Tmax values range from 318°C to 601°C, perhaps indicating immature to over‐maturity of the samples. The vitrinite reflectance values range from 2.22% to 3.93%, indicating over‐maturity of samples. Binary plots of HI against Oxygen Index (OI), and HI versus Tmax show that the shales are of Type II and mixed Type II–III kerogen. Based on the geochemical data, the potential source rocks are inferred as immature to over‐matured and having present‐day potential to produce gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of social media on customers' experiences in restaurants in South Africa. Using the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality as a case study area, structured survey questionnaires were distributed at selected formal full-service restaurants to customers. The data analysis consisted of the experiences of respondents with different social media types and t-tests. The results indicated that on a 5 point Likert scale, customers who used Instagram in the 35 to 44 year age group recorded the highest mean experience score (4.69) whilst custom- ers who used Instagram who were above 65 years of age recorded the lowest mean experience score (3.78). Customers who used Facebook and Instagram rated experiences of food and beverage, service, ambience levels and overall experiences significantly different (p<0.05). Customers who used You Tube rated experiences of service quality significantly different (p<0.05). There were no significant differences (p<0.05) in the means calculated for customers who used Twitter, Trip advisor and other social media types. Consequently, restaurant customer experiences for food and beverage, service and ambience were influenced by Facebook and Instagram. The study concludes that, while social media usage continues to grow in South Africa, restaurateurs should market restaurants on any social media type but put more emphasis on Facebook, Instagram and You Tube because these social media types currently play a substantial role in influencing customers' experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding productive boreholes in the Karoo fractured aquifers has never been an easy task. Fractured Karoo aquifers in the neotectonic zones in the Eastern Cape Province can be targeted for groundwater exploration. The Polile Tshisa hot spring is located in a seismo-tectonic region beset by neotectonics. Hot springs are indicative of circulation of groundwater at great depths along fault zones, and accordingly of neotectonics. The characterisation of hot springs by means of magnetic and electromagnetic methods can help infer the occurrence of structures which are favourable for groundwater potential. The Polile Tshisa hot spring is characterised by faults, fractures, and dolerite dykes. All these structures make the hot spring a good case study for groundwater exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to elicit community perceptions on the effectiveness of the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) programme, a community initiative, designed to benefit rural communities in villages around Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. CAMPFIRE aims to help rural communities to manage their resources, especially wildlife, while alleviating poverty in local communities. In order to meet the surveys' goals, descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted. Villagers' perceptions were measured on a five-point Likert-type scale. The results reveal that the overall mean score for perception items was 4.03, whilst the perception scores ranged between 3.42 and 4.56. The highest perception score was for the item: "CAMPFIRE has improved infrastructural development e.g. schools, clinics etc. The lowest perception score was for the item: "the community has benefited economically". The findings suggest that the current model of ecotourism in Zimbabwe is socially improving the livelihood base of locals and wildlife conservation. However, to change negative perceptions, the programme needs to economically improve the livelihood of locals so that the whole community benefits economically and villagers should be compensated for wildlife damage. This may help community members to fully support the programme. The study aids policy-making and formulation for government and non-governmental organizations that could fully empower local communities in managing wildlife resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a critical ethnographic case study investigating teacher learning in a primary school in South Africa. A qualitative research methodology within a cultural–historical activity theoretical (CHAT) framework was employed. The learning trajectories of two teachers are presented spawning questions on how the empirical relationship between individual (teacher) and social (school as system) could be represented within CHAT. It is possible to argue theoretically for an agentive positioning for the two teachers allowing for the possibility that elements of this project will be sustained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Berkeley Visible Imaging Tube (BVIT) was installed on the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in January 2009 and subsequently refurbished in August 2010. BVIT is an imaging, photon counting camera with multi-color (B, V, R, and H-α) capability. At the heart of BVIT is a 25mm diameter active area, microchannel plate, sealed tube device with a visible photocathode and a cross-delay line readout. For each detected event the readout electronics record an X, Y position, an event pulse size (P), and an arrival time (T) — recorded with 25ns precision. Post-acquisition processing of the X, Y, P, and T photon lists can be used to build images and light curves (to whatever sampling rate is supported by the signal to noise of the source as detected). The instrument design is presented as well as some examples of data acquired with the instrument on SALT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 1999–2000 the National Archives of Australia (NAA) adopted a functions-based approach to