scholarly journals The Wynberg Cave System, the most important site for cave fauna in South Africa at risk

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 73-81
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira ◽  
Gonzalo Giribet ◽  
Gerhard Du Preez ◽  
Oresti Ventouras ◽  
Charlene Janion ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Continuous Increase ◽  
Cave System ◽  
Cave Fauna ◽  
Cape Peninsula ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Important Site

The Wynberg Cave System, located on the Cape Peninsula, represents one of the most significant sites of cave fauna in southern Africa. However, the continuous increase in cave visitation is severely impacting the system as evidenced by graffiti, the trampling and destruction of cave habitats and even a reduction in the sizes of bat colonies. In October 2019, the Wynberg Cave System was visited by a group of scientist, who discovered unregistered troglomorphic species. This, subsequently increased the number of troglobites occurring in the system to 19, which likely means that this system has the potential to become the first hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in Africa. Protecting the Wynberg Cave System is therefore of great importance. Here, we propose short and long-term strategies that include educating local communities on the importance of conserving caves and installing gated entrances.

scholarly journals Costs involved in using a cochlear implant in South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Robyn Kerr ◽  
Seppo Tuomi ◽  
Alida Müller
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Cochlear Implantation ◽  
Consumer Price Index ◽  
Information Costs ◽  
Profound Hearing Loss ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Implant System

Cochlear implantation is an expensive but effective lifelong intervention for individuals with a severe-to-profound hearing loss. The primary aim of this study was to survey the short- and long-term costs of cochlear implantation. Individuals (N=154) using cochlear implants obtained from the University of Stellenbosch-Tygerberg Hospital Cochlear Implant Unit in Cape Town, South Africa were surveyed using a questionnaire and patient record review. The questionnaire used a combination of closed and open-ended questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative information. Costs were categorised as short- and long-term costs. All costs were converted to constant rands (June 2010) using the Consumer Price Index to allow for comparison in real terms over time. In the first 10 years of implantation the average estimated costs incurred by adults totalled R379 626, and by children R455 225. The initial purchase of the implant system was the most substantial cost, followed by upgrading of the processor. Travel and accommodation costs peaked in the first 2 years. On average the participants spent R2 550 per year on batteries and spares. Rehabilitation for children cost an average of R7 200. Insurance costs averaged R4 040 per year, and processor repairs R3 000 each. In addition to the upfront expense of obtaining the cochlear implant system, individuals using a cochlear implant in South Africa should be prepared for the long-term costs of maintenance, accessing the unit, support services and additional costs associated with use. Knowledge of these costs is important to ensure that individuals are successful users of their cochlear implants in the long term.

Southern Africa: A Cataclysm Averted?

Worldview ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
Ross K. Baker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
American Foreign Policy ◽  
National Interest ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
World Power ◽  
External Relations ◽  
The Republic

In a time when idiocies such as the domino theory comprise a substantial part of American foreign policy one has to look hard for evidence that authentic national interest is anywhere being invoked as a rationale for external relations. That the Republic of South Africa seems to be a world power demonstrating innovation in diplomacy and putting shibboleths in their rightful place says something about the genera] bankruptcy of Western statecraft. While Ford and Kissinger flail about seeking justifications for American failures and misalliances, a moldy, outcast regime in Pretoria has embarked upon a path of diplomatic initiative which has effectively breached the wall of isolation that has surrounded it for two decades. The motives of the regime of John Vorster may be sinister and base, but there appears to be a far more sophisticated perception of long-term interests in Pretoria than in Washington.

Typification of Hyobanche sanguinea (Orobanchaceae) and the identity of Hyobanche calvescens and Hyobanche glabrata

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 299 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
ANDREA D. WOLFE
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
History Of Botany ◽  
Cape Peninsula ◽  
Holoparasitic Plants ◽  
History Of ◽  
Small Genus

Hyobanche sanguinea (Orobanchaceae) is a member of a small genus of holoparasitic plants endemic to southern Africa. The description by Linnaeus in 1771 did not include a designated holotype, and no such material has been located in the Linnaean herbaria housed in London or Uppsala. After studying the Linnaean collection of Hyobanche specimens, and researching the history of botany in South Africa, a lectotype is here designated, and an epitype from the Cape Peninsula assigned. In addition, a study of type specimens for H. calvescens, H. glabrata, and H. rubra reveals that the type specimens for H. calvescens and H. glabrata fall within the circumscription of H. rubra, resulting in synonymization of both names.

