scholarly journals How Pat Metheny came to Carolina in Mpumalanga, South Africa: using music in transdisciplinary water research

Author(s):  
Johann Tempelhoff

Listening to music can help researchers to comprehend and gain insight into complex problems in transdisciplinary research. This article explains how members of a research group at North-West University in South Africa conducted research on a crisis in the urban settlement of Carolina in Mpumalanga Province when acid mine drainage (AMD) from local coal mining operations was found in the municipal water supply. In grappling with complex issues such as the failure of communication with local stakeholders, the group resorted to using the music of Pat Metheny’s music to come to abetter understanding of the crisis.  Keywords:Carolina, acid mine drainage (AMD), Pat Metheny, transdisciplinarity, coal mining.Disciplines: History, water studies, music studies, transdisciplinarymethodology.

Water Policy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-89
Author(s):  
Charles Mpofu ◽  
Thabiso John Morodi ◽  
Johan Petrus Hattingh

Abstract The water resources in South Africa are threatened by current and past mining practices such as abandoned and closed mines. While mining is considered valuable for its contribution to this country's gross domestic product, its polluting effects on water and land resources have been criticised as unsustainable. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one specific public health and ecological issue that has stirred debates in political and social circles in this country. This paper examines the scalar politics and other related dimensions of water and AMD governance, thereby revealing evidence of deep-rooted challenges regarding the governance of water and mineral resources. The specific focus is on the socio-political context of labour laws and Black Economic Empowerment and the decision-making processes adopted by government. Thus, this paper has implications for the improvement of environmental governance and decision-making strategies and the adoption of a national strategy for adequately addressing AMD and related policy issues.


Hydrobiologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 738 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidan J. Henri ◽  
Victor Wepener ◽  
Martin Ferreira ◽  
Wynand Malherbe ◽  
Johan H. J. van Vuren

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