appraisal. Since that time functional appraisal projects have for the most part been conducted in cooperation with individual agencies. What has been missing is a broad whole-of-government or macroappraisal framework which might assist with the strategic prioritisation of projects, the allocation of resources and the identification of high-value functions, activities and record classes. This article describes a project commenced by the NAA during 2003–2004 to research and develop a functions-based macroappraisal framework for current and prospective appraisal and for retrospective application to records of the past 30 years of the Australian Government. The article compares the Australian approach with macroappraisal strategies pursued in Canada, the Netherlands and South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cretaceous sandstones of the Bredasdorp Basin were investigated to recognize their composition, provenance, and tectonic setting. Ninety-two samples of sandstones from exploration wells E-AH1, E-AJ1, E-BA1, E-BB1, and E-D3 were investigated using both petrographic and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Petrographic studies based on quantitative investigation of the detrital framework grain shows that the Bredasdorp sandstones chiefly consist of quartz (52.2–68.0%), feldspar (10.0–18.0%), and lithic fragments (5.0–10.2%). These sandstones are mostly fine grained, moderately well-sorted, and subrounded to rounded. The modal composition data shows that the sandstones could be classified as subarkosic arenite and lithic arkose. Such a composition of the sandstones perhaps indicates the interplay of pulses of fast uplift of the source area and rapid subsidence of the Bredasdorp Basin, with subsequent periods of calmness within the transgressive-regressive sequence in a rift tectonic regime. The provenance ternary diagrams revealed that the sandstones are mainly of continental block provenances (stable shields and basement uplifted areas) and complemented by recycled sands from an associated platform. The tectonic provenance studies of Bredasdorp Basin revealed that the sandstones are typically rift sandstones and have undergone long-distance transport from the source area along the rift. In the regional context of the evolution of the Bredasdorp Basin, the results presented in this study inferred that the basin developed on a rift passive setting (trailing edge) of the stable continental margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern Bredasdorp Basin, off the south coast of South Africa, is only partly understood in terms of its hydrocarbon potential when compared to the central and northern parts of the basin. Hydrocarbon potential assessments in this part of the basin have been limited, perhaps because the few drilled exploration wells were unproductive for hydrocarbons, yielding trivial oil and gas. The partial integration of data in the southern Bredasdorp Basin provides another reason for the unsuccessful oil and gas exploration. In this study, selected Cretaceous mudrocks and sandstones (wacke) from exploration wells E-AH1, E-AJ1, E-BA1, E-BB1 and E-D3 drilled in the southern part of the Bredasdorp Basin were examined to assess their total organic carbon (TOC), thermal maturity, organic matter type and hydrocarbon generation potential. The organic geochemical results show that these rocks have TOC contents ranging from 0.14 to 7.03 wt.%. The hydrogen index (HI), oxygen index (OI), and hydrocarbon index (S2/S3) values vary between 24–263 mg HC/g TOC, 4–78 mg CO2/g TOC, and 0.01–18 mgHC/mgCO2 TOC, respectively, indicating predominantly Type III and IV kerogen with a minor amount of mixed Type II/III kerogen. The mean vitrinite reflectance values vary from 0.60–1.20%, indicating that the samples are in the oil-generation window. The Tmax and PI values are consistent with the mean vitrinite reflectance values, indicating that the Bredasdorp source rocks have entered the oil window and are considered as effective source rocks in the Bredasdorp Basin. The hydrocarbon genetic potential (SP), normalized oil content (NOC) and production index (PI) values all indicate poor to fair hydrocarbon generative potential. Based on the geochemical data, it can be inferred that most of the mudrocks and sandstones (wackes) in the southern part of the Bredasdorp Basin have attained sufficient burial depth and thermal maturity for oil and gas generation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family with idiopathic torsion dystonia (dystonia musculorum deformans) was seen in a peripheral clinic in the Richtersveld in the north-western Cape. This rare inherited form of neurological disease has maximal prevalence in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, and there is controversy regarding the exact mode of inheritance. The kindred documented in this study was of mixed ancestry (Cape Coloured), and autosomal recessive inheritance was suggested by the finding of affected male and female siblings born to normal parents in an isolated inbred community.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the commonest inherited form of blindness, is a heterogeneous condition which usually manifests as an isolated abnormality, but is occasionally a component of various rare syndromes. The basic defect in RP is unknown, but the recent molecular genetic discovery of linkage with a restriction fragment length polymorphism in X-linked RP offers the potential for carrier screening and antenatal diagnosis of this form of the disorder. In this article we present an overview of RP and an analysis of our findings from a questionnaire survey of 130 affected individuals in 63 families in the Cape Province and Natal. The proportions of the different genetic types of RP were generally in accordance with those found in overseas studies, being 14% autosomal dominant, 9,5% autosomal recessive and 6% X-linked recessive. A further 35% of the affected persons had RP together with other syndromic stigmata, while the remaining 35% could not be classified into any specific genetic category.