A review of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration and the Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism and prospects for Southern Africa

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Lotz ◽  
A.C. Brent
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Clean Development Mechanism ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Capture ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Certified Emission Reduction ◽  
Development Mechanism

AbstractThe clean development mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol is a financial incentive intended to make economically marginal greenhouse gas (GHG) prevention projects more feasible. Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS) is a possi-ble GHG mitigating strategy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines a CCS project as a process consisting of three phases: the separation of carbon dioxide from industrial and energy-related sources; transportation of the carbon dioxide to a storage location; and long-term isola-tion of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This paper focuses on prospects of CCS as CDM projects in general and in the context of Southern Africa. Currently there is no evidence of a long term proven track record of integrated CCS systems; only three industrial scale CCS projects exist global-ly. Nevertheless, new concepts have been proposed for CCS CDM projects such as long-term liability and certified emission reduction (CER) cancellation. However, these concepts are not in the current CDM framework at present. It is thus difficult to prove CCS as an eligible CDM project without first addressing possible expansion and shortfalls of the current CDM structure. More research is also required to quantify the trade offs presented between mitigating carbon dioxide from the atmos-phere at the possible detriment of the areas of stor-age in the Southern Africa context. Only then may CCS projects be deemed more viable in the CDM context. Finally, although the potential for CCS in South Africa has been noted due to major point sources, the cost of capture and storage is a major obstacle; matching point sources and geological storage options is problematic for South Africa and neighbouring countries due to large transport dis-tances. The regulatory risks associated with CCS are further deterrents for the implementation of CCS CDM projects in Southern Africa in the near future.

scholarly journals South Africa’s Strategic Investment on its National Security in Southern Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
National Security ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Regional Power ◽  
Strategic Investment ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
External Relations ◽  
To Come ◽  
Global Strength

South Africa is a country of global, continental and regional strategic importance. It is a global actor with the well-entrenched and long-standing international political and corporate role and presence and relative global strength. It is Africa’s qualitatively largest and strongest diversified economy. It is African continental and Southern African regional power with considerable continental and regional strength. These factors give it enormous advantages and privileges in playing a leading role in African affairs. They also, dialectically, serve as its key challenges it faces in its efforts to structurally transform its society and to contribute towards structural regional and continental restructuring. How given these factors should South Africa strategically invest on its national security in Southern Africa – the region where it has considerable power and authority – a region whose dependence upon it is a dominated process? There is a fundamental need for this process to be substantially reduced for South Africa’s long-term strategic interests. Its sustainable national security and increased progressive role in African affairs require truly regional allies in a requisite position to come to its aid in a period of its urgent need. Weak regional countries crucially depending on South Africa are of less importance to it. The achievement of their sustainable development is in the long-term strategic interests of South Africa in its internal and external relations. It is not only regional countries which need South Africa for their national security. South Africa also critically needs them particularly as a country expected to substantially increase its leading role in the structural regional and continental transformation. Its sustainable national security lies not only with the majority of its people, based on the satisfaction of their interests, investing on its defence, but also with the structurally restructured region walking together with it in the advancement of the structural continental transformation.

scholarly journals TOURIST GUIDES, COVID 19 AND SURVIVAL MECHANISMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (4 supplement) ◽  
pp. 1461-1472
Author(s):  
Fisokuhle MBATHA ◽  
◽  
Vyasha HARILAL ◽  
Tembi Maloney TICHAAWA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Savings And Loans ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Recovery Trajectory ◽  
Survival Mechanisms ◽  
Tourist Guides

The main aim of this research was to investigate the survival mechanisms employed by tourist guides in the context of the Covid 19 Pandemic. A mixed method research design was adopted, using in-depth interviews with key tourism informants and surveys administered to tourist guides in Gauteng. A total of five key informant interviews and two hundred surveys were collected at the end of the data collection period. Key findings indicate that many tourist guides were unable to access the aforementioned fund and had to implement their own short and long-term survival mechanisms. In many cases, various cost cutting measures were implemented and the utilization of personal savings and loans. Other guides temporarily engaged in different employment to secure an income. This study presents policy and systemic recommendations, which, if accepted and implemented, could assist the reignition of the tourist guide profession post-pandemic and ensure they form part of the tourism sector recovery trajectory. Additionally, further research on tourist guides in South Africa needs to be conducted, to fully understand the various aspects of this profession in the country.

scholarly journals Emissions of mercury in southern Africa derived from long-term observations at Cape Point, South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 7465-7474 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.-G. Brunke ◽  
R. Ebinghaus ◽  
H. H. Kock ◽  
C. Labuschagne ◽  
F. Slemr
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Elemental Mercury ◽  
Emission Inventories ◽  
Pronounced Difference ◽  
Mercury Emissions ◽  
Co Emission ◽  
Emission Ratios

Abstract. Mercury emissions in South Africa have so far been estimated only by a bottom-up approach from activities and emission factors for different processes. In this paper we derive GEM/CO (GEM being gaseous elemental mercury, Hg0), GEM/CO2, GEM/CH4, CO/CO2, CH4/CO2, and CH4/CO emission ratios from plumes observed during long-term monitoring of these species at Cape Point between March 2007 and December 2009. The average observed GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, GEM/CH4, CO/CO2, CH4/CO2, and CH4/CO emission ratios were 2.40 ± 2.65 pg m−3 ppb−1 (n = 47), 62.7 ± 80.2 pg m−3 ppm−1 (n = 44), 3.61 ± 4.66 pg m−3 ppb−1 (n = 46), 35.6 ± 25.4 ppb ppm−1 (n = 52), 20.2 ± 15.5 ppb ppm−1 (n = 48), and 0.876 ± 1.106 ppb ppb−1 (n = 42), respectively. The observed CO/CO2, CH4/CO2, and CH4/CO emission ratios agree within the combined uncertainties of the observations and emissions with the ratios calculated from EDGAR (version 4.2) CO2, CO, and CH4 inventories for South Africa and southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique) in 2007 and 2008 (inventories for 2009 are not available yet). Total elemental mercury emission of 13.1, 15.2, and 16.1 t Hg yr−1 are estimated independently using the GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, and GEM/CH4 emission ratios and the annual mean CO, CO2, and CH4 emissions, respectively, of South Africa in 2007 and 2008. The average of these independent estimates of 14.8 t GEM yr−1 is much less than the total emission of 257 t Hg yr−1 shown by older inventories which are now considered to be wrong. Considering the uncertainties of our emission estimate, of the emission inventories, and the fact that emission of GEM represents 50–78 % of all mercury emissions, our estimate is comparable to the currently cited GEM emissions in 2004 and somewhat smaller than emissions in 2006. A further increase of mercury emissions due to increasing electricity consumption will lead to a more pronounced difference. A quantitative assessment of the difference and its significance, however, will require emission inventories for the years of observations (2007–2009) as well as better data on the speciation of the total mercury emissions in South Africa.

The Basotho Nation-State: What Legacy for the Future?

1981 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard F. Weisfelder
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
National Identity ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Nation State ◽  
Considerable Effort ◽  
Economic Problems ◽  
History Of ◽  
Political Weapon

Virtually all analyses of Lesotho's political framework have agreed that strong elements of national identity have neither forestalled domestic conflict nor served to promote a unified assault on awesome economic problems. Hence many writers imply that a major asset, rarely found in independent Africa, has been wasted.1 Roger Leys has perceptively applied dependency theories of a ‘labour reserve’ economy to Lesotho,2 and spends considerable effort on historical analysis aimed at demonstrating the duration and pervasiveness of this process of systematic underdevelopment. In his conclusion he suggests that ‘the long and courageous battle of the Basotho to assert their dignity and worth is in fact a resource and political weapon of incomparable significance in the long-term battle for the liberation of southern Africa.’ Leys infers that national and class identities are interrelated, and possibly reinforcing, when he says that ‘the history of the struggle of the Basotho people and the very degree of their integration into the black working class of South Africa is a formidable weapon.’3

scholarly journals Die ekonomiese impak van belasting op mynwater in Suid-Afrika

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacolien Steyn ◽  
Ewert P.J. Kleynhans
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Past ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
General Equilibrium Modelling

Water pollution by mines is a major problem in South Africa. This study examined the contribution that an additional tax on the consumption of water by the mining industry can provide. In the past, the rising demand for water resources was addressed through supply-side mechanisms. Mines are the biggest polluter of drinking water in South Africa and the question is whether this is still the most appropriate way to address the problem. This study proposes that the authorities should consider an additional tax on mines and investigates the effect it will have on the demand for water, as well as its pollution, and the effect on the country’s economy, various industrial sectors and consumers, and in particular the poorest citizens. The research applied advanced economic general equilibrium modelling in its empirical investigation. The results of the modelling are significant both in the short- and long-term scenarios studied. It was found that an additional tax on the consumption of water by mines will produce the desired results, with little negative consequences for the industry and the country as a whole.

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